Style Envy: Rita Ora

In less than a year, Rita Ora has captivated the music and fashion industries with her (incredibly) catchy music and offbeat personal style. She's constantly pitted against Rihanna, probably down to the fact that they belong to the same management, but it's quite nice to see someone flying the flag for Britain. I got a little bit sick of Rihanna in recent months so Miss Ora is filling the gap quite nicely: from her kooky street style candids to slick red-carpet appearances, she's definitely taken over in the style-envy stakes.

From Roberto Cavalli two-piece suits to head-to-toe  House of Holland ensembles, Ora isn't afraid to mix things up in the style-stakes; her signature Marilyn Monroe curls and dark-red lippy makes each look edgy and though I hate this word, current.  Her best looks have to be the white Mugler dress and floral McQ Alexander McQueen number (above) from recent red-carpet appearances; opposed to the conveyor of dodgy prom-dress actresses we're so used to, Ora's given the red-carpet a much needed overhaul. 

When Rita stepped out in New York in a pair of tartan J.W Anderson x Topshop Trousers  last month, they sold out and she was recently spotted in another 90s inspired ensemble, tartan and all...

From left to right: Zephyr Hats snapback, Madeleine Thompson Disco beanie, Rokit tartan trousers and Etoile Isabel Marant pants

I'm a bit of a sucker for hats so these Zephyr Hats and Madeleine Thompson pieces are right up there on my wish list this Christmas. Who is your style crush at the moment and will you be donning a beanie à la Rita Ora this Winter?

Alternative Red-Carpet Dressing with Valentino FW12

None of these dresses are of the traditional red-carpet variety: there are no garish colours, no strapless sweetheart necklines, no silk-chiffon bows and definitely no heels. Saying that, they each have insane amounts of  'red-carpet' potential, especially if worn by the right person. Think along the lines of Elizabeth Olsen, Carey Mulligan, Dakota Fanning, Rose Byrne and Florence Welch and you're on the right track. The difference between these lovely ladies and the likes of other Hollywood starlets (anyone from Gossip Girl or 90210, for instance) is that they aren't afraid of 'worst-dressed' lists and can therefore think outside of the box when it comes to fashion.

Not that any of Valentino's dresses would land anyone on a worst-dressed list, of course. The demure necklines, full-length sleeves and ankle-skimming lengths from Valentino's Fall/Winter 2012 collection are for the more brave of the bunch. Valentino has always, and will always be worn on the red-carpet - it's just that these dresses require that extra something.

Photos from style.com

The 84th Annual Academy Awards (or The Oscars, to us common folk)

After sifting through the barrage of Oscars red-carpet photos, I have come to the conclusion that I'm not particularly enamoured with any of the dresses that were worn last night. Don't get me wrong, there were some beautiful ensembles: Rooney Mara in Givenchy (I officially have a new girl crush), Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli, Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford, Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen (see below), to name a few.

However, as expected from these types of event, there was some fantastic photography which in a way, outshone both the outfits and the celebrities themselves. These three, of Rooney Mara, Lily Collins and Gwyneth Paltrow in a gorgeous Tom Ford dress, are particularly beautiful.

There's something about a great landscape 'behind-the-scenes' photo that is completely irresistible; the dresses and the celebrities all become irrelevant. Quite ironic when you consider that the subjects in each of these photo's are judged for the way they look and the way they dress instead of for the quality of their acting, no?

What are your thoughts on the Oscars? I don't even know who won what, and to be really honest, I'm not that bothered...

Photos from Huffington Post, InStyle and Vanity Fair

Elle Style Awards 2012: Best and Worst Dressed

New York Fashion Week, the BAFTA's, the Grammy's and now the Elle Style Awards. Is anyone else completely overwhelmed by the amount of events that have taken place this week?! As much as I want to harp on about how I'm obsessed with several NYFW collections, I'll start with the Elle Style Awards which took place last night. It's a little baffling that some people turn up to the red-carpet, for an event based solely on style and fashion, looking insanely boring. And yet it always happens. I'll start with some of the best-dressed of the evening and although it's not properly Spring yet, florals have already made quite an impression on the red-carpet.

