Tinseltown Style

Celebrities Are Obsessed - Colored Denim

2012-02-21T20:35:00.002+08:00

Here's another new segment, I'd like to call "Celebrities Are Obsessed".

In this first edition of the segment, the attention is drawn to the highly ubiquitous colored denim. Always pick them in skinny leg style. Flared AND colored would be too much.

Red is a popular choice as it is a color that serves as a great splash of color to a plain palette and shouts sex appeal.

Ashley Greene

LeAnn Rimes

Katherine McPhee

Electric blue and maroon ones are close runners-up for colored denim.

Hayden Panetierre

Hilary Duff

Rachel Bilson

Unique colors to try: Green, Purple, Pink

Jenna Dewan

Jessica Alba

Katherine McPhee

For a more trendy take on the colored jeans, roll up the legs to channel laid-back and relaxed vibes.

January Jones

If you're adventurous, match your colored jeans with a top and accessories of a different color for the color-blocking effect that is so now.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Nicky Hilton

Fergie

Pick cropped styles for an instant dose of chic, especially when paired with pointed pumps.

Katie Holmes

Nicky Hilton

An update on the look: pastel denim (pastels are so on trend this 2012!)

Nicky Hilton

Dakota Fanning

Miranda Kerr

Whitney Port

I love the many choices available at Forever 21!

Life In Progress Zip Twill Pants - USD24.80

Acid Wash Skinny Jeans with Studded Belt - USD29.80 (also available in Lavender and Aqua)

Low-Rise Colored Skinny Jeans - USD29.90 (Also available in Green and Orange)

Colored Denim Capris - USD29.90 (Also available in Blue and Salmon)

Vibrant Skinny Jeans - USD24.90 (Also available in Periwinkle, Orange, Cream and Taupe)

Coming Up... Big Trends of 2012

2012-02-16T01:04:00.000+08:00

Keep your eyes peeled for trends to pick up this year!

Pastels
Ankle-strap footwear
Whites
Peplums
Oversized apparel.............and more!

Golden Globes 2012.

2012-01-30T22:53:00.000+08:00

Okay, I've been wanting to blog this for the longest time (Golden Globes took place like, what, 2 weeks ago?) and Blogger had issues when I had wanted to do up this post. And apologies for the long hiatus.

So, award season is on the run midway now, and it's one of the reasons I look forward to January every year. Gorgeous gowns and dashing dudes on the red carpet - what's there not to like? Oh yes, it's exciting to know whether you favorite movie, TV show or actor won, too.

But here, we draw attention to the beauty and their gowns, don't we?

First, I'd like to start with the disappointing looks of the night. While Sarah Michelle Gellar will always be the coolest vampire fighter ever (before vamps got cooler than the slayers) and one of the most gorgeous actresses in Hollywood, I couldn't help but cringe when I saw this look. I love her, I love Monique Lhuillier (this dress from the label's Spring collection was no exception; you would see it featured in my previous post here), but this combination wasn't working on the red carpet. SMG said her daughter picked out the dress when she stepped into the boutique and she was going to wear whatever she picked. Hmm, for some other event maybe, but not when it's your big return to the red carpet (of the globes!) after so many years? The dress is totally wearing her, instead of the other way round. I was waiting for the jaw-dropping moment but it never came. The only part I liked about the look - SMG rocked the ponytail.

The mermaid-cut gowns were a big hit that night, and Reese Witherspoon wore a red Zac Posen number of that style. I'm not a big fan of red gowns on the red carpet, so this look was blah for me. The dress however does flatter her figure and certainly added a couple of inches to her petite frame. The look is a little plain for my liking, I'd like a little more bling to give the dress a bit more contrast.

I've always loved how Frieda Pinto surprises me on the red carpet with her diverse choices of looks and although it was no different at the Globes this year, her look didn't impress me a whole lot. Frieda's hair is perfect and her Prada dress is pretty (love the color), but something about the cut didn't bring out the best in the Slumdog Millionaire actress. I would prefer something less structured, 'cause - maybe it's the angle, she just looks huge from waist down and it looks like she could've hid a person beneath that dress. Apart from it all, I do like her choice of the Roger Vivier clutch to match the dress.

I'm not sure what designer Calista Flockhart was wearing, but I thought Harrison Ford looked like the better half on the red carpet that night. You may choose to stay low profile, but you should still make an attempt to look good. Her tiered dress looked high-school prom material and with its length, not doing a favor to her petite and skinny frame. I do like her shoes though.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan make a really cute couple. Which reminds me I wanna catch Channing in The Vow starring against everyone's favorite sweetheart Rachel McAdams! I'm straying from the point. Jenna's Maria Lucia Hohan dress is a great color, but I thought she was showing too much skin, especially compared to her female counterparts at the Globes. Would've been great if the neckline wasn't overtly plunging, or if so, at least have the sides covered (not sure if the dress is backless as well).

I really didn't like Jessica Biel's look on the red carpet. Especially not against her dark brunette locks. The newly engaged actress appeared without fiance Justin Timberlake. I think her status was the spotlight of the night, not her outfit. But don't you think this highly resembled Leighton Meester's look at the Globes last year (the Gossip Girl actress was wearing Burberry)? Well, I think the pale color looked too washed out on Jessica (and also on Leighton), and perhaps pulling her hair back would've improved the look a little. Her hair looks so undone.

While Mary J. Blige's gown color was a perfect contrast against her skin tone, I didn't like the amount of feathers at the bottom of her Michael Kors dress. It kinda looked like a rug was wrapped around the hems 'cause there wasn't enough fabric. So, this look was alright, but could be better.

The 30 Rock producer chose a berry-colored Oscar de la Renta strapless, mermaid-cut dress. No offence, but no. The dress didn't flatter Tina Fey at all. The color of the gown is lovely on her but not the design. It's not doing justice to her. Someone taller would wear this better, and I kinda picture Kate Beckinsale looking good in this number.

Natalie Portman did her first red carpet appearance since she gave birth to her baby boy and though she did a fantastic losing the pregnancy weight, I actually preferred her look at the previous year's Golden Globes when she snagged the Best Actress award for her work in Black Swan wearing a pale pink Viktor & Rolf gown (see second picture). This year, she was wearing Lanvin. She looked alright, but she certainly did better last year.

Julianne Moore has had a rocking 2011 with her fun fashion looks so her choice of a tiered black Chanel dress was a head-scratcher for me. Well, it is a Chanel, meaning it's a classic and all, but I had expected more from her than this safe choice of a black gown. The best part of her look would have to be the Fred Leighton jade earrings.

I hold the same sentiments towards Mila Kunis who was also in black that night, sporting a Christian Dior Spring 2012 dress. We're talking about the actress who was a stunner in almost all of her looks last year, who is also the new face of Dior. I was expecting more from her. This look was, yawn.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's Rooney Mara maintained a low profile with a simple black Nina Ricci number. The dress kinda looks like she hadn't stepped out of her character yet, but I guess it's not a bad look for a newcomer. I do believe the tabloids will be watching out for her transformation.

It is starting to look like the actresses who picked black for the ceremony didn't quite make the cut. Debra Messing of The Starter Wife wore Monique Lhuillier and while only someone of Debra's height would be able to carry off this heavy-looking dark gown, I wish she would experiment more with color. She always looks so safe. But out of the three black gowns, I'm going for Debra's.

Queen of music Madonna wore Reem Acra as she graced the night with her attendance. I didn't like the dress at all. It looked too bottom-heavy, though I must say it was a great fit. I like the bodice and the corset-style neckline. The colors of the gown are great too, but it's just an okay look for me.

Jessica Alba was wearing Gucci and while I'm not absolutely sure her choice of this embellished lilac gown was a safe bet, it does feel a little like deja vu. And I suppose with this pretty gown, no one would go wrong, which is why I would say this was a safe choice. Nonetheless, she does look fab after giving birth to her second child last year. Jessica completed the look with a matching Roger Vivier clutch.

Glee's Dianna Agron looked like a great fit for the Chinese New Year we Chinese people celebrate, don't you think? It's a great attempt on her part, trying out different looks and styles as we gradually see her moving away from the safe bets of feminine ballgowns (which is still my favorite look on her). The laser cuts on the Giles dress are gorgeously done, it's incredible the intricacy of the details, though I did think the bodice looked a little like a bib. It was overall a good look and one of the more outstanding outfits for the night.

Also in red was Dianna's Glee castmate Amber Riley, who wore a strapless Badgley Mischka along with Neil Lane jewelry. Red's not my favorite color on the carpet, but I definitely prefer Amber's look over Reese's mermaid-cut dress. Perhaps the red is less overwhelming on Amber's softer fabric gown. It's more comfortable to look at and the cut is very flattering.

Nicole Kidman gives me the impression she's always up for something different. Sometimes they're hits, sometimes they're misses, but it's always better to have taken the risk than to always stay within your comfort zone. This time, her Versace dress is kinda in-between. It's something I don't often see on the Aussie actress but I like to see her in darker colors, like jewel tones to offset her pale complexion. With the embellishments, the dress doesn't wash her out like Jessica Biel's did, but I've seen Nicole in better outfits. It is, however, a thumbs up for the great effort, though I wish she had done something more to her hair.

More fish-tail fun, supermodel Elle Macpherson showed off her pearly whites wearing her cream Zac Posen mermaid-cut gown perfectly. I love her hair, the dress is gorgeous too, 'cept that personally I don't like too much tulle. But I'm glad it was someone of her height and figure who picked out this gown, 'cause she certainly rocked the style.

I really like Kelly Osbourne ever since I watched her on Fashion Police on E! and one of the reasons why I love her is her willingness to try all sorts of looks on the red carpet. At the Globes, she picked a conservative dress from Zac Posen's Pre-Fall 2012 collection (the 3rd mermaid-cut dress from the same designer! Dress clash alert!). I wouldn't say it's one of the best looks of the night, but I think Kelly nailed the elegant look with a youthful twist. The color worked great on her skin and it's such a fresh look from all the red and black dresses. And while I've seen some criticisms on her hair color, I think she's rocking it like no other! How many of us look this good (or even dare try) greyish-white locks?! Ok, maybe I would've preferred a half-up hairdo instead, but I love that Kelly's taking risks and even if she doesn't look like a million dollars, I dare say she looked above $950,000.

I seldom see Evan Rachel Wood in less than strong, bold makeup, but her look at the Golden Globes this year was gorgeous. Wearing a plunging neckline Gucci number, that gradients from small sequins to larger fish-scale sequins to feather, Evan let her dress stand out with a neutral makeup and a great updo. It's not an easy dress to wear, but she certainly rocked it.

As she always does at major red carpet events, Sofia Vergara of Modern Family wore a custom Vera Wang piece to the Globes this year. The straight, blown-out locks is something new, but the figure hugging bodice not. I didn't quite like the bottom part of the dress, looks kinda queer and messy. The color is something different from Sofia's usual choice of bright and bold colors like red and fuchsia, so it's pretty refreshing to see her in something cooler on the red carpet.

Underworld actress Kate Beckinsale, went bridal with a strapless Roberto Cavalli gown and Lorraine Schwartz bling. It's a pretty look with perfect makeup and hair, but it's nothing ground-breaking for Kate. Still waiting for her to pick that mind-blowing dress and make a daring change.

Lea Michele of Glee went with Marchesa for the night and she does look nice, but I'm not buying this look for her. I think she still hasn't found her red carpet style and she's jumping everywhere. Trying is good, but she still hasn't found the it-look for her and work her way around it. Her silver dress looks a little blah, I do prefer Nicole Richie's look (see below).

Octavia Spencer picked up a Golden Globe for her work in The Help as she wore a lilac Tadashi Shoji dress, matched with a white Judith Leiber clutch. The look was very elegant and flattering for the actress. Whoever styled her did a great job, including Octavia's hair and makeup. The lilac color worked very well on her dark skin tone. Pastels are gonna be big this year.

Meryl Streep swept home the Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama award for The Iron Lady, in which she starred as Margaret Thatcher, a former Prime Minister for the United Kingdom. I'm not sure what she's wearing, and I wish I had a different angle of her outfit 'cause this look didn't quite impress, personally. I wish she had picked something more radiant and perhaps did something more with her hair.

Salma Hayek wore a strapless glittery Gucci dress with her beautifully curled locks. The dress is pretty, but I think I see it better on someone else, I like seeing the Puss in Boots actress in ballgowns and dresses more major. So it's a nice look, but nothing fantastic.

American Idol alum Katherine McPhee looked like such a darling in her Donna Karan nude strapless dress. I absolutely love her dress and how she still look so gorgeous despite sticking to one color palette for her entire look (love the hair and makeup as well).

Claire Danes wore a black-and-white J. Mendel sleeveless floor-length dress with bold lips and Bvlgari jewels. Of course, the catch was the details and the open-back on the flip side of her dress. I like the look, it's edgy without being over-the-top and her red lips gives it a dash of glamour.

Also going monochrome at the Globes was Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham. It was just a very simple and classic look, her hair and makeup matched perfectly with her dress. Nothing overdone. Love it.

Easy A's Emma Stone was berry-licious in her two-tone Lanvin tulle dress. The actress held a Cartier clutch to match her eagle leather belt. The cut, design and colors of the dress are really pretty, it's one of my favorite dresses for the evening, only that the look seems all too familiar on Emma. Guess I had expected more from this red carpet favorite celebrity.

