Jimmy Choo Winter 2011

Jimmy Choo Bags & Shoes

Fall/Winter 2011 Collection



Jimmy Choo's Fall/Winter 2011 collection has already made countless red carpet appearances, thanks to shoe-loving socialites and actresses. The latest range is every bit as glamourous as we could expect, citing a 70's French film noir inspiration. A balance is maintained between wearable winter boots and staggeringly high heels. There are even a few ballet flats thrown in for good measure. 



The craftsmanship is exquisite; beautiful shapes are sculpted from luxurious fabrics like velvet, suede, leather and lace. Metallics and leopard print are also a common theme. Besides for the conventional black and nudes, there are sumptuous sandals present in opulent jewel tones. I've been spellbound by the embellished evening sandals, which glitter with crystal covered mesh. Each gorgeous pair of heels is accompanied by a matching belt and handbag. I like the red and black box leather quilted ones. Which are your favourites from this collection?

Have you gotten your cheque book out yet? These heavenly pairs of heels are available for purchase from jimmychoo.com

Oscar de la Renta Winter Shoes 2011

Fall/Winter 2011-12 Shoe Collection

by Oscar de la Renta



The Dominican designer's Winter shoe collection is an exhibition of elegance and sophistication. All the pieces are wearable and somewhat safe, if not for the dash of leopard print. There is a richness to this range, provided by luxurious fabrics like fur, satin, tweed and lace, with a scattering of sequins. It's nice to see that flats and kitten heels stand their ground against sky high heels.

The violet satin heels will add a lovely pop of colour to a neutral coloured outfit. Tweed heels are embellished with feathers and beads. The lace peep-toes also come in nude.

These kitten heels are such a versatile height; great with jeans, dresses or skirts. Leopard print is a prominent theme, in every shape and style.

Tweed adds textural interest to plain black ankle boots. The tan tie-up high-heeled riding boots are a classic and trendy pair. 

I would really like to see the effect of black lace boot when its worn. A forest green suede boot is an unusual addition to the collection. The black leather thigh-high boots will bring out the vampy-vixen in anyone.

Divas and Darlings - Glamour Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion

Glamour Women of the Year Awards 2011



UK Glamour magazine held their annual 'Women of the Year' awards last night. The best female artists, actresses, presenters and singers were honoured at the event. There was such an assortment of styles on red carpet looks, here is the roundup. 

These fringed ladies had some unique outfits. Daisy Lowe kept her look fresh and interesting with a cropped Versace knit tip and striped skirt. She held a bright green clutch. Scottish actress Karen Gillan was simple and understated in a beige blouse and denim blue skirt. I like her casual vintage vibe and tousled hairdo. Singer Rachel Steven wore a leopard dress with black lace hem. I don't think it was meant to be a one-shoulder dress.

Louise Rednapp made a rare red carpet appearance in a fitted LBD with cutouts by Antonio Berardi. I barely recognized shock pop singer Jessie J. She looked so polished in a strapless sequin gown and retro curls. Gemma Arterton won 'Film Actress of the Year'. She wore a short-sleeve dress by Gucci with plaited belt. This look needed a pop of colour. Kim Kardashian took the award for 'Entrepreneur of the Year'. She was curvaceous in a (too) tight corset gown by Dolce and Gabbana. She was adorned in chunky Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Radio personality Fearne Cotton wore a mustard satin dress by Miu Miu with tri-colour heels. Kirsty Gallacher looked so sleek and radiant in an apple green maxi gown. X-Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos stood out in cerise. I don't like the styling and black strappy heels with this dress. Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins wore a bright coral column gown with black strips by Victoria Beckham.

Printed dresses were at the bottom of the fashion barrel. Kristen Stewart wore Balmain. How many versions of the strapless mini can she wear? TV presenter Jameela Jamil wore the frozen waterfall frock from Ada Zanditon's AW 2011 line. This proves that 'frozen waterfalls' are not meant to be worn. At least JJ always carries interesting handbags. Pixie Geldof wears a bird printed tablecloth with pink lace trim. Actually, I don't think this would even do as a tablecloth. X Factor winner Alexandra Burke does such an injustice to this pink floral D&G gown. It looks like a satin nightie.

