London's Burning

If you've been paying any attention to the news over the last couple of days then you'll know that London is currently in a state of chaos. At the end of last week, a man was shot by the police in Tottenham, north London. There is a fair bit of mystery surrounding the incident and as a result, riots erupted culminating in the destruction of several homes and businesses. Over the weekend, more riots started in Brixton and then yesterday spread across the capital hitting: Hackney, Peckham, Deptford, Camden, Ealing as well as other parts of the country entirely. This behaviour is absolute insanity and is representative of a very small minority of London, mainly youths with too much time on their hands. Sadly, these events make me feel very ashamed to be British - especially as a nation that so arrogantly assumes control in other countries. 


Let us hope that these mindless yobs get their just-deserts (optimistic, given that our Prime Minister waited the entire weekend to come back from his trip to Italy, how noble). As one of my friends put it, "these guys are destroying their own ends! How long will it take for the realisation to set in?". Hopefully the madness won't continue for a third night...

If you want to keep updated, check the BBC or Sky News - there is some sickening footage that makes you realise that these people have about as much brains as a can of tuna. Here are just a few Tweets from last night - there's a distinct air of discontent, no?

The Kids Are Alright...

On Friday, I was invited to don my wellies and attend the Underage Festival in East London, courtesy of Claire's Accessories. Although I'm definitely not underage (the festival is only open to 13-17 year olds) I went along to check out a few bands and get style-envy from some of the girls there; seriously, when I was that age I was so un-stylish it's not even funny - these girls are really on it! I didn't have the chance to go to any other festivals this year so I was actually rather excited (despite being about 4 years too old).

They had everything on site that a regular festival would have (although I think they slightly underestimated their target age with a mini-carousel) but Claire's really upped their game and whacked a styling caravan in for good measure. Now, I haven't set foot in a Claire's Accessories for years, but after visiting the store and checking out the quirky little style-mobile, I have to admit I'm rather impressed.

The lovely Amy from Wolf Whistle and myself we're well on the obligatory festival uniform of hair-plaiting/face-painting that took place in Claire's caravan; I mean, when else is it acceptable to regress 15 years and actually have an excuse for drawing a butterfly on your face? Some ass nicked my favourite pair of vintage sunnies (sorry mum) from the VIP area so the Claire's girls came to my rescue with the bad-boys from the middle picture - how fun are they?? 

I only really saw a couple of bands (including an intriguing trio whose lyrics "she must be a lesbian" made us all cringe/laugh quite a bit) but the day was massively fun either way. Sadly, the sunnies aren't available on the Claire's Accessories website so I've pulled 3 of my favourite things instead, what do you think?

What has been your favourite festival style this year? Mine was (and probably always will be) the whole crop-top/denim cut-offs/Dr. Martens and coloured hair look - it never fails! On to other news, I paid for my apartment in Williamsburg today so if anyone has any 'must-see' tips for when I'm in New York then please share!

Pretty in Pink

Katy Perry is one of those celebs I just can't get my head around; sometimes I think she's really great (her music definitely falls into the so-bad-it's-good category) but then others times I think she's a right idiot (the whole comment about Lady Gaga being blasphemous in her Alejandro video is a bit rich coming from someone who 'kissed a girl and liked it'). Anyway, recently, she's kind of just fallen off my radar - until I saw this photo...

And so, Katy Perry has jumped on the crazy-hair-colour-bandwagon and is currently sporting this washed out pink look. If you've been anywhere trendy recently (East London/Williamsburg/Berlin - you get the picture) then you'll already know that coloured hair is so last season; however, I'll give Katy brownie points for trying because I actually think it really suits her. 

Having coloured hair is great (mine is currently red, original I know) until you realise how much maintenance it requires. Obviously, this isn't an issue for the super-rich but for the rest of us, well, we can't all afford to go to the salon every time we have a fading dilemma. My advice then, is to invest in bright accessories that you can wear without fear of staining your white top every time it rains. Here, ladies and possibly gents, are some fun pink things to stop you from doing a Katy the next time you get bored...

Clockwise from bottom left: Balenciaga Paper A4 bag, Alexander McQueen clutch, Swedish Hasbeens, Selima Optique glasses and Topshop blush in Pinch.

It's fair to say that colour-blocking isn't going anywhere fast so mix-and-match for the best 'end of Summer' looks. For something a bit tougher, I'm absolutely obsessed with these adorable pink Dr.Martens - how great would they look with lacy white socks and denim cut-offs??

