Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear...Paris

Warning: image heavy
I had planned on doing a really in-depth review of the Paris shows, today, but it turns out collating all of the looks was incredibly time-consuming and...I'm out of time. So it's the week just in pictures, now. Here are my favourite looks from Paris Fashion Week...

Loved the House of Rykiel show. Barracuda TV covered the show, and managed to catch some unique behind-the-scenes footage, as well as interviews with Nathalie and Sonia Rykiel, Anna Dello Russo, Beth Ditto, Irina Lazareanu and many more.

Now, over to you all. What were some of your favourite moments from Fall Ready-to-Wear, Paris or otherwise?

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Dress Like an Icon...Sophia Loren

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Oh, Sophia Loren. Has there ever been a more gracious and exotic beauty?
Simple (but stunningly effective) style, with variations on rich, block colours such as reds, blues, whites and black is all it takes to emulate the Italian goddess. If you've ever wanted to try your hand at the Loren, look no further for help...

Romany

[photos courtesy of listal.com and polyvore.com]

The Curve

Nouka
photographed by David Lynch for Fetish, 2007

I think from now on, it would be more fitting to celebrate diversity rather than just one body ideal. While The Curve will probably still prominently feature just that, curves (being a curvy girl myself, I'm naturally drawn to this body shape also, and feel the need to celebrate it as a means of self-reasurrance), all body types are welcome from now! I'd like to draw attention to a wonderful comment left by Death Wears Diamond Jewellery on the weekly recap post, who loved 'that they are pushing the 'diverse' body image thing instead of the 'real women have curves' angle. which i hate. real women can be stick thin too'. This is so incredibly true, the fashion industry seems to be caught up with either pushing the 'unrealistic' stick thin body type, or the 'realistic' curvy type. In actual reality, these are both 'real' figures, as well as many more out there, because every body is different. It should be about acceptance. I know the industry has a long way to go, but it does seem like they're making positive steps forward, these days. Let's hope that continues...

Before I share my exciting news, I'd just like to take a moment to expand on the tiny little note I wrote about the movie Remember Me in the recap. I managed to see this last week, and I honestly have not been able to stop thinking about it since. I'm not going to bother retyping the synopsis because, to be honest, the less you know about the movie going in, the better. Steer clear of reviews, they will most likely be full of information you don't want to know until you find it out for yourself in the cinema. Go in blind - no information, no expectations. Anyone with the view that this is some sort of extension of Twilight just because of Robert Pattinson's leading role, couldn't be more mistaken. This is an emotionally intense romantic drama, that stays with you long after you leave the cinema. There is hardly a weak performance from any member of the cast, especially from Pattinson who really shows his remarkable potential in this role.
While I'm reluctant to say much about the content, I will say this: the romance is not the sole focus of the story, it's really more of a character study, and I think it would be a real shame if the film didn't reach its full intended audience, including the male demographic, simply because they thought it would be a chick flick. The movie is not perfect. Movies rarely are. But it is definitely well-worth seeing, as the message is profound and will leave you thinking.

And to end this rather randomly focused post, I have received my first award, from the gorgeous Trop Rouge.

The rules...
1. post the logo on my blog.
2. pass it on to 15 other blogs.

And so I pass the torch onto...
Aus Style
Eight
Fashion Lolita
Lolita
Miss Whoever You Are
Stole My Name
The Photodiarist
Pomegranate and Patchouli
With a Wink and a Smile
Bruises
Dolly Daydreams Dress Domicile
Death Wears Diamond Jewellery
Chic on the Cheap
Fashion in My Eyes
Fashionaina

Enjoy to all those listed, and I'm so sorry to all those who I couldn't tag.
Once again, thank you to all of you who comment and/or follow or even just visit the robins. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate it.

Romany

[photo courtesy of wallpaper.com]

The week that was...

Wow, how bad have I been this week? I don't think I realised that just cleaning could take up so much time. The lack of comment replies has been solely due to this (we had a real-estate agent coming to check out the house this week, and the place had to be spotless and completely free of all of the junk we've accumulated over the years), which I apologise profusely for, and hopefully things will be a little bit less crazy next week. Is it just me, or are these weeks flying by at an alarming rate? I barely have time for 3 posts before it's the end of the week!
A week which we shall have a closer look at now...

