Pregnant and Fabulous!

Wow. Even when pregnant, Halle looks more humble and fashionable than half the young Hollywood starlets out there. Here, at the Rome Film Festival showing her new movie Things We Lost In the Fire, Halle shines in an extremely flattering, dark grey dress and black overcoat.
Practical and stylish.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of popsugar.com]

Hit or Miss?

This could totally have been nice. If Amy had chosen slightly darker colours, or perhaps even considered a light fake tan (I am probably paler than Amy and am very proud of it, so I'm in no way condoning fake tanning), then there would be no problem. Just a minor hiccup, that she's going to cop flack for. But what does she care? She's made out with some of Hollywood's hottest men (Leo DiCaprio, Patrick Dempsey and Ryan Phillipe to name a few)...she doesn't have anything to worry about.
Lucky girl.
But what do you think? Did the pasty-pint-sized-puma get it right? Or oh so wrong?

[photo courtesy of gofugyourself.com]

Separated at Birth?

I don't usually do this kind of thing, and don't worry, it won't become a regular post. Lol. I just needed to express my disbelief at the fact that Mischa Barton has a twin! Well, not literally, but you know what I mean. Australian actress Jessica Tovey (from channel 7's soap opera 'Home and Away') looks almost exactly like Mischa. Here, see for yourselves:

Jessica Tovey

Mischa Barton

See what I mean?
Speaking of Mischa, the waif-like fashionista has been keeping a relatively low profile these days. The gossip rags are claiming she's "piled on the pounds" but I, personally, don't think that's the case. I suppose it's hard to compete with Britney, Lindsay, Paris, Nicole and Angelina for media attention these days (totally kidding, these girls, well most of them anyway, make it blatantly clear that they do not under any circumstance enjoy being followed by the paparazzi).
Back to Jessica and Mischa being twins, what do you think? Do they look strikingly similar, or is it just me?

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of seven.com.au and tv.yahoo.com]

High School Trendspotting: Fluoro

Ok, so this trend can be divided into 3 different categories: trashy, casual and adult. I don't usually like to say bad things about people , so I'll be relatively short with the Trashy category: I see lots of people around, who wear fluoro track pants usually accompanied with big styled hair, and I, personally, don't like this look. This trend never used to be that bad though (me having gotten into the whole track pants thing about 2 years ago), it probably could have passed as throw-on casual. But these days, the fluoro makes all the difference, creating a trying-to-look-just-thrown-together-but-just-looking-totally-fake look. Oh well. It's their choice. And that's all I'll say.

Casual is a lot nicer. Basically it's everything the name suggests. Comes in virtually everything, but the most popular item seems to be hooded jumpers. Then there's Adult. Or Nu-Rave as the fashion mags are calling it these days, admitting to being 'scared' of this trend. There's nothing to be scared of. Just be yourself.
As you can probably tell, I'm not the biggest fan of this FT but I'm living with it. Lol
Clue for next FT post: skinny minnie.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of stevieon.com]

Unleash the Animal Within...

More gorgeous jewellery from Max & Chloe!

As I was (and still am, really) looking far and wide for new signature earrings, I came across a stunning display of Animal Kingdom inspired pieces now on offer at my favourite online accessories store.

Cuffs

Pade Vavra Snake cuff -- $335
The stare in the snake's eyes is mesmerising. And creepy. Lol.

Kenneth Jay Lane Snake cuff -- $300

Kenneth Jay Lane Black Insect cuff -- SALE $102 (original price $150)
Oh I love this! It's so beautifully made. The colours are a perfect match.

Bracelets

Kenneth Jay Lane White Elephant bracelet -- $125
This is my absolute favourite, no doubt. Stunning, simply stunning.

Kenneth Jay Lane Giraffe bracelets -- $90

Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Panther bracelets -- $75

Rings

Marcia Moran Snake ring -- $72
Also comes in a bracelet -- $145

Earrings

Kenneth Jay Lane Tiger hoops -- $62

Necklaces

Kenneth Jay Lane Vintage Monkey necklace -- $75

Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Panther necklace

Considering these are mostly gold, they probably aren't your thing if you're more of a silver girl (although, to be honest I'm a big fan of silver and not so much of gold, but I love this stuff).
Well, I just realised I have major homework that I haven't done, which is due tomorrow. Usually I don't mention homework, but I can't think of any other way to end this post. Lol.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of maxandchloe.com]

Is Paris Gaining Weight?

