Blake Lively in Couture

Blake Lively turned up to the Green Lantern Movie Premiere in a showstopping Chanel Haute Couture gown from the spring 2009 collection pairing it with some gold bangles. Blake chose to wear all white, she gave us all a little bit of flash of her great legs though as the skirt on the gown was sheer. She exuded lots and lots of confidence but was this dress right for the occasion?

The runway version of this dress was paired with a very quaint headpiece, which I think really adds to the drama of this dress, after all it IS Chanel Haute Couture. Without the headpiece does the dress lose the sense of it’s drama it was designed to have? Don’t get me wrong I think the dress was really nice, there’s just something I just can’t quite put my finger on. As Blake is currently the face of Chanel’s Mademoiselle Bag’s I think I just expected a little bit more special from her, the whole look didn’t really give me that ‘wow’ kind of a feeling.

Angelina Jolie new face of Louis Vuitton

Have you heard the news? Angelina Jolie is confirmed as the new face of Louis Vuitton’s Core Values ad campaign. I am sure the fashion label is delighted as she brings a certain Je ne sais quoi that makes us that little bit more interested in the brand! To kick off her duties Angelina Jolie has partaken in a very unique yet spectacular photo shoot, she looks really beautiful in this image below (enough to make me very jealous ha!).

If that is not all, Jolie is wearing her own clothes for the advertising campaign. The bag also belongs to Jolie, sadly Louis Vuitton do not make that style anymore, but with Angelina sporting this bag and it being in the ad something tells me there will be a new interest in the bag and it may just be brought back on to the shelves in some form or another!

It really is great to just see Jolie in regular clothes and not overly made up, all of which make for a really classic image. Apparently she isn’t wearing any makeup (Hmm I’m not so sure about this… I see a bit of smokey eye going on there 😉 ).

The ad campaign is expected to run for approximately 18 months. I can’t wait until I see more work from the Jolie-Vuitton ad collaboration, I think we will be in for a treat!

Are you excited for more of Angelina Jolie in upcoming months?

Balmain at the MTV movie awards

The MTV movie awards showcased some really amazing well dressed celebrities. The celebs came out looking stunning, some got it right more than others, there were a few that I got so excited about though and three celeb choices that I almost screamed over (in part excitement and part jealously). Leighton Meester, Kristen Stewart and Mila Kunis were all lucky enough to showcase that lovely fashion name; Balmain.

Balmain is the incredible french fashion label who I absolutely adore! We don’t get to see such high concentration of Balmain looks at red carpet events but the MTV movies awards was a one time exception, a treat if you like, to see some incredible designs

Mila Kunis looked adorable in that embellished skirt, the black top allowed the star of the show (skirt) to shine in the moment. I thought the choice (both of which are from the Autumn/ Winter 2011 Collection) was great for the occasion and most of all she kept the styling to a minimal so as not to overpower the entire look.

We saw Kristen Stewart wearing a very familiar silhouette, she went for the strapless mini dress. It’s great she went for the shape she knows and feels the best in, but for me what I liked most about the red leather ensemble were all the safety pins and stud work it had on it. It was a little bit of a risk that I feel worked well for Kristen’s character. Few could pull this look off in my opinion.

Last but not least is Leighton Meester’s look, it is again from the Autumn/winter Collection 2011. I am loving this silver mini dress with all its fabulous designer wizardry that it has on it, especially the mirrors and beading! The dress just looked stunning from all angles, who wouldn’t look good in this gorgeous creation?

I loved seeing Balmain at the MTV movie awards and the ladies who were wearing the fashion label absolutely rocked it! I love the fact we see the brilliance of the Collection and how it translates so well for red carpet events. The Balmain Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection is absolutely great and yes I would like to have every single piece of the collection, just so I could look as great as the ladies above!! I love the simple minimalist feel that the collection has and I think it certinly works for the celebrities above but at the same time the collection has the ability to transform anyone into a glimmering stylish rock chicks!

Who do you think rocks Balmain the best?

What will you be wearing…

Now that the Sun has finally come out to play, it got me thinking that June is the time when everyone is planning or starting to go on their summer holidays. It’s always so difficult choosing what to wear but the photo shoot below shows just how you can make your bikini or one piece suit that much more spectacular.

I’m always a fan of Patrick Demarchelier and this shoot is no exception, his photography always elevates both the model and the fashion in each frame. Lara Stone also looks great but so much different from her usual self.  The styling brings each look to another level just by focusing on accessorizing the swimwear!

Look at more photos in the gallery

These looks are easily translatable for everyday wear and I will most certainly going to stores to find the perfect pieces to accessorize my swimwear.

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Lily Allen does vintage

Lily Allen has created her own vintage 18 piece collection, which is called ‘Treasure Chest’. Lily certainly appreciates the vintage fashion and it really does show throughout this collection.

