High School Trendspotting: Lurex Metallic Stripe Scarves

There's nothing better than lurex to glam up an outfit. And in what better form than a scarf?
Ever since, say September-October these have been everywhere. But it's great, because they're gorgeous! I haven't had the time to pick one up for myself but I borrowed my friend's the other night at a party, and am not looking forward to giving it back. Lol.

It's really just an ordinary lightweight, white scarf with tassles, but the metalic stripe (sounds a bit NASCAR, doesn't it? Lol) really jazzes it up. This one above is from ASOS which is an online store, based in the UK. Here in Australia, people are mostly wearing their lurex scarves that they bought months ago, probably from Sportsgirl, but Dotti is still stocking them in peach and other colours; Just Jeans were stocking the white ones, with blue metallic stripes a few weeks back, but I haven't seen any since...Glassons are still stocking them in white, and other colours, also.
This yellow lurex scarf with metallic stripe above is Miss Selfridge. It's so pretty!
For those of you dealing with winter weather at present (lucky. It's way too hot over here), thick scarves (e.g. pashmina's for sophistication and style), are an excellent option to keep the scarf trend going.
Clue for next FT post: it's a long country road we walk down...

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of asos.com and missselfridge.com]

For the designer hunters on a budget...

Dotti Enviro Bag -- $29.95

I bought myself one of these a couple of weeks ago, after I realised the iconic Anya Hindmarch original wasn't coming to Australia. Hilarious slogan, don't you think?

[photo courtesy of dotti.com.au]

High School Trendspotting: Short Shorts and Long Cardigans

Yay! Finally an FT that works my way, lol! I've worn this combination of clothing many a time this year, and loved every minute of it.
Used to seeing the usual Daisy Duke denim cut off short shorts? No wonder you're not enthusiastic about this trend (not that there's anything wrong with these, but denim Daisy Dukes have some, let's say, risqué associations). Get creative and interpret/alternate this trend to make it your own. I've mostly seen loose fabric short shorts (that are mighty short, rest assured) this year, but denim is always hot so don't get down if that's how you'd like it. Whatever floats your boat.
Now for my favourite part, the cardi. Being a woman of a somewhat curvaceous stature, I have many body parts that I like to cover up. Cardi's are my best friend, for that very reason, especially long ones. Light, breezy, laid-back: perfect for summer.
Clue for next FT post: sparkle, sparkle, sparkle.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of victoriassecret.com and crossingwallstreet.com]

Pre-Fall 2008 -- Best Bits

Badgeley Mischka

Oh, I always love the designs of these two genius boys. It seems they're very into mermaid hems right now. The white dress on the far right could totally be a gorgeous wedding dress, right?

Oscar De La Renta

Do I really need to talk about how wonderful I think Mr. De La Renta is? I mean sure, I want to, I could do it all day, but is it really necessary? The middle outfit is my favourite, and as much I love black tights, I think a few seem to be a bit bored with them: De La Renta has their problems solved.

Zac Posen

I know that Zac Posen has some sort of cult celebrity following, over on the other side of the world, but I really don't understand it. Sure a lot of his clothes are cute and pretty, but let's be honest, he's no John Galliano. Zac Posen is great for simplicity, though.

There you have it, pre-autumn.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Shock Celebrity News -- Just In!

Jessica Alba is pregnant

"I can confirm that Jessica and Cash are expecting a baby in late spring, early summer," says rep Brad Cafarelli.
Wow, I did not see this one coming. I always knew Jessica wanted a family but this is just a major shock. She's so young! Oh well, she's lovely so I'm sure she'll make the best mum.

Jodie Foster comes out of the closet

Jodie Foster has finally come out as a lesbian to pay tribute to her lover of 14 years. After winning an award at a Women in Entertainment breakfast , she broke her taboo to thank "my beautiful Cydney."
"Perhaps it was because her children are getting older and she didn't want them to think there was anything wrong with being gay. Perhaps she was simply sick and tired of life in the closet. Whatever her reasons, we are pleased that Jodie found the courage to be true to herself." says Kathy Belge, of the Lesbian Life website.

Good for her! It's been speculated for years, and now the truth finally comes out (oh whoops, pun not intended). I think it's great that lesbian women out there dealing with expressing their sexuality now have a strong, independent woman to really look up to.

EDIT: Tina Turner's former husband, Ike, has died. He was 76 years old. Tina's rep made this statement to the press, "Tina hasn’t had any contact with Ike in more than 30 years. No further comment will be made."