I've been reading reports all over the internet for months that the heiress, famous for her stick thin figure, has gained weight. But all the "evidence" shown seemed to simply be photos taken at unflattering angles. A few weeks ago a photo emerged on The Skinny Website that pretty much proved that Paris had put on a bit of weight. Now after coming across the photo above (Paris and Ozzy Osbourne at Spike TV's Scream Awards) it seems as though she's put on more than 'a bit' of weight. She's by no means 'fat' of course, she's just not exactly a stick anymore.
I'm not sure whether this is a good thing, or a bad thing? Is she gaining the healthy way? Or the not so healthy way?
Of course, there's always the possibility that she's pregnant...?

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of people.com]

Good Luck for Every Style Preference

Like the idea of the Jade Necklaces with Red String I mentioned earlier, but having trouble finding them? Or you simply like the idea of fashionable good luck but minus the jade? Well, look no further. I was perusing the New Items at Max & Chloe and came across these cute, little bracelets by newcomer One Of a Kind, already being sported by A-Listers.

One of a Kind Hamsa Red String bracelet -- $39
I like to think this one signifies unity. Hands usually symbolise that kind of thing to me.

One of a Kind Cross Red String bracelet -- $39
If it's a more religious feel you're after, this is the bracelet for you.

One of a Kind Star Red String -- $39
And my personal favourite, the star bracelet. These particular charms remind me of the airport for some reason? Perhaps all the vast unification of culture that fills an airport has something to do with it?

Love it.
Seriously, if you're looking for latest IT bracelet, you've come to the right place.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of maxandchloe.com]

Turning Over A New Leaf (minor pun, not intended lol)

I came back from camping on the banks of the Murray River (the border of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia) 2 days ago, and just completely forgot to write about it. I loved it so much that I thought it definitely deserved a mention.
I have to admit, I wasn't as panicky about packing as I usually am in the days leading up to my bi-annual camp trips, and I guess that was a good thing. I almost always over-pack due to anxiety, but this year (well, this half of the year; I've already had one camp trip this year) I was pretty calm and packed the bare minimum, really.
My basic daily attire was shorts (Bonds, of course), a singlet top, a shirt of some sort (my flannel one looked pretty hot, lol), my Skechers Bikers (just plain old Hobbie) and a cheap, but cute and highly complimented necklace I bought from Target!

This is where we camped. Right on the bank. And it was surrounded by sand, so it was basically a trip to the beach. It was such a strange contrast to look to the right and see a country landscape and then look to the left and there was this beach-like landscape.
It was the best camping trip I've ever been on, despite the lack of showers, toilets, proper beds and warmth at night (and the added, inevitable bitchiness that ensued when 40 teenagers were thrust into a remote and primitive area together).
It also made me really appreciate all my beauty products back here at home, even though I coped well without them for 4 days, any longer and my skin would probably be resembling a pizza surface. Dear Jurlique, Miessence, Auroma, Chanel and MAC: thank you for making such wonderful products. Lol.

If you live in Australia (or even if you don't) and you've never visited the Murray River before, I highly recommend a drive down there. It's totally worth it.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of capitalandcountry.com.au]

High School Trendspotting: Slouchy Boots

Now this is something that started quite a while ago. Obviously it's more of a winter trend, but can be worn in summer also, with shorts. Doesn't sound too hot? Believe me, it is.
I generally try to steer clear of leather and suede products (I'm a vegetarian, see), but sometimes I just can't help myself. I've never even found a pair that come in my size, anyway, so I guess it's for the best.
Anyway, the type I see mostly are fairly dark, flat and leather. So basically, just imagine these...

...except without the heel (and perhaps in most cases a tiny bit darker, but this trend is open to interpretation of course). These can be worn with jeans (dark, skinny/ slim line jeans mostly), opaque stockings (another red hot trend), short shorts (more on those in another post) etc.

It started with one person, then before I knew it they were everywhere! Much like the Jade Necklaces. But, I suppose, that's what a trend is right?
Clue for next FT post: glow in the dark...

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of fabsugar.com]

Quote of the Week

“I feel like I’m a regular person. I’m a size 10 or 12, which is totally normal. But I do feel that since I wanted to get in better shape, there has been a bit of a backlash.”
America Ferrera on the pressure of losing weight.

Wow. It seems like the media is never happy. If I understand what America is saying correctly, she's copping it from the media (or whoever else) for wanting to lose weight (for health reasons), then that's just unfair. If you gain weight you're a pig, if you lose weight you're weak and conformist.
How can tabloid writers sleep at night?

Hit or Miss?

