Olivia Palermo Models in Madrid

As usual I have no idea who she was posing for, but I can tell you that Olivia Palermo was spotted in Madrid yesterday, looking flamenco-fabulous in her red lace and silk gown for a photo shoot.

Recently we have seen Olivia pose in Paris with her boyfriend, shoot some fashion images in Ireland for Vanity Fair and now this one in Madrid - is it all the same story? Can a print publication really afford to fly a starlet around the world for a photo shoot? Wouldn't it be completely fabulous if they did, in this day and age. Wouldn't it mean that fashion fantasy is still alive and well and being channeled though dear Olivia? Now that I would be happy about.

Rosie Huntington Whiteley Covers Vogue Brazil April 2012

Every now and again you remember why a girl got famous. In between the Transformers movie and the M&S campaign, I had forgotten how beautiful a model Rosie Huntington Whiteley is. And this cover and story from Vogue Brazil for their April issue makes it abundantly apparent. And not just because she is a very sexy girl. Also because clothes look stunning on her and she knows exactly how to capture the moment. Believe me, that is often a sad and futile experience when shooting an editorial.

Of course I don't have a clue as to what the story is about as I don't speak Portugese. Sadly. Anyone who feels they can offer some insights, please feel free to place translations into the comments :)

But the images are really lovely and I did manage to establish that the photographer was Henrique Gendre and the stylist Luis Fiod, so that's good of me.

Alexa Chung for Superga - New Campaign Images

Once upon a time the coolest girl in all the land hopped onto a plane to Miami, taking with her a bunch of her own clothes, a photographer called Guy Aroch and some Italian sneakers called Supergas. The shoes were a hundered years old. Well not the actual shoes, but the ancestors of the shoes. And they were super comfortable, which was nice for the girl. 

Once they were in Miami, the girl and her photographer grabbed a vintage car and drove off to find their fortune. Of images for the new Superga campaign. These are some of these photos. And the girl is, of course, Alexa Chung. Creative director of the brand and all-round cool chick fashion inspiration. Awesome. Enjoy.

African Angels for Victoria Secret Launches Yesterday

There were two Victoria Secret launches yesterday and both involved the delights of our own African Angels. First of all the new push-up bra was launched - featuring Behati Prinsloo who was scouted right here in Cape Town, and who is Namibian by birth.

She teams up with Erin Heatherton in the campaign but is really the key girl for the new addition to the popular VS range. Really very lovely. I think it is the sweet naturalness of her look that is so attractive to the peeps there.

And then there was the launch of the Victoria Secret swimwear range for 2012. They pulled out the big guns for this launch, using Miranda Kerr and our own Candice Swanepoel for this launch. And the swimwear was bright and bold in colour. That's a clue for next season, gals.

Both girls wore cute crochet dresses over their swimsuits for the occasion. And Candice celebrated her cover of the catalogue landing in homes across the globe as we speak. If you like that kind of thing. Congrats to both the African Angels. Long may it continue.

Valentino 50th Anniversary Celebrations Best Dressed

There was a cracker of a turnout for the 50th anniversary store opening for Valentino on Wednesday night. And all the celebs were wearing Valentino of course. Beautiful. Here I choose my top four looks - even though my fantasy friend Cat Deeley was there and in a black lace jumpsuit, I still chose these looks. Starting with zebra stripes from Rachel Zoe. Rocking.

Minka Kelly wore beige lace. Soft, sweet, gentle, sublime. And I particularly love how she hardened it up a tad with red nails. Clever, clever girl.

And I NEVER really cover old Kim Kardashian, do I. But look at this divine monochrome dress she has trotted out from the label. I adore the full skirt. I suits her frame so much better than all those skin tight numbers. She looks so pretty and petite. This is a version of KK I like.

And who can say that this pregnant Molly Sims isn't the fairest of them all? So lovely. So elegant. I adore this look. Well played lady.

So who was your fave in Valentino? If only it was I.

Rihanna and Brooklyn Dekker in London

Seriously I have no idea what the event was. I could look it up right now for you, but I am a bit tired. So let's just focus on the important stuff. Songstress Rihanna is out and about in London currently - all hopping on the tube to see a concert stuff - and so appeared yesterday, dressed in a slinky, backless Alexander Wang gold number. That was no surprise. The surprise is that I like the length and I like the drape detail. It lends the slink backless vibe some class.

And also in attendance at this event that we haven't bothered to identify was Brooklyn Dekker who is currently promoting a film she is in. For those who don't know her, she is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover girl and wife of tennis pro Andy Roddick.

And I generally like her style. She certainly makes this Stella McCartney dress make sense. I have seen it on several people and not cared for it at all. But on Brooklyn, I like it. Amazing.