Divas and Darlings - MTV Movie Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion

MTV Movie Awards 2011



The 20th Annual MTV Movie Awards took place in California last night. Once again, Twilight wiped out all the competition, winning 5 major awards including Movie of the Year. Sad, I know. Fashion on the red carpet was quite uninspiring but nonetheless - these are my best and worst picks of the night's outfits.



Interesting Mini's

Selena Gomez wore a photoprint top and two-tone skirt with taupe ruching by Giambattista Valli. She accessorized with multi-hoop gold earrings, a white clutch and ivory Casadei heels. Leighton Meester brought on the bling in a mirrored grey long-sleeved dress by Balmain. She wore Pierre Hardy sandals with it. Emma Watson was elegant in a white silk Marchesa mini with embroidered sleeves and neckline. Silver brain Atwood heels completed her look. Emma Stone won the award for Best Comedic Performance in the movie 'Easy A'. She wore a black lace dress with yellow underlay by Bottega Veneta. She added orange to the mix with a clutch bag and Casadei satin pumps.

Vibrant Colours

Aimee Teagarden wore an invigorating one-shoulder wrap dress by Alice + Olivia. Blake Lively's fitted electric blue dress is by Michael Kors. A nice addition of colour with the indigo suede shoes. Nina Dobrev chose a strapless red dress by Georges Chakra. I'm undecided about the gold bow detailing. 13 year old Elle Fanning was adorable in a pink floral D&G romper. She paired it with floral D&G wedges. 

Animal Print

Lily Collins (who is the latest love interest of Taylor Lautner) attended the awards in D&G. She looked gorgeous in this grey and black animal print dress. She added gold accessories and peep-toe buttoned heels by Christian Louboutin. Reese Witherspoon received the MTV Generation Award in a cheetah print dress by Zac Posen. This look lacks something. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is smoking in a fitted tiger-print dress by D&G. Her beige and black patent sandals are by Sergio Rossi.

Fashionably Disabled 

Crystal Reed wore black and white waves by Ina Soltani. It looks like crepe paper flowers were attached to the hem. What looks like beadwork on Kristen Stewart's Balmain mini, is actually safety pins, tons of them. Imagine going through airport security with this dress on. The real reason Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr was banished from the Upper East Side is this awful paisley jumpsuit. Amanda Bynes forgot that an actual dress goes over her shapewear. Those turquoise fringed boots should also be banished from the east side, west side and any other red carpet event.

Dolce & Gabbana - Winter Collection 2011

Dolce & Gabbana

Autumn/Winter Collection 2011



I had stars in my eyes (literally), when I saw the Dolce & Gabbana runway show on FTV. Stars and musical notes have never looked this grown up. The Italian designers have turned this unexpected punk-rock print into high-end fashion. Add the essential D&G animal print and sparkle, and you have an exuberant, sexy and harmonious collection for Winter 2011.



Masculine vs Feminine

The two main themes of the show alternated between masculine and feminine designs. The colours were basic black and white, with some grey thrown in. Suits had tailored or oversized coats with large collars and lower-rise, slimmer-fitting pants. The masculine looks were enhanced with trilbies, suspenders, vests and ties. Feminine dresses were form-fitting in stretch charmeuse, lace and sheer star-print fabrics.

Chiffon and Shimmery Shades

Long chiffon dresses in yellow, turquoise and orange with pussy cat bows elevated the feminine theme. Another prominent feature on the runway was sequins - sequined dresses, tuxedo jackets, trousers and blazer lapels. Vivid purple, deep teal, gold and metallic grey added some colour to the catwalk.

The Accessories

The jewellery was a continuation of the pop-rock music theme with star-shaped earrings and neckpieces. Miniature pouches were worn on waistbands. Animal print, paillettes, chains and piano keys adorned clutches and leather handbags. Pointed-toe heels in bright shades and prints were worn with ankle socks. Brogues were given a make-over with neon colours, leopard print and sequins. 

Tuesday Thrills - Supré Clothing

The Supré Fashion Brand

Supré is a fun and flirty fashion brand that was founded in Australia in 1984. Their vast clothing range is a mix of wardrobe essentials and vibrant trendy pieces. The online shopper can chose to view clothes on the Supré website according to different styles - there's 'Party Vixen', 'Bohemian Chic' and 'Preppy Queen'. 