She designed the vintage line with her sister Sarah Owens (last year, they also opened a vintage shop in London), the line includes really fun dresses, jumpsuits and maxi dresses with lots of colour. I think they have both done a really great job, as a fellow lover of vintage I totally see myself wearing some of these  pieces!!

The collection is out this June and will be sold at Harvey Nichols, it is based on the character ‘Lucy’, the story is that Lucy is walking through each decade and there are pieces in the collection that represent this. I love the direction this collection took and I’m loving what I see!

Controversy follows Andrej Pejic

FHM has been the centre of controversy over the last couple of days due to its readers choosing Andrej Pejic as the 98th Sexiest woman in the world. It was FHM’s writers that caused the stir as they wrote as part of a blurb about the supermodel ‘the gender bender has jumped the gun in hoping he might one day be signed as a Victoria’s Secret Model (pass the sick bucket).’

FHM readers were said to be outraged thus resulting in a public apology from FHM and the removal of the written insults from the online version of the article.

Andrej has been the source of so much controversy since his debut as womenswear supermodel. A few months back it seemed that we welcomed the thought of an androgynous male walking the runway as a great idea, but ever since there have been articles after articles that oppose this idea.

Obviosuly the Fashion Industry have no oppostion to the idea of Andrej but this leads me to wonder if the rest of the world is as accepting as the Fashion Industry.

Do you think it is a good idea to promote an impossible boy/guy’s body image as the perfect ‘woman’s’ body or do you think we should embrace the idea of Andrej? I have to ask myself, would there be the same amount of uproar if a woman decided to walk on a runway and do photo shoots dressed as a man.

Leave your comments below!

Pippa Middleton

Since the Royal wedding, Pippa Middleton has become somewhat of a style phenomenon and images of her on her daily routine are cropping up all over the internet. We were all blown away by her in Alexander Mcqueen at the Royal Wedding, she looked positively exquisite. She stepped out into the media with a big bang and ever since we have expected perfection, but has she delivered?

Pippa has been photographed wearing some really chic outfits, with the extra media attention I do think she has done a fine job. I absolutely loved this casual but chic look that Pippa stepped out in London with. It had a real impact because of the mix of colors she chose to wear but for me, I did think the simplicity of the outfit spoke wonders.

But does Pippa really deserve to hold the title of ‘Style Queen’ or is she just a one hit wonder. The outfit below does make me question if Pippa Middleton can be a style guru where the masses flock to her for fashion inspiration. I feel the outfit is a little dull and lackluster, an injection of color would have done wonders. The choice of outfit, I find is a little surprising, considering after the Royal Wedding I am sure Pippa would have been inundated with free gifts from designers. I am sure she could have put together a more inspiring outfit. I suppose only time will tell how Pippa fairs as a style icon.

 

 

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

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

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

The Met Ball 2011 Fashion

One of the most important fashion nights happened this week at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute gala ball in NYC, where the genius designer Alexander McQueen was honored! His masterpieces were being exhibited, so there were only a few Mcqueen creations on hand for the red carpet fashions.

If your one of these people that enjoy the red carpet fashions (I am!) then the fashions that were on this red carpet will probably, most likely blow your mind! I found myself oohing and aahing at the outfits of the night, there so many delicious outfits out there. But the following outfits really stood out in my eyes..

For me, Sarah Jessica Parker looked exquisite in Alexander McQueen Autumn 2005 collection. The figure hugging dress fit her so well. Yes this is why she graces the best dress title, oh so often, just SO stylish!

The red carpet was showered with various other designers. Below Madonna was wearing Stella McCartney and I loved this vintage 1930s look. It was something very different to what I am used to Madonna wearing, so it was a pleasant surprise!

Another favorite of mine was Blake Lively! Karl Lagergfeld dressed this beauty to perfection in a lovely couture Chanel dress. The dress really showed her awesome body off to the upmost. Wouldn’t you agree?

Now, I love this next dress that Ginnifer Goodwin wore simply for the fact that the dress held it’s own out of the couture gowns on the red carpet. The gown is from Topshop Unique!! Yes, I know what you’re thinking because I thought that too! Love the colour and I think she looked stunning. What do you think?

Here’s a few more photos to add to the awesome looking A-listers!

What do you think of these lovely red carpet fashions?

Photo Sources:

1. http://www.thedailymail.co.uk
2. http://www.graziadaily.co.uk

Phillip Treacy

If you watched the Royal Wedding you would have heard of the man that is Phillip Treacy. I would say half of the wedding party were wearing Phillip Treacy designs (this may be an over exaggeration I do not know the actual figures 🙂 )! He is a well sought after designer of hats. His work is absolutely divine and rather than them being accessories to outfits, I would describe his work as pieces of art.

The creativity involved in creating one of his pieces is mind blowing, his designs are on a level very few can compete with!

Phillip Treacy hats are always in demand, he has designed for several fashion designers from Alexander McQueen to Chanel. His designs are truly versatile.

Don’t you just wish you had a Phillip Treacy hat?