What a Gorgeous Cover...

I just finished reading this issue of Harper's Bazaar Australia. I have a subscription, so I received it about 2 months ago (it was a December/January edition), and hadn't had time to read it. It would sit there on my desk, beckoning me forward...the cover always intrigued me. I mean, can anyone look at that cover and not think it's gorgeous? Well the inside is all that it promises.
It was, without a doubt the best issue I've ever read. But back to Jennifer Aniston. I was particularly looking forward to her feature, obviously enticed by her cover photo. The accompanying photo shoot was just as stunning...


Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of frillr.com and thederrtytruth.com]

Wardrobe Envy: Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl seems to have garnered herself somewhat style icon status, of late. For good reason, too. She can accessorize at the drop of a hat (assuming she doesn't hire a stylist for street-outfits), and even if her outfit doesn't work, her smile really does brighten even the most drab outfits.
I'm loving this outfit - it just screams Sex and the City (for some reason?). My only hang-up would be the handbag - it's just not my personal style, that's all.
I'm hearing talk that black tights and boots (or *gasp* black tights in general) are on their way out - bad for me, it's my favourite trend ever - so it's good to see even celebrities are fighting for this trend to stay in.

Catch.

Romany

[photo courtesy of theskinnywebsite.com]

Best Dressed at the SAG Awards 2008

The first actual red carpet event of the year - maybe I'm crazy or maybe I'm just fashion starved, but for what it's worth - I thought they all looked fabulous! Some could have looked better, I'll admit, a little bit more effort never goes astray, lol. But for the most-part, the SAG awards really brought out some gorgeous numbers. As per usual, mermaid trains dominated the arrivals area, but it was good to see a somewhat variety of colours...

The Blues...

These lovely ladies chose, what I personally think is, the most flattering colour there is. Amanda looks grown-up and positively regal in this jewel-encrusted gown. Jamie-Lynn stuck to block colours (she's a woman of curves - she knows what suits her and what doesn't. Gotta love that) and the result: a winner. Oh Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. The way the dress gathers at the décolletage, the stacked shimmery bangles and the clash of red hair with a blue gown - all the ingredients for a red carpet stunner.

The Whites...

Hands down best dressed. Marion Cotillard knows how to make me jealous in her to-die-for Nina Ricci gown. All I can really say is perfect. Perfect hair. Perfect accessories. Perfect length. A little too perfect, you ask? Not this time. Lol.

Backless is hard to pull off - but Eva gives Hilary Swank a run for her money. As much as I do love this dress, I think it looks better from the back than the front. She looks very chic, sporting an old Hollywood up-do and blindingly bright earrings.

I've been hearing lots of criticism about Teri Hatcher's Badgley Mischka (of course, lol) gown. But the way I see it - what's not to like? Badgley and Mischka are both wonderful designers and here's a perfect demonstration of that fact.

...and the Downright Gorgeous.

Ana Ortiz isn't quite a household name yet, but if her fashion sense is anything to go by, I think we'll be hearing her name a lot more from now on. Love the simplicity of the black, then a splash of silver with the pendant. Same with Sara Ramirez - I love her because she's really making a difference as far as not-conforming-to-skinny-Hollywood-ideals goes. And fashionably, too...Oh Debra Messing just looks perpetually beautiful. As well as her impeccable hair and gorgeous make-up, I actually preferred the top-half of her Oscar De La Renta gown - so to highlight all this I chose not to include a full-length shot.

So...one red-carpet down, hopefully many more to go. Oscar's, here we come!

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of popsugar.com and style.com]

Off to the beach, we go...

