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?

Emma Watson: Elle November 2011 Photoshoot

This is a very delayed post but then again, it's always excuses, excuses with me. Emma Watson has graced Elle magazine's front cover (UK version, mind you) for it's November issue. Emma is currently promoting her new film with My Week With Marilyn with Michelle Williams, although the ever-humble Emma only mentions it when she is asked.

The shoot itself captures Emma's youthfulness, with it's bright use of colours and fun materials. Two big trends for this season are also incorporated - the 60's and clashing textures. Feathers, faux fur, knits and silk are thrown around in girly hues, adding to Emma's innocent air.

The knitted 60's ski-style hood by Jil Sander looks like it a well preserved photo from a holiday in the Alps from the Swingin' Decade and Emma's natural skin, with prominent freckles, complete with Twiggy-esque lashes add to the time-warp feel.

(Note the Louis Vuitton knit playsuit and playful bunny ears).

Of course, Emma's lead role in one of the most famous book-to-film successes means this interview does not escape a few Harry Potter based questions and insights, but it is not the basis of the interview. Her upcoming part as Sam in The Perks of Being a Wallflower gets a nod too, but there is more emphasis on her style and the kind of person she is herself - not the characters she plays. Emma says what she thinks about the shoot and also an acumen into her style icons and preferences. 

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"When I'm away for photo shoots, I tend to be very low-key. I tend to wear either navy blue or gray or white. So wearing all this bright pink and fluorescent colours is fun. It's like dress up. I love the 50's. I love Marilyn Monroe with her big red lips and that incredible cat eye, it's amazing. The 60's...Edie Sedgwick, I love".

After that last line, my respect for her quadrupled.