Celeb Style - Ebony & Ivory

The idea of a 'classic black dress' will never tire, while the 'ivory evening gown' will always appear feminine and romantic. This is a clash of colours worn by stylish young celebs on the red carpet this week. Which do you prefer - dark and mysterious or light and airy?

Ebony

Michelle Williams donned a dress from Nina Ricci's Spring 2012 line for the '15th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala'. Her blue-black strapless chiffon gown has metallic gold ribbon detailing on the neckline, and a sheer skirt. 

Amber Heard wore all-black to the NYC premiere of her new movie, 'The Rum Diary', which also stars Johnny Depp. The blonde actress chose a modest Jean Paul Gaultier gown with high neck, long sleeves and belted waist. She was bold for choosing not to reveal any skin, but looked sexy and glamorous nonetheless.

Camilla Belle is sensational in a fitted Ralph Lauren gown, which she wore to an event celebrating the designer. It has a sheer neckline, shimmery bodice and ruffled skirt. Elegantly slicked back and hot pink lips complete her look. As I am a Camilla-style fan, I may be biased when I say this look is perfection.

AnnaLynne McCord looked poised in a simple cap-sleeved glittery Alice + Olivia 'Rumor' gown. As it was a charity event, she wore a yellow empowerment bracelet in honour of the 'Somaly Mam Foundation'. Her smokey eye make-up is stellar.

Ivory

Elizabeth Olsen looked like a modern-day fairy at the 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' (try to say that fast five times in a row) movie premiere in London. May-Kate & Ashley's little sister wore an ivory pink ensemble by Chanel Couture. Her square-neck beaded top was paired with a frothy tiered tulle skirt and gold satin Louboutin pumps. As much as I love the skirt, I wish the top were slightly more fitted. I find her make-up too heavy as well.

Jessica Biel was the latest star to walk ivory down the red carpet. She attended the 'Fashion Group International's Night of the Stars' event wearing Giambattista Valli. Her off-white gown was an interesting blend of two different styles - delicate with the soft, flowing fabric, and intrepid with the inflated ruffled sleeves. A bronze leaf belt clinched in her waist. Do you think this dress overwhelms her?

Rachel Zoe was in Los Angeles for 'Rodeo Drive's Walk of Style' event, honouring supermodel Iman. The stylist wore a sheer chiffon frilled blouse and high-waisted palazzo pants from her own fashion line. She looks effortlessly chic.

Coco Rocha was entrancing at the 'WGSN Global Fashion Awards' held in New York last week. The Canadian supermodel wore a tonal beige and ivory gown with layered skirt and embroidered shoulder harness and waistband. I am unfamiliar with designer Biphu Mohapatra, but this dress has me eager to see more from him.

Glitter Girls

Trendspotting

Black & Gold Sequin Dresses



The latest star-studded trend to hit the red carpet is glitter-covered gowns. In the past few weeks, a string of celebrities have been seen wearing sparkly sequined dresses in shades of black and gold, or a combination of both. So put on your shades and have a closer look at this dazzling new trend.

Evening Gowns











Naya Rivera sparkles in a black and gold strapless gown with wavy line design by Douglas Hannat. She was on the red carpet at the NCL Alma Awards in Santa Monica.

Milla Jovovich wore a shimmery black Salvatore Ferragamo gown to 'The Three Musketeers' movie premiere. She added a Jimmy Choo clutch and Brian Atwood heels.

Model Crystal Renn is dipped in molten gold for the Metropolitan Opera Season's opening night in New York City. I love her Zac Posen fishtail gown with sweetheart neck and exaggerated short sleeves.





Cocktail Dresses

Camilla Belle looked stunning in black and gold at the opening of the Gucci Museo in Florence. The actress wore a two-toned sequined dress by none other than Gucci.

Camilla Alves wears a twinkly Manish Arora mini dress with metallic-shaded sequinned stripes to a Cirque du Soleil show in LA. Her black peep toe pumps are by Stuart Weitzman.

Brit Morgan opted for a black and gold dress with pleated skirt by Nicole Miller, which she wore to her birthday party in Las Vegas. She paired it with black and white heels.

Kim Kardashian dons a gold Dolce and Gabbana star-print dress for a photo spread in Harper's Bazaar Arabia.

Who Wore Gold Sequins Better?

Eva Longoria & Katie Cassidy both wore the same gold sequined 'Breck' dress by Alice + Olivia, at two separate events - Eva in Las Vegas and Katie in New York. Eva (left) wore nude peep toe heels, while Katie (right) stepped out in chunky black 'Kiera' pumps, also by Alice + Olivia. I prefer this look on Katie.

