Casual Kate

Casual Kate by laj94 featuring a white mini dress

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SAG Awards: Best Dressed 2014

The SAG awards took place in Los Angeles last night.  Although many red carpet dresses failed to live up to the incredibly high standard set by the Golden Globes last week, there were fortunately a handful of dresses that could make their way into the fash pack's best dressed lists. We saw a HELL of a lot of sequins, less ball gowns, and more flesh. Admittedly, these are very fitting and far in preparation for the ultimate event of award season; the Oscars. Ladies went streamline, with tight fitting waists and subtle slits, flaunting their womanly assets (ahem, did somebody say Ariel Winter?). The creme de la creme of glamour were the definitive of this. SO, who's ready for the best dressed fest?

My best dressed of this years SAG awards is Isla Fisher in Oscar de la Renta. Doesn't she look glamorous? The ivory silk piece is unusually flattering for Isla, being so fair, it looks rich and more so with a dark lip. The low cut V neck is, well, sexy (gasp!), and this is complimented with the Niagara Fall of mermaid tails! Isla herself may have found this slightly impractical, fiercely protecting that fabric from the paws of other guests is imaginably exhausting. Fisher looks effortlessly stunning; demonstrating to the youth of females the big difference between slutty and sexy. 

The battle for best dressed was not pretty, but my second best dressed sure is that very vision. Helen Mirren in Escada. Helen's dress is far more heavy weight, and far more winter chic which brings an excellent contrast from the floods of silk and fitted silhouettes. And obviously, this is more than appropriate for her age. With the bronze gold encrusted leaves, Miz Mirren brought the true nature (pun intended) of A/W to fruition, that although many younger actresses are racing into S/S wear, January is still in full bloom. Whether we're in LA or LDN. This stunning gown is in the spirit of party season, and emulates exactly what Escada is about; luxury and cool glamour. Can we take a look at Isabelli Fontana for their Spring 2011 line? 

If there's a name we'll be seeing splashed over every fashion article, blog, whatever it may be for the rest of 2014, it's Lupita Nyong'o. Wearing Gucci at the SAG Awards last night, Lupita was all woman. Gucci was a perfect choice for the actress, the flower ensemble across the neck is super feminine, and embraces the inevitable trend for Spring. Not only that, but it adds texture to the plain canvas that the gown would be without it. Thank goodness for Frida Giannini transcending Gucci into a fluttering of embellishment, Lupita Nyong'o stings other actresses out of running. 

I also loved Sofia Vergara in Donna Karen Atelier. The strapless gown oozes liquid steel, and the serious 'sequinning' reveals her inner gladiator. That being said, Modern Family won their award for Best Comedy; hoorah hooraah! Donna Karen's runway collection might have influenced the gown's design in terms of on show flesh and long lengths, but of course the actress had to be a show stopper, and that came in the form of some devoted attention to hand sewn beads. The foil tone is flattering on her colour, could we suggest Jessica Rabbit at Anna Wintour's 2013 Met Ball?

Finally, Hannah Simone flutters her angelic self onto the best dressed list in Marchesa. Those who know me best will label this as a totally biased choice, as since their Spring 2010 collection I have been in awe of their pieces. This gown is particularly low key for the designer, but so ready to wear and so pretty. The duck egg tone is delicious on Hannah, and the gathers maintaining the pressed layering up to the ruffled neck sing grace and more. An elegant and serene dress; like the swan she is. 

images: getty, Jordan Strauss, Matt Sayles (PRESS)

Herringbone Necklace

When it comes to jewellery, I would rather wear a high street imitation handbag than done costume. Yes, call me a snoot! My jewellery collection is completely confined to fine silver; Tiffany, Links and Marc are mainly prominent. I've been brought up under the regard that having one piece of 'good' jewellery is better, more long lasting and valuable than to have a gazillion cheap pieces of costume wear that barely see's past six months, nor a couple of go's at a club.

However, the inner snoot inside of me has ceased (a little), as i evoked my past love for the Topshop department. Evidently having always been a fan of tradition and classic style, I seriously think a Herringbone necklace is something every lady should have stashed away. Whether it be this £10.00 steal from the highstreet, or your mother's very own from c1980, it'll bring any veering urban look to an expensive high. 

If i'm wearing white, cream or ivory, gold is my go-to embellish-errr. The Herringbone is simple and adds a taste of uptown woman to a H&M collarless blouse. Speaking of collar, this Topshop piece has three chains, so it is sure compensator for any loss of ruffles or warmth you might want up there. The necklace warms the skin tone and brings any floral print you might also choose to wear with it. This summer is all about colour and Hawaiian tropic prints (supposedly, but always guaranteed to be timelessly 'in'), so setting yourself to a tropic storm of chic could only ever be achieved with the Herringbone, right? 