Bridesmaids' leading actress Kristen Wiig looked down-to-earth in her darken brunette hair and cream-colored Bill Blass dress. It's a simple look, nothing went wrong (or could go wrong), except that, doesn't she kinda look like a hippie?

MI:3 Ghost Protocol's Paula Patton brightened up the red carpet with her bright yellow Monique Lhuillier strapless dress. I like seeing color on the carpet so this was a plus-point for me. She's definitely glowing.

Tilda Swinton looked effortlessly cool and chic in her pastel blue Haider Ackermann ensemble (consisting of a jacket and a dress). The updo really brings out her personality and I absolutely love it! She almost always look so stunning.

And now, on to some of my favorites.

Helen Mirren rarely goes wrong on the red carpet, and she's looking more and more fabulous (at 67!!) each time, this time in her navy Badgley Mischka number (an edited version from that of the collection), I didn't quite buy the ruffles from waist down. But her overall look is still stunning. Loving how her silver locks and Fred Leighton jewelry made such a perfect contrast against her midnight blue gown. Plus, she has such a gorgeous smile. I love her.

Sarah Hyland of Modern Family (the comedy picked up a globe!) looked cool as a cucumber despite a dress malfunction where the zipper on her vintage Dolce & Gabbana dress broke. I really like her, I think she's so pretty, and she never fails to look stunning without being age inappropriate. I love her vintage gown, especially the black laced design at the waist. Completing her look with a Swarovski clutch, her hair and makeup was flawless.

I couldn't not like Heidi Klum's look, comprising of a Calvin Klein nude column dress and beautiful Lorraine Schwartz turquoise necklace, especially after a bad choice of a beach-look at the last Golden Globes ceremony (check out the third picture if you need a recap). The backless dress formed the perfect palette for her outstanding necklace.

Nicole Richie, one of my favorite style icons, hit my best dressed list this year, wearing Julien MacDonald and carrying a House of Harlow snake skin clutch. She is rocking her look, and I love that she wore the dress without the belt as seen on the runway, and I absolutely love her bangs and sleek ponytail. I'm so tempted to cut bangs but I wouldn't look half as fabulous as she does.

Have you caught New Girl yet? Because if you haven't, YOU TOTALLY SHOULD. Zooey Deschanel is so adorable! I love everything about her - her husky voice, her bubbly persona, her ability to sing and play the ukelele (you MUST watch her video with Joseph Gordon Levitt - they make such a cute couple!) and now, her style, both on and off the red carpet. At the Globes this year, she was wearing head to toe Prada and yes, I love her bangs as well. Not to mention her cute tuxedo-nails! Her look was unique and stood out against the other attendees.

My personal top spots for the Golden Globes 2012 go out to Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron and Michelle Williams (in no specific order).

Angelina Jolie looked so elegant in her Atelier Versace gown. Her look was perfection and the pop of red just made her look hotter.

Charlize Theron shone on the red carpet in her Dior plunging neckline gown, which also reveals her lengthy legs. Her ankle-strap Givenchy heels made for a perfect match with the dress and her princess-like side-bun made her look so dreamy. Her awful red carpet blunder during the 2010 Oscars is forgiven and forgotten (see below for a recap - gasp!)

Finally, Michelle Williams, who clinched the Best Actress award for her performance in My Week with Marilyn, won my heart over in her conservative but classic Jason Wu number with a twist. The color and fabric sets off the simple silhouette and I love what she did with her hair.

Style Icon: Alexa Chung.

2011-12-23T16:39:00.000+08:00

Not only is Alexa Chung a TV presenter, she is also a model (which kicked started her career at the age of 16) and most importantly, a fashion icon. While my style differs greatly from her preppy and occasional flirty and girly looks, Alexa Chung has no doubt inspired me with her varying yet personalized way of dressing.

Nobody does the menswear, monochrome look like she does.

Absolutely love how Alexa cleverly mixes girly with a tinge of edge, typically with her footwear.

P.S. I love the Sofia Coppola for LV bag!

With this stylish girl, you'll never look at a simple sweater in the same way again.

There's that gorgeous Sofia Coppola for LV bag again!

Learn how to do preppy chic.....

...and full-fledged feminine looks from Alexa.

Doesn't she look like such a classic beauty?
She who never comprises style, even on casual days.

Fun fact, if you didn't know it already: the Mulberry Alexa messenger bag was named after Alexa Chung!
Also, do check out Alexa Chung for Madewell at Shopbop - lotsa gorgeous clothing for you to recreate Alexa's looks!

The Royal Couple.

2011-12-23T14:30:00.001+08:00

My favorite "celebrity" couple, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited Centrepoint in London for some charity work and the adorable Prince William showed off his dance moves:

ISN'T THE PRINCE JUST SO CUTE! :))

Love it when I see Prince William placing his assuring hand on Kate :)

*credit: Just Jared

Trend Alert: Daily Blues.

2011-12-21T16:52:00.001+08:00

Celebrities all over have been seen in this universally flattering color. Blue is definitely the new black, with the differing shades allowing for playful matching or clever mismatching.

The color was all over the runway for the 2012 collections: Spring, Resort and Pre-Fall. Here's a look:

So don't throw out your blue clothing, and update your look with the season's latest accessories and separates!

Statement Shoes (and some other issues).

2011-12-14T15:53:00.001+08:00

Recently, a friend of mine - C., made her first splurge (if you may) on a pair of colored heeled pumps. I am, of course, all for it 'cause I'm a believer of price=quality. I'm not saying that I only buy costly items - I wouldn't past up a great bargain (!), but it is especially so for footwear because we can be on our feet all day long, we need comfortable shoes to take us from day to night without giving us blisters or an aching back from poor sole support (which I must say, from personal experience, typically comes from cheap but poorly made shoes). I'm no billionaire so I'd love myself a pair of comfortable shoes at a steal but unfortunately the price you're paying equates the quality put into making them. I'm not generalizing that as long as you pay a high price you're guaranteed comfort (think Charles & Keith - I'm still disappointed at the quality despite the rising prices and their designs including those of their handbags are way too similar to designer labels'), but if you don't pay a better price, you're almost not gonna get any comfort out of wearing them.

The same theory actually goes into my shopping habits for any other piece of clothing - just thought I'd clarify myself here in case I get labeled as 'brand-conscious'. To me, the smartest shopper is one who is able to pick out great buys and mix in with some more expensive pieces to form a stylish, personalized outfit. Wearing head-to-toe designer doesn't necessarily mean you're fashionable and stylish, cleverly mixing in high and low pieces does. Kourtney Kardashian is my favorite example because she can wear H&M and Balenciaga in one look, and rock it. It unveils your inner style through mix and match and the outcome would be your product.

Besides, when shopping for anything at all (even kitchen appliances!), think not just about the price, consider the durability and quality. Be a smart shopper. While you may think you'll get more out of $100 buying cheaper items instead of just a bag or a pair of shoes, think again. What's the value-per-wear of those cheaper items, will the color run in just 2 washes, will the sweater shrink after just 1 wash (true story), will I have to suffer from blisters every time I wear them, etc. Maybe an investment in a classic will save you all these trouble and on top of that, you can wear it for day or night, plus it'll last you ten years and it won't go out of style? By all means, if the many items you can get for $100 in total are worth it, even I won't past up a great deal like that, but I'm an advocate for quality and making sure the item looks good (and importantly not cheap) on you, so I'd double check if there's anything doubtful about such a good bargain.

Going back to my topic on statement shoes, I'm definitely guilty of having a bursting shoe cabinet (which girl isn't?!), but as I obtain a greater understanding of my personal style and achieve smarter shopping skills, my shoe collection is slowly (but surely) maturing with me. It now consists of shoes that are classic and timeless, nothing too of-the-moment especially when it ain't just a $20 pair. I have pretty much every aspect covered: summer - Havaianas flip-flops (check) and for a little height in my casual look, denim wedges (check), fall/winter - suede camel ankle boots (check), comfortable flats for long shopping trips - ballerina flats (check) and my newest Pedder Red print slipper loafers, which I am so excited about and I swear I can live in them forever (check), classic heels for dinners and work purposes - nude pumps, slingbacks and mary-jane platforms (check). With these in my arsenal, everything else are bargains and steals for mix and match purposes (I heart my Schu strappy sandals that I got from a sale so much, that I got them in another color, only at $10!).

Now, I am just one pair away from having an almost-perfect collection - the statement shoes. Something of a brilliant color or design, that can spice up a simple LBD. The only pair of printed footwear I have are my slipper loafers but they wouldn't be my choice for attending a wedding. So here's some inspiration from celebrities who have made a statement with their shoes, instead of their dresses for a change:

Nina Dobrev in a Monique Lhuillier dress and Brian Atwood 'Maniac' pink pumps.

Also in Brian Atwood pumps, Olivia Wilde paired them with her J. Mendel dress.

Brooklyn Decker in a laced dress by Nha Khanh and Jimmy Choo heels.

Leighton Meester wearing a Versus LBD and shoes designed by Pierre Hardy.

Marion Cotillard in head-to-toe Christian Dior.

Nicole Richie in an LBD and her own label, House of Harlow 1960 booties.

Nicole in Brian Atwood satin pumps.

Thandie Newton looking so fresh in a Giles dress and clashing turquoise Nicholas Kirkwood pumps.

Olivia Palermo in Charlotte Olympia leopard print booties.

*credit: Just Jared

Fashion Faceoff: Denim Jacket + Floral Mini-Skirt

2011-12-09T15:59:00.001+08:00

Hart of Dixie's Rachel Bilson spotted the ensemble with a pair of edgy suede ankle boots, and topping the look off with a big bag in a bold blue.

On the other hand, Emma Roberts wore the look with a pair of gold summer sandals and pulled the outfit together with her trusty red suede Proenza Schouler bag.

Whose look do you prefer?

Have you heard......

2011-12-06T15:37:00.000+08:00

MARNI FOR H&M: 8th MARCH 2012

Mark your calendars.

Current Obsession: Slipper Loafers!

2011-12-06T15:19:00.002+08:00

I know it's been forever since I last posted anything, but I'm still in the midst of my exams. Gotta push through just a couple of days more! BUT, I couldn't resist not posting this, although I didn't do up my usual pictures compilation as I always do for my 'Current Obsession' segment.

Most of you might have already guessed, I have a shoe obsession, but more importantly, my latest shoe craze is all about the SLIPPER LOAFER. You might remember I mentioned this in a previous post I did in September here.

Ashley Tisdale in Christian Louboutin *credits: AshleyTisdale.org

Nicky Hilton

Elle Macpherson

Lindsay Lohan in Topshop

Miley Cyrus in Sam Edelman

Olivia Palermo

Mary-Kate Olsen *credit: Olsen-Obsessive

Nicole Richie in House of Harlow 1960

You can check out other blogs/websites for more on slipper loafers:
Song of Style - a great selection of loafers at a range of affordable prices
Teen Vogue - from high fashion to high street, laced to patent, take your pick
Fab Sugar - check out the site for a trend report

Do check out the following for your loafer shopping needs:
Sole Struck - Free shipping internationally for orders above $150! Hurry down before your favorite pair goes out of stock!
Piperlime - Free shipping worldwide!
Endless - Check out the wide selection of labels at a wide range of prices. Shipping is at flat rate of $10 for orders below $100, free for orders above! Read their shipping policy for more info.
Shopbop - offers free international shipping in 3 days or less on orders above $100. Best part? You can shop for Sam Edelman and House of Harlow designs here!
Steve Madden - I'm absolutely in love with Steve Madden's Madee loafer collection - so many colors and patterns to choose from! Suede is perfect for the season to go with black tights.
Topshop - Lindsay Lohan's pair is from Topshop! Not to mention, so affordable!
Sam Edelman - A celebrity-favorite when it comes to footwear. Miley Cyrus and Ashley Tisdale are fans of Sam Edelman's Alvin Smoking Slipper Flats and the Adena studded loafers. You can get them from

They're the most comfortable things ever, as classic and stylish as the ballerina flats but with an edge. They definitely made it to my list of closet must-haves!

I can't wait to wear mine! *snigger*

Versace for H&M - Singapore Launch: 17 November.

2011-11-15T13:23:00.001+08:00

The highly anticipated Versace for H&M collection is about to hit our shores!

As with every other designer collaborations with H&M, this launch is bound to bring a long queue to the One Grange Road store. This time, guest designer Donatella Versace brings her bright and bold designs to the masses through H&M, leaving those of us who can't afford Versace a good taste of the Italian label.

Staying true to Versace's style, Donatella sticks to neon colors, bold prints and gold embellishments for her collaboration. Do check out some of the items from H&M's official site, listed with local store prices, here. The collection is not limited to women's wear, so guys, check out the menswear here. For the ladies, prices range from S$79.90 for tops and S$199 to S$349 for dresses.

Here are my picks for the collection!

Leather Jacket S$399

Top S$79.90

Dress S$349

Suede Boots S$249

Jacket S$119

Dress S$139

Waistcoat S$119

Check out how celebrities wore them at the New York show:

Emma Roberts

Nicki Minaj

Jessica Alba

Selma Blair

Chloe Moretz

Sofia Coppola

The H&M website didn't give a very complete picture of what the collection comprises of, especially in terms of accessories such as bags and bracelets (does that mean some items are not available here?), so check out the lookbook from Forbes for more.

Payless ShoeSource - now open at Centrepoint!

2011-11-01T19:11:00.001+08:00

I don't think I've actually blogged about Payless, but if you don't know yet, Payless ShoeSource from the US has arrived on our shores!

