Royal Academy of Art Summer Exhibition Preview Party Best Dressed

The very first thing that I ever aspired to doing when I moved to the UK back in the very early 90s, was attend the summer exhibition at the Royal Academy of Art. And I did. Back in 1992, for the first time. Since then, I managed to get myself onto the list for the preview nights and have attended countless of these annual art celebrations. Although obvs a bit difficult now that I live in Cape Town.
So what I missed last night was a wonderful exhibition. But I can catch that online. I also missed some frock horrors. Yikes, there were some out-feets. But there were two that caught my eye that are worth a mention.
First, that cute Carven ensemble that Chloe Moretz wore. With pockets peeps! How divine. And then I thought it was important to mention artists Tracey Emin. Wearing a stunning orange Viv Westwood, this rather ungainly woman looked poised and sleek. There is something to be said for a fantastically made garment. It can make any woman look and feel beautiful. Props.

Royal Chelsea Flower Show Stylish Attendees

I was devastated to hear, not so long ago, that the South African entry for the annual Chelsea Flower Show had lost its sponsorship and would not be able to attend. While I was living in London I had managed to inveigle my way into the preview of the show for the last three years I was there and so enjoyed myself (despite the fact that it rained every year I went!) But the sun was out at this year's preview. As were the royals and celebs. And the best news of all was that the SA Gold Coin Exchange had stepped in and the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s 2011 Kirstenbosch  entry Botanical Landscapes scooped its 31st  gold medal! Yay! Congratulations to all the South Africans involved.
I thought that the two younger royals, Princess Beatrice and Sophie Wessex, totally redeemed themselves from the wedding and looked just delightful and perfectly appropriate for the occasion. It really did bring a smile to my face. Gwyneth Paltrow is definitely the chicest of the attendees (even if she was promoting the bejezus out of her book) and Dame Helen Mirren was a modern, age-appropriate treat, as ever. What do you guys think of the flora fashions?

Dear Jennifer Lopez: American Idol 10 Finale and Review

Dear Jennifer Lopez.
How you and your majestic hair and inexplicable glow have unexpectedly captured my heart this season of American Idol. No one was more surprised than I to find you charming and warm in the auditions. And that array of cute outfits as you travelled the audition circuit put a spring in my step as I looked forward to the live shows and wondered what you would wear.
There were certainly some highlights - particularly the two Gucci dresses you wore. Gucci really suits you - and that Gucci-alike DvF blouse and trouser combo was probably my favourite look on you all season.
But, J-Lo, I am a bit confused. I don't understand why EVERY little mini dress was sequined. And so damn mini. I understand that there is no shiny surface that you have ever met that you couldn't turn into an outfit - we all feel a bit like that if I am honest - but we AVOID the trap.
Harem pants are also a tough fashion nut to crack, but while we wait for the beach in summer, you put it all out there on stage in front of millions. And while they were sequined in your signature style, I do feel they were a real misstep for you. Ditto that jumpsuit you wore last night. Just keeping it real, ya' know baby.
OK. So the good news is that you have a place in my heart and I am already looking forward to next season. The bad news is that you are going to have to drop those hem lines about 2 inches and lighten up the hand that dishes out the spangle. Deal? Good.

Also, if I may, please can I ask that the teenage country singers are systematically eradicated from the show next season so that we can have a final worth watching for a reason other than you, Steven Tyler's scarves and Beyonce. Thanks very much. You rock.
With all my love
StyleGuideCT xx

Oprah's Final Show - Dressed in Pink L'Wren Scott

Here is just a little extra post today to pay homage to the uber-boss Oprah's last show. She closed out her 25 years of The Oprah Winfrey Show dressed in a gorgeous fitted pink L'Wren Scott dress that suited her perfectly and looks modern and elegant. Colour is so great on Oprah, perfectly on trend and this particular hue has become synonymous with the brand. It is only appropriate then that she should say her last 'see you  later' dressed in pink. I feel quite sentimental about it all. But excited about all the new programmes she has on OWN. I will continue to keep you apprised of her outfits!