City Celebration

City Celebration by laj94 featuring wayfarer sunglasses

71st Golden Globes: Best Dressed 2014

This years Golden Globe red carpet was (un)debatably graced with some of the most trend inspiring, and all round gorgeous gowns. Oh! so many to choose from! sighed us bloggers. The carpet was abundant with lace (take Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé), silk (Sandra Bullock in Prabal Gurung) a whole lot of berry and blossom (Drew Barrymore in Monique Lhuillier, Taylor Swift and Tina Fey to mention a few). Having spent days in awe (hence the belated post) but mostly indecisiveness, i've finally narrowed down my top five best dressed. 

My best dressed of the award ceremony is absolutely Caitlin Fitzgerald in Emilia Wickstead (Spring/Summer 2014). The 'Masters of Sex' actress looked a vision of Cinderella in the duck egg blue gown, and every vision of a 1950's starlet. The waterfall hem is feminine, and does wonders for the understated top piece. Both conservative and glamorous for such an event. Although not a typical ball gown, by contrasting the dress with coral clutch and matching EW stroppy heels the entire ensemble is lifted. The actress looks playful yet elegant. 

Emma Watson simply divided nations on the big night. Wearing Christian Dior Couture, the ribbon tie dress rebelled against traditional Golden Globe attire, but even so, it was chic and unique. I loved the tomato red as it perfect for the winter - spring transition and looked classic. Many feel that the front was 'un-inspiring', but it's so appropriate for the lady's figure, and the open back really had to be balanced. Speaking of the reverse - her dark crops were understated and gave masculinity an admirable edge. Emma was brave, but pulled the dress off at every inch. 

If there is one woman that can make it onto every best dressed list for any award ceremony or event, it's Kerry Washington. It's pretty much a given that this lady will be wearing something stunning, and pull it off without a shadow of doubt. Washington wore a custom made Balenciaga gown in ivory silk, and didn't she look angelic? The caping fought 'fuddy ruddy' pregnancy and brought modern tailoring to the fore front of her look. The broaching to this is also SO minimalism, the ensemble basically told the world to put that bump onto every front page. Beautiful things come in two's, right? 

Okay, so writing a best dressed list on this years GG's fashion wouldn't be just without mentioning Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren. The dress was sold to every nation staring intensely at E!'s 360 degree Glam Cam the minute she graced her 12 Years a Slave foot onto the carpet. Off the shoulder caping executed the actress as almost a triumphant super hero, and that she was in winning an award for the film. Again we saw tomato red, however I do think the dress may have looked more demure and sexy if it was made in a boysen berry red, or simply a dark cherry. 

Finally, Adele Exarchopoulos makes it onto my list in Miu Miu. It's quite embarrassing how much i'm obsessing over this midnight embellished dress. The high kneck and elbow length sleeves complete with gathers give shape and more texture to the tightly fitted dress, perfect for her figure. Moreover, the keyhole slit across the back (similar to Emma Watson's) added some drama. What really stands out for me however are the hand sewn Swarovski crystals along the lower quarter; Adele glimmered her way into the night representing Blue is the Warmest Colour, and Miu Miu make this entirely evident. 

Images: Style.com & Getty 

London Collections: Men A/W 2014

Just six days into 2014 and the best of british menswear design has already graced London catwalks. London Collections, male edition, was serious business last week. Dylan Jones ceremonioulsy took hive inviting none other than Christopher Kane, Lou Dalton and other big names Hackett and MAN amongst others to dominate the fashion world for no less than three days; inviting us to expect wide necklines, asymmetric tailoring and big BLOCK colouring come September later this year. Who more credible to pull this extravanganza together than the chief of masculinity (I.E. GQ's very own)?  Whilst many females across the country were in awe of the male models, at work and off (might I mention David Gandy front row? swoon indeed), the rest of us fashion bunnies were most inevitably admiring Burberry Porsum's native american carpet bags. Unexpected, yet making the style transition from summer to autumn that bit sleeker in 2014. This totally mirrors the slickness of this years London Collections, being widely praised for its time efficiency and ease. 

