Trend sets for A/W '11: JIL SANDER & floral print

I am fast becoming a huge fan of Jil Sander's work and her catwalk collections- she always has me on Look 1. Going back to S/S '11, I adored the blocked colour floor-length skirts; so easy to wear, breezy, summery and colour was certainly back in moderate spurts for autumn. The 49 looks were constituted of clean lines, blocks of bright red and turquoise here and there and boxy shapes. There was an avoidance of overt detailing or overbearing design additions- quite simply a no frills, complete breath of fresh air, bar red lips and striped/clashing/knitted sleeves peeking out from underneath billowing capes. Then the shocking red floral print began to appear, like a flower coming into bloom, in the form of platformed footwear. They were straight on my wish list. It was then that the eye-catching floral print washed over the catwalk for just 6 looks- breaking up the collection with an element of fun- and spring- in the form of exaggerated collared loose-fitting dresses, (the bright blue and red is my favourite) a coat and cute jumpsuit which highlights the waist.

I enjoy the 60s vibe of the overall collection- entwined monochrome reminicent of dog-tooth check, Christmas jumpers, sleek beehive, ladylike glamour without being over the top- a creation of refined elegance, beautifully finished with a retro twist. The glossy hair complemented the straight cut of the trouser and the blocked leather platform boots gave an edgy feel to the prettiness that came from the swirly floral pattern. 

The 60s remains to be my favourite era and this collection has just reignited my adoration for that time, combined with the craftsmanship of the 21st Century. And florals for winter? It's exactly what we need to brighten up our days.

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Pack Up, Let's Fly Away...

2011 has been hectic from the word go and at the moment I have so much to at the same time- writing my dissertation began the never ending workload then it was onto the beginning of my Final Major Project, planning the writing for competition entries, interning, work experience, squeezing in the odd pub visit and flicking through the glossies. Plus- I have a New York/Parsons trip to think about, graduating and then turning 21 in the summer... the list really is endless.

I have been thinking about where to whisk off to for a while now as I really crave a holiday (even though my last was only August and time moves by so swiftly) and want to be somewhere amazing when I hit the big (but dreaded) 2-1. Having a birthday abroad just makes it that bit more special- my 11th (ha, seems like forever ago) in Calpe, a beautiful region on the east coast of Spain was one of the funnest times and definitely one of the best birthdays!

Walking around Chelsea whilst interning the other day I spotted a handful of planes overhead darting about the skies racing to what I imagined to be amazing locations- sunny, scorching hot, heaving with culture, cool places to eat... off on a tangent I go again. Well anyway, it got me thinking about the places I would possibly like to be for my birthday or potential destinations for the next journey I take to where the sun actually shines... one can dream, eh?

Have you been to any of these locations? What was your best ever holiday?

R i o   d e   J a n e i r o

I have never had a craving to go somewhere quite as much as I have for Rio- the nightlife simply looks incredible. So that's why I want to go. Plus, it has the most breath taking architecture and perfectly golden, sandy beaches.

Carnival Street Party, Rio

B a r c e l o n a

I have actually been before and want to go back soo badly. I went a few years ago and absolutely loved it- there is so much to see and do. Art is one of my passions and it really is one of the best places to go for that- culture is everywhere, plus it has a beautiful harbour and city centre full of eclectic places to shop.

Highly recommended.

Sagrada de Familia


 S i n g a p o r e

I've never had a strong urge to go visit the east, but lately have really warmed to venturing into the unknown. I really want to sample the food, see the bright lights and explore into such a diverse part of the world.

Raffles Place, Singapore City


C y p r u s

It's just a place I want to visit- it looks so tranquil and set amongst the ruins you could explore for hours. Looks and sounds idyllic and a holiday destination I am sure I will love as much as Turkey where I have been 6 years in a row and Greek Islands I have visited twice.

Northern Peak, West of Polis


E g y p t

In fact, I'd like to go anywhere in the UAE- including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Egypt I imagine myself lying in the scorching heat or venturing out in search of my own discoveries- either option sounds exactly like something I could do with right now! Even the North African marvel that is Marrakesh in Morocco. Sex & The City 2 made it look so exciting and adventurous- the enchanting bazaars and mysteriousness that came at night fall. It sounds like I am there already- and so I'm off again...

Gaza


I s t a n b u l

I have been to Turkey many a time, as you know and I desperatley want to visit this enchanting city. Not only for picturesque views, historical value and stunning landscapes, but the atmospheric and exciting feel it has. I long to experience that. It is known for it's cosmopolitan feel, amazing architecture and fantastical nightlife- the darkened lounge bars in which to soak in the energy whilst drinking and dancing the night away. That's my perfect night and one that I want to spend in one of the best countries I have ever ventured to. The traditional way of life, places to ponder and people to meet is, for me, what makes it so special.

The Princes Islands

A s p e n

I must admit, I have only been to the West Coast of the States (and countless American airports) but it is somewhere that the food is always perfect and the people friendly. As someone who loves skiing, snow and anything picturesque or sweetly charming in which to ponder, I feel this is the place I need to be as it offers all 3. Just imagine how magical it would be at Christmas time. Next on the American list is New York (which I will be visiting in April as part of a Uni competition), California and Arizona (simply for the Grand Canyon- I love a view, me!) and the latter 2 (as well as Cyprus) partly form the route of my dream travelling experience...

The St. Regis Hotel

Camel image from hiren.info

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The Ever Changing Faces of Goldie Hawn

I'm a big fan of Goldie Hawn- she is hilariously brilliant in her films and she seems to have an eternal youthful beauty (much like her character in Death Becomes Her, although not as fragile!) There were heaps of her films on over Christmas- Private Benjamin, Overboard and my one of my all time favourite films, Death Become Her which are all examples of such sheer comic genius. More recently, it was The First Wives's Club with it's all star cast and the strong theme of women empowerment. I would definitely recommend that you watch it. Although Hawn has starred in so many films, these three come in at top of the list both for both her and her funniness.




