Sunday, February 27, 2011

Indulgence For Today: 2011 Oscars

I was so excited about watching the 2011 Oscars that I have not slept. Once I had watched the arrivals I started searching the wonderful Internet for photos. I have been up all night working on this post, but there is so much happening this morning that I am not even tired. My lack of sleep might impair my judgement and possibly affect my grammar!! I hope you enjoy all the pretty pictures and I look forward to your comments.

Hope you have a Magical Monday XX

Jennifer Lawrence was the the first to arrive at the Oscars. She looked super hot in her red Calvin Kelvin dress even though her hair and make-up were kept very natural. Her dress was paired with very subtle jewellery.


Thank - you goodness Mila Kunis arrived fairly early because I could not handle the suspense! She certainly did not disappoint me in her lavender Elie Saab gown. She looked gorgeous as ever!!

    Natalie Portman was absolutely radiant in her violet silk chiffon draped Rodart gown
 and Jimmy Choo shoes.

          Halle Berry had a princess moment in this nude and crystal incrusted corset gown by Marchesa. I think she looked sensational!

Hillary Swank was extremely elegant in this sparkly gown with feather detail by Gucci.

     Hailee Steinfeld sketched her own pale ballet pink embroidered tulle dress and Marchesa made her dream a reality.

Calvin Klein designed Gwyneth Paltrow's super sleek silver gown and her jewels were designed by Louis Vuitton.

 Mandy Moore's beautiful gown was created by Monique Lhuillier.

This red gown by Vera Wang ensured that Sandra Bullock was one of the best dressed starlets. I wonder if Jesse James kicks himself on a daily basis?

Cate Blanchett wore a structured lilac chiffon gown with pearl details by Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci.

It is hard to believe that Penelope Cruz recently gave birth to her first child. I think she looked as incredible as ever.

Michelle Williams definitely redeemed herself in this Chanel gown after her last red carpet mishap.

 Most glamorous couple award definitely has to go to hunky Matthew McConaughey and his girlfriend/mother of his children Camilla Alves. Her gown was created by Kaufman Franco.

Celine Dion looks incredible in her Giorgio Armani Prive gown. I can't belief how smoking hot her body is considering she only gave birth to her twins 4 months ago.

 Amy Adams wore a sequined gown by L'Wren Scott. Her exquisite diamond and emerald jewellery was valued at $1.35 Million. The sparkly gown does not allow one to notice how amazing the jewellery actually is.

As one one the hosts Anne Hathaway had a few wardrobe changes. She arrived in a red gown by Valentino and the black ruffle gown was by Vivienne Westwood. My favourite was the bustier dress below by Givenchy.

Scarlett Johansson was most probably the biggest surprise of the evening. I usually love her style and she is such a beautiful young lady, but I don't think this dress allows her to shine.

 Reese Witherspoon wore a classic black and white gown by Giorgio Armani and emerald earrings. Her hairstyle is a bit dated.

 My biggest disappointment of the the evening was Nicole Kidman's gown. I was expecting so much more from her, especially after the exquisite gown we saw her in at the 2011 Grammy Awards. She paired her Dior gown with a rare 19th Century necklace from Fred Leighton.

This tangerine Versace gown certainly shows off Jennifer Hudson's new waistline.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Indulgence For Today: 2010 Oscars

I can't contain my excitement anymore!!
We'll get to see the most breathtaking creations from the World's Top Designers at the 2011 Oscars on Monday. I think that I am going to be daring and predict the TOP 10 Best Dressed Actresses....... here goes...... Anne Hathaway, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Sandra Bullock, Mila Kunis, Hailee Steinfeld, Diane Kruger, Julia Stiles, Angelina Jolie, Olivia Wilde.

Here are my TOP 5 2010 Oscar dresses:

1. Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab
2. Sandra Bullock in Marchesa
3.Miley Cyrus in Jenny Peckham
4. Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta
5. Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries van Norten





            

Friday, February 18, 2011

Fabulous Friday Fashionistas: Ackermans Buyers

Kim Oldfield Tango Ladieswear Buyer,
Jackie Hawtrey Tango Lingerie Buyer &
Lezell Peter Homeware Buyer

I recently had lunch at Cafe Neo in Mouille Point  with 3 very interesting and ridiculously fun Buyers from Ackermans. We covered just about every topic under the sun in the first 2 hours and then it was time to chat about what they do.

