The Cats Walk on the Side Walk

The Emmanuelle Alt styled Nuits Fauves editorial in the August 2008 issue of Paris Vogue truly depicted the flavour of fashion week.

The women who run our highly influential fashion magazines and those women who are just influential regardless, have been seen of late wearing feline prints which were of mass popularity circa 2005.

This time around, however, it poses as a statement by the individual rather than a mass mindless trend. Vogue Nippon's Anna Dello Russo definitely made that statement in a tulle covered leopard print coat, while other fashion attendees opted for a touch of the wild with leopard print shoes, scarves and fur collars. No longer reserved for diva and tranny's alone, this is definitely a loud addition to a meek outfit.

(click all images to enlarge)

Ripped and Torn but Still Worn

While most of you are beginning to rug up in your cashmere sweaters and leather jackets, down under we can't take them off fast enough. Every summer, the staples are pulled out of our wardrobes, daisy dukes, chaotic print dresses and 70's inspired boho tops.
While Maxi dresses may have been a girly alternative for some, distressed denim shorts really stood out in the sunlight. Kate Moss has taken a shine to more vintage looks with light washed denim whilst on vacation at Ibiza.

A very buxom Scarlett Johansson was seen about town sporting what some have referred to as her mum shorts. Definitely not sexy but these high-waisted frayed shorts go perfectly with her quirky vintage style.Although these famous twins try to be as individual with their style as possible, you can't help but be influenced by those around you. Both Mary-kate and Ashley Olsen were seen indulging in a cancer stick or two outside their New York City apartment wearing frayed hem shorts with matching trilbys and oversized shirts.

Nicole Richie looked cute as a button wearing in her purple Indian boho shirt, Siwy denim shorts and black Moccasin Ankle Stomper boots. She topped off her look with oversized vintage sunglasses and Chanel bag.

Ashley Tisdale's recently wore home made cut-off shorts with the seasons must have plaid shirt and fringe gladiator sandals. She bought out the classics with a monogram Fendi Spy bag and Ray-Ban 3025 sunglasses.
Love her or hate her, Kirsten Dunst wears what she wants when she wants. The super rich 20-something-old was seen buying off the $5 Sale Rack at a local H&M store wearing a printed oversized t-shirt, black calf-length boots with a vintage bag and green Chanel wayfarer sunglasses.
We were lucky to see Victoria Beckham at least once this summer without being dressed to the nines. Showing off her fantastic pins in turn-up frayed shorts she paired them with an easy fit black t-shirt, large dVb aviator sunglasses, Haviana flip-flops and a leopard print Marc Jacobs tote.
Then we've got Mary-Kate Olsen doing what she does best, making some cringe and fashion magazines glee. She paired her cut-off shorts with a sheer black and white pussy bow shirt and flat knee high gladiator sandals. She accessorised with black bracelets, a Rosary bead necklace and Cutler and Gross sunglasses.

Mary-Kate: Vintage Dresses & Lennon-esque sunglasses

With a winter of black on black, Mary-Kate Olsen is starting to venture out in beautifully coloured summer dresses. At the after-party for her new movie, The Wackness, held at The Gramercy Hotel in New York City, Olsen wore a vintage Pucci number toughened up with wrap around bracelets and cocktail rings.

However, at the Late Show with David Letterman, Olsen opted for her signature black look teaming a vintage Halston kaftan with a studded belt and Christian Louboutin pumps whilst keeping accessories to a minimum.

One accessory which i am in love with are the Paul Smith ps 419 sunglasses Mary-Kate chose to wear as she entered the Late Show studio. She is really bringing back the round sunglasses trend which can be worn by men and women.

Small round John Lennon-esque sunglasses are being advocated by the likes of Chanel, Karen Walker, Persol, Pollini, Linda Farrow and Balenciaga are sure to become the sunglasses trend in the next few years.

The Olsen Twins are always at the forefront of new sunglass trends, but Mary-Kate is not a stranger to quirky round shades. At the 2006 Fashion Shows, Mary-Kate drew a lot of attention for her purposely obnoxious vintage Chanel sunglasses. It's about time a different style came into the forefront.

You Are My Sunshine...My Only Sunshine

To mark the beginning of summer, celebrities say hello in yellow to sunny days and long nights. Rihanna, Beyonce, Katie Holmes and Denise Richards ditched their winter blacks for statement dresses, coats and jackets in bright banana yellow.

For those who aren't really into showing off their sunny side in a top-to-toe ensemble in festive hues, do as Rachel Bilson, Mary-Kate, Hilary Duff,Victoria Beckham and Fergie by adding a single statement making bag or clutch in yellow.