Not so long ago I mentioned that I had some very exciting news and so, on the 4th September I'm moving across the pond to New York to build up my CV within the big bad world of PR; I'll try and blog when I'm out there so keep checking back! What do you all think of Katy's new hairstyle; does it suit her or should she leave the pink locks to trendy hipsters?

LOVEstruck

LOVE is one of those magazines that I find so hit and miss (along with Wonderland, Indie, Dazed and Confused...) but their AW11/12 issue actually looks really good. I sound surprised only because previous issues have featured the likes of Justin Bieber which lets face it, is never going to be the most exciting of reads. In true LOVE style, they've gone all out and created a load of covers, of which Elle Fanning's is definitely my favourite.

Now, I don't actually know anything about Elle other than she's the younger sister of Dakota Fanning and that she's another teen-actress (did someone say pushy parents??) but this cover shot by Mert and Marcus is really rather charming, don't you think? I've previously harped on about how I hate seeing celebs on the cover of magazines all the time but maybe I can make an exception for up-and-coming actresses... The other covers do in fact feature models (Lara Stone included) but this was, for me personally, the standout. 

As well as having several covers (eight, to be precise), the issue has some stunning editorials - I didn't want to post about each and every one purely because I want to actually see them in the magazine first (I'm a proper magazine hoarder, fellow collectors will understand). However, I figured I'd share a couple of images from Super Natural featuring Lara, Kristen McMenamy, Daphne Groeneveld, Mariacarla Boscono and Nyasha Matonhodze.

Until I actually pick up a copy I won't hazard a guess as to why everyone is crying in this issue, I'm sure there's some deep and meaningful/political/social reason...It's been a while since I've actually looked forward to buying a magazine and whilst I never expected to get excited about LOVE, I'm pleasantly surprised. What do you all think and has anyone actually looked at it yet? 

photos from thefashionspot.com

Friends with Benefits...

I'm not going to lie, until I saw Black Swan I didn't have a girl crush on Mila Kunis. In fact, I couldn't even pronounce her name properly. However, us girls are fickle creatures and as soon as I saw her being a total babe getting down and dirty with Natalie Portman (I'm not a lesbian, but she is a hotty) my new girl crush was born. Since then, I've been really looking forward to all things Mila related and Friends with Benefits, despite my rom-com induced nausea, actually looks quite good; plus Justin Timberlake in it and he's pretty cute. This photo, shot by Carter Smith and taken from the August Issue of US Elle, perfectly sums up the whole 'relationship' fiasco that comes about from the slightly dodgy, friend + sex territory.

I for one was hoping that the rumours about Mila and Justin hooking up were true because aren't they just the cutest couple? I thought I'd stick to a film related post because I'm going to see Harry Potter at the IMAX at midnight tonight and I'm insanely excited. Is anyone else seeing Harry Potter this evening or am I the only one? What do you think of Mila and Justin as a couple; they'd definitely take over Brad and Angelina's hotspot as Hollywood's cutest couple...

photos from fashiongonerogue.com

Summer Lovin' with Jacques

I don't know about you but when it comes to Summer, I go a little bit crazy for a drink or two; nothing beats finishing work then heading over to the pub for a cheeky bevvy. That said, I've slightly exhausted the whole beer thing (spirits and me don't mix particularly well and wine makes me loco) which leaves little in the way of yummy drinks; Jacques, however, knows the way to a girls heart.

Give me a fruity, iced (alcoholic, of course) cider and a dressing up box - complete with in-house Beauty Parlour - and I'm one seriously happy bunny. The Jacques Townhouse, a vintage frock and fruity cider haven, is back again this Summer for a limited time from the 19th to the 28th of July and I seriously recommend you pop down for a visit.

This year, the Jacques Townhouse has a variety of cutesy features from the aforementioned Beauty Parlour to a vintage dressing up box and even an Enchanted Garden where you can get a massage and drink all at the same time; sounds perfect, no? To secure an invite head over to their Facebook page - the venue is being kept a secret until places are registered so get over there now!

How is everyone spending their Summer this year? I've just had some VERY exciting news but will let you know all about it at a later date!

Couture?

