The Hills: Alive and Kicking

The O.C may have only been around for four years but it certainly made it's mark and when the teen drama shut down shop in 2007 it left behind a few things. For a start the birth of Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson as style icons and the introduction of the creator, Josh Schwartz to TV heaven. However in my eyes the main legacy of The O.C is the fact that it became the inspiration of The Hills. For it was the lavish lives of the teenagers of The Orange County that led to the reality show, Laguna Beach and it was here that we met the likes of Stephen Colletti, Lo Bosworth and a certain Lauren Conrad. The pert Lauren left Laguna for the heights of LA and moved onto her own reality show The Hills and the rest is history. Over the last five years we have been caught up with the drama and tribulations of Lauren's world. We have cried with her, laughed with her, laughed at her and watched her fall out with friend after friend.

Now Ms Conrad is about to say goodbye to her life on the small screen and will move onto new pastures new. Such as? I hear you ask. Well for a start she has penned a book called L.A. Candy and is about a young lady who moves to the city of angels and ends up on reality show. Wow, I wonder how long it took her to come up with that concept? But you know what? I can't wait to read it. Going by the spiel on the HarperCollins website, this book has all the qualities that I look for in my fiction. Fun, drama, glamour and with the odd bit of fashion thrown. L.A Candy hits the stores on 18th June but if you can't wait till then you can read an excerpt on TeenVogue. Quite fitting considering Lauren spent a great deal of her vital years there. HarperColins have signed Ms Conrad to write three books for them so look out for more literary works from Laguna's finest.

So with the commercial success of The Hills, other characters from the show have taken the opportunity to work on other projects. First we have Brody Jenner with his diabolical reality show, Bromance. She-devil boss, Kelly Cutrone has been granted her own reality show called Kell on Earth and is also writing a self help book to young women on how to rule the world. I am sure it will be riveting as Kelly is. Oh of course lets not forget Whitney who is riding high with the success of her own fly on the wall series, The City. Looks like the hills are alive and kicking.

Fashion Shows 2009: Nicole Richie

I know, i know, my blog has been neglected for a while, and so has my viewing of some of my other favourite blogs! I will certainly catch up on reading your blogs and leaving comments. Have just been so busy with going out, work, university, life in general....you know how it is. Anyways, now I'm back to my procrastinating ways thanks to sitting in front of the computer and "studying".

As we all know, the Fall 2009 fashion shows have landed and brought along with it a herd of celebrities in need of a photo opportunity. While the fashions of Paris and Milan are still stampeding down the runway, New York fashion week is well and truly over. Nicole Richie, however, is one celebrity that really grabs my interest when it comes to front row fashion. Last season she brought us great looks including an adorably sweet black and blue DKNY ensemble and this season it was just as great.

Last season, Nicole Richie teamed a simple white James Perse Supima tank top with a high waisted leather Marc Jacobs black leather skirt. Posing next to Kayne West, she added height with a pair of trendy Pierre Hardy gladiator sandals and added bling with a Stacey Lapidus headband.

This unique look brought forward the mass headband trend seen on celebrities such as Ashlee Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, Vanessa Hudgens, Zoe Kravitz, Mischa Barton, Miley Cyrus and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Then we saw her sitting front row with Teen Vogue's Carlos Lopez, model Vanessa Trainer and Mary-Kate Olsen. She wore a Proenza Schouler vest dress over a James Perse white tank. Strappy Pierre Hardy sandals were once again her loyal shoe of choice. This season however, Nicole Richie let down that tightly tousled bun to show off her freshly cut bangs and went for a more classic approach. She amped up the color with a bright red Sonia Rykiel double breasted coat over a simple sequin shift dress and a pair of Yves Saint Laurent heels.
The Diesel Black Gold fashion show was the last place i would have expected Nicole Richie let alone Carine Roitfeld attend. Judging by Nicole's durem printed silk dress from the Black Gold Diesel collection, the brand seems to be producing some exceptional pieces.

Although i did love the fact that she blended the dress into her outfit instead of the obvious way of letting the dress do all the talking, i think she could have done without the white oversized sunglasses.

Nicole Richie teamed her US $500 + dress with tights, Pierre Hardy ankle boots, a Rick Owens Jacket and a celebrity must-have Love Quotes Scarf. Over the seasons, she has managed to keep her look young, fresh and slightly edgy which is where some Teeny Boopers like Miley Cyrus should take note.

