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]

Quote of the Week

"I really like to help children. I think it's important that we help our environment now for our children, so it all stems back to the same thing. Now that I'm doing the show [Gossip Girl], I have a voice. I think it's irresponsible not to use it."
Blake Lively, on her humble charity efforts.

Love this approach to fame. Instead of complaining about it (like some people), Blake is using her fame for good causes. A very admirable thing to do. Kudos to you, Blake.

High School Trendspotting: Havaianas Thongs

Well. I'd coin these 'the mother off all fashion trends', but, see, Havaianas are internationally more than a fashion trend. They're...a lifestyle, really.
They go with everything. If you thinking ok, this outfit is way too dressy - slip on your Havaianas and it instantly makes your look cool and casual.
I bought mine years ago, and unfortunately a few sizes too big. So naturally, they're not the most comfortable thongs around. This would probably explain why I don't wear mine religiously like everyone else (boo hoo, right?). So needless to say, I need some new ones. All the new styles are way too out-there for my liking, though. Oh, I'll figure something out, I'm sure.
They're quite cheap (price-wise, obviously. Amazing quality). I'm not 100% on prices, though, if you're looking into buying a pair. I recommend buying a few pairs. One original. One metallic. And one really out-there pair.
They're so fun! So hit the beach and let's go! Lol.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of sotretasdegajas.wordpress.com]

Give Your Jewellery More Shine!

A few weeks ago, I was asking my mother how I was supposed to shine my silver jewellery without any silver polish. She told me about a little trick she used to use, involving toothpaste and water. Now by silver, I don't mean actual silver (I wouldn't let water within 5 feet of my actual silver jewellery), just the relatively cheap, painted silver stuff you can get from Diva and shops alike.
Basically, all you have to do is get an old toothbrush and some toothpaste (commercial brands, i.e. Colgate or Macleans etc) and scrub any dirt off. It doesn't exactly work wonders, but you'll certainly see a vast improvement. I had a necklace which I use to wear everyday, but recently have found that I can't bring myself to put it around my neck anymore because it just felt dirty. Well, a quick scrub with the ol' toothbrush and toothpaste (oh and a splash of water to scrub with and to rinse with - can't forget that) sorted that problem right out. This is the necklace:

BEFORE

See? Rather dirty, wouldn't you say?

AFTER

Ok so it's not Tiffany's, but I can at least stand to touch it again. Lol. It's a lot shinier, and albeit more silver now.

So if you're jewellery needs a little pep in it's step, then give it zing with some reliable ol' mouth scrubber! Good luck!

Catch.

*Romany*

Nicky Hilton sure likes her metallic scarf...

I guess this trend could be catching on...?

[photos courtesy of fabsugar.com]

McQueen! Somebody Fetch McQueen!

Wow I totally just played 6 degrees - solo. The fashion version!
It all started while I was perusing the pages of the trashy gossip blogs, and came across a few stories about Britney Spears being hospitalized (check that story out here). But I couldn't really get the general gist of the story so I thought people.com always has the best coverage, so naturally I diverted to said website and read through the sad story (which has just gotten worse - Brit lost all visitation rights of her boys. Poor girl). So I started browsing the general People website and ended up on the Fashion Face-Off page. Long story short, I came across a picture of Jessica Alba wearing a truly divine green Alexander McQueen gown. So it got me thinking, all this time starlets have been draping themselves in Alexander McQueen creations and I've never even taken the time to check out his stuff. Well...I did. And I have to tell you, I'm loving it. His official website maintainers seem to be under the impression that his Autumn 2007 collection is his current collection (Spring 2008 is the latest), but this is ok because if it weren't for their mistake, then I never would have come across one of my favourite designer outfits...ever.

It's a new favourite, I just found it today, obviously, but so far so good. I doubt there's a store here in Australia, so to be honest I have no idea how I'd purchase something like this. But that would definitely be exciting wouldn't it? By this, I mean a cream merino wool hooded top; burgundy wool/cashmere hooded cape; burgundy pleated leather mini skirt with gold studs; burgundy leather belt with studs and...

...a burgundy leather ankle zip up boot - to be precise.

Don't you just love it?

Tell me about your favourite Alexander McQueen creation (if it's not this one. Lol)

Catch.

*Romany*

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

More New Faces...

We've got a perfect choice and a strange-but-could-turn-out-to-be-perfect choice this week.Anne Hathaway is the new face of Lancôme. Like I said, a perfect choice. Anne is very feminine, elegant and stylish. Everything that Lancôme stands for. We can expect to see Anne's work with Lancôme around September this year. Says Lancôme international president Odile Roujol:

'Anne Hathaway is a radiant young woman who perfectly embodies modern femininity. We know she will portray all the passion and excitement of our new fragrance.'

Justin Timberlake is rumoured to be the new face of Parfum Givenchy men's fragrance.
Yes, JT's hot. But, is he a model? Only time will tell...

Catch.

*Romany*

[photos courtesy of teemix.aufeminin.com]

No wonder Lily Allen was so surprised

"People are having kids too young and nothing is being done about it."

This was obviously before she found out that she fell under this category.

"I want to have a child. If I was in the right relationship, I'd like to have child in about two or three years' time.
I’d like to be a young mother, although not too young, and I’d like to be able to live in a nice place that’s got a good catchment area for the schools.
And that's all I care about. That's all you need."

And the drinking...?

"I’ve actually gotten really into drinking in the daytime now. [Laughs.] No, I went up to the Cotswolds and had a pint at 11.30am. You know, I stuck my Barbour on and walked down to the pub. There was no one there. Just me. I sat outside in the garden reading the paper with my pint. It’s such a good lifestyle."

Hopefully she realised that kind of lifestyle doesn't really go hand in hand with pregnancy. I have faith in her. I think she's going to be a good mum.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of marieclaire.co.uk]

The Mother of All Beauty Guides

In serious need of some new beauty products for this season? Style.com's got you covered.
A little while ago I signed up for Style.com's e-updates, and get emails about new features etc on the website. This is how I found the Beauty Guide. An extensive, and visually aided, guide of the hottest beauty products for this winter (even though it's summer over here, the products featured are still inspired). My favourite find on said guide?

M.A.C Slimshine

I hate red lips. On anyone. Especially me, which is unfortunate because I have naturally red lips (isn't life funny?) . So I'm constantly looking for a perfect nude lip tinter. This new M.A.C. Slimshine lipstick could be just that. It's gloss with the staying power of a cream colour. Perfection.

God bless the Guide.

Catch.

*Romany*

[photo courtesy of style.com]