Michelle Obama UK State Visit Day 2 Outfits

I really thought that Samantha Cameron would have more to offer us on this second day of the US President and First Lady Michelle Obama's visit to the UK. But her only showing was a pretty duck-egg blue softly printed dress with waist detail by independent UK designer Jonathan Saunders that she wore to the BBQ for servicemen and women at No 10 Downing Street. I thought that it came off looking a bit suburban housewife. It may just be her hair though. And the lack of any discernible body shape that it gives her, although she is enviably slim and athletic.

And while I didn't think that Mrs O's outfit was really BBQ-appropriate, I did prefer the Tracy Reese black and white ensemble. The First Lady continued her monochrome day, but this time with a winner, when she visited Oxford University. She wore a belted Alexander McQueen tunic and skinny trousers which I thought was perfectly suited to her and her more relaxed style.
And finally, the big state dinner at the US Ambassador's home in Regents Park saw the best outfit of the whole visit - a gloriously fitted, classic black Ralph Lauren gown, accessorised with Irishman, Tom Binns, jewellery. Once again she plays a fashion diplomatic 'blinder' (as they like to say over the seas).

Want to Know Who Beyonce Wore in Her New Video 'Rule the World (Girls)'?

I know there are A LOT of Beyonce fans who read this 'ere blog, and so I thought it important that we analyse the sheer fiesta of couture she donned for her spectacular new video for the single Rule the World (Girls)! It is a veritable smorgasbord of the best in designer genius.
Starting with my top three looks, we have Alexander McQueen to open the video. Totes on trend. Totes appropes for this single. It is followed by an incredible gold Gareth Pugh ensemble, including the shoes. This was the bit of the vid that I had to stop and rewind, just to get that first glimpse again. Sigh. And then the other undisputed fashion winner was that buttercup yellow Emilio Pucci split-side dress that allowed for some of the best dancing of the track. Awesome.

Special mentions go to the 'Pantsula' outfit of Norma Kamali shorts and Alexander Wang boots. But I may be baised by the local boys from Mozambique. The two epic dresses are from Jean Paul Gautier and Givinchy Haute Couture and really speak to the extremity of the boundaries of this video.
I have to say this. My musical idols run more to Johnny Cash, Nick Cave and Morrissey (the holy axis of musical genius). But they never produced a music video that needed hours of my fashion brain applied to it. They never took my breath away with a beat of a shiny gold boot or the swish of a fringed bolero. And so, while I am not Anele-like in my love of Mrs Z, I will give her props for the most fashion-forward video I have ever known. I love her for giving me this gift. Right. Off to rule the world.

Oprah's Last Show, Looking Back On What it Means for Me

Today they screen uber-boss Oprah's last episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show in the US. It is a momentous day for all of us involved with the O brand, no matter how distant. So, as a special extra post, I thought I may just give you my two cents worth - specifically what it means for me and my job as fashion editor for the O magazine.
First of all let me tell you about he episode in 1998, when Oprah and I changed our lives in the exact same way, without even knowing it. We were both influenced by one of my top 10 ever novels, I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. It became a mantra for my life, a title for my own journey, while at the same time it became "what I know for sure" in Oprah speak. If you have never read this beautiful novel, please do. Oprah and I agree on this for sure!
Of course the fact that the most powerful woman in the world took a special interest in South Africa, meeting Nelson Mandela, opening a school and the only international edition of her magazine, where I now work, has profoundly affected my life. She is committed to us, to our happiness and success, to helping us live our best lives, And this has never been more true as it is now.
As we move forward, evolving from a TV show to a TV network (OWN), much of the content of the magazine will be enriched and extended to encompass all that she now offers us. These are exciting times and we will always continue the quest to show our readers how to live their most glamorous, full, stylish lives - and I continue to be committed from a fashion perspective to showing you the most beautiful pages filled with real, accessible, trend-driven high fashion. So that we can all live the lives we have always dreamed of. Oprah has shown us that we can. Farewell to OWS. And all hail OWN and the O magazine.

Michelle Obama, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Her Majesty the Queen of Style

Yesterday was a bit of a giddy fashion day. No sooner had we cleared the backlog of awesome frockery from Cannes, when First Lady of Style, Michelle Obama hit the international tour circuit. This culminated yesterday when three of the current 'it' girls on the global fashion watch-list, came together in one place. Michelle herself, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and HRH Queen Elizabeth II - don't laugh, she is genuinely having a fashion moment. Samantha Cameron was a bit player in this scenario, but we expect more of her over the next two days.