Get The Look

1. Steal Eva's and Katie's style with this copper and gold sequined stretch-mesh dress by Alice + Olivia. $597 or R4810 from Saks Fifth Avenue

2. One-shouldered black bodycon dress with gold sequined bodice by Bebe. $119 or R959 from Bebe.com

3. A lustrous one-shouldered gold ruched mini by Rare Opulence. $180 or R1420 from The Outnet

4. A glimmering black and gold foil print sequin dress with long sleeves by ADAM. $640 or R5152.50 from Bloomingdales

5. Blue-black front-wrap dress by French Connection. £160 or R2029 from Asos

6. Sequin short-sleeved tunic dress with satin sash by Kaliko. £140 or R1745 from John Lewis

7. Violet Thunder sequin black dress scattered with gold flowers, by French Connection. £110 or R1395 from Asos

8. A simple silk and sequin playsuit by Sylvie. $325 or R2570 from Reiss Online





This trend is sure to add some spark to your nights out. 

What are your thoughts - Gaudy or Glamorous? 

Celeb Style - Seeing Stripes

This week had me seeing stripes on the streets of Celebsville, with this navy and red nautical Express dress. This versatile piece looks comfy and suits just about everyone. It retails for $49.90 (R360), and can be bought here. 

At the end of July, a pregnant January Jones wore the t-shirt dress with embellished thong sandals, red-rimmed sunglasses and a Chanel bag.

In early August, Amanda Seyfried was spotted in the cotton dress, also paired with thong sandals and sunnies.

A week later, Olivia Munn wore the three quarter-sleeved dress to the 'Teen Choice Awards' after party in LA. I don't like it with the fawn suede boots.

I think Zoe Saldana wore it best this Tuesday, with a tan sling Coach bag, skinny tan belt and flat thong sandals.

Emmy Rossum was seen in the same dress on the same day, at the same time and at the same shopping venue as Zoe! She wore it with a straw hat and thong sandals too.

I can see many versions of this dress greeting us in stores this summer. How will you wear it?

Celeb Style - The Little Black Dress

Celebrity Style

The LBD



The Little Black Dress has been a favourite with celebrities on and off the red carpet this week. There were so many versions of this classic closet piece on display, as pictured below.  

Jenna Dewan looks polished at the TCA Press Tour All-Star Party in LA. The brunette actress wore a strapless lace Dolce & Gabbana dress with sweetheart neckline. Her accessories included Giuseppe Zanotti peep toe sandals and a bejeweled clutch bag.

Mila Kunis looked posh leaving a London restaurant. Her tuxedo halter neck wrap dress is by Calvin Klein. Great addition of the skinny gold belt and gorgeous blue and gold Christian Louboutin pumps. She carried a denim blue Chanel bag.

Dianna Agron was pictured on her way to the David Letterman show in New York. She wears my favourite LBD of the week. Her Stella McCartney velvet dress features a high round neck with sweetheart bodice, and peplum flounce. Yves Saint Laurent 'Tribtoo' heels finish her look.

Sarah Michelle Gellar chose a simple black sleeveless sheath by Givenchy. She wears the metallic bronze version of Dianna Agron's Yves Saint Laurent 'Tribtoo' pumps (pictured above). She holds a black beaded clutch bag.

Emma Stone also made an appearance on the David Letterman show in a little black dress. Her Azzaro LBD had long cuffed sleeves and criss-cross detail on the neckline. I like the colour of her burgundy Brian Atwood pumps.

Amber Heard posed for a picture at NBC's 2011 TCA Summer Press Tour in Los Angeles. Her black dress by Honor has a plunging v-neck and full A-line skirt. Her nude satin pumps are by Brian Atwood. I feel like her outfit is in need of some accessories.

Taylor Swift Style

Stylish Star

Taylor Swift's Dresses



Country superstar Taylor Swift was spotted in New York City wearing two adorable dresses this past week. Both dresses have a rounded boat neck, accentuated waists, cap sleeves, pleated skirts and are the same length.

Left: Taylor wears a coral canvas dress by Twenty8Twelve with moss green peep-toe sandals and a teal handbag. She wore her signature blonde waves up in an unkempt bun.

Right: Taylor looks pretty in a deep sky blue embroidered dress by Tibi. She accessorized with a gold skinny belt and ivory flats with bow detail.  You may recall seeing Blake Lively wearing this same dress here.



Steal Her Style

Both of Taylor's dresses are available online for purchase.

Left: Daisy Dress in cotton canvas from Twenty8Twelve by s.miller. This scorched red dress is available from Asos for £220 or R2427.50

Right: Floral Embroidery cap sleeve dress in sky from Tibi. This cotton dress is priced at $770 or R5210.