*credit: mymomsaves.com

The store has in fact been opened for quite awhile, mainly referring to the outlet at Suntec City. Now, it is also within reach in the heart of Orchard Road, located in Centrepoint on Level 2 (locate Mango and walk along the shops. You'll spot it next to the winter wear shop - which name I forgot).

Look forward to shoes at a steal, affordable bags (including evening clutches) and cheap accessories from socks to hats to earrings! Better yet, check out chic designs from Project Runway Cycle 4 winner-turn runway designer Christian Siriano and other renowned designers - Lela Rose, Isabel Toledo and Silvia Tcherassi! Do visit Payless for a preview of their designs.

*credit: queenjustine.wordpress.com

Every pair of shoes is displayed in its original shoe boxes in aisles that are categorized according to sizes, for easy viewing and shopping. No doubt the aisles here are a little too narrow, though, despite the large store front.

*credit: howtosurviveyourhospitalvisit.com

Bring your boyfriends along if they're in the mood for some cheap footwear, ranging from track shoes (though I would recommend the commercialized brands for better comfort and support for exercise) to flip-flops, and socks.

Designer Look for Less: Marc Jacobs

2011-10-27T23:50:00.003+08:00

Style Icon: Vanessa Hudgens

2011-10-17T17:16:00.005+08:00

It's been awhile since I blogged but I've been rather busy, and to be honest, I will be till the end of the year, but I will try my best to do something whenever I can.

For now, here's a look at my favorite red carpet looks of Vanessa Hudgens'. Her style has definitely evolved over the years, and while I much prefer her red carpet style in the earlier years, I still dig her occasional out and about looks with a touch of bohemian. But let's take a peek at some of the looks in which the actress had attended events:

Vanessa attended the 58th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards with her High School Musical cast-mates and the show picked up two awards during the ceremony. It was the first formal look seen on Hudgens and while I didn't love it, it was an appropriate dress that was elegant with the soft satin material while her braided locks adds an edge and youthful vibe to the look.

Vanessa was gorgeous in a floor-length thin strap dress when she attended the Billboard Music Awards in 2006 as HSM swept home the Soundtrack Album of the Year award. It was my first favorite look of hers on the red carpet. Her long rosary-style necklace added a little touch of goth to her embellished dress that was also sheer strategically down the chest and waist area. I love that the look was sexy but not overly seductive. Her side-swept hairdo also added to the sultry look. LOVE.

The bunch then went on to attend the 2007 MTV Movie Awards and Vanessa was donned in a summery floral maxi. The color on the dress was bright and the prints were loud, cleverly contrasting against both the pink carpet, as well as Vanessa's soft, almost-nude make-up. The outfit was fun and suitable for the event. What I didn't like about the look was the heavy, black heels she wore beneath her dress. Something in a lighter color and also less chunky would've been great.

At the ABC Summer All-Star Party, Vanessa was in my second favorite look (of all time). The grecian look was complete with her halter-style nude frock by Jay Godfrey that featured a special gold accent, which was well-matched with her giant gold hoop earrings. Not to mention, her curled, messy up-do is so pretty (a personal favorite for red carpet) and the statement-making stretches on to her snake-print pumps.

Out supporting her then-boyfriend Zac Efron at the premiere of Hairspray, the Sucker Punch actress wore a short, single-shoulder Jay Godfrey frock with a large ribbon detail. The plain dress was accented with metal details on her ankle-strap heels, bangles and black clutch, and not forgetting her unique, single-side long earring worn on her right ear.

Vanessa's bold red gown was a perfect contrast against the sea of blue at the premiere of the second installment of High School Musical held at Disneyland. The look was elegant without heavy accessorizing except for the gold teardrop earrings and matching clutch. The messy up-do really works on Vanessa.

Vanessa was cute at the TCA's green carpet back in 2007, as she opted for a strapless floor-length Thread Social dress. It's not the perfect, nor her best red carpet look, but it was event appropriate. I was crazy over her initial-V pendant necklace! Still wish I had one like this. What I hated, though, was her choice of clutch, that didn't fit into the look at all.

Vanessa showed off her legs in a short sparkly dress by Marc Bouwer at the American Music Awards the same year. The young star demonstrated how gold works for her tan complexion as her strappy sandals and earrings complete the look.

Vanessa was effortlessly chic in a black number by BCBG Max Azria which featured a unique sleeve design. It was one of the few occasions I see Vanessa wear silver accessories and she managed to wear them so well too. I wouldn't like the silver heels individually, but with this outfit, they seem to work. Doesn't she look amazing with bangs?!

At MTV's TRL with her HSM mates in 2008, Vanessa looked smart in an Eric Hart grey dress worn with a blazer. She kept things stylish with thigh-high socks and black heels. I love how Vanessa's make-up and hair is always so perfect.

Vanessa was flirty in her short, floral Rebecca Taylor dress worn to the premiere of Watchmen. The colors looked great on her and she cleverly matched the pinks and purples with a pair of lilac ankle-strap suede heels (which I absolutely love, by the way). The outfit showed the right amount of skin, at the same time, elongating her tanned and toned legs. A great casual outfit, this made.

Vanessa kicked start a great year 2009 with an ultra feminine Alberta Ferretti gown at the Golden Globes. The dress was absolutely sweet and I love how the bodice reflects the light of the shutterbugs and ends with a softer fabric towards the floor-grazing hemline. The Beastly actress looked gorgeous, with just the right amount of accessories.

At the MTV Movie Awards in 2009, Vanessa was glowing in her orange BCBG Max Azria number. The asymmetrical hemline showed off her tribal heels by Jimmy Choo. The color worked wonders against her sun-kissed skin and nude make-up, I was so glad to see her in a bright color, and that almost made me forget how shapeless the dress made her look. It's still a "yes" for me.

Then at the TCA's, Vanessa hit all the right notes with her altered, short version of the Christian Dior dress and Brian Atwood pumps. Her matching eye make-up was equally amazing. I loved everything about this look.

I wasn't exactly a big fan of this look, 'cause I didn't really like the dress. What I did ~~like~~ love, was her blowout and her bangs. The hairstyle was really fresh, and I was always so envious of how she could carry both permed and straight locks.

Supporting Zac Efron at his 17 Again premiere was Vanessa in a Zac Posen frock. The actress stylishly added some elements of edge by belting up her dress with a leather waist belt and throwing on a pair of gladiator-style heels. Needless to say, her hair, make-up and accessories (consisting of a peach-colored clutch and giant gold hoops) are perfect, as always.

Vanessa looked like a goddess at the premiere of Charlie St. Cloud, also in support of then-boyfriend Zac Efron, as she wore a backless Reem Acra satin frock. I was crazy over this look, as the embellished neckline of the dress sets off her eyes and beaming smile. I thought she could have picked better footwear over this pair of Jimmy Choos though, 'cause the silver seems to sing a different tune with the dress and her Ferragamo clutch.

I love Missoni and it's signature print and here's Vanessa at a Neutrogena event wearing a brown dress by the label. I loved everything about the look, what's there not to? From her piled on necklaces, to the dress, to her pretty hair and ankle-strap platforms - I like!

Vanessa made a statement at the Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides premiere when she showed up in a high slit black wrap dress. The dress gave the illusion of longer legs as focus is drawn to them, thanks to the thigh-high slit. It was a great look, and a great pair of shoes (*drool*) but I wasn't sure about showing this much (plus cleavage, plus backless) at family-friendly Disneyland.

This look at the Beastly premiere reminded me of how much I love Vanessa in color. The colorful strapless Julien MacDonald dress brought some color to the red carpet event, especially with that train, which was held at night. Cobalt blue suede heels by Giuseppe Zanotti and contrasting red Judith Leiber clutch completed the look with perfection.

Finally, the latest look of Vanessa's that I dig, was that at the Concept Korea presentation for Fashion Week in New York sometime ago. The velvet knee-length dress was modest but spelled elegance. Loved her look from head to toe.

Sadly, most of Vanessa's recent red carpet looks were a turn-off for me. It could be her personal style shining through, but she still needs to know what works before the cameras and for her. However, I take consolation in that she's taking risks and finding her own style, which is always a good thing.

So which look did you like?

Facts about Steve Jobs.

2011-10-07T16:01:00.000+08:00

Just read some facts off the internet and I found these particularly interesting:

- Steve bought Pixar from George Lucas (yes, the man behind Star Wars) for $5 million back in 1986 and served as Chairman and CEO. The company was later acquired by Disney (duh) in 2006, which made Steve Disney's largest individual shareholder with 7% holdings. So yes, Steve was in a way related to the great productions such as Toy Story, Cars and The Incredibles!

- Steve was a Zen Buddhist before his passing, after his enlightening trip to India.

- Steve didn't complete college - he had to drop-out due to the burden of the expensive fees on his adoptive parents.

- Steve skipped a meeting at Apple to go on his first date with his wife. Quote from Yahoo! article:
"I was in the parking lot with the key in the car, and I thought to myself, 'If this is my last night on earth, would I rather spend it at a business meeting or with this woman?' I ran across the parking lot, asked her if she'd have dinner with me. She said yes, we walked into town and we've been together ever since." - Steve Jobs

Wasn't it incredible, his attitude towards life? It's amazing how he grabs opportunities and literally "lived life today as if you were to die tomorrow". I really wish I could be like that, then life wouldn't be filled with regrets.

*credits: Yahoo!, Wikipedia

Steve Jobs: 1955-2011.

2011-10-06T21:38:00.003+08:00

Dear Steve (can I call you that?),

I've never met you - though I wish I did, neither have I gotten to know you - I'm sure you would've been a great friend, but in more ways than one, you've left impressions in my life through my days growing up.

First, it was the Macintosh. No offence, but I really hated the interface when I first got in touch with one back in high school. Had to use it for art and I had difficulties picking up skills in using a Mac especially when I've only been faced with a PC prior to that. The exterior was really funky (a word we loved to use back then), with the different colors you could choose from, but I didn't like the way the desktop and 'windows' (no pun intended) looked.

Then came the revolutionary iPod. It was just like any other MP3 player, except that it wasn't. You scroll through songs with the touch of a dial. You can carry so many songs on the go with the large memory space. And, who could forget - the cool white earphones.

But it wasn't just the consumer market that had changed. The use of lifestyle as an effective means of marketing originated from you, Steve. iPod = cool. Everyone wanted one. I was probably one of the very few who didn't own an iPod (any version of it), ever. I remember how I was in my Social Psychology of New Media class and I was the only one who raised my hand when the teacher asked who didn't own an iPod. I didn't care whether people thought it was "uncool" to not have one, I prefer to think I was different. Besides, iPods were pretty expensive back then, and from the moment I knew the existence of Apple's new product - the iPhone, I knew iPods were going to be a thing of the past. I, unlike everyone else, was a couple of hundred bucks richer.

Then came the time when you, Steve, changed my life forever. I got the iPhone. I don't actually remember why I didn't get my hands on the first generation of iPhone (I was so envious of those who did) but I got the iPhone 3GS in white (I had to use my mum's line to get it because it was exclusive to Singtel when it first launched!). It was the like, the best thing I ever had in my entire life! I had an iPod, a phone, a gaming 'console' - all in one! I recall a simple post I blogged just a couple of weeks back on thanking you for the creation of the iPhone because without you, I wouldn't have been able to blog on the go using the Blogger app. But it wasn't just my life that you changed, it was everybody's.

Steve Jobs and the white iPhone4.

Mr. Jobs, you created the need for an iPhone (and later iPad) out of thin air. There was nothing like the iPhone before it was launched and nobody needed anything like this. You created an entirely new segment in the market - the smartphone, and more importantly, an entirely new lifestyle. The implications of this was huge: people got bored if they didn't have their iPhones with them while waiting for the bus or at the clinic, more jobs were created because the iPhone apps created a whole new target audience for businesses, long distance communication was free and on-the-go with apps like Whatsapp and Viber, trees could be saved since you could now download books and read them on your phone without squinting your eyes because you could enlarge things simply with your thumb and index finger - just to name a few.

The iPad just emphasized your genius work on the iPhone in creating needs, rather than creating to cater to needs. When you first introduced the iPad to the world, you were faced with scepticism. "Why in the world would anyone need an iPad?", was what everyone was saying. Then the next moment, half the world owns an iPad (and half of them queued up for it). Children were no longer throwing tantrums on the airplane because they could watch Spongebob Squarepants on Daddy's iPad, making for a pleasant flight for everyone onboard. Reading iBooks were less tiring (and definitely makes more sense) than reading them on the iPhone. Couples used iPads for guests to leave them a well-wishing at their wedding ceremonies. Businesses also used iPads to do their selling by showing customers high-definition images through iPad's high resolution screen of whatever they were selling. I once walked past a booth promoting wedding packages to couples, and they were presenting their photographers' work using the iPad. I thought that was something else.

Steve Jobs making his final product presentation of the iPad 2 as CEO of Apple despite being on leave.

In more ways than one, you have revolutionalised the way the human race communicates, and re-defined the meaning of a cellphone. You created a whole new lifestyle and changed the way technology is woven into our lives.

Steve, you were an extraordinaire, a visionary, an inspiration to all of us across the world. It isn't everyday that the world benefits from someone like you who can touch so many peoples' lives without having to meet you in person. It also isn't everyday that you get an unselfish businessman who takes home a USD1 salary and wholeheartedly throws his heart and soul into the company. You only stepped down from your position as CEO of Apple a month before you lost the battle to cancer, it was as though Apple is one of the sons you can't bare to leave behind.

