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The Lilac Mannequin 2010-2016. Powered by Blogger.

Dress me, I'm your Mannequin!

I’m frequently asked about my style, my taste in fashion, who I’m wearing and most importantly what to wear this season. So what’s in fashion this Winter season and what will I be wearing?  Thought I'd reveal my fashion secrets this season including core items that take me from one season to the next....With a little help from my favourite fashionistas of course!  Yes, you can go out during winter and look amazing whilst remaining warm.. 
Leggings and Opaques
They are the core to all my outfits and they take me from day to night. Whilst I tend to stick with the typical black leggings this season I have found myself experimenting with different styles. The outrageous leggings have continued to grow from season to season. This includes, different washes, materials, colours and really big this season – embellishments like zippers and studs. Leggings and opaques can pretty much be worn with anything!
Rachel Zoe
Lauren Conrad
Olivia Palermo
Whitney Port
The 'Bootie'
This season it’s all about the short boot, also known as the ‘bootie.’ This is my favourite trend this season and trust me once you put them on your feet, you won't want to take them off! Wear a funky flat bootie with laces, a heel bootie or even a wedge bootie. Anything goes! Personally I say the higher the better! If you want to invest in one core item this season, it's the bootie. I just purchased a black high wedge bootie, and they go with everything!
Olivia Palermo
Taylor Momsen
 
Rachel Zoe
Trench Coat
Winter isn’t winter without a trench coat. Each season I add to my collection of trench coats, from the classic trench to the cute trench. However, thanks to Burberry’s amazing collection the trench coat has blossomed this season. Wear it button with a cute beret, leggings and a cute heel. Or for an edged up look wear it with a belt and some black leather booties.
Burberry
Leighton Meester
Olivia Palermo
The Little Black Jacket
Whilst trench coats are good for those oh so freezing days... an alternative this season is the little black jacket.  Personally, I've opted for something a little more daring and purchased a little black jacket with embellishments, studs and even shoulder pads.  If you fancy something a little more edgier, you can't go wrong with a little leather jacket. 
Lauren Conrad
Olivia Palermo
Whitney Port
The Cape Coat
I recently purchased one of these and not only is it so warm, but it's so fashion forward! The cape trend can be difficult as different body types should wear it in different ways.  The original flair cape is more suited to petite girls, whereas those with a more bustier shape should opt for a cape with a belt to excentuate the waist.   
Lo Bosworth
Leighton Meester
Mary-Kate Olsen
Lauren Conrad
The Nude and Black Pump
I love investing in the classics.  The items that are simple, cute, stylish and take you from one season to the next.  The classic nude or black pump are a must in all wardrobes.  The nude pump this season and next, is a huge trend evident from RAFW 2010..And well the higher the better!   
Lauren Conrad - Nude Pump
Olivia Palermo - Black Pump
Headpieces
Thanks to the one and only Gossip Girl, it's all about the pretty little headpieces/bands with bows and sequins.  Except some people have taken this trend a little too far!  Stay clear of anything floral especially during winter.  I believe it's best to keep it cute and minimal.  Alannah Hill sells some amazing headpieces which are a total must.   An essential for winter is a cute little beret or beanie.  Stick with a versatile cream (as seen by Rachel Bilson) or black, but if you want that little something different opt for a pastel like pink.   
Lauren Conrad
Leighton Meester
Rachel Bilson
Bags, Bags, Bags 
I have a motto.. Small, medium, large and a clutch!  The large bag.. for work and for study.  The medium bag.. which is pretty much your everyday/casual night out bag.  The small bag.. when you are out and need just those few essentials and lastly of course a going out bag, which is normally a cute fashionable clutch.
Prada
Dior
Jeans
Whilst I am usually not a jean person, jeans are a core essential as they are really versatile.  I say opt for a dark denim pair because you can dress them up or down and can be worn anytime.  If you feel like being a little fashion forward opt for a high rise pair as seen her by Lauren Conrad! 
Mary-Kate Olsen
Lauren Conrad
 Other Core Essentials
The Plain White Tee/Shirt/Silk Singlet - You can mix and match these with anything.
Ballet Flat - Not only are they comfy, they are cute and versatile.
Black Leather Patent Belt - The perfect must have accessory that can add that 'wow' factor to any outfit.
Pearls - These are the most feminine pieces of jewellery you could own and add that classic touch.
Scarf - A warm winter essential that I cannot live without.  Opt for versatile neutral tones as these go with everything.  However, sometimes I opt for ones with embellishments for that cute twist to an outfit.
Leather Gloves - Black leather gloves not only keep you warm, they are versatile and look classic and amazing.   If you feel like a twist try opting for a pair I just bought - cream leather with studs.

