Speaking of a contemporary spin on old favourites...
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
69th Golden Globes Red Carpet
The show was fantastic but a big standing ovation for all the ladies on the red carpet. You have to admire the lot for keeping it real while glamming it up. There were plenty who kept things subtle (yet stunning) and not trying to over shine the others. Without further ado, here are the top favorites from S&M on the red carpet at the 69th Golden Globes.
Images shared from stylebistro.com
Images shared from stylebistro.com
S&M's pick
S&M's pick
M's pick
S' pick
M's pick
S' pick
M's pick
S&M's pick
S' pick
M's pick
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| Emma Stone in Lanvin |
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| Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang |
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| Lea Michele in Marchesa |
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| Nicole Kidman in Versace |
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| Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace |
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| Salma Hayek in Gucci |
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| Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka |
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| Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli |
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| Dianna Agron in J. Mendel |
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| (Colin Firth in Tom Ford, left) Livia Firth in Giorgio Armani (to visit Livia's UK Vogue blog click here.) |
Overall, blue seemed to be the new red for the red carpet this season. From bright turquoise to deep navy saw pretty much every shade of the colour, as we did cooler shades of pink and purple. Even the few reds that did make an appearance, for the most part, were on the subtle side of the spectrum. Grecian gowns and mermaid silhouettes vied for supremacy. A precedent for the year's trends? We'll have to wait and see.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Red Carpet At PCA
While we let the nominees and winners of the Golden Globe Awards breathe and take in the results, how about whetting our appetites with a little razzle dazzle from another recent event? S&M present to you our favorite picks from the red carpet at this year's People's Choice Awards.
All images shared from stylebistro.com
All images shared from stylebistro.com
S&M's pick
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| Vanessa Hudgens in Jenny Packham |
M's pick
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| Lea Michele in Marchesa |
S' pick
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| Julianne Hough in Kaufman Franco |
S&M's pick
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| Demi Lovato in Marchesa |
S' pick
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| Kristen Bell in Valentino |
M's pick
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| Cheryl Burke in Chagoury Couture |
S' pick
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| Whitney Cummings in ASOS |
M's pick
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| Kaley Cuoco in Badgley Mischka |
Judging by the trends at the PCA, the mood on the carpet seems to be shifting subtly away from last year's colours, although what we're seeing here is the transition. Stay tuned to see where this evolution leads us with our coverage of the Golden Globes coming very, very soon!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Gearing up for gold
All these awards and statuettes have put us in the mood for a little gold. If you're planning to watch the Golden Globes with friends, why not make a themed party of it? Here are a few cool things you might consider including.
The Look
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| Neo nude make-up |
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| Minx Nails |
Subtle gold hues go well with this gilded theme. Apricot eye-shadow, orange blush and nude lips create the Neo-nude look that is all the rage this Spring. We've also snuck in this year's continued fascination with animal prints, borrowing a leaf from Beyonce's book to bring you the wildly popular Minx nails.
The Outfit
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| Nina Black Cocktail dress |
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| Donna Karan |
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| Source: pilotfashion.com |
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| Carolee Owl Pin |
This dress works as well on its own, as it does teamed with the cardigan, or even a pair of calf-length black leggings. More animal flair with this adorable owl brooch, to be worn with the long cardi.
Edibles
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| Walnut, caramel and chocolate ganache. Click here for recipe |
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| Virgin Sangria. Click here for recipe |
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| Hummus and Pita Chips. Click here for recipe |
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| Grilled Shrimp Souvlaki. Click here for recipe |
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Truth About Men's Style
No matter where you are in the world, gentlemen, it is essential to know the difference between fashion and style. Men's fashion (just as women's) comes and goes in full circles. It's almost like a recycling program. Familiar trends resurface in new interpretations; the second-coming of the 60s and 70s style in the modern form, for example. This is what happens in trends - they are temporary. Designer Yves Saint Laurent put it best when he said, "Fashions fade, style is eternal."
Style is you. It's in everything you do on a regular basis. The way you walk, talk, listen to a certain kind of music, watch a certain genre of film, etc. The clothes, the way you dress? That's the last layer of the cake. Your clothes are the visible representation of your personality. You may not care how you look, but face the facts, other people do. Giving the best impression will only benefit you. We now live in a world in where certain positions in life, your image is everything.