Beanie Babies on the loose

Last winter, stylish attendees at Paris and Milan fashion week previewed this year's coolest winter trend, the beanie. The beanie has re-emerged as a fashion must-have on Hollywood's hottest heads.
With most trends, males take a back seat while women play the field, but the beanie has men playing the fashion field too. David Beckham, Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Patterson, Zac Efron and the Bond himself Daniel Craig have all added a touch of cool with this casual head gear. Starlets including Vanessa Hudgens, Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton opted for floppy beanies that sit loosely on the head. Pairing the look with designer sunglasses and neutral shades makes the look understated yet chic.

While Rachel Bilson, Avril Lavigne and Jessica Alba covered up their bed hair with the praticality of a beanie, others chose to make a fashion statement. Gwen Stefani wore an emerald green beanie with scarlet red lips while Katie Holmes complimented her snow white beanie with a beautiful matching woollen sweater. Natalie Portman kept it classy with a classic grey trench coat and knockout turquoise beanie.

Never has the beanie reserved for skiing and winter activities looked so trendy as these Hollywood heads prove.

Girl put your Beanie on!

No longer reserved for family trips to the snow, the beanie is new cool kid in the hat department. The look which sprung off the well groomed heads of Paris and Milan fashion week attendees, saw it make its way on many catwalks, promininetly that of Alexander Wang.

Rachel Bilson has adopted the look by wearing her simple black beanie with a loose white tank, Chanel chain handbag, gold sandals and the celebirity favourite, Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses in tortoise shell.
Nicole Richie also looked super darn cool as she headed to Beverly Glen Country Mart for ice-cream with her man's brother, Benji Madden. She was L.A personified in her downtown city style.

Miss Richie wore distressed looking frayed 'Nicollette' shorts by Abercrombie and Fitch, teamed with a grey American Apparel t-shirt, laid back haviana flip flops and a studded vintage style belt. As with her fashion equal, Rachel Bilson, she too opted for Ray Ban sunglasses. Nicole Richie wears Ray Ban Large Metal Aviators. This is a look that is definitely going to be a staple for me this spring/summer in Australia.

Summer MAXI-mized

Last season hemlines were going sky high, but this season shorty gotta get low-low-low. The minis more conservative cousin, the maxi dress is fast becoming the style staple of summer 08 with Nicole Richie paving the way to a more carefree hippy-loving summer.

Designer runways including Etro, Roberto Cavalli, Pucci and Blumarine all contributed to the brightly printed maxi dress trend which are favoured by pregnant mums including Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani and Ashlee Simpson.

For those of you who are stuck in the middle of winter like me, do like Nicole Richie and pop a warm leather jacket over a maxi dress and layer with boots, tights and a scarf to make it cold weather friendly.

The O.C Double Take

The O.C alumni are always in the spotlight for their passion for individual fashion, but they seemed to be on the same style pages last week.
Both Mischa Barton & Rachel Bilson donned what appeared to be oversized t-shirt dresses paired with dainty belts to cinch in their little waists. Whilst Mischa Barton opted for a more boho look with her Moccasin fringe boots, Rachel Bilson kept the look fresh with summer's essential footwear- Gladiator sandals.
With fringe being a massive trend on all the international catwalks from Balmain to Gucci back to DKNY, Rachel Bilson wasn't letting this trend slip her by. She added fringe details with an oversized black fringe bag. Both Barton & Bilson wore Ray-Ban Clubmaster RB 3016 sunglasses which i posted about a few months back. If you can't let go of your the wayfarer style, then these could be a fresh addition to your sunglasses collection.

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

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. ;)

Rachel Bilson style

Super Cutey Rachel Bilson can do no wrong with or without clothing...as seen in her casual day-to-day style and her seductive magazine photoshoots...

The Art of Elysium brings out the stylish

The stylish women of hollywood who turned up to The Art of Elysium event looked absolutely radiant.

Simple gowns with beautiful detailing was key of the night. Plunging backlines, pleating, tassels, jewel clustering and cinched in waists brought a classic beauty to the night which is often lacking at many Hollywood events were every startlet is competing to set a new trend.

My favourite of the night was Rachel Bilson, she always manages to look great both on and off the red carpet.

Celebrities Heart Tom Ford Sunglasses

Tom Ford sunglasses are making a splash in celebrity la la land. From the unfit head-shaving mother, to the socialite, to the rehab addict and back up to the glamorous women of Hollywood, everyone's in L.O.V.E with Tom Ford Sunglasses.

Tom Ford Margaux seems to be the most popular celeb choice with Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Beckinsale, Kate Hudson and Mischa Barton all being seen sporting a pair.

Although Tom Ford makes exceptional sunglasses, i absolutely hate the Tom Ford Anouk model that Nicole Richie and Kimberly Stewart have been seen in. The Tom Ford Anouk model was seen on the gorgeous Tom Ford Ads but the style doesn't really translate well in reality.

