Hair Autumn/Winter 2011-12 : Fashion Fringe

 

By Sharon Forrester

 

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK kicked off with the glamorous amfAR Gala at Cipriani Wall Street, sponsored by MAC Viva Glam. The event was attended by the likes of Helena Christensen, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Karen Elson as well as actress Rose Bryne who was sporting the latest hair trend - the full fringe.

While we look forward to seeing which beauty trends emerge from the New York Fashion Week catwalk shows, expect to see the full fringe continue to make an impact off the catwalk as trendsetters on the street gain inspiration from everyone from Sandra Bullock to Kate Moss, Daisy Lowe and Edie Campbell, who currently rock the look.

- Make sure your hairdresser checks the type of hair you have and the hairline - if you have a cowslick, for example, the fringe will not sit correctly.
- Have your hairdresser show what you would look like if you had a fringe before you go for the cut using a clip-in fringe.
- Make sure you know what type of fringe you want - sloped, rounded etc - there are many different types.
- Ask your hairdresser to cut only a little bit at a time and work their way up to a short fringe - once cut, there's no turning back.
- For more impact try adding a few foils to lighten and add interest to your new fringe.

[Source : VOGUE.com]

Fashion Shows Autumn/Winter 2011-12 : New York Fashion Week 2011

NYFW Day 1 - Friday, 11th February 2011

 Designer: Jenni Kayne

The look: Jenni Kayne recently revealed she was influenced by the East coast for her latest collection, and had the clothes in mind for a country retreat, so there was a distinctly laid-back feel to the majority of her pieces. Neat sweaters sat atop luxe yet cosy silk trousers and were accessorised with loafer-style velvet slip-ons.

 Designer: Jenni Kayne

The look: The occassional hit of fuschia or cobalt-blue popped against classic tailored pieces.

 Designer: Jenni Kayne

The look: The understated looks came in force, but amid the cosy knits and fur hats there was also a cocktail hour-perfect sequin mini or two.

 Designer: BCBG Max Azria

The look: The most figure-hugging of turtle-neck bodies proved to be the must-have accessory, sported by each and every model, and adding a sleek twist to the simple pinafore tops and wide-leg trousers.

 Designer: BCBG Max Azria

The look: Which coats will we be donning next season? Well, if Max Azria's runway is anything to go by, then we needn't clear out our camel coats any time soon. Last season's most covetable styles returned to the runways, albeit in sharp, streamlined cuts.

 Designer: BCBG Max Azria

The look: The occasional painterly-print added a hit of 70s psychadelia to the otherwise fuss-free collection.

Designer: BCBG Max Azria

The look: Hits of colour in tangerine took their form on the most uncomplicated of cuts. Dresses were dropped at the waist and slit high to reveal the ubiquitous chunky suede and leather riding boots.

[Source : InStyle.co.uk]

Party Dresses : Make the Most of What You've Got

 

Curvy

Accentuate your womanly shape with a belted cocktail number. America Ferrera (near left) chose a slim-waisted Alice + Olivia design with an hourglass-emphasizing tulip skirt. Amber Riley (far left) took the look a step further, amping up her cinched T-shirt dress with a powerhouse hue. 

 

 

 

Full Bust

When you've got it, support it! Choose a fitted sheath with straps so that you can both show off your curves and wear a no-nonsense bra. Sofia Vergara (left) selected a scoop-neck design that revealed just the right amount of cleavage, while Kim Kardashian (far left) rocked a Donna Karan dress with a wrap neckline made to lift and separate. 

 

 

 

Tall

A long retro hemline is the ideal complement to a rangy frame. Kate Hudson (far left) selected a Prabal Gurung dress with a leg-enhancing line, while the statuesque Blake Lively (left) slipped on a Chanel design with a flirty calf-length skirt. 

 

 

 

Short

If you are petite, show off your compact build with pared-down design. Reese Witherspoon (far left) wore a strapless, above-the-knee Jason Wu dress with a perfectly scaled mini peplum. Eva Longoria Parker (left) also chose a simple silhouette (by Rafael Cennamo) with a feminine finish: a sweetheart bodice. 

 

 

 

Small Bust

Flaunt your A cups with the most daring neckline you can find! Kristen Stewart (far left) chose an edgy Doo.Ri design with a barely-there cutout top, while Emma Roberts (left) opted for an ultra-sexy Reem Acra number with the deepest of Vs. 