Also look at this image from last week while she was promoting her film. Wearing that killer Isabel Marant jacket from the new collection. I die. I neeeeed it. Now.

Princess Charlene of Monaco's Finnish Style

Onse Princess Charlene of Monaco and Benoni (to give her the unofficial title, bestowed on her graciously by this blog), is currently in Finland. And there is something about how she is trying to maintain her beautifully regal stance in the face of freeeeezing-ness that is endearing in the best possible way. In the snow, you know. In some kind of national costume. With those slippers? Shoes? Cute. And I know a hundred hipsters that would KILL for those mittens. I can see them now on Kloof Street.

But then this over-the-knee boots/parka/aviator sunglasses combination is killer. Right on the money for the royal abroad vibe. Right? Well played Charlene. In difficult circumstances.

Victoria Beckham Covers Jubilee Issue of UK Harpers Bazaar

I often get asked which is my favourite magazine in the world. I always say UK Harpers Bazaar. It just is. And I love it all the more for going the extra mile for the June issue of the magazine - the Jubilee Issue. The traditional headline font has been given a swirl and a tweak to reflect the pizazz of the occasion. Yay. But even better than that, they have crowned a new queen, none other than my fantasy friend Victoria Beckham. Or Queen Victoria as they have dubbed her for the issue. 

The interview inside reveals that Victoria admires Miuccia Prada as the designer above all others. Which is fun since VB is wearing a sexy Prada bathing suit on the cover. Lucky that.

She also reveals that she loves and admires Tilda Swinton just like us and that David himself designed the underwear line for H&M. Good stuff. Oh and there are these beautiful Liz-Taylor-inspired swimsuit images to go along with the story. Yup, I can pretty much guarantee I will be purchasing this issue. No doubt. You?

Behati Prinsloo at the YSL Metropolitan Opera Event

You know how I love to bring everything possible back to me. And frankly, why not, it's my blog. And so let me launch the post about the YSL Metropolitan Opera event with the Victoria Secret model - and the cutest girl in New York - Behati Prinsloo. She was scouted right here in Cape Town, before making it big across the pond. And while she is not strictly a Saffa, she is a southern African and that we will take. Because look how adorable she is at the shindig.

Also in attendance, and all wearing YSL, were best dressed ladies Emma Roberts in a jumpsuit (yay), Amber Heard in a slinky beauty (cool) and January Jones looking elegant and pretty with a cowl neck and an open back. Very lovely.
But our girl Behati looks the fairest of them all, no? Let me know what you think.

Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham for Titanic 3D

Last night, in the heart of London town, the gigantic success movie of the 90s, Titanic was launched in 3D with a premier to rival the original. In fact it may have been better. I only say this because the female star Kate Winslet didn't attend the first premier. But boy did she put on a show when she turned up last night. In a plunging, Swarovski-encrusted gown by Jenny Packham. Didn't she look spectacular?

I also found it amusing to look back on the Titanic Oscar night of 1998 and see what Kate looked like then. Seriously. Let's just look at this for a bit. WTF. Those sleeves? The curls? No thanks. VERY happy with the elegant and classy transformation of Kate from that version of Titanic to this. A vast improvement, don't you think?

Candice Swanepoel for UK GQ by Terry Richardson

Our very own local supermodel, Candice Swanepoel appears on the cover of the latest UK GQ magazine. The images are shot by my least favourite snapper, Terry Richardson, but it is obvious that Candice feels comfortable with him, judging by the relaxed images. And she should know, right?

The article covers how she grew up in South Africa and got teased a lot at school for being long and very lean and that she just put all her eggs in one basket, modeling, and worked her ass off to succeed. And succeed she has.

I think every person feels that they had a tricky youth. I know that Candice is still super-tight with a number of her school friends, so I am sure it wasn't all bad. So I'm not going to feel too sorry for her. But I am stoked for her success. And wish her many more years of covers and happiness. Yay Candice, with lots of love from home xx
PS: Those are some Prada threads  there.

Fashion Pictures of the Day: Kate Moss and Katy Perry

KATY PERRY AND BAPTISTE GIABICONI
First, please look at this lovely picture of Katy Perry with her rumoured new beau, Baptiste Giabiconi. Baptiste is a Karl Lagerfeld model and muse, who was seated next to Katy at the Chanel show last month. Since then they seem to have hit it off and have been seen on many dates, and on Sunday, Baptiste posted this image of the two of them on Twitter. There is much fashion prettiness here to enjoy. On so many levels. So please do enjoy.

KATE MOSS AND JAMIE HINCE
With regards another Kate altogether, I wanted to show you this latest look from model and designer, Kate Moss. Because it is hard for me to like anything about KM, but this look I love. I adore a bootleg corduroy trouser. To my mind, the only permitted bootleg right now. I also think it is sick paired with the cuban heel, worn-in boot. And the embroidered blouse is cool too. And the snakeskin bag. In fact it is an absolutely awesome vibe of radness that needed to be shown. Now go. Find those cord bootlegs.

