A scary new direction for Chloe

Chloe in my mind, much like their ads, has always been about flirty, floral dresses, beachy hair and lots of oranges, light browns, pastel pinks and whites, with a real nostalgic feel. The same with you? Well, get ready because Chloe has recruited a new creative director Paolo Melim Andersson (previously at Marni), and he's got a whole new idea of what Chloe should be about.
I was flipping through the new issue of NewWoman magazine, and came across a mini-interview with Mr. Andersson (lol) himself.

Describe the new Chloe woman...
She is smart, strong, confident and trusts her own judgment. She loves to break the rules.
Where has the new direction come from?
I wanted to get away from being 'flirty', because the Chloe girl is independent with her head screwed on straight.
What are the key looks for the new winter collection?
Tailoring is important; I wanted cleaner lines so the dresses land effortlessly.
What can we expect in seasons to come?
There's going to be a brand new era with less nostalgia and a less branded look.

So basically, the exact opposite of what the brand is loved for. Well, I suppose a little (or in this case, a big) change never hurt anyone. Right?

Catch.

*Romany*

High School Trendspotting: GUESS? bags

Ok, so this FT has reached a further demographic than my high school 'trendies', but it's still an FT (not to mention, my favourite FT) so I'm going to write about it anyway. Lol.
As the days go by, more and more GUESS? by Marciano bags have been gracing my presence. Not on my shoulder, unfortunately, but on the shoulders of others.

Tribeca Frame Satchel for glamour

I work in customer service, which means I get to see what everyone's carrying, and believe me I see at least 4 or 5 GUESS? bags come in and out of my work in a 4 hour shift. At least I have something nice to look at as the hours go by. Lol.

Queen Small Hobo for fun

My advice? If you haven't already got yourself a GUESS? bag (or, say...4) then definitely give it a go. Some people think following fashion trends is weak...these people have obviously never owned a a bag by Marciano.
Clue for next FT post: fun in the sun...

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of shop.guess.com]

Christmas Wishlist: Polaroid Camera

Dear Mr. Polaroid Camera,
All i want for Christmas is...you.

That's right the Polaroid One 600 Classic camera has topped my Christmas Wishlist this year. I don't even know if these kind are sold here in Australia, but I'm determined to own one before next year, or before term starts next year at the latest.
I believe that it's too early for 90s fashion to be coming back, but I never said anything about 90s technology. Lol. Remember back when the Spice Girls were the poster girls for Polaroid? They even released their own special Spice Polaroid camera! Sorry, got lost in memory lane for a second there. Well if the Spice Girls can make a comeback, so can Polaroid cameras! What's digital photography compared to instant, anyway?
Join the revolution. Lol.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of teds.com.au]

Hot new shoe trend: Jelly

If anyone was in doubt that 'everything old is new again', then surely this new trend will persuade even the greatest of doubters.
As far as I'm aware, jelly flats and sandals are a fairly new trend this year, having only just recently started popping up everywhere.
To be honest, I'm not the hugest fan. Sure they're cute, and maybe comfortable (I haven't tried on a pair since I was 6), but I think it's a bit too early for 90s fashion to be making it's way back. I have no problem with other people wearing them, though. A friend of mine owns a green pair and she looks totally hot! But this is one trend I won't be investing in anytime soon. Will I be eating my words? Only time will tell...

These jelly sandals are tiny bit more my style. If I can find a cute enough pair in pink or blue then I'll probably be a sheep in this regard, and follow this one.
Which do you prefer?

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of brown712.com and kahlon.com.au]

For a perfect pout...

Unfortunately, I'm still at home with that head cold. And as we all know, one of the unfortunate side effects of a head cold (besides the obvious ones) is chapped lips. I hate chapped lips, almost as much as I hate my nose to be blocked. But never fear, I have the answer.

(left) Living Nature -- Lip Balm $18 (right) Jurlique --Lip Care Balm $30

Keeping with the tradition of not just organic, but harm and chemical-free, ever gentle beauty products, I decided I'd let you in on my secret: Jurlique by day, Living Nature by night.
Both lip balms are as close to 100% safe as you'll come, and both are made to combat chap. Lol.
If you're in need of some serious moisture, then give these two a go. Remember: Jurlique to be applied morning and afternoon; Living Nature to be applied nighttime right before bed. Reverse if you want, but don't alternate it could equal uneven moisturization (if that's even a problem for you).

