Spice It Up this Summer with Saint Grace!

Spice It Up this Summer with Saint Grace!





Abi Ruffle Henly “Tangier” Pocket Ankle Zip “Wind”


Are you ready to spice it up a bit this Summer with Saint Grace? Check out this sassy combination from the Saint Grace Summer ’09 Collection. Perfectly cool to heat things up on those endless balmy Miami nights while you Salsa the evening away. The Abi Ruffle Henly in gorgeous “Tangier” really sizzles when teamed with the flawless ice cool of the Pocket Ankle zip. Just add your hottest heels and you’re ready to Rumba!

This review is also submitted in a contest to win a shopping spree with Saint Grace. Please vote for me!!

Rocker Style

I have been spending waaaay to much time on Polyvore lately.

But I have the perfect excuse... a chance win a Summer Clothing pack from LA-designer Conspiracy 8!!

So here is my style I entered in the contest:

Please vote for my submission. Feel free to upload your own entry for a chance to win!

Hello, Sailor!

Every summer collection needs the mandatory nautical themed outfit but typically they are so cheesy I wouldn’t be caught dead in them, unless I was living in retirement in Boca Raton… hmm, same thing I guess!

Now, nautical is fun and it wouldn’t be summer without having at least one such outfit.

But always the same dilemma! How to embrace this classic summer style without looking like a well-worn cliché?

Well, check out the latest nautical ensemble from the Saint Grace Summer ’09 Collection.

This nautical interpretation from Saint Grace is just the perfect combination with the crisp summer white of the “Tracy” pant and soft inviting blues of the “Sailor” Rugby Tank.

Just looking at this outfit you can already imagine those lazy summer days and you a gorgeous vision of casual cool perfection!

Somewhere, beyond the sea, somewhere waitin' for me, my lover stands on golden sand, and watches the ships that go sailin'…

I have entered my blog in a contest to win a shopping spree with Saint Grace and I hope all my friends will vote for me when the time comes. And if you also decide to enter the contest, of course I will vote for you too! In fact, all my Vogue Icon and blogger friends should get their entries in because there is an extra exclusive bonus prize to be given away.

Fundoshi - sounds like fun!

While on my Japanese tangent, I stumbled across this: the FUNDOSHI

What is it you ask? Me too.

It's a loin-cloth!

Traditionally worn by Japanese men before they were phased out by western-style underwear, the loincloth - or female ‘fundoshi’ is making a resurgence. Apparently this is what Japanese women wore beneath their kimonos back in the days before underwire bras and synthetic fabrics.

A Japanese lingerie maker calls female loincloth underwear the "ultimate liberation item" for women allowing them to ditch tight-fit underwear and Kyoto-based lingerie manufacturer Wacoal is leading the resurgence, having released the product three years. In recent months there has been a surge in consumer interest in its all-natural Nanafun line, more than 5,000 loin cloth in multiple colors and designs have been sold in Japan since December priced from $13. Available in a number of color combinations, the line includes both bras and briefs made of 100% cotton.

The bras do not use wire to provide support, just time-tested human engineering that stresses comfort and durability.

Well, it certainly looks interesting and I am all about comfortable underwear but I can't see myself taking on this trend. That saggy bottom just is not a good look especially under clothes. But each to their own.

Although, I do find them cute overall. I'd almost prefer it as a bikini.

Don't forget to vote in my contest for the best and worst dressed from the 2009 Met Gala:

Best Dressed at the Costume Institute Gala in New York City

Worst Dressed at the Costume Institute Gala in New York City

Japanese Street Fashion - GothLoli

I love that the Japanese are so brave when it comes to street fashion.

Just for fun here are some recent pics of GothLoli's.

Gothic Lolita - usually a combination of black and white, often with white lace and typically decorated with ribbons and lace trims. Skirts are knee length and may have a crinoline or petticoat to add volume. Over-knee socks or stockings are extremely popular as are black fishnet stockings and white or black tights. Usually high-heel boots or Mary Janes complete the look.

"Lolita" - followers usually present themselves as Victorian children or baby dolls and prefer to look "cute" rather than "sexy".

“Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

The red carpet was chock-a-block on Monday night with celebs donning their best outfits for the annual “Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

The exhibition explores 50 years of iconic designs through the women whose faces, figures and attitudes shaped and personified them, and the evening was hosted by Marc Jacobs, Kate Moss and Justin Timberlake.


The trends of the night were blues, metallics, silver, short hems, and the must have look of the night see-through textures.






I have compiled a list of best and worst dressed from the night. Surprisingly, I found some of the worst offenders to be the most unexpected. It was very hard to put the list together because opinions varied so much and what one person hated another found to be edgy and inspired.