There is a slight change in menswear, in men's fashion. It has evolved. Nowadays, there is a vast understanding of what a real gentleman should look like. These days men take more care of themselves and the way they look. We are fashionably aware and actually care enough to make a significant and positive change to the way we look. It's alright to still have a rugged, 5 o'clock shadow, and look attractive in casual clothing. It's also fine to have a more polished look and come off very attractive in semi-formal clothing. It's no longer about being 'metrosexual' - that term is outdated. Do not use it. It was (back in the early 2000s) a term used to refer to a man who went the extra mile to look more attractive. The manicures, pedicures, and waxing certain parts of the body. To most men at the time, this was simply unacceptable. It was considered by some to be too feminine. They were still trying to grow out of the earlier stages of what was considered 'macho', not knowing how the way a man's upkeep was evolving.
We no longer live in the 80s or early 90s. It is no longer the time where, to men, being macho was mimicking Rambo, The Terminator, or John McClane and shouting out, "Yippie-ki-yay, motherf*cker." Sad truth is, we were influenced by pop-culture. The glitz and glamour of the western world put everyone on notice. They became the trend setters. The fashion world, with majority of male designers, mostly garnered the attention of women. The first decade of the new millennium was a very important transitional period for men's fashion and style. No longer reliving the mistakes made in the 80s and 90s, this was a period of time where men finally decided to no longer live by terms that were slapped onto them by others who considered them to be less manly. The term that was mentioned earlier, that you shouldn't use, lasted as long as 'bling-bling'. It's purely played out. What's in are the many talented designers who have tailored to menswear that has hit the masses. But again, this is most certainly influenced by pop culture. In other words, we must appreciate what some male celebrities have done for us. The leading men in Hollywood now have stylists who wrap them around with designer suits. Even athletes are found sitting next to important style icons at runway shows. We are now tuned in to concentrate on the details. The funny thing is, the attention to detail has been there for ages! You should know things haven't changed much in certain parts of the world. Walk down Savile Row in Westminster, London and you will see nothing has changed, aside from the fashion throughout time. These men have been creating perfected tailored (bespoke) suits for decades. And the reason you might have heard of it more now is simply because of the exposure. It is simply because now, men not only want to look their best but feel their best. A little known fact, it was a British tailor who moved to Paris and started 'haute couture' for women. Charles Fredrick Worth, was the designer in the late 19th century, to create, which is now, the most prestigious and expensive line of women's fashion (not made for the general public; ready-to-wear).
Is it clearer? The way men used flamboyance (wigs and all), through tailored clothing back in 17th-18th century France, is still in affect now. It's just that today, we have learned to tone it down. We've learned to balance glamour and humility. The true essence of style is in the unique manner you present yourself. It is not the clothing, but the way you present 'you' to the rest of the world. It's perfectly fine to carry a grooming bag; yes, it is manly. It's perfectly acceptable to purchase the best facial products (shaving kits, etc.) so you look your best; yes, it is manly. It is perfectly essential that you wear clothing that actually fit! Yes, it is very manly. Women love this, more importantly, other men will respect you. It is not a question of vanity, but the ideal of creating a better you. Healthy habits will not die. Others will appreciate your attention to detail, your discipline will lead to success. It doesn't mean to be too tight or stuffy. Ultimately, you must show that you care about yourself. Being comfortable in your own skin is the perfect way to present yourself as a relaxed and confident man.
Do not fall into the trap of drowning in a pool of labels. You are better off getting a suit made or tailored to fit you for $600 than to wear a $2,000 Armani suit that doesn't fit. The great thing is wearing something under a grand that fits perfectly on you will make it seem you are rocking a designer suit that breaks the bank. In other words, pay attention to what you purchase. Everything is an investment to your overall style. From casual jeans to tailored fit trousers, you must feel comfortable first. Remember, style is in everything you do. Just as the GQ slogan says, "Look sharp, live smart." Instead of always following trends, make sure you balance the inspiration to your own style. Be inspired by everything around you. Be honest with yourself and smart with what you put on. Dare to be different, but know your limits. Be comfortable enough to fit right in but make it easy enough to stand out from the crowd. Confidence, gentlemen. Keep it stylish. It's all about the 3S Effect: Sexy, Sophisticated, Suave.
