Met Gala 2015 - The Best Dressed

China: Through The Looking Glass. A beautiful theme was chosen for this years Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art over in New York, Monday evening. A theme sounding so elegant and graceful - Anna Wintour, very well done!

A-list celebs graced the red carpet in all their glory, here's who did it best.

Beyoncé

Dressed in Givenchy, Beyoncé unsurprisingly stunned us all, in a majestic, sheer fishtail dress embellished in thousands of multi-complexioned sequins. The glistening sequins create a shine of intricacy as they harmonise together beautifully.

Kate Hudson

Actress Kate Hudson looked as glowing as ever in a Michael Kors gown covered in intricate gold embroidery. It's stylish high neckline preserves utter sophostication whilst the simple fit emphasizes the elequant train.

Candice Swanepoel

Also in Michael Kors, model Candice Swanepoel sported a rather similar gown, also smothered in a beautiful gold detailing of intricacy. The figure hugging style emphasizes her sophisticated, feminine sillhouette whilst the subtle fishtail skirt shows all elements of elegance.




Jennifer Lopez

J-Lo opted for a fishtail Versace gown of a red tone, it's complexion and layered skirt emphasizing a rich drama. The large cut out at the hip may be slightly 'too' revealing but the sequined bodice generates impacts of gracefulness and sophistication.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Also dressed in Versace, Victoria Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley defined the concept of elegance dressed in a chic, nude coloured floor length with a small but sophisticated trumpet train. The sparkly panels and dainty cut outs add elements of intricacy whilst the asymmetric thigh slit and one shouldered sleeve creates a modern twist on the traditional maxi.



Kim Kardashian West

In Roberto Cavalli, Kim K wowed us all as she sported a great train of pure white feathers which graced against the stunning bodice, glistening in tiny seequins, all aligned to form intricate patterns and detailing.



Kendall Jenner

Last up from the Kardashian/Jenner clan, Kendall opted for a more subtle gown as she appeared in this dazzling green Calvin Klein number. The high neck and low hem preserve sophistication whilst the more revealing sides of the bodice creates a more daring effect.

What were your favourite looks from the Met Gala this year?

April Favourites

It really does feel like forever ago since I last posted, but, being in my second year of college - continuing with textiles and English Language whilst also fast tracking photography (not to mention the hour and a half commute) - the past few months have been busy, to say the least. But, with textiles and photography completed and out of the way, I am determined to get myself back into blogging again.

Duster Coat

Looking out of the window now, it's hard to believe the gorgeous weather we had just a few weeks ago. With those mild spring temperatures, this duster was the perfect outer layer. I picked it up in the new look winter sale a few months ago and have been dying to wear it ever since. A big fan of long-line coats, I love the cosy, comfortable length as well as the oversized pockets meaning that you can carry your phone, lipstick and keys without always needing to lug a bag around with you.

VANS

Rummaging through my wardrobe, I came across some old footwear that I realised I'd pushed aside over the winter months. Comfortable and casual, I used to live in my pairs of Vans before beginning to favour my ever-growing collection of boots. And, after wearing them once again, I can't seem to be able to take them off! I love styling them with the Topshop frilly socks too!

Dylon Dyes

My textiles exam prep mostly relied on dying fabric as I wanted a splattered, abstract ditribution of a number of colours as opposed to one plain fabric you would find in a fabric store. So I made a trip to my local fabric shop where I was advised to use dylon dyes. The packets' instructions state to dye the fabric in the washing machine, however, due to my desired, multi-comnplexioned effect, I shook the dyes in their powdered forms over soaking wet cotton, gaining a random splodge of colours. If using by hand however, I would strongly advise using gloves as mine reacted to the dyes, getting very cracked and sore!

Max Factor Lipstick

Having always favoured bolder eye makeup over a bold lip, I've recently become quite obsessed with lipsticks, particularly enjoying the shade 'raisin' from Max Factor. It's quite a dark colour with a matte finish so I tend to apply it thinly. It's longlasting and I will definitely be trying more shades from the Max Factor collection!

