Search Results for “sex and the city

Six lust-worthy lace dresses we love!

We lo-lo-love lace! Ever since we laid eyes on Kate Middleton’s luxurious Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding gown, we’ve been pretty obsessed with it. And we aren’t alone either, as our favourite high street stores and designers keep them coming season after season. Here are six that we are currently lasting after: 1. Inject a bit of subtle yet bold winter colour into your winter party wardrobe with this teal hued beauty. Miss Selfridge teal lace bodycon dress, £35 2. So regal and romantic, this dress does all the talking – no need to overload on accessories! Untold lace dress with sleeves, £108 3. A strapless, seductive party number that looks like it has a place on the dance floor as well as the bedroom floor. Kinky! Jane Norman embellished lace bandeau dress, £37.50 4. The perfect infusion of grey and white in this silky, sexy three-quarter sleeved dress. Joe Browns luxurious lace dress, £48 5. Sometimes simplicity really is key; go back to basics with this casual chic white dress from Topshop! Topshop lace panel skater dress, £20 6. Have you ever seen a more seductive, Dita von Teese reminiscent dress in your life? LK Bennett Lavine lace shift dress, £221.25

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The 2013 Pride of Britain Awards – the best dressed!

Last night, London’s Grosvenor House played host to the 2013 Pride of Britain Awards, which were attended by a multitude of well-dressed celebs from Louise Redknapp to Christine Bleakley to everyone else inbetween. There were a few ladies who stood out the most to us – for all the right reasons, of course – and they were Pixie Lott, Girls Aloud’s Kimberly Walsh, and Nicole Scherzinger. We predict Nicole will be popping up a lot in this section over the next few months thanks to the X Factor live shows that start this Saturday! Pixie Lott added some character to the red carpet in her spring/summer 2014 Yuvna Kim dress which she accessorised with a cute sparkly headband and a gravity-defying bee-hive. Kimberley Walsh went for a timeless, elegant look in a white long-sleeved Halston Heritage dress; we adore her sleek straight blonde locks and ruby red lips. Simplicity still goes a long, long way! And as usual Nicole Scherzinger went for the sex factor in her sleek, understated but oh so smouldering black dress courtesy of Amanda Wakeley. A true vision! Who gets your best-dressed vote?

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Olivia Wilde dares to bare in Gucci at Rush London premiere

Wilde by name and wild by sartorial nature. Olivia Wilde dared to bare at the premiere of her new film Rush in London’s Leicester Square last night, opting to walk the red carpet in a dangerously plunging black Gucci jumpsuit that no doubt got her a lot of attention. The actress ensured that the rest of her look was just as bold, edgy and sexy by adding a seriously bold red lip, statement eye make-up and no distracting accessories. The simplicity was part of this look’s appeal – Olivia didn’t put a foot wrong! If you think Gucci and Olivia are a match made in heaven, then we urge you to see Rush as her character Suzy Miller’s costumes were made by Gucci’s Frida Giannini herself. Is this one of Olivia Wilde’s sexiest looks to date? Jason Sudeikis is one lucky fella!

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Lily Collins is Best Dressed of the Week

Considering she’s given us five lust-worthy looks this week, we settled on the gorgeous Lily Collins as our Best Dressed of the Week. Running the gamut of red carpet looks; from chic casual to edgy preppy and directional monochrome, the wow-browed Hollywood darling looked every inch like red carpet royalty! Charging ahead with the promotional rounds for her latest movie, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones; first up, Lily slipped into a shimmering Bec & Bridge resort 2014 skirt and tee ensemble. Wavy locks, Louboutin pumps and a chunky gold chain completed her look nicely. Moving onto the ‘black carpet’, Lily rocked a striking all-white ensemble at the LA premiere for the film. Wearing a mid-riff baring Cushnie et Ochs resort 2014 dress, Lily completed her look with matching Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and on-trend garnet lips. Bringing a splash of printed fun to the 2013 Teen Choice Awards, Lily opted for a palm-print skirt, paired with a simple black tee and Brian Atwood pumps. A chic updo and cat-eye liner perfectly finished her fun-yet-cool look. Slipping into a trusty, thigh-skimming Thakoon dress for the movie’s LA press conference, we love Lily’s sleek glossy locks and sultry makeup. Jimmy Choo heels and shimmering nails rounded off this easy yet impacting look. And finally, the gorgeous lady wowed in monochrome Roland Mouret autumn/winter 2013 skirt and crop top. Simple Jimmy Choo Anouk pumps, a black clutch and a bold red lip accessorised to perfection, whilst a subtly sexy updo was the hairstyle order of the day. What are your thoughts on Lily’s looks? Was she worthy of our BDOTW title? (We think so!)

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10 Essential basics under £100

If you turn to the style mavens of the industry, a common thread runs through their style and shopping habits (except for, maybe, Anna Dello Russo); curb the clothes hoarding, and mix and match more. The foundation of a stellar fashion wardrobe is simple: basics, and plenty of them. Those trusty pieces you repeatedly visit in your wardrobe; the ones that you throw on and don’t give a second thought to, because they do just what they’re supposed to. Crafted to perfection cuts, luxe fabrics and multi-look, flattering tones are key when building a winning basics wardrobe, because these pieces will form the basis of your look, to which you can add accoutrements and up the glam ante. But looking ‘pulled together’ doesn’t have to mean a belief defying budget, and that’s where we come in. Rounding up 10 essential basics under £100 (yes, you can be stylish on a shoestring budget) here are the pieces your wardrobe needs right now, and forever. 1. The lightweight knit, £79.20: Ease into a day-to-night look with a stylish sweater in classic grey. Wear with jeans and sneakers to hit daytime errands, or swap the casual separates for leather leggings and heels for night. 2. The all-rounder sunnies, £99.87: The evergreen aviator-style sunglasses are a must-have in every discerning fashionista’s basics wardrobe, and a style that’s ultra-flattering for most face shapes. 3. The multi-tasking tote, £40: Carry it by the top handles, or sling it over your shoulder – we couldn’t ask for a better bag really! 4. The silk dress £39.99: That easy number that oozes office-to-cocktails charm, and doesn’t break the bank? This silk high street beauty is, well, right up our street! 5. The classic, off-duty blazer, £39.99: The ultimate piece in basic wardrobe-building, we love a jersey blazer for […]

