*the other chanel... #modelmonday

***

Seems like one of my absolute favorite models is back to work.

After taking a hiatus [I'm actually not sure that she did; regardless] she is back on the scene!

And, with a name like Chanel Iman, you know she's destined to be a formidable fashion force.

“If I could, I’d have strawberry pancakes with whipped cream every morning, but during the week I eat fruit, yogurt, cereal, eggs, toast, and, of course, oatmeal.”- Chanel Iman.

Here's her amazingly chic cover story for June's edition of Harper's Bazaar Russia.

Enjoy!

Isn't that last shot just gorgeous? I love it!

[Can't believe she's younger than me! *grumble*]

xx

***

*waking up

***

Hello kiddies...


...and welcome to the new site!


Who would have thought that a "simple" website migration would be so time consuming!

Alas, it is finished [for the most part; just a few minor adjustments to make] but, with a number of unfinished posts and NYFW coming up *bites nails*, no time like the present to get up and running!


Just to get back into the groove of things, here's a funky fresh throwback editorial entitled 'Haute Tension' featuring one of my all time fave models, Natalia Vodianova (who has recently been named the fifth highest-paid model of 2014).

'Haute Tension,' featuring Natalia Vodianova; shot by Paolo Roversi for Vogue Paris March 2003.

Isn't she gorge?!


So much more to come, so buckle up!


And have a great day!


xx

***

*style_file: from runway to rollercoaster | super post for a super model.

***

As usual, things have been super hectic on my end.

With my internship wrapping up and my semester beginning very soon, I barely have time for myself...

However, as it's my birthday week, I should clear my schedule!

While I have celebrated the past few birthdays in various different countries [#humblebrag], which is a lot less fun than it sounds, this will be the first time I will be in the States for the big day, surrounded by my uni friends.

And, although the older you get, the less fussy you are about plans, I have decided that this year, as it should really be every year, to celebrate life and the friendships that I cherish...

...and, well, presents help too! Haha.

Anyway, before getting too soppy, I am not the only one 'celebrating' being a year older...any guesses who?

If you guessed Kween Karlie, award yourself 20 imaginary points, redeemable at a later date!

Karlie celebrating her 21st birthday with an ultra-exclusive party thrown in her honor by Vogue and a less exclusive day at Disney World (lower right corner)

I've been wanting to feature this leggie supermodel for quite a while now and what better time than our shared birthday week!

Some quick facts about the newly legal [in her home country of America, that is] supermodel:
*Born in Chicago, Illinois
*Career beginnings in 2006 with Elite NY
*In 2008, after switching to Next Model Management, walked an incredible 31 shows during NYFW including opening for Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera
*Walked 20 shows in Milan and 13 in Paris during the FW08 season
*Named 'Best Model of 2008' by People Magazine
*Muse for John Galliano and Dior in 2010
*Opened 10 shows and closed 8 during SS11 season
*Has appeared in ads for countless designers and editorials in magazines globally
*Became a Victoria Secret angel in 2013!
*Has her own line of 'kookies'

...just turned 21...let's let that sink in....

As expected with such a prominent model, narrowing her immense body of work to the few images in these collages proved difficult so, if you feel overwhelmed, imagine how hard it was for me!

*phew* That was a lot of talking! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

Her pictures are AH-MAY-ZING!

Wait! Who's birthday is it again?! Cause you're the one getting presents! Haha

Seems that being a Leo these days equates to being an overachiever and having long legs...

xx

***

*the last of the couture.

***

Hi darlings,

Here's the last of my fave shows from Paris Fashion Week held two weeks ago....

...and naturally I saved the most blinged out and glamorous ones for last!

These absolutely breathtaking gowns are the creation of two amazingly talented coutouriers who ironically enough are neither Parisian, but Lebanese.

Any thoughts on who I could mean?

None other than Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad of course!...Kings of couture!

While I have had my eye on Elie Saab's designs for a while [his name becoming almost synonymous with red carpet], Zuhair Murad, who is somewhat of a recent discovery of mine, seems to be doing amazingly detailed work on par with that of Mr. Saab.

