Downton Girls Go Couture for GLAMOUR

I know, this post is like a year out of date. You can tell from the Stella McCartney dotty dress, can't you? But, you see, a year ago I hadn't watched the whole of Downton Abbey. And now I have. And so I have a new found interest in the sisters Crawley. All three of them quite beautiful in real life.

Of course Lady Mary, Michelle Dockery, always looks amazing. She is wearing Marchesa here. And looks beautiful.

But how about Lady Sybil? Dressed in the Stella McCartney, Jessica Brown-Findlay looks all kinds of sexy awesome.

And Lady Edith who is the rather less comely of the sisters in the show, is actually Laura Carmichael, a stunning girl with an extraordinary body and arresting gaze. She is wearing the hell out of that Gucci from 2011. Go girls!

Miranda Kerr Loves Floral Trousers

Twice last week, Victoria Secret model Miranda Kerr, stepped out in floral skinny trousers. And looked amazing of course. First she wore Paige floral jeans with her cute little nude strappy sandals.

Then the next day she wore Celine floral jeans, this time with an Alexander Wang tee and pumps. Those sunglasses are Prada, darling.
My advice when wearing this look yourself is to keep the top plain and simple and lose. Don't over accessorise. Let the jeans be the story. And have fun!
Thanks to Cristina's Blog for the images.

Au Revoir! I'm On My Holidays...

I leave you with this thought my by hero Bill Cunningham as I head off to the UK for my (summer) holidays. Two weeks of no computer. By choice. I am going to indulge myself in friendship, art and shopping. And I will tell you all about it on my return.
So that you don't get too bored, I have left you a blog post every morning while I am away. Enjoy. See you on my return.

Mila Kunis Covers GLAMOUR August 2012

Completing her triumvirate of magazine covers this August 2012, actress Mila Kunis goes boho chic for GLAMOUR magazine.

Shot by Alexei Hay, the story is sweet and laid back and much more close to Mila's real lifestyle than the other, more dressy-uppy stories.

In the article she talks about her weight (hmmm), dating (how hard it is) and being bullied by the tabloids. In light of that, I think we should probably just concentrate on the cool pictures, right?

Mila wears Club Monaco and Current/Elliot on the cover and Pucci, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Christopher Kane and Alexander Wang in the inside pictures. Nice.

Mila Kunis for UK Elle Magazine August 2012

Going for a slightly Bardot-esque vibe, UK Elle Magazine has also put actress Mila Kunis on its cover for August 2012.

With bouffant hair and smudgy dark eyes, this story features a sexily rumpled Mila on the cover in a beaded Dior gown. Beautiful.

Shot by Doug Inglish and styled by Leith Clark, the shoot took place in a hotel in LA for the British magazine.

Also wearing Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana and a bit more Dior, Mila is not 100% convincing in the sex-kitten role - by her own admission - but it is so pretty none the less. Lovely.

Mila Kunis in Dior for Ted Premier

Have you noticed how much Dior Mila Kunis is wearing lately? Well, obviously as a result of her new contract as the face of the brand, Mila turned up at the premier of her new movie, Ted, last month in a divine little black number. What I like about this dress is the peplum as well as the illusion netting preventing the slashed v-neck from being a horror show. This, ladies is how you do deep v-necks when you have a bust. Pow. Oh, and cute shoes.

Mila Kunis for Dior 2012

Coming back again for her second international campaign as the face of Dior, super-popular actress Mila Kunis is New York chic in a campaign shot by Mario Sorrenti and styled by ex-Vogue Paris editor Carine Roitfeld. Yikes. I may have been a bit terrified of shooting that!

What do you think of this one? I think that it is ADORABLE. Look how cute she is! I think it is young, pretty and nicely moody in the black and white, without having to resort to sulky expressions or dark context. It is all about shopping. And what girl can't relate to that!

Mila Kunis for Interview Magazine August 2012

Mila Kuis is pretty popular right now. Much like Emma Stone and Marion Cotillard, she has three covers out right now. Mila's covers are slightly less obvious, however, although just as high impact. Take this one shot for Interview Magazine. Inside which she in interviewed by James Franco. Right there is a reason to buy it over some of the more expected Vogues and the like. Well, for me.

The editorial shots are all a bit grubby. Just enough to be cool. Not enough to be offensive. Brilliant.

The story was shot by Craig McDean - one of my favourite photographers.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, In Stella McCartney

I am off to London today. Off to see the Queen, of course. And one the things I do every single time I visit London (which is at least once a year) is pop into my happy place. The National Portrait Gallery. I love it there. And there is a cool Olympic-related exhibition that has just opened, which I want to see. Not just because Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, just popped in to see it today. Wearing a cute new summer dress in her favourite shade - bright blue - which was designed by Stella McCartney.

Kate paired the dress with a reasonably modern chunky gold necklace (rings - you  know, Olympics - get it?) and her old favourite black satin courts. I think that they are by Prada. What do you think of this look? I like it. It is fresh and a little shorter than usual and I like the architectural detail in the bodice. Nice. Go Kate.
PS: I can't wait to see the photographic exhibition - which includes a picture of Kate herself.

Marion Cotillard v Anne Hathaway Fash-Off (again)

Last night there was another premier of The Dark Knight Rises - this time in London town. When I am headed later today. Shoot. Missed it by a day. Oh well. We can still play along with the 'who wore it best' game as we pit the two lady stars up against each other. Marion Cotillard was in Dior Couture. Like two weeks off the runway. Pow!

One of the more interesting looks from new designer Raf Simons. I love the metal belt detail. And the proportions. And the accessories. And frankly the colours. But do you?

