Charlize Theron in Dior (Again)

I love that Charlize Theron, onse very own a-list, Oscar-winning actress loves the house of Dior about as much as I do. Pretty much whenever she needs an outfit for a premier or big red carpet, she works with Dior and arrives looking lovely. As she was last night at the London premier of her other new movie, Prometheus. In blue strapless spangle with a side split. Lovely.

More importantly, Charlize filmed an appearance for Graham Norton while in the UK. She was a guest alongside the mighty John Hamm. She looked lovely in red. But more than that, she looked exactly as I would expect I would look if I ever had the good fortune to sit nest to John Hamm anywhere. Look at her expression. Just incredibly pleased, right?

Before she swiftly moved on to a touch of light flirting (hair behind the ear) and a bit of show-off laughs. Exactly as every single one of us normal girls would when in the presence of such a man. It is just the most delicious thing in the world to be having a bit of fun with a lovely man. Go Charlize. You did it for us all. Yum.

While we are recapping on Charlize's outfits this week, can we also just have a squizz at this rather lovely black Lanvin she wore a couple of days ago? I think that this may be my best outfit of the week. I think she looks as good as she ever has. What do you think? Good week for Charlize. Good outfits. Good laughs. Good girl.

The Best of Jennifer Lopez' American Idol Style 2012

It is all over for another year, American Idol. And the winner has been announced and everyone is happy (except Joshua Ledet, who was robbed) and Jennifer Lopez, the judge everyone watches to see, may or may not be back year. Probs not, as things currently stand. I have said it before and I will say it again, this woman glows. GLOWS. And she is all kinds of awesome when she performs. Although she really does know nothing about hipster music which made me slightly more comfortable as there is an apparent chink in her armour. Anyhoodle. She looked very nice most of the season. Most especially in this, my favourite of all her outfits by Lanvin. It is the real season winner for me.

Aside from that, JLo looked best when she was in colour. No diggity. No doubt. I am not sure who styles Jen, but she has sourced dresses from all over the world. There was the pink Michael Kors (US), the orange Victoria Beckham (UK), the red Yeojin Bae (Australia) and the green Milly trousers, which I think I liked most of all.

But just because she looks best in colour, didn't mean JLo listened. No. It was the season of the spangle. Outfit after outfit after outfit all shimmering and shining. Competing with her own glow. The best of these was the Paco Rabanne top. I think that was amazing. Also that jaw-dropping stunner of a Herve Leger strappy, abs-bearing almost-dress. Wow. Seriously. I also liked the Blumarine dress that she wore on the last show (although it could have been two inches longer), and that ombre one at the end although I really hated the 80s hair and make-up.

Then there was the spangle that I wasn't so sure about. Like the gold Temperley London top and Michael Kors harems that I would personally die for but maybe not wear together. You know. I also loved the Dolce & Gabbana stars dress, but maybe two inches shorter (I know, I am never happy), and the cute as anything rose gold Randi Rahm that I was a bit worried about a knicker flash but loved anyway. In fact it was weird that her least successful spangle dress was the one by the designer she wears most often, Zuhair Murad. The black was just a little too much. Too tight, too short, too shiny. And lacked the pretty freshness of the rest. Right?

We didn't need the freshness from her spangle outfits for performance though. They were pure attitude and sex. Amaaaaaazing. Bloody brilliant. I simply can't believe this woman is 42. Doesn't she ever have an off-day? Please come back next year Jen! This is AI coverage for 2012, OUT.

Blake Lively Covers Bullett Magazine, Summer 2012

It is all over the interwebs, this 'sexy' shoot that Blake Lively has done for the cover story of the latest Bullett Magazine. There are three key reasons. The first is simple, Gossip Girl - in which she has starred for six years - is coming to an end and she is starring in Oliver Stone's new film Ophelia. So there is a straightforward promotional push behind it.

The second reason is that she is dating Ryan Reynolds and the two of them have been rather spectacularly quiet and stayed away from the public eye. So there is a natural intrigue and hunger to find out new stuff and gossip about Blake and her relationship. Which she obviously says absolutely nothing about. Duh.

And the third reason is that she is rather a pretty girl with a special relationship with people like Kaiser Karl Lagerveld and Christian Louboutin. In other words she is a fashion plate. So it is kinda obvious that people would want to see the shoot.

I am excited about it for altogether different reasons, of course. I like her. I love the fact that she is besties with Florence Welch. I like her style. I like her approach to life. I think that she is cool. And I am considering her for fantasy fashion book club membership. What do you think? Is she in or out? You let me know.

Katryn Kruger for Vogue Japan July 2012

Our local new super-model-in-the-making, Katryn Kruger, is at it again. This time she plays her part in a rustic traditional American interpretation of 2013 denim for Anna Della Russo and Japanese Vogue for the July 2012 issue.

The story was shot for ADR by Willy Vanderperre and styled by George Cortina and is called A Simple Plan.

