Sparkles & Feathers & Newsprint

Midway on the runway AW2013 as seen at (left to right): Victoria Beckham, Celine and Haider Ackermann.

It’s time to raid your closet and ask yourself this compelling question. The current hemline for skirts, the one to be wearing right now, is the midi. It started last year, when houses like Miu Miu went full on midi for SS2013. At the AW2013 collections (shown in February/March), it was the only length the frowers were wearing. This season it has really arrived. No longer dowdy, today’s midi skirt is sleek, feminine and surprisingly sexy. Credit the likes of Mrs Beckham, Sienna M and Carine Roitfeld for giving midis their  sultry seals of approval and thereby propelling them to superstar status.  Continue reading →

Animal graphic sweaters and sweat shirts are an easy way to update your casual look in a jiffy. They’re PETA approved and take solid separates or denim from meh to (to quote Seinfeld’s Kenny Bania)”Gold Jerry, gold!”. Who wouldn’t love the raw fierceness of Givenchy’s Rottweiler tee, especially as seen on the likes of Liv Tyler? Buyer beware: this is a trend that may be in for now but don’t blink because it will be over and done with by January. 
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At 3.1 Phillip Lim, models tied one on, on the runway.

There was a time…back in the day…when tying a garment of clothing at the waist was a perfectly acceptable practice. Then came Y2K and we all embraced a sense of pristine put togetherness. Good news; that 90’s vibe of grunge-ish nonchalance has once again resurfaced, and is the ideal way to season a middle-of-the-road outfit with a bohemia flavour. A few points to keep in mind in order to pull off the unstudied vibe:LENGTH AND POSITIONING ARE KEYThe tied shirt or sweater must reach your knees. Also, you’ll have to determine if you want it tight to the waist (tailored) or relaxed on the hips (grunge). Continue reading →

Paris Vogue’s Emmanuelle Alt (front of the line) and one of her minions work white jeans in   Paris’ chilly February air.

Today is Labor Day. For some, this day marks a return to school studies. For others, like myself, it usually marks the time of year the whites (shoes, pants, skirts) are relegated to the rear of the closet until some time near the end of next May. It’s been a fashion unspoken rule adhered to as strictly as “never wear stockings with open-toed shoes”. So imagine my dazed and confused state when I spied the fashion doyenne, Emmanuelle Alt (the Paris VogueEmmanuelle Alt), wearing (gasp!) white jeans in February. Leave it to her ALTerior trail blazing nature to take an ancient fashion “must not” and smash it to bits.  Continue reading →

Summer Days: Relaxing in my Bikini Lovers bandeau, Cartier aviators and J.Crew hat.

Well hello there. Apologies for being out of sight and out of touch for so long. Had to iron out some wrinkles with the blog and am happy to report all is pressed and crisp; ready to wear. Kinda ironic that my last post was that iconic shot of JLaw tripping up the stairs at the Oscars. Just as she picked herself up and moved on, so is Sparkles and Feathers and Newsprint. You will notice some changes as well…mostly the tone will be a little less serious and a little more conversational. After all, we’re old friends now, aren’t we?
Rather than simply skim over my closet activities since March (what?), I’m going to do a fashion flash and catch everyone up in a jiffy. Hold on to your hangers… Continue reading →

I am neither an art director nor in the business of public relations, but if I was…does it get any better than this?

Art Director’s Dream: the iconic tumble courtesy of Dior clad Jennifer Lawrence.

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A Lanvin dress (from Spring 2012) with snake-effect embellishment.

Sunday February 10th marks the start of the Chinese New Year…capturing the feel of Chinese New Year in your wardrobe is simple: stick to a colour palette of black, red, gold and orange. An all black ensemble with a shot of gold and a red lip and nail is a subtle approach. The more daring can incorporate Eastern influences like a mandarin collar, clean lines and capped sleeves or sleeveless uppers(calling to mind the style of a classic cheongsam).

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Anna Dello Russo in Piers Atkinson’s “Cherry” hat, Gaga’s “meat” dress and Katy Perry’s “cupcake” bra: surreal style.

Elsa Schiaparelli’s shoe hat really pioneered the spirit of the trend. It’s not for everyone, especially not for those who prefer to fly under the radar. If it had to have a spokesmodel these days, Anna Dello Russo and her Piers Atkinson cherry fascinator would merit my vote, with Gaga (meat dress) or Katy Perry (cupcake bra) coming in a close second. Surrealism in fashion. It’s bold, cheeky and almost always rated over-the-top. This season both garments and accessories appeared with surreal connections. The brash and striking points of reference are perfectly suited to fall/winter fashion. Success usually comes with one touch and for those of us not comfortable in a feathered frock like Bjork’s 2001 Oscar’s “swan dress”, that nudge is best kept light and subtle.

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In The Navy: Chris Tucker in Prada; Jennifer Lawrence in Dior and Busy Philips in  Gabriela Cadena 2. Angelina does red carpet leather. The rest of us don’t.

EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW…
…I LEARNED AT THE SAG AWARDS!
1. Navy is a lot easier to wear than black. It photographs beautifully. Matte navy absorbs flash in a most flattering way. Fab on women, men and even those expecting. It’s a clever color.

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SET FIRE TO THE RAIN (and to this dress, please) Halle, we love you, but this Versace is right out of a Destiny’s Child video.    WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN (since SNL?)

The Golden Globes 2013 are officially done. Despite accusations that this awards season is suffering from a bit of the “meh” syndrome, there were definitely some high and low notes on the red carpet. To that end, we present our takes on best and worst while incorporating songs, albums and artists nominated for Grammys this year. Focus and you should be able to follow along…

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