Cheryl Cole Stateside style

After recent events, Cheryl Cole has once again been the talk of the nation due to her hasty exit from the US version of X factor. There have been so many speculations as to what actually happened, and why America didn’t gel to her.

There was a lot of emphasis on her style when she was stateside, it seemed everyone couldn’t wait to see what outfit she stepped out in. There have even been rumors that allegedly Cheryl had to lose 2 stones to ensure she would become a well liked style icon. So the question is, did her stylist let her down?

While Cheryl was in America, we did see her want to take more risk with her outfits. The color blocking outfit was a prime example of this, the outfit was ‘meh’ ok, but I do think Cheryl and her stylist were probably trying a little too hard to be this amazingly, on trend fashion icon. I don’t think that big hair helped her either.

I think we know Cheryl for her effortless, fashion forward style, I don’t necessarily think this translated well when she went stateside. For me, I don’t think she needs to change her style or anything she was just good as is.

Sources:

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Rihanna’s ever changing looks

Rihanna is a fashion conscience artist who always keeps us on tender hooks, while we await what look she will be turning up at an event with. Well, she has done it again, she has exchanged the short bob look she has been sporting for a while now to long tresses. She was at a New York concert and her new hair went perfectly with her stage costume, it was a lovely spin on the sailor girl outfit!

I think this stage costume could easily be translatable into a really nice day look, in fact the only thing I would change would be the high waisted knickers. I would prefer a more tailored and looser fitting short. Nonetheless, she looks HAWT!

I think Rihanna’s new Hairstyle looks awesome, she actually looks really chic in the picture below. I like the fact her hairstyle references the hairstyles of the 40s but her outfit makes the entire look modern chic. Loving this new look for Rihanna, her ever evolving looks never get boring. Does this lady ever get it wrong? She can just have any color hair or hairstyle and just make it look frightfully gorgeous!

                     

Fashion Designer : Melissa Velia

Melissa Velia is an up and coming Fashion designer who is certainly making a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her designs are inspired and have caught the attention of the many. Even before venturing off to create her own fashion label, Melissa had her designs worn by big celebrities like Tyra Banks, Hilary Duff, Faith Evans and Kimora Lee Simmons! With such success, Melissa decided that 2010 would be the year to brave it alone and she created her own fashion line where she has already accomplished a great deal.

Melissa’s describes her ready-to-wear collection as “a line that upholds the art of couture“. The collection is really adorable and you can really see the vintage influences within a lot of the pieces, which have been refreshed to make them fashion forward. It is a stunning collection.

Obviously, Fashion Loving loves to pick the brains of any talented designer and Melissa was no exception!! Read the interview below…

Melissa Velia

FL: What is fashion to you?
MV: An art form

FL: When did you decide you wanted your own fashion label?
MV: I think when I was about 7 years old. Really, it was just right off the bat, the
only thing was at that time I wanted it to be a clothing line for Barbie.

FL: What do you think inspires your fashion designs?
MV: Everything around me but mostly fabrics

FL: What are you as a designer about?
MV: I am really just about using fashion as an art form and expressing myself with it.

FL: Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MV: Yes

FL: What inspired you to be a fashion designer?
MV: Honestly, Barbie and my mom

FL: What skills do you need to be a fashion designer?
MV: You really need to understand the construction of a garment. I mean sewing and drawing are great skills to have but I don’t think you NEED them. But I do feel that a true designer can do all of it, draw, design and create their pieces.

FL: From your experience, what advice would you give someone who wants to design?
MV: I’d say grow some tough skin and never give up.  Always do your fashion homework and let yourself be inspired.

FL: Who are some of your fashion influences and why?
MV: I’d say Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen for there daring creativity and Coco Chanel for her strength and dedication to the art of couture.

FL: What type of person do you design your collection for?
MV: Someone who is not afraid to be fashion-forward.

FL: What, to date, has been your biggest achievement in your fashion career?
MV: I’d have to say, all the wonderful press I’ve been getting on my collections

FL: What would you have liked to have done, if you weren’t a designer?
MV: Oh let me see….a chef, a writer, a stylist, and an actress!

FL: What have you got in store for us with your next collection?
MV: An array of colors, prints and styles all centered around Summer

FL: Is there anything else that we should be looking out for from you in the near future?
MV: Coming to a store near you!

Thanks for sharing Melissa!! Have a look through the gallery for more of Melissa’s designs

What look from Melissa’s designs could you see yourself wearing?