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Rosie Huntington Whiteley in asymmetrical Dior for amfAR Gala

Last year’s amfAR Cinema Against Aids Gala was all about the black, so it made a nice change to see the A-listers go in the complete opposite colour direction this time around. Whites and brights were very prominent on the amfAR red carpet, but our stand-out look definitely came from model, lingerie designer, actress and overall sexpot Rosie Huntington Whiteley. In our opinion, Rosie pretty much stole the show in her asymmetric white Christian Dior dress, which says a lot considering how hot all the celebs looked for the occasion. The majority of the ladies opted for long dresses, so we commend Rosie for taking a style risk; it definitely paid off! She could have also gone for accessories-overload considering the simplicity of the dress and extravagance of the event, but we think the understated nature of the look is one of the reasons we love it so much. Rosie’s unquestionable beauty also plays a huge part. What do you guys think?

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The art of ungratefulness, or is it?

If you’re one of these people who seethes with anger over the daily shenanigans of those swimming in pools of money, yet still bemoaning some petty aspect of their gilded life, then ‘ungrateful’ is probably the most used word in your celeb-hating lexicon. For us, we’re not so much seething, as we are perplexed, at the audacity of privileged individuals to complain about something most people would leap out of a plane unaided for. But, sometimes, scratching beneath the surface of a superstar’s discontent could reveal some really interesting stuff. Like when Gwyneth Paltrow publicly announced her dislike for this year’s Met Gala (you could’ve posted us your invite, y’know). Or when an ex-Victoria’s Secret, dollar-raking model suddenly decided to quit everything, up sticks and move to a town nearly two-and-a-half thousand miles west of New York. And it’s the latter story that mainly took us by surprise. Karlie Kloss, Miranda Kerr and Alessandra Ambrosia; the names of just three of the many Angel’s who form part of a whimsical establishment which celebrates bejewelled bras and toned tums like the world’s existence depends on it. Paid in the millions, and elevating relatively unknown faces to supermodel status; anyone in their right minds wouldn’t kick such an offer in the face. Well, Kylie Bisutti (pictured) would argue otherwise. The ex-Angel quit the glitz and glamour of the modelling world in February last year, after claiming the industry made her feel like a ‘sex worker’. Now a devout Christian, Kylie felt that modelling in nothing more than skimpy smalls went against the fundamentals of her religious beliefs. But it was a particular photo shoot that pushed the promising model over the edge, making her realise she wasn’t conveying a positive message to a much younger generation of girls aspiring to her, and […]

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Balenciaga Carry-on Suitcase: Yay or Nay?

With holiday season coming up we know your thoughts are divided between the 9 to 5 drill, and mentally packing the ideal holiday wardrobe that is set make you the envy of the entire South Beach population. But, like us, if you’re on a limited luggage allowance (highly problematic for fashion gals, we know), a valise, or small, carry-on suitcase, is the best option. And if mental images of sitting on your case in order to zip it up may send you into a pre-vacation panic, with this week’s luxury Yay or Nay choice, you’ll probably refrain from over packing. Enter the luxe carry-on suitcase from Balenciaga. Worthy of being a paparazzo magnet, given it’s instantly recognisable palladium hardware detailing, you’re set to get some envious stares from fellow travellers at check-in. But coming in at a holiday-fund evaporating £1,625, we weighed up the pros and cons of getting your hands on this piece of luxe luggage before embarking on a Kardashian style airport entrance. YAY 100% Leather: The ultimate luxe investment if you’re looking for a break from unglamorous high street department store cases. Comfortable carrying capacity: With a 28 inch telescopic handle height, two zipped front pockets, one internal zipped pocket and two internal black elasticated straps, its roomy enough to easily carry essentials for a short break. Unisex appeal: With its soft grey exterior and gender-transcending hardware detail, we can guarantee the man in your life will get his (perfectly groomed) claws into this case at some point. Just make sure it’s not for a lads’ holiday! NAY Price: At £1,625, this may eat into your luxury holiday budget. Entirely. Wear and tear: If you’re checking the Balenciaga suitcase in, then say a little prayer in your heart. Luggage handlers aren’t best known for their sensitivity, and with £1,625 lying on a coveyor belt, we rest […]

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Is Louis Vuitton really promoting prostitution?

I suspect when designers release their seasonal campaigns to match what the fash pack feasted their eyes on during fashion month, they prepare for both a backlash and endless praise. Endless praise from their main advertising buddies, who create bumper issues spilling with lithe models sprawled across a beach, or, if we’re talking about the Dolce duo then ‘real’ Italians having a good time. And naturally, a backlash from those more critical of the brazen approach fashion stories take. One in question this week is the latest video from luxury French fashion house, Louis Vuitton, the collaborative effort of Katie Grand and film maker James Lima (see video below) showcasing the models in runway looks from the autumn/winter 2013 collection. But it isn’t the negligee-inspired outfits that resulted in an outcry, but rather that the actions of the models – many in a state of drunkenness and undress – roaming dingy alleyways and being accosted by suspect, slow moving cars. Accused of glamorising prostitution by a letter in left wing newspaper, Liberation, the short film is charged with “assimilating luxury with the world’s second most profitable criminal activity after drug trafficking”. Now this isn’t surprising, given the industry’s habit of flirting with fire and redirecting often dangerous ideals in a playful, light-hearted way, dressed up in the froufrou of fashion. But such criticism also gives rise to many other aspects of fashion that raise more than a brow. Firstly, Katie Grand is a name synonymous with the alternative and ever so risqué this side of the Channel, and her tome, LOVE, doesn’t strictly abide by pre-watershed rules. With this in mind, the nature of the short film becomes more understandable: Grand pushes normality and ideals to their limits (lip-locking models, a near naked Kate Moss). After all, she is the woman who […]