Florence Welch rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to red-carpet dressing and this midi-length floral Erdem number looks great on her. Her posture is pretty terrible here which gives the whole look a dodgy granny vibe but otherwise I would say this is the perfect look for her. I attended one of Mary Katrantzou's first shows at the LFW Topshop space back in 2009 and thought her designs were fantastic from the beginning. Poppy Delevigne looks consistently beautiful and this Mary Katrantzou for Topshop dress is stunning on her - forget the cute and quirky print, look at those legs! If anyone else has watched Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model then you'll know just how irritating judge Julien Macdonald is. However, to his credit, he knows how to make a show-stopping red-carpet dress, worn here by Tali Lennox. Only an uber-confident (and toned) woman could wear this dress and Tali pulls it off brilliantly, if you've got it, flaunt it. Right?

Now, on to the not so fantastic. The thing that most annoys me about these dresses is that they are all gorgeous in their own right: they just haven't been worn properly. This might sound strange, but so many potentially great outfits are ruined by bad posture, opaque tights and strange accessories.

As head designer at Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton has no excuse not to be impeccably dressed. With that in mind, this black-velvet knee-length number is doing nothing for me; granted her choice of shoe is spot-on but otherwise this outfit is extremely average. I have no idea who Laura Carmichael is but everything about this stunning embellished Christopher Kane dress is wrong for her; had she stood with more confidence, ditched the clutch and given the good ol' 'hand on the hip' pose a whirl she probably would have look great. Sadly, she just looks incredibly awkward and out of place, sorry Laura! I don't even know where to begin with Hayley Atwell: the black opaque tights, the ankle boots, the hair, the earrings - what was she thinking?! It's almost as if she raided Debenhams and then forgot how to dress herself. If she'd have lost the earrings, clutch, tights and boots this might have stood a chance at being a half-decent outfit.

There's never any telling which celebrities will get it right and which ones will get it wrong but good posture and confidence never fails to make someone look great. What do you think of these outfits and how would you have styled them?

Photos from Elle.com

Orange BAFTA Film Awards 2012: Best Dressed

This morning I had to debate with myself about which major event to post about: the BAFTA's or the Grammy's which both took place last night. I decided to go with the BAFTA's mainly because I actually watched it and secondly because, well it's British! I start a new and very exciting job today (yay!) so have only had time to skim the surface of the red carpet dresses - I'm way too fussy to actually be impressed with more than a couple of people but I love what Fearne Cotton and Tilda Swinton wore.

Both ladies opted for maxi-numbers which, given how cold it's been recently, was probably more of a practical move than a stylish one. Regardless, Tilda looked flawless in this super fresh Celine dress whilst Fearne rocked a peachy little Moschino number. Tilda is one of those women that could literally wear dog crap and still look amazing; she just oozes confidence and as a result consistently looks immaculate.

I could never really be a red-carpet stylist (or any sort of stylist) because I'd probably try and make people wear something that's closer to my personal style than theirs. I didn't really like many of the other dresses for that exact reason: would I wear it? No. Then I don't like it. Anyway, could you be a red-carpet stylist and who were your best dressed? Did you like what Fearne and Tilda wore? Wish me luck today!

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

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

People's Choice Awards: The Good, The Boring and the Questionable

The People's Choice Awards usually springs a few surprises: people that usually get it wrong get it right and vice-versa. This year I wasn't over or underwhelmed by any of the outfits but I was definitely surprised at a few of the outfits choices. So here we have my version of the good, the bad and the ugly - only a little bit less exciting.

To begin, here's to the better outfits:

I surprised myself with these choices, mainly because I'm not a fan of Kristen's style and just not a fan of Taylor in general. However, although they all kept it simple (Kristen in Reem Acra and Taylor in J.Mendel) I think they all look really good. Kristen is famously terrible at accepting awards and generally looking comfortable in clothes but this dress shows off her insane legs; I haven't got much to say about Taylor other than she looks beautiful, job done.

Next, the not so great choices:

Cat Deeley used to be a children's TV presenter here in the UK so I was surprised to even see her at the Peoples Choice; even so, her dress is extremely blah. Nothing about her outfit is exciting, in fact I'm bored just thinking about it. It really upset me to have to put Emma Robert's in the boring category because she's usually such a promising young talent on the red carpet. However, this Dior dress is so underwhelming that there wasn't anywhere else for it, sorry Emma!

