2013 SAG Awards

January is almost over but award season is still going strong. The Screen Actors Guild Awards may not be the most prestigious of the season but that doesn't mean that Hollywood's leading men and ladies go to any less trouble than usual. Jennifer Lawrence by far outshone everyone else, both in terms of outfit choice and awards whilst Eddie Redmayne led the way for the men.

As demonstrated by a number of stars last night, Monochrome is obviously one of the biggest trend of the season. January Jones, Julianna Margulies and Julianne Moore all opted for this look whilst other actresses went for one colour or the other. Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey and Elizabeth Moss all favoured black hues whilst Naomi Watts and Sofia Vergara chose to illustrate the other end of the spectrum in their white gowns.  See the gallery on our Facebook page.

Look of the Week: Chloe Moretz

You may have noticed that I always seem to have the same faces appearing in my 'Look of the Week' feature but it's been a while since Chloe Grace Moretz has appeared on my list. I've recently renewed my love of Chloe's wardrobe by watching 2005's Amityville Horror followed by needlessly Googling images (seriously what is Google images atm?) of the young star to add to my look books when this image appeared from last weeks LA Premiere of Movie 43.

The 15 year old star normally opts for feminine elegance when appearing on the red carpet, however for the premiere she went for the androgynous look with a Dolce & Gabbana trouser suit, finished of with a ruffled white blouse and darker locks than usual.

Is it normal to be this jealous of a 15 year old?

Review: Les Mis

 

It's easy to get caught in the hype of something, be it a book, a fashion trend or a movie. When something is buzzed about so much though, it can quite often fail to live up to your expectations, something I experienced with a number of things, from Harry Potter to Peplums and 50 shades to wedge trainers. Tom Hoopers Les Miserables however, proved to be the exception to that rule and was every bit as brilliant as it was described.

I've never really been into musicals. I mean Grease or Disney is about as musical as I get and considering that Les Mis was a Hollywood adaptation with such an amazing ensemble cast I assumed it would be something along the same lines - a normal movie with a few choice songs taken from Broadway. However despite the initial dread that set in when I realised I was only ten minutes into a three hour long musical piece, Les Mis turned out to be one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.

Set in the backdrop of 19th Century France, Les Miserables tells a tale of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) an ex prisoner who breaks patrol and is hunted for decades by policeman Jalvart (Russell Crowe). Valjean agrees to take care of dying factory workers Fantine's (Anne Hathaway’s) child Cosette and in doing so, changed his world forever. The film is an emotional rollercoaster that is a story of passion, hate, vengeance, redemption, revolution and ultimately a happy ever after.

Anne Hathaway had approximately on 15 minutes of screen time, in that short time she managed to turn not just me, but most of the audience into an emotional wreck with her beautiful rendition of 'I dreamed a dream'. Hathaway had her hair chopped off for the role on screen, meaning that the scenes where she sells her hair are real and full of the actresses own raw emotion, rendering the scenes as some of the most powerful in the entire picture.

 

 

Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter amazed as Thernardiers, the guardians of Cosette until Valjean comes to her rescue. The British duo have an onset chemistry to rival that of Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp who have collaborated on a number of occasions, and add some light hearted humour to the otherwise heavy movie. Former Burberry model Eddie Redmayne stars as Cosettes love, Marius and whilst he isn't the best singer, he certainly is pretty to look at. All in all an amazing movie, I highly recommend it.

 

 

Payday Purchase

It's a funny thing, I used to literally hate Topshop. Like seriously, my best friend Lauren always shopped in there and I used to refuse to go in because the place gave me such a headache, due to the fact that it appeared to me that girls walked in there with an individualistic style and walked out looking like clones. Obviously in the three years I ended up working there I changed my mind slightly and it could be said that I became one of the aforementioned clones. Since leaving I've reached some kind of happy medium where I can shop in their from time to time but still have my former opinion intact.