Quote

“Global warming is the issue of our times. Fashion has to address it. Technical advances are so perfect you can hardly tell fake fur from the real thing. Fake is not chic — we have got a new Chanel tweed to stop copies — but fake fur is.”

~Karl Lagerfeld, on the theme behind his A/W collection, and the reason he used fake fur. I think it's great that Karl has decided to use fake fur (even if he does use real fur for his Fendi collections). I am not fan of fur, so hopefully this is a trend that will catch on. And of course, it's good that even the luxury houses are started to acknowledge the importance of global warming.

Wardrobe Envy

Emma Roberts, Natalie Portman wearing Tiffany & Co, Maggie Gyllenhaal wearing Fred Leighton
This week, I'm having major jewellery envy (I had to clean out my room, top to bottom, including my measly jewellery collection - needless to say, it's about time I filled out my jewellery box properly), and the 2010 Oscars was like a little slice of heaven for the night, as far as bling was concerned. My June 4th birthday can't come soon enough...

Music

fun. are a New York based three-piece, whose debut album Aim & Ignite drops on May 31st, which has been described as 'an irresistible collection of freewheeling pop songcraft', and 'a distinctive sound which simultaneously recalls the past yet remains very current'. Listen to Walking the Dog.

News

Glamour magazine are keeping their promise of featuring a more diverse range of models in the magazine, by putting Crystal Renn, Victoria's Secret's Allesandra Ambrosio and Sprts Illustrated covergirl Brooklyn Decker on its June cover. Seen here posing for photos in St Barths.

In other news, Fab Sugar has a list of 'Five Fun Facts from Paris Fashion Week', including the reason why Paris Vogue editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld got blacklisted from the Balenciaga show - apparently some samples were sent to the Vogue offices for an editorial shoot and somehow found their way to Max Mara, where a coat was copied. Funnily enough, Carine consults for the label. Hmm.

Vintage Beauty

Gill
photographed by Sam Haskins
Finally, I have produced an image that actually is vintage! British photographer Sam Haskins passed away recently, and Harper's Bazaar Australia (who he regularly photographed for) paid a lovely tribute to him, featuring several of his gorgeous images (not including the above photo, as it was taken sometime in the 60s, much earlier than when he started working with Bazaar). But do check out his images, they are truly lovely.

Currently...
...listening to: Telephone, by Lady Gaga
...watching: Remember Me - went to see this yesterday with friends. I actually thought it was great, but I bet it will get mixed reviews.
...reading: nothing. I'm too lazy.
...eating: homemade pizzas, yummy!


Tell me all about your week!


Have a beautiful weekend!


Romany

[photos courtesy of fabsugar.com.au, en.wikipedia.org, skinnyvscurvy.com and forums.thefashionspot.com]

Dress Like an Icon...Marilyn Monroe

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Wow two Marilyn posts in one week, I must be developing an obsession.
As you can probably tell, I also quite like Marilyn Monroe. Despite all of the glitz and glamour, Marilyn's personal style was actually quite simple. None of this wearing outlandish outfits just to hit the grocery store (*cough* Rihanna *cough*). But if you feel like dressing up a little, and need some inspiration from one of the most beautiful, stylish and iconic women in history, then look no further for help...

Romany

[photos courtesy of polyvore.com and fanpop.com]

Best Dressed...Oscars 2010

And so, another Academy Awards has come and gone. There were laughs (Steve and Alec were hilarious), there were tears (Sandra Bullock's acceptance speech, anyone?), there were shocks (Precious won Best Adapted Screenplay over Up in the Air - I don't think anyone saw that coming) and history was made (Kathryn Bigelow, need I say more?). But most of all there was fashion...

The Winners

These lovely ladies managed to please the Academy and the style police.
While I didn't absolutely love Sandra Bullock's look (the dress is divine, but I'm not a huge fan of the lips and hair, just needed a little extra something, maybe), I absolutely love Sandra Bullock, herself, so she makes the list.
Kathryn Bigelow made history last night, and she did it looking very classy. Can you believe she's 58?
I loved that Mo'Nique chose this dress, it was so flattering to her figure. Accessories and hair were kept simple, but Mo'Nique made up for it with her confidence.

