Peaches Geldof @ Gareth Pugh for MAC Launch

Oh, Peaches, how I've been ogling your style from the safe barrier of my computer screen, to avoid a restraining order, as of late. This new found obsession could in fact inspire at least three more similar posts in which I rave about Ms.Geldof's blossoming style, but I could imagine that would be too monotonous so I'll stick to the one, shall I?

Along with a flush of radiance and a tousled, blonde bob, Peaches' look has also taken a turn for the best. She attended the launch of Gareth Pugh for MAC back in December (almost a month ago, I apologise for my delay in copping to such noteworthy events). She wore a dress that could only be described as what Wednesday Addams at 21 would wear - a slim-fitting black, floor length creation by Alessandra Rich. Discreet detailing and minimal accessorising ; a daring slit up the leg, a crochet peter pan collar complete with beautiful lace detailing on the back, and a Mulberry clutch in hand. 

Simple, elegant with a hint of darkness - pulled off effortlessly. Top marks!

Farewell, 2011

As we transcend from 2011 into the unknown of 2012 (fearing the supposed ending of the world and the general  uncertainty of what this new year entails), reflecting on the past year and it's ups, downs, and downright unforgettable (whether in a good way or a bad way) is, in most cases, the first activity when embracing the new year. I am no different and decided, as generic as it is, that I would compile a list of 2011's fashion highlights and heroes, the trends and people that rocked the ever-evolving world of fashion and captivated us throughout the year. Unfortunately I can't afford an extravagant ceremony to celebrate the following, or have gongs to distribute so hopefully a brief paragraph devoted to each shall suffice. And the winners are...

FACE OF THE YEAR - CHARLOTTE FREE

2011 has, without a doubt, been the year of the 18 year old beauty, Charlotte Free, an aspiring music and circus performer. Ms. Free was discovered in an arcade by an agent in 2010, and her modelling career has since gone from strength to strength, dominating Jeremy Scott, Vivienne Westwood and Chanel catwalks to name but a few. Her signature grunge style and candy-hued hair has really made her stand out in the fashion world, and continues to determine her success. She recently appeared in Topshop's F/W makeup collection and Uniqlo's S/S campaigns and has followed the likes of Kate Moss, Lindsey Wixon and fashion's other famous faces to bag her own shoot with Terry Richardson. All the best for 2012, Charlotte - not like you need it.

OUTFIT OF THE YEAR - KATE MIDDLETON'S WEDDING DRESS

AKA the most talked about outfit of the year. I must admit, as a proud Irish woman, the Royal family has never interested me but on April the 29th, I found myself parked in front of the television, eagerly anticipating the unveiling of The Dress. I'm pretty sure the collective sigh of awe expressed by every other member of the female, and probably male too, gender could have been heard in the next galaxy, quickly followed by worldwide envy. It really was the ultimate fairy tale dress, designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen (proving correct the bets by many people, including myself). The lace upper body, the classic shape and the not-too-long train paired with Kate's natural beauty and elegance was simply divine. The dress managed to confirm the fashion houses future success after the uncertainty following McQueen's suicide, and will inevitably influence many brides to come.

TREND OF THE YEAR - CREEPERS

An unlikely trend. Brothel creepers began to emerge following WW2 by George Cox, who's inspiration derived from the thick, crepe-soled boots worn by soldiers stationed in desert areas and went on to be favoured by Teddy Boys during the 50's. Their popularity surged once more during the 70's, and the the height and style of the sole became more extreme. More recently, they have been a very underground trend until this year where they became a predominant feature at fashion shows for Prada, Sonia Rykiel, Ashish and sported by the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Alice Dellal, Cher Lloyd and many others. Since I purchased my own pair of these unpretty "it" shoes, I have practically lived in them. Their raised soles add height to my otherwise tiny stature and slim unwanted, chunky legs.