 

I used to have a similar opinion of H&M. Value retailers really were not my thing. Now I know how that sounds but I don't mean it in a snobby way, I meant it as in shopping is meant to be a fun activity, not something you do just to end up having to root through piles of clothes on the floor. I mean as a fashion student I respected both brands, but I never really shopped in them. Now, having worked at H&M for the last 7 months I love the place (yes I am one of those geeks who loves their jobs!) and in particular the Trend Range. Take this shirt for example (part of the range), at £29.99 it's a little pricier than the main line but, as with most things, you get what you pay for and this piece is both more on trend and of a better fabric.

 

The two tone of the shirt fits in perfectly with one of the main trends for the upcoming season and with the impetus of shirt wearers you can guarantee you'll look better than all your friends. What’s better? The trend range is only available in certain stores so you are a lot less likely to be looking like one of the Topshop clones! What's not to love!!

Look of the Week: Taylor Swift

What a week she’s had in the press, first her reported split from One Direction’s golden boy Harry Styles and now this. Is no secret that I have a MAJOR fashion crush of Taylor Swift right now (actually, it’s an all out girl crush but you know, potayto potahto), but this dress just takes my obsession with her to a new level! Striking a pose on the red carpet for the People’s Choice awards, Tay Tay opted for this plunging Ralph Lauren dress, emulating the White Out trend that was seen on runways from Calvin Klein to Alexander Wang this season.

Completing her look with some aqua Sultra earrings and a plaited updo, Taylor sure showed us that you actually can get along just fine without the current teen heart throb on your arm!

JT is back!!

He ‘took a break’ from the music industry six years ago to try his hand at acting, leaving millions of teenage girls heartbroken (myself included), but today Justin Timberlake announced, via his website, that he is making a comeback. The singer/actor cryptically tweeted yesterday (9.1.13) ‘Thursday, January 10th, 2013′ which fuelled speculation that JT was about to release a single with Jay Z and Beyonce, which, whilst it would be the most amazing collab ever, turned out to just not be true.

However, using a video on his website, the former N Sync star confirmed that he has found his ‘inspiration’ and is, in fact, back in the studio, although any dates are yet to be confirmed. Following the announcement, a clock appeared on the screen denoting that more information will be available in three days. Three, long, dragging days ahead then.

Payday Purchase

First week back and student loans have dropped, this can only mean one thing - a shopping spree in Zara. As you will all know the beginning of January is sale time, and believe me when I say that Zara have the biggest sale I have ever been to and unlike most sales it isn't simply rails of fragmented unsellable pieces. The Zara sale is actually perfectly organised and neatly lines the walls of the store - therefore no elbows to the head as you battle your way in between rails!

Anyhow, I digress. As you all probably know, every girl should have a leather jacket in their wardrobe; it is not only a great transeasonal piece, but it a real leather jacket will last you for years to come. For some reason, I never even owned a leather jacket - until now. I've invested in this great jacket from Zara, and at only £169, it's a fraction of the price of the jacket I was originally going to buy from Whistles.

Now that is what I call an investment piece!

Style Resoloutions

Every year when asked the majority of the population give the same answer regarding their New Years Resolutions. Generic things such as diet, go to the gym, give up smoking, drink less. These aren't just small changes, they're big lifestyle changes, things that should be done gradually and by using them as resolutions you are only putting more unnecessary pressure on yourself, therefore creating stress and probably leading you back to the very thing you are trying to quit.

This year, I've decided to keep it simple, and considering my industry is fashion, I've come up with 10 small style resolutions that will not only be more achievable, but will also make me feel a hell of a lot better about myself.

1. Stop picking my nail varnish - most people try not to bite their nails, if I can just avoid picking off the varnish then I'd have no desire to bite the nail!

2. Stop buying random nail varnish - I must have over 100 pots now including everything from Chanel to Barry M! Whilst I'll admit that my nails are my pride and joy, my purchasing is becoming a little obsessive.

3. Spend that little bit extra on decent footwear as opposed to forever buying ballerina flats and velvet slippers, I've been through around 7 pairs this year alone.