You were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at such a young age and for anyone at all, it's a painful fact to be hit with. But you faced it with such courage and bravery, not letting sickness come between you and an ordinary life - well, you were way beyond ordinary, you are extraordinary. You brought meaning to "living life to the fullest". Departing the world at 56 must mean you leave behind lots of unfulfilled wishes, but Steve, have no regrets because you are a legend. And before this very day, you were already one. It is our loss, as much as it is to your family, to have the most influential man of the decade, if not century, leave so suddenly. But do rest in peace, you did your family proud and I'm positive your sons will do you proud too.

You will always be remembered, Steve. I wish this 'letter', as well as all the thank-yous and condolences from all around the world reaches you, somehow, through our heartfelt thoughts and tears.

It was raining really heavily today here in my part of the world (Singapore). At first, I thought, could it be that the heavens are mourning the loss of such a great man like Steve Jobs? Then I realize, it can't be, because the heavens took you away from us. Rest in peace, Steve, I will miss you and your black-sweater-and-jeans ensemble.

Taken off the Apple website.

Signing off, I'd like to share this song by Queen, No One But You (Only the Good Die Young):

A hand above the water
An angel reaching for the sky
Is it raining in heaven -
Do you want us to cry?

And everywhere the broken-hearted
On every lonely avenue
No-one could reach them
No-one but you

One by one
Only the Good die young
They're only flying too close to the sun
And life goes on -
Without you...

Another Tricky Situation
I get to drownin' in the Blues
And I find myself thinkin'
Well - what would you do?

Yes! - it was such an operation
Forever paying every due
Hell, you made a sensation
You found a way through

One by one
Only the Good die young
They're only flyin' too close to the sun
We'll remember -
Forever...

And now the party must be over
I guess we'll never understand
The sense of your leaving
Was in the way it was planned...

So we grace another table
And raise our glasses one more time
There's a face at the window
And i aint never, never saying goodbye...

One by one
Only the Good die young
They're only flyin' too close to the sun
Cryin' for nothing
Cryin' for no-one
No-one but you

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live. ~Norman Cousins

Current Obsession - Ponchos for Fall.

2011-10-03T19:18:00.000+08:00

Just realize the pages are gone from my home page! Anyway, since I can't have a separate page to post this, like I used to, I gotta have a separate segment for this, so here you go, ponchos are definitely my obsession this fall.

Upcoming Movie: New Year's Eve.

2011-09-29T00:13:00.003+08:00

Looks like another one of those major films where you have a whole cast of talented celebrities in one heart-warming movie. Think Valentine's Day, Love Actually.

New Year's Eve unfolds the intertwined lives of couples and single people just before the clock strikes 12 into the new year. The flick will probably hit the theatres here in December! New Year's Eve will star celebrities such as Lea Michele, Zac Efron, Sofia Vergara, Hilary Swank, Josh Duhamel, Jessica Biel, Halle Berry, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Robert De Niro, Abigail Breslin, Katherine Heigl, Sara Paxton, Alyssa Milano, Sienna Miller, Ludacris, Julie Andrews, Jake T. Austin, Jon Bon Jovi (!!), (everyone's favorite stand-up comedian) Russell Peters, Ryan Seacrest and more!

Catch the trailer right here:

I'm definitely catching it! Think it's gonna be a great combination of funny and touching moments :)

What to Wear: To a Beach Cocktail Party.

2011-09-24T02:51:00.002+08:00

I had just been tasked by my dearest friend, D. to recommend outfits to wear to a themed party, the theme being "Beach Cocktail". Now, I feel like I have a purpose! Those of you who needs some tips on "what to wear to...." do feel free to drop me a comment and I will do my best (and research) for your needs!

"Beach Cocktail" is definitely an interesting theme, as most dinner parties will go either entirely beach or entirely cocktail. I would think that most attendees will show up in outfits that tilt towards "beach" more than "cocktail" so it's really important to find the right mix here to match the theme well. So, I'm guessing many guests (I'm talking female here, but I'd expect to see Hawaiian shirts on some of the male guests) will be opting for maxi or floral dresses since these are the closest you get to beachwear but with a slight formal touch. But you'll be surprised with the amount of options you have, so none of my recommendations would include the maxi dress (I'll try avoiding the floral element as well).

[P.S. I don't actually have the Photoshop software on this computer unit I'm blogging from, so pardon the overload of pictures instead of having all compiled into a few.]

Because the cocktail dinner party is a night event, it is only appropriate to show up in something more polished than just a halter-neck beach cover-up or a scarf tied and worn as a dress (I'm sure someone will turn up in these!). But if playing it safe is your thing, the closest thing I found to a maxi is this midi print dress from ASOS (in fact, all my recommendations will be from ASOS and Forever 21 - they have so many amazing and affordable styles!):

Warehouse Lovestory Floral Midi Dress £80 (ASOS)

The feather prints are pretty and feminine. Wearing this dress with strappy heels/flats would bring it down a notch.

Strapless, halter and spaghetti strap are styles that will no doubt be on everyone's minds when looking for something for the beach theme, but if you're likely to be dining indoors at a clubhouse or restaurant by the beach rather than on the beach, wrap dresses are your next best bet. The cut is a close cousin of beach cover-ups. The key here is to not find something too fitting. Details like long, flowy sleeves or skirt can give the look a more relaxed vibe. Choose pieces with lighter colors or softer prints - darker colors are more formal, which then lose the laid-back beach style. Be sure to also pick a lightweight, soft material for your dress - life's a beach, flow is the way to go.

Vero Moda Shiny Satin 20s Kimono Dress ~~£28~~ NOW £22 (ASOS)

Vero Moda Open Sleeve Dress In Retro Peacock Print ~~£28~~ NOW £22 (ASOS)

Long-sleeve flowy short dresses make good alternatives for the indoors. They look more dressy, but the loose fit keeps things casual and flirty.

Rare Folk Embroidered Fluted Sleeve Dress ~~£45~~ Now £36 (ASOS)

Vero Moda Deco Bird Print Kimono Sleeve Chiffon Swing Mini Dress ~~£28~~ Now £22 (ASOS)

Oasis Contrast Trim Kimono Dress £60 (ASOS)

Vero Moda Chiffon Cape Dress ~~£34~~ NOW £27 (ASOS)

Silk Floral Shift Dress USD32.80 (Forever 21)

You could also stay on the latest trend with Gucci-inspired colorblock looks. The styles are more revealing (thus relating to beach and bikinis) but also luxe enough for cocktail dinners. Glam down with strappy gold sandals (read on for more tips!).

Colorblock Midi Dress w/ Braided Belt USD27.80 (Forever 21)

Lipsy Colour Block Metallic Belt Dress £65 (ASOS)

Lipsy Colour Block Chain Halter Dress £65 (ASOS)

A feminine lace dress is a great option since it spells summer and it's covered up enough for a dinner. Both Ashley Tisdale and Mischa Barton channeled summery feel with this loose-fit Juicy Couture dress, and this is a great look for a beach cocktail party.

*credit: Just Jared

Retro Lace Dress USD24.80 (Forever 21)

Ruffle Slv Open Knit Dress USD27.80 (Forever 21)

To sum up, here are some pointers to keep in mind before you step into that beach cocktail party:

1. Even though it's a cocktail party, the "beach" element is there to reduce the formality. Create a balance between the two: if your dress is more casual than it is formal, trade flip-flops/flat sandals for strappy heels, and vice versa.

2. Things to avoid: figure-hugging or structured (skip the ruched sleeve top) clothing, animal print, red and black/grey (they're too formal for beach), giant bling-bling, minaudieres or hard clutches, blazers.

3. Accessories to add on: floppy hats (H&M has stylish and cheap ones!), thin gold accessories (silver may be too washed out in the night) from bangles to necklaces, oversized soft-body clutches or cross-body minibags, shawls or chiffon throw-overs.

4. If you're allowed to wear flats, refrain from wear flip-flops (they don't fit in with "cocktail"!). You could try a pair of strappy/gladiator sandals, like those seen on Charlize Theron:

*credit: Just Jared

They're comfortable for standing, dancing and socializing in. Plus, they're perfect for the beach. Light metallic ones are more polished. If you're indoors, go for strappy heels. The beach is no place for chunky pumps or caged heels.

5. Let loose for the night! So opt for relaxed hairstyles - think loose waves, a flower in your hair, etc. Don't do sleek ponytails or neat buns.

Hope this has been helpful, D.! :)

Style Tips for Fall - Trend Alert Exclusive: Cable Knit Sweaters.

2011-09-21T19:34:00.005+08:00

Fall is here and winter is approaching in no time. I almost can't keep up with Fashion Week (it's already over in London and I believe it has moved on to Milan!) that's already previewing the Spring collection for next year, but I promise I'm observing the trends for you guys. A little too overwhelmed at the moment to do a compilation and on top of that, I have been handicapped without my Photoshop software (thanks to you - you know who you are, that I have it back!). I'm keeping my fingers crossed I'll get them done.

Meanwhile, we need to stock up on winter wear to prepare for the season, including those of us who might be traveling to somewhere with freezing temperatures this coming year end. Unfortunately for those (like myself) who live in the hot and humid climate all year round, we are so prone to having a dated winter wardrobe.

Some tips on getting out of that stuffy situation:

1. Invest in a good quality classic trench coat - it works for fall temperatures, not so much for those below 10°C, but they never go out of style. [Stay tuned for an upcoming post on "Closet Essentials: Trench Coat"!] A versatile color like black, grey, brown or beige (think Burberry's signature trench) would never become outdated.

Zooey Deschanel

2. Make cable knit sweaters your staple for winter. This actually brings me to a small segment on "Trend Alert" because many stylish people including celebrities have donned this easy-to-wear, classic sweater. Once again, get them in classic and versatile colors to match them with your various bottoms and outerwear. But you can always grab them in bold colors to make a statement.
For cooler days but not too cold, pair it with your summer wear. Take cues from Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth.

*credit: Rachel-Online.org

*credit: Kate Bosworth Online

But with the rise of midi skirts on the runway and off, cable knit sweaters go perfectly well with them, making for a cozy and stylish outfit for fall. Choose a pleated skirt for a more polished look.

*credit: Trendycrew.com

Kate Bosworth

3. Winter doesn't necessarily mean you have to live in long pants/jeans. Re-work some of your dresses (especially those of you with an event to attend in the cold) by throwing over a coat and wearing tights underneath to cover up your garms. If your dress is colored, it is safest to keep to black tights. Plus, if you're wearing black boots/heels/pumps, they give an illusion of longer legs. But hey, colored tights can add color to your outfit.

Whitney Port

Kourtney Kardashian

Blake Lively

Anna Sui Fall RTW 2011

Nicole Miller Fall RTW 2011

Hint: You've probably seen words like "100 denier" or "40 denier" on the packaging. That actually refers to the thickness of your tights. The large the number, the thicker and more opaque they are. So if you're looking for a thicker pair, go for 100 and beyond. Thinner ones around 40 to 50 are ideal to wear under your formal dresses. These are slightly see-through when stretched.

4. If you frequent colder countries, a trench coat may not be good enough to keep you warm. Wool is probably the best material for coats as it keeps you warm even when it's wet. Have at least two in your inventory - one in a basic color (black is preferred for versatility) and one in any color or pattern (plaid is good) you like.

*credit: Just Jared

Gwyneth Paltrow

Jessica Alba

Emma Watson

Blake Lively

Lauren Conrad

While they now come in all lengths and types, it's best if they end somewhere mid-thigh for more warmth. One with an A-line cut would be more feminine and would flatter dress/skirt-outfits.

Leighton Meester

Coats aren't something to scrimp on, especially when you want them to serve their function of keeping you warm. Cheap coats may not be made out of good quality materials so be sure to check before you make your purchase.

But nobody said coats had to be plain and boring (besides the colored and patterned ones, of course). Details can make for an interesting dash of pattern on plain coats - check out the ones from ASOS:

Think toggles for buttons, laced collars, leopard print trimmings and military-style details! What fun!

5. Protect your head and ears! Wear a beanie or any fur-lined headgear to protect the brain that is in charge to sending signals to protect the rest of your body from the cold. Besides, it's a great accessory to doll up any winter outfit.

Hilary Duff

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Middleton

6. Last, but not least, we all need a pair of boots. Visiting temperate climate countries are the best excuse to rock your winter gear and the boots can't be missing. The ideal pair is one that rises up to a couple of inches below the knee. It is the classic cut that's versatile, but if you're feeling playful, try the season's hottest booties.
For comfort, have a short, thick heel to ensure that your feet gets ample support from all the walking you're gonna be doing. For a more dressy look, go higher, but beware of those with overly thin heels - they're bound to make your feet ache if you do more foot work than expected.

Katie Holmes

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Ashley Tisdale

Nicole Richie

Once again, black isn't the only versatile option. My other favorites are grey and camel brown.

Whitney Port

Cameron Diaz

Shoe Fetish: Christian Louboutin "Rollerball" Loafers vs Sam Edelman "Alvin" Leopard Loafers

2011-09-21T02:07:00.001+08:00

I'm crazily into loafers and boat shoes these days, and it's taking so much willpower (and decreasing funds) to resist getting a pair of each into my already overflowing shoe cardboard.

I almost went mad when I saw Anne Hathaway in these edgy, cool Louboutin loafers!

