Best and Worst of Glastonbury 2010

First the worst...

Here we have Pixie Geldof, and some other people. Both Pixie and the twins from Sweet Valley High fail because they are trying way too hard, and the three that thought it would be cute to dress alike were wrong. Kudos to the couple with the sweet umbrella though for wearing the least flattering outfits of the festival, and believe me when I say, there were some doozies.

Second the best...

I love the leopard bag Alexa Chung is wearing, and the Louis Vuitton corset top that Emma Watson paired with her denim shorts. Both ladies look effortless and Glastonbury appropriate. Florence Welch looks comfortable, cool and a little quirky without trying too hard (ahem, Sweet Valley High twins). You might be surprised by my decision to add Scarlett Etienne to the list. My thinking is, unlike many before her, Scarlett took a risk and it worked...She looks good. Besides, hot pants and lace umbrellas are totally acceptable at Glastonbury (if you can pull it off).

Little J Grosses Me Out

While performing with her band, The Pretty Reckless, Taylor Momsen embarrassed her family by wearing this spectacular failure on stage. Look closely, her stripper heels have dollar bills in the platform and say "tips" on them with an opening to insert said bills.  I'm not joking, they really do. You should be aware that being compared to Courtney Love really grinds this girl's gears, but also that she hates authority figures and claims that she will be angsty until she's 80. We get it Taylor, you're a big girl now.

Hey, Check These Out...

I'm not very inspired today, but I'll write about these wristbands...because they seem like a good idea, especially if you (like me,) are a glowing shade of white. 

They're called UVSunSense wristbands and they're designed to prevent over-exposure to the sun. You wear them out in the sun, and put sunscreen on them at the same time you do the rest of your body. When it's time to reapply the sunscreen the bracelet turns a brownish colour, and then when bracelet's decided you've had enough sun for the day, it turns pink (the same colour it's warning you will be if you don't go inside). They're great for people who are grown up now and lost without parental supervision; you don't need someone to remind you to come inside when play time is over. Just don't fall asleep with them on, it'll be difficult to check them if you aren't awake, and unlike your mothers, they won't yell at you to put more sunscreen on.

You can buy them online at Amazon.com for $6.99 for a pack of 7 bands.

Mark Fast for Topshop

Canadian designer Mark Fast caused quite a stir this year in London when he sent plus-sized models down the runway, consequently leading to his stylist and casting director walking out only days before the show. Now, the 29-year-old Central Saint Martins grad is bringing his signature knitwear where others have gone before, Top Shop. 

The five-piece line was inspired  by the Central Saint Martin grad's SS'09 collection and will be available from Topshop or topshop.com beginning July 7th. I love the one-sleeved dress, but what I really want is the slightly thicker knit lavender-grey dress with the hole-y sleeves. The long-sleeved black dress is a bit on the dominatrix side, so it doesn't really do it for me. There is also an extremely threadbare but pretty pink skirt in the collection and another black dress with a slightly different pattern and neckline. 

With all of those holes one thing is certain, whichever piece you choose, you better make sure to find some good underwear to wear with it!

Why I Love Sarah Jessica Parker...

Okay, so she's no Carrie Bradshaw, but SJP has really been making her rounds on red carpets and events everywhere to fuel the Sex and the City 2 hype, and she is coming out wearing some terrific outfits. With the exception of the questionable headpiece she is sporting with the black Alexander McQueen gown, she can pull anything off flawlessly. She looks great in the 70s inspired gown by Halston Heritage and I love everything about the Alexander McQueen butterfly dress, but I think my absolute favourite is the floral frock by Vivienne Westwood. She looks like Carrie in it, adorable. I know she has a lot of haters out there, but the woman knows how to dress. What's not to love?

Ooh, Classy.

There is nothing I dislike more than a label whore. Okay fine, there are some things, but label whores are pretty high up there. In honour of these people, John Galliano has come out with designer contacts for Christian Dior that encircle the iris with a halo of gold, and have "CD" printed on them.

Who would buy these? I might have just figured it out:

These lenses are clearly targeted towards the same people who buy logo-blasted designer, or knock-off, accessories just to show people how "classy" they are. They have no legitimate interest in fashion for any purpose other than to show-off, and are likely to wear the t-shirts that come with their perfume, and accessorize with the ribbons from the make-up counter that tie their "free gift with purchase" bag together. They probably also wear slogans across their butts, and go around telling people which SATC character they identify with (I'm SUCH a Carrie!)
Ew. I'll wager that anyone who buys these sunglasses would proudly display their trash in these Louis Vuitton trash bags. Are these for real?