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Seven of the hottest spring/summer fashion trends you need to know about

[noskim] It’s a new year and a new fashion season, which inevitably means that there are a whole heap of trends and styles to get to grips with. If you’ve not been able to keep up with the catwalk shows but still want inspiration for your spring/summer 2013 wardrobe, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up seven of the hottest (and the most wearable) trends of the season: Monochrome Black and white pieces were all over the catwalks in New York and Paris, and the shops will soon be full of monochrome masterpieces. Black and white dresses and other pieces offer instant elegance and sophisticated simplicity, so you won’t need to worry about matching or clashing colours when putting together an outfit. Long may this trend last! Stripes Just as easy to wear as monochrome, stripes in all forms and thicknesses are set to be huge this season. The key to wearing stripes is to use them to flatter your figure, drawing attention to your best bits and concealing others. Bermuda shorts Got a holiday coming up? If so, you mustn’t forget a pair of Bermuda shorts – they’re all you’re going to see on the beach this summer. Peekaboo dresses These are dresses which show off some skin, but there’s no need to rush out for a boob job or have liposuction surgery just yet – the current trend is not overly revealing. The idea is to show off the most minor flash of flesh, and at the narrowest part of the body – the midriff. After all, just the smallest glimpse of skin is far sexier than showing off the whole lot. Pencil skirts Pencil skirts and dresses are universally flattering, so women of all shapes and sizes should be happy that the pencil is back for the season. […]

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Fashion predictions – Tailored Jackets

[noskim] Tailored jackets were hidden from the wardrobes of every savvy fashionista not so long ago, out of vogue and unwanted. Thankfully all that silliness has gone and once again tailored sophistication is back from Narnia and can safely be nestled in ones wardrobe. Tailored jackets are set to be a key trend for spring, summer and autumn, and will have equal appeal for both sexes. This is fantastic news for everyone as a good tailored jacket can suit all body types and accentuate all other trends. One of the hottest looks will be the fitted biker jacket. Its classic tailored appeal, teamed with the edgy design of biker chic will appeal to even the steampunk’s amongst us. Tailored jackets will be coming out of the woodwork in all shapes and sizes. We are familiar with the Prince of Wales tweed and the pinstripe but these do not have to be kept for countryside weekends or the board room. Try teaming a tailored tweed jacket with skinny jeans, a knitted sweater and brown leather boots for a smart city look or the pinstripe tailored jacket with chinos and a vest for an afternoon spent shopping and lunching. Yes, I mention that staple fashion garment, skinny jeans but I am not saying that you have to be the periodical skinny Minnie to wear the tailored jacket, far from it. The jacket can suit both men and women who are slim as the tailored look is fitted well and will accentuate the silhouette and give a classic look rather that make one look like they have shrunken in their jacket. Someone who is of a larger size should select a tailored jacket that is not too long. It is all too easy to surround yourself in a lot of fabric and try […]

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See the rest of Lana Del Rey’s H&M ad campaign!

David Beckham isn’t the only pretty face to model for H&M at the moment. Let’s not forget that the wonderful American songstress and Mulberry muse Lana Del Rey has also lent her face to H&M, and some more of her ad campaign images have just been released. And as expected, we love them in all of their retro, vintage, beehive glory! Props to Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for taking such gorgeous pictures! Lana is showcasing more of H&M’s fabulous autumn/winter delights, our favourites of which include an off the shoulder mint green jumper, a cream winter coat with a faux fur collar, a slightly Carrie Bradshaw-esque tutu and a grey bodycon dress with subtle black pipe detailing. The collection as a whole is looking pretty incredible this season…  and the fact that Lana is showcasing the pieces makes us love them even more. Good for our love of H&M and Lana and autumn/winter fashion. Bad for our wallets! [Refinery 29]

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First look: Ashley Greene’s DKNY ad campaign for autumn/winter 2012

DKNY tapping Ashley Greene has been one of the best decisions the brand has made in years in our opinion. We didn’t think anything was going to top her spring/summer 2012 ad campaign images as they were girly, fun, flirty and she generally looked more beautiful than we’ve ever seen her. However, we think her autumn/winter 2012 offering is just as wow-worthy… it’s amazing how effective some simple picture scan be, so huge kudos to Peter Lindbergh! We love the whole paparazzi “oh dang, you caught me” feel of this campaign, and how sleek and sexy Ashley and her mystery man look. But he’s not entirely a mystery man – he is in fact Johannes Huebl, who as it happens is Olivia Palermo‘s model boyfriend. Gorgeous model boyfriend, may we add. The campaign was reportedly created to “voyeuristically document a slice of Ashley Greene’s life in the city,” which we think is exactly what has been captured. As ever, the New York City vibe is very much apparent in each and every shot, which stays true to the essence of the brand. DKNY, we love you! What do you think of the pics? [Images] 

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Paris Fashion Week: Day 6

Bill Gaytten stayed true to his friend John Galliano for his eponymous collection, proving just how in tune to each other the pair really were. Well, still are. Maybe he is the best person to replace him at Dior after all! The collection was filled with wild, sexy, edgy pieces, all about creating that all-important wow-factor and leaving a lasting impression, with a MFL-approved stamp of Britishness thrown in there for good measure. Christophe Lemaire went for a more relaxed theme for Hermès this season, with ‘wild, wild, west’ inspired pieces – ponchos and fedora hats, included – and going for slightly less feminine silhouettes than are usually expected from the brand. Riccardo Tisci slightly played on the underwear as outerwear theme towards the end of the Givenchy show, while the rest was comprised of punk-inspired designs with studs and armpit-length leather gloves and knee-high leather boots in abundance. Albert Kriemler’s vision for Akris was simple, elegant, demure… the list goes on and on. We love seeing how such an understated collection managed to hold its own amongst the vivid and even outlandish collections of Paris Fashion Week, proving that simplicity never goes out of style. Don’t think this is the last of it – we still have the likes of Kanye West, Stella McCartney and Chanel on the list of shows to look forward to. Paris Fashion Week is far from over!