Rachel Bilson wears Dior Babe Shopping Tote in Yellow
Mary-Kate Olsen wears Dior Babe Clutch & Dior Babe tote both in Yellow
Hilary Duff wears JJ Winters Leather Envelope Clutch in Yellow
Victoria Beckham wears Marc Jacobs dress and studded tote bag in Yellow
Fergie wears oversized patent yellow tote

Weighing in on the Wayfarer

The re-launch of the infamous Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses caused quite the frenzy in Tinseltown- with everyone who was anyone, donning a pair. The style which was first popularized by the incomparably elegant Audrey Hepburn in the 50's and then again in the 80's, which saw Ray-Ban's profit margins sky-rocket thanks to Tom Cruise's Risky Business.

Fast forward more than 20 odd years and Ray-ban Wayfarers have still got it going on and this time around Hollywood starlets including Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton had a lot to do with bringing the trend to a much wider, perhaps younger demographic. We mustn't forget the London Ladies Ala Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Juliette Lewis and Kiera Knightley who were the subtle pioneers of the revival.

It's no mystery why the wayfarer keeps coming back on track wit mini-moguls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen making it look more than covetable with their cross between artsy Parisian and funky L.A style. On a daily basis the twins kept to the Original Large Ray-Ban Wayfarer ORIG.RB 2140 frame of Tortoise Shell and Black.

The popularity saw Ray-Ban introduce the classic cut in unique hues ranging from dark blue, pink, red, blue marine, military green, brown and orange. Paris Hilton tried to rock the daring white and red, but that best be left to the Chloe Sevigny & Ashley Olsen's of the world-minus the trucker cap.

Ashlee Simpson is one celebrity who whole heartily embraced, loved and made love to her Ray-Bans. Here she is in yet another pair of Ray-Bans. Ashlee wears Ray-Ban Wayfarer II RB 2143, with red bridge and black frame which is the updated two-toned frame.

The Oakley brand quickly stepped up its game when it saw Wayfarers rear their iconic eyes, by re-launched their 1st generation Oakley Frogskin Wayfarers. The vintage Wayfarers have seen the likes of hottie Elisha Cuthbert and Hayden Paniettiere standout summer long in their mirrored lenses. The style which was first introduced for men has seen women swoon and Ebayers in a frenzy to get their final bids in on these limited edition sunglasses.

With anything good, imitations are bound to follow, thus Ksubi introduced the Tsubi Milka Wayfarer to their collection. This has been a popular pair in Australian editorials for alternative fashion magazines and made a fan of Lindsay Lohan. But this fantastic pair have not received the recognition they deserve and failed to prove as popular as the hardcore Tsubi Grille design.

Chloe's small but wonderful sunglasses collection brought out a few wayfarer styles. Including Chloe CL 2144 which has been seen on Mandy Moore of late and is top Australian model Catherine McNeil's favourite pair of sunglasses.
Kate Bosworth and Rihanna have also tapped into the wayfarer look by sporting the Chloe Eyewear. Rihanna wears the unique Chloe CL 2124 wayfarer with slit style arms.

Even Chanel have moved away from their timeless styles to introduce a vintage collection which include fantastically quirky sunglasses including bright eyed green wayfarers as seen on Rachel Bilson last week.

If you love the newly introduced vintage wayfarer by Chanel as seen on Beyonce, but isn't in your eyewear-budget price range, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer II RB 2143 offers a pair in black with gold top bar and arms which were introduced first and look practically the same at only $150.

Lanvin has come into the mix with the Lanvin Key West sunglasses. After being seen on Ashley Olsen, these sunglasses sold out in an instant online at ShopBop and according to sunglasses guru Flashy Shades, the style has already sold out in Barneys.

Blogger FlashyShades has done a fantastic post on the Top Sunglasses of 2008 (which is worth checking out) and Lanvin Key West tops it of course. I heart these sunglasses, but unfortunately living in Australia, Ebay is my only option to access this particular pair, but unfortunately the pair have been significantly marked up by the very few eBay Sellers who stock them.

According to WhoWhatWearDaily, brightly colored frames are the way to go this summer, and thanks to the likes of Luella, Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel and Ray Ban the wayfarer is the pair to do it in. Always on trend Sienna Miller, has been seen in a beautiful turquoise wayfarer by the brand Super. This colour is perfect to set off a summer tan.

Uffie and Klaxon's guitarist Simon Taylor are also huge fans of the Italian made Super brand.

A very underrated brand in western countries is Persol. They make some very nice Italian sunglasses with high quality materials which have a legion of European followers including the Milan and Paris Fashion set.