The CFDA Awards

This week the annual CFDA Awards were held.  These are the awards of the fashion industry.  Designers, models, celebrities, fashion elite, were all out in full force for a major fashion show down!  A few big winners of this year included:
Womenswear Designer of the Year - Marc Jacobs
Menswear Designer of the Year - Rag and Bone
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award - Michael Kors
Accessory Designer of the Year - Alexis Bittar
International Award - Christopher Bailey for Burberry
There was also a very special tribute to Alexander McQueen.
But down to the important part of the event, who was there and what were they wearing?!  Here are a few of my favourites..
Rachel Zoe
Because she is my queen, I must start my fashion report with her! Rachel Zoe looked gorgeous and fashionable, as always in a Marc Jacobs blue sparkly dress! Just love her!
Anna Wintour
It wouldn't be the fashion awards without the queen of the fashion world, Anna Wintour. Love this classic and elegant number!
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
From little sitcom stars to Fashionistas, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are one of a kind. I've always been a huge fan and they are featured here in their very own collection 'Row'.
Whitney Port
Whitney looks gorgeous as always in this David Meister gown. Not the type of gown that would suit everyone, but of course if someone can pull it off, it's Whitney!
Gwyneth Paltrow with Michael Kors
Designer Michael Kors with Gwyneth Paltrow wearing yes a Michael Kors Gown. She looks stunning in this sparkly elegant number. And Michael Kors doesn't look too bad himself!
Dakota Fanning
This is one of my favourite dresses of the day. It's pretty, feminine and Marchesa of course! Also love the Jen Behr headpiece, really compliments the dress.
Model Jessica Stam
One of my favourite models Jessica Stam wearing this simple, yet elegant number by Giambattista Valli.
Model Constance Jablonski with designers Ken Kaufman and Issac Franco 
Another one of my favourite models Constance Jablonski seen here with designers Ken Kaufman and Issac Franco and of course wearing this pretty, glamorous and cute piece from their collection Kaufman Franco.
Ed Westwick
Any excuse for a little Chuck Bass will do! I think this ensemble is flawless. I love how he has made the suit look rough and edgy with the shirt unbuttoned and the sunnies, complimented with his rugged facial appearance.
Diane Von Furstenberg
Love designer Diane Von Furstenberg and here she is gracing the awards in one of her own numbers. I think it really suits her.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker in an Alexander McQueen gown.  The print looks stunning and she looks amazing.
Alexis Bledal with designer Behnaz Sarafpour
This is one of my favourite dresses by Behnaz Sarafpour and who better to wear it than Alexis Bledal.  Love the silhouette, fabric, metallic colour and accessories.  She looks stunning and gorgeous!
Doutzen Kroes
This Michael Kors number is so elegant, classic and gorgeous and looks amazing on model Doutzen Kroes.  Michael Kors' silhouettes are always really flattering.
Gaby Karen de Felice and Donna Karen
Both in Donna Karen of course!  Love the colour palette and the elegant and flattering drapery. 
Hana Soukupova
Any excuse for more Marchesa!  I absolutely love this dress.  It's cute and feminine and even has a bow, but at the same time has the little edge channelling the cut out trend.  And love those shoes.
Marc Jacobs
Because he is the womenswear designer of the year I had to include him!! 

MTV Movie Awards 2010

It's that time of the year again, the MTV Movie Awards.  I'm a huge MTV fan, so I love watching these awards.  I love the fact that they are so informal, crazy and that you should expect the unexpected!  Sandra kissing Scarlett, Katy and her blue hair, Tom's new ulter ego and a sneak peek at the new Jersey Shore...... And who took home the most awards of the night?  Twilight of course, but we all knew that!
But the most important part... The fashion!  Here are a few of my favourites and well the ones I couldn't help but just post!
Whitney Port
Fashionista Whitney in Yiagal Azrouel... I love this dress. I think it looks amazing on her. So different, but so fashion forward. I don't think Whitney can ever get it wrong!
Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron
They are honestly the cutest couple! Vanessa looked adorable in her feminine Jenny Packman dress and Deigo Dolcini pumps. And well Zac Efron is one of my favourities and on the fashion front he definitely has not disappointed!
The Crew from Jersey Shore

