BEST OF THE WEEK

William Rast to Europe

Justin Timberlake is on a European tour.

Not that sort of European tour—he’s taking his label William Rast on the road and planting it all over major stores throughout the European Continent.

Yesterday, he unleashed the brand (and himself) in London at Selfridge's, where William Rast has not one, but two, pop-up shops—one in the women's contemporary department and the other in the men's casual department.

Then it's off to Berlin for JT and the gang on July 1, where they will present their spring 2010 collection at Bread & Butter, followed by a big VIP party that night at the Berlin Tempelhof Airport.

And finally, William Rast lands at Colette in Paris. The store will dedicate their windows to the brand from June 28 to July 5, which means the All-American label will have prime space in the City of Light over the Fourth of July Holiday.

Get the look: Ashley Simpson

Ashley Simpson looks great in this PPQ inspired, black and white outfit. The pencil skirt and prim blouse could be boring on their own but she makes the look more edgy with her gorgeous bright pink Lavin caged shoes and chunky chained necklace. I love Ashley’s look right now and she should definitely stick to being a red head, it really suits her.

Here’s the cheats guide to achieving the same look:

Black Pencil Skirt from Asos, £20.00.

JJ Parke Stripe blouse from Oli, £65.00.

Pink Givenchy Cut out Shoe Boots from Net A Porter, £465.00.

Multirow Bead Necklace from Topshop, £12.00.

Who's on the Cosmo Cover?

Blake Lively graces the Cosmopolitan Australia June 2009

American actress, Blake Lively pose for Cosmopolitan Magazine Australia for the month of June 2009. Blake’s featured with her classic smile, in a black dress, and her amazing hair. She looks so gorgeous and unique!

Blake Lively is a woman with “real curves”, who has an “honest attitude” towards dressing for her figure. I think Cosmopolitan magazine expects its readers to not only be young and carefree, but single with an insatiable appetite for pleasure in the boudoir.

Lauren Conrad Cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine July 2009

American TV actress and fashion designer Lauren Conrad cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine July 2009. She admitted that the story lines on The Hills are forced to this month’s issue of Cosmopolitan. She also talked about how she feels most beautiful in sweat pants around her boyfriend.

“What they didn’t get is that I didn’t want to fight with her anymore. It’s hard to look at somebody who used to be your best friend and say, ‘We can’t be friends. Too much has happened.’ I’m trying to move on, but they won’t let me. And when someone keeps pushing you into the same position well … you get upset.”

Now 23-year-old, Conrad says she’s ready to move on from having her life played out in front of the cameras, especially since she’s now sharing that suddenly no-frills life with actor Kyle Howard.

“I feel sexiest with him when I’m in sweatpants and no make-up,” she says.

And in case you’re afraid she might miss the attention, think again.

“I’ve always had another season to look forward to, but now life is a little more unplanned,” she says. “It’s really exciting.”

For more info about Lauren — including info on her book and fashion line — check out the latest issue of Cosmo magazine…

Holiday trends

Here's my list:

1. One of my favorite holiday trends is going for a gold, metallic look. I think that it is so elegant and timeless to wear gold, plus it stands out in a sea of what will inevitably be basic black. A gold dress looks luxurious and rich, and paired with the right accessories and makeup, it can look absolutely stunning. The look will also look AMAZING with a tan (Than is a tan - not red - so please, please remember sun tan and don't O.T.T) Believe me lobster red is one trend no-one call pull of :)

2. I also love the Maxi dress - yes still around this Summer and looking just as good. Its fab, i mean to start with it holds a multitude of sins (maybe save this number for your last night esp if going on an all inclusive!!!)

3. Floral dress, A new one for this Summer weather is be short or long, vintage or new, casual or smart anything works. Give it a go. And if you don't want a whole floral outfit and maybe think its too girly just try a floral top or skirt or even just a skirt or bag!

5. The Sequined dress, I think this looks ever so sexy, All Saints have some amazing varieties however a tad on the expensive side, We have a small collection on our website for you to try and much more affordable: ModeDevoted

6. Be Bold Choose a color that makes a statement for spring. Try hot pink or intense yellow, and always remember the power of purple.

On holiday you can get away with a lot more so go ahead and be daring and try something new - let us know how you get on.....

Emma Watson is snapped up by Burberry.

Emma Watson and Robert Pattinson?

Emma Watson and Burberry are a sensible pairing. She is a quintessential English Rose and Burberry is quintessentially English.