The Nominees

You know what the best thing about Gabourey Sidibe's look was? Her sass, perfectly evidenced by this gem of a quote "If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot." I hear that.
A lot of people are on the fence about Maggie Gyllenhaal's dress, but I loved it, personally. I thought she looked so incredibly beautiful and relaxed, with minimal accessories and an effortless up-do. Pure class.
Carey Mulligan is fast becoming some sort of style icon in-the-making. I would have preferred if she'd swapped the black, chunky shoes for something less imposing, but that's pretty much the only fault of this fashion-forward look.
Oh, Anna Kendrick. So classy, so effortless, so...Grecian. Perfect.

Keeps Getting Better With Age

Helen Mirren is like fine wine - she just gets better with age (I'll have to take the advice of experts on the wine comparison, I can't stand the stuff). She looked jaw-dropping-ly beautiful, especially for her 64 years of age.

Most Fun

Again, a lot are on the fence about Sarah Jessica Parker's risk-taking choice, but I thought she looked great. Very vibrant, confident, happy. She wears this dress well.

Best Newcomer

Kristen Stewart may wear Converse and a Walking Air Boot to formal events in Twilight, but she certainly scrubbed up well for the Oscars. She looked absolutely gorgeous in this feminine, figure-hugging gown.

And now onto you, readers. Regale me with tales of your favourite red-carpet looks or even moments from the ceremony, if you're so inclined (I must admit, I was tearing up when Oprah was praising Gabourey before the Best Actress award was given - that was a beautiful moment).

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

The Curve

Marilyn Monroe
photographed by Sam Shaw, 1956
Long Island

It would be impossible to celebrate curves without mentioning the Queen of Curves, herself, Marilyn Monroe. Ah, if only Ms. Monroe were still around today to show the young'ns how the whole movie star thing is really done.
"Marilyn is a kind of ultimate. She is uniquely feminine. Everything she does is different, strange, and exciting, from the way she talks to the way she uses that magnificent torso. She makes a man proud to be a man."
Clark Gable

Romany

[photos courtesy of drx.typepad.com]

The week that was...

I am a lost girl. I may have mentioned that we're moving house. Did I mention that it has to be soon? Real soon? I've moved a lot in my life (so far I've lived in 5 different houses, throughout my eighteen years), but we've lived here for about 8 or so years now, longer than anywhere else. I love this house, I love this area, I'm not ready to leave it. I knew I would have to one day, when I buy my own place, but I always imagined that I would have this place to come home to for holidays, birthdays, family events etc. The thing is, though, it's all dependent on financial circumstances, which means there is every chance (no matter how small) we may not have to move at all. I'm hoping for this outcome, but readying myself for the worst. So maybe it's not even the actual move that's making me lost...I suppose it's the fact that everything is so vague and up in the air right now. Nothing is certain yet, so I don't really know what I should be thinking or feeling. I guess all I can think is positive thoughts, and all I can feel is hopeful. Fingers crossed that that's enough...
Enough sadness, instead let's focus on the week that has just come to a close...

Quote

"Let me say this: I have not had sex outside my marriage with Sidney. Could Sid have sex outside of his marriage with me? Yes. That's not a deal-breaker. That's not something that would make us say, 'Pack your things and let's end the marriage.' What if it's 20 times? So what? We've been best friends for over 25 years, and we truly know who we are. Oftentimes, people get into marriages and they don't know who they're laying next to. I'm very comfortable and secure with my husband."

~ Mo'Nique, on her relationship with husband Sidney Hicks.
Interestingly, Mo'Nique also went on to say that her husband loves her hairy legs. So two very interesting topics to throw around this week, readers: what's your partner's stance on leg hair? And what do you think of Mo'Nique's marriage ethic? Personally, I think if it works for them, then go for it. I don't know that I could be this open-minded in a marriage.

Wardrobe Envy
Ginnifer Goodwin stepped out in this cute Dior dress, for Kimberly Brooks' The Stylist Project exhibition, hosted by Vanity Fair and Dior. The dress, itself, is gorgeous but I don't think that Ginnifer is wearing it to it's full potential (I don't know, something's just...off). What I'm really envying is the gorgeous mosaic stone Dior clutch that she's carrying. Want. Need.