Have fun with your $500 tiny purses, people!

A "Tribute" to Alexander McQueen

The "Armadillo" shoe became synonymous with Alexander McQueen's s/s10 line. The shoes, which are a staggering 12 inches tall, were instantly buzzed about. Some of the more daring celebs, such as Lady Gaga, Daphne Guiness, and Kelis have literally risked their necks by rocking these deadly heels, while most have seen them as something that belongs strictly on the catwalk or in editorials.



For those of you who like the look, but want all of your bones to remain unbroken, LF, a sister brand to Jeffrey Campbell and Queen of Knockoffs, has created the "Tribute" shoe.

The "Tribute" is a much tamer version of the "Armadillo." They are available for sale beginning in July, and a portion of the sales will go to a charity in honour of the late McQueen. Personally, I think they miss the mark a bit. The Alexander McQueen shoes are supposed to be outrageous, and they're awesome, but they should stay on the runway. The LF shoes are kind of hideous. They look like slippers, or platforms in a cheap, dated, Spice Girls kind of way. All that being said, I will definitely at least try a pair on; maybe I'll think differently when I see them on, and if not it'll be sort of fun, right?

Claudia Schiffer Pisses People Off

There has been a lot of controversy surrounded by this picture of Claudia Schiffer made up like a black woman. The photo was shot by Karl Lagerfeld as part of a Dom Perignon ad campaign. Although shot two years ago, the picture hit the Internet this month prompting accusations of racial insensitivity. Some have even accused that by doing so, Schiffer and Lagerfeld have taken work away from a black model. Says Shevelle Rhule, fashion editor of Pride magazine, "It shows poor taste and it's offensive...There are not enough women of colour featured in mainstream magazines. This suggests that you can counteract the problem by using two black models." Rhule compares the photo to minstrel shows, and adds that though she does not believe it was set out to offend, it was thoughtless.

Claudia defends the photographs, a statement from her rep reads; "The images were designed to reflect different men's fantasies. They were done very creatively and they are some of Karl Lagerfeld's favourite images of Claudia. People should not jump to conclusions."

It has also been pointed out that on shows like America's Next Top Model making models up to look like different ethnicities has been used to express creativity before without any media backlash. What is the difference here? Is it because Claudia is an archetypal Aryan?

Message boards are absolutely flooded with opinions on both side from people of all different ethnic backgrounds. In the media, it seems fashionable to condemn the aforementioned pictures. It's difficult to decide how I feel about them. On the one hand, they seem to be beautiful creative shots that mean no offense, and on the other it seems that if they are hurtful to a group of people some sensitivity should be shown. I will say this in regards to the comparison they draw with minstrel shows; minstrel shows made a mockery of black people, they aren't funny and they are horribly offensive. To me, this picture of Claudia does not do that, she is made to look strong and beautiful. I also disagree with claims that the shoot took work away from a black model, because Claudia Schiffer was hired because she is Claudia Schiffer. I very much doubt that Lagerfeld had in his mind that he wanted a black model, but would rather hire a white one so they dressed Claudia up to play the part.

What do you think? Are Schiffer and Lagerfeld way out of line and insensitive, or are some being hyper-sensitive about something that they needn't raise an issue out of?

Just Because

Slightly uncomfortable but also...it's Gaga. It's a bit like if Tim Burton directed Madonna's "Vogue" video. I think Gaga even put a little gap in her tooth for this one. Ridiculous. (For me,) it's as though she can do no wrong. Although, Katy Perry twittered that "Using blasphemy as entertainment is as cheap as a comedian telling a fart joke," and I while take no religious offense to it, I have to agree; it is pretty cheap and it's been done.

Goodbye Platforms?

In the fall 2010 collections there seems to be a trend toward more streamlined shoes and pointy toes. This breaks my heart a little bit because I am in no way ready to part with my beloved platforms (and the fact that they make me look like a giant). I don't know if it will ever be the end of platforms for me (I know, I say that now,) but in any case, I thought I'd compile some beautiful enormous platforms I've come across. Some of them are a bit beyond my budget and I dare to dream, some more affordable, and others dirt cheap. Here they are!

1. Platform Canvas Booties, Top Shop $270.00 2. Alexander McQueen $829.00 3. "Annton" platforms is Cognac, Steve Madden $130.00 4. "Ping" elastic-front platforms, ASOS.com $55.00 5. ankle-wrap platform sandals, Balenciaga $796.00 6. "Meryl" platforms in Ice Suede, Elizabeth and James $300.00 7. open-cut platform pumps, Forever 21 $25.00 8. suede platform clogs, Marc by Marc Jacobs $313.00 9. peep-toe platform wedge, Matiko Nicki $148.00 10. "Duchesse Rondin" clogs, Miu Miu $427.00 11. "Iceage" platform booties, Nine West $114.00 12. "Halworth" platform, Badgley Mischka $97.00.