Emma Watson for Burberry

Burberry have played it safe choosing Emma, she is a beautiful up and coming actress, with a cut glass accent, who isn’t known for partying and getting out of cars sans pants. She’s a good girl - Burberry’s Creative Director, David Bailey describes Emma as “the obvious choice for this campaign, who, like the images she fronts, has a classic beauty, a great character and a modern edge. Emma’s charm, intellect and brilliant sense of fun made the whole shoot feel like a picnic on the Thames.”

Emma Watson for Burberry

Image Source: Grazia Magazine

These pictures were shot by Mario Testino, who could make the most unfortunate looking person look hot, and Emma does look great, but personally, I preferred Kate Moss’ campaign for Burberry.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2009 Catwalk Gallery

At Louis Vuitton Jacobs has always played with the his American in Paris status and how that has effected his view of what is definably Parisian chic. For spring/summer it’s the lady of the night and African tribalism (popular themes in quite a few shows this season) that has caught Jacobs’s eye, and what a romp it was.

Today’s Louis Vuitton show was loosely inspired by Ysl’s high influential opium collection, but here you’ve also seen French, African, and American notes tossed in. On the surface, with the overload of animal prints, color and bold accessories, it may have been too much, but Marc and his team of stylists, edited down the looks just enough to make a statement without shouting.

The skirts, pants and shorts had dotted tulle underneath or came delicately pleated with side buttons while the latter came piped in gold or in cool wavy prints. The shape of Jackets were imaginable: colorblock scuba, cutaway boleros, double-breasted matador, cap sleeve with piping where seaming was, or traditional blazers wrapped and belted. silk pajama pants sat on the hips in earthy polka dot, while high waist chambray pants were topped with coordinating workshirts. I was crazy about the bold shoulder tops, belted leather metallic jackets, gorgeous new takes on the tuxedo, and the strapless cocktail dresses were amazing.

Designer Sneak Peak: Inge Christopher

Designer Sneak Peak: A Colorful Look At Inge Christopher Fall 2009 Collection

I’m dreaming in yellows and purples…oh and faux snake skin…

These are ever so cute and oh so gatsby!

Green is mean, but great for fall 2009

What I love about fall fashions this year, is that our spring and summer trends are flowing quite nicely into it. Our main trend this whole year has been color, lots and lots of it! From dresses, scarves and tops. All of which have been quite strangely unique in this fashion. But the beloved handbag has not fallen behind!

Whether you love color or hate it, you can’t escape it! And if you want to add something colorful, but are shy to wear it. Then your accessories come next in line. Inge Christopher has a lovely collection of bright and colorful handbags for fall 2009. From brights, to embossed leather, they’re the perfect day to night bags. Prices range from £100-250 from the collection.

A Great Website Alert...

I love an online magazine. Partly because it's free...and also because I'm an Internet junkie. I get a kick out of finding really cool websites bursting with fresh idea's and talented people doing amazing things with graphics and layouts. So, an online mag is right up my alley. Especially if it's a fashion magazine that is promoting local designers, fashions and celebrities.



My Lookbook is a fantastic visual journal of designers and e-boutiques that showcases what's hot right now and what is currently in stores and online. Each fashion spread links directly to a website or e-boutique so you can purchase your favourite outfit immediately after drooling over it on the site (while at your desk pretending your working really hard). There's also plenty of celebrity inspiration, catwalk talk and insider interviews.



Visit http://www.mylookbook.com.au/ and Subscribe (I just did!)

BEST OF THE WEEK

Vogue editor fights size 0

Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman has launched a war on some of the top fashion houses in the world. According to The London Times, in a strongly worded letter,

“Shulman accuses designers of making magazines hire models with ‘jutting bones and no breasts or hips’ by supplying them with ‘minuscule’ garments for their photo shoots. Vogue is now frequently ‘retouching’ photographs to make models look larger.”

Way to go Alexandra! Shulman also added, “We have now reached the point where many of the sample sizes don’t comfortably fit even the established star models.” The letter, which was not meant for publication, was sent to the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, and designers at Prada, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and Balen- ciaga.

No comment from any of the fashion icons yet, but we are sure to hear from them soon!

Urban Outfitters Boutique Sale

You’ve got to love Summer Sales - the Urban Outfitters Boutique sale starts today and they have some lovely pieces up for grabs. My favourite is this cute, yellow sun dress from Bolangaro Trevor, it was £125 and is now £79. Available online at www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Winter Travel Fashion Necessities - Its-All-In-The-Details

Item 1: Taking that cruise you always dreamed of? Want to avoid the hawaiian print T-shirt and cotton sundress syndrome? Pack yourself some classy bracelets or this nautical belt by Missoni.