Anyway, I did my best and of course you don't have to agree with me. So follow the links below and vote for who you think was the best and worst dressed!


Best Dressed at the Costume Institute Gala in New York City:


Worst Dressed at the Costume Institute Gala in New York City





Does Madonna win Worst Dressed hands-down with this get up?

Who Magazine Chooses Top 100 Most Beautiful Celebrities

I know there are lots of these Top 10, 20, 100 lists going about and I must admit I am a sucker for them. I do like the ones from Who Magazine though - typically they represent the current tastes of the masses.

I came across this interesting comparison of the Who Magazine Top 5 Most Beautiful Celebrities from the US and Australia:

http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=215

Obviously, Who compiled the Top 100 list for each country but at this link you can decide the Top 5 yourself from the Top 5 candidates from Australia and the US.

US beauty Angelina Jolie vs Aussie beauty Jennifer Hawkins - who will win?

The thing I notice most about the Aussie list is the women are more natural beauties and I am ecstatic that Cate Blanchett was in the Top 5. While not an obvious beauty to "US Celebrity" standards she just has a classic inner (and outer) beauty that makes her a stand-out.

Personally I think Jennifer Hawkins will beat out Angelina but you need to vote for her! Hint hint! When you look at her, Jennifer Hawkins really just is a simple beauty but somehow it all comes together into this magical blend of gorgeousness and perfection!!

Speaking to the other candidates, the US ones are pretty much who you'd expect to be there - Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, etc, ho-hum...

On the Aussie side, Jennifer Hawkins and Miranda Kerr were obvious choices but it was interesting to see Megan Gale and Delta Goodrem. Although I am not a fan of Delta Goodrem as a singer I still think she is very beautiful and deserves to be in the Top 5.

Anyway, check it out yourself. I have cast my vote (no prizes for guessing who for - go Jennifer and Cate!).

And while you're there, check out the Top 5 Most Beautiful Men! You know you want to....

http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=216

Miss Australia beauty contestant too skinny!

Miss Australia beauty contestant, Stephanie Naumoska, has generated a lot of controversy after being criticised for being too skinny.

The Sydney teenager, who is 180cm tall and weighs 52 kilograms, was one of 32 contestants.

Her body mass index of just 15.1 is well under the official 18 benchmark for malnutrition. Dieticians and nutritionists are convinced she is underweight and malnourished citing examples of malnutrition on Stephanie's body eg. "... some muscle wasting particularly in the upper body" though Naumoska disputes this.

I've seen Naumoska on the US talk show circuit today maintaining that she's healthy and instead is being victimised. "I'm very hurt and upset by what they've been saying, and I think that it's very unfair, and I also think that it's very unfair& just to all the other girls out there who have the same body as myself."

I do agree that she has been victimised because I saw a lot of skinny contestants.

I can't stand these 'beauty' contests that objectify women at the best of times but ignoring my bias, at the end of the day, whether she's naturally thin or not, they should never have let her into the contest because it is not sending the right message to young girls and teens who are most influenced by these images. I believe that the criticism lies firmly with the organizers! They ought to be ashamed of themselves.

Riotville

Howdy Peeps!

Thought I would share a Melbourne label I came across today... RIOTVILLE. I really like their take on fashion and the fusion of some of my fave styles. Funny that I haven't come across them before but better late than never...

Celebrity Boobs

Celebrity Boobs in the physical sense, that is, not their personality! But oh, those celebs and starlets just put on this earth to make us mere mortals (read, real women) even more insecure about our body image. What would we do without them?

Well, here's an interesting review of celebrity boobs - a sort of "before" and "after". I personally have nothing against cosmetic surgery but I do get irritated about models/celebrities and this very false "image" of perfection we're measured against.

Anyway, take a look at some of these pics at the link below and make your own decision about who had a helping hand or not. I was surprised about a few of them, particularly Cindy Crawford (never guessed), and even Britney considering all the denials that she had nothing done yet to me the pics tell another story. I'm really torn about how I feel about the celebrity denials about cosmetic surgery - on the one hand it is imperative to respect a person's right to privacy yet what message are we sending out to young women if these celebs don't come clean about the work they've had done? I don't know but I'll get off my soapbox.

What do you think?

http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=211

Celebritiy Wardrobe Malfunctions

At least when we have a wardrobe malfunction, usually it goes pretty much unnoticed. Eventually one of your friends may give you the look and let you know something's amiss. But I feel sorry for the celebs - one little wardrobe malfunction and it's splashed all over the Net. Oh, the humiliation!