Hmm....to be honest, I never really liked this outfit to begin with, when Natalia Vodianova wore it at the Balenciaga Spring show. But, now that I'm looking it at closer, I think it sort of suits Jennifer Connelly. I think she looks good. Not great, not bad. Just...good. The shoes are a bit much though. But what do you think? Did the quirky-once-Blood-Diamond-seeker get it right? Or oh so wrong?

[photo courtesy of gofugyourself.com]

Pretty In Pink

October is National Breast Cancer Month, and everywhere you look women are getting involved. Thinking of joining them? There are heaps of ways to show your support, such as:
*going Pink shopping!
*wearing your Pink Ribbon on Pink Ribbon Day (October 22)
*attending an NBCF event, such as the PINK National Women's Triathlon Series launching in Sydney on October 20
*attending the Concert for the Cure (date to be confirmed)
*plain old donating
*heaps more!
Another such way to raise funds is to hold a breakfast. I read about this idea sometime last year, and decided it would be a wonderful way to show support for the NBCF as well as having fun with heaps of my girlfriends, at what's sure to be a Girl's Only event. Due to an overseas trip, camping and a large-scale production I was involved in at the time, the breakfast sadly didn't end up happening.
But I'm determined to get it off the ground this year. So I've started researching, and reading up about everything I need to do to put a breakfast on. On the Pink Ribbon Breakfast website, they've announced that kits containing merchandise and such are no longer available (probably due to the whopping 7, 500 registrations they've already received), but no matter. It will be harder now, but only makes it more worthwhile.

Of course, a great way to show your support is to purchase some Pink products. Some favourites of mine are:

Diamante Pin -- $10

Pink Polo -- $29.95

Apron -- $19.95

Bianca Dye Mount Franklin Tote Bag -- $9.95

All this and more can be found at the Pink Ribbon online store.
Good luck and happy philanthropy! :-)

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of pinkribbonshop.org.au]

High School Trendspotting: Jade Necklaces

This idea just popped into my head this morning at work. My friends and I were talking about a particular fashion trend we've been seeing a lot of lately (one which I shall elaborate on in a later post), and I thought to myself wow, high school really is one of the most trend-following places on earth. Then I thought about how fashion trends (FT's) are extremely important to some people (myself partially included, lol), and figured it would be a good idea to record all the FT's I notice at school and write about them. This can be for any number of causes, e.g.: so people can read about a particular FT and perhaps decide to try it out..?
Anyway, I thought I'd start with something that I, myself, have invested in (and I was one of the first, I'm proud to admit, lol): Jade necklaces with red strings.


I remember writing about the fact that my close friends were going on a trip to China a little while ago. Well, they've been back for a few weeks, and one particular gorgeous friend of mine brought me back a jade necklace. She also bought these for quite a few of our friends. We started our school term this week, wore our necklaces and all of a sudden it's the new black.
Jade is a beautiful stone, and the red string represents good luck. Mine is heart-shaped, but they come in millions of different shapes and sizes.
For my High School Trendspotting (it's not a very catchy or original title, is it?) segment, I will try and give clues about the next FT.
Clue for next FT post: if the shoe fits...

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of chinese-zodiac-symbols.com]

Paris- Spring Ready To Wear: Last days

Oh my gosh, so sorry I haven't posted in over a week! I have been so flat-chat with work, school and preparing to go camping (Yay! Not). I haven't even had time to sleep (I so wish that was an exaggeration). So I thought I should probably post the remains (the very stylish remains) of Paris Fashion Week quickly, then move on to a segment that I'm very excited about. I'm going to try this new game: describe the collection (or the particular outfit that's pictured) in 8 words or less. Here goes...

Lanvin

Of the collection, the only outfit I liked.

Louis Vuitton

Disappointing. Wasn't of the usual LV standard.

Nina Ricci

Gorgeous, fun, vibrant. Loved it.

Stella McCartney

Effortlessly chic, the whole way through.

Chanel

Strange, but inventive. Mostly chic, with some hiccups.

Collette Dinnigan

Surprising. Not usually a fan, but loved this.

Elie Saab

Fun, sexy, chic. What more could you want?

Love these! The use of colour is genius.

John Galliano

Brilliantly beautiful collection by a brilliant (and I suppose beautiful, too, lol) man.

