Best Dressed at the Teen Choice Awards

I don't usually pay much attention to the Teen Choice Awards as there's rarely much happening on the red carpet. It was the same story with last nights 2010 Awards, where the majority of guests walked the red carpet in bodycon dresses. Like, hello 2008, right?
Actress Kristen Bell got it spot on though, choosing a lace Stella McCartney dress. The bright colour makes it a perfect choice for sunny August, yet the lace hints to a big a/w trend, showing she (or her stylist, at least) knows what's happening in fashion.

The peplum skirt, minimal accessories and short hemline also help to keep the dress fresh and super appropriate for the Teen Choice Awards. It's a shame that the lovely Hilary Duff, who accepted her award for her Gossip Girl cameo in a green bodycon mini, didn't follow Kristen's lead.

Did you like Kristen's look? Who was your best dressed last night?

image famepictures via Picapp.com

Hit and Miss of the Week: Good and Bad

There was no in-between this week, celebrities either got it right or wrong when it came to their wardrobe choices. Hitting a bad note was Eva Mendes, who had a rare slip-up in a tricky Oscar de la Renta dress.
Stephanie Pratt and Taylor Momsen also made wardrobe mistakes, with the former baring a little too much on the red carpet. But Lea Michele was on top form, rocking a gorgeous Giambattista Valli dress, and Coco’s Tea Party favorites Leighton and Nicole were papped in two adorable (and very wearable) outfits.

Leighton Meester: Hit

As you can tell I’m so into Leighton Meester’s off-set look at the moment. This week she was photographed leaving her Gossip Girl trailer wearing a luxe grey t-shirt and gorgeous blue shorts. Her Celine handbag is still constantly by her side and she also appears to be a bit of a Mulberry fan; wearing the navy moccasin boots that Olivia Palermo also owns. Leighton is currently unbeatable in the style stakes, now we just need her to hit the red carpet some more.

Stephanie Pratt: Miss

When Stephanie Pratt first joined the cast of The Hills I hated her. But then we were supposed too, weren’t we? The more I watched the more I liked her, and she ended up being one of my favourite Hills girls at the end of the show. Despite changing my opinion of her personality Steph still lacks a killer wardrobe. This dress could have worked (or at least made it as a so-so) if there wasn’t sheer fabric across the belly. I don’t care if she has a perfectly flat stomach; just put it away when you’re on the red carpet. It isn’t chic to show off your belly button in a dress – I’m sure Coco Chanel lived by that rule…



Taylor Momsen: Miss

I have to be careful when writing about Taylor Momsen because I don’t want to be horrible – after all, she’s only 16 – but she makes it very easy to dislike her. As you probably know, Taylor is the face of Madonna’s line Material Girl, and was in New York this week to make a promotional appearance for the label. I absolutely hate the styling of this look, but broken down I think the lace bra-top and leather jacket could be cute pieces. It would have looked a lot better anyway if Taylor’s hair wasn’t so disgustingly long. And what’s with the John Lennon shades? They make Taylor look try-hard.

Lea Michele: Hit

Last week I gave Lea a so-so rating and hoped that she’d soon be onto a hit. And she didn’t make me wait long as she slipped into this Giambattista Valli dress for a Fox event. I love the shape of the dress on her, and the colours are flattering against her tanned skin too. A gorgeous ring or embellished cuff could have been a nice addition but the look is fine as it is. I love the natural hair and makeup too. Well done Lea!

Eva Mendes: Miss

I normally love Eva Mendes’ red carpet appearances, and although I wanted to like this grey Oscar de la Renta dress I just can’t. The strange hip-detailing isn’t for me anyway, but it looked a lot less clumsy when it was shown on the runway. It’s a brave choice for a New York premiere and Eva deserves credit for giving it a whirl but she simply gets lost in all the fabric. She’ll be back on top at her next appearance though, I’m sure.

Nicole Richie: Hit

Nicole has been chilling out at home in LA this week and was spotted going for a walk with Joel. I always love Nicole’s summer style and although the outfit itself is pretty simple the styling is perfect. Her braided hair is really cute (seems she’s moved on from the Wang plait) and the across-the-body embellished bag is gorgeous. Nicole’s Winter Kate a/w collection has started to hit stores (it’s stocked at my-wardrobe and ASOS) and it’s looking strong. It would be nice to see her wearing some pieces from her own collection, so hopefully within the next few weeks she’ll start showing them off.

Who do you think deserved a hit this week? And who was a total miss for you?

images famepictures/ Getty/ pacificCoastNews all via Picapp.com

A Bit of Rachel Zoe Loving

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Rachel Zoe. I even loved her back in the ‘zoebot’ days when it when making fun of RZ was just as fashionable as the Chloé Paddington. I’ve come to accept that Rachel is like Madonna – people are either going to love her or hate her. But since her reality TV show The Rachel Zoe Project started I’ve noticed more people are joining me in the Rachel fan-camp. So if you’re a Zoe hater but have never watched her show give it a go, you may end up loving her too.
I watched the first episode of season three yesterday and it’s still on top form. Granted the whole “Taylor betrayed us” storyline is a little overdramatic (it is reality TV after all I guess) but it’s total style porn. Not only was I lusting after Rachel’s selection of hats, mannish watches and jackets but I’m completely obsessed with her collection of lamps. Yes, her lamp collection; I didn’t see it coming either, but she has really great taste in lamps. I want them all.