So, grab a bowl of popcorn, cosy up with your computer screen and open that savings account...cause I guarantee you'll want AT LEAST one of these jaw-droppers.

Enjoy the pretty kiddies!

Murad's "darkly sensual" embroidered creations.

Saab's "royally opulent gowns"...fashioned after crown jewels; emeralds, sapphires and rubies

...featuring simple, soft silhouettes to pull focus onto the embroidery and bead-work.

Oh and before I forget...

...Elie Saab's showstopping finale piece...

..couture bridal gown with bridesmaids in tow.

See the rest of the collections here.

...now you have something to work towards!

Be inspired! Be productive!

xx

***

*dress you up [in my love]

***

Morning lovelies!

After yesterday's mega-post about Paris,

a) I missed Paris
b) I decided to give you more couture!

Today's pretty comes from none other than Roman couturier Giambattista Valli's Fall/Winter 2013 showing last week in Paris.

Inspired by porcelain china, Valli is quoted as saying, "flowers and colors are what women want from me," and he certainly gave just that! It's a shame that the pictures do not aptly showcase the craftsmanship and delicate details that have gone into these dresses, each having layers upon layers of silk flowers and embroidery.

Nothing to describe this collection as except pretty...[or sweet...or beautiful], I wonder which celebrities will be lining up to snag a dress for an upcoming appearance.

Enjoy!

xx

***

*couture collections

***

With the closing of Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 last week, I thought that I, as a blogger [as many do many others], have a duty to cover, give my opinion on, or at least acknowledge the occurence of one of the 'Big Four' Fashion Weeks...

Of these major Fashion Weeks, Paris Fashion Week, with all it's haute couture shows, is especially looked forward to, as it is a major stage for Parisian couturiers to showcase their talent.

Dozens upon dozens of edgy, avant-garde, and just plain gorgeously detailed and meticulously handcrafted clothes glide down runways, depicting designers' visions and painting fashionable fantasies for those in attendance.

And, with gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces, lavishly hand-tailored by the best ateliers [workshops] in the business, it is no wonder why a number of celebrities attend these shows to scope out their next 'Award Season' looks.

I'm not really going to review the collections as much, cause I think that they're all beautifully made clothes and, even if a collection does not align with my aesthetic, one cannot deny the true skill and craftsmanship in designing true haute couture.

Instead, I'll post a few of my favorite looks, from a few of my favorite shows! Deal?

Starting with....

Dior!

Gorgeous clothes; gorgeous color story....and there's those stripes again!

A more modern take on couture, designer Raf Simons, who's inspiration was 'freedom' noted that, "if we don't adapt to what women in society are now about, couture might disappear..."

See the rest of the collection here!

A salute to modern freeness!

Enjoy the pretty kiddies...more to come!

xx

***

*karolina; sea and sand.

***

Back for more pretty?

If you insist...

Dress by Thom Browne; SS13.

Here's Czech supermodel, and former VS Angel, Karolina Kurkova on the June 2013 cover of Vogue Ukraine.

And, cause I'm missing the beach....her fun-in-the-sun, mermaid inspired, summer editorial.

Gorgeous, no?

Hmm...makes me wish I was by the ocean running around in really expensive clothes...

Sigh. One can only dream. 
 

“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” ― Unknown

“The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choice-less as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea.” ― Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me.” ―
Isaac Newton  

xx

***

*gotta stick it out

***

Good morning kiddies!

It's certainly been a while, hasn't it?

The past few weeks have just been uber hectic for me; last week being Spring Break and the week before that, the equally crazy [but for different reasons] midterm week.

Although I didn't do much exciting things over my break, I did sleep quite a bit [which is always a plus] and watch a lot of 'Say Yes to The Dress.'

...made me think about commitments...

...and a large one I have is this blog! [and to you too of course!] so I am definitely going to push myself to churn out all those posts-in-waiting I have lined up...