Let's start with Catherine. £175 spent on the Shola 'bandage' dress from high street retailer Reiss. Impeccable for the occasion. Her favourite posh courts from LK Bennett having yet another outing, together with her classic Anya Hindmarch 'Maud' clutch. And a rich person's tan, courtesy of the Seychelles. The Reiss website crashed two minutes later. An hour after that, not a Shola dress to be found in the whole of England. Apparently they have put a rush on the restocking. Played, dude.
Michelle wore a Barbara Tfank 50s dress to that meeting. Pretty, but almost too frou frou in contrast to Kate. She did much better with her next two engagements. The stunning purple Roksanda Ilincic belted dress she wore to meet SamCam was gorgeous and pitch perfect. But the show-stopper of the entire day was her goddess-like sheath of white Tom Ford silk she wore to the state dinner in the evening. And what a diplomatic coup too. Tom Ford = high fashion. Also American. Also design studio based in London. See what she did there! BAM.
An honourable mention must be given to Queenie. Gorgeous little floral shift for day. White lace and diamond tiara for the evening (what? this old thing?). This is a lady that knows how to play this game.

Samantha Cameron borrowed a Peter Pilotto dress for the meet. It was nice, it supported British fashion, he's a pretty edgy designer so it wasn't predictable. Let's see what she has in store for us today. I can't wait.

Agyness Deyn Presents 031 Collection Win to Cindy Armstrong

The lovely British model, Agyness Deyn, was in South Africa this past week to style the 031 Collection in Durban for Mr Price - as well as take part in some charity work for the Red Cap Foundation and judge the best new designer from KZN. I sent a question to her and will post on her answer another day, but in the interim let's have a look at some of the best dressed attendees at the function as well as congratulate New Designer winner, Cindy Armstrong. Apparently her range was inspired by the "Book of Eli" and contained a very 'nomadic, desolation feel'. She wins R20,000 and an internship with Mr Price. Definitely some great prizes. Although it needs to be mentioned that we all agree there was a definite 'Stiaan Louw' feel to her collection, and there is definitely no shame in being influenced by arguably one of our most talented designers in South Africa. Nomad is a trend peeps!
With regards the stylish attendees, I loved the long pleated skirt and tee look, the palazzos and gold sequin look and the turquoise kimono tunic especially. What a delight. If any of you read this blog, please identify yourselves to us in the comments so that we can acknowledge your style prowess appropriately! Good.

Rachel Style: Rachel Bilson and Rachel McAdams

In the past week both these Rachels - Rachel Bilson and Rachel McAdams - have demonstrated notable style. Rachel Bilson is about to star in a new TV series and, styled by Nicole Chavez, has been trotting out the cuter end of the Chanel couture collections for her upfront events. As a team, Rachel and Nicole have an uncanny ability to pick the items out that will really suit a petite, yet curvy, figure. There is almost never a foot wrong and this stylist-actor pairing is one of the most successful in Hollywood.

Rachel McAdams is, of course, the female lead in the new Woody Allen movie, and as such her profile is definitely on the up. I love how she has combined her soft, blonde curls and waves with modern retro styling in these two looks. With hints of 40s and 60s in here, she is hard to define, and yet unquestionably a movie star. I think this style really works for her. The dress is magnificent and by Louis Vuitton and the jumpsuit is Azzaro.

Cannes 2011 Red Carpet: Best of the Boys

Winning my award for Best of the Boys from Cannes 2011 is the super-talented Ryan Gosling. I know it is all a bit foppish and costumey. But it is a play that I would love to have a role in. Just such effortless elegance in both looks, with the sharp 60-style evening tuxedo being the real triumph.

I do have to declare that I have never 'got' Jude Law. And I am deeply suspicious of his latter day high-top trainer and tracksuit off-duty look he has been sporting. At his age. But then you see images like these that have consistently come out from Cannes - where he was a judge this year. Sears, guys. Proper pretty. That is one good looking man. Lovely.