*credit: Just Jared

She was wearing the Christian Louboutin "Rollerball" Loafers:

*credit: louboutinshoesinus.com

*credit: intheircloset.com

Some of you may be frowning reading up to here, thinking "These looks like men shoes!" - well, yes it does, after all Kanye West looked pretty cool himself wearing these pricey studded loafers:

But hey, don't you think they look great on Anne Hathaway, Ashley Tisdale and Lourdes Leon (Madonna's daughter) as well?

*credit: Just Jared

It just adds an instant cool factor into their outfits. And as Anne demonstrates, they work great with shorts as well. I picture them with a casual black dress or skirt - girlie with an edge, without the leather jacket it can still be done!

Then there was the Sam Edelman "Alvin" leopard print loafers which caught my eye, as teen star Miley Cyrus was seen in them with two different outfits:

Did I mention how much I love her after she lost that racy dress sense of mesh tops and see-through tees?? She's finally finding her style in these simple but effortlessly chic looks in her day-to-day outfits. These understated looks are stylish in a snap the moment she put on those gorgeous, comfortable footwear.

I always love a good pair of leopard print shoes (be it flats or heels) to glam up an outfit, anytime. By the way, these are available on Piperlime (and they ship to Singapore!) so go check them out!

It's tough to decide which I prefer! What about you?

Emmy Awards 2011.

2011-09-20T02:25:00.000+08:00

The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards just took place over the weekend and the red carpet saw many big names gracing the night's glamorous event. There were tons of red, dashes of coral as well as blue and black. So here's a look!

Starting off with looks I didn't like, #1 Worst Dressed for me has got to be Katie Holmes in Calvin Klein. It was a minimalist look but it didn't really work. Katie looked shapeless, even with the belt. Her hair looked fuzzy so it was slightly off. It was a dress that would fit someone like Kate Bosworth or Claire Danes but personally, I didn't like it on Mrs. Tom Cruise.

Olivia Munn looked awkward in her green Carolina Herrera floor-length dress. The dress looked better on the runway model for the label's Spring 2012 RTW show. It didn't flatter Olivia's curves, rather, it seemed to have added bulk around her bottom. The look was messy with the patterned lines and front panel.

Julie Bowen of Modern Family was in Oscar de la Renta as she smiled for the photogs. It was a big night for the entertainment industry and I felt this dress didn't quite match up to it - but the actress was surely a winner as she picked up the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series! Julie Bowen is usually in very modest silhouettes and colors and I hope she can be more adventurous with her red carpet looks. This look was rather dull, if you ask me, but no doubt, I did like the shimmery pattern on the low-cut dress.

Also in a dark but glittery gown was Evan Rachel Wood, who showed up in a Fall 2011 Elie Saab piece. The embellished gown was simple but elegant, and the embellishments made the classy gown pop. The form-fitting dress showed off the actress' gorgeous figure - she certainly filled it out better than the model did. Particularly loving her Fred Leighton handcuff - so edgy!

Gwyneth Paltrow looked so subtly sexy in her Emilio Pucci separates that showed off her toned abs. It's always so amazing how she rarely does much to change her look but she evolves from minimalist to edgy and cool so effortlessly and still look so good all the time. I love how relaxed but stylish she always is and this outfit was no exception. It was unique though I was expecting a gown. But perhaps now that she has taken the step over to become more of a country singer than an actress, she doesn't wanna steal the limelight. BUT, she did win the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series as Holly Holliday in Glee! YAY! I've always loved her rendition of "Forget You" on that show.

With Evan Rachel Wood and Gwyneth Paltrow taking the lead, several other celebrities went with the red carpet safe choice of black.
Jenna Ushkowitz was monotone in her high-slit dress. It was an interesting piece of art on her, with the unique geometric-shaped bodice, but I'm really glad she pulled her hair back into a sleek ponytail to keep things elegant and chic. It definitely worked and is something different from her usual red carpet looks.

True Blood's Anna Paquin wore her favorite designer Alexander McQueen as she presented on stage with Scott Cann. I love Alexander McQueen designs and I love how Anna rocks them every time, but honestly, it's getting a little boring. She always picks the ones that are black with embellishments or a touch of gold so she's starting to make appearances with the same looks far too often. Good thing this cowl-neck dress is not over-the-top and she wore her hair right with it. So she still looked great, but I'm definitely looking forward to a change.

Aimee Teegarden looked so pretty in her single-shoulder Romona Keveza gown with an uneven hemline. Loved the pulled back hair and dramatic earrings. But she could have been more adventurous with her look rather than going for black throughout. Despite that, Aimee never fails to amaze me with her new looks.

Kaley Cucuo of the Big Bang Theory sitcom served as presenter at the Emmy's with David Spade, presenting The Amazing Race with Outstanding Reality Competition Program. Romona Keveza was Kaley's choice for the ceremony as she spiced up the black single-shoulder black frock with bright red ankle-strap heels by Zanotti and a matching Judith Leiber clutch. Absolutely loving the splash of red against the black.

Blue was one of the popular colors for the night, as Katie Holmes wore. [FYI, blue is a big color for Fall 2011 and continues into 2012!] Cobie Smulders of sitcom How I Met Your Mother brightened up the evening with her teal blue Alberta Ferretti number and her short wavy hairstyle, channeling old-Hollywood glamour. The gown is such a pretty blue!! She looked so sweet, the color is absolutely refreshing. She's definitely one of my favorites, following Gwyneth Paltrow!

Emily Blunt turned up with hubby John Krasinski who was there to support his television series, The Office. The Brit actress wore an Elie Saab number from its Fall Couture 2011 collection. The details on the dress are so intricate and the midnight blue is such a perfect shade of dark blue against Emily's pale complexion. The Kelly Locke clutch also complements the dress really well.

Emily's look kinda clashed with Minka Kelly's Christian Dior look if you asked me. It's different but same if you know what I mean. Besides the different cutting, with Minka's choice being more conservative on the front but sexy with the laced sleeves, the rest of it you kinda just take them to look alike. I kind of prefer Minka's Dior dress, but I think overall, Emily Blunt carried her look better.

Saturday Night Live's Amy Poehler went minimalist with a Peter Som. The sparkly dress had a simple and clean cut, but the lights reflecting off the shimmery material made it a perfect dress for the platinum blonde star to walk the red carpet in.

Claire Danes wore a straight-off-the-runway piece from Oscar de la Renta's Spring RTW 2012 Collection. The blue strapless sequinned dress sure played up the blonde's sparkly blue eyes. The look was simple and with the patterns on the dress, accessorizing was kept to a minimum and restricted to earrings and rings. Claire Danes carried off the dress effortlessly, even better than the runway model did!

Glee's Dianna Agron took on a little different look from her usual red carpet outfits as she opted for this blue Roksanda Illincic sleeveless number. The shade of blue on this Fall 2011 RTW piece is really beautiful but I don't like how her arms look in it and how her hair is styled. She looks older than she really is, somehow, so I'm not giving thumbs up for this.

Heather Morris went reaching for the skies with her high up-do but super low on her deep-V cut gun metal-grey tiered gown. This look didn't work for me, the hair was way too high it looked a little too wild. The dress was fine but the color wasn't exactly flattering.

Bridesmaids' leading actress Kristen Wigg also went deep-V in a Zac Posen ombre sleeveless gown. She looked so stunning, even with minimal accessories and fuss-free curled locks. One of my favorites of the night - less IS more! (If you enjoyed Bridesmaids as much as I did, then look out for its DVD that's launching soon!)

Host of the night was Glee's Sue Sylvester cheerleading coach Jane Lynch. I didn't catch the re-telecast of the Emmy's but I believe she would have been great (I read that she sang!). But it does feel like I've seen a lot of purple on Jane already, so I would love to see her in other colors. Nonetheless, with her broad shoulders and towering height, she looks so good in long, flowy gowns, as she did in this custom David Meister Signature piece. Lorraine Schwartz colorful earrings and bangles completed her look.

Jayma Mays didn't impress me this time, as she does all the time. Her tiered light pink cocktail dress looked a little too childish for such a big night. The sash around her waist isn't helping and neither is her matching pink clutch. Argh disappointment.

Glee's leading lady Lea Michele wore a Marchesa ruched cap-sleeve gown that fit her perfectly. Lea continues carrying her bangs hair-cut, with straight locks this time, and some very little Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. She's definitely carrying on her red carpet perfect-10 streak.

Megastar Kate Winslet was red-hot in a low-cut Elie Saab. The Contagion actress kept her look simple with dainty Cartier earrings and bracelets and a red clutch by Roger Vivier. The outfit was classic, befitting a classic beauty like Kate. I'm kinda glad she lost the belt too.

Kerry Washington's dress was probably the most outstanding out of the sea of clean, red dresses. Her Zuhair Murad strapless, embroidered number was revealing at the bottom half and was a tad too sexy for the Emmy's. So, I didn't fancy this look. What'd you think?

Nina Dobrev of Vampire Diaries rocked her slender body in a sexy Donna Karan mermaid-cut gown. She doesn't look one bit like she's 22, does she? She's definitely trying to channel the sexy, hot look with her choice of outfit and her side-swept hair. Complete with Neil Lane jewels and a Judith Leiber clutch, Nina looked smashing.

Following blue, red and black, was Modern Family's Sofia Vergara and Sarah Hyland's coral gowns. Sofia's gown was a custom Vera Wang single-shoulder, figure-hugging mermaid-cut dress. I love this color on her! It's a refreshing change from the cobalt blue and fuchsia dresses we often see her in. Really fancy the short train and lace peeking out from underneath. The Colombian actress finished off her look with giant earrings from Lorraine Schwartz.

Sofia's Modern Family co-star Sarah Hyland also wore coral (coincidence?) but channeled a more youthful vibe with her single-shoulder pleated Christian Siriano dress. The jeweled belt is really nice but not the silver Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Those were kind of too heavy for her light, flowy dress. She should've traded them for something strappy.

Mad Men took home the award for Outstanding Drama Series and Christina Hendricks wasn't in red! What a relief! She went with a silver palette this time, matching in color from head to toe (not literally, considering she has red hair and red lipstick on), from her Johanna Johnson embellished gown, to her Louboutin shoes and Judith Leiber clutch. I like her choice of color as it neutralizes her red hair and lips.

Supermodel Heidi Klum supported her good friend and Project Runway winner Christian Siriano by wearing one of his custom-design piece to the Emmy Awards as she rooted for her show which was up (but lost to The Amazing Race) for Outstanding Reality Competition Program (damn!). The ivory strapless dress featured an interesting hemline, and was paired with matching Christian Louboutin pumps. I don't love it, but I don't dislike it either. At least she was appropriately dressed for the occasion.

Kelly Osbourne took my breath away with her outrageously stunning look on the red carpet. The platinum blonde British lady looked so gorgeous her her J. Mendel plum-colored gown, there's nothing about her look I didn't like. From the hair to the accessories to her dress. OMG! Love love love!

Rashida Jones clashed her dark red lips against her light pink strapless Alberta Ferretti gown, along with her side-swept bangs updo. Her make-up is an interesting and strong choice against her soft, feminine dress. I personally like it, it's a daring take that turned out well, though I think the eyes are a little over-done.

Yes Man actress Zooey Deschanel looked so adorable in her pastel pink Monique Lhuillier ballgown that features a contrasting self-tie at the waist. Her half up-do completes the look and doesn't she look a little like Katy Perry? She hasn't been looking so good recently so this really ups the points in my books.

Looks like Elie Saab was a big name on the red carpet for the Emmy's this year. If I had to pick my favorite (among Cobie Smulders in Alberta Ferretti, Kristen Wiig in Zac Posen and Kelly Osbourne in J. Mendel), I think I'm going for Kelly Osbourne! She really looked so looked in that dress, and she looked like she's having loads of fun! Love the smile on that girl!

An Important Message to All....

2011-09-17T00:33:00.004+08:00

My blog is coming up to almost a 100 posts and while I'm not even sure if many people follow/read this blog, I'm just thankful to have an outlet to share my passion for fashion. Sometimes you get discouraged, worrying that nobody is 'listening' to what you're saying, but I guess what keeps me going is my interest in what I'm doing (which I do hope that eventually I'll carve a career out of, no matter how late in life) and maintaining a blog with its features and various columns to what it is today is pretty satisfying and fulfilling.

What I do wish to clarify with all readers, however, is that, while I do blog mostly on what Hollywood (and celebs all over) puts on, as per my blog title, I am NOT sending out any message about ideal figures, etc. They're almost all tall and slim (if not thin), with figures we all would die for, but hey, there's a reason why they are in that business and we are not. But there's still no need to put yourself through diets or eating disorders just to achieve something so superficial.

Beauty shines through when you love yourself for what you are. Nothing shouts beautiful more than self-confidence. It's not about beating yourself up about your weight or size, neither is it about giving yourself a hard time just to fit into a dress that cost you more than a month's salary. That's not true happiness. When you begin to accept yourself for who you are, you're going to appreciate so much more in life because you're not obsessed over something that is blinding you entirely.

What I'm trying to say here is, nobody's perfect and no two people are alike (come on, even twins who look alike physically ARE different and they may have different styles when it comes to their dressing and their lives). Instead of obsessing over being someone you're not, why not embrace yourself and be creative with your looks? That's after all how you develop your personal style. Looking good isn't about fitting a size 0, it's about knowing your body and what flatters your curves. Realistically, not all Hollywood actresses and singers are size 0s, but they look good because stylists dress them to look their best and work wonders with prints, accessories, cuttings, hemlines, heels, and the list goes on. Think about it, belts define your waist, accentuating your figure, I'm sure you know that by now.