Visit Melissa’s website www.melissavelia.com

Eniko Mihalik

Fashion Loving loves to appreciate everything about fashion and oh yes Eniko Mihalik is right up there. The Hungarian model is an absolute beauty and her modeling is exceptional! She has been in some of the most amazing fashion shows and her photo shoots are awesome. Most recently you can find her in a beauty spread for the June/ July 2011 issue of Vogue Paris. The spread is about tanning and was shot by Giampaolo Sgura, doesn’t she just look hot!!

This is one sought after model, just this year alone she has graced the pages of Vogue Italia, W Magazine, Haper’s Bazaar and many more not to mention her ad campaigns. There’s just one simple reason why she is everywhere… this lady is just great at what she does and I most certainly love her to bits.

Check out the gallery for some more recent photo shoots!

Do you love Eniko Mihalik or what?

Photo Source:

1. models.com

Karmen Pedaru outlandish shoot for Vogue Nippon

I adore over the top photo shoots, just trying to work out how someone came up with the initial creative always gets me thinking. The fabulous Giampaolo Sgura made over the top and crazy look beautiful, of course the model Karmen Pedaru had a lot do with it too! The shoot graced the pages of Vogue Nippon, ooh get a look at it below!!

Not only did the photos look great, the clothes looked stunning too, my favourite look is the first photo, which is Gucci spring collection. The model looks great and the whole concept for the shot is equally as great. ( In case you haven’t noticed, I do have a soft spot for photo shoots 😉 )

Tell me, what do you find most intriguing from this awesome shoot?

Interview with Jessica Barkley

Fashion Loving caught up with the up and coming designer Jessica Barkley who currently resides in Orange County. She has started a new line where dresses are the main focus. From a very early age Jessica has found herself designing and creatively putting outfits together, “we didn’t have much access to up to the minute fashion… from an early age, I learned to select fabrics, get patterns and translate my ideas. Without even being aware of it”. Jessica took this raw talent and moulded it into formidable career, she has now impressively been designing for 20 years!

I think what caught my eye about Jessica’s designs was just how stylish and elegant her dresses were! I could tell that they were dresses designed to make you feel sexy and flatter your body, and we all know everyone looks their best when a dress combines these two essential points! I got incredibly excited whilst going through the pictures of her dresses and immediately I just had to have a quick chat with Jessica to get to know the designer responsible for these fashionable dresses. Let’s take a peek into her creative world!

FL: What is Fashion to you?

JB: Fashion is an expression of oneself. It provides a way for people to portray their personality creatively. One should adopt fashion to ones needs and views and not the the other way around.

FL: What do you think inspires your fashion designs?

JB: My fashion influences come mainly from art, travelling and people watching.

FL: What type of person do you design your collection for? 

JB: Intelligent, strong, classy, independent women inspire my designs. My ideal client is women between the ages of 25 and 50. She is very sophisticated yet simple. She is naturally elegant and sexy without revealing too much. She has a strong personality but has an open mind as well. She believes in making fashion suit her and does not mind the lime light.

FL: What skills do you need to be a fashion designer?

JB: To be a successful fashion designer one needs to know who they are designing for and find your niche in that market.

FL: How long does it take to create an item from start to finish?

JB: Every item is different some dresses can take longer in the pattern making process and less in the sewing  stage. The reverse  also holds true. The creative process can take months and then sometimes the fabric just talks to me and tells me what to do. Whatever it takes I have to make sure it is ready for the shows. Usually the creative process starts a year in advance.

FL: From your experience what advice would you give to someone who wants to design?

JB: If you feel that you have the talent and love doing it go for it. It does take studying and lots of perseverance. Work for somebody first learn the trade and then go for it.

FL: Is there anyhting else we should be looking out from you in the near future?

JB: The new Fall collection should be bringing a lot of European influence. There are influences of nature such as touches of feathers and fur. It is the perfect balance of sophistication and fun.

Here are few more images of Jessica Barkley’s designs

For more visit Jessica Barkley’s website: jessicabarkley.com

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Flatforms

Flatforms have become the sensation of this season, it has raised many eyebrows and there’s been a bit of controversity surrounding them. The new hybrid that takes from platforms, wedges and flats, has stepped on the scene for this summer. We have seen them used in a lot of the designers runway shoes, but will this trend really catch on.

Many of the critics have simply said that flatforms are ugly, and I agree that there are many flatforms that are ugly, but here at Fashion Loving I have found a few that I liked, which made me think… ‘this trend has potential’!

I think the hardest thing about this footwear trend, is picking the right clothes that compliment it. It’s quite difficult and unless you are a real fan of the 70s look there’s not much else you can wear it with. Having said that I think the Derek Lam collection for Spring/ Summer 2011 collection used the Flatforms cleverly.