Music
Cocoon of Love, above, is a collection of sunny tunes created by LA indie pop band-of-brothers (and two of their friends) Princeton, described as 'soothing Washed Out beats, coupled with Biff Ross wit-romantic filled lyrics, and the layered vocal harmonies of the Beach Boys'. Listen to Calypso Gold, it will put you in a happy mood.

News
Keira Knightley at the Laurence Olivier Awards Nominees Luncheon.
Keira Knightley is looking scary-skinny again. Who knows, it could just be this outfit, it could just be a bad angle, it could be anything. But Keira has always been very slim, but it appears recently it's become a little more extreme than that. I don't want to start any anorexia rumours (I don't believe that Keira ever suffered from this - one can be skinny without being anorexic), but she doesn't look healthy. Just hoping everything turns out okay.

Balmain A/W 2010
In other news, Paris fashion week is well under way. So far, nothing is seriously grabbing me (except maybe this Balmain mini-dress, showing of the brand's signature silhouette), but that may all change once Galliano or Lagerfeld have their turn in the spotlight.

Vintage Beauty
Milla Jovovich
photographed by Carter Smith
Again, 4 or 5 years isn't exactly vintage, I know, but you can't deny it's a beautiful image, at least.

Currently...
...listening to: Ellie Goulding.
...watching: Gossip Girl, season 2 (yes, I shamefully admit that I am a convert).
...reading: considering rereading The Twilight Saga, but can I be bothered?
...eating: still buttermilk pancakes! You'll have to pry my hands away from that recipe!


Tell me all about your week!


Have a beautiful weekend!


Romany

[photos courtesy of yesnofashion.blogspot.com, style.com, sweet-keira.net, celebritieswonder.net, zimbio.com and en.wikipedia.org]

Spotlight...Marina Makaron Moscow

This week I thought I'd focus on something one can wear...
I was in the middle of configuring this post on marina makaron moscow, when I came across this interview with Marina herself, conducted by Margaret over at Shine by Three. Definitely check out the interview, Margaret did a great job of capturing the essence of Marina as a designer, as well as her work ethic and character, in general.

marina makaron moscow ad featuring a Fifi Flower

marina makaron moscow ad
2010 Silk Fantasy Collection, inspired by artistic interpretations of Eastern European folklore and village imagery...

marina makaron moscow ad
...and blends together nostalgic influences, vibrant colors, and dream-like shapes...

Peek-a-Boo chiffon with purple Fifi flower, from the 2010 Vintage Chiffon Collection
...beautiful and functional, inspired by dusk colors and abstract floral designs...

With a nod to her Eastern-European roots, Makaron began the creative process by experimenting with basic Russian imagery and folklore depictions. Combining her knowledge of the international marketplace (having studied International Business at Drexel University) with a penchant for fashion-forward design and a fondness for her culture’s traditions, it was not long before Makaron created a silk collection unlike any other— fusing within its dappled patterns the nostalgia of times past, the style sensibilities of the present and the global attitudes of the future.

Endless nights of generating business and investment plans paid off in the end with the creation of her first line, marina makaron moscow.

Marina's line, which has its Facebook page, includes scarves (squares, oblongs and ribbons), Fifi flowers, bowties, attire (absolutely gorgeous dresses) and interiors (pillow cases etc).
marina makaron moscow online store.

Romany
p.s. thank you so much for commenting and/or following, or even just visiting the robins, you have no idea how much I appreciate this. Just wanted to let you all know how much it means to me.

[photos courtesy of facebook.com]

Dress Like an Icon...Brigitte Bardot

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As you can probably already tell, I quite like Brigitte Bardot. As one of the most beautiful actresses in French film history (in my personal opinion) Bardot's impeccable style continues to be emulated some 30 or 40 years since her heyday. If you've ever been inclined to try your hand at the Bardot look (I know I have), look no further for help...
Many more icons to come in the near future.

Romany

[photos courtesy of gouldyloxreviews.blogspot.com and polyvore.com]