But for now...have some pretty! Bet you missed it!

“Anyone can dabble, but once you've made that commitment, your blood has that particular thing in it, and it's very hard for people to stop you.”- Bill Cosby.

"Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.”- James Womack

 

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”- Art Turock

#thinkaboutit

 

See you soon!
xx

***  

*fabulous London.

***

“If London is a watercolor, New York is an oil painting.” ― Peter Shaffer

[...different; not better, not worse]

The time has come for me to say goodbye to this wonderful country and return to the States.

But don't worry kiddies, I'll still be posting about the numerous English models and fashion icons that I haven't gotten to and my experiences in the UK and over on the continent! [still didn't do a post about Paris...and now I have to do one about Belgium!! #fallingbehind]

How about a 'see-you-soon' present to cheer myself you up?

'Fabulous London.' ft. Bonnie Chen. Harper's Bazaar China. July 2012.

Just think, while I'm stuffing choccies in my carry-on and getting searched at customs, you get to enjoy some fun and ferocious 'English' pretty...

...sigh..I miss it already.

Life is a journey, and I must remember that it may be one that I am not entirely in control of; just gotta enjoy whatever experiences are thrown at me, ya dig?

Am I sad that I'm leaving? Yes. But, I'm also excited to move on and continue growing and anxious for what experiences 2013 will bring. And of course I'll definitely be back...[maybe sooner than I know?? hehe.]

So, goodbye to 'The Swinging City' and hello to 'The Big Apple.'

Wish me luck kiddies!
xx

***

*keeping it clean

***

Ok...so I've been a bad blogger again. Hope Santa doesn't put me on his naughty list for neglecting my wonderful readers!

With Christmas a mere 5 days away, I have been so busy with shopping, cleaning and decorating...and it doesn't look like it's going to end soon.

All I want for Christmas is a personal assistant...seriously...

...that way, I could look like this while doing chores...

Caroline Trentini, Gemma Ward and Lily Donaldson.
"Glamorama' by Steven Meisel. Vogue December 2005.

Hmm...one can dream...

Have a great day kitties!

***

*more posh than you can bear

***

Haha. Surprise kiddies!

Seeing as how it is December and I am in a giving mood [and I did have a ton of Vicky B pics left over], your daily pretty and inspirational quotes for the day are courtesy Mrs. Becks.

Enjoy!

“If you haven't got it. Fake it! Too short? Wear big high heels, but do practice walking!”

“I don't know much about football. I know what a goal is, which is surely the main thing about football.”

“If I set my mind to something I do it. My biggest wish for all of us is that we are happy, successful, and that we stay true to ourselves.”

Inspiring words and breathtaking pictures, wouldn't you agree?

*** 

*Target_: Victoria Beckham

***

It's been a while since I've done a 'Target' post although this one's been in the making for quite some time now. However, with such a high profile, and incredibly talented, celebrity such as Mrs. Beckham, it's been quite the task;
a) sorting through the mass amount of pics I've collected, and
b) creating the collages.

First on the agenda, some brief background info! [although most of you probably know these]:
*Career beginnings as 'Posh Spice' of the Spice Girls, an early indicator of an interest in fashion.

*Married David Beckham in 1999 and been popping out babies ever since. The couple has four children; three sons and a daughter.

*Ventured into the fashion world, firstly as a model for London Fashion Week in 2000, and brand ambassador for Dolce and Gabbana in 2003, before launching her denim line "dvb Style" in 2006.

*Debuted her first collection at New York Fashion Week in 2008 to enormously positive reviews.

*Has been the face of Rocawear 2003, Marc Jacobs SS2008, Armani 2009 [with husband David Beckham].

*Has graced the cover of Vogue a total of 6 times.

*Winner of Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2011

Her style, now described as confidently simple and timeless, which often shows through in her own personal style,  hasn't always been as, how should I say, refined. *see below*

However, she quickly rediscovered the 'posh' aspect that brought her fame, and has since become quite the style icon. In fact, I don't know what she's most known for; her role as a member of the Spice Girls,a footballer's wife, fashion icon or designer.

