Tuesday, November 8, 2011

MTV European Music Awards 2011 - Best Dressed

The MTV EMAs came to these fair shores on Sunday night, and brought a host of talent with it. Unfortunately, not all of it was in the form of a decent frock. Luckily, the glue that held the whole night together -- the hostess -- came through, setting the tone from the off with this intricate Marchesa number.


While the length of the dress and the bare back was bordering dangerously close on 'scandalous'  ("Virgin on top, stripper on the bottom", is how Tom & Lorenzo put it), the high neckline and long sleeves just about managed to keep it away from the 'indecent' category.


Though I usually err on the more prudish side, my love for Marchesa wins out in this instance. It's a beautiful dress on a young, fresh-faced starlet, who did right by keeping the make-up and jewellery minimal.

This is the second time Ms. Gomez has appeared on a NYADF 'best dressed' list, putting herself firmly on my fashion radar. Her various outfit changes (which you can see over on JustJared) cemented her position, particularly when she got her Beyoncé on in a purple, sparkly mini jumpsuit to perform at the event.

Someone give that girl's stylist a raise.

***

Honourable mention goes to Jessie J. for this strapless number, which is decidedly demure for the lady more likely seen in printed pants and kaleidoscope colours (though fear not, she brought those out, too, because she walked the pink carpet at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast not once, not twice, but thrice, in a different outfit each time).


Though I'm not usually a fan of leopard print, this Dolce and Gabbana dress fits the singer flawlessy. The hair and red lip give it an old-school glamour feel that adds a touch of maturity and class to the whole ensemble, while the bright colour still keeps it young and EMA-appropriate.

A D&G gown, eh? Maybe it is about the money after all...

Worth every penny?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Lisbeth Salander - The Girl with the H&M Collaboration


Now this is right up my street. As a welcome break from the run-of-the-mill celebrity collaborations we see every second day with highstreet stores, Hennes & Mauritz is set to break the monotony by rolling out a line inspired by a figment of Stieg Larsson's vivid imagination. Yes, Lisbeth Salander's style is coming to a store near you next month. And I couldn't be more excited! This fictional female takes edgy to the extreme.

To get down to specifics, H&M has paired with Trish Summerville, the costume designer for the Hollywood version of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (due in cinemas December 21st). Anyone who has read the book or seen the Swedish version of the film will know the style will be very rough and ready, with a rock chick edge. Fortunately, this line will be a tad more palatable for a fashion-forward audience, and will feature just the right amount of gothic glamour. "Stylishly gritty", as WWD puts it. Think leather jackets, studded accessories, and torn jeans. Like this:

Trish Summerville (centre) and the H&M collection
Image courtesy of H&M

The 30-piece collection is due to debut at Colette in Paris on the 28th of this month, followed by worldwide release on December 14th, a week before the film. Prices will range from $3.95 for tribal-style earrings, to $29.95 for hoodies, to a very reasonable $59.95 for leather boots, and will max out at $199 for leather jackets (euro price to be confirmed, but you won't be too far out if you just switch the $ sign for a €). Also in the collection will be a pair of platform wedges featuring covered studs for a "subdermal piercing" feel, as Trish says.

Check out the video below for some more details and a sneaky little peek at the pieces:




It's a Swedish style-fest!

Friday, September 23, 2011

ASOS.com discounts

To celebrate London Fashion Week (or London Fashion Five Days), ASOS are offering 20% off selected items from their new season stock. Items are marked down on site, and will remain so until midnight on October 3rd.

This may be the perfect opportunity to update your wardrobe for winter. And with free delivery worldwide -- which, in my experience, is super speedy -- there really is no reason not to.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A peek at Primark's AW11 pieces

While some of us are still waiting for summer to arrive, retailers are busy knocking out their autumn-winter looks. And judging by the weather, it's not a moment too soon. Primark (or Penneys as it's better known to us Irish) has always been my go-to for layering pieces, but I was more than a little impressed when their lookbook landed on my laptop.


The shapes! The colours!

We're still seeing a very strong 70's influence -- which has carried over from spring-summer -- with high waists, glam dresses and fur jackets. But we're also now seeing a hint of the 60's coming through, which will be huge for autumn-winter. The little shift dress above, in particular, nails three trends in one -- 60's mod, colour-blocking, and Peter Pan collars. Make like the model and wear socks with chunky platforms to really stand out from the fash pack.


Knits are also big for autumn (quelle surprise), as are brightly-coloured tights. (Just ask Oscar de la Renta.)

Yes, some bold trends emerging, but if you're not totally sold on the look (mustard yellow blouse, cherry red skirt, plum tights combo, anyone?) and are purely considering experimenting, Primark, with its pleasing price points, is surely the way to go.

If you're still not convinced, the Primark peeps have put it all together for you in a high fashion-inspired video. Feast your fashion eyes:


Which looks are you loving?

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Wednesday wantsies: Mawi jade and skull ring


I'm a sucker for most things green, so when I spotted this Mawi ring, I was instantly smitten. The gold-plated brass beauty features dyed jade, skull and faux pearls. The gothic feel is right up my street, and I'm a personal believer that a girl can never have too many statement rings in her jewellery collection.

Make this the star piece by wearing it with neutrals -- jeans and t-shirt for day, and a figure-flattering dress in a solid colour for evening.


Though it was on sale on the Outnet.com for the incredible price of €87 not so long ago (gutted I missed out on that one), you can currently pick it up on the Mawi site for €213 (reduced from the full price of €284).

Anyone for an early Christmas present?

Don't mind if I do...

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Marchesa releases Resort 2012 collection

Though Marchesa can generally do no wrong in my eyes, their Resort 2012 collection -- inspired by Slim Aaron's legendary book of photographs "A Place In The Sun" -- failed to float my fashion boat. The reason for that may be the pared back, "sales driven" approach designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig were chasing. You won't see many of these looks on the red carpet, it's true, but I guess, when it comes down to it, Marchesa is a business. Making beautiful clothes is one thing -- selling them is quite another.

Nonetheless, there were some notable exceptions to my overall disappointment. This chiffon tunic was one:


The intricate symmetrical embroidery is a signature Marchesa look. Pair with nude ballet flats and tousled waves for effortless daytime glamour, and then go for sky-scrapers and a chic chignon when the sun goes down. Remember to keep accessories to a minimum to let the dress do all the talking.

Next on the list is this white silk crepe sheath dress:


All this elegantly embroidered number needs is a martini glass and it's good to go. Bonus points for the embroidered sleeves, which mimic the double cuff trend we're seeing all over the place at the moment. (Remember when Miranda Kerr wore them to the CFDA Awards? Divine!)

Last, but certainly not least, is this silk crepe dress, which is more what I would expect from the fashion powerhouse.


It screams all-out glamour, while the jeweled shawl ensures you look like you're leaving a trail of fairy dust behind you as you go. Now that's the Marchesa I know and love.

It's safe to say that most of the collection (which you can view in full here) would be perfect for pool parties and cocktail hour, but as for me, I'm holding out for spring.

Net-a-porter sale

Get on over to net-a-porter.com to bag some serious bargains. New items have been added to their international sale, and all sale items are now up to 70% off.

I'd be quick if I were you -- I tried to snap up some pieces earlier but they were sold out by the time I hit the checkout. Boo.