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"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." - Coco Chanel

Tuesday 19 July 2011

Christian Dior: AW 11/12

Whilst perusing the Vogue catwalk photos from the Autumn-Winter collections, I fell in love with the Christian Dior show, which was almost bipolar in personality. The first half was, to me, the perfect Parisian fall wardrobe, ensembles of knee-high and hiker boots, frill skirts and ruffle dresses, boucle jackets, wide-brim hats and sunglasses, and great fur scarves. The second half was a dream ball, with ethereal dresses in cloud colours and ballerina heels.


Notice the fur-trimmed sleeves - it is everywhere on the catwalk this year!


I love this lilac fur jacket.


And in close-up.


The perfect hat for the autumn that would go with everything. I also love this pale frill skirt


A beautiful and delicate ensemble.


I think a fur scarf of some description is going on my wish list. Do any Angelenos know if people ever wear fur (real or fake) in LA?


OK, no, this is the hat I want. In black.



The messy bun. The alternative to next season's pony tail (which I plan to devote an entire post to).


One of the show's transition ensembles. I love this scarf, it looks so soft without being fur. I wish to dress this lady-like all the time someday.


One of my favourite overall looks from the entire show. I love the ruffled shift dress with the tan hiker boots, white Dior bag and floppy hat. It has attitude.


A close-up of one of the pairs of hiking boots from the show. If you like these, I suggest you also look at Balmain, which featured a lot of white and black hiking/skating boots in its show.


Beautiful detailing, and of course with the socks.


And suddenly we are transported to a performance of Swan Lake! See the ballerina shoes?


This exquisite dress reminds me of a fairy cake.


I love the pale blue in the dress, and the tailored jacket that finishes it.


Another angel dress.


I really want to feel the texture of this dress.

So which is your favourite look? Dark, or sugar-sweet?

Thursday 14 July 2011

Harry Potter: The Final Ending

Firstly, I would like to say that I know that I am not alone in what I share in this post. Quite the contrary, I know that there are many people who will feel exactly the same as I do. But this does not make it any less important to me, or indeed anyone else.
I grew up with Harry Potter. It has been part of my life since I was 13 years old, and for the past 11 years I have read and re-read those books so many times that one time I just stopped keeping track. When you empathise with a character so much that you feel like you have stepped into their world and spoken their lines, you cannot help it - it is like home, a comfort. For me, that was Hermione. At school, I was her; at university, possibly more so. I liked to be the best in all of my work, and yes, I was (and still am) bossy. But I was and am, terrified of failure, and I think that this also a hidden part of her character.

I have always treated the books and films as separate entities. The movies are thrilling, fun, the build-up and anticipation even more so. The books are where a part of my world resides. But the fact that the last film is upon us now is almost like reading the final book all over again: heartbreaking.  I remember feeling empty after reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I have a feeling that watching Dan, Rupert and Emma play out the final act will bring a similar notion.

Emma Watson has somewhat become an idol of mine. She is pure, and stays true to herself, which if a person can do is a huge feat, it is so easy to be swayed into doing things because other people want you to do them.

These pictures are from the recent Harper's Bazaar photoshoot. I think they represent both her external and internal beauty.



And from the beginning:


Thank you Emma and J K Rowling.

Monday 11 July 2011

A/W11-12: New Glamour

I thought I'd share some of the new looks from the Autumn collections, my favourite of which has to be the 40s trend, showcased particularly well by Miu Miu, who has fast become my go-to designer for style inspiration in the past couple of seasons.

The dream dress, Lily of the Valley, by Miu Miu:


The monochrome jacket, by Tibi:



The hand-held bag, by Miu Miu:

Hollywood, by Prada:





Fur, by Valentino:


The print dress, by Pucci:



Winter sunglasses, by Miu Miu:


The hat, (and more sunglasses) by Gucci:


The oversized earrings, by Dolce and Gabbana:


The sculpted coat, by Chanel:


The printed ensemble, by Cacharel:


The knee-length suede, fringed boots by Isobel Marrant: