Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Day 4

Ok. This is gonna be a big one.
I think that the collections of Day 4 are the standout favourites, in my opinion. There was such variation - which is good and bad. Good because variation is always welcome, it makes things more interesting, especially if one doesn't particularly enjoy a specific collection, they know they can depend on the variation of the others. Bad because it makes trendspotting difficult. I have noticed a few trends though (they're fairly obvious, nothing groundbreaking) - belts and black tights are still very much in fashion (thank god); body con is hot once more (thanks to Max Azria - gym owners all over the world will be forever in his debt, lol); and it seems fifties poodle-type skirts (a much subtler version, of course) have popped up here and there this week.

Preen

This was a very nice collection. Varied in styles, not so much in colour, though - grey and blue were very prominent. I'm loving this metallic midnight blue dress on the right. It's so MTV Movie/Music Awards.

Love, love, love this look on the left. I think, subconsciously, my eyes immediately dart to outfits featuring some kind of grey pullover. The contrast in silk material and what looks like cotton is really effective. I also like the right look - but the neckline could be cut lower. I find that neck-necklines (cut right at the bottom of one's neck) are unflattering on everyone.

Tracy Reese

I hadn't even heard of Tracy Reese up until last seasons Ready-to-Wear, but now I love her. I was definitively impressed by almost every outfit at this show. Love the dress in the middle, but I somehow think it would look better with bare legs. And, of course, the white jumper on the right. I have such a specific style, don't I?

Stripes are always classy, so it's always nice to see them in colours other than black and white (even though I love that). Pastel blue and light brown are a cute combination, and this top has been styled amazingly well with the trench, tights and boots (not the skirt, though -don't like the skirt). The red dress...Oh, just lovely. I can definitely see Cate Blanchett wearing this, perhaps to the Oscar's?

DKNY

Donna Karan is famed for her casually chic clothes, and ability to create outfits that resemble 'power dressing' - for women, of course. It's this ability that maintains her consistently at the top of her game, and keeps everyone coming back for more. I would die if I had that cute, little brown dotted dress.

These two are just gorgeous. Summer and winter - together at last on the left. The epitome of Parisian or even Manhattan chic on the right.

Herve Léger

Do I really need to say anything about this new HL collection designed by Max Azria (which means Max was up to his knees in fashion -designing 3 or 4 collections this season)? Ok if I have to - It was amazing and and basically a walking advertisement for body con. I'm pretty sure I loved every single look in this collection. Can't say the same for what they've done to Cat McNeil's (middle) hair, though..?

There's something distinctly feminine about an Herve Léger body con dress. It could give any woman curves - assuming she has a body fat percentage of 0.1% or lower, of course. Lol.

Jovovich-Hawk

Flirty, feminine, fun (with a sexy hint of rock-chick). The triple-F-threat. Loved it. The collection was fairly small, only 18 looks altogether, but it was 100% effective. These three dresses were my favourites. (left) Does this remind anyone else of a Kelly Osbourne outfit? In a good way, of course. (middle) So cute! Spring inspired, but winter appropriate paired with tights. (right) Have you ever seen a prettier LPD (Little Pink Dress, lol)?

Day 4 was definitely a good day, no?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Day 3

Writer's block can (and does) strike at the most inconvenient times. Right now being one of them, I've decided to employ the old 'describe the collection or particular outfit pictured in 8 words or less' trick! Today was our first day of classes (back to school, back to school...Lol, Billy Madison), and I'm rather tired so I would say that's what's causing this lapse in creativity.

Abaeté

Unusually, nothing really special - belts, belts & more belts!

Lacoste

Oh, I love Lacoste! Fun, playful, sporty - awesome.

Sari Geuron

New discovery - I like what I see. The red dress is divine.
(whoops, 12 words. Oh well.)

Threeasfour

Meh. But I love this particular outfit.

A few of the collections today weren't really my style, and I hope that by expressing that I wasn't coming across as mean. That's never my intention, and I apologize if it came out that way...

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Day 2

If the first two days of NY Fashion Week are anything to go by, as far as Fall 2008 is concerned - black is the new black. Of course, black has always been an immensely popular colour fashion -wise, but I have to admit I was a tiny bit overwhelmed at the intensity of these collections. It's not something that I'm so concerned about, and thinking about it over now, it's hardly surprising, actually, considering it's autumn/winter fashion.

BCBG Max Azria

Yes, I've always very much liked BCBG Max Azria. Never disappoints, really. This was a very simple collection, using a palette of mainly cremes, blacks and shades of blue. Some would probably claim this to be too safe, but that rarely worries me. Gosh, Chanel Iman (right) really has the most intense runway stare, doesn't she?

Designers for Fall 08 are really relying on belts aren't they? A lot of the collections so far have featured they're own version. I think it's clear what this means -belts are here to stay.
I really love this silky charcoal/blue dress on the right. I can see it being worn by the likes of Mischa Barton, or even Ashlee Simpson.

Erin Fetheston

I'm not very big Erin Fetheston fan. And I hate to say it, but this collection didn't wow me, as usual. I do really like this particular look, though. It's a cute blend of summer (floral dress) and winter (coat, scarf, tights) at the same time.

Nicole Miller

Everytime I think of Nicole Miller, I automatically think of Seinfeld. Isn't that weird?
Anyway, I don't usually pay much attention to Nicole Miller (too distracted by Dior, probably, lol), but this collection was quite nice. I'm loving the pullovers on the left and middle models (especially the yellow. Oh, if only...), and the knitted beret on the right model is just to die for. The rest wasn't really my cup of tea, though.
Sorry, I can't write anything more, I'm missing the new series of The Biggest Loser. It started 10 minutes ago!

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Day 1

Wow, New York Fashion Week has officially begun (already?)! If last year saw the return of eras past, then so far this year I'm guessing we're in store for designer's bringing a whole new meaning to corporate chic and incorporating some casual chic. Lol.
My favourite collection of the four that have already shown, was Elie Tahari. I'm a hug fan of oversized knits, black tights, a splash of colour and throwing it all together to make a so-wrong-it's-right look (very similar to Chloe's most recent pre-fall collection), and Elie Tahari delivered some looks like this.

Elie Tahari

The tailored pants were a standout look for this show - they're very day-at-the-office, but super hot at the same time - paired with a metallic jacket...genius. I'm loving this chunky knit coat over evening dress with skinny belt look.
For the most part, this collection was black upon black (if not, very dark hues) and sometimes a little too similar to Burberry Prorsum circa Fall 2007 - a collection I loved, and should definitely be recreated in the future, but perhaps now is too soon..?

Having said all that, I still really loved the relaxed, effortlessly chic feel of this collection. I guess skinny-belts aren't going anywhere anytime soon (I wondered how long these would stay in fashion) - I'm not a huge fan of this trend, unless the belt is silver, hot pink, yellow or any other bright colour, then it's just not my style. I wonder if Elie designed the jewellery as well? It's so dramatic and...out there. To die for.

Stay tuned for more on Fall 2007 Ready-to-Wear.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

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]