Tag Archives: designers

New store launch: & Other Stories

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Shopping, Style by

There’s been a lot of buzz around the internet for the launch of this new brand from the team behind H&M, & Other Stories launched simultaneously in London, Berlin and Copenhagen last week as well as online.

As soon as I saw the site I fell in love. The look of the homepage is more like a Tumblr page, very visual with a ‘story’ for certain themes and collections that links through from the one item of clothing or beauty you are looking at and shows you the other features in that same ‘story’. It’s so easy and accessible you could get lost looking through each and every picture.

And Other Stories

Online shopping has become so samey and boring that when a new website like this comes along you want to lap it all up and blow all your money on every delicious thing you see.

& Other Stories hasn’t just started with clothes, it’s launched your whole wardrobe. From a minimalist sleek Ready-to-Wear collection brimming full of dresses, tops, knitwear and trousers; to shoes, handbags and other accessories. And all of it looks like it belongs on a designer runway. Some of the prices reflect the quality of the pieces, and for anyone thinking that’s a bit steep, why are you still paying upwards of £40 for jeans at Topshop?!

There is even a beauty range which will give Topshop’s make-up collection a run for its money, created by make-up artist Lisa Butler (who has worked as consulting colour director and Prada and Helmut Lang) it includes gorgoeus lip colours, glosses, bright blushes, serums, body creams, pearly eyeshadows, oils, popping nail colours as well as foundations and concealers. The list is endless, and you could really find yourself adding more and more to your basket as you venture through the whole of the site, you even get a free sample of body lotion with your order.

Below are some of my favourite beauty picks, the lipstick promises to be long-lasting and matte but still moisturising which is always a plus for me, the blusher has a cute inscription on it “Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days” I mean I don’t think I’d want to get rid of that, the pigment in the creamy eye colour is so bright and promises to be long-lasting with a “lustrous effect”, and I’m intrigued by the concealer quad because there are so many different tones in our skin it is nice to be able to mix our own perfect shade.

And Other Stories make up

Calamanco Coral £12 // Ecarlate Pink £12 // Moreen Blue £7 // Concealer Quad £15

There are so many things on this site that I love, but the things that are already on my to buy list are the grey marl panel top (£39); the plain yellow cotton t-shirt (£12); this very risque contrast knit dress (£45); and the go-with-everything Clare Vivier white python clutch (£55).

And Other Stories clothesI expect to see my bank account looking very unhealthy when payday arrives… Go check out the store now it’s a refreshing change from trawling through ASOS and Topshop!

Head over to my Pinterest page to check out all my latest looks from awards season and the rest of my wishlist…

And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @nlcorner

MET Gala 2012

Posted in Beauty, Celebrity, Diane and Josh, Fashion, Hair, Models, Red Carpet, Style Crush by

This year’s Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was held in honour of Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli - I’m not going to pretend I’m totes fashion and had heard of the latter until this exhibition – andwith rumours abound that Miuccia was running a tight ship, it was with a hush of excitement that news of who was dressing who began to filter through.

The biggest news before the Gala went ahead was that the head honcho had put a stop to Coco Rocha being dressed by her designer bessie Zac Posen, she instead had teased on Twitter she was wearing vintage Givenchy. Now in my mind vintage Givenchy would be elegant, dramatic and gorgeous, what Coco Rocha wore was far from any of this… A vintage suit previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor may be majah but she looked like a hot mess and to top it all off she added some poor 13 year-old girls bubblegum pink clip ins. If there was ever a Worst Ever Dressed Award it would go to you Mrs Rocha, please stick to what you know.

Coco Rocha in Vintage Givenchy at the MET Gala 2012

To follow on from my Worst Ever Dressed, I’ll direct you to my next worst dressed. If you read my previous post on this young woman you would probably see who I was going to say a mile off.

Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga at the MET Gala 2012

Honestly the dress isn’t really that bad, I think the red next to the blue is sending me shivers but I like the bodice of the dress.  It’s just those SHOES. They could honestly be the most horrific shoes ever made on earth. And of course you know I’m going to have a problem with that hair, yes I know if she’d had it all posh and preened it would not be her style but surely something like her hairstyle from the BD premiere could be done here.

Everyone else seemed to think that Karolina Kurkova looked uh-mazing, but I really think Rachel Zoe was given too much creative control with a roll of tin foil. The turban Kurkova sported was an almost spit of Kate Moss’ Marc Jacob’s ’09 MET Gala outfit, and if Zoe had just left it off I would have let her get away with the standard gold sparkly dress that every designer has to make.

Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe at the MET Gala 2012

It’s easy to pick apart the looks you don’t like, it always is but when it comes to those jaw-dropping dresses there can only really ever be one that just made you wish you could wear that dress. That’s the only way I can pick which celeb knocked it out of the park…. Or maybe there will have to be a three-way tie…

For me Beyonce’s Givenchy Couture gown was a jaw-dropper, that train, the sheerness, and her post-baby body, but when you think about it as stunning as she looks she has worn just as risque outfits on stage. So to me this is a normal look for B, in fact I think I prefer her Emilio Pucci from last year’s MET Gala.

Beyonce Knowles in Givenchy Couture at the MET Gala 2012

Someone who never fails to look smokin’ hot is the ever sexy Rihanna, her Tom Ford dress fit like a second (snake)skin. It was on par with her black lace Stella McCartney look from last year, still with the crazy hair but a little more toned down, despite the one inch talons adorning her hands.

Rihanna in Tom Ford at the MET Gala 2012

Now my number one Style Crush let me down a little on the night, after her showstopper Jason Wu number last year, Diane Kruger rocked up in a purple Prada number. Not the usual high glamour she goes for on the red carpet, in fact it was a little dressed down. The skirt half was gorgeous but the top half was a little on the slouchy vest side, not something I would expect from such a first class dresser, still I can’t bring myself to say I hate it…

Diane Kruger in Prada at the MET Gala 2012

Two very different women, two very different dresses, one designer. Cate Blanchett and Florence Welch were both guests of Sarah Burton, they both wore Alexander McQueen gowns, one I adored the other was a little extreme but to be fair suited the wearer’s personality down to the ground… Can you guess which I liked?

Florence Welch and Cate Blanchett with Sarah Burton in Alexander McQueen at the MET Gala 2012

Yup you guessed it… Cate Blanchett!

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen at the MET Gala 2012

One of my main contenders for Best Dressed was, surprisingly enough, Gwyneth Paltrow, going for a shorter length than her fellow attendees, she wore a Prada dress with embellished pockets. I really like the shape of the dress and if I had a body like that at 39 I would be proud of it too. The hair and make up along with those earrings really top off a fantastic look from Gywnnie, almost harks back to that Balmain dress at the Iron Man premiere in 2008.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada at the MET Gala 2012

I loved Kate Bosworth’s Prada look. Yes I said it I loved what Kate was wearing, the dark ombre feathered dress, the Miu Miu shoes the flawless make up and the slicked back hair. I want it all, I want it all NOW!

Kate Bosworth in Prada at the MET Gala 2012

It was nearly a draw with Kate, but I think Camilla Belle just pipped her to the post in her Ralph Lauren silver fluid gown. The fact she went full length adds even more glamour, both had similar make up looks – it seems that wine coloured lips were the majah look of the night – and Camilla’s hair just topped off that old Hollywood glamour that I adore so much.

Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren at the MET Gala 2012

Here are the best of the rest from the MET Gala 2012:

Lana Del Ray in Altuzarra, Fashion Critic over at Red Carpet Fashion Awards made the genius comparison of Lana being the Bad Witch to Gwyneth Paltrow’ Good Witch at the Oscars this year.

Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhullier. I really love this look, the colour suits Ginnifer down to the ground and her pixie cut is as perfect as ever.

Bianca Brandolini D’Adda looks verrrry gold in Dolce & Gabbana the epitome of their label really. I kinda like it on the Italian socialite, glitz and glam in the most obvious way.

Nina Dobrev in custom-made Donna Karan. Nina knows how to do the red carpet, ever since she wore that red Donna Karan at the Emmy’s this was a match made in heaven.

Victoria Justice in McQ by Alexander McQueen. The young star dresses her age in a beautiful McQ dress, the colour explosion and the puff ball skirt make a really great look.

Solange Knowles in Rachel Roy. Amazing colour.

Emma Stone in Lanvin. I enjoyed this look, but Emma can do sooo much better than this.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry. We get it R H-W has the perfect body, but this look really bores the hell out of me even if I do love the make up.

Spring Couture 2012

Posted in Diane and Josh, Fashion, Film, Runway by

It was a couple of weeks ago in Paris, but haute couture was delivered despite (as so many keep reminding) the economic downturn. Yesss we know we can never afford the £25,000 dresses Donatella is sharing with us but some people can, and even if those some can’t they’re allowed to borrow them for the awards season. And in most cases they’re given to those walking the red carpet for the publicity so who cares, as long as we get to see them on some beautiful actresses I say gimme. Especially the orange Versace and any of the amazing, jaw-droppingly perfect Elie Saab gowns.

We’ve already seen a fair few couture pieces already (with my fave lady Diane Kruger wearing a Giambattista Valli in Berlin) but who will wear what to the Oscars? There are already rumours flying around that Gwyneth, Charlize and Cameron have requested Victoria Beckham to design something special, but Cameron was at nearly every couture show with her pick of what she wants so I don’t see that happening…

Here are my favourites from Paris…

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Images from Style.com

Golden Globes 2012: A success!