Kim, Jackie and Lezell are exceptionally passionate about their careers and you realise this when you start discussing the fashion industry. Passion, patience and persistence are definitely MUST HAVE traits when you decide on becoming a Buyer and these ladies certainly have what it takes!

SO here are the questions I asked them......

1. What do you enjoy most about your job?
K: Travel
J:Travel
L: Dealing with people from various cultures

2.What is the most painful thing that you have to do on a daily basis?
(This was a group answer!!)
Buyers are naturally very creative people and your creativity is often neglected because of all the admin that has to be dealt with.

3. Favourite Local Designers?
K: Malcolm Kluk
J: Errol Arendz
L: Amanda Laird Cherry

4. Favourite Internation Designers?
K: Roberto Cavalli
J: Elie Saab
L: Monique Lhuillier
(They both studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA)

5. Favourite City in the World?
K: Hong Kong
J:Hong Kong
L: Italy ( because everything is bigger and better!!)

6: There are huge budgets involved and mistakes are costly. How do you decide what to buy for your ranges?
(Group answer)
It's a combination of local competitors (you don't want to have the same items), what the target markets are wearing and trends set by international retailers.

7. Ackermans has more than 450 store in Southern Africa including Botswana and Namibia. Are you responsible for all the stores?
No, it depends on the department. The stores are divided into grids which are determined by the various target markets.

8. What advice do you have for aspiring Buyers?
Don't make the mistake of thinking that it is glamorous all the time! We work long hours and it is a lot of pressure. You have to immerse yourself (it has to be your life). You deal with various cultures and there are often language barriers, so you to be tolerant.

9. Ackermans is constantly evolving. We have seen unbelievable improvements in the children's departments over the years. What could we expect over the next couple of months?
The key is to remember that the main focus of Ackermans has always been the children's wear department. The focus has now shifted to the other departments. New buyers have been recruited and this will bring fresh ideas.

10.Last comment?
The Ackermans Team aspire to be trendsetters and never followers.

Thank - you once again for an amazing day! You guys are an inspiration to all FASHIONISTAS. xx

Floral ruffle skirt
Price: R79.95

Floral Ruffle Skirt
Price: R 79.95

Black and grey dress with lace detail
Price: R99.95

Brightly patterned dress with pockets
R129.95

Black stiletto pumps with ruffle detail
Price: R 119.95

Purple peep toes
R 119.95

Strappy stiletto
Price: R199.95

Pink satin pumps with black lace detail
R 119.95

Sequins peep toes
R119.95

Floral padded bra
Price: R 49.95

Floral briefs
Price: R 49.95

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Indulgence For Today: January Jones VS Diane Kruger

HOW HOT ARE THESE TWO??
January Jones and Diane Kruger looked phenomenal at the premier of Unknown in LA. January opted for a ultra sleek and structured navy design whilst Diane was super feminine in a white beaded mini from Dolce & Gabbana's 2011 Spring/Summer Collection. Alexander McQueen was responsible for January's navy and gold embellished number.

My choice...... definitely Diane's slinky little mini!


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Tuesday Treasure Hunt @ Mr Price

   SHOES SHOES glorious SHOES!!
Pairs number 1 & 2 were spotted at the Mr Price store on Sea Point Main Road. Pairs 3,4 & 5 were spotted at the Cavendish store. Checkout the peep toes if you have to plan outfits for wedding season!! They are good value @ R99.99 per pair.

Beige stiletto pump
Price: R 139.99

Tan strappy platform
Price: R 149.00

Teal peep toe stilettos with embellishment
Sale Price: R99.99

Silver peep toe stilettos with embellishment
Sale Price: R 99.99

Gun metal grey peep toe stilettos with embellishment
Sale Price: R 99.99