Cannes 2011 Red Carpet: Day 9-10 Best Dressed

While the Cannes juggernaut has now finally come to an end, there are still some red carpet looks that deserve a shout out. In the final couple of days of the festival, there were a few gowns that caught my attention. Starting with the girly colour, I LOVED Tamara al Gabbani's joyous pink frock with green belt detail (that I happen to be wearing the same colour in my cashmere jumper today is not a bias, I promise) (or the fact that it is signature O magazine colour either. Pinky swear.) And both Karolina Kurkova and VS angel Alessandro Ambrosio look princess-magical in their fairy tale frocks. So pretty.

We have seen much in the way of little white dresses on the carpet this year. We have also seen some incredible long black gowns. But the last two days also gave us some black & white show stoppers. What I would give for Elena Anaya's striped tunic... And Zoe Saldana really does look smashing in her girly interpretation of this classic colour scheme. Yes, she is a star!

Finally it is worth tipping our hats to the best of the Valentino red gowns. I adore the almost-Arab/Asian influenced jacket dress worn by Dasha Zhukova. It has such timeless appeal for me. And the whisper-soft draping on the gown worn by Daria Strokous is romance and dreams and femininity all wrapped up in a dress. Gorgeous.

Cannes 2011 Awards Red Carpet: Best Dressed

Fist let me say that this is not the last of the Cannes posts - those will come tomorrow. But since we are focussing on awards today, let's do Cannes as well. The fortnight of movie shenanigans always ends with the pick of the festival being awarded at the closing ceremony and this year best actress was won by Kirsten Dunst, dressed in Chanel Haute Couture. She looks completely true to her own soft, retro style and yet completely of this season. Sublime. She really has had an excellent festival from a sartorial and career perspective.
However, Uma Thurman, is surely the queen of the Cannes 2011 red carpet. Uma looked magnificent at the closing ceremony event dressed in an electric blue floor-seeper. And we really can't close the book on the best dressed until we have acknowledged 73-year-old Jane Fonda and her selection of perfect evening dresses. Just like in the 80s when we all wanted to look like Jane Fonda in her aerobics kit, I don't think that there is a woman among us who wouldn't want to look like Jane at her age. Bravo ladies.

Billboard Music Awards 2011 Red Carpet: Best Dressed

Nothing makes me happier than when I see the delightful and talented Nicole Kidman looking back to her more natural best. And, let's be honest here, her hair looks magnificent. What I would give for that hair. And the sheer, black dress Doce & Gabbana dress (styled interestingly by L'Wren Scott) somehow works. I think she looks amazing. The terrific Kylie Minogue who is coming to Cape Town to sing for me on my birthday this year, also picked up on the sheer black trend - but she did it with such opulence in her Alexander McQueen number. She looks divine, don't you think?

Taylor Swift is pretty consistent in her ability to look amazing on red carpets. She seldom puts a foot wrong. And this time she picks the master of this season's red carpet Ellie Saab. Flawless. I really, really wish someone had told Rihanna that the red carpet (and backdrop) was going to be white. She actually looks stunning in her white Max Azria suit. If you can see it. It is elegant and tasteful - I mean she is wearing actual clothing - and she looks beautiful. Squint and maybe you can see what I see. Go on. Opinions please!

BAFTA TV 2011 Awards Red Carpet Best Dressed

It is always tricky covering the red carpet of any British TV awards show since mostly the UK soap stars look a bit dodgy and no one wants to suffer the indignity of having to sift through those image feeds. But the BAFTAs are the posh ones and usually you can find something of value there. For me the 2011 BAFTA TV awards red carpet was won by Cat Deeley in Dior. Sleek and stunning and beautiful, accessorised as ever with her beaming smile. Yay.
Also looking good was soap actress Kara Tointon in ballet slipper pink Temperley London. And the best actress of the night, Vicky McClure in a gorgeous red Alberta Ferretti sheath also stole some of the show. Lovely ladies.

But I have to say that my heart belonged to Catherine Tate and her daughter. I know she's not the best dressed of the occasion. But I think she looked beautiful in her 50s-style high-street frock and her gorgeous ginger daughter. My heart just melts!