I love the laser-cut suede on the Elizabeth and James platforms, the modern nude and black pattern on the Alexander McQueen booties, and the Miu Miu clogs are great too, but I think the best find is the 90s looking $25.00 black cut out platforms from Forever 21! The look a lot like a pair of Vera Wang Lavender Label shoes I came across, only so much cheaper. (Alright maybe not quite as good, but still...)

MTV Awards: In your face, Jesse James.

Proving that looking this good (at a very public event) really is the best revenge, Sandra Bullock came to the awards wearing a long-sleeved backless mini with beige platforms that showed off her killer legs. If there were an award for best comeback outfit, She would win.

MTV Awards: Filthy Couture

There's really no point of giving any sort of style critique to these girls. I just wanted to point out how hilarious it is that J-Woww has started her own fashion label and it's called "Filthy Couture." The dress she is wearing in this pic is (gasp!) one of her own. I can pretty much guarantee the label's catch phrase isn't "some things are better left to the imagination." You know you're in trouble when little Snooks here is the best dressed in a group of people. Tone it down? Jersey ? Never.

MTV Awards: Whitney Port

Whitney knows how to dress. The neon and nude mini she is wearing looks great on her, and she accessorized it well.

MTV Awards: Girls of The Hills

Unlike their former cast mate Whitney Port, These girls are pretty clueless. First of all Lo, where are you going? This is not dinner at the White House, and you are not in your 40s. Loosen up a little. Audrina looks very...shiny. Her shoes are so over the top...they block her legs a little. Stephanie doesn't looks bad, her dress is summery, fits well, and she's kept it simple with the accessories. I just really wish she was wearing the clutch from last week's episode of the hills that she bought to go with her spray tan, because she has certainly had one.

MTV Awards: Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett looks great in the emerald lace dress by Dolce and Gabbana. I love the sweetheart neckline, and the cut flatters her hourglass figure so well. The loose waves look great too. If you weren't jealous of Scarlett already, you should be now.

MTV Awards: Lilo is a Disco Queen

HAHAHA. Who told her this worked? Probably her mom. Not only does she look ridiculous, but this Pamela Roland jumpsuit is so unflattering. First of all, it does nothing for her waistline...she looks like a box. The neckline is awkward, and worst of all the pants are wayy too long. It's not fair really, she makes herselft such an easy target.

MTV Awards: Jessica Biel

This Giambattista Valli outfit Jessica Biel is wearing is cute and flattering. More important however, is her hair. It's the shiniest hair I've ever seen. How does she get it so shiny? I want it.

MTV Awards: Kristen Stewart

I wish I could have found a better picture to show off her new extensions. She has finally fixed the dirty shag she had for The Runaways, and wow,what an improvement. It's amazing what a little hair can do. The dress probably isn't something that I would wear, but she looks good.

MTV Awards: Katy Perry

I actually like the blue wig and pin up bangs Katy Perry has been wearing around. It's like Lil' Kim meets Betty Paige, or a retro mermaid. Obviously not one for modesty, Katy is wearing a very sparkly and short Zuhair Murad mini on the left. This look might be a bit much on most people, but it's pretty tame for her. Add an inch or two to the length and I would actually like it. The Herve Leger by Max Azria dress Katy is wearing on the right is lovely. The pattern creates a silhouette that flatters her already killer bod.

Spotlight On: Linda Farrow Sun-G's

Linda Farrow sunglasses are a bit new to me, having first seen a pair a couple of months ago when I was browsing through accessories on ASOS.com and discovered Roisin Murphy's collaboration with Linda Farrow as part of the Projects collection. Since then, I see them everywhere in magazines and all over the Internet. In short; I like them a lot. Linda Farrow has two collections that feature collaborations with guest designers and celebrities. In the Projects collection, Linda Farrow collaborates with emerging designers and fashion forward celebs to develop their talent. In the Collaborations collection, Linda Farrow works in conjunction with already established leading designers to produce eyewear for their collections.