And they did not disappoint!  Nicole 'Snooki', Jenny 'JWOWW', Angelina, Sammi, Mike 'The Situation', Pauly D, Ronnie and Vinny came out in true Guido and Guidette style and pretty much took over the red carpet!  Mike flaunting 'the Situation', JWOWW 'gracing' the red carpet in a pink dress by her new line Filthy Couture, whilst Snooki opted to cut her Dolce and Gabbana dress.. Oh my!  I can't help but laugh and love them, they have truly created their own culture!  And I have to ask, how does Pauly D get his hair like that?
The Girls from The Hills
What would the MTV awards be without the girls from the Hills!...Audrina Patridge sparkled on the red carpet, Lo Bosworth opted for a more glamorous image, whilst  Stephanie Pratt added a dash of vibrant colour.  I actually like all three outfits!
Lindsay Lohan 
Every time I see this outfit, I change my opinion of it.  Lindsay opted for a sparkly jumpsuit by Pamela Roland, which definitely left a lasting impression.. good or bad! 
Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes in Stella McCartney.. I love this complete look, the dress, shoes and accessories.  One of my favourite looks and I wonder if Rachel Zoe had anything to do with it?!
Kristen Stewart
I always know to expect something different when it comes to Kristen Stewart.  This year she's dressed in Dolce and Gabbana and whilst I don't really have an opinion on the dress, it does suit her and her image.  Love the shoes though!
Lucy Hale
I love this number she is wearing. It's like a classic little black dress, with unexpected, yet fashionable twist. I love it!
Christina Aguilera
As one of the performers of the night, Christina left a lasting impression.. If not for her performance, then definitely when it came to her Versace Atelier dress.  I have no idea how to explain it!..Fringe, chains, short, long..  I mean she looked amazing as she always does, but I still have conflicting views regarding the dress.  
Victoria Justice
This is one of my favourites.  I love that it's so fashion forward and also love how she has contrasted the hot pink dress with the nude pumps and clutch.  She looks amazing.
Jessica Biel
This had to be my favourite number, so classic, fashionable, stylish, feminine, and elegant.  Jessica's complete outfit was straight from the Giambattistu Valli collection.  I think she looks gorgeous, from the fashion forward fringe skirt, to the elegant top, the amazing heels and the pretty little pink bow belt!

Cut it out in style!

The toughest fashion trends, are those trends that can turn a girl from Fashionista to major fashion victim!  In this case, I'm talking about those outifts which have cut outs.  Whilst they are actually a fashion trend evident on a local front in collections started by Sass and Bide, girls somehow have turned this trend into a major Jersey Shore, fashion don't!  I decided to make it my mission to guide and ensure that no one ever makes a fashion mistake when wearing the cut out trend.  I've searched high and low and I can say my mission is complete.  A few of my favourite designers and celebrity fashionista's have not let me down!  Take a cue from celebrities like Leighton Meester, Rachel Bilson, Emma Watson, Whitney Port and Kristen Bell.
Leighton Meester
 Everyone knows I love Leighton Meester and her fashion sense.  When it comes to the cut out trend Leighton definitely stands out!  I love this Emilio da la Morena dress that she wore at last year's MTV Movie Awards.  This dress has a risk factor and can be seen as a little daring, especially when it combines the cut out trend and the sheer trend. Somehow Leighton has given it that feminine, elegant yet edgy look. Leighton has actually repeated the cut out trend a few times.
One of my favourites as it combines the cut out and bow trend!
Emma Watson
From Hogwarts to Fashionista.. Emma Watson has amazed me in this Karl Lagerfeld number.  Such a classic number with an unexpected twist.  Whilst it isn't as daring as Leighton's outfits, I love it... so fashion forward!  However, this outfit wouldn't be complete without those bow shoes!  I'm in fashion heaven!
Rachel Bilson 
I love the juxtaposition of this outfit.  The top half is bodice, sexy lingerie like and the bottom half is simple, classic and elegant.  Then there is this complete twist with a cut out in the middle, which separates the two 'looks.'  I love how Rachel's hair and make-up is simple, soft and delicate.  The finishing touch to the look are the classic nude pumps which is an alternative to black pumps and a big fashion must!
Whitney Port
Trend spotting wouldn't be complete without Whitney Port!  This dress has very subtle cut outs in the shape of the crystal, sparkle just like the print.  It enhances the print and gives it that edgy twist to complete the outfit.

 Kristen Bell
Gossip Girl herself, shows us how to add colour to the cut out trend.  The cut out trend can be out of most people's comfort zone, except Kirsten has actually drawn attention to it by wearing a hot pink dress.  I love this, it's like a modern classic and once again she has completed the outfit with a nude heel.
The cut out trend has frequently appeared on the international and local runways over the past few seasons.  Chole Spring/Summer 2009 collection has incorporated the cut out trend, yet they have shown how versatile the trend is.  On one hand we see a cute, feminine, pretty outfit incorporating the cut out trend and on the other hand we see a more edgy and funky outfit incorporating the cut out trend. 
In the recent Prada ready to wear collection, we see how the cut out trend can also be worn during winter.  In this outfit worn by Miranda Kerr on the Runway, the outfit is a classic dress, which evidently is part of a winter collection.  There is then an unexpected cut out!
And Valentino shows how to turn the cut out trend into elegant Haute Couture!