Cannes 2011 Red Carpet: amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Benefit Best Dressed

I love those mornings when I am browsing the picture feeds and I stop and gasp. It happened twice today while I was looking at the outfits from the amfAR benefit. The first time it was when I saw that icy grey column of silk. After gasping and involuntarily clutching my throat, I realised that it was worn by none other than our own South African princess-in-waiting Charlene Wittstock. Oh. My. Goodness. Doesn't she just rock the look? Utterly exquisite.
The second time it was in a totally different way, when I saw Janet Jackson working that brilliant Haider Ackermann ensemble. I mean this is Miss Jackson does The Swinton. It is a triumph to my mind. Stunning for reasons that appeal to my darker, more twisted fashion aesthetic. I would LOVE to wear that.
This is not to take anything away from Milla Jovovich, dressed in Atelier Versace gold, for whom I did not gasp out loud. But I did think she nailed the outfit for the event. Well played. Good. Now I am off to dream of Haider Ackermann outfits.

Cannes 2011 Red Carpet: amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Benefit

Unless you wore Chanel or Cavalli at last night's amfAR gala, I think you may have missed the boat. Or landed up in my best dressed list. Either way, it was a risky move. There were four stand out gowns from Chanel Couture and all of them were soft and beautiful and elegant. I love Uma Thurman looking a bit edgier, toned down by the exquisite colour. Kirsten Dunst always looks great in delicate 20s-styles, and last nights' event was no different. Clemence Poesy suits the quirky attitude of her Chanel gown, and only a stunning model like Karolina Kurkova can compete with these in a short, beaded shift and still stand out. After the few missteps of late, I am loving this Chanel showing.

Roberto Cavalli also pulled out the stops for his ladies for the benefit. His house-guest (well, on his boat, does that count?) Elisabetta Canalis, girlfriend of The Clooney, dazzled in her gold sheath. And Rosario Dawson was ethereal and beautiful, with extra interest from her turquoise neckpiece. Yum.

Lara Stone in Cannes Wearing Joya Jewellery

I have told you before about the Joya Collection - jewellery made here in Africa. But what is this that I see here? International super model Lara Stone, and her husband David Walliams, strolling around Cannes this past week. And on her arm, well, if it isn't a collection of Joya tie bracelets!
How very exciting.
Of course it's not the only time that Joya was worn in Cannes. The headline-grabbing look put together by South African model Candice Boucher also included a Joya ring and earrings. We couldn't see the earrings of course, but since we could see so much else, we will let that one go. Candice is collaborating with Joya on some pieces so it was wonderful to see her supporting the local line at her Cannes premier. Nicely played ladies.
See the Candice Boucher dress here.

Cannes 2011 Red Carpet: Day 7-8 Best Dressed

Top of the class over the past two days of Cannes style are these three ladies, in my opinion. Georgina Chapman obviously is saving the best of Marchesa's white lace for her own dress and she looks fresh and pretty and on-trend as she accompanied her husband Harvey Weinstein to the Cannes events. The best dress of possibly the entire week was this spectacular mustard silk frock by Chloe, worn by Kirsten Dunst, with Jimmy Choo shoes. And finally, I am besotted with this Prada 20s-style dress that Milla Jovovich wore last night on the Cannes 2011 red carpet. Just glorious, don't you think?

The most elegant of the purple trend colours is its darkest extreme - midnight blue. It is probably up there with my favourite ever colours. And, while it is going to take me a while to find any midnight blue dress that tops Victoria Beckham at the Royal Wedding, I think that Bar Refaeli in Roberto Cavalli and Jodie Foster's double dose of red carpet elegance are certainly up there with the best. 

And finally, it is worth mentioning that Uma Thurman's reign of style continues unabated at the Cannes events and she managed to look beautiful again and again over the past couple of days. What a pleasure to have her back to her best. 

Behati Prinsloo Shot by Ben Watts for Hipstamatic

I don't have an iPhone. Long story, but I simply prefer the BlackBerry for, you know, phoning and all that. But the one thing I wish I did have was the Hipstamatic app so that I could take vintagey looking pic on my phone. For about five minutes and then I would be over it. Or would I? Because the folks over at Hisptamatic are raising the bar. See this latest version of the application - allowing you to take photos in the style of neo-rave photographer Ben Watts.

And who did he choose to do his shoot with? Well, our very own Behati Prinsloo of course. Out there in Mexico. Awesome.