One good thing that I love about the Flatform as a 5″ 5  lady, is that you get the height that you would get from heels (I love heels) without the pain that notoriously comes from wearing heels for a long time, which is always a good thing.

Tell me your thoughts on Flatforms, are they trendy or crazy?

Photo source:

1. Elle.com

Introducing the Buttercup Lingerie Collection…

I recently came across the lovely Estelle Puleston who is a final year university student, with her own business called www.estylingerie.com! She has recently branched out into designing her own lingerie and has a new collection that will be debuting in June 2011 “I love sewing and design so decided to create my own collection to go on the site”.

The collection is called Buttercup and is designed with the idea of lingerie ‘essentials’ in mind, which in the designer’s mind are a satin bra set, a cotton bra set, a lace bra set, a corset, a babydoll, a kimono and lace gloves.

Estelle drew her inspiration for her collection from Spring “I started designing it just when it was getting lovely and sunny in England, hence the light colours and the summery designs”. Estelle keeps the designs fresh and exciting, which I really love and am shocked at the talent this lady has! A  21-year old Management Science and French student studying a part-time fashion styling diploma, who writes for several fashion websites  AND runs her own business and now designing…. I’m just wondering where she finds the time to do it all and do it all so well? I’m in awe of this superwoman.

This luscious lingerie is all handmade in the UK and really looks great, “I’m a really girly girl so there are satin bows (I love bows!) on every single item”. I LOVE the bows too! This collection is rather sexy and appealing, the colours are great and really do give you that summer love kind of feel. The pieces in the collection are really made for every woman and every situation, whether you need that ‘special’ occasion lingerie or that everyday lingerie wear.

I’m excited for Estelle, this collection showed a real understanding of what us women want from lingerie, not to mention the real creativeness it showed. She has already been mentioned in the Daily Mail and the Sun newspapers for her talent. As a young designer we can expect to see more from Estelle and her business and I for one can’t wait to see.

Have a look through some more pieces from the Buttercup collection in the gallery below.

Would you wear this lingerie collection?

Credits:

Photography: Roland Selivanoff

Makeup and Hair: Natalie Coles

Lingerie design and styling: Estelle Puleston

Model: Katerina Perepech at Base Models

Ashley Tisdale goes Neon

Ashley Tisdale looks fabulous in this lovely neon ensemble. The pop of pink against her striped skirt really speaks ‘trendy’! Her beach look hair went perfectly well with this day outfit and overall made for a very glamorous looking lady! I only have one question, Miss Tisdale please teach me how to look this effortless!

P.s I love her ankle boots, they  fit the outfit so well

What do you think of this day look?

Diane Kruger melts Gold at Cannes Film Festival 2011

I always like to keep an eye on all the red carpet fashions that go on at the Cannes Films Festival and this year has been no exception let me tell you! I actually got a little excited when I saw Diane Kruger, who is the new face of Calvin Klein beauty,  in her Calvin Klein masterpiece designed by Francisco Costa (creative director of the brand) . The silhouette is simple but really does blow you away, just look at the way it hangs from Diane Kruger’s body, yes, PERFECTLY!  The dress is entirely made of gold sequins, it really does look like Kruger has managed to melt a pot of gold and somehow managed to attach the gold to her body. I have nothing but good things to say about her dress choice and I could quite literally sit here all day just looking at that dress.

Diane is seen here with Joshua Jackson, who looks gorgeous too. He is wearing head-to-toe Lanvin, right down to the footwear. I like the fact he has tried to be a little different here but I don’t think he quite matches the elegance of Diane’s look, but nevertheless who wouldn’t want him as a bit of arm candy!

What do you think of Diane Kruger’s dress?

Photo Source:

1. StyleFrizz

♥Fashion Loving’s First GIVEAWAY!♥

This week I introduced the lovely Poppy Sparkles who creates lovely pieces of Jewellery. Well guess what… Poppy Sparkles is making another appearance today! Viv Smith, the owner of the Poppy Sparkles has teamed up with Fashion Loving and has kindly agreed to give one of Fashion Loving’s readers a special gift!

“I’m offering the winner a choice of either a Bold Black or a Pillar Box Red Spotilicious Charm Necklace” 

One of you lucky people get a choice of which colour button necklace you want. The necklace has a Swarovski crystal and a freshwater pearl, what more could you ask for?

How to enter to win: 

(you can enter by choosing one or more of the following options below)

1: Simply subscribe to my blog or follow me on BlogLovin’ (if you have an account).

