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

Spotlight: Abbey Lee Kershaw

It's no secret that Abbey Lee is my biggest girl crush of all time - I was pretty unintelligible at fashion week thanks to her mere presence, therefore this week's Spotlight (a new Bang Bang You're Dead regular) is dedicated to her beautiful Vogue Nippon editorial.

I was told that this new 'haircut' is actually a wig but either way I think it really suits her (and makes the year it's taken me to grow my severe-bob to shoulder-length all the more worthwhile!) This editorial, featured in the July issue of Vogue Nippon, is one of those shoots that I'd love to have framed in my bedroom and that's saying something - only a few before it have had the honour. Definitely one of my favourite editorials of the year so far...

I've started Spotlight to share my favourite model/editorial of the week, let me know if you like it or not! Also what do you think of Abbey's new haircut, do you prefer her with long hair or short?

Photos from thefashionspot.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

Sticky Ginger Cake

The English Summer: typically wet and typically rubbish. My remedy? Baking.

If you like Jamaican Ginger Cake (a favourite of mine as a kid) then you'll love this yummy Sticky Ginger Cake - plus its super easy to make! Here's my step-by-step guide on how to make it, if you get the baking fever I'd love to know you're favourite recipes and if your Ginger cake was a success!

This weekend my family came down for the weekend and the entire cake got snuffled, I'm not turning into some blogger come baker (maybe in another 50 years or so) but I hope you enjoy this post as much as I have.

Check out the original (but less colourful) recipe here...

Spotlight: Ashley Smith

Unless your first name is Abbey, Freja or Natalia, my model knowledge generally isn't too hot (I was in close proximity to Imogen Morris-Clarke, Ali Stephens and Hanne Gaby Odiele and was oblivious). But then every once in a while, a model will pop up on the runway or feature in a magazine and I'll be obsessed. Right now my obsession is Ashley Smith.

Ashley, for comparisons sake, is pretty much a younger, more gap-toothed Lara Stone. This editorial for the summer issue of i-D is so soft and yet so honest, I mean those boobs are just insane. For a 19 year-old she seems to have her head pretty screwed on (although naivety can be deceiving) - "I'm not a twig and I've got titties...I think boobs are making a comeback. Models have looked like 12 year old boys for some time now, I think the fashion industry is looking for a change," she says.

I first caught sight of Ashley in this amazing Russh beauty editorial back in November but didn't actually know who she was until a few days ago, she's like some incredible Lara/Georgia Jagger hybrid!

As well as perfecting the quirky, edgy look, she's also pretty neat on the commercial circuit - check out this gorgeous US Elle editorial.

I think she's one of those models that I call 'superhuman' but I'm gonna wait it out and see what she does next, I really hope she isn't a flash in the pan. What do you think of Ashley, should Lara Stone (newly hitched, aww) be worried?

photos from fashiongonerogue.com

SKYY HIGH

I know everyone is just about sick to their stomachs reading/hearing about Sex and the City 2 (I know I am) but when the word 'cocktail' gets thrown into the mix, a girls gotta listen.

To celebrate the launch of the film, SKYY vodka have teamed up with Patricia Field (just thinking of the SATC costume department makes me drool a little) to redesign their iconic bottle. "So many of Sex and the City’s most stylish moments have been when the ladies were out in Manhattan, dressed to the nines, bonding over fun cocktails,” says Field

I was invited to try the yummy beverages on Monday and my favourite was definitely New York Star, so if you're out and about and come across this delightful collaboration, you know which one to ask for! Each drink is named after one of the girls and there's also a "Mr. New York", double points if you can guess which character that's based on!

Failing your very own SATC themed night out, you can also grab a limited edition Gift Box from Harvey Nichols for a super-chic night in. Maybe now the film is actually out I'll stop saying 'Oooh that's so Carrie' at every cute thing I see, anyone else had Carrie fever recently?

Hello Sunshine

You know it's summer when you can eat breakfast outside and not be cold; I'm so glad the sun has remembered us Brits, the whole Arctic April scenario was getting a little bit ridiculous. 

With sun (or summer in general - England isn't exactly known for it's warm climate) comes the onslaught of music festivals; what better way to spend a weekend than drinking beer and watching bands as the sunsets? Last month, it was Coachella that really raised the bar for festival fashion - forget denim cut-offs and straw hats, this summer it's all about vintage pieces, floppy hats and super-cute accessories. 

Of course, not everybody has access to showers, clean clothes (three whole outfits, for that matter), a bed, a hair-dryer or make-up therefore Kate's killer Coachella look is more aspirational than anything. Aside from the obvious - beer, tent, sleeping bag, food, more beer - here are a few of my festival essentials that will see you through this season.

Dress, Playsuit, Hat, Orange Sunglasses - Topshop. Barry M Nail Varnish, 

Dry Shampoo - Boots. Wipes - Witch. Wellies - Hunter. Lipstick - M.A.C. 

Leather Shorts - Rokit. Glasses - Alexander Wang. Rucksack - Eastpak

If you've ever attempted to wash your hair under freezing water whilst a queue looks on, you'll know its best avoided - at all costs. Get on the dry-shampoo bandwagon or invest in a floppy hat, with a dash of lippy and a coat of pastel varnish you'll be festival-ready in no time. Swap the denim cut-offs for a floral maxi, sounds impractical but just think, jeans under maxi = incognito. 

If it's forecast to rain, don't think you'll be able to get away with pumps/Converse, chances are they'll be swept away in a torrent of mud, so invest in a pair of decent wellies - I've posted these Hunter wedges before but I can't get enough of them!

I've already bought a couple of maxi-dresses and a load of lipsticks for the festival season, wellies and rucksack here I come! What will you be wearing to the festivals this season, are you trading the denim for a dress or sticking to the traditional festival uniform?

photos from justjared.com