And now, the questionable:

I love Rihanna, I really do, but this Louise Goldin dress is literally doing nothing for me. I feel as though it should have been a mini and although I appreciate that she's gone for a lesser known designer, something isn't quite right. The whole outfit just confuses me a little, anyone else? Mila Kunis is another oddity, she usually dresses quite well but this J.Mendel number is just a bit off. It reminds me of a dodgy prom/cocktail dress although her gorgeous hair and shoes do redeem a couple of points.

Last but not least, you've got to salute Katy Perry. Who else could pull this dress of without looking completely weird?

What do you think of the outfits at this years People's Choice Awards and who was your favourite?

photos from justjared.buzznet.com, redcarpet-fashionawards.com, thefashionspot.com

Spotlight: Ke$ha

Ke$ha is in this weeks Spotlight for all the wrong reasons, mainly being that I think she looks like a complete fool. I think I must've missed the Ke$ha bandwagon because she literally looks so ridiculous, I don't even know where to start. The fact that I've never seen her on any 'Worst Dressed' lists means that she's either too bad for them, or she's not a big enough celebrity - I'm going with the former...

from left to right: leaving Jimmy Kimmel live, Rolling Stone after-party and at the AMA's.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for freedom of expression and all that but seriously? When she's not looking like a man in drag, she's looking like a try-hard 15 year old. The studded eyebrows, the fake 80s mullet, the medical looking glasses? It's overkill. It's as though as soon as someone says the words 'red' and 'carpet', she raids the dressing up box.

However, it's what Ke$ha doesn't look like on the red carpet that's got her here...

She looks almost good here, but I really do mean almost. The blue/gold lipsticks and tatty army boots ruin each of these looks, which is a shame because she's obviously a beautiful girl. Still, it's not my cup of tea. To be fair she is a recording artist not a fashion icon but surely it helps? If I've missed the point completely then please, enlighten me.

photos from justjared.buzznet.com

CFDA: Battle of the Gossip Girls

The annual CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Awards usually pull a good crowd, it is one of the biggest events on the fashion calender, after all. However, it seems that no amount of Gossip Girl styling could help the stars last night. I'm a massive fan of the show (mainly because I fancy Ed Westwick) and they usually all look so dapper, but these looks didn't do anything for me...

I would ordinarily say, "don't get me wrong they both look great", but they don't. Blake, in Chanel, needs a new (preferably black) bra, a classy up-do and a quick shoe swap with Leighton and then maybe she'd look great but sadly, she missed the mark. I love Leighton's Roger Vivier ankle-boots but the Prabal Gurung dress and hair aren't doing it for me. She suits super short mini's and statement hair and this look is just far too prim. However saying that, Leighton in this instance, is the better of the two.

Now for the boys...

I'm never going to pick Chace over Ed so we all know who I think looks better, I'll let you decide on that one! I wish Ed would take a leaf out of Chuck Bass' book on the red carpet, he'd look so much more handsome, if that's possible?

Who do you think looked best at the CFDA Fashion Fund Awards? 

MOCA Gala: Chanel Queens

The MOCA Gala, held in Los Angeles last night was awash with trendy celebrities and free Chanel handbags. That's right, free bags. If every museum gave out free Chanel clobber, I'd be a complete history/art/science buff. And have a very nice wardrobe. Anyway, Kate Bosworth and Kirsten Dunst showed us mere mortals just how good Chanel looks on the red carpet (as if we needed reminding)...

 I'm not a fan of colour so I absolutely love the monochrome and they both wear it so well, Kirsten's 20s vibe is stunning and Kate, well, what a babe.

Who do you think wore Chanel better? I literally don't think I can choose between them, they both look stunning. For more information about MOCA, click here.

Photos from justjared.buzznet.com

Only Girl in the World

Rihanna is having a moment. Again. Since the release of Rated R, she's been spotted here, there and everywhere looking nothing less than amazing with a wardrobe to-die-for. However, with the release of Only Girl in the World (which for the record, is amazing) she's been well and truly catapulted into the media spotlight and I can't wait to see her promotional outfits - if her MTV EMA's appearance was anything to go by, we're in for a treat...