2: Follow me on Twitter or  ‘Like’ me on Facebook

3: Leave a comment  on this post with details of which entries you did.

Simples!!

 

Additional entries: 

1.  Tweet the following: Entered the @fashion_loving @Poppysparkles_  giveaway. Details here: http://wp.me/p12aKz-eW
2.  Facebook the following: Entered the @fashionloving @Poppysparkles giveaway. Details here: http://wp.me/p12aKz-eW

The competition will close 12th June 2011, the winner will be announced 14th June 2011. Don’t miss out on this chance!

Good Luck everyone!!

** UPDATE: this giveaway has now closed but be sure to come back for more amazing giveaways!! xo**

Kiss’a Bags

I always say that accessories are really important and can really transform an outfit into something spectacular! This is exactly what I think of the brand Kiss’a Bags, the bags that are created are not only stunning, but for me really add that extra specialness to an outfit look! Kiss’a Bags ethos is to ensure that each of the pieces created by the brand represents a sexy, feminine, refined look. This is the key to making each piece look so gorgeous and makes them a great accessory to have.

The brains behind the Kiss’a bags brand is fashion designer, Satu Jaakkola-Chiari. With over 15 years of experience of being a high end fashion designer in Italy, Satu decided to form Kiss’a bags. She has done great things with this brand and her bags have even been featured in Elle Magazine!!

The bags really do look elegant, they are also very versatile. What I like the most is that there’s a bag for each look, from casual to chic. Satu has a wide range of  high end leather bags for any occasion. Kiss’a bags is certainly elevating what we expect from accessories, she manages to make the bag’s stand out as part of an outfit, which definitely brings the entire look to another level! For more of Kiss’a Bags creations look below:

I know which bag’s my favorite, which one is yours?!?

p.s. You can head over to Kiss’a Bags online shop to buy one of these beauties and while you’re at it buy me a bag too 😉

1. http://www.kissafashion.com

The Lady is a Vamp

Seth Karecha & Ron Contarsy shot the model Sam Rayner for the magazine Tatler May 2011, the photoshoot was called The Lady is a Vamp. I do have a weak spot for awesome photography! This photo shoot does not disappoint! Every aspect for me, draws me into each image and Sam Rayner does a fantastic job, don’t you think?

Each picture is creative gorgeousness!! I particularly like the styling on this shoot, its goes from a very classic look to a more edgy look. This shoot is an example of all the stylists, designers and photographers artistic direction syncing with other to create something that is so extraordinary!

I think I will be checking out more of the photographers work, to see if I can see some more beautiful creations… to see the rest of the photo shoot click through the gallery below:

What are your thoughts?

Photo Source:

1. http://www.movie-lounge.com

Poppy Sparkles

Fashion Loving is all about finding quirky and innovative industry people that bring a little smile to your face. This week we found the lovely Poppy Sparkles! Poppy Sparkles is a online jewellery store that we think creates miniature pieces of art. The woman behind the store is Viv Smith, she’s the one that creates special pieces of jewellery for anyone wanting something brilliant and unique to wear for any occasion with any outfit! Viv is a self taught jewellery artist and makes all her creations from home, believe it or not!

Fashion Loving had to get in touch with Poppy Sparkles to find out a little bit more about this creative jewellery, so we threw a few questions at Viv Smith and here is what she said!

How long have you been in business for?

Poppy Sparkles was established in March 2010, but in truth I’ve been making and selling jewellery since my early teens. So, although Poppy Sparkles is a new brand, there’s experience behind it.
what inspires you and your jewellery designs?

Primarily I focus on life’s celebrations, so I look to those special moments and try to find a way to capture it in jewellery form.  This can clearly be seen in my Mummy Necklaces and Peace Collection. I also think about the seasons and holidays of the year, so I have a collection of jewellery due to launch at a later date that is for Christmas, including a range of jewellery for accessorising your LBD at all those parties.

Sometimes I just want to incorporate an element or idea, such as my Spotilicious range. I just love those spotty polka dot buttons and thought it was such a quirky range.  The Rainbow bright colours just ooze Summer fun.

What are you as a jewllery artist about?

I want to create pieces that are wearable and accessible.  I love mix ‘n’ match and value for money, which is different from cheap, and why I developed my own charm system.  This allows the wearer to easily remove charms from the necklace and provides numerous ways to wear your charms – endless possibilities for those who are loyal to the Poppy Sparkles brand and can mix charms from other designs. I love items that have meaning and memories associated with them and so I primarily focus on creating pieces that celebrate life.  I only use quality materials such as sterling silver, Swarovski crystal and Freshwater pearls as I intend my pieces of jewellery to be lasting items, to be worn and treasured. Whilst there’s a nod at times to what’s current and ‘on trend’, I endeavour to create pieces that have a timeless quality to them and with my charm system it can be easy to rework a piece and make it current again by changing the colour combinations.