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of news.com.au and celebrityhookups.wordpress.com]

Wardrobe Envy: Hayden Panettiere

Hayden goes Christmas shopping with her mum in New York City, looking like an absolute supermodel. Perfect styling, perfect hair, perfect accessories. Altogether a fairly perfect look.
Nice work, Hayden!
Ah, beware the green-eyed monster.
Lol.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of thesuperficial.com]

Movies To Watch At Christmas Time

Oh my gosh, it's exactly 2 weeks to go, everybody!
Everybody's favourite holiday is creeping up on us and I, for one, am stressing. I don't have half as much to do as all those legendary women cooking Christmas breakfast and/or lunch and/or dinner, and yet I'm still feeling claustrophobic with how fast the weeks are going by. There's just not enough time! What to do when feelings like this are overwhelming your thoughts? Why not watch a good old comfort movie.
Now that it's Christmas, comfort movies are theme-restrictive (mostly). I, myself, haven't actually seen many Christmas themed movies, but those I have seen have landed themselves on my comfort movies list.
Here are my favourite movies to watch at Christmas time.

The Santa Clause
Wow, it really doesn't get much better than this, as far as Christmas movies are concerned. A wonderfully original idea (the main character accidentally 'kills' Santa and must takes his place as part of the Santa 'Clause'...haha), complimented by couldn't-be-more-perfect-for-the-character Tim Allen and Eric Lloyd as his adorable son. When I think of Christmas, this movie starts playing in my mind...Love it.

Home Alone 1 & 2
To be honest, I prefer Home Alone 2, but number 1 was the original so it's a must-watch anyway. Home Alone 2 is perfect. The music, the setting (ah, New York...), the actors, the story...There's not really much else I can say, except those who haven't seen this one (see Home Alone 1 first), you are missing out, definitely give it a go.

The Holiday
This movie only came out last year, so it hasn't quite acquired a position on many people's Favourite Xmas Movie lists, but don't worry, it will. You're probably thinking, 'house swapping, been there done that', but it's so much more than that. It's about love, family, supporting yourself and your loved ones and being true to who you really are. Painfully sweet, at times, with some delightful eye candy (oh, Jude Law...), the Holiday has it all.

Love Actually
Ok, I want to keep this short, because I could go on about how perfect and sweet and most of all true to life this movie is and how much I love it, forever. An intriguing look at the relationships of 8 (I'm pretty sure it's 8) different character's, around Christmas time. Is there any better way to spread love and warmth than by making an inspirational movie like Love Actually (with regards to film, at least)? I love this movie, and more importantly its message, and always will...

There you have it, my favourite Christmas movies.
What are your favourite movies to watch at Christmas time?

Catch.

*Romany*

Chanel Pre-Fall 2008 Collection

Oh, Mr Lagerfeld how unpredictable you are!
Karl Lagerfeld and a gaggle of his most glamorous posse made their made to London this week to present a very special collection of luxury clothing, right between ready-to-wear and haute couture. At first, I kept asking myself why? Later, I realised why not? All the time is the right time for a fashion show. But the real reason is, I think, to cater for the smaller sized foreign women glamorizing the U.K. right now, looking for something luxe to drape themselves in. That's all I could get from Style.com's reasoning. Does that make me dumb? Oh well, that's life.
One word: black. Seriously, there was no confusion with this collection (grey area, ha get it?). Anyway, I was scared for a while there when it was being said that black tights and heels were out, that being one of my favourite ever outfit additions...but I wasn't buying that anyway.

My black observation still stands (but, as you can see, there was the odd splash of colour here and there). However, if it's a fashionable hyphenated adjective that you're looking for, punk-chic was this collection to a tee.

Even though, I'm not exactly loving these two outfits (the black one is my favourite of the two), I would love to be able to wear this kind of dress, just to say I could. But curves and puffy sleeves with a twist of exaggerated bubble-hem don't exactly equal hot.

Very chic collection. Ah, Mr Lagerfeld, you still got it.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Quote of the Week

"At the end of the day, you are just making a movie. It's not brain surgery and nobody's going to die and things are going to be okay. So just take a breather, have a glass of wine and laugh about it."
Charlize Theron, on how she deals with the pressure of being an actress.

Oh, I love this! The number one motto for anyone taking the film industry too seriously. Just chill out, everybody.

Some good old mascara comparison...

Remember my obsession with Chanel Inimitable mascara? Oh don't worry, it's still there but my darling Chanel will now have to share my affection with my new Dior.Which is better, you ask? Tough question...the Diorshow offers beaucoup de length and volume,
but not alot of separation. But, I have to be honest, I was blessed with long lashes (yay for genes! Lol) so length in a mascara isn't that big a deal for me. But I am very self conscious about my eyes and feel that volume is important so that's a plus. Clumping is a tiny problem with Diorshow, but as long as you know how to avoid clumps or at least get rid of them properly then it doesn't matter.
The Chanel really lengthens and separates, but, to put it simply (because I don't really know how else to say it) the Diorshow makes my eyes more noticeable from a distance. Hold it, I just thought of the best solution:

-Chanel Inimitable for day wear
-Diorshow by Dior for night wear

As the evidence plainly shows, they're both wonderful mascaras and for $50 (both same price) they're worth every cent.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of sephora.com]

Christmas Wishlist: Literary Feast

I remember when I first started this blog, I was lusting after the new Melissa de la Cruz book 'Crazy Hot', the 4th in 'The Au Pairs' series. Unfortunately, after 6 months, I still am. But, just like the Ralph Cool, this will be the year. 'Crazy Hot' isn't alone on my wishlist this year, however. Authors Sara Shepard and Zoey Dean have also caught my eye, of late...