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Paris Fashion Week: Day 4

With all those rumours flying around, it’s obvious that Bill Gaytten and his work at Christian Dior is going to be put under the microscope and analysed until it can be analysed no more. But, we’re going to continue looking at the Dior collections with an open mind, and we have to say that akin to the recent couture collection, Bill Gaytten’s autumn/winter 2012 outing was actually, quite brilliant.

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We found Valentia, have you? (This exclusive vid of Freja Beha might help!)

“Valentina! Valentina!,” they cry. Only Valentina isn’t there. She’s gone exploring the city, the little rascal – and she smells ruddy nice, too. Not got a clue what we’re on about? Valentina, the new scent from Valentino, has just launched, but with Freja Beha Erichsen as its face, this fragrance has an overriding naughtiness that you’ll find hard to resist. In her first acting role – and fragrance ad, FYI – Freja plays the part of Valentina, a modern heiress who’s unphased by the fuss surrounding her and would frankly rather go in search of an adventure. And escape she does, during her birthday party in the grandest Italian casa, as it happens (awkward timing, Freja!) to explore the neglected nocturnal streets of Rome and smooch up to a hot guy in his car. If only that happened every time we wanted out. We were whisked away to Rome last weekend to find Valentina, and after copius glasses of fizz and exquisite food on sun-drenched terraces overlooking the seductive Italian city, we tracked her down (though, if we’re playing fair, that might have had something to do with having the Valentino team for tour guides). So, how does Valentina (the girl) translate to Valentina (the fragrance)? So sweetly, since you ask. The scent – an “irreverant Italian floral oriental” – opens with notes of bergamot and white Alba truffles, both typical of Italy, for a zesty freshness with a bold edge. In their trail, jasmine, orange blossom and tuberose create a crisp beauty, while wild strawberries recreate Freja’s irresistible rebellion. To finish, cedarwood and amber add a seductive sensuality that, when cased inside a gorgeous glass bottle boasting three signature Valentino nude flowers and a strikingly sophisticated black topper, couldn’t come closer to the fashion label’s essence. Classic yet modern, […]

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London Fashion Week SS12: Mulberry

Who: Mulberry What: Bonkers British seaside! Carousel animal prints, candyfloss colours – in hair and clothes – and pops of arcade brights on floaty dresses, skirt suits and separates. All, of course, laced with signature Mulberry charm, wit and English eccentricity. Highlights: Decadently embellished jackets that sparkle like arcade lights, a gold skirt suit in muted metallic boucle and lizzard print accessories (naturally). Lowlights: Khaki knitted leggings felt out of place under a pink skirt and zebra tee. Overall: You could have guessed, from the icecream van dishing out frozen treats and pink lemonade outside and giant candy-coloured cones decorating Claridge’s entrance, that this was going to be a lively show, but of course, it’s inside where all the fun happens. If you hadn’t guessed the theme of Mulberry’s spring 2012 collection yet, walking past the animal balloon-filled hall of helium leopards and zebras and into the ballroom, where sounds of seagulls played against an arcade entrance with flashing coloured lights and an enlarged clown-like face certainly gave the game away. As Oh I do like to be Beside the Seaside played out to the room, so the models appeared on the runway, clad in flowing pleated skirts and rain macs to account for every weather at the beach. Sundresses that resembled Refreshers in pink, lemon and mint stripes were layered over long-sleeved tops, while animal prints featured on jackets and dresses to deliver Mulberry’s signature quirk. Hair, backcombed to a bouffant, had washed-out candy floss streaks, a jewel-encrusted skirt mimicked reflections of the brightest Blackpool lights and muted gold summer boucle skirt suits added a posh twist to this pier collection. Though she’s still fun-loving (note new Alexas with teddy bear rivets), Mulberry’s girl has grown up for spring – she’s a little sexier and showier and, hell, we […]

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What’s In Your Makeup Bag: Harper’s Bazaar’s Gabriele Hackworthy

With wardrobes worth their weight in gold, and hairdos commanding very little to look perfect, it’s the makeup bags of these fashion doyennes we never get to see. To find out the secrets behind their luminous complexions, catwalk replica bee-stung pouts and impeccably natural looking tans, we delved deep into Harper’s Bazaar’s newly-appointed fashion director Gabriele Hackworthy’s makeup bag. Recognised for her cutting edge style and distinct fashion perspective, Gabriele has more than 15 years’ experience in the fashion industry.   Having started out at Australian Vogue and promoted to fashion director at the impressive age of 26, Gabriele has also worked as fashion director-at-large for both Japanese and Chinese Vogue, when the latter publication launched in 2004. We caught up with Gabriele for a quick chat about her beauty regime and the products she swears by to keep her looking camera ready in a stylishly hectic job… What’s in your makeup bag? Cle De Peau concealer, Shu Uemera eyelash curlers, I use two foundations – YSL Perfect Touch foundation or Cle de Peau Refining Fluid Foundation

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Cannes 2011: Best Dressed (pt 1)