Haute Couture is often considered the pinnacle of fashion; it represents excess, elitism and craftsmanship more so than even the (not so) modest ready-to-wear collections. At least, that's what I thought. Obviously, the majority of us would never be able to afford a couture gown (unless we married into royalty) but to me, it always used to represent something completely unobtainable. It's a symbol of wealth - the fashion houses are never going to make a profit from couture collections because only the richest of the rich can afford to buy them and even then they probably would commission bespoke, one-off pieces anyway. With this is mind, couture should be the most ridiculous and excessive show of fashion, not a sombre and boring display of mindless expense.

As you have probably gathered, I'm thus far entirely unimpressed by Couture Fall 2011....

Left to right: Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel

Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel all showed collections as dry as Ghandi's flip-flop - ok so there were a few good looks but on the whole, each designer didn't exactly pull it out of the bag. Last season, I was equally as uninspired, maybe I've got the whole idea of couture wrong? Regardless, I was really quite disappointed by all three - especially given that the ready-to-wear collections are usually so brilliant. Dior was interesting as it was the first show without Galliano at the helm and sadly, it was really quite obvious; it all felt very amateur and lacked that great sense of Galliano decadence.

The only collections that I liked so far have been long-term couture favourites: Givenchy and Elie Saab. Last season, I would have died for every single Elie Saab dress because they were all absolutely stunning and Givenchy, well, Riccardo Tisci is just a God, no? This season both collections felt very 'high fashion wedding' but they were gorgeous nonetheless...

Elie Saab

Givenchy

Tisci can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes - every collection from the past year has been nothing short of amazing and although Fall 2011 is quite similar to last season, I still love it.

I know I went off on quite a tangeant but I just don't feel as though Couture is anything to get excited about anyone, is anyone else of the same viewpoint or I am just being slightly ridiculous? What has been your favourite Fall 2011 Couture collection so far?

photos from style.com

Lara Stone covers Russian Vogue

It's official, silver is definitely having a moment. Last week I suggested that of all the metallic colours currently on the market, silver was the best and most user-friendly bet. It's been a while since I've seen anything with Lara Stone in - probably because I dropped off the blogosphere for a while - but this cover for Vogue Russia's July issue, although nothing particularly special, is really quite wonderful.

In a way it's quite morbid but I think it's really striking - you don't often see Vogue completely simplifying their covers but it makes a nice change. Lara also looks different - I'm not sure if its just the lipstick (and I hate to say this) but she kind of resembles newcomer Lindsey Wixon - or maybe that's just me?

I've always said that international editions of Vogue are much more interesting looking than the American and British verions - Korea always have something different going on. I think this is a really good direction for Vogue and its nice to not be inundated with some boring celebrity life-story, wouldn't you agree?

photo from forums.thefashionspot.com

From Hermione to Emma

If, like myself, you are a massive Harry Potter fan (considering the films as the pinnacle of your fandom doesn't count) and read the books when they first came out then you may agree with me when I say that the on-screen Hermione was nothing like I imagined. Partly because I was expecting some bushy-haired, buck-toothed geek not some pretty girl with about as much frizz as a Crufts show dog. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I think Emma Watson has proved herself to be one of the best young British actresses to emerge from the franchise, despite my initial casting disapproval.

With the last Harry Potter film fast approaching (I'm going to the midnight release here in London, literally can't wait), it's going to be the end of an era for Emma/Hermione. I'm not really sure what I'm trying to say here other than I hope she continues acting (possibly in some obscure indie films) and doesn't fly off the radar/do a LiLo. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems that us Brits don't generally 'do' the whole drugs/DUI/sex-tape scandal/rehab thing (Amy Winehouse is the exception, obvs) and Emma seems pretty grounded, no? 

Has anyone else booked their tickets to The Deathly Hallows Part 2? I'm mind-numbingly bored so please excuse the less than interesting post (I just wanted an excuse to share these beautiful photos with you)!

photos from forums.thefashionspot.com

Silver Fox

Don't worry, I'm not going to go all comic geek on you (google Silver Fox if you're a little baffled), instead, after my somewhat prolonged absence from the world of blogging I decided to get back into the swing of things with a rather beautiful photo of Ashley Smith. If you've read Bang Bang You're Dead before, you'll know I became kind of obsessed with Ashley about this time last year and I'm still fascinated.