That's all for Spring Ready To Wear. Hope you enjoyed the ride as much I did. If you missed out on anything or simply need to cure your Spring Fashion fix, then go to Style.com.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Paris- Spring Ready To Wear: Valentino

I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Valentino Garavani himself, nor have I ever worn a piece designed by the great man either (but fear not, there is still time, lol), but I do know one thing: Valentino is an undeniable fashion genius, and he has 45 years of stylish masterpieces under his belt to prove it.
If anyone doubted Valentino's ability to create beautiful, wearable fashions (or to woo a crowd) then simply take a look at his latest (and *sniff sniff* last) Ready-To-Wear collection. With pink being inspiration for the first half, never neglecting the power of the belt, and alternating between fun, flirty cocktail dresses (or coats) and long, flowing evening gowns, this collection (along with countless others of his) is sure to get its own section in the fashion history books.

The pinks and whites of this collection reminded me so much of marshmellows. Mmm, edible fashion: now that's a good idea! Lol. I love, love, love the middle and far right looks. Lily's (far right) outfit is inspired! Grecian, yet workwear at the same time.

Ah, the evening gowns. There's really not much to say except molto bella!

The jacket Flavia (left) is wearing is similar to Raquel's (first picture, middle) except with more neutral colours. I love that style, it's perfect day and night wear. (right) Oh what a pretty dress! It would be more perfect if she was wearing braids in her hair, don't you reckon?
Honestly, there was not one outfit in this collection that I didn't like. It was all wonderful!

And so, Valentino, Ready-to-Wear bids you adieu. Get ready for your standing ovation...

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Paris- Spring Ready To Wear: Day 4

Well what a colourful day of fashion it's been! From Christian Lacroix' Asian inspired creations, to Karl Lagerfeld's rainbow runway (Givenchy kept it sophisticated, showing mostly dark pieces) it's been one hell of a rollercoaster ride! Lol.

Christian Lacroix

If you're ever looking for flowing, Asian dream-like pieces then Christian Lacroix is most definitely your man. This year he added a huge hat of some sort, with beautiful patterns atop most of the models' heads. I love the bejewelled shoes Lily (right) is wearing.

Givenchy

I quite like this collection. Especially the coat and matching skirt the model on the left (she looks so angry?) is wearing. Raquel's (far right) shoes are amazing! The middle outfit is so cool, and looks quite wearable also. Nice work.

Karl Lagerfeld

Wizard of Oz, anyone? Or perhaps, Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat? This sudden surge of colour is so unexpected of Karl Lagerfeld, and what a wonderful surprise it is, I must say. I love these two dresses the most, especially the flowery print one on the right. Even the plain shoes are totally cute.

Stay tuned for Mr Valentino Garavani's final curtain call!

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Paris- Spring Ready To Wear: Days 2 and 3

Ah! Paris FW is almost over, it's going too fast, I can't keep up lol! Sorry, no day one. Gotta keep it moving, right?
Anyways, some interesting looks showing in Paris. Usually, there's at least maybe one ongoing theme that's apparent throughout the majority of the collections, but this year is just all over the place! In a good way of course. It just makes Trend Spotting a little more difficult, no? Lol.

Viktor & Rolf

This is really confusing me. Normally, I'm a huge non-fan of Viktor & Rolf. But this collection actually got the better of me. Usually, I find their clothes to be harsh and even a bit angry. But this collection was soft, chic, pretty and a tad feminine even?

Christian Dior

What much is there to say? Another collection of chic, feminine (and a hint of James Bond-type spy gear?) masterpieces. It's Christian Dior, natch.

There were many looks inspired by eras passed. I'm getting an 80s vibe from the far left and right outfits. Whereas, Gemma in the middle is wearing one of the James Bond outfits I mentioned.

Balenciaga

I was really confused by the first half of this collection. It seemed like all the first outfits were just the same thing except in different colours, but halfway through the rest of the collection emerged. I really like those shoes, their so...abstract.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Viewing Jean Paul Gaultier's collections is absolutely exhausting, lol! But seriously, his designs are so consistently dramatic and theatrical you just have to give him snaps for his unwavering energy. His clothes are so interesting, as much as I don't think I would ever wear any of it, and to be honest I don't particularly even like the look of them, I find myself unable to look away.

Sophia Kokosalaki

Chic, sophisticated and (mostly) sensible. You can't really go wrong there, can you? Some think using lots of black in a collection is easy and safe (that word is thrown around way too much in fashion, in my opinion), but if the collection is pretty and practical then what does it really matter, right?

Hopefully I'll get another post done about today's shows before it's all over! Lol.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Quote of the Week

"Of course, it's always important to remember that fashion is what's on offer, style is what you choose."
Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs, in an interview with Harper's Bazaar Australia.

Lol, wow, as far as statements about fashion go, this is really perceptive and, well, smart. I've never even thought of it this way.
Well, there you go.