Pop Tarts

A completely random favourite, but I can't believe I only tried Pop Tarts a few weeks ago. I absolutely love them and can't help but allow them to take over my morning routine with breakfast!

What things have you been loving lately?

The Best Dressed at The Oscars 2015

The Oscars kicked off in Hollywood last night and although the red carpet fashion was perhaps not quite so fabulous as could be expected, there were definitely quite some fabulous looks that did not fail to dissapoint! Here's my round up of my favourites.

British actress Naomi Watts looked stunning in an Armani Prive floor length gown with a oh-so-elegant, subtle train. The architectural brick print urbanises the look slightly, yet the monochromatic style contemplates this, adding retro sophistication.

Jennifer Lopez opted for a Belle of the Ball look with this beautiful nude gown. The gushing streams of skirt netting along enforces drama whilst the beads and embroidery creates intricate, glistening detail. The striking elongated v-neckline modernizes the ballgown, adding an ever so slight touch of edgy rebellion.

Fresh from the screen of Fifty Shades of Grey, Dakota Johnson coordinated the carpet in a bold red gown, the hem resting at her feet for elegance and a thigh high slit for fiercity. The grey embroidery on the strap adds an element of detail, preventing the overall dress from looking too plain.

American actress Gwyneth Paltrow starred in a beautiful pastel pink Ralph & Russo fishtail - the height of elegance and grandeur. The asymmetric sleeve appears more inventive, whilst the shoulder ruffles add excitement and a slight drama to the gown.

Both Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmaybe wore Alexander McQueen designs. The gold detailed belt and peplum feathers cinch Hannah's waist, emphasizing her feminine sillhouette. The high neck and floor length skirt create sophistication, forming an overall look of pure elegance. 

What were your thoughts on the Red Carpet at The Oscars?

Shopcade Competition and Spring Top Picks

Social shopping app Shopcade are currently hosting a huge competition, giving you the chance to win a £1000 spending spree on their site. To enter, simply upload a picture of you in your favourite fashion pieces and upload them to the app. You can check out my entry here.

The Shopcade Store aims to feature talented and emerging designers of which they know you'll love and who produce new and unique pieces from all over the UK. After taking a gander on the site, I thought I'd share with you the pieces I'm loving from the Shopcade store.

Triangle Punched Lace Top

With three colours available to chose from (black, white and mint), this sheer lace top would be perfect for transitioning from winter to spring. I love the intricate detailing of the repeated triangle cut outs; the 3/4 length sleeves and the scoop neck styles casting a cool and laidback appeal.

Collar

Honestly, I sometimes think I'm a little obsessed with collars. There's nothing more satisfying than layering a chunky (or any for that matter) knit sweater over a cute and dainty collar during the winter months. I love the crystallised effect formed as the beautiful lilac colours harmonise and blend together.

Watercolour Top

A light fabric, I can really picture this tee blowing gently in the sea breeze, teamed with a pair of demin shorts and and sandals. I'm a huge fan of pastel colours and I love the movement their stokes create as they blend together, again so harmoniously.

Watercolour Dress

Alike to the above tee, this oversized dress is individually hand printed, here forming an idealic abstract pattern with a somewhat calming effect to it's appeal. Again teamed with sandals, this would work a treat with a leather biker jacket during those warm summer months.

How would you style these items? And don't forget to check out the Shopcade comp as well!

Collection: Carolina Herrera AW15 - Water

Day 5 of NYFW and the expected elegance of Carolina Herrera was a collection I was definitely keeping my eyes peeled for. The pinnacle of Herrera's inspiration for her AW15 accumulation rippled from water as she explored the massive variations of movement that the element can undertake. A pallet of an array of blues dominated the collection as it harmonised with trickles of white, silver and grey.




Organic brushes of swirls portrayed an ever-so graceful movement of the water as the prints embellished beautiful floorlength gowns made of light materials which gently billowed in agreement as the models swept across the runway. Cinched in at the waist, the full gowns emphasized that sophisticated, feminine silhouette.




