Friday, May 28, 2010

To München

The taxi's waiting as I type... I'm a last minute packer so this has become a routine now!
Flying off to beautiful Munich for a couple of days, a quick jaunt cross continent really. Much too soon I'll be stuffing things back into the non magic, non expandable suitcase for the return journey home. So I leave you with these scenic views as I absent myself for the next few days. And early wishes for a happy weekend...










here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, all on flickr

Monday, May 24, 2010

Sweet smelling Mondays

Sweet smelling Mondays because I was just reminded of the intensely floral scent of one of my shampoos, the kind where you walk around like a fresh bouquet all day and people ask what perfume you're wearing. The kind that puts a spring in your step and acts as an instant mood uplifter. We all need Mondays to be good hair days, after all gorgeous hair somehow starts the day off on a bright note and makes going into work all the more pleasant. I love that clean, shiny, bouncy swish, it makes me feel prettier, happier and yes, even smarter. Caffeine has no effect on me sad to say, I blame that on the fact that my Grandma must have been slipping me some since I was a kid. You know, like the Italians and their vino. So Mondays should always be good hair days, that way we can start off the week looking fabulous with the bright sunshine pouring in through floor to ceiling boardroom windows and casting their vitamin enhanced rays on healthy, glossy tresses. By the time friday rolls around, messy, tangled, just got out of bed because I can't believe I slept so late hair can simply be passed off as sexily tousled. With a careless smudge of dark eye shadow, you'll be all ready for the weekend! So we've got ourselves a plan?


images

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Designs by Kate Moss

The new Kate Moss for Topshop made its debut a few hours ago and some of the most popular pieces have already been sold out. It looks like Kate Moss's appeal hasn't dimmed at all so many seasons down the road. I have to admit, I'm kind of a fan. Even though most pieces I could never imagine on the supermodel herself, her collection generally includes a few items that are really rather special. Its evident that the Topshop team probably put extra thought and effort into the design process. The inspiration is usually more focused, the clothes have a romantic vintage aspect and most have nice details or unusual silhouettes. Basically just an extra something. This time around, I love the textures used, the oh so delicate lace, the silks and satins, the flowy chiffon, the gorgeous ruching and the faded colours of yesteryear.
All I can say is good luck and act quickly! If you manage to get hold of some of these or have your eye on certain ones, please share! Hopefully, these pictures will lend some beauty to your week...



















Friday, May 14, 2010

Romantic Valentino

Valentino's signature red is as recognisable and iconic as Monsieur Louboutin's patented soles. Now the brand has launched Valentino RED, a line created specially for very young girls, a parallel world to the sophisticated glamour of the Valentino name. I suppose the aim is to capture the attention of daughters whose mothers already own several of Valentino's marvellously exquisite and equally expensive gowns. But for the very lucky few young women, designing duo Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli have put together a collection that they hope evokes a dreamlike quality, a poetic fairytale in a less formal but no less magical world for young ladies. RED stands for Romantic Eccentric Dressing. This new direction is certainly evident from the very fashion forward knee high socks and ankle booties paired with short gowns in layers of soft tulle, a look not typically associated with Valentino's portrayal of impeccable elegance.


Shot by photographer Pablo Arroyo and starring a beautifully fresh-faced 15 year old model Auguste Abeliunaite, the concept was to create a natural look, not too sophisticated but surreal, as if the young woman had come from the sea. Shot in Paris, on Avenue Laplace in a rustic, majestically crumbling Casa, the few screenshots look gorgeous and I simply can't wait for the final campaign images to become available in print. I think the pictures have an old world nostalgia that is very appealing and I only wish that I could be part of Valentino's 'dream world' where his amazing gowns could find its way into by closet...