Street Style - AnnaLynne McCord

Stylista

AnnaLynne McCord



I am currently stylelovin' AnnaLynne McCords savvy street wear. The 90210 actress has such an alluring sense of personal style. She never sticks to a specific fashion genre and experiments with different looks. Her style moves from tomboyish to feminine overnight, always interesting and never bland. 



These are some of the outfits AnnaLynne has been sporting on the streets of New York within the last few months. You will notice that Anna favours her Ray-Ban sunglasses, beaded necklaces, brown Miu Miu bag, scarves, knitted cardigans and her suede knee-length boots.



Short & Sleek

Anna takes advantage of short lengths that show off her slender figure and great legs.



1. She wears a masculine white blazer by Alice + Olivia with a white t-shirt and denim cuffed shorts. She paired it with red loafers and chunky beads.

2. Anna wears bright yellow shorts with a printed tank top. I like her cute fedora. She wears the same red loafers and beads.

3. Her navy blue Alice + Olivia dress is worn with a yellow belt and perforated tan Oxfords. She also wears strings of black beads.

4. Anna's nautical look features a white shorts, a red and white striped tee and grey blazer. She wears cute red flats, a gold necklace and white scarf.

Denim Diva

AnnaLynne is 70's inspired in high waisted denim flares. She wears the same brown belt throughout.



1. She wears a white pair of flares with a beige top and short denim jacket. Her look is accessorized with brown moccasins, army green beads and a fedora.

2. A cute floral tank accompanies her dark denim flares, along with indigo beads.

3. Her well-fitted pair of jeans look great with a tucked in blouse and high platforms.

4. A lighter wash denim jeans is teamed with a printed tank, wedge heels and her favourite two-tone Miu Miu bag.

Bohemian Queen

AnnaLynne is also fond of muted colours, chunky knits and bohemian style dresses.



1. She wears an Alice + Olivia flutter slip dress with a long cream cardigan, suede boots, a fedora and long beaded chains.

2. Anna's peachy-pink maxi skirt is worn with a white vest and fringed scarf.

3. A white bustier dress is coupled with the same chunky cardi, lilac printed scarf and her trusty suede boots. She also wears burgundy knee-high socks.

4. Her long floral hippy style dress is worn with a light pink cardigan, beige scarf, beads and the same beige suede boots.

Preppy Chic

 One of my favourite AnnaLynne's styles is the collegiate look.

1. She is swish in suit trousers with a skinny belt, fitted white shirt and checked tie. She stands tall in brown platforms.

2. AnnaLynne's pinafore is teamed with a white buttoned tee, purple tie and charcoal cardigan. She also wears the high socks and boots combo with it.

3. A dark grey pants is put together with a white tucked-in shirt, green satin tie and leather jacket. She adds colour with ruby red heels.

4. Anna looks cute in a navy school girl skirt, white shirt, striped tie and cardigan. She finished her look with tie-up espadrilles.





AnnaLynne's street style is original and unpredictable from one day to the next. She doesn't strictly follow trends and makes use of interesting accessories to add flair and character to each of her looks. I can't wait to see what style she trials out next.

The Colour Blocking Trend

Colour Blocking

The 'Colour Blocking' trend has yet to have the mass appeal in South Africa as it does overseas. Essentially, colour blocking refers to wearing 'blocks' or a combination of different solid colours together in one outfit. Colours can be mixed, matched or clashed for maximum effect. It starts with effective colour blocking, which means wearing a single bold colour from head to toe. You can pair two or three contrasting colours, anything more than four is excessive. These are some inspiring colour blocking looks off the runway.

1. An Issa outfit in cerise and purple.

2. Nina Ricci pairs fluorescent pink with canary yellow.

3. At Giambattista Valli, orange and beige were put together.

4. Orange and turquoise are a vibrant combination at Prabal Gurung. 

5. Richard Nicoll merges salmon, tangerine and hot pink.

6. At Etro, a bright shade of blue was mixed with rust.

7. Orange, pink and black was shown together on the Jil Sander runway.

8. Diane von Furstenberg united purple and orange and added an orange clutch.

9. Avocado green, neon yellow and black is eye catching at Burberry Prorsum.

10. Louis Vuitton merged ruby red with deep violet and black.

How to Colour Block

To get the colour block trend right, you have to know which colours complement each other best. As fun as it sounds, you can't just pile on every colour you find in your wardrobe, you will end up looking like the human rainbow. It's good to anchor your outfit with a neutral colour like black, white, grey or beige. To find out which colours are complementary, the use of this colour wheel will help.