Item 2: Hats are a necessity on any vacation. You’re going to be walking a lot, and you need something to keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes. But of course, you don’t want to be the dumbo in the visor: so keep it cool with the Emilio Pucci floppy sun hat.

Item 3: You need a pair of heels that make you look and feel dressy, but are still manageable in potentially long and uneven walking surfaces. My recommendation: Christian Louboutin’s gorgeous wedge heels.

Peak-a-boo!!!!!

Want To Wear That See Thru Summer Top? Learn How To Wear White With Bristol

Ok so you have some really great outfits. And summer is here, and more than anything you really want to wear them! But there is only one problem…

They are mostly see-thru! So to avoid those embarrassing ‘peek a boo’ moments, try to conceal them. Yes this may sound tricky, but all the stars are doing it! And so can you. Bristol 6 has a great selection of pasties to use that cover up your most ‘delicate’ parts. Aptly named ‘Nippies‘, go for a really natural look and dare to wear your favorite white tee. Try their Nippies Natural, an ultra thin matt silicone that blends seamlessly into skin. This offers great coverage under tees, tanks, and dresses.

Or if you intend on going swimming a lot this summer. They also offer waterproof Nippies to wear under your swimsuit or bikini top. Though if you wanted to be sexy, you could just wear them alone…

Or for the blushing bride, they have their exclusive and sparkling Nippies, which easily functions under any wedding gown for the ultimate coverage.

Bikini Jeans - Wear It If You-Dare

When a client of a Japanese clothing company, Sanna’s wished for jeans that sat lower than her hips but will be snug enough not to require constant pulling up, Designer Sandra Tanimura let her creative juices flow and came up with low risers held up by bikini strings-voila! Bikini jeans were born!

The style has become quite a hit in Japan and is all set to take off in Europe. Will United States be next?

While the cut might flatter a stick thin figure, won’t a simple belt be a more flattering and reasonable solution for normal women, some wonder? Then of course there is the case of not wearing under wear. How many of us will be comfortable with that?

See-through and sheer fabrics trend

Sheer fabrics and sheer+opaque fabric combinations are a strong look for spring 2009. Take a look at these innovative collages, especially the ribbon embroidery on tulle (I think) at Alexander Wang. Although I feel that the only wearable piece here is the white bolero from Ralph Rucci.

Preen, Rodarte, Alexander Wang, Chado Ralph Rucci

This revised look tends to get a little more revealing; we blame it on the heat, and one’s desire to show off. 2009’s sheer pieces are a mixture of the soft and feminine, to the opposite extremes of the hardcore sex-kitten.

CFDA Fashion Awards 2009

Doutzen Kroes at CFDA Awards 2009

The 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards were last night, June 15th, at the Lincoln Center in New York City, New York. On the hot list: Blake Lively looks stunning in a hot pink tube dress and model Doutzen Kroes makes a statement in a flowing red gown. I think the best look is always the one that looks effortless. Heidi Klum makes pregnancy fashionable, glowing in a pewter dress and matching accessories. On the not list: Um…both Olivia Palermo of The City and one of the Olsen twins (not sure which) look like they’re wearing their mom’s dress found in a storage box from the 80’s. Other flops include Justin Timberlake, who appears to have given sexy back and looks like he is trying way too hard in this un-tailored suit and Kanye-wannabe glasses. Of course that guy from The White Stripes always looks dead, but why is he even there?

Pictures courtesy of gossipgirl.com

Jack White at CFDA Awards 2009

Lauren Santo Domingo at CFDA Awards 2009

Diane Kruger at CFDA Awards 2009

Doutzen Kroes at CFDA Awards 2009

Molly Sims at CFDA Awards 2009

Claire Danes at CFDA Awards 2009

Michelle Trachtenberg at CFDA Awards 2009

Katie Lee Joel at CFDA Awards 2009

Olivia Palermo at CFDA Awards 2009

Heidi Klum at CFDA Awards 2009

Taylor Lautner at 2009 CFDA Awards

Ashley Olsen at the 2009 CFDA Awards

Whitney Port at CFDA Awards 2009

Justin Timberlake and Emmanuelle Chriqui at the 2009 CFDA Awards

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