You should also remember that whatever floats your boat may not float others'. You may think being a size 0 is ideal, but someone who is a size 0 may be envious of someone who is curvier. Plus, everyone has their own flaws, it just takes confidence to accept and adapt them into your style. This also brings me to clarify something: while I am a size 4-6, it doesn't mean I'd frown upon someone who is plus-sized. I wasn't always a size 6 and besides, I'm on the petite side, I, too, have my own insecurities but I've come to terms with my height and accept it. So please don't have that misconception of your thin or tall friend, they may have their own body issues and it's up to you to accept and love them for who they are.

What is important, is that you and I lead a healthy lifestyle that evolves around eating your greens and fruits, doing regular (if not frequent) exercise and practise smart styling - do that and you're on your way to looking fab. Know what works for your body, for instance, I don't wear oversized, baggy boyfriend jeans because they don't flatter my petite frame. Work trends around your figure and style for a personalized look. And while I encourage embracing your curves, don't be oblivious to health threats - if losing the extra pounds can reduce your exposure to health risks and fit into that gorgeous dress you bought a size smaller because it didn't come in your size, why not? Look up to Jennifer Hudson as your role model, the singer/actress wasn't overly overweight but ever since she shed some of her weight, she's been looking more fabulous than ever.

Another disclaimer I'd like to make about my blog is: I'm not encouraging an extravagant lifestyle if you can't afford it. I can't afford those red carpet dresses from Carolina Herrera or 24-carat jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz, but hey, neither can the actresses wearing them (you may not know this, but gowns/bling bling are typically loaned to the them!).

What I'm "selling" here are the styles and looks on these celebrities, and hoping that through blogging on red carpet and celebs' off-screen outfits, I help to inspire all you readers to pick up the styling tips and recreate the looks with your inventory at hand (well, one or two new pieces wouldn't hurt). Creativity, an adventurous spirit and some expert tips are what you need. Spend within your means with the occasional indulgence or investment in classics - check out my columns for tips: Celeb Look for Less, Closet Essentials, Wardrobe Remix.

Of course, if you can afford a lavish lifestyle and all these to-die-for designer clothing/bags, by all means. But being fashionable is about knowing the right items to buy, not buying everything you like on the rack. Wearing designer head-to-toe doesn't mean you're instantly stylish.

So I hope with this message I've cleared the air on any misconceptions that you may have about this blog! :)

Celeb Look for Less - Kate Middleton in Erdem.

2011-09-16T21:07:00.002+08:00

Duchess Catherine Middleton has won the hearts of many not only through her warm smile and down-to-earth personality, but also through her great sense of style that is both appropriate yet gorgeous. The beautiful wife to Prince William has also earned herself the title of the "recessionista" through her endless recycling of clothing, shoes and accessories.
Now you can also dress like her, without the same damage to your pocket!
On the royal couple's North America tour, Kate Middleton paid tribute to Canadian-born designer Erdem Moralioglu by wearing one of his Erdem label designs when she landed in Canada.

The laced-cut sheath dress was special without being overstated, especially with the modest hemline and sleeves up to her elbows. She looked so elegant but modern as she finished off her look with a nude clutch and matching heels by LK Bennett.
While you and I may not be able to afford this dress that could costs thousands of dollars, we can recreate the look with this highly similar dress from ASOS:

ASOS PETITE Exclusive Slash Neck Lace Dress With Contrast Lining - £45

Finish off your look with a pair of nude patent pumps and a nude clutch.

ASOS SCALA Patent Court Shoe - £25 (ASOS)

Jessica McClintock Satin Frame Clutch - S$35.20 (Macy's)

Fashion in a Week - NY Fashion Week edition.

2011-09-14T01:40:00.003+08:00

It's Fashion Week in NYC and while I wish I could wander along the streets and spot arrivals of hot celebrities and fashionistas, I can only wait in front of my computer screen for news and updates on fashion shows. Sad, but true.
Whitney Port attended the Luca Luca Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear show in this chic and colorful ensemble. I love everything about Whitney's outfit: her strategically sheer blouse and her full midi skirt is like a match made in heaven, her orange ankle-strap pumps form a perfect contrast against the colors of her separates, the textured clutch makes for a pop of print against her plain palette and finally, her hair is pulled back into a low, messy bun that's so, extremely elegant. It's a look I'd like to replicate!

The budding designer also looked her stylish self at the Rebecca Taylor Fashion Show. Grey was the fundamental color of her look, which comprised of a clash of stripes and dotted prints between her soft knit sweater and mini-skirt. Matching heels and bag, with her high bun, complete her fun look.

Also sitting front row at the Luca Luca and Rebecca Taylor shows was Ashley Tisdale. No offence, but while I love the full swing skirt and black pumps, I don't think you need to declare your love for NY by wearing this tee at a fashion show.

I didn't really fancy what Ashley wore to the Rebecca Taylor show either. It was too much of a "party-goer" look, rather than a fashion show first-row-attendee look. The dress and shoes look great, but not together.

However, I like both of Ashley's looks at the Nicole Miller and Mara Hoffman shows. This is what I'm talking about! These were great outfits for attending fashion shows. Absolutely loving the peach-colored strapless frock and suede blue pumps! Not to mention, her braided locks are so edgy and chic. I would've traded the printed clutch for something simpler though, to make one statement at a time.

Ashley also looked fashionable at the Mara Hoffman show in her zebra print skirt outfit and flowy blonde locks. Like the booties with the look, but didn't love it. Overall, an outfit I relate to and shouts Ashley's style.

*credit: AshleyTisdale.org

Ashley's BFF Vanessa Hudgens graced the Concept Korea event in NYC in a velvet side-ruched dress. It's definitely one of her best looks so far! I'm pretty sure she's wearing a wig/hair extensions and she looked FAB. She should certainly grow out her hair and do blowouts to repeat this look. It frames her face and sharpens the chin area, creating a slimming effect. Back to her dress, the hemline is elongating Vanessa's petite frame and the color is working magic against her tan complexion. I sure hope she keeps this up!

Actress and singer Mandy Moore was looking sun-kissed in her orange frock and bright red lips at the Lela Rose fashion show. I love seeing color on Mandy Moore and she wore this dress, and the statement necklace, really well.

*credit: Just Jared

At the Prabal Gurung show was singer Nicki Minaj and Red Riding Hood actress Amanda Seyfried (look out for her upcoming movie with Justin Timberlake, Now). The 25-year old wore a three-toned textured sheath dress with contrasting yellow strappy heels. It's such a gorgeous look to wear to a Spring fashion show, with the refreshing, bright and bold color from head to toe.

*credit: Just Jared

Sophia Bush looked red-hot at the Rebecca Minkoff fashion show in her bold blazer worn over a monochrome ensemble. I would love to recreate this look myself, it's simple to put together - just sling on a leopard print sling bag (the classic Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. clutch is available on Shopbop for USD295 and at Robinsons at Orchard Centrepoint for somewhere between S$600-700!)and black pumps and you're ready for a day or night out. So simple, so chic.

*credit: Just Jared

22-year old Elizabeth Olsen, younger sister of fashion designer twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and budding young star, wore Erdem to the premiere of her latest film Martha Marcy May Marlene for the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. Her blush make-up picks up the pink and red hues from her lovely key-hole floor-length dress. It's a very sweet look, which was kept simple with minimal accessories.

British model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was out promoting her endorsement for Burberry Body fragrance in this head-to-toe Burberry suit in nude. It's a hard to wear look but the Transformers 3 babe worked it like no other. Love the choice of outfit which matched the theme of the perfume perfectly!

Finally, we have Emily Blunt at the premiere of Your Sister's Sister, wearing a color-block dress complete with a contrasting bow. She made such a pretty color clash against the pink carpet! Her pastel pink clutch beautifully complements the entire look.

*credit: Just Jared

So tell me, do you fancy any of this week's outfits?

P.S. I have fixed some issues most of you had with posting comments and I believe the commenting button is working now! Click on "0 Comments" to leave your views/opinions! Do note that sometimes the number of comments reflected is inaccurate, I'm still working on that, but the commenting definitely works! So have your say, today! :)

H&M Hype in Singapore.

2011-09-10T16:55:00.003+08:00

H&M has been officially opened for a week and I don't think the hype is dying down just yet. For those of you not residing in Singapore, it may seem a little late, but the Swedish label Hennes & Mauritz is finally in South-East Asia!
For a long while, it has been a highly sought after label in the region, most Asian fans have had to flock to Hong Kong to get their hands on the fashionable and affordable clothing. While I had consider myself one of those who were slightly disappointed in it's arrival (because you know H&M hitting the shores here just mean the clothes are less exclusive than it used to be), a part of me is glad to see the three-storey worth of shopping goodness thriving. Maybe that means more H&M outlets to be opened in the near future or more brands can establish themselves here, like the upcoming Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store and Aeropostale, among the 25 stores to open here as well as in Malaysia and Indonesia. American Eagle, Supré and Urban Outfitters, anyone? The space in Wheelock is still looking for an anchor tenant!
In other news, Michael Kors will open it's first store here and can be found at the new Scotts Shopping Gallery and Krispy Kreme (for you donut-lovers) is currently looking for franchisees in Singapore after opening in Bangkok.
Ending off, I'd like to put up some images of outfits I absolutely adore, all from the H&M website:
P.S. Totally in love with the black coat with gold buttons I got for such a steal at the store (see first image)!

Blogger is in App Store!!

2011-09-10T16:36:00.002+08:00

Finally Blogger has an app!! I look forward to blogging on the go but I must say most of my blogging materials are on my laptop. Nonetheless it looks like a really user-friendly app! So if you have a blog on Blogger, download the free app now (it's one of the top downloads!) - go!

Closet Essentials - The Classic Blazer.

2011-09-09T16:31:00.000+08:00

This probably isn't the first time - and it won't be the last, that I've mentioned the importance of having a fine classic blazer as part of your wardrobe. Be it for work purposes, or to pull over your outfit for a more glammed up look, the blazer is too essential to be missing. The very reason why it is the choice of outerwear for the office makes it the ideal piece that polishes up your look in an instant, yes, even when you're not in your most glamorous pair of heels.

The ideal blazer that will take you absolutely anywhere from casual to formal is one that:

sits around your hips,
has one functional button - that upon buttoning up, the fit is perfect (i.e. not ruched awkwardly anywhere or still has way too much room),
has two symmetrical lapels running down the front, and
is structured and shapely (having very slight padding gives the illusion of broader shoulders and a more upright poise).

Take Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rachel Bilson for example.

Blazers are definitely my choice of outerwear if I have any events to attend, from date nights, to wedding dinners and a girls' night out. It keeps you warm from the chilly a/c and it polishes up your outfit right away. Leave it unbuttoned for the relaxed but chic look.

For a casual day-look, roll/fold up the sleeves half way to your elbows.

Besides the essential, perfect fit blazer, you can spend less on other blazers that can transform different outfits to channel different looks.

Longer cuts or boyfriend blazers can give off those edgy, cool vibes. Jessica Alba, Miranda Kerr and Kourtney Kardashian shows you how to pair the boyfriend blazer with all kinds of looks.

Cropped blazers work well with girls of petite frames as they give the illusion of a longer body. Rachel Bilson may be 5'2", but she certainly knows what works for her figure and style.

With so many choices out there, you know you're not restricted to just having black blazers as a classic piece, but you know black is definitely your safest bet. But you could always try white, which is as versatile as a black one. Take cues from Hayden Panetierre, Eva Longoria as well as sisters Kim and Kourtney on taking the white blazer from formal to casual. Might I just point out that Kourtney did great pairing her white blazer with her bright, flirty romper - such a fun look!

Cream or ivory-colored blazers are less flashy than their white counterparts, but they work equally well with all sorts of outfits. Experiment outside of pairing it with basic colors, look at what wonders colors did for Kourtney Kardashian and Blake Lively!

I would say grey comes in second after black, for me. It's another corporate-wear color so it would definitely do well in outfits for work and for play. Rachel Bilson cleverly combines all the basic colors in one palette, matching her grey blazer with nude colored boots.

Lauren Conrad swears by blazers and she created marvelous ones for her Paper Crown collections. Check them out here! Absolutely loving the camel one she has on, it's so unexpected but so versatile!

Victoria's Secrets model Lily Aldridge makes an appearance in a simple outfit pulled together by a blue blazer. I'm loving the shade of blue, it's not loud and I imagine it's gonna work well with tons of looks.

Have fun with fashion and get them in fun, bright colors. You can wear them with basic colored clothing like black, white or grey, or try color-blocking! It's very Spring/Summer 2011, it's still in vogue this Fall/Winter 2011. Try a patterned one like Emma Roberts did.

Go wild with the many colours available! Coral (Kourtney Kardashian is color-blocking!) and fuchsia (Olivia Palermo) are my favorites this season.

Even Kourtney's fashion-forward boyfriend Scott Disick is rocking that colored blazer!

Blazers made with lesser structure and lighter fabrics are more fun to wear when dressing down, but they still smarten up the entire look, anytime.

Pick some with fun accents, such as a patterned lining (so you can reveal a little of it when you roll up your sleeves) or gold buttons.

*credits: Just Jared

Fashion in a Week - Young Hollywood Edition.

2011-09-01T16:25:00.003+08:00

For this week's column, I decided to pick on outfits seen on young Hollywood celebrities since they intrigued me more than others did.