One of the most prestigious film – and fashion – events of the year has begun. Yes, after kicking off on Wednesday, the exclusive Cannes Film Festival is well under way, and so is the red carpet action that always incurs at the lavish two-week ceremony. Our favourite occasion in the calendar – the dresses are more daring, the glamour’s knocked up a notch and the risque rises with the utmost chic – the A list have been presenting the very best of red carpet couture in their masses. And with two days of serious sartorial success under its belt already, our selection for the first part of our best dressed list has been particularly hard, but not for lack of gorgeousness. From Rachel McAdams’ many hits to Uma Thurman in Versace, see below for our favourite picks from Cannes so far… Rachel McAdams Rachel McAdams hit the red carpet with her man Michael Sheen to promote their new film Midnight in Paris looking every inch the Hollywood star.  The Mean Girls actress wore a breathtakingly beautiful sheer gown with embroidered red lace by Marchesa. Together with her gold Casadei courts and voluminus curly hair she looked the epitome of old school Hollywood glamour.   Uma Thurman Attending the Midnight in Paris premiere Uma Thurman pulled out all the stops. Looking stunning in an an angelic custom-made white Versace gown, complete with a feathered train, Uma totally show the show on the red carpet. Even the actress herself knew how great she looked – when photographers complimented her dress, she said, “It’s sexy isn’t it?”   Angelina Jolie Angelina is a rare sighting on the red carpet these days but her appearance at Cannes yesterday to promote her new film Kung Fu Panda 2 showed she hasn’t lost he touch when it comes to ultra elegant dressing. The queen of simplicity, she looked understated […]

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Bridal lingerie you’ll both love

Kate Middleton may have married her prince, but summer wedding season is still in full swing – and hey, there’s two more Kate’s still to marry yet. Maybe it’s the warm weather that’s got us feeling a little frisky or the thrill of a great pair of panties, but we can’t stop ourselves stumbling across luxe lingerie, and since we’ve sorted the rest of the sartorial wedding dilemmas, we’re more than happy to stop and stare. Naturally, our desire to know what Kate wore under her dress is likely to remain unfulfilled, so we’ll settle instead for picking the perfect sets for you to show off in the wedding suite. We’ve browsed the best boutiques for beautiful bridal lingerie you’ll both say yes to, and from curve-enhancing corsets to light luxe lace layers, we’ve come up trumps with pieces to make you feel like a princess. But we’ll warn you, it might put you in the mood for more…   Rigby & Peller Vintage Bridal Set Rigby & Peller’s vintage chiffon ruffle set is beyond gorgeous. With its chiffon bow tie and ruffled back briefs, we love its delicate, decadent touches. Bra, £95.95; brief, £89.95, both available at Rigby & Peller. BUY NOW!   Meredith Bridal Set We might have know Myla’s first full bridal set would be seriously sumptuous. In ivory silk satin finished with a delicate floral lace trim, ‘Meredith’ strikes the perfect balance of sweet and sexy – and the waspie will add subtle structure. Bra, £110; brief, £39; suspender, £39; waspie, £60, all available at Myla. BUY NOW!   Simone Perele Avant Premiere Basque If clean cut simplicity is more your thing, Simone Perele’s premiere bridal basque is strikingly beautiful. Understated and elegant, its quality design with a little lace trim is enough to make a […]

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Get the look: Kate Winslet in Stella McCartney

Last Monday British actress Kate Winslet looked positively stunning in a polka dot Stella McCartney dress straight off the luxury label’s autumn/winter 2011 runway whilst attending the Mildres Pierce premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. As if her new cropped platinum hair isn’t enough of a statement, Kate’s style is spot on in this asymmetric form-fitting dress. Minimalism meets modern, we love its classic cut and contemporary polka dot pattern – the perfect combination of sleek and sexy. Luckily, this runway-come-red-carpet look is just as easy to recreate on the high street, and if you too want to look glam and gorgeous like Kate, fear not – we’ve got a sartorial solution up our sleeve. Aubree spot dress, £150, available at Coast. BUY NOW! This Aubree spot dress from classic high-street store Coast is a dead ringer for Kate’s dotted dress. With its sophisticated silhouette, silk fabric and sheer panel detailing, this polka-spotted dress is a style steal for every occasion at £150. Layer over a long-sleeved scoop neck top to mimic Kate’s style, or wear alone on warm spring evenings. So if you want to steal a slice sleek modern minimalism a la Ms. Winslet, we suggest grabbing this Coast alternative fast – no doubt they’ll be selling like proverbial hot cakes thanks to Kate and her ultra-chic makeover.

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Valentine’s gifts for him: Tom Ford for Men eau de toilette

Forget novelty gifts and get your man something he really wants this Valentine’s day – a refined, romantic and sophisticated scent. A reflection of the designer himself – and let’s not pretend we’re not giddy at the thought – Tom Ford’s Tom Ford for Men eau de toilette is perfect for city dwellers and guys about town alike with its strong, seductive smell spiked with unexpected florals. And it’s good news for you, too – Tunisian Orange Flower and Cypriol are ingredients for intense sexiness and sensuality, so we hear. A gift for the man you love by the man everyone loves? Sorted. Tom Ford For Men eau de toilette, £42, available at House of Fraser. BUY NOW