Cocoon sleeves contributed to the show as their structured appearance symbolised that of a rolling wave. They were matched with juxtaposing prints as contorting lines of madness juxtaposed those of an undulating flow.

Embellishments of mirrors and feathers featured as droplets of water creating contrasting surface textures, yet both depicting the welcoming fragility of the ocean. The mirrors create a smooth, reflective surface, painting the image of water glistening in the warm sunlight whereas the soft texture of the feathers could also reflect more of the textures beneath the water, such as coral, as it sways peacefully in the current of the tide.




Asymmetric ruffles of heavier fabrics create a more dramatic interpretation of the water as out of control waves are subtly conveyed. The layering of ruffles is imbalanced, forming an irregular movement and, furthermore, displaying the element of variation in water.

What were your thoughts on Carolina Herrera's AW15 collection?

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

With less than a week to go until the big day, you're probably mostly done with your Christmas shopping. But no matter how prepared you think you are, there's always that one person you weren't expecting to receive from, or one person you just could not find anything suitable for, despite how hard you looked. Or maybe you just haven't started yet. Here's my quick selection of Christmas gift ideas for the last minute shopper.

1) Wheat Cat - New Look

What could be more perfect than a microwaveable heat up teddybear to help embrace the current long winter nights? With a soft faux fur outer layer, this wonder comes in an owl design too.

2) The Night Before Christmas Bath Products - Lush
You can't really go wrong with the Lush gift sets, and this one seems perfect for a Christmas treat. At a reasonable price, the set contains three festive bathfizzers: Christmas Eve; Father Christmas; Twilight.

3) Floral Print String Lights - Urban Outfitters
Strung fairy lights are such a simple way to add a touch of homeliness to any room, delicately forming a warm glow and feminine touch.

4) Hook a Duck Bath Game - Debenhams

This bath edition of the funfair game ultimately must make any bath more entertaining. It can be used in a bowl for some family post-Christmas dinner games too!

5) Why You Can Go Out Dressed Like That (book) - Urban Outfitters
Perfect for the Fashion lover, this books explores the wildest and most controversial designs created in the world of fashion, and, exactly why you can go out dressed like that!

6) Tabletop Football - Debenhams
Lively and competitive, this tabletop football is bound to allow hours of fun! The tabletop factor makes it small and easily portable too!

The AMAs Red Carpet Best Dressed

The annual American Music Awards kicked off over in LA last night and we witnessed some of the greatest names in pop grace the red carpet. There's really nothing I don't love about a brand new collection of red carpet looks - here's my favourite from the AMAs.

Taylor Swift

Subtle, elegant and sophisticated, Taylor opted for this Michael Kors number where the gorgeous emerald green is left mundane, leaving the figure hugging style to emphasize her feminine and elegant silhouette. The sweetheart neckline increases the level of delicacy whilst the large cutout feature adds an element of bravery.

Kendal Jenner 

Model Kendall Jenner wrapped up in a Yigal Azrouel monochrome halterneck with a sheer wrap over skirt. Baring the skin, the maxi style of the wrap over adds total chic sophistication and gracefulness, whilst the detailing of the sheer adds an element of delicacy against the contrast between the white and black tones.

Nicki Minaj

"You can never be too over or under dressed in a Little Black Dress." Nicki Minaj completely settles this as she struts the red carpet in this Alexander Wang creation. The tiny pleats create a slightly rough, crinkled texture, whilst the dainty sections of red and silver create an air of excitement.

Rita Ora

Dramatic, striking and vivid, Rita Ora looked stunning in this bright yellow Zac Posen design. I love the brilliant flare of the fishtail style skirt as the fabric folds and hangs creating a beautiful ripple surrounding Rita's feet.

Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough graced the carpet in this beautiful orange floor length Zuhair Murad design. The trumpet train adds complete elegance whilst the figure cinching style enhances her feminine sillhouette alongside the thigh high split, also creating a slightly daring and dramatic edge. The pink triangular crystals add a level of intricate detail whilst adding an ounce of glitz and glamour.

What were your favourite AMA red carpet looks?