What’s the next step for you?

I’m looking to branch out from selling online and want to see Poppy Sparkles jewellery stocked in some real bricks and mortar shops.

In the future (read: when being a mummy doesn’t take up the lion-share of my time,) I hope to complete some formal silver-smith training and learn how to forge my own components, helping to make my designs even more unique.

When did you know you wanted to become a jewellery artist?

From the moment I made my first pair of earrings in my early teens! I love the sense of achievement that creating something beautiful with your own hands brings, which is then heightened by someone loving your creation so much they purchase it.

What advice would you give someone who wants to design?

Stay true to yourself. The moment I stopped creating just pretty jewellery and moved to designing my charm jewellery that is ‘me’ through and through and very much centred on my own values and likes, I have been both happier in myself and my work.  I have also found that the response to my work is better and so much easier for me to promote as it’s me, not something I’m pretending to be.

Who are some of your fashion influences?

I’m a fan of timeless, classic and elegant designs. I love Freshwater pearls, hence including them in virtually all of my designs, so I have to say that Audrey Hepburn with her classic pearls is one icon I look to. I’m influenced by Pandora, Troll et al with their charm bracelet concept of removable charms, but ultimately, I have tried to find my own style.

What type of person do you design your collection for?

Most popular are my Mummy necklaces, clearly designed for Mummies as a way to celebrate their children with Swarovski birthstone crystals. Overall, my jewellery designs are simple and unfussy, they’re for people who like understated, clean designs. I design for women who appreciate quality jewellery that they can keep, as opposed to cheap costume jewellery that is virtually disposable. My pieces are for people that like to give and receive gifts with meaning, that want jewellery that has memories attached to it, that they can keep and treasure.  In all honesty my ideal customer is someone like me!

How long does it take to create an item from start to finish?

Most of my time is spent in the planning, creating pieces that fulfil the criteria I set – that is, pieces which will last and are not too trend-led, a set of charms that provide several possibilities (work well together, in a combination or individually) and for most of my designs, I ask does it fit with my ethos of jewellery to celebrate life?  I spend a lot of time with an array of materials out working through which colours are just right, what shape and size of bead provides the right look… I’m quite fussy and like to get things right. I’ll keep revisiting design ideas until I feel it is perfect. I have some designs that I’ve been tweaking and working through for a good few weeks, if not longer. I don’t think it helps the number of shades Swarovski manufacture – I hate having to be pinned down to a few colourways, I’d love to use them all in so many different combinations!

Is there anything else that we should be looking out for from you in the near future?

I will be continuing the celebration of life’s special events and holidays in my jewellery, but I will also be launching some designs for wearing at special occasions.  In the near future I’ll be launching a collection perfect for Christmas parties with its rich, jewel-like colours and expanding on the current items I offer with the addition of coordinating hairpins. I hope to expand on the idea of jewellery for special occasions in 2012, providing jewellery that is well suited to bridesmaids and wedding or party guests. I would also like to build on my bespoke design service and am looking to launch a more couture range of jewellery with hand-wired strands of pearls and crystals – very special jewellery for very special occasions.

What do you think of the Poppy Sparkle brand?

You can find Poppy Sparkles here: 

1. Facebook – www.facebook.com/poppysparkles
2. Twitter – www.twitter.com/poppysparkles_
3. Website — www.poppysparkles.co.uk 

Ginnifer Goodwin

I was already impressed with Ginnifer Goodwin this week, with her brave choice of dress at the MET gala, but the dress that she wore to the Los Angeles premiere of Something Borrowed, ticked all the boxes for me again!

I love this new take on the houndstooth pattern. The dress was by Heve Leger by Max Azria, oh it was a treat to see! This design is fresh, the houndstooth gets bigger or smaller depending on where it is placed on the body, so it compliments the body fully. I love also that this pattern is broken up by the gold plates, it just adds more drama to the dress.

Goodwin styled this dress perfectly with a  lovely statement ring by Bvlgari and a golden clutch, very simple accessories with a great impact. I’m not so sure about the sandals, I think a nude pump would have a looked a little better but as a whole her entire outfit works!

What do you think of Ginnifer Goodwin’s look?

Photo Credit:

Adriana M. Barraza