TREND I'M BLOODY SICK OF - VARSITY JACKETS

Don't get me wrong, I find myself longing for the leather sleeved, oversized, clashing coloured jackets worn by stereotypical jocks in 80's movies (or the Mathletes in Mean Girls) but when these jackets are replaces by a watered-down version and worn by nearly every single teenager in Ireland, I think it's plain to see how easily they lose their appeal. The jacket worn by the character of Andrew Clark, the typical macho sports fanatic, in the Breakfast Club would be turning in it's grave if it ever had the displeasure of being acquainted with it's cheap successor - all over cotton and open to anyone, even those who don't actually play a sport which defeats the jacket's entire purpose. Following the bandanna trend of 2010 and the ongoing appeal in Adidas tracksuits, which I shall never succumb to or understand, the varisty jacket has become a staple in the wardrobe's of this country's youth, and stripping it of it's initial originality. I honestly hope to never see one again.

And that conclude's my pathetically slight list of what made this year, fashion wise, in my eyes. Other contenders include the current velvet craze, Lady GaGa's ever-constant fashion musings (we shall see in the coming months whether or not her prediction of the colour mint's popularity for spring is fruitful or not) and the love affair with ombred hair that captivated the female population. Here's to another year, full of surprises. Happy New Year, everyone.

Katy Perry's New Look

If it weren't for that burst of candy pink hair, I wouldn't have recognized Ms. Perry here. Gone are her usual theatrical get ups with all the frills and thrills of a modern pop star's desire for the downright zany clothing. What we are left with, is a stripped down (simple in comparison to her quotidian style) version of the singer.
Minimal accessories, barely-there hair with no extravagant detailing and the pièce de résistance; a monochrome shirt baring Renaissance style faces with an essence of fun slipped in, as moustaches are added in. By now, I think you all know that anything Renaissance goes down a treat with me.

I adore this new, much more laid back side to Katy, complete with a retiring, modest smile. She was papped during the same night, getting cosy with Sky Ferreira - one of the newest "it" girls on the scene. Maybe Sky's grungy style is rubbing off on Katy?

Rihanna: X Factor Performance

From the moment Rihanna exploded onto the music scene back in 2005 with her debut single Pon De Replay, her style and impact on the world of pop culture has continued to blossom and branch out. Starting out as a fresh faced Barbadian girl with the typical attire of an aspiring pop star, Rihanna has since come a long way in the style stakes, appearing on the cover of Vogue twice this year. And rightly so - Rihanna has never stopped reinventing herself. She evolves with the changing attitude of her audience and the media. A couple of dramatic hair chop and changes later and we now have the latest edition of Rihanna, who has returned to her natural colour with the addition of honey hued highlights - and an even more badass attitude.

Rihanna returned to the X Factor last night performing her first single "We Found Love" from her new album, Talk That Talk. The lady in question's outfit sparked more controversy than the fact that she only half sung her way through the song. Opting for a rebellious school girl look with a tartan pinafore, with complementing bandanna, hold-up hoisery and, the shoes of the moment, creepers.
The creepers added fire to flame as the words "Fuck You" were scrawled on them. What's a Rihanna performance with a little rocking of the boat, eh?

As the singles unfold from "Talk That Talk", followed by more live performances and music videos, so will the element of surprise among Rihanna's style. After she unveiled last year's scarlet-haired, floral and feminine look, I thought "Wow, she couldn't possibly top this" but now, I'm finding that I have to eat my words. Loving this "Good Girl Gone Bad" look she's rocking with this album.

Dudley O'Shaughnessy: Fashion's New It Boy

The new model on everyone's mind is London born Dudley O'Shaughnessy. The 21 year old former boxer shot to fame after starring alongside Rihanna in her music video for We Found Love. 

It's no surprise to see what all the fuss is about; those prominent, perfectly sculpted cheekbones, his piercing sea-green eyes and that pout defines this boy's unique beauty, as well as the peroxide crop that clashes aesthetically with his dark skin.

Dudley has already graced the London Fashion Week catwalks, worked with clients such as Fred Perry, Stone Island and Oswald Boateng and is now being signed with United Agents, an acting talent agency, saying he'd like to appear in the Twilight series. 

The future's bright for this one!

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN MIKARANI FLATS

Tasseled loafers are having a bit of a moment. The elegant style were given a chance to shine in both JW Anderson and Alexanger Wang's SS 2012 collection, the Doc Marten campaign starring my favourite model, Aggy Deyn, and have been given the Louboutin treatment.
The traditional shape black loafers have a native American edge, where Pocahontas style beading replaces the tassel.