 

 

 

Pear-Shaped

Fuller on bottom? Choose a '50s-inspired design with a fitted bodice and an A-line skirt. Eva Mendes (far left) chose an embellished Oscar de la Renta number that flared out at the hips. Jennifer Lopez bumped up the effect with a two-tone Christian Lacroix couture dress. 

 

 

[Source : InStyle]

The Gaga rule

By Ella Alexander

LADY GAGA's appearance on the cover of American Vogue has been widely talked about among fashion circles for months but the issue is finally out, featuring an intimate interview with the singer - and she certainly lives up to her outrageous reputation. The 24-year-old says she hates to be referred to by her real name, Stefani.

"Call me Gaga," she says. "Some people do call me Stefani. Especially in bed. It's banned."

Comparing her job to a "cheese sandwich", Gaga shares a close relationship with her legions of fans - who she fondly dubs her "little monsters".

"Sometimes being on stage is like having sex with my fans," she explains. "They're the only people on the planet who, in an instant, can make me just lose it."

Gaga also fought back at critics who dismiss her bold, attention-grabbing style.

"People are like 'She dresses that way for attention'. Or like 'Ugh the meat dress'. People just want to figure it out or explain it," she says in the March issue. "That truth is, the mystery and the magic is my art. That is what I am good at."

The March issue of American Vogue is out February 22. To read the full interview click HERE.


[Source : VOGUE.com]

Embroidered tights : Classy and elegant, rock and roll and sexy

Why go with boring old opaque stocking when there are so many inventive and unexpected lace stockings options now available to choose from. Lace is a great middle ground alternative between going bare legged and wearing thick hosiery.

And unlike color block stockings or patterned leggings, lace stockings have a femininity about them. A femininity that can just as easily go classy and elegant as it can go rock and roll or sexy.

If you are a newbie to wearing lace then try something mild. Perhaps black stockings with just a lace insert down the outside of the leg or chose a single motif in a larger pattern. You can progress from there to more elaborate designs that incorporated different patterns in the same stockings or maybe go for a pair that have some crystal embellishments or a bit of color.

But it is always important to remember that lace stockings add texture to an ensemble so unless you are purposely going for a “OTT” look then keep the rest of your ensemble simple.

Lace stockings work particularly well when worn under a pair of denim shorts, for example,  or with a monochrome mini dress. Now granted they might not be the most practical alternative when the temperature drops below freezing.... but it’s a brand new year so I say go for it!

jessicamichault.com

Jessica Michault

[Source : VOGUE Italia]

Jamie Dornan for ZARA Spring 2011

Camel hues remain the part of Zara's latest collection, while the new face of the brand is actor/supermodel Jamie Dornan.

Ad Campaign: ZARA
Season: Spring 2011
Model: Jamie Dornan
Photographer: David Sims
Website: www.zara.com

 

 

[Source : Design Scene]

Accessory Trends : Rigid bags

A mix of elegance, professionalism and restraint

 

Ellie Saab

Bottega Veneta

DSquared2

 Emporio Armani

Etro

 Ferragamo

 Enrico Coveri

Miu Miu

Tory Burch

[Source : Vogue Italia]

80's Cookbook

One thing you should know about this cornflakes pancakes from Emily of Fuss Free Cooking is despite these are called pancakes, the recipe doesn’t contain any baking powder and bicarb. Therefore don’t expect these to be fluffy like your usual pancakes. The batter (you’ll see it in the photo below) is a crepe-like batter. Therefore, these will turn out like thicker-versions of savory crepes which will go FANTASTICALLY AWESOME with bacon/beef bits, smoked salmon or in this case with sunny side up eggs.

Cheesy Cornflakes Pancakes 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes (less if you make bigger pancakes)

Serves 3-4 people

Ingredients

1 cup corn flakes
1.25 cups milk
2 eggs
2/3 cup plain flour
1/2 tsp salt
oil to grease pan
1.25 cup shredded cheese
1 spring onion, thinly sliced
 

Method  

1. Add corn flakes, flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Use hand to crush corn flakes while combining with the flour.
2. Add eggs into milk and lightly beat to combine. Make a well in the middle of flour mixture and pour in the egg-milk mixture.
3. Use a fork to gently stir to make a smooth batter.

4. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over low heat.  Use a soup spoon to spread a spoonful of batter onto the pan when the oil is hot.  Try to spread the batter as thin as possible.
5. Sprinkle some spring onion and cheese on the face side up of the batter (like photo below).

6. Cook and turn pancake to brown both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter. 
7. Best served hot with relishes and toppings.

[Source : Fuss Free Cooking]