Blake Lively 's Summer Holiday Wardrobe (with Leo Di Caprio)

The story that all the news feeds are picking up on is that newly single Leo Di Caprio, having split with his on-off girlfriend of six years Bar Rafaeli, has taken up with the also single Blake Lively and is skipping through the south of France on a luxury summer holiday. I say, what a wonderful world.

Let's focus on the real story here. The important stuff. By which I mean Blake's stunning summer wardrobe. I plan to itemise each piece and turn it into my shopping list for next summer. Honestly. Let me wax lyrical a bit about my highlights.

I love the Chanel 2.55 - and the matching ballet pink brogues. I love the selection of white dresses - none too revealing, but all showing off her best asset (her legs, obvs). I am totally enamoured with that soft blue check mini skirt, although I am unlikely to be able to work that as well as she. What I will rock is that classic grey jumper, the floral maxi (beautifully accessorised with the wide brim floppy hat and scarf), and the mesh throw-over in the final pics. 

This is a summer holiday wardrobe peeps. Stylish, tasteful, appropriate and very flattering. I love it.

Jennifer Lopez for L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara

In a new television commercial for L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara, Jennifer Lopez brings her glow to all things eye-fluttering. This is not her first venture for L'Oreal, having promoted their shampoo (who doesn't want J-Lo hair?), but this commercial smacks of a high-end music video rather than just an advert. And of course, there is some Victoria Beckham spangle dress, some signature sequin and some incredible shoes on her great pins to make sure all us fashion folk are kept happy. Ahhh.

Pippa Middleton Style Watch Episode 1

Well if young Pippa Middleton is going to carry on like she has in the past week, we are going to have to keep a running watch on her style. On the one hand, she is kinda starting to look effortlessly city-chic, in a way that is completely accessible. I think that it is the devices she uses and I will point those out to you. But not before I also hasten to point out, on the other hand, that she also makes some small errors.
Starting with the clever tricks:
1. Her dresses are the perfect length. For a twenty-something with great legs, Pippa manages to get the length of her frocks absolutely spot on. They are short, of course, to show off the pins. But they are also at the most flattering place on the mid-thigh. This is NOT at the shortest length, please understand ladies.
2. She embraces a splash of colour. This helps her stand out without being too loud. It also nods to latest trends, and adds a soupcon of Parisian flair that helps her look put-together.
3. Her sunglasses are face-flattering, designer and big. But not too big. This definitely looks good on her as I often thing she falls into that too-heavy-on-the-bottom-eyeliner trap as her sister.
4. She has fantastic classic leather bags. They ooze class. You simply can't fake the power of a good quality handbag.
The mistakes. Well, these are no surprises.
1. Those white wedges. Unflattering, unstylish and very old. They do not look young, chic and trendy. Both her and her sister love the wedge, but I think that it is not their best look. A great sandal would be a much better option.
2. That beige Whistles jacket. I am not sure if they both have one, or if Pippa lent this one to Kate, but it is revolting. It must be stopped. Let's start a Facebook group to get rid of the beige zip-up jacket!
Aside from that, until the beige pantihose and the boots come back in winter, she seems to have everything else nailed. Well played sister Pippa.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Cover Vanity Fair July 2011

With a never-before-released engagement photo by Mario Testino covering the July issue of Vanity Fair, we are in for some insights into the royal couple that will make them seem even more adorbs to us. First of all Kate is wearing high street fashion, as she is prone to do. This has a triple benefit of being appropriate for an age of austerity, totally accessible for all the young girls who want to look like her, and making Kate herself feel comfortable and as if her life hasn't changed TOTALLY - something the couple are working very hard on maintaining in all aspects of their new life together.
Apparently the article will reveal how they went about house hunting, who does the chores in their Angelsey home and other thrilling and intimate bon mots like that.
I was more interested in the news today that Kate is putting together her wardrobe for the impending tour of Canada, without assistance from a stylist or lady-in-waiting. She has called in some frocks and will decide herself what 40 or so outfits she will pack, representing the best of British fashion. As a fashion editor who often has to put together a bunch of outfits, I can tell you, this is no easy task and will take her some time to get it all together - even if she does get sent everything she wants. Planning exactly the right balance of pieces for every different type of social engagement, when all the eyes of the world are on her, scrutinising the success or failure of every single outfit (or will that just be me??), is a gargantuan project and I totally respect that she is going to give it a whirl.
I understand that a stylist or lady-in-waiting may go with on the actual tour to do the unpacking, steaming and flower holding (it's all glamour in our line of work), but the preparations are all the work of Kate herself. Amazing.