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Black Swan – review

“Nominated for 21 awards,” Outlandishly entertaining,” “Portman’s best performance yet” – if I were to believe the reviews I read of Black Swan, I’d have loved this film before I even saw it. But then again, reviews are nothing if not sensitive, subjective things. Luckily for this film there aren’t any bad ones – and for good reason – but I wasn’t without my anxieties. The last film I recall to create such a frenzy, in fashion, at least, was Alice in Wonderland, and the less I say about that the better. So yes, I was a little intrepid as I arrived at 20th Century Fox last week; nervous and excited in equal measures about the critics’ promising words. They were right, of course – enchanting, mesmerising, haunting – all these expectant adjectives were met and more, but I wasn’t prepared to be blown away something so beautifully intense, disturbing and, at times, down right scary. Perhaps the words psychological thriller should have given the game away, but until now, my thoughts had been focused on its fashion-forward beauty, the romance, its delicacy – ballerinas, tutus, tuelle (forgive me, I’m nothing if not job-obsessed) – of which there was plenty. With enough plisse pleats to perfect a plié and an arm full of Rodarte’s semi-couture costumes to boot, my sartorial needs were well and truly met – but that’s as much as I’m going to say about its fashion credentials because, as good as they are, Black Swan deserves to be reviewed as an incredibly exciting film and not a runway show. Portman’s performance as Nina Sayers, a young ballerina at a New York City ballet school, is little short of outstanding as she explores and experiences, somewhat explicitly, the pressures of womanhood as an increasingly-promising dancer (steps which Portman, […]

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Lunchtime buy: Superfine Leather Skinny Jeans

Every girl needs some killer skinny jeans in her wardrobe, and these Superfine leather jeans will add a contemporary edge to any new season wardrobe. Leather is a huge trend this autumn and the leather panels on these jeans represent the touchable texture perfectly. We love the designer-embossed matt gold metal poppers on the pockets, too, which provide instant glamour. Whether you wear them in the daytime or for the evening you’re guaranteed to stand out from the crowd in these skinnies for all the right reasons – sexy and oozing city-chic appeal whilst still remaining sophisticated. Wear with a chunky knit, heeled boots and an oversized handbag to create a casual uptown city look, or dress up in a show-stopping embellished top and clutch bag in the evening, without forgetting your favourite heels to complete the outfit. Superfine Leather Skinny Jeans, £395, available at Browns. BUY NOW!

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Five minutes with jeweller Johnny Rocket

Johnny Rocket’s a name that should need no introduction, but what the heck, we’re going to give you one anyway. When John Pearce launched his jewellery label back in 1997, he had no idea it was going to become one of Britain’s most iconic accessories brands – but he’d hoped it would be. Quickly catching the eyes of all the people that matter in music and celebrity cultures, it was the fashion industry that first saw Johnny Rocket’s potential for super-stardom when he sealed deals to collaborate with Tom Ford and Julien Macdonald, among others, to create his signature innovative designs that fuse edgy rock-spirit with intricate expertise. Making somewhat of a name for itself as a coveted cool and quirky company, creative commissions have flown through the door for Johnny Rocket – he created Jamiroqui’s iconic warrior headdress, Kylie’s legendary hotpants and a bespoke Swarovski-encrusted guitar for the Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins among the rest. But Johnny Rocket’s no longer a one-man brand – in 2002, when Pearce was working on a diamond-embellished Ford KA with Julien Macdonald, he met Niall Paisley, an esteemed jeweller, who soon became a partner. Fast-forward to today, though, and Johnny Rocket’s been working its magic on a new project – with diet Coke, as it would happen, creating limited edition Swarovski-embellished bottles exclusively for Selfridges, where John will also be appearing today to help customers customise their own versions. We caught up with Johnny Rocket last week to find out more about the diet Coke collaboration, what makes jewellery so special, and what sparkle we should be looking out for this season… You’ve just announced a collaboration with diet Coke to create a limited edition collection of bottles – how did the collaboration come about? diet Coke approached me about working with them […]

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Get the look: Megan Fox in Armani

Megan Fox was a head turner at Milan Fashion Week in September, and at Giorgio Armani’s spring/summer 2011 show, her Armani ensemble screamed elegant simplicity whilst still remaining sexy – a look Megan always seems to pull off. The Armani jacket is the focal point of the outfit; we love its strong shoulders and sharp cut which highlights Megan’s best features. Her minimal accessories make her look effortlessly chic, but her statement facet ring and clutch bag keep the glamour in her outfit – and we couldn’t wait to recreate it. See our top picks for how to get Megan’s look… Etoile Isabel Marant Wool Herringbone Blazer, £325, Net-A-Porter All eyes are immediately drawn to Megan’s jacket; it’s the statement piece of the outfit. This is further emphasised by the choice of a black dress layered underneath so the jacket can create contrast – and this Etoile Isabel Marant wool herringbone blazer fits the bill perfectly. Not only is it almost an exact match to the light grey of Armani’s piece but it also has long sleeves and one button to cinch your waist for Megan-like curves. TFNC Sash Bandeau Dress, £35, ASOS This dress is a classic LBD which can be worn over and over again. The layered pleat design is also an ideal match to Megan’s dress, and whilst we can’t see if hers is strapless, the sweetheart neckline bears a strong similarity to the heart shaped cut out detail on Ms. Fox’s. Miss KG Eden Concealed Platform Heeled Court Shoes, £65, ASOS Not only are these KG courts the same shade as Megan’s, they also share the same soft suede finish. The classic court and rounded toe design is super-sleek, while the concealed platform is guaranteed to save your feet at the end of a girl’s night […]

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Five minutes with fashion designer Esteban Cortazar

You might remember him more recently for leaving Emanuel Ungaro when Lindsay Lohan was appointed, but you’d be wrong to think that’s Esteban Cortazar’s defining moment. At the ripe age of 26, he’s had his own fashion label, has headed a major French fashion house, has dressed industry insiders and the A-list elite alike, and famously brought Cindy Crawford out of her modelling retirement. And yes, we did say he was only 26. Born in Colombia but spending much of his childhood in Miami, a 12-year-old Cortazar found himself surrounded by the fast-paced flurry of the city’s style scene and a fashion fascination was born – but little did he know his dream of one day becoming a designer would result in him becoming one of the industry’s biggest success stories. In 2002, Esteban’s eponymous label made its runway debut to critical acclaim – one year later, he brought Cindy Crawford out of her modelling retirement when she agreed to open and close his spring/summer 2004 show (the pair had formed quite the friendship after eating chocolate covered strawberries together when he was 13, but more on that later), and a further four years on, he would hold the helm at the house of Ungaro. His love of the feminine form fused with his passion to create cool, intricately-individual pieces had made him a hit with fashion fans across the globe, but like any good story, he’s not without his controversy. Last year, after breathing new life into the classic label, Cortazar hung his creative cap at Ungaro when Lindsay Lohan was brought on board to give the brand publicity – he is, after all, an esteemed designer, and one that probably doesn’t want to be associated with nipple tassels any day of the week. But fast-forward to today and […]