And so, the holidays have come to end. But before I pack my schoolbag (it's more stylish than it sounds - I made sure of that. Lol) for another year, I'm off to the beach with my family.
Now, I have a few problems with this.
Don't get me wrong, the beach is as fun as a Christmas sale at David Jones, but this is assuming one is in possession of appropriate beach wear - i.e. a cute bathing suit. As hard as I try to avoid this, I'm afraid the bathing suit is destined to be my mortal enemy for the rest of my life. Not only because of self-consciousness (come on, we all get it every once in a while), but because I never seem to find that one that really fits. I'll find an awesome fitting bikini, declare it my best friend for the rest of the summer, try it on again a few months later and find myself uttering the words it's a bit too tight around the front...
Why is this, you ask? I have no idea, boobs just grow when they want, I guess. Either that or my body is determined for me to be chronically depressed, to the point where I stay inside for the rest of my life..?
Anyway, because of this, I have to rely on actual clothes to impress people at the beach. My ideal beach outfit would look something like this:
But for the same reason I've been a bit sluggish about blogging, I simply haven't had time to go out and find myself the perfect pair of denim shorts - the summer staple of 2008. But no matter, I've never had a problem making do with what I've got when it comes to fashion, lol. The questions is, when I do have time, what kind should I get? The high-as-the-sky waist has slowly made it's way back into fashion, it seems.

Trust me, these denim high-waisted shorts are white hot right now. But somehow I just don't think they'd suit my figure (wide hips, see). If, like me, you've got a fairly round behind that has trouble fitting into certain styles of denim, then there's one thing you must always look for when buying denim - back pockets. If shorts or jeans don't have back pockets, they can make your bum look a strange shape. The pockets work as a shaper, giving your bum a rounder, perter generally more attractive look. Lol.

Yes these are much more my style. I'm worried that the lighter colour could wash out my fair skin, but sometimes it has the opposite effect which is very encouraging.
Now all I have to do is find a cute pair of metallic sandals to match. So hot, no? Lol.


Sorry, but I'm going to be M.I.A. for the next 3 or days. I'll do another post as soon as I come home, though. Perhaps I'll write about the sea of man candy there's sure to be down at Lorne. Jealous? Thought so. Lol.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of forevernew.com.au and dotti.com.au]

Sunglasses Inside - Hot or Not?

I know what you're thinking -it depends on the context- because that's exactly what I'm thinking too.
If we're talking about something regular, e.g. a cafe, then that's easy: Not. To be honest, it's a tiny bit try-hard. It's like you're trying to get everyone's attention, when one of the main reasons for sunnies is to disguise yourself.
But if we're talking about something not so regular, e.g. a fashion show, then that's actually quite easy too: Hot. The starlets sporting dark specs in the front row of, say, a Chanel show may look a little strange to some, but to most in the fashion-know, dark sunglasses at a fashion is accepted, if not expected.

Dita Von Teese; Claudia Schiffer; Victoria Beckham at Roland Mouret Haute Couture S/S 08.
Take these women for example. Some of the most fashionable in the business. What's the one thing they all have in common (besides the fact that they're crossing their hands and legs)? Lol.

Want to get your hands on a pair of hot sunnies but not sure where to look? I swear by Sunglass Hut. It's not cheap, but it gets you noticed.

Dolce & Gabbana - logo detailing in Swarovski crystal.

$470AUD

These are a good pick, if you ask me. They're not as dark as a lot of A-listers like 'em, but they're just as hot.
And let the shading begin...

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of sunglasshut.com.au and blogs.gettyimages.com]

What's Her Best Look?

People.com have just included Ashlee in their "What's Their Best Look?" section, comparing her recently dyed-red hair to her long blonde hair. After viewing it, I thought to myself, their are quite a few more looks that Ashlee has tried out than these two. So I thought I'd compile a list of pictures to see when everybody else thinks she looks her best.

June 2003 - blonde.

Ashlee was the epitome of All-American back then.

2004 - black.
Ashlee clearly wanted to differentiate herself from her sister. Mission accomplished: Ash was seen as the rebellious, edgier sister, whereas Jess remained the bubblegum blonde bombshell.

May 2005 - auburn.
Ashlee tried out a new, softer look. But unfortunately, this colour just wouldn't work without the fake tan to support it.

July 2006.
Not only had Ashlee returned to her signature long, blonde locks, but she was also debuting a much skinnier frame. This sparked a lot of controversy, with a lot of gossip mags claiming Ash was "anorexic".

