Friday 27 August 2010

The cape deal...

To cape or not to cape, that is the question...

Capes were all over the Autumn/Winter 2010 catwalks, and with Chloe, Phillip Lim and Celine leading the way it's a sure thing they're going to be big news for fashion followers UK over.

The problem is, I'm not quite convinced by the whole cape thing. When capes first entered the fashion sphere five years, I had a brief but unsuccessful love affair with a cropped, cream military cape. It was lust at first site - the high collar was irresistible and the royal gold buttons and the wrap over detail instantly won me over. And at a high street price, there were no obstacles.


But the romance did not run smoothly. That New Year I went away to the country with my then-boyfriend and his friends. I proudly packed my fashion-forward cape, excited for its first real outing. The result - many mocking comments from the boys, and an inability to wear my beautiful cape without a red, flustered face. Men just do not understand the cape thing, and I can understand why.

Let's face it, capes are not practical. They restrict arm movement and make it rather difficult to carry a handbag. There is also a large risk of looking somewhat like a tent. But it has to be said, capes are so much cooler than the standard winter coat! There is something dramatic and bold about wearing one.


Certain rules do apply though. Stick to skinny trousers to ensure a slim silhouette on the bottom half. And if new to the cape world, start with simple and classic styles rather than the wild and adventurous options out there - one in the shape of a simple pea coat shouldn't be too daunting.

As for me... I think I've carried the scars of teasing boys long enough. Maybe this winter is the time to venture back into cape land...

Hot, hot, hot

At the L.A. premiere for her new film Jessica Alba reminded us of her true style capabilities.

After months of only seeing Alba in floaty tops, skinny jeans and ballet pumps while she escorted her adorable daughter Honor to the local parks; it is refreshing to see her resort back to a fearless style choice of body hugging, thigh skimming dresses.

This metallic zigzag number is particularly mesmerizing, and teamed with black bondage style shoes screams young Hollywood glamour. One thing is very clear - Jess still has it.

Wednesday 25 August 2010

Loving Drew's Look!

I've never thought of Drew Barrymore as a style icon before - yes, she's a great actress, yes, she's gorgeous, but no, I've never lusted after her outfits. But that's all starting to change.

Dressed in her best glad-rags, Drew wowed when she arrived for the David Letterman Show this weekend. Kitted out in a Richard Chai sequinned blouse and ankle skimming black trousers by Aussie design duo Camilla and Marc, Drew made sure all eyes were on her. Sleek, stylish and yet original, her look was all about opulence and glamour, and I for one love it!

My only fault - her grey YSL pumps. I know that grey is going to be big this winter, and I am a fan; but for me, it just didn't quite work this time. This is more than made up for by Drew's natural long waves and perfect make-up. Overall: thumbs up!

Thursday 19 August 2010

Something for the Weekend - The Perfume Diaries and Afternoon Tea

Trying to think of something fun to do at the weekend? Take a trip to Harrods from the 2nd of September to the 2nd of October and visit The Perfume Diaries exhibition.

Chronicling the extraordinary story of perfume from ancient times to current day, this is sure to be an interesting day out (especially if you fit in a spot of retail therapy while you're there!)

To top it all off, Harrods has teamed up with Master Patissier to the stars, Eric Lanlard, to create a mouthwatering new afternoon tea menu. Served in the iconic Georgian restaurant, the new menu is inspired by key perfume notes and ingredients from classic rose to oriental spice to modern lemongrass.

Check out the scrumptious menu of pastries, cakes and miniature puddings below:

Grace: Celebrating the flavours of Provence, this little loaf cake features sweet oranges, almond and lavender. Inspired by the French town Grasse - famed as the 'Perfume Capital of the World'.

Shot St. Honore: This yummy dessert is made up of vanilla cream, crunchy meringue, fresh raspberries, lychees and rose petal mousse. Finished off with a pipette of lemongrass and coconut, what more could you want!?

Dessert Tagine: This sounds like bliss. Think rich and strong Middle Eastern flavours, contrasted with sweet tagine, musk, cinnamon, ginger and rose. A creamy rice pudding with honey roast apricot and pistachio.
Little Violet: One word, delicious. A tiny tartlet filled with red berry mousse, scented with violet essence, topped with seasonal red berries and a glamorous sprinkling of edible glitter.

Vendome: Named after the famous jeweller, this chocolate slice is infused with bergamot, packed with fresh raspberries and finished with edible 10-carat sugar diamonds and jewels.

Larme de Jasmine: A delicate dark chocolate teardrop with a rich chocolate mousse, Italian amarena cherries and scented with jasmine. Truly mouthwatering.

Enjoy!

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Book Club - The Perfect Man by Sheila O'Flanagan

This is the first novel I've read by Sheila O'Flanagan, and to be honest I didn't have particularly high expectations. I'd picked this book to read by the pool on holiday. All I wanted was something light-hearted and easy-to-read. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised. This novel surpassed my expectations.

The story follows sisters Mia and Britt as they venture on a cruise of the Caribbean. Complete opposites and never particularly close, their relationship is tested to the max as they learn new truths about themselves and each other. Mia, is a single mother and hopeless romantic and Britt is a divorced lawyer turned romantic novelist who doesn't believe in true love. On board, they meet Leo, who is struggling to move on from a previous heart-break and the ship's entertainment officer Steve, a relaxed gentleman who befriends both sisters. There is plenty of drama, but it is never depressing or too serious. And the plot kept me guessing till the very end. This novel is anything but predictable.

With likable characters, and original, detailed back stories, the novel achieved an unexpected level of depth. And I enjoyed how each character developed as the novel progressed. I must admit the story was rather slow starting, and I could imagine some may not have continued. But it is worth the wait. A few chapters in, the novel becomes a page turner, and I couldn't put it down.

Setting the majority of the novel in exotic locations created perfect opportunities for O'Flanagan to 'paint a picture'. I'm glad to say O'Flanagan did not go over the top with her descriptions. They were kept short and sweet, and therefore were effective without taking over the narrative.

The dialogue was natural and lively, and the move between different narrative viewpoints was smooth and refreshing.

Though a rather long read, and possibly not as enjoyable if you aren't sitting in the sunshine with a glass of wine in hand, this novel is humorous, lively and fun. It is, by no-means, a classic; but it is more intelligently written and plotted than the usual holiday read and fully recommended.

Wednesday 11 August 2010

Julia Roberts, Forty-Two and Fabulous!

All eyes were on Julia Roberts last night at the New York premiere of her new film Eat Prey Love. And it's no surprise. The 42 year old wowed in sexy evening attire, flaunting her enviable pins in black tailored shorts by Diane von Furstenberg teamed with a sophisticated black Stella McCartney blazer. The look was polished off perfectly with strappy satin sandals by Roger Vivier and blue and gold bracelets from Julia's favourite jewellery designer Me & Ro.

The mother of twins was signed as a model for Lancome earlier this year, and after this appearance I wouldn't be surprised if the offers fly in from fashion brands too. The film, prodcued by Brad Pitt, is based on bestselling novel by Elizabeth Gilbert and follows a woman who is newly divorced and decides to travel the world.