(What's the "3S Effect"? Click here to know more!)
Style is you. It's in everything you do on a regular basis. The way you walk, talk, listen to a certain kind of music, watch a certain genre of film, etc. The clothes, the way you dress? That's the last layer of the cake. Your clothes are the visible representation of your personality. You may not care how you look, but face the facts, other people do. Giving the best impression will only benefit you. We now live in a world in where certain positions in life, your image is everything.
There is a slight change in menswear, in men's fashion. It has evolved. Nowadays, there is a vast understanding of what a real gentleman should look like. These days men take more care of themselves and the way they look. We are fashionably aware and actually care enough to make a significant and positive change to the way we look. It's alright to still have a rugged, 5 o'clock shadow, and look attractive in casual clothing. It's also fine to have a more polished look and come off very attractive in semi-formal clothing. It's no longer about being 'metrosexual' - that term is outdated. Do not use it. It was (back in the early 2000s) a term used to refer to a man who went the extra mile to look more attractive. The manicures, pedicures, and waxing certain parts of the body. To most men at the time, this was simply unacceptable. It was considered by some to be too feminine. They were still trying to grow out of the earlier stages of what was considered 'macho', not knowing how the way a man's upkeep was evolving.
We no longer live in the 80s or early 90s. It is no longer the time where, to men, being macho was mimicking Rambo, The Terminator, or John McClane and shouting out, "Yippie-ki-yay, motherf*cker." Sad truth is, we were influenced by pop-culture. The glitz and glamour of the western world put everyone on notice. They became the trend setters. The fashion world, with majority of male designers, mostly garnered the attention of women. The first decade of the new millennium was a very important transitional period for men's fashion and style. No longer reliving the mistakes made in the 80s and 90s, this was a period of time where men finally decided to no longer live by terms that were slapped onto them by others who considered them to be less manly. The term that was mentioned earlier, that you shouldn't use, lasted as long as 'bling-bling'. It's purely played out. What's in are the many talented designers who have tailored to menswear that has hit the masses. But again, this is most certainly influenced by pop culture. In other words, we must appreciate what some male celebrities have done for us. The leading men in Hollywood now have stylists who wrap them around with designer suits. Even athletes are found sitting next to important style icons at runway shows. We are now tuned in to concentrate on the details. The funny thing is, the attention to detail has been there for ages! You should know things haven't changed much in certain parts of the world. Walk down Savile Row in Westminster, London and you will see nothing has changed, aside from the fashion throughout time. These men have been creating perfected tailored (bespoke) suits for decades. And the reason you might have heard of it more now is simply because of the exposure. It is simply because now, men not only want to look their best but feel their best. A little known fact, it was a British tailor who moved to Paris and started 'haute couture' for women. Charles Fredrick Worth, was the designer in the late 19th century, to create, which is now, the most prestigious and expensive line of women's fashion (not made for the general public; ready-to-wear).
Is it clearer? The way men used flamboyance (wigs and all), through tailored clothing back in 17th-18th century France, is still in affect now. It's just that today, we have learned to tone it down. We've learned to balance glamour and humility. The true essence of style is in the unique manner you present yourself. It is not the clothing, but the way you present 'you' to the rest of the world. It's perfectly fine to carry a grooming bag; yes, it is manly. It's perfectly acceptable to purchase the best facial products (shaving kits, etc.) so you look your best; yes, it is manly. It is perfectly essential that you wear clothing that actually fit! Yes, it is very manly. Women love this, more importantly, other men will respect you. It is not a question of vanity, but the ideal of creating a better you. Healthy habits will not die. Others will appreciate your attention to detail, your discipline will lead to success. It doesn't mean to be too tight or stuffy. Ultimately, you must show that you care about yourself. Being comfortable in your own skin is the perfect way to present yourself as a relaxed and confident man.