Take a look at the following film stills of some of Hawn's ever-changing looks from some the 80s and 90s comedies...

Overboard

The Snob 

The Housewife

                                                           

                


                     

Private Benjamin

The Bride



The Soldier



 

              

Death Becomes Her



The Slob

The Glamour Puss





I cannot go on enough about it enough, as you well know- I simply adore the 1960s era- the youth revolution, the clothes, the yet another change in society, especially for women. Goldie Hawn is a golden oldie and in her heydey she was much like Twiggy in that she wore short dresses, applied black eye liner and pale lipstick and had a short bobbed haircut. I love that too. Soo sixties. And later on, the Bardot-esque pumped up barnet. Effortless and absolutely stunning. Perhaps that's the reason why I'm beginning to love Duffy so much.

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A fashionable Christmas

As I posted earlier, I didn't ask for much this Christmas but I did get the 2 things I really wanted- the leopard print dress from TOPSHOP and of course, the retro fur collar jacket. (The Mulberry pouch and floral dress I have had for a while now and the camel ZARA dress and uber high black leather platforms from ASOS were presents to myself!) The rest I unwrapped on Christmas morning, rather excitedly. The best surprise were the cork platform sandals, which I were given after dinner (a family tradition), especially as I never did manage to get my hands on them over the summer as I thought they had sold out.


On that note, I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and exciting New Year. Let's make it even more fashionable and eventful than the last...




What surprise additions were under your tree this year?

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C A K E it on.

Just a little selection of pre-Christmas treats in the form of sweet and delightful cupcakes painted with icing and sprinkled with a variety of tasty treats for you to lust over. Thanks to my little sister who aspires to be a chef and own her own restaurant, baked these spongy delights the night before she had to ice them in school as part of her Food Technology course. She is loving it at the moment, creating tasty things to eat in the form of Victoria sponges, pastries and quiches. When she brought these home on Monday I got a little over excited, not only because they looked amazing, creative and most of all yummy, they gave me the perfect opportunity to grab the SLR again and get snapping. After all, I need all the practice I can get in preparation for my Final Major Project next year. I love my food and like my sister, have always helped out in the kitchen- stirring sauces, chopping vegetables, tasting here and there for seasoning. There is something fulfilling in creating something from a few ingredients that can become a meal for all the family to enjoy, if not a little fast-paced! I can't really say the same for fifteen cupcakes, as they are probably the most funnest things to make of all culinary creations, but they tasted gorgeous and Christmassy nonetheless with a cup of hot tea and a warm bed.

WONDER FULL(y yummy)!

Starry Eyed

I have become somewhat of an Ellie Goulding fan since she stormed the charts with upbeat dance hit, Starry Eyed. She has quickly become a pop sensation and is likable in that she is different to all the other female singers that are caked in make-up and all too quick to show off a bit too much skin. But, Ellie is pretty and cool and I love that she has shaved her hair a little. Her cover of Elton John's Your Song is beautifully sang and lovely to listen to, just as the video is to watch. It plays in the background of John Lewis' new Christmas advert and every time I hear it I cannot help but "Awww"- the rocking horse, the child yawning, her voice... It encapsulates Christmas and excites me about the festive season all over again, every time I see it. I am loving Ellie's look here- from a fashion perspective, the androgynous monochrome reminds me of ever so slightly of the Helmut Newton photograph, which showcases Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking tuxedo jacket. Ellie's take on the jacket/shirt combo is aptly suitable for the premiere of new film Burlesque and manages to become an effortlessly interesting outfit. Her hair too, even though she seems not to take that much attention, because she simply doesn't have to, always remains glossy and styled. Effortless beauty is the best kind and for that she should be celebrated because she displays just that in exactly the right way.

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The Best Holiday ever

I recently watched The Holiday, which is one of my favourite films, as it never fails to make me smile. It began to spark off my excitement for Christmas and reminded me of how touching and amazingly written the dialogue is. Such a feel good film, it is hillarious to watch and literally makes you laugh out loud all the way through. Such genius.


Some memorable quotes include:


'It's Christmas Eve and we are going to go celebrate being young and being alive!' - Miles


'You know Graham, I just broke up with someone and considering you just showed up and you're insanely good-looking and probably won't remember me anyway... I'm thinking we should have sex... If you want.' -Amanda. 'Is that a trick question?'- Graham


'Iris, if you were a melody... I used only the good notes.' - Miles


'Don't blow away.' - Iris


'Okay, sorry about that. Boob graze. Accidental boob graze.' - Miles


'I have a cow and I sew. How's that for "hard to relate to"?' - Graham




Plus, the cast is perfect- Kate Winslet is the classic English Rose beauty and Cameron Diaz, the ultimate Californian Girl. As for the males- Jack Black is a comedy genius who really shows a certain sweetness to the male side, alongside the sexy smugness Jude Law brings on screen. Those glasses. That smile. Oh, wow.


It really is the best combination of comedy, Christmas and of course love. It is emotional and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy- everything needed in a chick flick come festive film. And the added bonus- it completely made me forget about my hangover and was the perfect cure for a cold, dull Wednesday morning.

Amongst the romantic encounters, reckless driving and gas-sniffing, my favourite scenes by far include Cameron's character Amanda's sudden rock out to The Killers' dance floor filler, Mr. Brightside and the poignantly warming ending with New Year's Eve in the country- all glasses of Champagne, canapes, party dresses and dancing around the living-room.

Utterly perfect.



Other favourite romantic comedies of mine you must watch this Christmas include:

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