Posted in Awards, Fashion, Film, Style, Television by

I refer you to my post on the Golden Globes 2011, where I was extremely disappointed in the dresses, very few celebs displayed any show stoppers and it was a struggle to form a best-dressed list.

However this year was very different… the stylists stepped up their game by a long shot. I think last year has been vaporized into oblivion by this years array of stunning gowns.

My one to watch last year was Michelle Williams, and again this year I’ve really enjoyed seeing her red carpet choices leading up to the Globes. She’d been sticking to a palette of monochrome and so I was hoping for some colour and I was not disappointed, Michelle demonstrated that understated glamour she is so good at (ignoring the Valentino from last year) with a purple velvet Jason Wu column  dress and picked up the award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. 9/10

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu at Golden Globes 2012

Evan Rachel Wood was my favourite of the night, she is never afraid of wearing a show-stopper and this Gucci Premiere gown was simply beautiful. She reminds me of a mermaid, with feathers. 9.5/10

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci Premiere at the Golden Globes 2012

Dianna Agron wasn’t featured prominently on any best/worst dressed lists, I suppose her star power is still at a B- for a television actress, but her red laser cut Giles dress is a star to me. Very reminiscent of the Marchesa dress that Rachel McAdams wore at Cannes but edgier. I think it would have worked even better if it didn’t have the slight train and was cut with a flare at the ankle. 8/10

Dianna Agron in Giles at the Golden Globes 2012

I loved Claire Danes‘ neon pink Calvin Klein from last years Golden Globes, this year she picked a monochrome J. Mendel dress. I loved it but I think that’s because of the back, I’m a lover of bare backs and this was a hit purely for that reason and the red lips. Still she went on to pick up the Globe for Best Actress in a TV Drama for the epic show that is Homeland, congratulations. 7.5/10

Claire Danes in J. Mendel at the Golden Globes 2012

Kudos to Paula Patton for daring to wear THE brightest dress ever made. Her sunshine yellow Monique Lhullier dress showed Sarah Michelle Gellar how to do the designer the correct way. Honestly, SMG turned up in a godawful inky blue and white dress with a huge bustle around the waist which just totally overwhelmed her and then she made the excuse that her daughter Charlotte picked it out… Yeah put the blame on the innocent child poor thing. SMG gets a ridiculously low -2/10 whilst Paula shines with 7/10.

Paula Patton and Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhullier at the Golden Globes 2012

Salma Hayek looked gorgeous in Gucci, I don’t think I’d be able to guess how old she is when she busts out a dress like this. Sleek and sexy, gorgeous but no mutton. An easy 8/10.

Salma Hayek in Gucci at the Golden Globes 2012

As a rule to myself I never EVER include Tilda Swinton on any lists, because she is a force of her own making. An individualist at heart she just refuses to conform. This time however her Golden Globes outfit was by no means extreme nor was it simple and boring, but a light blue Haider Ackermann creation which she carried off without breaking a sweat. I really liked the styling, the matching cuffs and quiffy ice blonde hair (it’s like she’s always the White Queen) , an icy 7/10.

Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann at the Golden Globes 2012

The best of the rest include:

  • A stunning Kate Beckinsale who really doesn’t seem to age in Roberto Cavalli a graceful 8/10.
  • Katherine McPhee in a shock horror mid-length gown by Donna Karan. A refreshing change but the colour was a bit drab 6.5/10.
  • Nicole Richie is a favourite of mine, I liked her Julien Macdonald dress but I didn’t love it, the bling was fantastic though 7/10.
  • Madeleine “Victoria” Stowe, the Revenge actress didn’t scoop any awards but looked electric in a cornflower blue Vera Wang custom creation 7.5/10.
  • Although I don’t favour this dress on Lea Michele because she just sexed it up way too much, the pose, the smoky eye it just doesn’t sit right. I love the green cocktail ring and the dress itself but really not her, one day she will do something simple and understated and will still look amazing, a stingy 6/10.
  • Diane Lane really shows everyone else how to do it, the actress looked elegant in a gold embellished Reem Acra gown 8.5/10.
  • Emma Stone’s Lanvin gown kind of underwhelmed me, I love her and the make up was gorgeous but I was expecting something showstopping, maybe she’s saving it for when she’s nominated, 6.5/10.
  • Mila Kunis rocked up in a black Dior dress, she looked nice but clearly was there in a supporting capacity and not to steal the scene, a lacklustre 6.5/10.
  • I was really on the fence with Jessica Biel’s choice of Elie Saab Couture. He makes THE best red carpet dresses and she chose this? It’s kind of old lady up top with this beautiful skirt. Sort it out Jess you’re not going to wear this at your wedding I hope, 5.5/10.
  • I would like to say to Nicole Kidman to get rid of the long hair and tight dresses, and wear something that makes you look your age and not a tacky wannabe. 3/10 just because it’s Versace.

Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli at the Golden Globes 2012

Katherine McPhee in Donna Karan at the Golden Globes 2012

Nicole Richie in Julien Macdonald at the Golden Globes 2012

Madeleine Stowe in Vera Wang at the Golden Globes 2012

Lea Michele in Marchesa at the Golden Globes 2012

Diane Lane in Reem Acra at the Golden Globes 2012

Emma Stone in Lanvin at the Golden Globes 2012

Mila Kunis in Christian Dior at the Golden Globes 2012

Jessica Biel in Elie Saab Couture at the Golden Globes 2012

Nicole Kidman in Versace at the Golden Globes 2012

New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear

Posted in Fashion, I Adore, Models, Runway by

I honestly don’t know how fashion editors, buyers, directors etc etc do a fashion week. I’ve struggled to keep up with all the shows and I’m sat on my arse in front of a computer scrolling through photographs from each show, and even then I have to make a selection of who I want to look at because it TAKES SO LONG. I always look at my favourite designers, the recognisable names and then pick a few random ones that usually end up been the better options!

New York Fashion Week, was a whole load of different, if that makes sense. There were some similar themes running through several shows, like a LOT of white, and in mostly silky sheer material which looked a dream, seen at Luca Luca, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. The material I mention was in practically every show, well every show that I looked at, it’s the perfect shimmery, sexy, slinky, swishy, silk material that I adore especially when you see it down the runway floating and folding on the model. I especially loved the DKNY show, I watched it livestream on Style.com and I felt like I was there (I pretended OKAY) the looks were light and airy with really nicepops of colour.

Luca Luca

Luca Luca

DKNY

Colour was another big look, from pastel, sherbet, vivid, neon, rich, royal, sparkle and nude there wasn’t a show that didn’t pass by without a flash of the rainbow (well maybe apart from Ralph Lauren…). My favourite ‘colour’ shows were Jason Wu and Christian Siriano, Wu’s pastel pinks paired with crisp white and citron flashes of yellow were a dream, and Siriano’s burnt orange ball gown skirt was a delight.

Jason Wu Jacquelyn Jablonski

Jason Wu Kate King

Christian Siriano

Shape was sexy and tailored, peekaboo splits, peplum skirts or ballgown goodness. The recurring sexy tailoring was a particular favourite, pencil thin trousers in an array of colours, or the easiest way to do spring tailoring, shorts. Shorts galore! Simple style with a loose tee or sharp with a tux blazer, a great look to pull off if you pair the right shapes together. There were shift dresses from Victoria by Victoria Beckham her new line (not diffusion mind), there were full length red carpet amazing-ness, puff-tastic, dropped flapper style waists and some dripping in embellishment, case in point, Marchesa.

J. Mendel

Tibi

Prabal Gurung

There were plenty of red-carpet looks that could be seen at future film premieres, gala’s and even award shows, one of my favourites was Ralph Lauren’s look 52. A simple white column dress with cobweb patterened jewel short sleeves and a high neck, I would very much like to see this on Emma Stone. Zac Posen’s collection exudes glamour and red carpet beauty, for someone to wear one of his gowns would be a show-stopping moment. And not forgetting, the queen of red carpet, Georgina Chapman…

Ralph Lauren Zuzanna Bijoch

Zac Posen

Marchesa Karolina Kurkova

My ULTIMATE look of the week and ULTIMATE model, has to go to Karlie Kloss in Prabal Gurung. Prabal Gurung’s show was the epitome of sexy and I also watched that livestream and couldn’t believe how good it was. Karlie Kloss just has this amazing walk and this smoldering eyebrow-arching pout that I am just drawn to, how can she look that good and be only 19 *sad face*.

Prabal Gurung Karlie Kloss

Right I’m ready and raring to go for London Fashion Week, I expect this to be edgier as the Brit designers are apparently known for. Probably won’t like it as much… I can’t wait for Paris though.

Here’s the best of the rest….

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All images from Style.com

MTV Movie Awards vs. CFDA Awards

Posted in Awards, Beauty, Celebrity, Fashion, Film, Girl Crush, Gossip Girl, Hair, Lists, Models, Sexy, Style, Style Crush, Twilight by

Two awards shows, two very different crowds. But both one common goal, dress to impress. MTV Movie awards saw plenty of daringly short dresses, embellishment, and casual sexiness. The CFDA Awards were all high fashion bang on trend, colour blocking, sheer and silk materials, super tall models alongside the most notable fashion designers of-the-moment.

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