I know Ashley splits opinion across the board - I've even heard people say she's too big/short, but I think she's gorgeous and am glad to see she's still going strong in fashion. This photo is from Muse Magazine's summer issue and although I'm still not 100% on the whole metallic thing, I think this editorial is stunning.

Now, I wouldn't usually condone the wearing of metallic jackets, or anything metallic for that matter, but having scoured the internet I have come to the conclusion that it isn't actually so bad - well, silver isn't anyway. These 3 bags are as far as I'd go with the trend (I'm still stuck in a colour rut) so I'm kind of intrigued how everyone else would do it? Accessories are always the cheats way out but unless you want to look like some dodgy 80s throwback, then it's probably also the safest.

From left to right: Miu Miu, Ralph Lauren Collection, Stella McCartney @ net-a-porter.com 

What do you think? Hopefully I'll be able to get back on track with blogging (I blame too much beer and not enough sleep for lack of posts), I'm currently waiting to hear back from an interview I had last week so fingers crossed people!

photos from fashiongonerogue.com 

The Met Gala 2011

I know the Met Gala is old news for most of you but I've been in New York for the last week and have only just had a chance to write again! Amongst all the incredible things I got up to (including an interview for an internship out there) I went to watch the Met Gala red carpet with my good friend from Cocos Tea Party and we weren't disappointed when it comes to seeing high-profile celebs...

Andre Leon Talley

Daphne Guinness and Hamish Bowles

Lily Donaldson

Valentino and Christina Ricci

Jennifer Lopez

Karl Lagerfeld

Rihanna (well, her head...)

Beyonce and Jay-Z (with a helping hand from her stylist)

The paps going crazy for Madonna

I know the photos are rather terrible but I was so excited about seeing everyone that my photography skills went right out the window. J-Lo stepped out of a car right infront of where we were stood which was massively exciting and seeing Caleb Followill about 6ft away is enough to induce a Kings of Leon hysteria in anyone, let alone a Followill fan!

Whilst I was in New York I also had the chance to visit the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art which was so incredible words wouldn't do it justice. I've never been so emotionally overwhelmed by an exhibition before; seeing all of the late McQueen's most astounding work brought together in one place was just fantastic. I really recommend you go visit if you get the chance because it was just beautiful.

I should have more time to blog again now as my latest project Fred (a new men's magazine) has finished for the time being. What did you think of the Met Gala dresses?

photos taken by me, do not use/copy without permission!

In the immortal words of Johnny Bravo, 'Hey Foxy Mumma!'

I don't know what's come over me this evening; I can hear my next door neighbours at it like rabbits which is never fun and I have a horrendous amount of work to do this coming week. Anyway, I'm a bit of an Ashley Smith fan and have been for quite a while now (the most searched phrase that linked my blog on Google was 'Ashley Smith's boobs' for a good few months) and I absolutely adore this photo from the Opening Ceremony Fall 2011 lookbook...

She's stunning, right? The aforementioned work that I have this week includes a menswear photo shoot which I'm styling on Wednesday. I'm terrified because I've never done anything like this before so any hints and tips would be fab!

Apologies for the severe lack in posting, until the 15th (when the project is due) I probably won't be communicative but keep me updated either way.

photo from fashiongonerogue.com

Kate Winslet is Smokin'

We Brits love a quintessential English Rose and we pride ourselves on having Kate Winslet to our name; she's beautiful, talented, personable and is just generally someone you'd like to be friends with. Admittedly this photo is a little high-def for my liking but how incredible does Kate look at the première of her mini-series Mildred Pierce?!

I think the drastic haircut has completely changed the way I look at Kate because she's suddenly turned into a complete foxy mumma. Ok so she's not the youngest or prettiest British actress but she know's how to carry herself and is totally confident on the red carpet which in itself is massively inspiring.

I also love how she opted for an asymmetrical bodycon Stella McCartney dress - it really flatters her figure and makes her boobs look great too. I know she's only in her mid-30's and I'm talking about her as if she's some old haggard lady but in a world where its a case of 'the younger the better' its really refreshing to see someone a little bit older flaunting it, right?

If I had to chose another look for Kate for Stella's AW11 collection, this is what I would have picked:

She can definitely pull off a plunging neckline and I absolutely adored the sheer spotty sleeves but I would have given her a sexy pencil skirt instead of the velvet number. Kate has an enviable skin-tone that looks great in every colour but I do love a little black dress.