Camouflage and Khaki's

source: London Collections (Lou Dalton)

Lets talk colour... or sludge, tonal colour shall we say. Lou Dalton began the event this year, and went against the popular colour blocking trend the likes of John Smedley and Nichols sent wibes over. Dalton produced garments in camels, khaki and stone with the odd model breaking the palette in cream white and pastel blue. These came in the form of loose buttoned shirts and light knitted jumpers, perhaps appropriate for layering. Bomber jackets and knit snoods were also in sight in cream. So far, so cowshed. Fabrics you ask? why! what is autumn/winter without cord and polyester. Calvin Klein also emulated this trend today in Milan, but with heavier weight jumpers and metalised trousers - almost inspired by a 90's sci-fi film, killer comfort whilst breaking the (tweed?) mould. If you're loyalties are remaining with autumnal colours this year, head straight to Dalton and Klein. 

Pattern

Xander Zhou was predominantly responsible for the super influx of block colour against black at The Hospital Club. Striking red and white lines were ablaze, whilst MAN also struck bold patterned lines in pastel lilacs and grey's. The abstract prints carved their way through the sea of tweed and wool, providing what looks to be a slightly more uplifting colour palette for this years dark months, perhaps inspired by Carven's pink coat from A/W 13? On day two, JW Anderson embraced a similarity, but working it amongst floral prints and super ribbed textures. Perhaps his pieces aren't quite ready to wear material, but we can forecast that that line will flaunt ribbed jumpers in an un-missable rainbow of colours and patterns. 

source: London Collections (JW Anderson)

Block Colour

Classic John Smedley, not failing to ruin your (or your grandmothers) expectations. Smedley produced sweaters and cardigans in a slightly less robust range of colours this year, however blues, oranges and maroons fabulously executed his line. Controlled and wearable patterns brought his pieces to an accessible look for men this autumn. Block colouring simply excites a staple pair of jeans or chinos. On day one we also saw Richard Nicholl parade a similar line of colours in coats and chic shirts - transferring the trend for office wear. These lines are what every man wants when he is shopping. Simplicity, versatility and timelessness. In menswear we trust.

Tailoring

 Source: London Collections (Paul Smith)

Other designers may have paved a way for alternative trends in the fore coming season, yet Hackett and Paul Smith remained close to the corporate mens territory. Sophisticated tailoring was given in abundance last week. Hackett played slightly more loose and casual this year, with wide fitting rain coats and trousers. However men should be prepared for slightly more high waist fitting and slimmer lapels on jackets, suits and coats. Over at Paul Smith on the final day, Smith took casual to a new corporate innovation. Similar to Burberry Porsum, weave and suede fabrics coming in musical wave patterns were centre stage on shoes. But if theres one winter warmer not to miss, it's the wide wrapped scarf. Effortlessly demonstrated by Smith himself and Rake. 

So, the boys are back in town. Wide necklines, block colours, and bold line patterns are what you males should keep on look out for later this year. Heavy ribbed fabrics will keep you snug whilst you stand out in reds and blues. Garments are style accessible, and so chic us females will be justifying any piece as keeping up with 'the boyfriend' trend. 

too glam to give a damn

too glam to give a damn by laj94 featuring a zipper pencil skirt

Sweet Wrapper Skirt

My love for the festive skirt has rocketed this year, and I'm close to collapse when it comes to the Topshop Zig Zag Pelmet. 

 Having impulse purchased it, I was immediately drawn to the colour. Gold instantly says festivity, whether it be christmas or new year. And to this, I wore mine on both boxing and new years day. Evidently the 'zig zag' pattern has been used to emulate the traditional fair isle knit pattern; so this a perfect ensemble to wear if you aren't brave enough to pull out the christmas jumper this year.

Moreover, the metallised fibre (11% to be exact) will make you glitter in the light, and looks and feels just like a sweet wrapper. Can you get more in the christmas spirit? 

I do have one little niggle with it though. I couldn't advise you ladies more to buy it in the size above. The teeny tiny shape is so Rosie H-W this season, however I did find the stitching to pull apart more easily than anticipated at the join, centre to the thighs. Never the less, the thin fabric is the loveliest weight for the winter month, what else but a thick winter jumper and leggings would be wearing underneath? Balance is key for comfort. The Pelmet Skirt is making life merrier.

Source: Fashion Bomb Daily

Stella (McCartney) initially prepared us for the pelmet. Her fall 2012 showed the skirt in more tweedy and wool fabrics. The models looked effortlessly sophisticated, showing us that those braving to reveal the longitude of their pins would be exempt from creating a the ultimate faux pas this winter; more so if matched with the inevitable pair of black tights. 

Mollie King flaunted her metallic topshop pelmet earlier in the year with a matching blouse, whilst I went for a contrast of black against gold. The cream colouring also saves some extra spending, completely appropriate to wear with the collared white blouse wardrobe staple. 

City to Country

City to Country by laj94 featuring red handbags

modest glamour

modest glamour by laj94 featuring a silk satin camisole