I am guessing that this title references the various traditional American cultures interpreted in the story, like Amish, Native American and Confederate Deep South. Although I may be over thinking it and it is just a hodge podge of American looking fashion on a very pretty girl. Who knows in fashion, eh?

Anyway, Katryn was one of three models in this story, but got the opener, so I am guessing they liked her the most. Why wouldn't they, she's a Cape Town girl!

Charlize Theron Covers Interview Magazine, July 2012

Together with her latest co-star, onse Charlize Theron covers the latest issue of the US Interview Magazine. Her and Kirsten Stewart go all light-dominatrix with a hint of sex on us in extreme makeup, slicked back hair and the implication of nothing on underneath.

The photographer for this story is Mikael Jansson and it was styled by Karl Templer for the June/July 2012 issue of Interview.

Key pieces by Tom Ford and Lanvin really make Charlize stand out in this shoot. Poor old Kirsten is still trying to figure her body out, while onse meisie started out her career as a model, so the playing field wasn't really level.

Then again, I can't imagine Charlize has ever really played on a level playing field, in that she is almost always the most attractive person in any given room at pretty much any given time, with the occasional rare competition at big events like the Oscars when someone like Julianne Moore or Helen Mirren is around. You know.

Still I think that the shoot works and that it is slick and beautiful and well shot. With a cliched twist, but we don't mind too much. Not when our girl looks like this.

Victoria Beckham Covers German Interview Magazine

Ah, so while David is covering Elle this month, his wife, my dear fantasy book club mate Victoria Beckham, is all awesome on the cover of the German version of Interview Magazine.

The images are a delight. All bookish and cool. I always like seeing Victoria less than perfect, and this hipster twist on her usual style really works well.

She speaks in the interview about how she is perfectly aware that everyone thinks she is a 'sulky cow' but she knows she isn't so it is fine with her. As with anyone who has had the opportunity to get to know Victoria, you will know this to be true, with her highly enjoyable sense of self deprecating humour her most endearing quality.

Of course she is also known to be a very hands-on and loving mother and yesterday she was spotted taking her mini-mes Harper and Romeo to the pier for some fun. Nice maxi Vicky.

Pippa Middleton Style: Navy and Orange

Some of you will know how fond I am of the colour combo orange and navy. I think it is one of the most zesty and elegant ways to look bright in the summer. So good for Pippa Middleton, who attended a friend's wedding in just this pairing this weekend. The dress is silk and called the 'Lori' by British designer Catherine Deane.

I think that I like this hat even more. If you have to wear one, this is the way to go, in my view. And the milliner's name is even more delicious - Bundle MacLaren. I demand to have a Bundle MacLaren hat immediately. I shall wear it all weekend as I watch the Jubilee celebrations from this distant Commonwealth nation.
UPDATE: according to one of my extremely well informed readers, Catherine Deane is in fact a South African born designer! How super bloody exciting. Congrats to Catherine and we hope to see the Middleton girls in many more of your fabby dresses.

HSH Princess Charlene Zoom Zooms at Monaco Grand Prix

I love it when the local girls are happy. And wear cute frocks. In that department, onse royalty, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco (and Boksburg) double delivered this weekend. Of course it was the Monaco Grand Prix, so there was some fun events to attend. But all that sensational headline stuff that needs Charlene to be unhappy and desperate in her marriage are rather put to rest when she turns up looking so amazing and enjoying herself. This super-cute Akris dress with tiny race cars all the way down the side shows that Charlene is in a bit more of a frivolous mood. She has changed her hair and popped on some sunnies and is looking every inch the chic royal hostess of the event.

And later that night she looked even more beautiful attending the dinner function in an on-trend black lace and silk dress with shoes so darling you want to hug them and take them home with you immediately. Unhappy? I hope not. At least not this weekend, according to these images.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, Recycles Pink Emilia Wickstead

Ah we do love the thrifty style ways of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. I am a big admirer of her sensible approach to spending in a time of austerity in the UK. I think it sends all the right messages. I would just have preferred it if we didn't have to see the same dress twice in the same month, is all. Aside from that I am happy as larry. I mean, at yesterday's garden party to kick off the Jubilee celebrations, doesn't she just look like she is having a BLAST? Just the best time. Her infectious smile just makes me want to be there with her. That and of course the chance to meet HRH Queen. For that I would wear the same dress for a year.

Every single picture of Kate yesterday in the sunshine looks happy and joyous and fun. She and her in laws, Charles and Camilla, especially seem to be having fun with each other.

She is of course wearing the same Emilia Wickstead pink silk crepe dress that she wore to the tea for the global royals at Windsor.

This time, the brooch is gone and in its place we get to see the lovely neckline of the garment due to the tumbling locks being held back and a lovely hat by Jane Corbett being added. It really is extremely pretty.

Even from above the hat has incredible charm. Well done on that, Kate. And she has swapped out the shoes from the satin Prada ones she wore indoors, to the more practical LK Bennett nude heels, fit for the garden.

But let's not forget that this is all about HRH. 8,000 people turned up for tea yesterday. Imagine you had that many attending your long service awards at the office. Amazing.