Clearly a big hit with the Olsens as Ashley and Elizabeth Olsen have both, collectively, been spotted in them. I wonder if MK has a pair or if she nicks them off her sisters?

ABBEY LEE KERSHAW'S LUX HIPPY STYLE

Back in December 2009, when I was beginning to curb my growing hunger for fashion, I discovered a model known as Abbey Lee Kershaw. Pictures of the stunning, gap toothed, mousy haired girl littered the first copy of Vogue I ever bought (Australian Vogue as I was in New Zealand) and I was hooked.
Abbey's popularity has boomed since then and she is now a regular on catwalks and is in nearly every bloody fashion campaign at the moment, including Gucci, Versace for H&M, and Versace's fragrance Yellow Diamond to name but a few.

The Austrailian model's hair has also morphed from her plain, natural hair into a Chanel bob to, finally, her shoulder length platinum blonde 'do she's been sporting for a good while now.
Along with her boom in popularity over the past few years, Abbey's style has really started to emancipate. She has a unique, kooky style but not in a "deliberately zany" way. Favouring floor length skirts in a variety of patterns, glamorous jewellery and at least one luxury item, Abbey's style is like a smartly dressed hippy.
Her look is always topped off with barely-there hair either left down or pulled into a low bun.

I admire Abbey's style. She hasn't let herself succumb to conformity, and at the same time, doesn't try so hard to be different. Kudos to you, Abbey.

Nicola Roberts: Ponystep Magazine Photoshoot

I apologise in advance if this post may be a little smug-sounding, but as a firm believer in being different and a sucker for an underdog, I am ecstatic to see the success Nicola Roberts has been getting over the past while. Shunned in Girls Aloud, and was given an obvious backseat behind her bronzed, big-haired counterparts, I'm so glad to see her finally get the recognition she deserves. 

While the rest of Girls Aloud have been booted off reality shows, been cheated on by husbands, enjoyed stints in rehab and fizzled back into obscurity, Nicola's career has blossomed, in a positive way. Her solo music career has taken off, she's launched her own pale makeup range, Dainty Doll, and become a budding fashionista, with Naomi Campbell as one of her admirers.

Nicola was given the pin-up look for this shoot by Catherine Servel, featuring Louis Vuitton and an aptly chosen Miu Miu dress from their very 40's FW 2011 collection. It's about time people are starting to realize the beauty that she is. 

The ignored little ginger one is now the one making the headlines for all the right reasons. Cheryl Cole, who?

Versace ♥'s H&M

Following the success of Lanvin and Jimmy Choo's success at H&M, Donatella Versace has followed suit and the Versace for H&M collection is to be released in November.

The head of the Italian fashion house had this to say about the upcoming collection "The collection for H&M is the essence of Versace. For the collaboration we've brought back from the archives, as well as from more recent collections, some of the icons of Versace, such as the bright prints, the Greek key and daring cuts. I can't wait to see how H&M's wide audience will make these pieces their own".

My two favourite items

The campaigns reveal the key pieces as worn by Abbey Lee Kershaw and Daphne Groeneveld and it is clear to see the general direction of the clothing line. Tropical colours, oriental inspired designs and leather/luxe combos (the leather jacket with mini gold studs is making me seriously contemplate robbing a bank).
It's all very lustworthy. Can't wait to see it for real in November!

Givency F/W 2011 Inspiration

Let's take the DeLorean back to March 2011 to the Givenchy F/W 2011 show for a moment, please. The memorable collection which oozed sexy with it's powerful use of colour and varying textures: chiffon, velvet, mohair, PVC, silk to name but a few.

The reason I'm recapping on this collection was now that we're entering the less forgiving months of the year where style is compromised due to weather, lack of time in the day, etc., finding something (APPROPRIATE AND PRACTICAL) to wear isn't always easy. 

Givenchy's F/W gives hope to use mere mortals in our time of need. Make like the ever-lengthening evenings and don't worry about wearing too much black, secretly everyone wants to unleash their inner goth. Mix textures and items of clothings that you wouldn't normally put together, like above: SWEATERS + SKIRTS = keeping you warm while still keeping an element of pretty. Seriously, I lust over the Bettie Page motif seen on the sweaters from the collection (the panthers below were striking too) and the addition of the censored bar gives a modern twist to such an iconic figure.