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of livingnature.com and jurlique.com.au]

Hit or Miss?

I believe there's an old saying coined for starlets who land themselves on 'questionable fashion' lists more than once: 'Dress me bad once - shame on you, dress me bad twice - shame on me'. I'm sorry but, get yourself a new stylist, girl!
It's wonderful that Amy is taking risks, I admire her courage. But this is all wrong. She's pale so black usually wouldn't be a big problem, but she's chosen to wear her hair up which makes the whole thing look too sharp and takes away the potential warmth her skin colour could achieve in this outfit. The red lipstick clashes with her hair. And the bow...well do I really need to say it?
Unfortunately, for me, this is a definite miss. But what do you think? Did the Enchantress herself get it right? Or oh so wrong?

[photo courtesy of gofugyourself.typepad.com]

Ad Campaigns I Love...part II

I'm feeling a little under the weather today (it's bucketing down with rain over here, so in this case, pun not intended. Lol), so naturally I'm experiencing major writer's block (which will come in handy when making my excuse for not writing my pre-term biology essay as plausible as possible). Therefore I can't think of anything to write about why I love these ads. So here they are:

GUESS?

Lanvin

Wheels & Dollbaby

Well, it's pretty obvious why GUESS? ads will always have a place in my heart, considering it's my favourite brand. But this year they recruited Australian model Jessica Hart (pictured top) as one of the few gorgeous faces of the brand. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi! Lol.
fashionologie is coining this Olga Sherer (pictured middle) for Lanvin pairing the new Sasha P for Prada. Oh my, I hope so. What a fierce and powerful duo that was. I quite like this ad, the only thing I don't like is Olga's facial expression, it's a bit scary and alien-like (click the picture to see full size). But other than that it's beautiful...fluid, contrasting colour, great styling. Beautiful.
Wheels & Dollbaby (pictured bottom) can do no wrong in my mind. Ever classy and seductive but never trashy, slutty or OTT. And that's just their ad campaigns. The real magic starts with the clothes...

Well I suppose that wasn't too bad, with cold caps clouding my mind, eh? Lol.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of guess.com, fashionologie.com and wheelsanddollbaby.com]

Quote of the Week

"Do you get white wine or red wine to go with Quaaludes?"
Joan Rivers, on buying a present for Lindsay Lohan.

Ok...I don't really get this -- why is she buying Lindsay Lohan a present? And if we leave that question aside, is she implying she bought Lindsay Quaaludes? And if we leave that question aside, why is she buying Lindsay alcohol as well as Quaaludes (assuming she did buy the Quaaludes)?
I guess she could just be kidding around. In that case, what a hilarious question this is! Lol.

High School Trendspotting: Country Road bags

I don't know about anywhere else, but here in Australia these bags are positively famous, and for some reason an absolute must-have for any girl (sometimes even guys) going through the later stages of high school. What is it about these bags that make them a cult favourite? I'm not really sure, I've never seen the 'absolute must-have' attraction of the bags, which explains why I don't have one myself. It's not that I have anything against them -- they're huge, sturdy and can come in some nice colours. But I'm not bothering, because rest-assured I'm sure they won't remain en vogue for too much longer.

See they're a pretty regular bag. My guess is that they're size was originally what everyone was looking for, then after everyone had one for practicality, they became an 'IT' bag. It's strange, but then again, it's high school. (sorry, it's not the most glamorous photo, but it does the trick.)
Clue for next FT post: GUESS? who...

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of cgi.ebay.com.au]

FEEDing the world...one bag at a time

Marcia Cross and Teri Hatcher stuff gifts bags for their cast crew, despite the WGA strike halting production of their show 'Desperate Housewives'.