September 2007 - blonde.
I, personally, think that this was Ashlee's best look. Long, wavy blonde hair, no longer skeletal and finely-tuned fashion-skills make for a killer combination.

January 2008 - deep red.

If Sept. 2007 was Ashlee's best look, then this is her second best. This colour makes her look amazingly natural, yet fashionably edgy at the same time.

So, what do you think? What's Her Best Look? Lol.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of instyle.com, hairfinder.com, news.softpedia.com and ashleeportrait.com]

Hit or Miss?

Miranda Kerr at the G'Day USA: Australia Week 2008 black tie gala. I think that Miranda is absolutely stunning, one of the most gorgeous women out there. But, personally, I don't like this look. The gown is divine, but the shoes are just wrong. If she'd have worn her hair long and flowing (and open-toed shoes) she would have looked gentler, and more feminine. Right now the look is just a tad harsh. But what do you think? Did the newly-winged-Angel get it right? Or oh so wrong?

[photo courtesy of justjared.buzznet.com]

Spring 2008 Couture Day 3

Oh thank god, I am definitely loving S/S 08 Haute Couture!
Day 3 was the turning point for me, this year. Ok, so back at Paris Ready-to-Wear, I decided to play a little game: describe the collection (or the particular outfit pictured) in 8 words of less. And now, I feel it's right to bring this game back to life...

Versace

Cupcake! But a very stylish cupcake, of course.

Incomparable elegance time and time again.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Under the sea! Mermaids and umbrellas...creative genius.

Elie Saab

Inspiration: 'Diamonds are Forever'...

Delivery: too beautiful for words. Sunglasses necessary. Lol.

Here comes the bride..The search is over.

Yes, I think I made it. Day 3 saw some interesting developments - Valentino's final curtain call (surrounded by models wearing gowns in signature 'Valentino Red'); an exclusive (appoinment only, apparently) and elegant, yet small, Versace gown collection; catch of the day: Jean Paul Gaultier's fashionably nautical adventure; and a sparkling achievement from Elie Saab.
Love it.

Catch.

Romany.

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Spring 2008 Couture: Valentino

Sigh...And so Mr. Valentino Garavani's 45 year fashion reign comes to a close. But boy did he go out with a bang!
What I love about Valentino (aside from his gorgeous fashions) is his attitude to his success. This being his last show, one would assume that an OTT 'goodbye' is in order. But not for Valentino... he said goodbye, but not so much through words - through his haute couture.
It's easy (and, I have to say, understandable) for designer's heads to swell to the level of their success, but Valentino has remained admirably humble throughout his 45 years of designing, and as he demonstrates here, shows us that it's all about the clothes in his eyes.
And now to said clothes - Oh my gosh, what a classy array of colour! Whether it be...

...shades of yellow. Valentino's signature skirt suits made an appearance. This middle dress is one of the most intricate and stunning pieces of design I've seen in a long time. The gown on the far right isn't really my cup of tea, but the combination of lavender and and pastel yellow reminds me of some pieces from Valentino's last Ready-to-Wear collection.

...white. All these looks represent a different era of fashion. Bold shoulders, empire waistline and knee length hemline - very 1940s inspired. I can't quite pick the era of the middle dress (50s, maybe?), but it's cute none-the-less. And the far right just screams 80s with a classy, modern and jewel-encrusted twist.

As beautiful as this dress on the left is, the bow-belt really makes it. I really can't wait to see this one on the red carpet. (middle) This one, I think, is strategically designed to give contours, where there were none before. The unforgiving nipped-in waist could give any woman hips, no matter how shapeless she may be. (right) This gown was probably my favourite of the entire collection. This is tier-ing at its best. As with most of these, I can't wait to see this on the red carpet, accessorized with a cute clutch, shimmery necklace and either long flowy curls or a sleek up-do (whatever floats your boat, really).

And so, Mr Valentino Garavani, I bid you your final adieu. Get ready for your second standing ovation...