I love Rihanna in Marchesa and she definitely rocked this ruffled number on the red (purple) - carpet. I love that she kept hair simple and non-fussy too because the dress in itself is such a statement piece; the cheeky side-panel revealing her tattoo is just the icing on the cake.

She's definitely got the whole 'military boot and feminine dress' look down to a T, how cute is that flowery dress? Her signature style is very much about mixing things up a little and she always pulls it off immaculately. What do you think of Rihanna's new song? It's pretty much become my go-to feel good tune, anyone else?

Photos from justjared.buzznet.com

Paris Fashion Week: Alexander McQueen SS11

I'm usually so consumed by Fashion Week (home and away) that I forget what eating/sleeping/having a social life is. This season, not so much. Yesterday evening, Paris brought proceedings to a close for another 6 months and I can't help but be severely underwhelmed by everything. Trust McQueen (or should I say Burton) to be my diamond in the rough...

Considering she had some rather enormous boots to fill, Sarah Burton really encapsulated what Alexander McQueen is about. Although she added a more feminine twist to the collection, the edge and ingenious were still very much there. The amphibious and decadent military elements from the previous two seasons have been re-worked for the modern Mcqueen woman, and I completely loved it. 

Admittedly I wasn't so keen on the suits but the black leather and floral embellishment made Burton's début collection a winner. I'm already thinking about which leading ladies will be wearing these beauties on the red carpet:

What have been your highs and lows from this season and who would you like to see wearing McQueen's latest designs? It'll be interesting to see where Burton takes the brand, I hope she retains Lee's ingenuity and creativity because after all, that's why we loved him so much...

photos from style.com

Predictions...

Back in February I predicted that Marchesa's stunning AW10 collection would inevitably end up being worn by the lovely Dakota Fanning. Was I right? Of course...

Dakota is literally the perfect person for this dress, don't you think? I love how she still looks her age but really fashion at the same time. It's funny, because of the whole War of the Worlds thing, I really couldn't stand her - I've never known someone cry so much and so annoyingly in one film. But I'm glad that it was a one off and ever since I've thought she was one to watch; she stole the show in The Runaways and she's really coming into her own.

Everything is a little bit up in the air at the moment what with busy work schedules and what-not, but I'll post as much as I can, promise!

photos from justjared.buzznet.com & style.com

Kristen's Got Her Mojo Back...

Hallelujah! Kristen Stewart may have finally turned her disastrous red carpet looks around. Either she sacked her previous stylist, or her stylist actually watched a fashion show or two and got some much needed inspiration. I'm hoping for the former but I'm happy with whichever scenario - doesn't she look so much better?

Another noticeable (and also much needed improvement) was her hair - she's rid the mullet in favour of a long ponytail, fake or not I think this is her secret. The fact that a change in hairstyle can make you feel a million dollars is a little sad, but oh so true.

I was starting to lose hope for Kristen, her red carpet looks were literally the worst of any celebrity over the last year - I just don't understand how her stylist could have cocked it up that much. However, the past is the past and she seems to have turned a new leaf - not only is this look a complete winner, her recent UK Elle editorial (which you can see here) was to-die-for and so, my love for her is reignited. 

This Flaunt editorial just goes to show that she literally has got her mojo back, I posted about her Interview editorial last October which is still my favourite Kristen shoot but this is pretty cute...

I know, I know I'm fickle with my celebrity crushes. Kristen hasn't regained girl crush status just yet but if she keeps this whole dressing-good thing up, then who knows! What do you think of Kristen, have you forgiven and forgotten or just banished her from your peripheral altogether?

Photos from justjared.buzznet.com and thefashionspot.com

There were never such devoted sisters...

I knew it would happen - Ashley Olsen has finally started dressing well again. I was surprised at her choice of 'coming out' outfit because Johji Jamamoto isn't something I'd have pictured her in, but don't they both look great?