Kaley Cuoco in ASOS and Tadashi Shoji

Penny...Penny...Penny... Oh, how I love that game. Like many people around the world, I simply cannot help but adore The Big Bang Theory and its cast of misfits. And Penny. Or Kaley Cuoco as she is known in real life. Kaley has been attending a few events in the past two weeks and I thought it may be worth calling your attention to the super duper little black polka dot ASOS dress she wore to the Genesis Awards (one for the puppies and kitties) on the weekend. And as it is from ASOS, you too can get it for yourself. Bonus.
She wore a wonderfully fresh and on-trend yellow Tadashi Shoji dress last week to the Alzheimer's Association 20th Anniversary dinner. I thought this one was a real winner too. Although you are less likely to be able to get this one for your own wardrobe. Just keeping it real.

What do you think? And while we are about it, what are your feelings on glitter shoes? These adorable Miu Miu numbers kicked off the trend and now they are everywhere. Is that a good or bad thing in your view? Let me know. As you do.

Jennifer Lawrence in Victoria, Victoria Beckham

There is so much to post in one post. First of all Jennifer Lawrence looked all kinds of adorable in her Victoria, Victoria Beckham dress at the Madrid premier of The Hunger Games last night.

Jennifer is also on the cover of the German version of Interview magazine. In Dolce & Gabbana. This is the way I think she looks her best. Strong, powerful, sexy, edgy and pretty all at the same time.

And then there is Victoria Beckham herself. Tweeting a picture of her love for me last night. Well for everyone who supports her, I am guessing, but I like to think it is for me. And Jennifer in her dress. I have a rich and rewarding fantasy life. Good.

Princess Charlene on Cover of Sunday Life

The Sunday Life is the biggest Australian Sunday paper apparently. Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco (and Benoni) - or onse Charlene as we like to say - was on the cover of their magazine recently. Looking amazing in soft neutral shades.

Of course Charlene was in Australia recently so I imagine it was a fun opportunity to get to meet her and there was an opportunity for the local newspapers to get a few minutes with her. It was at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre that these images were shot, where the princess was most relaxed and at home, having swum here before when she was competing for South Africa.
I think that she looks amazing. Every inch the Royal. But still herself, relaxed, sportsmanlike, representing.

Princess Charlene in Custom Akris at 2012 Rose Ball

The lovely and local Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco (and Benoni) stepped out looking happy and beautiful in her custom Akris gown at the 2012 Monaco Rose Ball which had a theme of Swinging London. I think we all just need to accept that Charlene likes to play up her broad swimmers' shoulders - she certainly earned them - and acknowledge that the pale bronze drape is very flattering for her colouring. She looked incredibly elegant.

Her make up and hair were a triumph - best she has ever looked in my opinion. I love the bouffant bun and ribbon hairband. It looks more modern and fashionable than she has tended to. Yay.

Princess Caroline's daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi, attended in Chanel Couture. Yes, well she is a beautiful girl, but I think it looks like she is being smothered to death by dress.

Having said that, the whole family looked like they were having a whale of a time and that is exactly what fancy balls should be. How charming that it turned out that way. I love seeing families have fun together, and the royals are no different. Cheers!

Looks I Loved: Off Duty Style

It is all Elizabeth Olsen's fault. She was spotted wearing those AG Adriano Goldshmied bronze velour leggings with her brogues and floppy hat. J'adore. So then I started to see other cool casual outfits that I rather liked. I am always a fan of the Texas Tuxedo on onse Charlize Theron. She knows exactly how to pair the lighter top with the darker bottom for just the right balance. And then there is Beyonce. Those are Stella McCartney floral trousers. Perfectly combined with those yellow heels and a black silk blouse. And dear old preggers Sienna Miller is embracing the bump by dressing it a classic breton striped tee, which is cool, but it is those cuban heeled boots that steal my heart. Plenty of ideas for the winter weekends to come, right?

January Jones Takes Manhattan in Style

January Jones has been in New York with some of her cast mates promoting the new series of Mad Men, starting on US television this week. She kicked it off (after wearing a series of Roland Mouret dresses) in a black and white Jason Wu dress for a visit to the stock exchange. She followed it up in a selection of leather trousers that are all kinds of awesome on her. And then finished it off with the first of the new season Isabel Marant. I ADORE this last look. The copped blue skinnies layered under the red studded tunic top. Perfection. I would have teamed this with a pair of tasseled loafers, myself, but JanJones does rock a court shoe like nobody's business so I will leave it with her.