How to use the Colour Wheel

When colour blocking your outfits, try out these combinations:

*Analogous colours, which are any three colours lined up next to each other on the colour wheel. Example: blue, blue-violet and violet.

*Complementary colours. These are colours placed directly opposite each other on the wheel. Like red and green or yellow and violet.

*90 degree angles. Combine colours that are at a right angle with each other. Example: Orange-yellow and green or red and violet.

*T colours. These are colours that form a 'T' shape. Like yellow, purple and orange-red.

*Jewel Colours are equally rich and flatter each other, such as emerald green and ruby red.

*Keep colours in the same saturation. Pastels with pastels, neons with neons.

*Pink trick. You can substitute 'pink' for 'red' and use all the same combinations.

Now that you know how to efficiently use colour, it's time to put that eye-catching outfit together. There are two ways you can do this - the right way and the bright one. For me, the combination of too many bright colours in the wrong proportions look loud and garish. You will see the difference between the 'animated' and 'understated' below.



Brights

Camilla Belle wears a tri-colour ensemble by Gucci. Her tangerine blazer is worn over a purple top and emerald green pants. She also wears green Gucci heels. A fourth colour is introduced with the neutral gold belt.

Cheryl Cole is highly pigmented in an orange ruffle top, aqua belt and violet high waisted flare pants that are far too long.

Teresa Palmer wears a multi-coloured Versus dress, with handkerchief neckline, vertical and horizontal stripes.

Leona Lewis pairs a neon yellow bustier with a hot pink pencil skirt. I like these two colours together but this outfit is too tight and midriff baring.

Rihanna wears a cropped purple jersey with prison orange pants and gold pumps. Her red hair counts as a fourth colour, right?

Colour Do's

Demi Moore chooses an age appropriate colour block outfit. She wears red satin pants from H&M with a simple white top and long black jacket by Elize Overland.

Olivia Palermo looks so chic in a bright pink blazer, grey shirt and black leather Tibi shorts. Her olive green satin Charlotte Olympia pumps work with this look.

Nina Dobrev looks cute in a light grey and neon yellow colour block dress by Jay Godfrey.

Nicole Scherzinger stylishly clashes green and orange, with an addition of black accessories.

Cheryl Cole gets it right this time in a cream blazer, baby pink t-shirt and royal blue pants. I adore the electric blue and nude heels she wears, which are by Christian Louboutin.

If you're still a little colour shy, you can start off with a bright handbag, necklace, head band or belt. This trend is such a fun and exciting way to experiment with different colour combinations. It's up to you to interpret it according to your personal style.

Celeb Style - The Burberry Biker Jacket

Celebrity Street Style

The Burberry Leather Biker Jacket



Celebs have been keeping warm with the essential high-fashion biker jacket by Burberry Prorsum. The British luxury fashion brand showed many versions of the leather biker at their Spring 2011 show. Most of the jackets seen on their runway have been favored by stylists and stars around the world. You may have seen the studded biker from this post I did, which was worn by Britney Spears for her 'Til the world ends' music video, Emma Roberts for Elle magazine and Cindy Crawford for Vogue Mexico.



The black leather jacket featured here has quilted panels, multiple zip detail, press-stud fastenings and zip-up sleeves. This heavy-weight runway piece can be worn over just about anything, as shown below.

Keira Knightly paired the double-breasted jacket with a burgundy top, grey loose fitting pants, a tan bag and brogues.

Style Icon Alexa Chung wears her biker with cropped black trousers, a polka dot blouse, black scarf and studded oxford shoes. Her kitten print bag is by Longchamp.

On the Burberry Prorsum runway, Australian model Julia Nobis wore the jacket with a feminine belted dress.

Kate Bosworth styled her jacket with a simple gray top, black skirt and leggings. She accessorized with black buckled boots and a Derek Lam handbag.

I like Sienna Miller's look best. She wore the quilted jacket over a heart print t-shirt from her own brand, Twenty8Twelve, and skinny jeans. Red buckled boots by Chloe and a Prada bag completed her look.

The 100% leather jacket retails for a staggering R24 181. In South Africa, you could buy 3 cows with that amount!

Celeb Style - Black & White Dresses

This Week's Trend

Black and White Dresses

I don't think there was ever a time when the Little Black Dress wasn't a trend. It's a look that remains timeless and fashionable. This season, the Little White Dress competes with the LBD for it's space in the spotlight. The LWD is modern and looks saintly and sexy at the same time.



These are few LBD's and LWD's worn by stylish stars this week.

