Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Black and White


From the House of Alexander McQueen. 

Black or White ? What would you choose?




Monday, January 21, 2013

Inauguration Fashion - part Two

The White House East Wing staff requested samples from several designers for Michelle Obama to review for the Inauguration. The long list included : Barbara Tfank, Bibu Mohapatra, Derek Lam, Jason Wu {who is the designer of the gown Mrs. Obama wore in 2009}, Laura Smalls, Marchesa, Michael Kors, Naeem Khan, Narciso Rodriquez, Prabal Gurung, Thakoon, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Zero + Maria Cornejo.

As the Inaugural Balls were already underway and the choice was reportedly down to two designers who had not been announced. Designers waited patiently to see if their creation for the First Lady would make it on to the stage as Mrs. Obama danced with The President.



So what is the mystery and excitement all about? For designers it is like winning an Oscar and as Jason Wu discovered in 2009, it changes the profile of their style and business forever.

Dancing to 'Let's Stay Together' sung by Jennifer Hudson.  The Obama's danced and cuddled on stage chatting as if there was no other person in the room but just the two of them........ well, that was until a couple in military uniform appeared on stage. Mr. and Mrs. Obama switched it up and danced with the military partners for the remainder of the song.

AP via Daily Mail


Tonight at the Inauguration ........... Showing off her well toned arms and back Mrs. Obama's red velvet and chiffon overlay Grecian style gown with a criss-cross neckline was created by Jason Wu.  Mrs. O wore Jimmy Choo shoes and a custom designed diamond ring by Kimberley McDonald.

And The President ............looked handsome in a black tuxedo and white tuxedo tie.


Michelle Obama at the Inauguration wearing a gown designed by Jason Wu.


The Obama's - Inauguration 2009

Michelle Obama in a Jason Wu gown - 2009 Inauguration.

Inauguration Fashion - part One

source : Getty


Michelle Obama wears a flared navy coat and dress by designer Thom Browne and short healed shoes by J. Crew. Mrs. O's new fringed bangs appear to be more scalloped and lighter than they were when first styled a week ago. 

Malia wears a J. Crew coat with violet coloured tights, while Sasha sports a periwinkle Kate Spade coat with coordinating tights. Sasha topped her fashionable look off with a signature necklace........ she loves accessories.

Mrs. Robinson {Michelle Obama's Mother} looked elegant in a soft coral coat and deep coral scarf. 


source : Getty

Oh, and the President............ stylish and handsome in a dark suit and blue tie. 



Saturday, January 19, 2013

Royal Maternity Style


 "Each and every day my heart is filled with the joy of being GRAND".
{these are words on a photo frame I own}


Michael and Carole Middleton are about to discover that there is nothing more special than becoming Grandparents. The Middleton's had the inside scoop on the upcoming delivery date of the royal baby who will be born to their Daughter and Son-in-law this July. Although Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their first child this July, an expected date of delivery was not announced. I'm going to place my bet on July 7th {my Son's birthday), although I think that most everyone can admit it would be special if the newest little royal was born July 1st on Diana's birthday. 

It was 31 years ago this past July that the world watched as Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. I watched the televised wedding ceremony in the very early hours of the morning when I was up to feed my Son, who was only three weeks old at the time. Carole Middleton would have been three months pregnant with Kate at the time of the royal wedding, I'm sure she never imagined the life for the baby she carried then.

And life is about to get even more grand .............



Princess Elizabeth - 1933

Headlines around the globe are filled with speculation on Kate and William's official due date, Kate's impending baby bump and the royal maternity style she will wear.
With the first trimester completed the Duchess has not needed to change her fashion style. The second trimester will bring Kate into the weeks of late winter and early spring when jackets will still be needed and will conceal much of her blossoming body. But it is the third trimester when warm weather begins that Kate's full maternity style will be revealed.

I was pregnant with my first child just before Lady Diana was expecting William, and thankfully so much has changed in maternity wear since then. Like Diana, I wore smocked styled dresses. The trends at the time included peter pan collars and puff sleeves - yesh.




Remember these famous images of Diana......... those smock style dresses in polka dots. In the early eighties is was all about comfortable clothes that flowed over your baby bump..... until the wind blew against the fabric and it clung to you like a wet tissue. How many women felt like they were wearing a tent?


Maternity wear now offers styles that celebrate the impending arrival by showing off the baby bump with clingy fabrics that reveal a Mom's growing curves. My prediction is that Kate will be modest in her choices for maternity wear and conservative at times to meet the needs of the royal duties. Expect to see a fun and playful side of this Mom-to-be as well.