Here are some examples of the sunglasses made during these partnerships:



1. Alexander Wang by Linda Farrow, $314.28. 2. Dries Van Noten by Linda Farrow, $314.28. 3. Eley Kishimoto by Linda Farrow $314.28. 4. Linda Farrow Projects House of Holland, $215.34. 5.Linda Farrow Projects Jeremy Scott, $424.86. 6.Luxe by Linda Farrow, $525.74. 7. Matthew Williamson by Linda Farrow $339.50. 8. Veronique Branquinho, 339.50. 9. Raf Simons by Linda Farrow, $339.50. 10. Linda Farrow Projects Roisin Murphy, $620.80. 11. The Row by Linda Farrow, 314.28. 12. Linda Farrow Projects Todd Lynn, $339.50

I think my favourites are still the Linda Farrow Projects Roisin Murphy sunglasses. I love the half moon frames, and they are 24k gold (fancy!). Obviously the Alexander Wang sunglasses and the House of Holland frame less lens sunglasses are pretty special too. The kitschest frames however, are without a doubt made by Jeremy Scott. These Dwayne Wayne-esq Mickey Mouse shades worn by GaGa are just the tip of the bizarre iceberg. Sunglasses by Scott include frames that look like bones and old-fashioned televisions. Speaking of Lady GaGa, rumour has it she will be creating her own line of sunglasses as part of the Linda Farrow Projects collection. Keep an eye out!

Summer's here.

Every summer I decide that I'm sick of being translucently pale and try do something about it. The decision process goes like this: I sit in the sun without sunscreen until I turn an embarassing shade of red and swear off the sun for the rest of summer. Then, I buy a sunless tanning cream and turn an embarassing shade of orange not usually found in nature. Finally, I give up all together, pick up an SPF 60 and embrace the pale. This summer I've wisened up some. I've skipped step one and found a sunless tanner that actually works: Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream.

This is the best self tanning cream I've used. The colour is subtle enough for my fair skin and it's a golden brown, rather than orange. It's easy to apply because it has some bronzer in it, so you can see where it's going. Best of all it actually smells good. Just remember to exfoliate!

Hollywood Overexposed

Russel Brand, working for beads...


Armpits are the new black. Kylie Minogue wins points for the least sexy/most practical cut outs of all time. Added bonus: no need to worry about unsightly pit stains!



Shock me, shock me, shock me with that deviant behaviour. Miley Cyrus: the most recent former Disney star desperately trying to prove she's edgy. This girl is 17, where are her parents? I predict rehab or head shaving in her future.

Jewellery Finds

I was in New York recently, and while hitting up some street markets I came across some really interesting pieces from independent, local jewellery designers. It inspired me to post a few cool pieces I've seen recently.

Necklaces

Clockwise from top left: Pepita Coppelia handmade woven necklace $120.00, Triskaidekaphobia gold tooth pendant necklace, price unknown, Erica Weiner Waldorf Astoria pendant necklace, $85.00, Wink and Flip Honeycomb bib necklace, $25.00

The gold tooth necklace is one of many creepy but cool pieces from jewellery designer Triskaidekaphobia (meaning fear of the number 13). Daisy Lowe is a celebrity fan of this line. Also, take a look at Erica Weiner Jewellery, where I found the Waldorf Astoria necklace. It's an old cocktail stick from the 1940s that was cast in brass. The line features handmade vintage inspired jewellery, and things created out of found objects.

Bracelets

Clockwise from top left: Erica Weiner brass twig bracelet, $100.00, Frieda and Nellie "Bubble Gum" friendship bracelet, $150.00, Marc by Marc Jacobs plated brass "Cameo Bracelet", $20.00, American Eagle "Denim Twist Bracelet", $12.50

Remember friendship bracelets? So do Frieda and Nellie. The NYC based jewellery company features a whole range on friendship bracelets with a grown-up twist, like the "Bubble Gum" bracelet, pictured above. The best part is, each piece is one-of-a-kind and handmade.

Earrings

Clockwise from top left: Erica Weiner "Atlas Stud" earrings, $25.00, Ralph and Duchess ear cuffs, $120.00, Urban Outfitters raw crystal studs in purple, $34.00, Top Shop "Flower Hoop" earrings, $18.00

I love these punk-meets-Victoriana flower ear cuffs by Ralph and Duchess! They are so pretty. They are also available in silver.

Rings

Clockwise from top left: Marc by Marc Jacobs "Maripol Spring Ring" $20.00, Elizabeth and James "Cluster Ring" $395.00, House of Harlow 1960 "Cream Sunburst Ring" $45.00, Erica Anenberg "Gold Soiree Twosome Ring", $68.00


I really like this simple (and a little bit tough) Elizabeth and James ring. It's made of sterling silver and rose gold. Erica Anenberg also makes some really pretty jewellery. She is an L.A based designer whose stuff is popular with celebs, and her pieces are described as classically innocent, yet edgy and versatile.