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Five minutes with Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of Vintage at Goodwood

It’s been a while since the fashion world last heard from Wayne Hemingway. Red or Dead, the label he started with his wife, Geraldine, was one of the most iconic British fashion lines of the 90s, and although the label is still going, their attentions have been significantly diverted. Most recently the couple have been collaborating with leading architects on model houses for the Scottish Housing expo in the highlands and revamping the Boscombe seafront by the beach in Bournemouth. Last year they even created a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show. But this summer the Hemingways are back on the fashion scene once again and making a very loud splash with one of their most ambitious projects yet. Their summer festival, Vintage at Goodwood, which celebrates the best of British music, film, food, art and, most importantly, fashion, launches in a few weeks with a full weekend of what promises to be a vintage fashion lover’s wet dream. Lily Allen will launch her new vintage clothing business at the festival and Zandra Rhodes, Hardy Amies and Pearl and Dasiy Lowe are all hosting events. They’re building a temporary high street filled with glorious shops including Cath Kidston, John Lewis, a Penguin Books library and the world’s largest vintage market. And the highly eclectic live music line up is equally exciting. With the buzz around the festival mounting, Wayne, who says he has never been so busy in his life, kindly spared us five minutes to answer all our questions… Why did you decide to launch Vintage at Goodwood? Because it’s needed. There’s a gap. Everything we have ever done over the years has been a reaction to a product we feel is missing in the market. When we started Red or Dead we felt that there was a gap […]

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Men’s Fashion Week Round up, Milan: Day 2

Continuing our round-up of Men’s fashion week in Milan, we move on to Sunday 20th June with more highlights from the top designers. Bottega Veneta Bottega Veneta presented a chic and luxurious but extremely wearable collection, with ultra relaxed suiting in bright whites, earthy burgundies and deep blues. When jackets were double breasted they were cut slightly loose and worn with low slung, almost slouchy trousers for a chic, laid back look. The single breasted ensembles were closer fitted in shades of stone and putty, but still worn with an air of relaxed nonchalance. We also saw a great section of spring-time khakis and burnt terracottas, with rolled up shorts, open funnel neck shirts and a very short pair of deep brown leather shorts. Emporio Armani It was sleek, sexy and fierce at Emporio Armani with lots of leather, sheer panels, crocodile print and a few chains here and there too. Models wore fitted leather trousers, sometimes slashed, sometimes crocodile print, mixed with leather waistcoats, sheer shirts and beguiling eye makeup. The show had a monochrome feel, with most looks either all black, all white, or a mix of varied grey-blues. At its softest the collection showed looser tailored trousers in a two-tone bluish fabric mixed with a sheer shirting and a ultra short sleeved blazer. Closely fitted tapered cropped trousers in light tones were worn with ankle length crocodile skin pointed boots and paired with tailored waistcoats in powder and egg-shell blue. Gianfranco Ferre There was a distinct gentlemanly vibe to this resort-feel collection of broad shouldered, slightly boxy blazers in luxurious twill cottons and light pinstripes. Alongside the more classic suiting looks there were also louche touches with two-tone geometric print shorts and blazers in shades of gold and blue. The colour palette picked up on one of […]

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Best of the Best: Spas

Four bank holidays in almost as many weeks has certainly left me feeling like 3-day weekends are the norm! But, whilst they may be deserved and lusted after like a 6 foot poster of Channing Tatum – reality is about to kick in as the last 3-day weekend for several months approaches! Here at MFL, we’ve decided that the weather can’t be relied on to plan a boozy bank holiday barbeque, so instead we’re all going to head off to the world of rest and relaxation – aka spa! So you can do the same – without the headache – we’ve scoured through thousands to bring you the best! The Country Get Away Even seeing fields and cows grazing is enough to take my mind far-far-away – so what better way to relax then by spending a weekend away from civilisation (but not mobile phone reception) and letting your hair down amongst the flowers, fields and massage therapists!Galgorm Resort and Spa: Forget staying in a hotel, or a tacky BnB, here you can stay in private log cabins and cottages, set along the river Maine and surrounded by acres upon acres of countryside! But your ‘natural’ get-away doesn’t stop there! With a spa therapy centre designed with the outdoors in mind, you’ll find peace and tranquillity at the fingertips of your masseuse as well as in the local stone and natural wood that you’re surrounded with! Easthorpe Hall Health and Beauty Spa: Set in historic grounds, the view alone is enough to take your minds away from weekday worries!! Take advantage of their special ‘Budhy Beautiful’ package this bank holiday and enjoy food inspired therapy, where chocolate goes from forbidden sin to vital ingredient! Oh and you don’t have take our word for it – this is is a multi […]

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Whitney Port in Rachel Roy

Star of The City and general girl-about-town Whitney Port looks stunning in a canary yellow dress and bejewelled shoes, as she attends NYLON magazine’s young Hollywood party. Whitney manages to bring together just the right amounts of ‘fashion’ and ‘polished’ in this youthful yet sexy and style-driven look. Her bold yellow tube dress from Rachel Roy is a smart choice – it looks simple yet striking against her perfectly finished blonde hair and pale skin. With her sparkling multi-coloured Guiseppe Zanotti shoes Whitney shows her fashionista credentials by not being afraid of going for an eye-catching contrast with her footwear. Despite looking gorgeous Whitney had lots of competition from other stylish young attendees including Shenae Grimes, Amber Rose and Brit Peaches Geldof – but with her bright dress and enviable heels Whitney’s really pulled-together look won us over. For a similar look add a burst of colour to your wardrobe with this jersey dress from ASOS. Keep hair and makeup perfectly polished and add a pair of statement sparkle heels and you’re ready to go ahead and join the young and stylish Hollywood pack. Buy here now!