For a red carpet addict like myself Rachel is like the Queen. It's very rare that I disslike anything she dresses her clients (who include Demi, Cameron, Liv and Kate Hudson) in for the red carpet. But Rachel's personal style interests me just as much, as I love that laid-back California look; think vintage Haltson, oversized sunglasses and gold jewellery. These are some of the best pieces currently online that fit the Rachel Zoe look:

1. Tortoiseshell Nico sunglasses, £239, Tom Ford at my-wardrobe.com. 2. Chrono 42-20 stainless steel watch, £440, Nixon at net-a-porter.com. 3. Kartel chrome Bourgie lamp, £270, oliverbonas.com. 4. Floral silk-blend maxi kaftan, £405, Ossie Clark at outnet.com. 5. Daredevil nail polish, £5, topshop.com. 6. Swarovski crystal-embellished skull keyfob, £75, Alexander McQueen at net-a-porter.com. 7. Indie heels, £130, KG by Kurt Geiger at kurtgeiger.com.

What do you think of Rachel Zoe's look? And what did you make of this weeks episode of TRZP?

images from product websites and bravotv.com/the-rachel-zoe-project

I Can't Wait Any Longer

I was meaning to wait until high quality scans from Marie Claire's amazing September issue hit the internet, but like the impatient Aries I am I gave up. I'm a massive fan of both Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen so it's impossible for me not to post on MK's three covers - even if it means using small images.
So yes, Mary-Kate scored her first September cover for the magazine (Ashley was their cover-star in September 2007 and 2009) and naturally I love it. I find it really hard to find US Marie Claire in London (last year I missed out on Ashley's cover) so fingers crossed I find a copy this time.
My favourite cover is Mary-Kate in the military jacket, but her other two are just as impressive. Below is a selection of my favourite images, but you can view the whole shoot over at marieclaire.com.

My absolute favourite image from the shoot is the above left pic of MK wearing the Givenchy boots. They are insanely hot. And then there are the other two covers. The feather-y one is my second favourite of the three. There is something about the sequin cover that is a little Mischa Barton back in The O.C days I think.

Which is your favourite Mary-Kate cover?

images from marieclaire.com - if anyone knows who the photographer and stylist are please comment as I'd like to credit

The Best Thing About Vogue's September Issue...

...Is this quote from Vassi Chamberlain's amazing profile on Giorgio Armani:

'He hands me a pink rose. There's something innately gentlemanly about this action. "The last time he did that," says a PR, "was with Anna Wintour - she got herbs."'

Anna Wintour at the Armani Privé Fall/Winter 2011 collection - minus the herbs

I don't really know why I find the quote so entertaining, but every time I read it I giggle. It's the random-ness I think. I love random details. And the idea of Anna Wintour standing there holding a bunch of parsley is just too much.
Anyone who hasn't bought the UK Vogue September issue yet definitely should, as the piece on Armani is a great read. I so often forget that he practically invented the concept of dressing celebrities for the red carpet, and he comes across very well in the interview. The herb quote alone makes up for the rather predictable Kate Moss cover.

So on the random subject of herbs, which is your favourite? Personally I love basil but I really don't like coriander.

image Getty/Picapp.com

Eva Rocks the Betty Draper Frock

The 1950's sundress is definitely having a moment this summer. First came the obsession with January Jones' Mad Men wardrobe (who doesn't want to be Betty Draper?) then the gorgeous Prada Prints collection, which was full of the most beautiful vintage-style summer dresses, arrived in stores. Carey Mulligan looked beautiful in a Prada Print dress at the Cannes Film Festival earlier in the year, and she's not the only celebrity to give the look a go. Yesterday Eva Mendes was snapped wearing a knee-length printed number to the Jimmy Kimmel Live show in LA. It's a great look for Eva: grown up but with a feminine edge.

There technically may only be one month of summer left but I think the 50's style sundress is still worth investing in. If you can snap up a Prada number (or find the real-deal vintage shopping) then you get top points, but there are some good versions of the look elsewhere. At Miss Selfridge this white floral style comes in at a reasonable £45 and for her Anglomania collection Vivienne Westwood created this pink and black design which could easily be worn into autumn/winter.

Floral Printed A-Line Dress
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Friday printed cotton dress

Wear the look like Eva, with muted accessories and pretty wedge heels. Or be a season ahead and pair the 50's frock with a beehive and headband - very Prada a/w 2010.

What do you think of this style? Is it a look you'll be trying?

image from PacificCoastNews via Picapp.com

Jennifer, Just Without The Hair

It's not much of a surprise that Kate Moss scored the UK Vogue September cover and it's even less of a surprise that Jennifer Aniston also bagged a September cover. Jennifer must sell magazines, otherwise she wouldn't constantly be on the cover of Grazia, but it's got to the point where I great a Jennifer Aniston cover with a yawn. I like her but I'm just so damn bored of her.
Her US Harper's Bazaar subscribers cover, however, is not boring. The newsstand edition tells the same old girl-next-door story but Mark Seliger's black and white subscribers cover is much less predictable. Jen is styled to look like Barbara Streisand and it's good. Really good.

I always assumed Jennifer was against changing her image for editorials, as every magazine styles her in exactly the same way, but obviously I was wrong. The most welcome change is the hair, which throughout most of the shoot is worn short. I think Jennifer has lovely hair, but it's refreshing to see it styled differently for a change, don't you think?

I would obviously still prefer to see a model on a magazine cover but I think the Harper's team deserves huge credit for doing something new with Jennifer. You can view the full editorial HERE and read the accompanying interview at harpersbazaar.com.

What do you think of Jen's Harper's cover? A little less boring?

images from harpersbazaar.com