Olivia Palermo's Shorts Style (and Pink Sequin Cons)

Boy does this Olivia Palermo know how to wear shorts in style. This is how to do it guys. Feminine, flattering, not remotely hoochie or grubby, she stepped out in shorts three times in the past week, and looked immaculate each time. A beautiful blouse, a cool pair of ballet flats, and you are on your way. This is a much prettier way to wear shorts than denim cutoffs with the pockets hanging out. Along with half your butt cheeks. Seriously. Please learn from Olivia. Thanks.

She also hung out with her boyfriend this weekend. Aside from being a lovely couple, what attracted me more to the images were those ADORABLE pink sequin Converse high tops. I want them, please. Seriously. If Olivia can, so can we. These are a summer must have, right? Gimme.

Behati Prinsloo Is the Face of Seafolly

While model Behati Prinsloo is from Namibia, she was discovered right here in Cape Town, so I always claim her as one of our local girls. Which makes me particularly proud that she has recently been named as the new face of cool swimwear line, Seafolly - an Australian brand. Go Bee!

With a campaign shot in Desert Springs near LA, by photographer, David Gubert, the full set of images will be released soon. How lovely are these sneak peek images though? So excited for her as her career goes from strength to strength.

By Hook or By Cooke Episode 2.1

Welcome back to the web TV series that is getting fashion folk in South Africa all excited! (By which I mean of course that the five people I know are excited.) It's the second episode of By Hook or By Cooke. This time our esteemed guest is Malibongwe Tyilo of the super cool street style blog Skattie What Are You Wearing? He gets to vote on who was wearing the best and worst outfits of last week, as presented by my good self, Sylvie Hurford of L'Oreal Paris and Alexis Chaffe, our very own celeb fashion expert. As usual we just laugh a lot and show some pictures of pretty people. Oh and crack a few unseemly jokes that are neither cool nor funny. So if you like that kind of thing, have at it. Watch away. And let us know what you think. If you don't like that kind of thing, please don't torture yourself. Excellent. Glad we got that squared away. Good chat.

Cannes 2012 Red Carpet: Au Revoir Diane Kruger

And so the coverage of the Cannes Film Festival 2012 must inevitably come to a close. And it is only fitting that it should finish up with the last set of images of this year's star judge, Diane Kruger. She didn't disappoint. For two weeks day after day, she turned up at every party, every event, every premier, every photo call, with an amazing look by yet another incredible designer. It was a masterclass in fashion, and I have no idea how they can possibly beat it next year. She really was queen of Cannes. And looked every inch royalty in her final gown, by Christian Dior Couture. Extravagant. Exuberant. Princessy. Priceless.

She popped off afterwards to the final dinner with my husband, her boyfriend of six years Joshua Jackson, star of hit TV series Fringe. Aka, Pacey Witter of one of my all-time favourite TV series' Dawson's Creek. Just saying. She wore Jenny Packham for this final affair. And looked lovely as usual. For my money, it needs to be noted that the following ladies also did well in the Cannes 2012 style-stakes: Jessica Chastain, Kirsten Dunst, Reece Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, Kristen Stewart, Kylie Minogue and Nicole Kidman. Cannes would do well to choose one of them for next year. They have form.

Oh, but the very best of the rest? Jane Fonda. Amazing. Top to toe flawless on three separate occasions - in Gucci, McCartney and Versace. Utterly incredible. This peeps is what a style icon looks like. Please note. And so it is au revoir Cannes. See you next May. I can't wait.

Cannes 2012 Red Carpet: Audrey Tautou in Prada

Did you, like me, maybe forget a little bit about the unbearably elfin Audrey Tautou? Actually I don't mean forgot so much as haven't thought about for a while. Isn't she just a doll? I can't believe we don't see more of her. She was the star of the movie, Thérèse Desqueyroux, which premiered in Cannes this past weekend.

For the photocall she wore a very French chic navy pants and white cotton blouse outfit, paired with those low heeled courts that only French women seem to get away with. I mean if I wore them, I would look like I was wearing sensible shoes, about fifteen years too old for me, right? But Audrey pops them on and looks incredible. Amazing, this fashion thing.

And then she donned Prada for the premier. Which worried me. I haven't loved much I have seen from this collection. But look! Look how pretty she is! Understated to just before a fault. Beautiful. Intriguing. Just like Audrey herself. J'dore. Of course.

Cannes 2012 Red Carpet: Reese Witherspoon and Versace Maternity

Who knew that Versace did maternity wear? Well, look how well they do it! The preggers Reese Witherspoon was in Cannes this weekend to promote her new movie, and she looked incredible. First in a black day dress, pumped up with hot pink heels, as only Reese can. Signature man, signature.

And then in a midnight blue Swarovski embellished gown for the evening premier. Incredible. One of the best dressed of the entire film festival. And I'm not that fond of Reese really. I mean I like her obviously, but she isn't one of my style faves. Except in this dress. Amazing.