Was November Carey Mulligan Style Month?

Last month we established that Freida Pinto was the 'it' style girl of October. This month I am pretty sure it is Carey Mulligan. Not only has she been named the best dressed of the year by Harpers Bazaar, but she also took her wardrobe on a bit of an outing as she promoted her latest movie with Keira Knightly and attended lots of functions.
Plus, she is somehow managing the short-hair-awkward-growing-out-phase particularly well, so she needs double props for that. Just not something a lay-person can do that well.
Also, let us not forget that November was the month that Carey was named as the actress to play Daisy Buchanan in the VERY stylish Baz Luhrmann remake of The Great Gatsby. Can. Not. Wait. For. That.

How To Do Casual Chic: Ginnifer Goodwin and Whitney Port Show Us

I will be honest, as ever. Neither of these women are on my style radar. Whitney lacks credibility and misses as often as she hits. Ginnifer is super, but I often forget about her she tends to keep to a signature style that fails to excite. Never bad, as such, just forgettable.
Until now. We all know how hard it is to do smart-casual or dress-down glamour. Or whatever the invite says that means this same thing. Looking smart, presentable and as if you have made an effort, but not looking over dressed. Sigh.
So here is the formula:
1. Expensive leather somewhere n the outfit places some value on it. You will look expensive - and your host will appreciate it.
2. Neutral shoes look more expensive too, and can be affordably purchased.
3. A skinny or slim leg jean, cargo pant or silk trouser will be comfortable and appropriate. Keep colour in the blue/green/black range and the darker it is, the more formal it will be.
4. A nice loose top, tee or blouse.
5. A leather jacket. Cropped and ladylike.
6. Add a scarf for flair. It is the perfect smart/casual accessory.
Thanks ladies!

AUTUMN collection

Dannii Minogue's X-Factor Style Just Keeps Coming

I know, I know. You guys are less enthusiastic about wee Dannii's style than I am. Except Alex. She loves Dannii's style as much as I do. But just look at what outfits she has cobbled together over the past three weeks for her TV appearances. Ne'er a foot wrong and with a small boy child to look after. That's got to be some inspiration. And I just LOVE the Grecian drape of it all. Props.

Mexican-Themed Thanksgiving Bash

Jennifer Aniston Treats Pals to Mexican-Themed Thanksgiving Bash

Jennifer Aniston
hosted a Mexican-themed Thanksgiving bash for 15 friends. She is said to have flown a group of close pals out on two private jets to her lavish estate in the Mexican resort of Cabo San Lucas, where they spent the holiday on November 25 "eating, drinking and relaxing".

While Jennifer Aniston indulged in plenty of food and drink during the break, she also made sure she worked out every day. An onlooker told People magazine, "Jennifer spent the trip enjoying herself with her friends - relaxing, drinking and eating."

Fashion As Art: Body Adornment Exhibition at the National Gallery

Last week I posted twice about art exhibitions that were fashion-based, but abroad. And then right in front of my nose, a fashion exhibition opened at the Iziko South African National Gallery. Across the road. Luckily I was on hand for the opening on the weekend.
The amazing thing about the national gallery is that they have just rehung the entire space. There are FIVE (count em) new exhibitions on there at present and it includes some of the best photography this continent has to offer. Totally worth a visit.
But for you fashion guys, well, it is a MUST. The first small exhibition is a fashion based collection called Imagining Beauty - Body Adornment including Young SA Designers. It is a bit of the winners of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Award (Black Coffee, Darkie, Craig Native) and a bit of bead work and traditional adornments and then some stuff in between. I have got to say it had me wanting a lot more. A lot. Maybe next time.
But only if we support the exhibition, support our designers and generally support SA fashion. Go and see it! Oh, and if you go tomorrow on National Aids Awareness and Emancipation Day it is free entrance...
PS: We are shooting some O Mag fashion editorial at the Iziko Natural History Museum and that warrants a visit too. You might as well if you are in the area.

SA Designers Featured in Poetry Lifestyle Store

One of my favourite local designers - that I actually buy and wear often - is a label called August. It is designed by Cape Town local Robyn Victor and I find that her pieces hit the trends without looking like anything else. And are perfectly finished. And in natural, beautiful fabrics. What's not to love?
Well apparently the powers that be at Poetry (part of the Cape Union Mart Group) feel the same way. And now Robyn, together with two other local labels Nucleus and Trinity, each have a limited collection available in Poetry stores nationwide.
First, I love big retail supporting local designers IN THEIR OWN NAME. Awesome.
Second, I love the increased diversity offered in high street stores.
Third, it is great when there is obvious synergy between the retail store's philosophy and that of the designer. In this case, all natural fabrication, ease and comfort in design, casual and pretty. It really is a seamless mix. Congrats to all concerned.
PS: You can buy these at stores now across Gauteng and the Western Cape - and then at Walmer Park in PE from next week. I would just avoid the V&A Waterfront store where the basics of customer service seem a bit amiss. Smile, engage, assist, apologise for any problems. You know. The absolute basics. But all the others are awesome.

More Michelle Obama Style: This Time It's About Secrets

If America's First Lady Michelle Obama has any special talent it is the ability to come across in any situation as a very smart, very elegant, NORMAL person. No matter what the profile of the event - Barbara Walters interviewing you and your President husband for national television for example - she manages to seem real, honest and without artifice.
Well to a point, of course.
It is an interesting conundrum when your 'honesty' includes confessing to the twisting of the truth. Even if it is only to her husband. In a new television interview, Mrs O admits to fudging the truth to Barack about new clothes she has bought. I am slightly uncomfortable about this for two reasons: First, if she is earning her own money, surely she can be trusted to spend it appropriately and the idea of having to answer to your husband about what clothes you buy is weirdly archaic. And secondly, I am kinda flummoxed about admitting to not being entirely truthful. I don't really care, but I bet millions of right-wing Americans will make this an issue of lying to the American people in a heartbeat. Surely?
Oh well, the bit I found far more interesting was when Mrs O discussed her great physical asset - her Angela-Basset-toned arms. When asked by Barbara Walters if she's sick of people talking about them, she replied: 'No, I will never get sick of people talking about my toned arms. If it's a positive compliment, I am a woman, just, like, bring it on.'
You see, normal. Just like us. I heart Michelle. And I would kill for those arms. Sigh.