Crazy Hot -- Melissa de la Cruz
It's been a year since the hottest au pairs ever saw the Hamptons, and they're certainly older -- though not necessarily wiser. Or drama-free.
Eliza, Jacqui, and Mara thought they'd be spending the summer apart, but when Eliza's new stepmother finds herself in need of some nannying help around the megamansion with the step-monsters, Eliza makes a call...and Jacqui and Mara wind up with two first-class tickets to the Hamptons.

The A-List -- Zoey Dean
Moving from Manhattan's elite world to "Hollyweird" presents Anna with quite a culture shock, but one that she's ready for. White gloves and tea give way to her drugged-out dad in the gazebo and a Hollywood celebrity's wedding where she is introduced to Ahi rolls. She discovers that all is not without controversy in LaLa land, and that beautiful girls are not always welcome in the inner circle, especially those who pick up the hunk whom all the insiders are lusting after.

Flawless -- Sara Shepard
In the exclusive town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, where the sweetest smiles hide the darkest secrets, four pretty little liars—Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna—have been very bad girls. . . .Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. And Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is literally making her sick. But the most horrible secret of all is something so scandalous it could destroy their perfect little lives.
And someone named "A" is threatening to do just that.

Like I said, this will be the year...
So tell me, what's on your Christmas Wishlist?

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of teenchicklit.com, fantasticfiction.co.uk and fantasticfiction.co.uk]

You Know You Love Her...

It's the show everyone's talking about (and blogging about). Gossip Girl.
The show premiered here in Australia, last night. Thanks to YouTube, I'd already seen it, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. I can't get enough of it. I want it to be Tuesday everyday, therefore no one would have to wait. Lol.
It's fashion meets gossip meets teenage relevancy with a very sexy twist.
If you're like me, and stare lustfully at Blair and Serena's wardrobes and just...wish, there is help available. Thanks to the darlings at FabSugar, you can get you're Gossip Girl fix as often as you want (well, more as often as it's updated).
I find that behind-the-scenes features on hit TV shows are all part of the fun, so you can imagine my delight to find out that the CW has kindly set up a B-T-S of the fashion featured on GG. Check it out here. Very interesting stuff.
Who is Gossip Girl, I hear you wonder? Those who have read the books are already privy to this information, I'm sure. But us newbies (I've only read the first book, and so far, like the TV show better to be honest) are being good and going to find out the honest way: the internet! Lol, kidding. Let's find out by watching the show, yes?
You're nobody until you're talked about. So cool...

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of tv.yahoo.com]

2007 Red Carpet Trend: Fuschia

Oh, I just love fuschia. It's one of my favourite colours, especially to wear. So it's great to see Hollywood stars bringing this gorgeous colour back onto the red carpet scene. Roberto Cavalli, Zac Posen and John Galliano, I salute you. Lol.
My advice for adapting this 'special occasion' colour into day-wear: go small-scale. Forget the head-to-toe look, and start with just a hat, shoes or cute jewellery pieces. Then if you're feeling more comfortable with the colour (as it's a fairly bold colour and, naturally, needs to be accompanied with confidence), you can start wearing it in top/skirt form, but never at the same time and never in pants form.
You'll be pretty in pink in no time.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of people.com]

Jennifer Love Hewitt Proud To Be a Real Woman

Jennifer Love Hewitt was spending this past weekend, minding her own business, in Hawaii with her new fiance, Ross McCall, when some photographers starting snapping pictures of her from all sorts of bad angles on one particular day they were spending at the beach. All of a sudden, the pictures were popping up everywhere with nasty headlines like "Jennifer Love Hewitt Piles on the Pounds", "Jennifer Love Hewitt's 'Healthy' Bottom" and such...

The pictures of Jennifer in Hawaii

(in case you're wondering, I will not be posting the picture of her behind here, because, well, that's just mean. It's her behind and no one else's business)

And this is what Jennifer has to say in response:

This is the last time I will address this subject.

I've sat by in silence for a long time now about the way women's bodies are constantly scrutinized. To set the record straight, I'm not upset for me, but for all of the girls out there that are struggling with their body image.

A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be. And being a size 0 doesn't make you beautiful.

What I should be doing is celebrating some of the best days of my life and my engagement to the man of my dreams, instead of having to deal with photographers taking invasive pictures from bad angles. I know what I look like, and so do my friends and family. And like all women out there should, I love my body.

To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini -- put it on and stay strong.

Xoxo

JLH

You go, girl! I'm so happy for Jen. Finally there is a normal sized actress out there who is happy with (and even better, proud of) her body, even though it's not stick thin.

Jennifer, with fiance Ross McCall, stays happy despite all the nasty press.

Ok, it's official. Jennifer Love Hewitt is my new hero.

Catch.

*Romany*

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