Lauren Conrad also donned a pair on her reality tv show. She wore their large wayfarer model, Persol 2849 which comes in two sizes. Christina Ricci has been seen in the smaller pair.

Hollywood have followed suit with Mary-Kate Olsen, Orlando Bloom, Ashley Olsen, Matt Damon, Sharon Stone, Hugh Laurie and Elle McPherson becoming fans.

Ray-Ban's Clubmaster RB 3016 sunglasses, which are a metal take on the classic wayfarer have been so popular that they were used to style all the models at this season's Ellery Fashion Show in Australia. From the Jonas Brothers to the stylish Jasmine Sewell, these gold detailed wayfarers are set to be the next biggest Ray-Ban seller.

Many are still in love with they Wayfarer style sunglasses and are not willing to let them go anytime soon, thus the new styles, sizes and shapes that have been interpreted by many designers has brought a breathe of fresh air to the style which many can delve straight into.

All in all, imitations, knock-off and inspired styles may come and go, but at the end of the day, as all things go, nothing beats the original cut. That's why the Paris and Milan Fashion set, including top models Jessica Stam and Natasha Poly alongside Fashion Director Emmanuelle Alt have stuck to the tried and trusted classic black Ray Ban Wayfarer Orig.RB 2140 sunglasses and a stylish move at that.

Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

The Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was once again a glamorous affair.

I can't help but think how wonderful it would to have Jennifer Lopez as a mum. She seems like the type that loves her loved ones to death and would do anything for her two babies Max & Emme. She's certainly springing back into shape in a flash, she looks like she may even get thinner than her pre-pregnancy weight. They look sooo happy no?

Why am i not surprised Beyonce gown in this style? At least this time she looks as if she can sit and breathe for that matter. The pastel pink is beautiful against her complexion and her hair and make up are so glamorously low key and somewhat unexpected for Beyonce.

Ahhh my girl Katie Holmes! She embodied every little girls fairytale-to grow up and dress like a princess. Only difference is she's already grown up and she's already Hollywood's princess, and this innocently fun outfit looks like a child going through mama's closet and dressing up. I love how the matching red eye shadow made her look luminous rather than drugged up and tired. The clashing blue pumps are perfect.

Rachel Bilson's dress got a lot of negative feedback, because it kind of looks like a Olympic swimming team body suit. I don't mind it too much, it has that Alexander McQueen sleek feel to it, however the bangs in her face is what's really throwing me off, it doesn't really fit with the whole look. Prehaps a swept up slicked look would have flown better in the whole.

Perhaps inspired by wonder women, Christina Ricci's outfit was my favourite of the night. Wasn't she once the cute curvy girl? She seems like she's a dress size smaller at every event.

WOW! How sophisticated does Ashley Olsen look? She's got that mature womanly vibe going on and that smile!! I love the modern cut-out design of Ashley's dress, which contrasts perfectly to Mary-Kate's glitzy vintage glitzy gold number. I love Mr Louboutin's studded oxford shoes too :)

Victoria Beckham lives for this sort of thing. Dressing up, posing and mingling with the best of them. Her white lace dress is extremely sexy and the girls got the body for it. Many thought her make-up was far too severe, but it does work well with her hair and the red lips add colour to an otherwise black and white couple.

Escorted by the likes of Mr Dolce & Mr Gabbana would sure put a smile on your face too. Scarlett Johansson kept to her style of frilly dresses with plenty of cleavage push. I like how she played up the cute factor with the headband and puffy dress as opposed to her usual sex-bomb status, then again an "engaged" women must spare her assets for her one and only leading man. ;)

The Givenchy Jacket done the Mary-Kate Olsen way

Trust Mary-Kate Olsen to add even more impact to an already knock-out piece of clothing. Whilst shopping in the city of lights, Mary-Kate donned a Fall 2007 Givenchy studded leather jacket.

Whilst many would have kept the silhouette clean and simple, Mary-Kate added roar with a leopard print scarf, patent vintage Chanel Bag, excess jewelry, red chipped nails and a bold sunglasses including a classic brown pair and a bold pair of orange wayfarer's.

She get's three stars from me: 2 for the outfit and 1 for sticking to her individual style no matter the situation.

Mary-Kate Olsen at Giambattista Valli Fall 2008/2009

Sitting front row and bug-eyed at the Fall 2008 Giambattista Valli fashion show, Mary-Kate Olsen looked every bit the Parisian Fashionista in a head-to-toe ebony ensemble.

Sticking to a parisian favourite in black, Mary-Kate Olsen owned the look by wearing the 'hard to pull off' two-toned Chanel S5018 sunglasses, a colourful beaded clutch, jewels on every finger and her signature unkempt hair.