Their online store offers basics like simple tanks, sports wear, jeans, tights and quite a few foxy dresses. The current range includes a lot of African inspired prints, florals and fitted mini's. All the clothes are surprisingly affordable and shipping to South Africa costs Au $30. With so many options, it was difficult for me to select just these few to share with you.

The Basics

1. Denim Jeggings. The dark stretch denim leggings with back pockets can be worn with any tee or blouse. R287.15

2. The Cropped Denim Jacket. This jacket with studded pockets comes in dark and light wash denim. It's cute over plain and printed dresses. R382.88

3. The Puff Shoulder Top. This fitted long-sleeved top comes in black, white and cream. The puffed effect widens narrow shoulders. Wear it with skirts, shorts and jeans. R159.54

4. The Lace Skirt. The Lina lace flare mini skirt is dressy for a night out, without being overdone. R204.18

5. The Long Knit Cardigan. The super long sung-fit cardigan is a great winter warmer in 5 neutral shades. R191.41

6. The Fitted Black Blazer. There is nothing more chic than a perfectly tailored black blazer. This one-button version is worn with a grey tank and distressed skinny jeans. Blazer - R287.15. Jeans - R319.01

7. The Military Jacket. This double-breasted fleecy trench coat with high collar and cuffed sleeves pays homage to this winter's military trend. R319.01

8. Faded Skinny Jeans. These great-fitting faded skinny jeans come in 3 shades of blue denim. R319.01





Pretty Prints and Dresses

1. The Swing Dress. The Congo printed viscose swing dress can also be worn with a skinny belt to accentuate the waist. R287.15

2. The Strapless Floral Dress. Celebrate the end of summer in this bright floral-print mini with ruffled bodice. R510.49

3. The Maxi Kaftan. Poolside glamour can be attained with this stain-print chiffon maxi kaftan. R350.95

4. The Rose Print Dress. The chiffon crinkle rose-print dress with elastic waist can be paired with the cropped denim jacket shown in 'The Basics' above. R350.95

5. The Country Print Frill Dress. The sheer chiffon smock dress in flowy viscose is girly and boho chic. R242.51

6. The One-Shoulder Dress. This relaxed fit dress can be worn with or without a belt. It's 100% spun rayon and is available in 6 colours. R191.41

7. The Printed Racer Back Dress. The Darling print dress with racer back comes in Paris pink and grey. R287.15

8. The Animal Print Smock Dress. This simple loose-fitting black dress has just a hint of animal print on the neckline. R204.18





If you liked these outfits, visit supre.com.au to see volumes more. There is also an accessories line featuring printed scarves, headbands, belts, bags and jewellery. While you're there, check out their sales for bargains under R80. Happy Shopping! 

Celeb Style - Tan and Leopard Print

This Week's Trends

Tan & Leopard Print



This week's style inspiration sees how leopard print and the colour tan can be worn. Tan is a wintry shade that's accessible and suits any skin tone - as shown below. It can be worn with black, white or denim. Or wear it with prints from a similar circle of colours. 



I love leopard print - as long as it's worn appropriately. Too much and it starts to look tacky. If you're not keen on the leopard print clothing trend, add small aspects of it with shoes, bags, belts or scarves.

Brittany Snow wears a tiered leopard print top with black skinny jeans and heels.

Emma Roberts wears a classic cropped suede cardigan in tan by Chanel Resort. She paired it with a white tee, black skinnies and Christian Louboutin 'Daffodil' platforms. 

Zoe Saldana is stylish in a tan draped-front leather jacket and 'Stephanie' bag by Diane von Furstenburg. Her 'Angelique' jeans are by Decades Denim and leopard print pumps by Brian Atwood.

Kim Kardashian teams her tan top with a sleek black blazer with tasselled shoulders. She carries a black Chanel 2.55 flap bag and wears the very popular Louboutin 'Daffodil' platforms. 

Jaime King and Nicky Hilton wore the exact same dress to the UK Style launch party. They didn't seem to mind matching and posed for photos together. The fully sequined animal print mini is by French Connection. Nicky wore it with a black belt and patent black 'Pigalle' heels by Christian Louboutin. Jaime wore it with Yves Saint Laurent shoes. I won't ask "Who wore it better?" because I find this dress too shiny and kitsch.