Best Dressed This Weekend: Jennifer Hudson

I am surprising myself this week. People who I have never even considered for a place on this blog are creeping in all over the place. Including Winnie Mandela. What? Oh, obviously I meant to say Jennifer Hudson. Who is looking smashing and inspiring me and all that. I mean just look at the woman.
Beautiful colour that WORKS with her skin, eyes and hair. Soft draping that is flattering and comfortable. Great length.
Um. Hi Jen. Can I borrow your dress for a thing I have on today please? Just let me know. Ta.

Alexa Chung Has New TV Shows in UK and US in 2011

I mentioned in passing the other day that Alexa Chung had a new TV series in the UK - it is on MTV and called Gonzo With Alexa. It screens on prime time Fridays there and is a classic music interview and bonding show to which Alexa has brought her own inimitable interviewing style. So far so expected.
Slightly less expected was the announcement in the New York Times this weekend that AC will be fronting a show in the States too next year. Called Thrift America, Alexa and Maya Singer, the series creator and the editor of special projects for Style.com, will comb the America's consignment shops, garage sales and flea markets for old clothing, furniture, music equipment and other potential treasures to use in various creative endeavors. In the first episode, Alexa helps Pamela Love, a gothic jewelry designer, create a pop-up shop in London during Fashion Week.
We are told to think of it as “Antiques Roadshow” meets the foodie romp “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.” Ms. Singer said viewers hoping to replicate Alexa's high-low style will see firsthand, “What does Alexa Chung pull out of the crap bin at the yard sale?” I hope we get it here on satellite! Ahem, yes we are talking to you, DSTV.

Barack Obama Teenage pictures

Local Fashion Stories on iPad and Fashion Blogs

So we are having quite a local day today. Local bloggers, local designers and local news. One of the big fashion sites in South Africa is iFashion. It is a site that posts news, industry jobs and profiles and some really interesting, fresh looks at issues in the local fashion industry.
I have been interviewed for two of these stories recently, so if you haven't already read them, I would suggest a click through or two this lunch hour to find out the following:
Will the iPad change the fashion industry?
and
What Role do Fashion Bloggers Play

New SA Designer: An-Mari Honibal

Anyone who has worked with me, shopped with me, asked me a fashion-related question or any ancillary activity will know that I am a fabric nazi. It is ALWAYS my point of departure when reviewing a collection. And student collections are no different. It is no coincidence that the three graduate collections that I have featured on my blog this month all have a fabric story to tell.
This collection by An-Mari Honibal is an abstract, minimalist story in beautiful soft cotton and voile. She was my pick for student designer of the year at Elizabeth Galloway. A combination of her expression, her choices and her aesthetic.
Just lovely.

New SA Designer: Roxanne Robinson

Every now and again all things align. Two of my inner circle readers of the blog have recently graduated from fashion school and presented their collections to the world. I didn't attend any of the graduate shows (if you attend one, you attend them all and I just don't have an additional 8 days/nights to hand right now) but I did invite some of the readers to submit their images to me.
The first of these, Roxanne Robinson, recently won a little competition I ran for my inner circle and when she swung by to pick up her prize, I asked her to send me the images from her collection as I was utterly charmed by her book.
I love the silhouette of course. The styling is excellent and absolutely on trend. And who wouldn't want to own one of those skirts right now? I know that the sofa fabrication isn't to everyone's taste, but for me, it is everything that is fun about student fashion and creating a look this season. And it has pockets. Yes, pockets. Show me a student who hasn't cut corners in their final collections and I will show you a future career. Done. Congratulations lady.

The Scent of Anna Della Russo by Juergen Teller

Well Anna Della Russo is up there with the most adventurous and exciting fashion icons in the world right now. With a profile largely created by the new gang of style bloggers (Garancé, Scott, Tommy etc.) she attends every fashion show and event with a sense of style and fashion-impact. She is growing in power and gaining in presence.
And with this relatively new international fashion profile, she is leveraging. The first of her new activities is the obligatory fragrance. ADR's is called The Scent of Anna Della Russo. And her campaign is shot by one of her key Vogue collaborators, photographer Juergen Teller.
All I am going to say about this campaign is that I would have thought it would have been more broadly appealing. I am not convinced that one feels compelled to purchase a new fragrance out of fear or discomfort. I am just saying.
But then she is ADR and ADR could probably sell flip flops to Swedes in winter if they care about fashion. May she rock on.

Blog Party!

Hey us bloggers are more sociable than you think. And we also like an office party, although I am uncertain whether any photocopiers or stationary cupboards will be involved. Unlikely.
So check out this invitation and RSVP to attend if you are a blogger. click on it to make it bigger.
I am going to use the opportunity to thank my blog team for their support and contributions this year - Sylvie, Rebecca, Luisa and Alex in absentia. Even though 90% of the blog is my voice, their input is what makes it all come together, provides the contrast and the high-points of interest.
For my readers, I am of course eternally grateful. I will be communicating with my inner circle with news of what to expect in the new year, so if you want to be a part of this core group of blog readers, participants and opinion formers, please email me on robync@assocmags.co.za and just put Inner Circle in the title.

Amazing Mysterious Finding In the Steppe of Volgograd