What do you think of Kate's transformation?

photos from justjared.buzznet.com and style.com

She's Got A Ticket To Ride

Emma Roberts is one of those actresses that I wrote off as soon as I saw her in Unfabulous. She doesn't exactly have a great track record when it comes to films (remember that awful mermaid one or the time she played a spoilt brat sent to boarding school?) and she never struck me as talented an actress as Dakota Fanning, lets say. With that in mind, the girl does a great editorial. These images, from US Elle's April Issue, are really something else - she looks absolutely amazing and I'm more than partial to the odd stud or two.

Ok so the girl isn't the best actress we've ever seen but who needs skills when you look this good?! It kind of makes you wonder how much influence her oh-so-famous aunty has on her career because I'm almost certain that without that sort of family tie, she wouldn't be in Elle looking this great.

Maybe she just needs time to grow up and mature as an actress but until she improves, I'm more than happy to see these sorts of editorials. Does anyone else think that having a famous family member in the business contributes to success? What do you think of Emma?

Photos from http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f50/emma-roberts-121397.html

Spotlight: Mary-Kate & Ashley

This is the first time anyone has made the Spotlight twice but Mary-Kate and Ashley more than deserve it for these insanely beautiful outfits at the CFDA Awards Announcement party on Wednesday.

I love that the girls have gone back to what they know best: classic tailoring offset by monochrome minimalism. I completely adore Mary-Kate's black outfit and she has definitely become my favourite twin in terms of fashion. Ashley looks impeccable as always but her style is just a little too polished for me personally - although she never ever looks bad.

I love that the girls have emerged from their teen-bop acting days to become wonderful fashion designers - everyone is always complaining about the lack of candids but they are designers, not celebrities any more and I completely respect their dedication to their jobs. 

Is anyone else as taken with the twins as me? And what do you think of this snap, they definitely look better than they have in recent months, no?

Photo from justjared.buzznet.com

Panda Pop

I wanted to share these with you - procrastination and some great WAH Nails pens make for the perfect panda's. Enjoy and goodnight.

Freja for Numero

Today has been really rather great. I photographed handsome boys around London all day for a project I'm working on at the moment and was then treated to some brand new Levi's. If you've read my blog before, you'll know that I'm a massive Levi's fan - until the Curve ID came out I always struggled to find a pair of jeans that actually fit properly. Today I got the Curve (my second pair - they're that good) in a lighter shade that are perfect for spring and I'm literally in love.

On to other things I love, Freja Beha Erichsen has been photographed by the wonderful Karl Lagerfeld for Numero magazine and I can't get enough of the editorial (also featuring Arizona Muse), who else could look this beautifully androgynous?

I'm not sure if Freja has actually cut her hair or not but she still looks stunning either way. There are few models that I really get excited about but I don't think Freja will ever get boring - her face, her movement and her style are all so intriguing. I've not really had the chance to post daily which is a bit shit but I'll try and keep on top of things as best I can!

What are your favourite jeans? I'll try and do an outfit post (there's a first time for everything) with my new wares, if you haven't tried the Curve ID I really recommend you do - especially if you have Jean traumas too!

photos from fashiongonerogue.com

ANTM: and the winner is...

If, like me, you have been watching cycle 15 of America's Next Top Model on Living TV (in the UK) then you might not know who won yet. I say might because I haven't watched it for a while and am not sure if they've announced who's 'gonna be on top', so to speak. Anyway, if they haven't told you, DO NOT scroll down. You'll only hate me for it...

If you're in America this is very old news but I only found out that Ann won when I accidentally stumbled across this editorial (although I can't say I'm all that pleased she won). Maybe I just didn't get the whole 'tall' thing as much as the judges - she never really seemed to actually try which I think is what annoyed me. In a similar way, so many girls from other cycles were picked up on for their weight and I don't once recall Tyra asking her if she 'had a problem' - her thinness is hardly an advocate for the healthy CoverGirl image.

Either way, I think this editorial from Vogue Italia is nice. It's not ground-breaking and it doesn't make me want to stick it all over my walls but I'm not going to say it's bad. What do you think of Ann winning Cycle 15 of America's Next Top Model? I really wanted Chelsey to win - she was so god damn stunning!

See! If I was on the panel she would have won because I think she is so beautiful - the gap in the teeth was definitely a good move too. Who was your favourite from Cycle 15?

Photos from fashiongonerogue.com and antm411.wordpress.com