I love this outfit from the top all the way down to those Giambattista Valli Victoria shoes.

Olsen twins get their money's worth.

The holidays season has led the Olsen girls into wearing similar outfits as they do their Christmas shopping. Both Ashley and Mary-Kate, wore the whole skinny jeans, flats, sunglasses, scarf and plaid top look topped off with an oversized bag.

But as usual Mary-Kate quirked her look up a bit with stacks of jewellery, a load t-shirt and kooky sunglasses. While Ashley kept it chic in a blazer, cool aviator sunglasses, and pulled back hair.

Seventh on Sale Dinner Gala Fashion

The fashionable from all walks of life and all fashion tastes, rocked up to the Seventh on Sale Dinner Gala this week in some pretty interesting outfits...Jennifer Connolley(left) is known for her outrageously daring fashion sense, that this dress seems really tame to me, neverthless it got some pretty bad reviews describing the dress as plain ugly...what do you think? ya or nay?

As for Dita Von Teese, i absoultely loved her dress, it embodies every little girl's dream to grow up and dress like a princess. As for her face, i want to wash off all that paint, girls are more beautiful natural-including Dita!

Eve looks quiet underdressed when compared to Dita, and her outfits not bad but not particulary exciting either...at least she's got those puppy paws showing on her...well..puppies ;)

Now to my favourite little twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Ashley Olsen looked absolutely elegant in her long slimline white dress, natural make-up and simple hair.

Whilst her sis Mary-Kate proved that their was no dress code for the event, by wearing a short bubble dress and Giambattista Valli's 'Victoria' shoe. Although she looked like a prostitute, i love both their outfits :)

Spring 2008: Top Hats equal Top Head Gear!

Celebs started with Berets which morphed into fedora's which in turn some how developed into an over the top Top Hats. The hat which Mary-Kate freakishly wore in late august, was not due to her creativity but was actually inspired by the runways of Fall 2007 including that of Commes Des Garcons.

Soon after Liv Tyler and Sienna Miller were also spotted in them. Fast Forward a few weeks and you've got the likes of Christian Dior further emphasising the trend, by stepping out at his show in one along with ones from his Spring 2008 collection.

If your going to mess with your head you might as well do it in an all out crazy way with a Top Hat!

Olsen Twins Stud-tastic!

Fall 2007 created a frenzy with celebrities over studded accessories. With houses such as Burberry Prorsum and Balmain, adorning shoes and the likes with the signature punk/rock element.

Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez and Avril Lavigne (aka Wanka), donned razor sharp shoes, and now the Olsen Sisters are getting with it.

This week Mary-Kate stepped out in ankle strapped studded shoes while her sis Ashley wore a bright orange bag complete covered in studs.

...and wait, whats this? Are the Olsen's actually bringing colour back into their wardrobes one handbag at a time? Only time will tell..

Just when i thought it wouldn't catch on...

Well what do you know? Top Hats are on their way to becoming the next must have head gear.

Top hats were seen on a few Fall runways and last month Mary-Kate Olsen was out on the town in a very quirky looking top hat, and just like a lot of items seen on the Olsen Twins, it is fast becoming a trend.

Recently both Liv Tyler and trendy Brit Sienna Miller have topped of their looks with top hats, whilst Pete Doherty has always favoured top hats. Umm...interesting lets just wait and see who else picks on this trend.

Balenciaga Bags Still Going Strong

As we all know, Balenciaga Motorcycle bags became the 'it' bag to have Circa 2004, and like many 'it' bags, they were quickly seen on the shoulders on many starlets and just as quickly popped back on in their wardrobes alongside the once lusted for Marc Jacobs Stam and Chloe Paddington.

However, unlike the future of many over-exposed bags, Balenciaga is having it's revival. Miss Nicole Richie dusted hers off again this year, along with Mary-Kate as seen in an earlier post and now our new generation of stylish young stars such as Heroes', Hayden Panettiere and High School Musical's, Vanessa Hudgens have caught on.

Hopefully this means that the Balenciaga Motorcycle bag will become a classic*Fingers Crossed*

Balenciaga bags making a comeback

It seems that the once coveted Balenciaga Motorcycle bag is making a comeback. The girl that started the craze, Miss Nicole Richie was spotted a couple of month's back wearing one of her many Balenciaga bags out and about. Now Hayden Panettiere and Mary-Kate Olsen have scrambled through their wardrobes and dusted off an old favourite.

It's no wonder these bags are so loved, their quintessential Balenciaga, young and excude a very rock chick vibe, although Hayden opted to wear her purple Motorcycle bag in a more lady like way!