Mary-Kate in head-to-toe Givenchy looks amazing as always but I really wish she'd sort her posture out, she looks so demure and hunched next to Ashley. They were attending to host the Free Arts 12th Annual Art Auction in New York and I just love their whole bag-lady-meets-goth-chic look, it reminds me of Mary-Kate circa 2007 - my favourite Olsen year.

Of course there's been critics, apparently wearing head-to-toe black means you are in mourning, of your childhood...seriously? I always wear black and I'm pretty sure my childhood, or lack of it, has nothing to do with this. 

Ashley wore tartan and leopard print a couple of days earlier so I'm pretty sure she's not mourning anything right now...

I'm glad to see Ashley doing what she does best, looking amazing. I'm not going to be busting out a leopard scarf, leather jacket, tartan trouser-skirt or sandals anytime soon but it's great to see her back on track! I'm going to be away again from tomorrow but I'll post as much as I can. Do you give Ashley a thumbs up or a serious thumbs down?

PS. For all you Dolly Mix bloggers, you will be receiving an email shortly - I promise!

photos from olsenobsessive.net

Accidents Happen

Everyone gets the whole 'fashion' thing wrong sometimes; however, doing it more than once tends to raise eyebrows. Collectively, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have my dream wardrobe - there was Mary-Kate's Balmain phase in 2007 which I would kill for, and Ashley's amazing red carpet ensembles.

Saying this, they don't always get it right. In fact, Ashley (usually the more preened of the two) got it horribly wrong at the Art of Elysium/VERSUS event on Friday night.

The shoes, the lace/jersey combo, the leather jacket tied around the waist? It's all wrong. Mary-Kate on the other hand looks amazing - I'm loving the cobalt blue dress teamed with the leopard print jacket. (an MK and A staple).

At first sight Ashley doesn't look that bad, but when you examine the outfit as a whole it just really doesn't work. At all. I said a month or so ago that I wished Ashley would step up her game, because at the moment, Mary-Kate is steaming ahead in the style stakes - and this doesn't exactly help her cause.

I'm optimistic because this is clearly just a phase, she will start dressing better soon; and when she does, I'm willing to forgive and forget. In the spirit of positivity, I've put together an outfit with my new essential, the khaki short, and Ashley's downfall - lace. Will you be wearing the khaki short this summer?

Shorts, Wedges, Crop - Topshop. Glasses - Rokit. Shorts - Urban Outfitters. Bag - Net-A-Porter.com.

I was a bit scared of trying the lace-cycling-short-under-khaki-short trend because I've got short legs but all this sun has given me the confidence. What do you think, has Ashley lost her style or is this just a bad fashion moment? 

Photos from net-a-porter.com, Topshop, Rokit, Urban Outfitters and thefashionspot.com

Snap

And she's done it again. Mary-Kate Olsen has given me serious wardrobe envy.

I'm not going to go so far as to say that Mary-Kate is my new favourite twin, because she isn't, but I just can't help but love her style at the moment.

I've wanted a real fur coat for ages (don't judge) and I'm loving this dark-red number - the Culture Club style plaits I can leave but the bag and glasses I'll take, what a beauty.

Just incase anyone needed reminding why Ashley is still my favourite, here are a couple of my favourite 'Ashley' looks. This Starbucks headband look made me want to wear a turban-style band more than anything in the world; her hair is just to-die-for.

Who is your favourite Olsen, past or present?

Apologies again for the severe lack of posts recently, work loads are extremely stressful! Keep your fingers crossed for me next week, you might be looking at a Burberry intern...

photos from justjared.buzznet.com, gettyimages.com and imnotobsessed.com

Red Carpet Queen

You've got to hand it to Georgina Chapman at Marchesa, the woman knows how to create a red carpet winner.

Fall 2010 is no exception  - you could literally picture every hot-young-thing wearing everything from the collection. I saw Lady Gaga in a lace body and white ruffled skirt and Dakota Fanning in a structured ruffled LBD.

The dresses spoke for themselves - no catwalk was needed to highlight the fact that this collection is an instant winner. This is Marchesa on top form.

Apologies for the severe lack of content recently! I promise I'll bring exclusive London Fashion Week content from tomorrow - let the shows commence!

photos from style.com