Do not fall into the trap of drowning in a pool of labels. You are better off getting a suit made or tailored to fit you for $600 than to wear a $2,000 Armani suit that doesn't fit. The great thing is wearing something under a grand that fits perfectly on you will make it seem you are rocking a designer suit that breaks the bank. In other words, pay attention to what you purchase. Everything is an investment to your overall style. From casual jeans to tailored fit trousers, you must feel comfortable first. Remember, style is in everything you do. Just as the GQ slogan says, "Look sharp, live smart." Instead of always following trends, make sure you balance the inspiration to your own style. Be inspired by everything around you. Be honest with yourself and smart with what you put on. Dare to be different, but know your limits. Be comfortable enough to fit right in but make it easy enough to stand out from the crowd. Confidence, gentlemen. Keep it stylish. It's all about the 3S Effect: Sexy, Sophisticated, Suave.
(What's the "3S Effect"? Click here to know more!)
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Merlin Today
So, in the show, Brad (Arthur) and Colin (Merlin) go around dressed like this:
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| Source: spinoff.comicbookresources.com |
And then someone really cool tried interpreting how these characters would dress in a more contemporary setting, and we got:
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| 21st century Arthur and Merlin |
The Naughty Hottie
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| Source: mediablvd.com |
Camelot's biggest threat comes in the form of the embittered and vengeful witch Lady Morgana Pendragon, Arthur's half-sister, played by the ethereal Katie McGrath.
In the earlier seasons of the show, Morgana steals the show in opulent gowns in brilliant jewel tones that shimmer against her pale, pale skin. When her darker nature surfaces, she switches to dreadlocks, all-black clothing, and shimmery green eye-shadow.
How would a modern-day Morgana dress? Off-screen, Katie McGrath is a style icon in her own right, but we decided to indulge in a little flight of fancy.
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| Kelly Wearstler |
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| Stephen Dweck |
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| Miu Miu |
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| Alexander Mcqueen |
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| Source: fanpop.com |
Queen of Hearts
Arthur's lady love is portrayed by the pretty Angel Coulby. The first major departure from the traditional versions, Guinevere is portrayed in the series as being the daughter of the town blacksmith and a handmaid to Lady Morgana, who ultimately ends up capturing the heart of the once and future king.
As a servant girl in Camelot, Gwen dresses in simple clothes, and demure colours as befitting her station. She switches to khakis and furs to fight alongside her men (for she is Sir Lancelot's love as well) when the kingdom is threatened. So how does that translate into contemporary fashion? Here's what we came up with:
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| Drifting Damsel Dress |
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| Warwick 2 |
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| Karl Donoghue Shearling Stole |
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| Zohara Leaves Beige Tights |
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| Dream Drops |
Two looks for two very different queens. Hit or miss? Let us know.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Seeing Green
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| Virgins, Saints, & Angels Oval San Benito charm |
Hola!
With Christmas right behind us and the New Year rushing right up, we thought this lovely medallion necklace was the perfect way to hold on to the feeling a little longer. How to play it up? Let us show you two ways:
Schoolgirl Chic by S
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| A Hint of Rosemary Dress |
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| Ruffled Front Short Sleeved blouse |
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| Coralia Leets Green Quartz |
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| Andres Machado |
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| Ava Clutch by Mulberry |
Swap the flats for some heels and throw on a trench and shades, and it becomes a daytime party dress. You can even add darker leggings and take it to work. In short, a versatile, young outfit.
Envy by M
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| Marc Jacobs fine-knit merino wool sweater |
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| T by Alexander Wang silk pocket shirt |
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| Plein Sud black pencil skirt |
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| Brian Atwood - Berton ruched suede knee boots |
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| Leathersmith small leaf embossed leather envelope |
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| Adelphia's emerald green fabric wrapped gold bangle set |
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| 1900s Olivine Art Noveau lever back earrings |
The color and shade of the sweater will make today's item completely pop. It's the perfect semi-formal look, an outfit you can take straight from the workplace to the get-together afterward. Keep the shirt tucked-in and buttoned while at work then, take it off completely, with only the sweater intact, and head off to meet up with your friends.
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