My Fav pairs would have to be the Tom Ford Camilla as seen on Monica Cruz (penelope Cruz' pretty little sister), and the Tom Ford Hawkings as seen on Lindsay Lohan, Ashley Olsen and Heidi Klum, they're too cool for school...

If you had to pick a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses, which pair would it be?

Chanel Spring 2008: Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson was a lot less daring when it came to her fashion choices at the Spring 2008 Chanel show.

She kept the look simple in black dress cinched in at the waist with a large beige belt.

At the after party she added a gorgeous pop of colour in a loose fitting hot pink knee-length dress.

Oh and Kirsten Dunst looks just as gorgeous, she looks better when she isn't trying so hard!

Now lets look at someone with style!

Rachel Bilson the fashionista that she is, didn't fail to impress when she attended the P.S Arts Benefit. Looking stunning in a black bejewelled Chanel dress, chain bracelets, sleeked hair and radiantly minimal make up. This is my favourite look of the day!

Tom Ford Reigns on Celebrity Sunglass Parade

Just a few of my current favourite designer sunglasses that some of our most exposed celebrities have been seen wearing.

1) Paris Hilton: D&G d&g 6022b sunglasses

2) Nicole Richie: Tom Ford Anouk sunglasses

3) Rachel Bilson: Tom Ford Buckley sunglasses

4) Mischa Barton: Tom Ford Margaux Metal frame sunglasses

5) Ashley Olsen: Tom Ford Hawkings detachable sunglasses

6) Victoria Beckham: Gucci 2591s Buckle side sunglasses

And with a 4/6 domination, it is clear that Tom Ford sunglasses are the winning celebrity eye wear source. The pics just show a few sites online were you can purchase or view any of these sunglasses.

Red Ray Ban Wayfarers

OK we all know wayfarer's are big, but these days our young Hollywood starlets can't get enough of their ray ban wayfarer's that their now sporting these 80's shades in fiery red. First seen on Lindsay Lohan red wayfarer's are a modern take on the classic style.

It takes a lot of confidence to pull off such a bright color adorning your face, but Mary Kate Olsen and Rachel Bilson work the look by keeping the rest of their outfit black, while Sienna Miller prefers to color coordinate which also works.

However, I don't think red wayfarers will stand the test of time, so it may be better to invest in a cheaper chain store inspired style for around $10 rather than folk out $100 on a very trendy seasonal piece.

Would you wear noseless shades?

The Yves Saint Laurent opened our eyes to the world of noseless sunglasses. Noseless sunglasses are those in which the nose bridge is missing therefore the lenses are not attached in anyway to each other.

I thought these sunglasses on the runway looked quiet odd but Rachel Bilson has adapted them to everyday wear and i don't think they look pretty good on her. I am not entirely convinced about this style but then again at least you wont have a problem with your sunglasses sliding off your nose right?

The life of Rachel Bilson & her Aviators

Left to right: Dolce and Gabanna, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford & Chloe

Rachel Bilson is one girl that's going to stick to her style, whether it's in fashion or not, which can be seen in her adamant choice to stick to aviator style sunglasses. With all the styles of sunglasses that have come through over the years such as bug-eye styles and the Big Brand must haves, Miss Bilson, kept her cool in an assortment of different coloured, styled and shaped aviator's. And she might be onto a good thing, because let's face it, aviator's are a classic.

Is the Flare on the verge of a comeback?

Flare jeans and trousers had a crazy amount of limelight over the years, until one day a few seasons ago skinny jeans made an appearance and began their reign as the leading cut in pants... UNTIL NOW!

Lately, I've been seeing runways and celebrities totting their stuff in disco inspired pants. First i saw Rachel Bilson and thought nothing of it, then i saw Hilary duff, then the Balmain show, then Miss Carrie Bradshaw herself Sarah Jessica Parker and then it clicked, we might have another style comeback on our hands. I actually don't miss Flare jeans all that much, but it's great to have such variety in styles to choice form with skinny jeans, to straight leg, to wide leg and now flare, So take your pick.

Rachel Bilson - Roping us in.

Rachel Bilson is one stylish lady. Unlike her other O.C counter-parts, this girl would do just fine without the help of a stylist. Her adorably sexy style is a mix of new age boho, grunge, 60's and Black black and more black!!

She teams everything in a simple effortless way while still looking put together. Accessories are the key and Rachel Bilson ones again proves why shes a style queen with this ever so original "Rope bracelet". Keeping her outfit simple makes this key piece stand out and i love it!!! What do you think?

Want her style? This girl is a lover of second-hand stores and flea markets, were she gets all her quiky outfits. opt for simple outfits with one massive impact statement piece such as a Fedora hat, funky boots or jewelery.