Kirsten Dunst in Non-Stop Chanel Haute Couture

I am wallowing in a new-found adoration of Kirsten Dunst. There is no logical explanation for it. Just regular red carpet appearances in which she looks lovely and appealing. And then she went and won the best actress palm in Cannes. And I think that it is safe to say that she is back.
It all started actually at the Chanel show in Paris in February. She turned up at that looking sublime and everyone went, "Oh Kirsten looks lovely. Where has she been? Why is she here?" And while I can't explain how she got there from the a-list wilderness, I can explain why Chanel. Because ever since February, she has pretty much been seen (with a few Rodarte exceptions) in non-stop Chanel gowns. Which suit her perfectly. They really, really do.
You know how we all decided that they really didn't work for Blake Lively for some reason - that has nothing to do with the fact that she is drop dead stunning? It seems that the opposite is true for Kirsten. They just fit.
Here are her last two looks, from Chanel, this weekend in Istanbul. Just beautiful.
(BTW, that is uber-cool photographer Ryan McGinley that she is with. Interesting new pairing.)

Pregnancy Style: The Posh Spice Way

Not everyone is going to love the Selma Blair school of maternity dressing. I get that. So I enlisted the help of my favourite preggie lady right now, Victoria Beckham, to show us another way. A high-octane, heels-and-all, chic in black version of maternity dressing that is every bit as awesome as Selma's. Just very, very different.

A uniform of black. A selection of Louboutin heels. Big VB handbags. Sunglasses. And you are set. You really can't fault it. And it works. For all of you who veer more toward Eeyore than Pooh, more Weird Emily than Dora the Explorer, if your heart lies more with The Smiths than it ever has with Happy Mondays then Victoria's maternity way is for you. Love it.

Cannes 2011 Behind the Scenes from People Magazine

You have all taken the journey of the Cannes 2011 red carpet with me. The fashion was heart-stoppingly amazing on some days, disappointing on others. But the favourites always put on a good show and I was so bereft when it all came to an end after two weeks.  But now I have come across some incredible behind the scenes snaps, featuring in this week's People magazine.
The first of Diane Kruger (dressed in Jean Paul Gautier and Alexander Wang shoes) just shows her natural elegance, style and default model position as she was caught from behind at a photo call.

Jessica Chastain (in Emilio Pucci) and Brad Pitt look charming and it is good to see Brad all relaxed and smiley and geography-teacher-hot. Oh, and I will have one x that dress please Jessica. Thank you.

One of my other faves was this one with Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Jack Black. It may be because I loved Jack on American Idol finale last night. Maybe it is because I believe he can make even Angie laugh like a drain. Or maybe it is because it is a pretty picture. But love it, I do. Hope you enjoy these with me.

Alexa Chung for Vogue Italia June 2011

Ah, my book club is having a bit of a hiatus at the moment. Victoria is off having her baby girl in a few weeks, Dannii and her boyfriend Kris have just announced a trial separation and Alexa Chung is fighting off rumours that she flirted with another musician at Coachella. What nonsense, obviously. Alexa has done a couple of fantastic editorials of late, and this one for Vogue Italia, June issue, is my absolute favourite.

Part Alice in Wonderland, part sexy, dangerous ingenue, she wears a combination of Alexander McQueen and Agent Provocateur on the one hand, and Celine and Chanel on the other. A bit of Lanvin thrown in to mix it all up. Do you like?

Pretty Ryan Reynolds. Because I Can.

Look. I have had to look after two small blonde nieces for the past four days. Including the school run from town to Pinelands and back this morning - classical music going to keep me sane. Oh, and an elderly father had to be taken care of. As such, I am somewhat out of steam. And so this cold and rainy Monday morning deserves classic style, much like the music.

Feast your eyes on the latest Ryan Reynolds images from Details magazine. I mean, he's practically a Capetonian, the amount of time he has spent here this past six months. You just can't go wrong with a white t-shirt. Or a black shirt and jeans. And perfectly scuffed boots. Not trying too hard. Not too cool. Just right. Take note boys.

Halle Berry Is At It Again - Your Opinion Please

I posted a while ago that I was concerned that Halle Berry was having a mid-life style crisis. I noticed how her dresses were getting increasingly see-through and that inexplicable and unnecessary cut-outs were appearing. And while we all acknowledge that lady Halle is one of the hottest, fittest, most gorgeous looking women in the world, it wasn't always shown off to best effect by, well, baring all.
And this week she has been at it again. Only this time it is slightly more embarrassing as a 20-year old American Idol contestant wore the self same frock on the show, on the self same day, that beamed its way into millions of homes. It was white. But it actually look better on the nameless wannabe. (Sorry. I believe her name is Karen and she is a lovely girl and singer. But it sounded better the other way and now you all know that I am an American Idol addict. Sigh.)

I just wonder what went through Halle's mind when she saw the Halston creation on the catwalk, and then thought "Not hoochie enough. Must expose belly and hip to be really hot." Um. No, dear. All it does, styled like this, is have a skew hemline and scream Sharon-Stone's sister to me. Toot toot. The Sharon Stone Express is pulling into the station Halle. And your seat is reserved in first class. All aboard!