First of all, we have Demi Lovato at the VMAs. The "Skycraper" singer met ex-boyfriend and Camp Rock co-star Joe Jonas. I loved that she looked so stunning in her Mandalay bejeweled dress that hugged her curves and revealed her cleavage. The whole look was gorgeous, from the make-up to the hair and shoes.

However, it continues to baffle me that Demi fails to bring this style off the red carpet. Unless of course, an aid of a stylist was acquired. It's great that post-rehab Demi is more confident and still has that to-die-for vocals, I just scratch my head when I saw this:

Looked a little like something the Miley Cyrus in the past would wear. Some tips here: lose the grandma cardigan and circle-framed shades.

Demi's Disney pal Miley Cyrus has appeared to 'clean up' a little from her raunchy outfits and transformed into a more stylish self. Less really is more.

The strapless LBD showed off Miley's toned shoulders and features a flattering corset-style bodice and empire waist with an A-line skirt. "The Last Song" actress, along with her co-star-turned-boyfriend (seems rather serious now, don't they?), looked effortlessly chic as she topped the look off with a pair of leopard print loafers which I absolutely adore! Where can I get one of those?!

On the flip side, as opposed to Demi, Miley didn't get my thumbs up at the VMAs in this Roberto Cavalli number.

It's a little like deja vu, like when she also wore Roberto Cavalli to the Grammys earlier in the year:

Only that, in my opinion, the latter was the lesser of the two evils. The semi-leopard-floral print was a little too overwhelming and the dress was just adding years to Miley's age. I see someone like Rihanna in this (no doubt flattering) figure-hugging long dress. Seeing Miley dressed like this make me miss the days when she wore a fun and edgy Herve Leger number to the 2010 Grammys and a feminine and sparkly Jenny Packham gown to the Oscars in the same year (see below).

Back to the awesome loafers Miley was in, Elle Fanning (who is now the face of Marc by Marc Jacobs, as is her sister Dakota) also wore some, along with the cute outfit she was in:

*credit: Just Jared

She was like a walking advertisement, that was how picture perfect she had looked when she was just out grabbing a meal or something. Absolutely no one else would have been able to carry this look without looking ridiculous but Elle just looked so adorable, along with that cute hat. A perfect 10 for sure.

Also at the VMAs was Vanessa Hudgens, who hosted the Candie's after-party for the event. The Sucker Punch actress was old-Hollywood glamour all over, from her cropped coif to her sparkly Candie's Couture gown.

This look didn't work for me but it was a good attempt. Maybe I just prefer Vanessa in her long flowy locks, which seem to flatter her more. OR maybe I just don't like how Vanessa's red carpet looks have evolved to become. Her casual looks are certainly more boho these days than they were in the past, but I can take them better than her formal outfits.

Vanessa's BFF Ashley Tisdale attended the Candie's after-party in a black floral patterned Tibi dress. Matched with her pink lips and caged heels, Ashley looked edgy but flirty and it's a look that works on Ashley.

But I can't seem to say the same for her electric-blue frock look which she wore to promote the launch of the Got Milk? American Cheerleader "Be Strong" Challenge Campaign. I love her nude heels and that she pulled her hair into a pony-tail but I don't think that the one-shoulder frock was flattering. It's not a bad look, just that there's something about the dress that I don't quite like which I can't seem to put my finger on.

Emma Roberts (who will soon be studying English Literature in Sarah Lawrence College in New York!) attended the VMA Party held at SLS Hotel in a full-black outfit, comprising of an alice+olivia LBD and a Anya Hindmarch glittered clutch. Emma's one of my style icons but sometimes her red carpet style can get a little dull. I personally don't like this look, and I prefer simple, nude make-up on Emma.

*credit: Just Jared

But sometime last week, Emma attended a private dinner held by Salvatore Ferragamo along with actresses Ashley Greene, Eva Mendes, Freida Pinto and Minka Kelly. She wore head-to-toe Ferragamo and I just love her outfit and her braided hair - pure elegance.

*credit: Just Jared

Trend Alert: Maxi skirts/dresses with low-cut boots!

2011-08-31T18:29:00.001+08:00

Emma Roberts

Olivia Palermo

Jenna Dewan

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Olivia Wilde

It's a feminine look, with an edgy twist. Would you try it?

Ombre Hair - Do or Don't?

2011-08-17T01:32:00.001+08:00

I've been really grabbed by the look of the ombre hair, whether on permed or straight locks. But well, of course, those of you who know me would know blond hair wouldn't quite work on me and it'll require bleaching which I'm really against 'cause I don't wanna spoil my hair. Still, maybe I could create something similar, such as dark brown at the top and light brown at the ends...? Give me your opinions.

Giuliana Rancic

Hilary Duff (who is pregnant! Congrats to the actress!)

Shenae Grimes

Drew Barrymore

Hilary Swank

Rachel Bilson

Leighton Meester

Lauren Conrad

Alexa Chung

Whitney Port

Feel free to give some comments/views!

Fashion in a Week.

2011-08-16T02:11:00.001+08:00

There were some hits and misses during the event-filled week/s.
Firstly, there was the Glee: The 3D Concert Movie premiere. It was tough deciding who looked better: Lea Michele or Dianna Agron. Lea Michele wore a black Marchesa number with pumps by Casadei. The look was sleek was her pulled-back hair but it's a easy and safe look to bring to a premiere. She looked great but I'm not crazy about it.

On the other hand, Dianna Agron went with a paler shade with her Christian Cota tulip wrap-dress worn with pale gold Camilla Skovgaard sandal heels and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch. It's a soft look complete with Dianna's light make-up and spunky cropped hair. I really love her in short hair and it's making me wanna get shoulder-length hair - fluff it up with some spray or wax and you're good to go!

Dianna certainly has my vote this time round, although I miss her in midi dresses.
Miu Miu's new face 14 year-old (14!!!) Hailee Steinfeld attended the premiere in a red-hot outfit comprising of a dress from Louis Vuitton's 2012 Resort Collection and penny loafer heels. The dress was a cute choice though it's not exactly my favourite look of Hailee's but nonetheless, I love that she's rocking those fashion-forward footwear. Penny loafers are definitely on the rise now, and you can purchase gorgeous ones from Marc by Marc Jacobs or Tory Burch (see below)! Visit Shopbop now!

Louis Vuitton Resort 2012

Marc by Marc Jacobs High Heel Penny Loafers USD275 (Shopbop)

Tory Burch Penny Loafers USD250 (ToryBurchOnSales.net)

The Jenner sisters of Keeping Up With The Kardashians hung out with stars such as Cory Montieth at the premiere. Older sister Kendall was sweet in a key-hole dress by Keepsake. Her nude Louboutin pumps complete the look. I'm obsessed with her long legs!!

Younger sis Kylie was smart and chic in her Sea New York blouse, Bec & Bridge shorts and Prada platform heels. Her bright yellow clutch adds a splash of colour to her monotone look.

It was really tough to decide which sister's outfit I prefer 'cause they're completely different in style so it's definitely a tie! Kylie balances the matured shirt-and-shorts look with her fun purse and I absolutely adore her shoes, so maybe I like her look a wee-bit more. :)
Anne Hathaway looked like a star at the premiere of her movie One Day in NYC in an Alexander McQueen strapless gown. Thumbs up for her look, 'cause I think she looked better than the model did, in particular, her choice of the Christian Louboutin pumps. I love it over the model's strappy shoes with the dress. She definitely fills the gown better as well.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

Just this morning, the Do Something Awards took place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The ceremony brought many do-good celebrities together, to give credit to those who have, in one way or another, made a difference to the society or spread the word of goodwill.

Cowboys and Aliens (in theatres now!) actress Olivia Wilde walked home as the winner of the Do Something Movie Star Award, wearing her mint-green key-hole dress by Chloe. The look was really disappointing, a far-cry from the sexy look she sported at the Golden Globes 2011, Emmy's in 2009 and 2008 - see below. While I'm not commanding the same amount of formality, I think what we're looking for is the consistency in style - one moment she looks hot, the next she's not. Back to the present, she looked so frumpy in the dress, her hair was a mess, and I hate the shoes.

Olivia Wilde at the Do Something Awards 2011

Chloe Resort 2012

Olivia Wilde at the Golden Globes 2011 in Marchesa

Olivia Wilde at the Primetime Emmy's 2009 in Marchesa

Olivia Wilde at the Primetime Emmy's 2008 in Reem Acra

Tyra Banks was colour-block crazy in her bright and bold ensemble. I think she's receiving quite a but of criticisms for her outfit, but I think she's really having fun with fashion. She doesn't do modelling anymore so while she has a reputation to up-keep, I think she deserves a break and the freedom to try on different styles. I think she looks great, and I don't think many celebrities can carry off all these crazy looks (including the leather piece she wore to the TCAs) that she has been sporting.

"Skyscraper" singer Demi Lovato looked pretty in her silverish-white halter short dress as she graced the evening's event. The frock was embellished down the front and it was just a perfect match with her white peep-toe heels. I love her tan, I love her hair, I love her earrings. She's making every appearance of hers such a hit, Demi never should worry about her figure 'cause she's rockin' that body! Oh yes, I love her smile and confidence!

Victoria Justice brightened up the blue carpet in her reddish-orange Jay Godfrey frock. The cute dress featured a slight-frilled neckline with a tiered skirt and she looked adorable in her half up-do. Victoria gave the look a bit of an edge by throwing on some leopard print stilettos. It's a young and age-appropriate look, though I'd like to see Victoria in something printed. And I meant the dress.

Orange seems to be a pretty big colour this summer, as Hellcats' Ashley Tisdale took to the "PaleyFest Family Celebrates Television Series from Disney Channel" event in a two-tone off-shoulder dress by Joie Leslie. I adore the dress - definitely something I'd wear, but I'm a little confused with her choice of her suede Christian Louboutin booties. The shoes are great on their own, but it didn't match up to the style of the dress at all. Kinda like how I like her Foley & Corinna dress and her Louboutins at her birthday party in Vegas last month, but not together (see below). The latter made it to ShoeRazzi's "Shoes She Should Have Worn", I think this may/should too.

At PaleyFest in Joie Leslie

At her birthday party in Vegas

Off the red carpet, Ashley looked stylish in her wide-brimmed hat and strapless belted grey sundress as she shopped at Planet Blue with her mom. I LOVE this look, it's easy and comfy, not to mention her Chanel Shopper bag is to-die-for. It's a great look for a shopping trip.

Dianna Agron, on the other hand, doesn't seem to inspire with her daily outfits. First she stepped out in a weird pink coif and grandma-looking dress (with her nice blue ballerina pumps?!). Then, she tried a hand at clashing prints but, to my opinion, failed. I like the match between her striped tee and pumps but no, not with the dainty, floral skirt. The nautical tee is coming on too strong for the skirt. Blake Lively (see below) shows how a clash of prints is cleverly done on the set of Gossip Girl.

Teen Choice Awards 2011.

2011-08-10T19:11:00.000+08:00

YAY! Another red carpet event! It was one filled with teen stars, gorgeous eye-catching outfits and surfboards.
Lucy Hale of Pretty Little Liars took home a surfboard for Summer TV Star Female (Pretty Little Liars was also voted Summer TV Show) in this sexy backless (except for the few sequin straps) Cengiz Abazoglu mini-dress. She was definitely a head-turner as she also wore a stunning pair of Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-strap platforms - minus the heels! I love the look, it was very youthful, the colour was soft but edgy with the black outlines. Though I must say it was a really daring frock to wear at the TCAs, she carried it really well without being over the top.

Former supermodel and talk-show host Tyra Banks was fiercely sassy in a full-leather jumpsuit by Thierry Mugler. The fun-loving lady matched her nails with her jumpsuit's bold yellow detail. It's definitely bringing out the figure in Tyra and the bright colour tones down the leather ware by a little bit, though I thought the cleavage was still a little too much for this event.

Also in leather were Blake Lively and Elizabeth Banks. Blake Lively was voted Choice TV Actress, Drama for her work in Gossip Girl (which took home the award for Choice TV Show, Drama) and the former-short-stint-redhead wore an orange Gucci leather shift dress from the label's Resort 2012 collection. I'm loving her hair, I'm loving the dress and it's bright colour, but I'm not too crazy about the printed Christian Louboutin pumps she wore which made the look really formal. I'd prefer something more fun, 'cause after all it IS the Teen Choice Awards! Let loose!

Elizabeth Banks looked more fiery in her J. Mendel red leather strapless dress. I didn't think something like this fit the occasion. The colour on top of the leather sheath is too much for this teens-filled event. That is not to say that Elizabeth, who was a presenter that night, didn't look good, it probably would be more appropriate for some other event.

Cameron Diaz, who picked up the award for Choice Movie Actress, Comedy for her work in Bad Teacher (I can't wait for it to hit the screens here!), also wore a strapless frock. The blonde actress went with a simple mini-dress by A.L.C. but pumped up the look with bright and unique Burak Uyan heels. Don't you just love those quirky-looking shoes?! I absolutely love Cameron's choice in classic silhouettes but spices things up with her clever taste in footwear. A Chloe "Sally" envelope clutch completes Cameron's look.

Twilight's Ashley Greene went monotone with her black and white Givenchy fitted dress. To be honest, the look was kinda boring. Firstly I don't like blow-outs on Ashley. I prefer her in up-dos, some permed ends, anything but this. I love her hair as Alice Cullen actually, the short haircut with slightly permed ends. But back to the look, her choice of dress could've been more colourful and interesting. On top of that, her Givenchy heels are too chunky for her calves. On the whole, a no-no for me.