Quite multifaceted wouldn't you say?

 These are just a few examples of her stunning outfits and style sense. Sharp, chic and always looking composed, what a fashionable turnaround from that previous set of images no?

Gorgeous no?

***

*Bath.

***

Morning all!

Sigh. Been slacking on my posts! This one has been two weeks in the making!

Exactly two Saturdays ago, I had the privilege of going to the city of Bath with my classmates.

A gorgeously romantic, Roman city, given it's name from the thermal spring baths that was used up to as early as 60 A.D!

L-R: Overhead of Royal Crescent+Circus. Bath Abbey. Pultney Bridge x2. Bath Abbey. Royal Circus.

Bath's got everything...from a rich history linked to Roman settlement and Jane Austen, to inspiring architecture [which includes an amazing cathedral and the famous Royal Crescent and Circus] to...*get ready for this* a fashion museum! Can you guess what my first stop was?

Even got to see a McQueen original, which was chosen as 'Dress of the Year' for 2011! #amaze

There's even the famous 'Pump Room' where a number of Jane Austen movies filmed scenes! It's open to the public for tea, just got to queue up [but obviously there's a long queue]. It's worth it though, most amazing tea I've had here in a stunningly gorgeous room. #classy

If you ever venture to England and you're searching for inspiration, Bath is definitely the place to provide it.An eclectic and modern mix of people in a beautifully historical city, what more could you ask for?!

I was obviously interested in the fashion, which the city seems to be a hub of, but if you like history or architecture, even Jane Austen novels, this is certainly a must see!

Breathtaking no? Must revisit!

*adds to bucket list*

***

*Style File: Karen Elson

***

Been a while since I did a 'Style File' post...soooo yay! More British models!

Today's focus is on Karen Elson, British model-turned-singer extraordinaire.

Known for:

*fiery red hair [dyed]
*minimal, shaved eyebrows
*shooting the cover of Italian Vogue w/ Steven Meisel on 18th birthday.
*walking Marc Jacobs 2006 F/W runway while pregnant
*marrying [although recently divorcing] Jack White of the White Stripes in a shaman officiated wedding in a canoe up the Amazon [with Meg White, Jack's ex-wife, as her maid-of-honor]

After a rough entry into the fashion world, being turned down by a number of jobs, most times without representation, Elson's edgy look quickly became popular in the Asian markets, which then in turn propelled her to global success. Definitely a testament as to how hard and non-linear the industry is!

She's a crazy girl with a striking look. Unlike Kate and Naomi, who probably do a lot more polished shoots, Ms. Elson definitely puts some weird and quirky fun into hers.

Should I let the pictures do the talking?

Needless to say, she's got a lot of shots that I really like...

Still lots of glam, no?

Haha. As close to a 'file' as you can get, ey? Short, sweet and lots of pictures.

***

*b&w.

***

“Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” ― Coco Chanel.

***

*Fall 2012 Trend Alert:Cobalt

***

 Hola kiddies!

A lot of business at hand today. I promised myself that in blogging, I would try to be a little different and not force a ton of fashion news down your throats...[that if you wanted that, you could read a fashion mag]. However, as this blog does have a fashion slant or perspective, I do think that I have a duty to provide you with at least some, if not all, the happenings and trends in the industry.

Today's Agenda: Cobalt Blue

A rich, vivid color...that maybe I wouldn't have posted about had I been immune to it. Lately, I've been very drawn to it's bright and poppy nature, even buying a very sharp cobalt blue shirt for myself.

Appearing on lots of runways at the beginning of 2012, this is set to be one of the big and emergent trends for the Fall. Thus, it's no surprise that the celebs themselves have been sporting this chic and sophisticated color.

Sigh. The more I search for cobalt colored clothing, the more I want of it!

Maybe you'll be inspired by it too? :)
Also, my first [and hopefully not last] Polyvore board so don't be too harsh...

Cheers!

***