Jennifer Lawrence Colours Her Hair and Does Elle US May 2011

The Oscar nominated young actress, Jennifer Lawrence, has recently dyed her hair brunette for a role. The bloggersphere went a bit giddy about it all. But I think she looks fantastic both ways. Although I will say that the darker colour really shows up her eyes beautifully. But whatevs. Good for her that she wasn't precious about it.

While she was still blonde, she did a great fashion spread for the US version of the Elle magazine. Showing a real ability to adopt character and change up her look, I think that this story speaks volumes about her adaptability - obviously a good thing when it comes to being an actress, one would think. Well, I am assuming. Really I know nothing about being an actress, I will leave that to the professionals. But I do know a good fashion editorial when I see one.

Of late I have gown a bit fond of Jennifer Lawrence. I remember seeing her on countless awards show red carpets just four months ago and thinking, "who is this girl?" That was until the Oscars when she wore that stunning red Calvin Klein sheath. I sat up and took notice then. Now she has my attention, she continues to endear herself to me. Good. I like a new fashion-fond young actress to stalk. You guys with me?

Oprah Has Set the News and Entertainment Agenda for Years

Yesterday I came across a collection of all the non-O magazine covers that Oprah has appeared on in the past quarter century. It amazed and inspired me to see how she has not just been a part of creating media content, but has also endlessly been the subject of media content. Making the covers of Time, Fortune and Newsweek, just for example, really cements her position as the most powerful woman in the world. But she has been just as at home on the cover of more fashion-y, populist titles like Good Housekeeping, Vanity Fair and even Vogue back in the mid-nineties.
Our readers tell us that Oprah is, for them, one of the biggest and most glamorous celebrities in the world. Looking up to her and being inspired by her style, her philosophy and her success is something that women in South Africa, and the world over, routinely share with us. It is her unique combination of heart, flash and depth that appeals to us, gives us all permission to be a complete human being. To strive for success, however, we define it. To enjoy the latest sexy shoes just as much as reading a good novel or investing in a relationship. As long as we do it all with love.
Even though her message will soon no longer be on our screens every day, it will always be front and centre in her magazine. So keep reading, and keep sharing your stories with us. And keep wearing those great shoes! Please.

Selma Blair is STILL Pregnant - And Still Looking Fantastic

We were chatting in the O magazine fashion office yesterday about how there are some stars who seem to have been pregnant for about two and a half years. I mean, can anyone believe that Natalie Portman has still not had a baby - she looked well pregnant in January at the Oscars! And of course, we have chartered the progress of Selma Blair's pregnancy though a myriad of cool, edgy, casual outfits for ages now. But with her, you really don't want it to end, do you? That would mean an end to the fashion spectacle, nay masterclass of maternity dressing, that she has given us.
Have a look at the past two weeks here. Effortless, beautifully appropriate, youthful and stylish. That floral tunic and jeans is a look that is just desperate to come into my non-pregnant wardrobe, surely?
This is probs the last of the Selma preggie posts, so enjoy it. Let's see what she has got for us once she is a mum. Any day now. We think.

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.

Marilyn Monroe in her Levi's

I was scanning one of my many news feeds yesterday when I came across a piece on iconic jeans wearers. You know like Brooke Shields and her Calvins. But as someone who is not well versed in the history of denim wearers, those that didn't make national consciousness like Brooke, were new to me. And I was particularly surprised at how long wearing denim has been a classic look for women. Marilyn Monroe was certainly part of establishing denim as a trend, all the way back in the late 50s and early 60s.

These gorgeous images were taken on the set of the movie The Misfits in 1961 in which she famously wore her favourite Levi's. An interesting related anecdote is that recently Tommy Hilfiger bought three pairs of Marilyn's jeans in auction for about $42,500 and then gifted one of the pairs to none other than Britney Spears. Which is even more interesting when you realise that they were a very high waisted style and Britney was largely to blame for spawning years of the unflattering super-low waist hipster style. so interesting. Fashion geek moment.

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.

Trend Alert: Block Colour Maxi Dresses

We have covered bold, block colour cocktail dresses at length here on the blog. But yesterday not one, but two, a-listers took this to a whole new level (new depth?) when they both trotted out in block colour MAXI dresses. That's a whole lotta colour on one person's body! Katie Holmes wore a gorgeous fuschia dress from her own Holmes Yang collection, and Angelina Jolie floated around in a red Jenny Packham asymmetrical gown at the Tree of Life premier in LA.
For you at home, I would recommend that this trend needs height, so probs not for those of you under five foot five. Just saying. Then make sure you have some great draping lines, vertical stripes and the highest quality fabrics - with this much noticeable fabric involved, you definitely don't want to be swathed in polyester! Have fun.

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!