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Spring 2008 Couture Day 2

Oh dear, we're half-way through S/S 08 Haute Couture week. I think ending this week will be sadder than usual, especially considering Valentino is handing over the reigns to former Gucci designer Alessandra Facchinetti, after all these years. Ladies, tissues at the ready...

Chanel

I was really impressed by most of this collection. But I'm guessing that my only problem was that I'm not used to seeing such fashions under Haute Couture. As a Dior fan, haute couture to me means OTT and impracticality - this collection was a real turning point for Chanel, but I still just can't shake the feeling that I wouldn't feel so conflicted if it was Ready-to-Wear. Isn't that weird?
Supposedly, this collection was all about the Chanel jacket. Whether it be tweed, shapely, equestrian-inspired, satin (etc), the jacket is an undeniable timeless classic. Oh and I heard that there was actually a giant wooden Chanel jacket, painted to look like concrete, as a prop at the show. Love it.

There was something odd about the way the models were posing. Some had one arm way out to their side, others standing like mannequins. Perhaps it had something to do with the lack of high-heels at this particular show? Either way, the flats they replaced them with were extremely cute, and downright chic.

Givenchy

Sorry, but I was pretty disappointed by this collection. I'm usually a Givenchy fan, but this time, it just wasn't my style. There was a lot of masculine-inspiration (suits, etc), and that doesn't really do much for me. I am in love with this particular dress, though. And those shoes are just incredible.

Christian Lacroix

I usually have nothing but praise for Christian Lacroix -- but from a far, this collection seemed to be just a jumble of colours and ruffles. But on closer inspection, I started to appreciate the real beauty of his clothes - they're intricately designed, and obviously sewn with the greatest of consideration. This gives even the harshest looking outfits a delicate touch. It's this kind of energy that always sets Lacroix apart from the rest.

I only write about collections I like, as I have made clear. I may be a bit critical about some, sometimes, but only because I'm surprised I don't like them more. I try my very best to post pictures of looks from collections that I like, even if I don't particularly fancy the collection as a whole.
Sorry, I would just hate to come across as mean, because that's not my intention.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Spring 2008 Couture

As Hollywood copes with the death of Heath Ledger, the fashion world continues to go about its business. The Spring couture collections kicked off on Monday, and they're just as dreamy, OTT and generally stunning as usual.

Christian Dior

I don't think that John Galliano could ever design something I don't like. As the days (and collections) go by, I'm starting to acknowledge that he's possibly my most favourite designer...ever.

Need I say more?

Armani Prive

I got a very corporate feel from this collection. Not so much from these two cocktail length dresses (but the colour of the dress on the right, however, is very day-at-the-office, with a creative twist), though...

Well, I can already see these two floor-length gowns gracing the red carpet, being worn by the likes of Cate Blanchett and such...perhaps at the Oscars?

I've been aesthetically spoilt by watching The Secret World of Haute Couture (yes I know I've mentioned in almost ever single subsequent post, but I just loved it so much!), so I'm afraid, as much as I do like the couture collections so far, it's not really comparing...Perhaps I just need to completely absorb myself in it once more...Well, we still have a whole week of gorgeous fashions to come!

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Heath Ledger dies at 28

I am absolutely devastated by this news, and it hasn't left my head once all day. As much as it pains me to write about this, I feel a certain obligation to just get the bare facts down.

Fans, loved ones and New York locals are shocked and devastated at the news of Australian Oscar nominated actor Heath Ledger's untimely death on Tuesday. He was found by his housekeeper at 3.30pm in cardiac arrest and surrounded by pills, unable to be woken. Police arrived soon after but were too late...
He was also suffering from pneumonia at the time of his death.
Heath was previously involved with Michelle Williams with whom he has a 2 year old daughter, Matilda.
R.I.P. Heath Ledger...

[photo courtesy of nndb.com]

Ain't no sunshine...