4. Take the shoes I did spend extra on to a cobbler before I have worn them into the ground and they are actually beyond repair

 

 

5. Use Dry Shampoo - I know I'm not alone in being one of those who washes their hair every other day. My hairdresser is forever reprimanding me.

6. Learn how to do my hair - I'm terrible for simply getting up and shoving my hair in a pony tail, I moan about celebs perfect hair but in reality make no effort with my own

7. Being a student, I always opt for high street jeans such as those from Topshop, thinking I'm saving myself money. In reality, these jeans always end up baggy round my knees and bum! This year I'm just going to save myself the hassle and invest in a pair of Paige jeans. The fit is brilliant for my shape, the colour lasts and the styles offered are always on trend.

8. Again, being in the fashion industry, I am prone to those buys that whilst a good idea at the time are in reality a waste of my money. I'm 23 and about to graduate, it's time to start saving my money and building up my staple wardrobe. I need a pair of Louboutins and a Prada bag in my life. A white Moschino shirt would be good too, and a Burberry Mac.....you get the idea!

9. Dress for my shape. Despite studying fashion and starting a career in the industry, I still have a habit of buying into trends that I like despite them not suiting me. Case in point - long flowing maxi skirts. I've a curvy figure but long legs. Ideally I should be wearing skinny fit jeans as opposed to skirts that I love that make me look about as good as an oompa loompa at a tea dance.

10. Finally and perhaps most importantly - maintain a beauty regime! This is one I always start at the beginning if the year but never keep up with. I am terrible for sleeping in my make up and not moisturising properly. I don't want to get to 30 and have to do a Jackie Stallone!

2013 Trends

 

Another year is finally behind us and I for one hope that we've seen the end of some of the fashion faux pas it contained. To name but a few - clear accessories, men in UGG's, flatforms/creepers, doughnut buns and onesies, oh too many onesies!! The best thing about a New Year however? The sales are starting to wane and we can finally enter stores without fear of being stuck behind a band of bargain hagglers at the till, leaving us free to begin building our Spring Summer '13 wardrobes. Rejoice!! Which trends to buy into you ask? Well, that's what we're here to look at!

Get Graphic

Last season we had the digital print, this season we have everything from plaid to chequered to simple and monochromatic.  For designers like Katrantzou through to Holly Fulton, graphic prints rocked the SS13 catwalks. Go hard or go home with full prints and wear minimal jewellery to avoid detracting any attention.

Metallic Marvels

If you’re bored of neons and pastels, try something different this season and go for metallic garments.  As seen at Viktor and Rolf, mix a metallic skirt with a neutral coloured top for a simple yet bang on trend look.

Pencil Skirts

As on the runway at Erdem, the pencil skirt is back with a bang this season. Whether it’s leather, a blocked colour or one with appliqué detailing, the pencil skirt will add sophistication to any outfit.  Plus the way it makes us wiggle will never be a bad thing.

Sexed up 60’s

The past few seasons may have seen us all hiding our pasty legs under maxi’s, but girl’s, it’s time to get them out again with a 60’s revival.  With Moschino (above) and Louis Vuitton, to name a few, showing their swinging hems, it’s time to take inspiration from Twiggy in her heyday.

Stripes

Dispel all those myths you’ve heard about stripes making you look fat.  When worn right, they flatter everyone.  Pictured here at De La Rentas show, black and white always look best.  Stripes are a statement on their own so don’t try to be overconfident by throwing bright colours in the mix.  One of my favourites for the upcoming season, why? Because it’s effortless regardless of your sense of style.

Bored of Bikers?

Biker jackets are another piece that has stayed the course of a few seasons, yet for SS 13 it seems that designers have decided to opt for a new jacket cut – the bomber.  Known foe it’s sport styling, the bomber isn’t something we’ve seen a lot of recently, but with the vast majority of designers showing them on the runway, it’s time to get ordering.

New Romance

 

Be lace, floral prints or even just a pastel hue, this feminine trend is one that is always big for the summer so why would you expect this season to be any different?  Take notes from the likes of Valentino, Burberry and, of course, the ultimate delicate label - Erdem