See the bag their stuffing? This is a FEED bag, and it's designed by Lauren Bush. I'm pretty sure I wrote about this on my other blog, eftls.blogspot.com, where I boasted all the benefits.
Such as -- 19 cents a day or 34 dollars a year can transform a child's life and provide the tools for a lifetime of self-reliance. School feeding is a simple but effective way to beat hunger and poverty -- meaning all sales of the bag go to the World Feed Programme.

The fact that it's only $59.95 per bag, bought here from amazon, is one cool feat also.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of people.com]

Guess Who's Pregnant...

Ok, these might take a moment to digest, so brace yourself. I'll start with the slightly less shocking celebrity-pregnancy-revelation just to build up the suspense, shall I?

Lily Allen is pregnant

Much like Jessica Alba, I did not see this one coming. I like Lily Allen, a lot, and I think she's going to make a great mum to be honest -- but I'm just really...surprised, for some reason.
Lily, 22, has been seeing the father of her baby, The Chemical Brothers singer Ed Simons, 37, since September.

"As the pregnancy is at a very, very early stage, the couple ask that you respect their privacy, as the health of Lily and their child is their paramount concern."

says they're rep.

*****

And now for the shocking celebrity-pregnancy-revelation that takes the cake (possibly the all-time cake)...

Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant

Fallen of your chair yet?

Jamie Lynn (who is apparently more than 12 weeks into her pregnancy) and mother Lynne have given OK! magazine an exclusive interview, revealing that the 16 year old sister of Britney is keeping her baby. The starlet insists that her somewhat-long-term-boyfriend Casey Aldridge, 19, is the father. Lynne Spears was set to release a parenting book, giving inside details on raising her two star-struck daughters, but the release of the book has been postponed indefinitely.

"We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being."

Nickelodeon released this statement soon after the announcement.

*****

I'm sure that was an earful, but it most definitely was not the first time a pregnancy announcement(s) was made this year. If 2006 is being called the Year of Celebrity Babies, then 2007 has been the Year of Celebrity Pregnancy Announcements.
Here's the 2007 celebrity-pregnancy-revelations timeline (just off the top of my head):

• Julia Roberts
  
• Naomi Watts
• Milla Jovovich
• Salma Hayek
• Emma Bunton
• Isla Fisher
• Nicole Richie
  
• Keri Russell
• Halle Berry
• Christina Aguilera
  
• Jennifer Lopez
• Cate Blanchett
• Jessica Alba
• Jamie Lynn Spears
• Lily Allen

I'm sure I left out heaps. Can you think of anyone else?

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of myspace.com and tmz.com]

Will the search ever end...?

I read this extremely informative article a few weeks back, and have now bookmarked it as a sort of 'bra buying guide'.
The Search for the Right Fit is a comprehensive list of what bra shopping for a big busted woman is really like, written by Sari Botton. She admits it's hard (amen to that!), but gives us an advantage by telling us what the lingerie market is really offering.
Definitely worth a look, for women of all bust sizes.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of victoriassecret.com]

Quote of the Week

"I thought it was going to be a lot greater than it was. I thought, 'Boy wouldn't it be great for everyone to know who you are?' And I decided very quickly, no that's not great at all. Fame is a prison. It's a prison, and the more famous you are, the smaller your world becomes. And that's not any fun."
Dave Madden (aka Reuben Kincaid, of TV's 'The Partridge Family') on his expectations of fame.

Wow. I mean, you hear celebrities saying they're not fans of their overwhelming fame, but this takes it to an extreme. A necessary extreme though, I believe. It's a real wake up call for anyone who's considering getting into show business just because of the fame.
He said this on a YouTube video I was just watching -- 'David Cassidy: the story of...' It was fascinating! I even got a bit choked up at times. Definitely worth a watch.

Hit or Miss?

Miley Cyrus takes a well-earned shopping break, after adding new dates to her sell-out tour. Usually I hate it when 'Hit or Miss's feature celebrities out and about, because it's unfair to judge people on their everyday outfits, and I swore I would never do it. But I'm totally loving this outfit, I've only put it here to find out what everyone else thinks of it.
So then, what do you think? Did the tweeny-mega-star get it right? Or oh so wrong?

[photo courtesy of people.com]