Here are a few pics of maternity fashions for Kate..........


Like Beyonce, Kate could step out in style during the second trimester with maternity jeans, top and full blazer........ the scarf gives a level of comfort concealing the bump.

Stylish jeans with a belly band for support are a fashion MUST for Moms-to-be. These are from Queen Mum Maternity Wear.



Belted cape from Ingrid and Isabel is great for layering in the spring.

Sleeveless sheath dress from Isabel and Ingrid - belted in the second trimester and un-belted in the last trimester.

Olian Maternity offers colourful and stylish dresses fit for a Duchess.

This black jersey dress worn by Reese Witherspoon would look great on Kate.

A draped front dress from Isabel and Ingrid brings added comfort to the front.

Dress by Queen Mum maternity is in a stylish pattern and colour.

Tiffany Rose Maternity - soft taupe dress is simple and elegant.

This taupe dress is accented with soft lace and a satin ribbon {Tiffany Rose}.


Princess Marie of Denmark stepped out in stylish maternity fashions that I think are reflective of Kate's royal duties style. {source: lilly lemontree blogspot}



The casual everyday styles that Kate does well, can be easily achieved in maternity wear from a few select design labels. 



Queen Mum {how appropriate} has a select line that is stylish and youthful.



Jeans, jersey striped top and blazer from Queen Mum.

Colourful and fun maternity fashions by Queen Mum.

It is reported that Kate is easy practicing Pilates during her pregnancy. Motherhood Maternity offers stylish exercise wear for Moms-to-be.

When the heat of the early summer arrives Kate will appreciate the flow of a maxi dress {by Ingrid and Isabel}.

This easy styling that Reese Witherspoon wore in the third trimester is a good look for the Duchess.

Princess ? or Prince ? - How much fun would it be to see Kate step out in this top by Queen Mum.







Monday, January 14, 2013

Fashion Winners and Runner-Ups

The Golden Globes welcomed the beginning of the Awards Season last night, 
and there was no shortage of fashion idea's on the red carpet. 

Here are some highlights. 

What is your favourite?


Julianne Moore wearing a Tom Ford gown.


Julianne Moore - Best Actress in a Miniseries - Game Change



Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad, presented at the Golden Globes.



Jennifer's hair and makeup is styled in a romantic Hollywood Glam fashion.
 
 
 
Adele {Laurie Blue Adkins}, won for Best Original Song - Skyfall.


Adele has a classic beauty that is timeless {I think she is stunning}.





New Mom Adele wears a gown by Burberry.


Anne Hathaway, Best Supporting Actress, wore Chanel.




Significant drop earrings would have brought another level of elegance to her look. 




Jennifer Lawrence won for Best Actress in Silver Linings Playbook.

The profile of the bust on her DIOR gown didn't seem to make her nervous - she didn't 'hike it up' once.





Jennifer Chastain wore Calvin Klein.

Jennifer's hairstyle lacked volume that would have added glamour to her look.

The gown was too long and poorly fitted to her figure.




Zoey Deschanel wore wearing Oscar de la Renta.... and film strip nail art.



Zoey's look came off as somewhat high school prom despite her Oscar gown.



Amy Adams wears a pale blush mermaid gown by Marchesa. 


Love the gown but would have liked to see it with a bit more depth to the colour..... it does look nude.







Amanda Seyfried in a pale Givenchy lace gown.





Lucy Liu wore a Carolina Herrera strapless floral gown.

Lucy kept her hair and accessories simple, while the dress spoke volumes.... literally. I don't think anyone else could have worn this dress this well. 


Nicole Kidmann in Alexander McQueen. 


Double nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.


Eva Longoria wearing Emillo Pucci.

Lace + 2 keyholes + trim on keyholes + slit to the waist + organza + sequins = too much.



Nicole Richie wearing Naeem Khan. 

Nicole carries a evening bag from her line - Harlow.


Makeup artist Beau Nelson said that Nicole never lets the makeup wear her. I'm not sure that I agree.

Halle Berry in Versace.


Always stunning and an incredible body.

Halle's glowing look is truly her crown. Stunning!



Catherine Zeta Jones presented at the Globes in Jenny Packham.

Catherine Zeta Jones is always true Hollywood glam.


Jessica Alba in an Oscar de la Renta gown and Harry Winston jewels.


This is Hollywood glam.

Jessica's soft flowing hair and makeup allow her natural beauty to shine.



These are just a few of red carpet fashions from the Golden Globes ...... 
what was your favourite ........ what would you wear?