Anne Hathaway was in a gold Gucci draped sheath with a floral neckline and risky armholes that ran tantalising all the way down to her hips. Which I absolutely hated. I know. You may love it. But I did not. Hate the sack like quality. Hate the harvest table neck. Just hate it.

Of course Anne herself looked lovely. Again, I love the simplicity of the pixie crop and no accessories. But I say NO to the dress. How about you?

Florence Welch in Gucci

I adore singer Florence Welch's style. And her natural colouring - all pale skin and fiery red hair. And she seems to know how to work the two in perfect harmony, even in the hectic heat of New York City, where she was this week.

First I noticed the shoes - Gucci. Then the handbag - also Gucci. And then the lovely sheer floral dress. No idea who that is by, but it is really pretty and a more summer-suitable outfit for Flo. The hat finishes off her signature off-duty style. It may be a bit warm in the felt, but it is perfect for keeping the sun off her skin. Get yours now and wear into next season. Perfect.

Charlize Theron and Michael Fassbender Battle It Out for W Magazine

Yikes. I nearly choked on my seed toast this morning when I saw these pictures of onse Charlize Theron. I mean I knew that W magazine was going to give us a bit of an over-the-top editorial story, judging by the cover that we saw earlier in the week. But I didn't expect it to be quite so deliciously raunchy.

The sexual tension in this fashion story is palpable between Charlize and her Prometheus co-star Michael Fassbender. And it isn't pretty. It is glossy and beautiful, but also rough and filled with tension and conflicting emotions. It is testament to their acting prowess that they can communicate this in stills so comprehensively.

The story was shot by Mario Sorrenti of course, and Lynn Hirschberg did the interview and concept. And it is a goodie. Right? If somewhat voyeuristic. Charlize's hands never seem to leave the waistband of those leather trousers.

Charlize's struggle for power over her lover apparently required them to be dressed in a selection of leather pieces. And chain mail. As you do. But these are rather delicious pieces, with leather corsetry compliments of Agent Provocateur, Dolce & Gabbana and some Dior. Yum.

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham in Dublin. And Harper Walks!

Seriously. It is rare day when a wee nipper trumps a good outfit for me. But I nearly cried when I saw tiny little Harper Beckham up on her pins (and no doubt designer baby shoes) and walking through the airport in Dublin where her mum, Victoria Beckham had just landed.

Victoria was dressed in a military style coat for the Irish summer and Louboutin shoes. Actually I think that she looked particularly pretty. I am so much happier with her since she started being a bit more louche with that hair. The undone-doneness is working for her. It makes her more relatable.

Especially when she tweets pictures of the fuss that goes into it. There is no more believing that it is all natural. Victoria regularly tweets pics of the hair and make-up people giving her the once over before she makes her appearances. Good girl. There's even a little smile going on there.

Notice to Designers: Design a Uniform for Moyo and Win

All designers who are looking for their big break - or at least a gentle nudge in the right direction - take note. The Cape Town Fashion Council and Moyo (yummy local restaurant situation and lifestyle goodies) have announced a competition. If you can design the winning beautiful and workable uniform for the waiters/servers/host people, you could win some jolly nice dosh.
All the details are on the Cape Town Fashion Council web site. Good luck!

Lana Del Rey Announced as Face of H&M, 2012

A modern, feminine woman with a soft attitude - a singer who is a style icon - this was the brief that the marketing department of H&M described for the face of their autumn collection 2012. And new-ish songstress Lana del Rey was just the girl to fill it. I mean she has had a Vogue cover and a Mulberry bag named after her this year already so it makes sense.

Personifying their collection, in a shoot by Ines & Vinoodh, Lana sings the song Blue Velvet for the ad campaign that will be released in mid-September. We will keep a look out for it.

Thandi Newton in Stella McCartney

How chic is this dress on Thandi Newton? Our little Zimbabwean actress was out this week looking amazing in Stella McCartney, rocking that on-trend peplum style and looking amazing. Yup, this is a good outfit gang. Use it, don't use it. But it's good.

Michelle Williams in Carven

These are the facts that you guys know:
1. I love Carven. Anyone wearing Carven as they go about their business risks landing up on my blog.
2. I think that Michelle Williams is one of the most adorable young actresses with a style that I fail to ever find fault with.
3. I love hipster style on the streets of New York City.

What you may not know is that I also love Jason Segal as he reminds me of my best friend's husband. And he is super funny. And I don't really care that he has moobs. As I said, he is funny.

And he seems to be kind, devoted to and loving of Michelle and Heath Ledger's kid, Matilda.
Michelle's day to day outfits are just as exciting as her red carpet ones. Possibly more so as they are more attainable.

What I know about you guys is that you like to see her outfits. So here you go. A selection. Starting with the Carven of course. But you may want to go straight for the denim cut offs and shirt. It's up to you.

Downton Abbey Stars Cover Love #8

First I saw Lady Sybil, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, on the cover of the new issue of cult fashion magazine, LOVE. I thought that it was a brilliant shot and that she looked lushly and darkly gorgeous. And I thought, 'how clever to go for the non-obvious sister actress.' But I was wrong.

Actually LOVE #8 has four covers to choose from that I know about. There is of course Lady Mary, played by Michelle Dockery, looking all gothic and Havisham-esque. Although to my mind, not as beautiful as that of her TV sister.

There is one of the deliciously malevolent but beautiful footman Thomas Barrow, played astonishingly well by actor Rob James-Collier. And what a pleasure to see a version of him that is so sensuous, as opposed to cold and twisted.

And there is one floating around of Lady Edith, played by Laura Carmichael. But it is weird and I am not even sure it is real. It probably is, but shame. Right?

The covers were trailed last month by a slightly different image of Lady Sybil. All were shot by Mert + Marcus and styled by Katie Grand. Of course. Brilliant. Love this LOVE. Which one will you choose?