Hmm...well it seems that the weight Paris Hilton seemed to have put on, has vanished. She's looking rail thin as usual here, as she parties around Park City, Utah for the Sundance festival.
She also never looks happy these days. Not that with the paparazzi following her everywhere she goes would make for a very happy and fulfilling lifestyle anyway. But there was a time a few years ago when she did seem happy, even if it was pretend. But lately (perhaps since her time inside?) she doesn't even try to act happy.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but sometimes, I feel a little bit sorry for her...

Catch.

Romany

[photo courtesy of popsugar.com]

Look at that thing fly!

Kylie Minogue was honoured at the G'Day USA: Australia Week 2008 Australia.com Black Tie Gala on Saturday, for her contribution to the entertainment industry.
Ok now that the basic facts are out of the way, we can focus on her amazing gown! I love Kylie, but to be honest, her recent fashion choices have made me question how much more I can put up with. Lol. She used to be a style icon, but of late her style has changed and so has my opinion. But it certainly looks like she's getting back on track these days.

Kylie Minogue -- G'Day USA: Australia Week 2008 Australia.com Black Tie Gala

Wow! Look at that thing fly!

I am in love with this gown, and Kylie carries is very well. Kylie is quite short in stature so it's unfortunately very easy for her to look short in her dress choices. No, this gown doesn't make her look tall, but she has successfully avoided looking as petite as in the past.
No luck on finding the designer, though...If anyone knows, give me a shout.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of gofugyourself.typepad.com and hollywoodrag.com]

Chloé 2008 - not so scary

As you may remember, I was a little worried about Chloé's new creative director Paolo Melim Andersson taking the brand to a whole new level (yes a change is often good, but not when one takes away everything a brand is loved for). And for his first two runway shows, it seems that he was exceeding even his own expectations - but his pre-fall collection is a lot softer, thank god. I'm not sure what made him change his mind, and his inspiration, but whatever it was (whether it's here to stay, or just a one-off), it's a welcome stroll down memory lane. Lol.
I'm really loving, not only the actual pieces themselves, but the overall styling is just genius.

Purple tights seem to be a staple for this collection. Love the scarf, the coat, the tights - love, love, love the boots.

See what I mean? Genius, just genius...

I haven't really been covering pre-fall much because there aren't a lot of looks in each collection. But I've been looking through them, and like normal have only been writing about the one's I really like. But after watching The Secret World of Haute Couture yesterday, these collections have some big shoes to fill...
Lol.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

The Secret World of Haute Couture

How very alluring...
The Secret World of Haute Couture is a documentary narrated, produced and directed by acclaimed English documentary-maker Margy Kinmonth. The title is enough to have you hooked from the first minute, but it's the club members (you'll find out when you watch it) who keep you engaged throughout the film. Margy sets off on a journey around the world to find out what exactly is so special about haute couture, and it's most devoted admirers. What follows is a fascinating, engaging, glamorous 60 minutes of nothing but fashion, fashion and more fashion.
But even more importantly, viewers get a glimpse of some of the most influential people in fashion today (Karl Lagerfeld, anyone?), and the women they're dressing.
The club members are some of the most stylish and glamorous people you'll ever see - some of them even show us what the inside of the wardrobes look like.
Margy takes a particular interest in fashion giant Karl Lagerfeld, documenting the process of designing to creating to presenting that the designer goes through each fashion week. A specific dress (made entirely of feathers) catches Margy's eye, and viewers see this one go from being a sketch on paper, to a full blown haute couture masterpiece.

Feather dress - Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2006

Did you know that if a dress is not "hand made in Paris" then it is not officially haute couture? Many, many other 'rules', and secrets are revealed in the documentary.
A must-see if there ever was one for fashionistas around the globe.

What brought on this seemingly random documentary review/recommendation, you ask? Well I was browsing through the online pages of fashionista yesterday and came across a post about this documentary. I watched it and loved it so much, I felt the need to write about it.
Dying to see it for yourself? Well, if you missed it on tv, never fear.
Click here for all six deliciously addictive parts.

Catch.