Rocker Avril Lavigne also walked into the Gibson Amphitheatre in a (surprise, surprise) black number by Abbey Dawn - the singer's own label. The only consolation is the fun stars-and-stripes peep-toes she was wearing and the bright yellow soles. That aside, boring.

Another outfit I didn't quite like was that of Emma Stone's. Emma was on stage accepting her surfboard for Choice Movie Actress, Romantic Comedy and presenting the Ultimate Choice Award to good friend Taylor Swift, wearing a Christian Dior Resort 2012 piece matched with Lanvin heels. I don't actually feel that the uneven hem is flattering, not to mention the colour is a bit dull. This isn't like the Emma who is capable of wearing bright peachy colours to the red carpet. But I must say, I like the dress better on Emma than on the model.

Taylor Swift chose to sweep home SIX awards (she tweeted that she has now 13 TCA awards - 13 is her lucky number!) in a white Raphael Cennamo dress. It was something different, yet I thought that the silhouette wasn't so flattering for the tall beauty. The length was kinda in between for me, probably something shorter or longer would've worked better. Plus, it looked a little too prom-ish. The belted dress look was finished off with a pair of grey Fendi bow-peep toes.

Taylor Swift's BFF Selena Gomez walked the red carpet in a Erin Fetherston champagne gold Fall 2011 dress and a pair of Brian Atwood purple heels. I'm pretty sure her multiple choice in purple footwear thus far has been influenced by boyfriend Justin Bieber (purple is his favourite colour). The look was perfect for her, young but glamourous. I particularly love her pinkish-purple miniaudiere.

The "Who Says" singer was joined by kiss-and-make-up best friend Demi Lovato who was decked in a bright yellow laced BCBG frock. The "Skyscraper" singer wore her dress with matching yellow suede heels by Christian Louboutin. I love the colour on Demi, it forms a perfect contrast against her tan complexion. She looks absolutely gorgeous and I hope she continues wearing colour instead of black. Don't the Disney pals look awfully cute together!

Brightening up the blue carpet further was Black Eyed Peas' leading girl, Fergie, who wore a yellow and black star-patterned body-hugging dress by Dolce & Gabbana. The shortened length was perfect but I wished Fergie had picked some funky heels instead of dull black pumps.

Nikita hottie Maggie Q took to the blue carpet in a Max Mara Spring 2011 skirt and body suit outfit. While the whole look was a little too formal and corporate-like, the all-white ensemble, complete with monotone Aperlai heels, was refreshing for the summer. I'm waiting to see Maggie in something fun like a short dress. These days, she's always going for the prim and proper looks, like when she attended The CW's Upfront in a mustard sheath earlier in May (see below).

Rachel Bilson brought little sis Hattie to the Teen Choice as she wore a light mint Chloe chiffon dress. The sisters look awfully sweet! :) I love Rachel Bilson and her personal style but I'm not buying this look. The dress is too basic and looks like something I've seen her in before. Plus, those Brian Atwood studded booties are too edgy for this girly dress. But I like Rachel Bilson in something edgy so I would trade the dress for something wilder, preferably in a bright colour or printed.

*credits: Miss-Bilson.US

Zoe Saldana of Avatar wore a Lanvin Resort 2012 strapless metallic frock with gold Alexander McQueen ankle-strap heels. The actress belted up the dress - good thing, but the look wasn't as youthful as Zoe can carry. This look is good for a movie photocall but a little dull for the TCAs. But nonetheless, it was interesting and Zoe carried it well, something different from her counterparts who showed up for the night.

The most popular family in showbiz would never be missing from the guest list at the TCAs, of course. The Kardashians showed up sans Robert, while Khloe's hubby and Lakers player Lamar Odom brought along his two children. Khloe Kardashian (fourth from the left) was wild in a Roberto Cavalli animal print maxi dress. It was a little dressy but the black and white colours helped to tone the print down a little. Khloe certainly worked it with her gorgeous permed locks.

Kendall Jenner (first from the left) wore her hair up in an up-do, something we seldom see. She looked elegant in her plum Aurelio Costarella dress, the cut-out is sexy but in a subtle way, nothing too bare for an underage girl. Her metallic YSL pumps are to-die-for! Her sister Kylie Jenner went with a softer look in a nude BCBGeneration dress worn with matching BCBG platform heels (also to-die-for!). Both sisters' outfits are great!

Fashionista Kim Kardasian looked like a classic beauty in her up-do and two-tone Givenchy dress which features a feathered skirt and a laced waist band. I would've loved the look more if Kim traded her Louboutin pumps for something with more design, such as embellishments.

Older sister Kourtney Kardashian, on the other hand, wore a cobalt blue strapless dress by Blaque Label. The unique short gown consists of a short inner mini-dress and a tail-hem outer layer of short, see-through fabric. The look is cute and fun, as Kourtney completes the look with a black Chanel clutch and snake-print Louboutin pumps.

Nikki Reed was boho chic in a tribal print maxi dress from Etro's Spring 2011 collection. It's a nice dress for the summer, though her black Ferragamo clutch is a little dull. Still, I love the hair, the bold accessories (love the cuff) and her pretty manicured nails.

Nina Dobrev of The Vampire Diaries was cute in a D&G gingham dress and clutch - just until you glance upon her Ferragamo pumps. Black pumps are safe but really should be worn with the appropriate looks. Nina is young and since she has already chosen to go to the TCAs with such a cute and flirty dress, why go with the black pumps?

Zooey Deschanel of Yes Man looked disappointing at the TCAs in her Miu Miu shoes and dress. Her make-up looks overdone, the frock is not flattering at all and I'm still not buying the black pumps-black clutch look.

YouTube sensation Rebecca Black actually took home a surfboard for herself! The young singer of "Black Friday" wore a single-shoulder blue dress with studded black peep-toes. I think it's an appropriate look for someone new to such big events. It's not over-done nor too safe, it's age- and event-appropriate yet fun. I'm not sure if she has a publicist or stylist, but good job.

Finally, the host of the night, Kaley Cuoco of the Big Bang Theory graced the red carpet in a Rebecca Taylor Spring 2011 tiered dress. I always find tiered dresses hard to wear, but Kaley did just fine. I can't see her footwear but I hope it's something better than what the model wore on the runway.

So who was your best dressed female celebrity at the TCAs? Personally it was a tough choice 'cause I didn't really like any look in particular but if I had to choose, I'd go for Blake Lively in Gucci, only because of the bright dress she picked.

Current Obsession - Skirts.

2011-08-05T15:45:00.001+08:00

I really wanted to put this under the 'Current Obsession' tab which you see at the top of this page, but I'm having issues with my Adobe Photoshop so I decided to blog it instead.
I've been crazy about skirts lately, almost every skirt on the shelf would catch my eye! I'm loving so many different types of skirts - midi (or mid-calf), maxi (or full-length), bandage (I'm still in love with my Topshop piece and I'm eyeing the same piece in different colours *gasp*), high-waist ranging from tulip, flared, fitted....you name it!
My fashion role model Lauren Conrad (The Hills) really sets the example of creating different looks with different skirts.
A high-waist mini is cute and flirty but Lauren dresses it up with a collared shirt and a high up-do (learn how to recreate this look from Lauren's beauty website).

Lauren Conrad has a classic yet pretty style that is easy to follow! She keeps her looks interesting with her myriad collection of skirts and matching them with simple basics. Appropriate add-ons can change your look and take you from day to night. Think pulling over a blazer for a polished look, or throwing on black tights and heels for a formal occasion.

Patterned tops could also work with plain skirts. Satin would be great for a night-out with the girls.

Midi skirts are great too, like the way Keira Knightley wears it here when out with her boyfriend.

And some great looks from Topshop and ASOS, respectively.

I'm also loving the black maxi skirt, which the following celebrities wear so well.

Sofia Copolla

Miranda Kerr

Fashion in a Week (brights issue!)

2011-08-05T14:02:00.002+08:00

This week's feature has several bright and bold looks, mostly consisting of pink and red!

Model Kelly Brook at the Bulmers Cider Garden launch wearing a pair of orange-red leather shorts. Worn with a peter-pan collar blouse and gingham print Louboutins. The leather makes the summer ensemble look sexy.

Vanessa Hudgens hosts the Hurley Walk the Walk event sporting a midcalf-length dress and her new cropped coif (she chopped off her locks for her latest work in Gimme Shelter). The HSM actress stacked on necklaces and threw on Kettle Black studded gladiator sandals for the bohemian look.

Blake Lively is spotted with a bright red maxi skirt and a glittered vest while filming scenes for Gossip Girl.

Hart of Dixie chick Rachel Bilson graces the red carpet of the TCA party in an Erdem floral blouse and bright trousers. A touch of edginess was added with her Louboutin leopard print pumps. That's a subtle but clever clash of prints.

Katie Holmes made her guest appearance on the Jay Leno Show with bold red leather cropped pants by Isabel Marant, matched with a mesh pullover by Madewell and nude patent heels by Prada. Love this outfit.

Ashley Tisdale arrives back in LAX from visiting boyfriend Scott Speer (who is currently directing Step Up 4 in Miami) wearing a Wildfox 'Seeing Stars' Sweater and Steve Madden sandals, with her Louis Vuitton luggage in tow.

Having just returned to LA, Ashley tended to her promoting duties as she made her appearance at the El Capitan Theatre for the premiere of Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension in a sparkly All Saints dress and Christian Louboutin slingbacks. I'm loving her half up-do, though I wish she had worn heels in a colour that is picked up from the dress, like peach.

Kristin Cavallari of The Hills was seen out and about post-breakup in a colourful striped dress. I'm not crazy about this look. The stripes seem unflattering and I don't like it with heels. Maxi dresses should be effortless and dressed down (unless we're talking about formal ones, that is) so I'd prefer her wearing this look with flat sandals or even flip-flops.

Lea Michele of Glee was decked in a Valentino frock and nude Prada heels as she attended a luncheon at the Beverly Hills hotel. I just adore Valentino for its soft fabrics and feminine prints. Lea's look, with her Jimmy Choo clutch, is perfect for the function.

Singer Leona Lewis performed in Porto Cervo, Italy in a knee-length polka-dot frock and brown suede wedges ensemble. Personally, the wedges is adding bulk to the look. I do like her neon pink belt though, so maybe she could've picked something matching for her footwear, and preferably something less chunky too.

Mila Kunis also sported a polka dot dress while attending to her Friends with Benefits (also starring Justin Timberlake) promo duties. Hers was a piece by Oscar de la Renta, with which she wore a pair of Brian Atwood ankle-strapped "Zenith" pumps. It's a flirty but elegant look - gorgeous.

Duchess of Cambridge was out shopping for groceries in a purple sweater worn over jeans and accessorized with an Aquascutum shawl. She was later spotted taking a walk with the Prince. Matching outfits - how cute!

Fashion in a Week.

2011-08-02T23:42:00.002+08:00

Kate Bosworth leaves Chateau Marmont in boho shirt dress, accessorized with a thin dark brown belt, matching sandal heels and bag in a different shade of brown. I love the simple yet chic look.

Red Riding Hood's Amanda Seyfried looks cute in a polka dot dress on a sunny day out - a print dress is a easy way to dress up on lazy days.

Never afraid of colour, Freida Pinto arrives at the premiere of her latest movie, Rise of Planet of the Apes in a green Juan Carlos dress and Brian Atwood heels. I'd prefer if she had gone for nude lips, though.

Actress Katie Cassidy attended the DKNY sunglasses soiree in NYC in this lovely get-up. Her soft blouse, tweed shorts and gorgeous peach-coloured heels are all by DKNY. I love her shoes!

Rose Byrne stands out in a bright yellow leather skirt by Zimmermann paired with a laced blouse and a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood heels at the W's Symmetry Live Concert.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked every bit pretty in this midi-skirt and cropped top. I love the colour clash between her pastel green skirt and her dark red Chloe 'Paraty' bag, not to mention her cute ankle-strap flats, also by Chloe.

Duchess of Cambridge Catherine re-wore her Diane von Furstenberg green dress from her North America tour at Zara Phillips' (Prince William's cousin) pre-wedding party.

The frugal princess also re-wore her champagne coat and laced dress (worn inside) for the actual wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall. These pieces were previously seen on Catherine on other occasions. Nonetheless, she looks gorgeous :)

Glee actress Dianna Agron walks into "The Late Show with David Letterman" in this flattering LBD by Stella McCartney, looking like a vintage beauty with her cropped coif.

*credits: Just Jared

Fashion Faceoff: Tibi Spring 2011 Dress

2011-07-23T23:26:00.002+08:00

Straight out from winning her battle against bronchial pneumonia, country sensation Taylor Swift was all around New York City busying herself with non-stop promotional duties. The singer was seen in a blue Tibi dress from the label's Spring 2011 RTW collection.

The frock was accessorized with a thin gold belt and matched with a pair of grey bowed-pumps.

*credits: Just Jared
The dress has also been spotted earlier on Blake Lively, also in the exact colour! The Green Lantern actress however chose to clash her blue laced dress with a pair of leopard print sky-highs.

Who do you think wore the look better? While Blake Lively seemed to have filled the dress out better, I actually prefer Taylor Swift's belted look and up-do. But in terms of footwear, I didn't like what Taylor Swift had on. What's your stand?

Who Wore It Better?
	Rachel Bilson
	Emma Roberts

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