When in doubt remember, black is the new black.

Taylor Momsen Ditches Grunge for the 60's

What is this? I almost didn't recognize Ms. Momsen before I looked a little closer and saw the black, rings around her eyes and wondered how the hell I had missed them.

I'm guessing this was an attempt by Momsen to venture out into the dark, unknown world outside of wearing an over-sized band t shirt over a pair of suspenders. The very Sixtie's mini was teamed with white go go boots - a far cry from her regular get up. I award Taylor attempt marks. For trying something new, I applaud her but the outfit was ruined after she unwillingly ditched her trademark panda eyes and also opted for chunky black accessories.

Back to square one, eh?

Rihanna in Jeremy Scott

Looking fierce as usual, Rihanna was pictured in this denim Jeremy Scott S/S 2012 ensemble with minimal, low key accessories and a bandana giving the whole thing a disheveled, off-duty look.
The bustier gives a Madonna edge to the outfit, like a (very) toned down version of her conical bra originally by John-Paul Gaultier.

Rihanna looks hot as always, back to her brown roots with pretty honey-coloured highlights.

Glee Cast in Vogue

Seeing the Glee Cast pose merrily for a Vogue photoshoot is like Bambi in a porno - it's just not right.

I really don't like the clothes they stuck on them either - it looks like something Jedward would wear.

Although, I must admit, Lea Michele's Balmain dress is fabulous.

I'll probably get attacked by Gleeks for this, so I apologize in advance.

Gaga's Toned It Down

First of all, may I apologize for this seriously belated post? I've only just come back from what I can only call "hellidays" down in the countryside where I was deprived of internet and a general feeling of connection to the outside world.

After all Lady Gaga's notoriously outrageous get ups, from that meat dress to sky high McQueen Armadillos to the Lobster hairpiece, Gaga has continued to shock the media, her fans and the world. But the most shocking outfit of all has been the most simple of all since her Red and Blue days as Stefani Germanotta.

The singer was papped after a recording session in a Versace LBD with minimal accessories (a velvet clutch, a gold cuff and her red talon nails) and no sign of any horn inplants. In fact, there was no sign of anything particularly "Gagaesque".

Considering the fact of her ever-changing wardrobe since she was thrust into the limelight after the success of Just Dance around December 2008, seeing her in a simple, almost demure (for her) outfit has had the biggest impact yet. And it looks perfect on her - no need for any more steaks!

Spring/Summer 2011 Trends

Think "spring" and your mind will instantly conjure up images of fresh, blooming flowers and new life. The days are getting longer and brighter - much like the ankle skirts at Jil Sander at Milan Fashion Week.

These almost almost ~clichéd~ thoughts can be reflected from the catwalks of many designers this season. 

The two main trends you'll see, will inevitably be brights and botanicals. After the cold, dark, dreary winter months, bright colours and suitable fresh floral patterns emerge from their hibernation, to once again take their place in our wardrobes as season staples.

At Milan Fashion Week, Jil Sander showcased the neon brights trend. Raf Simmons presented a feast for the eyes - while not going overboard. On display, were an array of playfully clashing colours in vibrant hues but keeping that trademark minimalistic touch of former designer, Jil Sander, herself. 

My favourite look (and the easiest to replocate for theose who want to stand out but are perhaps, a little too retiring) is the simple, yet effective, combination of the plain white tshirt and an ankle length, acid-coloured skirt - which are everywhere right now. All the girls were given powerful, pink pouts. The clothes and lips were so very attention-grabbing that neutral makeup was the way to go. 

Neons are simply to wear, considering you don't go overboard and keep things relatively low key. As the saying goes "a little goes a long way". You don't want to end up looking like a crossbred between a clown and a glowstick.

Jil Sander

 On the completely other end of the scale, we have the pretty, feminine florals that return time and time again at this time of the year, which I, personally, never tire of. Whether you want romantic florals with an edge, like Erdem at London Fashion Week -who is fast becoming a favourite of mine- or the kookier leafy prints, as seen from House of Holland, florals are easy to work into any wardrobe but there is a downside. Florals can be as dull as watching paint dry - going with more unique patterns, prints and shades can save you from looking like your mother's withering bouquet, neglected in the corner.

Erdem

 

House of Holland