Top Row:



Ashley Tisdale wears a black silk crepe dress by Australian design team Camilla and Marc. It has a wide neck, grosgrain waist band and a cut-out back. Her 'Nita' platforms are by House of Harlow 1960. I am closet craving this dress; it also works well with the stand-out turquoise necklace.



The lovely Jenna Dewan wears a sheer long-sleeved white dress by Halston Heritage. 



Lucy Hale chose a black sequined dress by Georges Hobeika. It has mesh detailing on the sleeves and a keyhole design at the center. Her adorable sandals with large satin bows and crystals are by Giuseppe Zanotti.



Bottom Row:



Aimee Teagarden wears an Emporio Armani LWD. It kinda looks like bandage strips were incorporated into the design. Her accessories included a Judith Leiber 'Fizzy' clutch bag, Kimberly Mcdonald earrings and satin pumps by Brain Atwood.



Eva Longoria stays true to her mono-tonal style in a black strapless Monique Lhuillier dress with suede pumps.



I've been admiring Arielle Kebbel's simple and classy style of late. Here she wears a draped white dress with open back by Gomez-Garcia. Both her silver heels and clutch bag are by Lauren Merkin.



Black or White dresses? Which trend do you prefer?

Celeb Style - The Black Jacket

This Week's Trend 

The Black Jacket



The black jacket is a staple for any winter closet. It doesn't date and with countless designs to choose from, you will promptly find a style to suit to your personal taste. A black jacket completes any outfit and will create a courtly and effortlessly chic look. 



These are some style ideas to keep in mind when wearing your black jacket.

Kourtney Kardashian wears a short black coat with a tan top, 7 For All Mankind high-waisted flare jeans and a Balenciaga City Tote.



Zoe Saldana wears her black blazer with distressed demins by Adriano Goldschmied, a blue fringe messenger bag, knee-high leather boots and a colourful printed scarf.



My favourite look of the week is Nicole Richie in a studded leather biker jacket by Simone Collection. She paired it with a short floaty skirt, black tights and leather cutout platform boots by Alaia. All black accessories included a knitted beret, an Italian linen viscose scarf, Givenchy 'Antigonia' bag and sunglasses from her own range, House of Harlow.



Emmy Rossum wore a floral-print dress by D&G under her cropped black blazer. The Spring dress is challenged by the black tights and maroon Rene Caovilla suede shoes.



Gwyneth Paltrow does cool and classic in a loose-fit black blazer with roll-up sleeves by Rag & Bone. She paired it with flare MiH jeans, a simple white tee and gray scarf.

Celeb Style - Nautical Stripes

This Week's Trend

Black and White Nautical Stripes



Wearing horizontal stripes can be intimidating. There's always the fear that it will make you look 'wider' than you actually are. If worn in a flattering fabric, accompanied by the right attire, stripes can look very stylish. There are so many ways to wear this nautical print - t-shirts, blouses, mid-length dresses, jackets and shorts. On a negative point, a fully striped dress could end up looking like designer prison wear. Striped leggings can come off as sleepwear and will draw attention to your thighs & calves.



If you're not sure how to wear them, view the style file below for ideas.

Famke Janssen wears a short striped top with black blazer, dark bootleg jeans and a red scarf. She carries a Balenciaga 'Twiggy' bag.



Taylor Swift wears her striped t-shirt with skinny jeans and a black boyfriend blazer. She paired the look with a navy knitted hat and Ralph Lauren crossbody bag. Not crazy about the dark purple brogues.



Jessica Alba wears a floaty striped 'Delia' dress by Elizabeth and James with a black blazer and tights. Her lace and leather bag is by Dolce & Gabbana and her tie-up boots are by All Saints.



Selena Gomez chose a tunic with thicker stripes, which she wore over black tights with slouchy suede boots. She added a pop of colour with a red wraparound scarf.



Nicky Hilton looks like she's stepped off a yacht in stripey Madewell 'Set Sail' shorts, a black tank top and Panama hat. She wears it with a red Chanel bag and espadrilles by Christian Louboutin.

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.

Celeb Style - Avril Lavigne and Kim Kardashian

Avril Lavigne and Kim Kardashian

'Goodbye Lullaby' Album Launch Party

Kim Kardashian lent support to Avril Lavigne at her album launch party this week. The two stars turned up in completely different looks that exemplified their personal style. Kim looked stylish in her draped white blazer, skinny black leather pants and Christian Louboutin 'Daffodil' platform heels. Punk Princess Avril wore a black tulle skirt, with sparkly strapless sequined top, tie-up boots and chunky jewellery. She takes the pastel hair trend a bit too far by combining green and pink streaks. It may have been Avril's party, but Kim looked far better.