Romany

[photo courtesy of kissmestace.com]

Fresh as a Daisy

Yes, I admit it. Besides today's Quote of the Week post, it has been 11 whole days since I've posted! Isn't that disgraceful? My last prolonged absence was due to exams, but this time it's because I simply haven't had time. I'm currently on holidays - am I the only one who thought holidays are supposed to be about resting and catching up on doing the things you loved most? I must be, because this last week especially, I haven't had a spare minute to breathe, I've been so busy. Hopefully next week will be smoother sailing.

One of my time consuming activities of this last week was a much-needed (and long-planned-for) clothes hunting trip, aka shopping! Lol. It was one of my more fun reasons for being away from the computer. So the trip wasn't as successful as anticipated, but I did make one good investment. It's called Daisy, by Marc Jacobs.
As my quest for a signature scent continues, I'm confident the search has maybe come to an end? I didn't immediately love Daisy (unlike Ralph Cool, by Ralph Lauren - which I patch tested and was devastated when I found that my sensitive skin reacts to it. Isn't life funny?), and in a way I think that was a good thing. I tried it on, gave it a couple of hours to settle, and voila! - I'm now addicted. Lol.
In my eyes, the ultimate compliment is to hear "Mm, you smell nice." (Why, you ask? I once read an article about a man who loved fragrances - and who also couldn't fall in love with a woman if he didn't like the way she smelled. As far as I'm concerned, scent is everything). Well, I've spritzed Daisy twice, and received this compliment twice. Coincidence? I think not.
It's $80AUD for 50mL. This may sound excessive, but believe me, it's worth it. Well, worth it if you're a fan of the floral, feminine and subtle-when-not-used-in-excess type of fragrance.
In one sentence, Daisy, by Marc Jacobs is sunshine in a bottle.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of sephora.com]

Quote of the Week

"I'm against Yucca Mountain. I think the science is not there. I've never, I've never been for Yucca. Never been for it. Never said I was for it.
Suddenly you've got the Clinton camp out there saying, `He's for Yucca.' What part of I'm not for Yucca do you not understand?
Those kinds of tricks, that kind of approach to politics is what has to stop because what happens is then nobody believes anything. The voters don't believe what politicians say. They get cynical. Folks in Congress, they'll tell you they're looking out for you - they're looking out for somebody else.
We have to change that politics and that's why I'm running for president."
Barack Obama, on why his political tactics are different to those of his opponents.

I found this in an article in The Huffington Post, and while Barack is blatantly making fun of the Clinton camp in the rest of this article, here it demonstrates his core values, and reasons for doing so. I'm not condoning his put-downs (which are basically just for a cheap laugh it seems), but I'm willing to overlook them, and focus on the positivity.

Hit or Miss?

I love Drew Barrymore. She's one of my favourite actresses. Her fashion sense has been up and down for most of her adult life (living it in public, and all) - but lately she's been spot on with her choices. In my opinion, this is one of those times. She looks chic and relaxed, working this very simple, almost-military-style frock with a splash of colour. Nice work Drew.
But what do you think? Did the once-bad-now-squeaky-clean girl get it right? Or oh so wrong?

[photo courtesy of gofugyourself.typepad.com]

Cute New Sportsgirl Collection - Retro!

Thinking retro? Think Sportsgirl!
I was browsing through the new collection online, and was pleasantly surprised when I saw that nearly every single piece was vintage inspired. Not to mention super cute.

(left) Tea Rose Blouse AUD$89.95 -- (right) 70s Stripe Top AUD$39.95

(left) Juliet Sleeve Cardi AUD$49.95 -- (middle) Scandia Jacket AUD$89.95 -- (right) Retro Vest AUD$69.95

(left) Cut Out A Line Dress AUD$89.95 -- (right) Helen Floral Scarf AUD $24.95

70s Siren Flare AUD$89.95

I know I said I'd never put high-waisted pants in a good light, but these Siren Flare's are just too gorgeous to resist. I doubt they'll look any good on me anyway (big hips, see), in which case I can happily go back to hating them again. Lol.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of sportsgirl.com.au]