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Louis Vuitton AW10: curves ahead

Young waif-like models may have reigned supreme in recent seasons, but Louis Vuitton are embracing curves for A/W10 , and the French fashion house hired a handful of voluptuous supers to prove it. Elle Macpherson, Laetitia Casta and newly-engaged Lara Stone were among the models to hit the runway showcasing their curves in Marc Jacobs’ sexy autumn offerings, which included corsets and halter-neck dresses for the womanly woman. Designers are always saying they’re going to do a collection for women, but then every girl on the runway is under twenty, claimed Marc, who may or may not have presented one of the most wearable collections yet. I wanted a variety of ages and sizes. We set out to cast gorgeous women, women who feel happy to put their make-up on, get dressed up, get all their accessories, he told the Telegraph, adding, it’s a bit old-fashioned, I know, but I think it’s nice for a change. And change for next season, if Marc’s latest offering for Louis Vuitton is anything to go by, comes in the form of mid-calf length skirts, as he single-handedly brings back the midi-skirt. Take note from Elle Macpherson, who led the finale in a mid-calf rose corset dress with a draped train, if you need convincing. [Images]

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An interview with Berlin fashion designer Marlene Scheffel

Having spent some time in Berlin this summer, I had the opportunity to experience the city’s diverse fashion culture. From the array of vintage stores and huge markets to designer boutiques and commercial malls, this buzzing city really has it all and is fast becoming a significant asset to global fashion. The emergence of Berlin Fashion Week has assisted in the growth of local fashion stores, one of which is LUXXUS, based in the district of Charlottenburg.

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Our Top 5 Most Stylish Laptop Bags!

The world of computer technology creates lots of problems. Computer viruses, expensive software, spontaneous shut downs and finding a laptop bag that doesn’t look like it came from an industrial warehouse in the 1980’s. Luckily a few designers have answered our prayers so that we no longer have to feel like an embarrassed teenager about our luggage on our commute to work…

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Karen Mulder arrested

Supermodel Karen Mulder has been arrested for making “threatening” phone calls to a plastic surgeon. The 39-year-old star was questioned at a Paris police station after calling the medic and reportedly demanding for a previous operation to be reversed. A detective said: “She was screaming and shouting about the operation and became extremely threatening. There were repeated calls to the female surgeon who was extremely scared. The suspect is being interviewed.” Karen was arrested at about 10am yesterday and taken to a station in the fashion district of the French capital city. Another police source has claimed the model had been “stalking and making repeated violent telephone threats” to the surgeon.

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Shoes or Bags? Jodie Kidd says shoes!

The 30-year-old beauty has a wardrobe bulging with designer outfits, but footwear is the only thing that gets her really excited. She explained: “Shoes were the one thing I could take from the catwalk shows. I have an amazing collection, but they’ve all got five or six inch heels so I rarely wear them. For everyday wear I love my Lanvin flats and Uggs. I also have a lot of handbags. Probably 50-odd.”

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Mixing It Up: Coming Soon to American Apparel

Aside from their lewd, attention-grabbing ads, everything at American Apparel pretty much conforms to a muted aesthetic. They do the basics well, but at some stage a wardrobe complete with basics in every color of the rainbow can get a bit humdrum. I’ll give them credit though in that some recent offerings from American Apparel have shown a bit of creative prints, tailoring and fabric options.

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The Bafta TV Awards: The superstars

The problem we have with television awards is that you either get those who try too hard or don’t try at all. Often it feels like all stylists took a holiday and left their clients crying helplessly into their Louboutins. There were some real horrors, but there were also a number of lovely dresses. Davina McCall looked great in a royal blue gown whilst the majority of past and current Eastenders stars looked frighteningly awful. Here’s our pick of the very best and the very worst of those stars of the small screen. The super cute

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London Fashion Week: John Rocha AW09

This was a surprisingly strange show. There are designers you rely on for beautiful simplicity, like Betty Jackson and Paul Smith, John Rocha is one of these. But this Autumn/Winter 09, he was clearly feeling creative. But did this creativity pay off? I’m not so sure. If I were to describe the look of the show I would say it was Princess Elizabeth I sent to the future. Ok, I know that sounds weird, but there was a regal feel with oversized headbands, ruffs and skirts. The lines however were futuristic and padded hips and collars looked a little more Comme Des Garcons than Rocha. So what were the highlights? I thought the nipped in waist suiting was gorgeous and the bold orange will look great in the winter. There was a really sexy tight fitting sheer knitted dress, which was paired with a stunning handbag, shaped like a bean. The princess nudes also looked cute and feminine. As for the lowlights, I did not like the strange exaggerated skirting. I am usually a fan of big skirts, but up close, they looked disfiguring. I also didn’t care much for the tweed section of the show, I don’t really get the tweed swimsuit. The jury’s still out on the fur, part of me was quite taken with the idea of a cropped fur jumper, and then part thought it was all a little excessive. The key aspects were the tailoring, dropped waists and full skirts, Rocha’s technical ability cannot be called into question. But I felt that it lacked the stylish beauty of other collections.

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The Queen, the New Kate Moss?

Between the lace, the cocoons and those sheepskins you might think you’ve exhausted all the trends, but never fear there’s another trend for you to dabble in! I am of course talking about tartan, how could you miss it?! It’s everywhere, the magazines filled with tartan-clad models. Those D&G campaign images are drool-worthy!

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