Zara - Winter Evening 2011

Zara

Winter Evening Collection 2011



Dressing up for a cool Autumn evening event doesn't have be drab and boring. Put away that lifeless jacket and uninspired hoodie and throw out those worn out jeans. As the cooler month's approach, I figured that you may need some style inspiration to spice up your wardrobe. With Zara's chic and sexy Winter Collection, you will be able to warm up those chilly night's out. 

 Zara hots up the season with sequins, velvet, lamé, leopard print and leather. There are girly cocktail dresses with full skirts and satin bows, as well as understated suits with long blazers and skinny pants. Pair them with a metallic clutch bag and heels. The animal print blazer is such a versatile piece, it will add a fierce finish to any outfit you wear it with. Chose a structured 'little red dress' instead of the habitual LBD. 

The black, white and metallic palette ensure that these outfits can be worn over and over again and look different each time by changing the accessories. Add an edgy leather jacket to a pretty party dress or wear your dress over tights with boots for a more contemporary look.

This collection exudes urban elegance with trendy & comfortable party clothes. 

Cover Girl - Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian

Harper's Bazaar March 2011

The gorgeous Kim Kardashian graces the cover of Harper's Bazaar March 2011 issue. Kim looks red-hot on the cover and did a Cleopatra-inspired photo shoot for the magazine. The fashion shoot pays homage to Kim's idol and the original 1963 Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor. The liquid gold dress (pictured right) is by Moschino. When beauty was bestowed upon women on earth, I think Kim got an extra share. An extra large share at that too.

'Cleopatra with a K' - Kim befittingly plays the the part of Egyptian Queen, with dramatic fringed bob, kohl-lined cat-eyes and ornate hairpieces. Kim's leopard print dress (top left) is by Dolce & Gabbana, with headpiece by Alexis Bittar and heels by Gucci. The gold gown (top right) is by Ralph Lauren, turquoise and gold headpiece by Lynn Bay and sandals by Casadei. The midnight blue grecian gown (bottom left) is by Salvatore Ferragamo. She wears it with a gold belt by Gucci, which is the exact same one Katy Perry wears on the cover of Elle magazine. (See this on my post below). On the bottom right photo, Kim wears a black jumpsuit by Gucci. 

I wonder if we'll see a remake of Cleopatra starring Kim in the lead role? With her magnetic appeal and dynamic ambition, you never know...

Tuesday Thrills - Italian Handbags

My very good friend Maya has a part-time job that many of us can only dream of. She travels to Italy to do personal shopping for individual fashion buyers in South Africa. All you have to do is give her an order of a specific bag, accessory, shoe or dress that you would like, and include details like size, colour, style and any other preferences that you may have. Advise her on the total budget you would like to spend and she will source it especially for you. Exploring Italy and shopping? Sounds heavenly.

These are two of the handbags Maya has brought from Italy on her most recent trip this month. All the handbags she imports are made from genuine Italian leather and are surprisingly affordable.



On the left, is an Etro bag made of brown textured leather with floral and paisley prints in black, white and purple. This tote bag is worn on the arm or in-hand and is beautifully embellished with leather pop-up flowers in pink, green and yellow. It playfully features a pink and orange butterfly, green and yellow lizard and brown/beige turtle.



This summer-inspired bag, which is made in Milan, will brighten any girl’s mood simply by looking at it. Since it has a splash of almost every colour, it blends well with anything you put on and is big enough to carry all your essentials and more. This is the ideal daily-use bag for girls who don’t have time to swap handbags to match both colour and style. It can be worn with jeans and summer dresses. It is also an attention-grabbing accessory that will lift and complete the simplest of outfits.



The exotic Animal Print bag (pictured right) is made of cow hide. This patch bag has small squares of furry cow hide dyed into leopard and zebra prints which are then sewn into a stylish rectangular shape. The colour palette consists of brown, black, grey and beige hues.



Animal prints are the in thing this winter in Europe and this trend will certainly hit our shores in a few months when stilettos to match will be a must-have item. This tote bag can be worn on the arm and also comes with a shoulder strap. It is beautifully accessorised with a matching bag charm: A gold, diamante and leopard-print boot dangling on a gold chain. This bag will be the focal point of any simple black, brown or beige ensemble.



Buy your ideal Italian handbag on loveitalianfashion.co.za