I was trying to think of a wardrobe malfunction of my own but nothing comes to mind immediately. Although I was chatting on the weekend about a certain, well, let's call it wardrobe malfunction that occurred on a first date with my now spouse. The whole evening he had a small hole in his crotch seam that was exposing his bright red Jockeys! That really just made him even more endearing as he was trying so hard to impress me and I didn't have the heart to tell him. Good news is we've been together ever since. Well, I mean, red underwear... woo hoo!

If you have any celeb or personal malfunctions you're brave enough to share please go ahead and upload them. We're all only human. And no, I don't have a pic to upload from that first date!


http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=206

One Dress, Endless Outfits!

While not a new concept, I really like the execution of this versatile dress that can be fashioned into many, many styles....

Originally inspired by the need for a bridesmaid's dress, it really can be a dress for all occasions. The jersey fabric and elastic waist enables the dress to stretch from side to side and then the straps enable you to hide a multitude of sins or expose your best assets.

Not to mention, in these tough financial times, you can spend this much on a single dress let alone one that has an endless number of variations.

http://www.twobirdsbridesmaid.com.au/

Condom Fashion

Another blogger I follow put me on to this "Fashion Trend" (I say with tongue very much in cheek!).

So I did a bit of digging about and found some more lovely creations myself. How about very special dress for your wedding day...



A wedding dress made entirely of condoms! And imagine how handy it will be on your wedding night.

Follow the link below if you would like to see more of these amazing fashions created from condoms. While you're there vote for the ones you like:

http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=198

Barbie Turns 50!

So, Barbie turns 50 this year!








I still have my childhood Barbie wearing a very glamourous hot pink lamé dress. I used to love making clothes for her on my toy sewing machine (straight stich only) as I couldn't afford to buy them. Or I'd swap with my friends. Honestly, the hours we wiled away as youngsters with those dolls. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a gal who didn't have a Barbie Doll when she was young.

Well, in the fashion vein, I found some couture Barbie wear to share with you...

I also entered them in the "Which Barbie is Best?" contest so you all you fashionista's can vote for my entries below:

http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=192

While you're there, check out the other entries. I think you will have a chuckle.

Good vs Bad Celebrity Hairstyles

Now, I assume celebrities pay a lot of money for their hairstylists and usually you can see why. They get to have beautiful locks that we mere mortals can only dream about. But it just boggles my mind how they can look in the mirror at some of these "do's" and not just say "WTF?"



I, mean, "Helloo? Do you not have a mirror?"

Anyway, I have compiled a collection of "good vs bad" Celebrity hair styles. Some are a major improvement but some just go from bad to worse. Take a look yourself and you decide who is most improved:

http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=196

If you would like to contribute to my 'important research" and leave your vote you will need to sign-up, but rest assured it's free and you won't be spammed!

Here's a preview of some of the worst offenders:

Conspiracy 8 Give-Away! Win the "PENELOPE" dress (valued $384)

Ladies!!!

Don't miss out on this great give-away. Submissions are closing soon so get a wriggle on/



Conspiracy 8 is giving away the "PENELOPE" dress (valued $384) at GotSpot.com. Enter now for your chance to win!

http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=178

It's free to login and vote!

L'OREAL Melbourne Fashion Festival - ALPHA 60

Some more to share with you from the L'OREAL Melbourne Fashion Festival. This time it is the young Australian designers, brother and sister Alex and Georgie Cleary and their label ALPHA 60.

Alpha 60 strike the perfect balance of form and function in their unisex line.

(photo credits: http://www.fashionising.com/)

L'OREAL Melbourne Fashion Festival - Thurley

You should be aware that it is the L'OREAL Melbourne Fashion Festival this week.

I'm loving the Australian designers being showcased at this event.


A new fave is THURLEY....

Fashion Give-Aways

Welcome to my first post!

I thought a good way to kick-off my blog, and get your attention,

would be with a fashion give-away !

Julieri - a favorite jewellery designer of mine - has a give-away that is ending very soon so you need to get your votes in quick.

This Los Angeles-based jewellery designer is "known for creating stunning pieces in 14-22k rose, white, black, and yellow gold embellished with precious and semi-precious stones. Never overdone, each Julieri™ piece showcases the beauty of the female form, season-to-season, uptown or downtown. Always fascinated with the interplay of light and skin, Teachey takes advantage of this juxtaposition, engineering her jewelry with delicacy and femininity in mind. Marching to the beat of her own design drum, Teachey remains unencumbered by the constraints of trends, which pass all too quickly. This is undoubtedly why she was honored as a “Rising Star” designer by the prestigious JCK show for jewelry and accessories in 2006 and also why her designs are so well-received in the marketplace."

I myself own quite a few of these beautiful pieces and have certainly entered my vote for the chance to win her 14k gold "Disco" necklace. Votes close on March 21st so don't delay:

http://www.gotspot.com/competition.do?methodname=viewCompetition&compId=168