Alexa is a Style Icon... again.

By Jennifer Ennis

Don't get me wrong, I am a long-time lover of this girl. But it's gradually getting less and less interesting to hear everyone ramble about how stylish she is.

Yes she has flawless skin, pretty hair, an effortless tomboy look and a pretty witty sense of humour to go with it, but I need a bit more convincing there is no one better than her to win the Style Award at last night's British Fashion Awards.

It is voted for by the public so obviously her appeal isn't fading but her status just seems so old now. In my opinion there are other stylish British lovelies that deserve a chance now like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Jameela Jamil or Poppy Delevinge.



Aw well nevertheless, well done Alexa! For at least always adding a bit of class to the night. If just not very original anymore...

Images from daylife.com

Pre-Fall 2011: Jason Wu

By Jennifer Ennis

My favourite Pre-Fall collection so far is the predictably elite affair from US designer, Jason Wu.

Mr Wu, a firm favourite of Michelle Obama and January Jones, has produced another classy and sophisticated collection. No major suprises but some beautiful and very wearable pieces.

I love the delicate day dresses, the tailored trousers, the smart coats, the sheer chiffon blouses and the exquisite full length gowns.

Here are some of the key looks...





Other favourites so far have been Rag & Bone, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta while the biggest disappointment has been my main man Kors. Usually famed for his rich, luxurious pieces, I find his pre-Fall quite tacky and disappointing.

More to come.

Images from style.com

Beauty Love: Serums

By Jennifer Ennis

Ok so I am fairly new onboard the Serums bandwagon. I bought one from La Roche Posay a few months ago but foolishly used it as a moisturiser which resulted in little bumps appearing under my skin. A method I quickly abandoned.

However after reading in a magazine the correct way to use it a.k.a under your moisturiser I hot-footed to The Body Shop to pick up one from their new range Natrulift. At 23 years of age, I am in no need of firming yet but luckily the product is quite light.

I have now used the whole bottle and liked it. I apply a small amount morning and night under my moisturiser. It smells delish, dries fast and I did notice my skin was better moisturised and super soft. I will buy it again but am keen to try No7's award winning Protect and Perfect one next.

It is pricer so if I discover it is not worth the hype, I will gladly resort back to The Body Shop.

Will keep you posted.

For now though, I will give The Body Shop's Natrulift Firming Serum a 9/10. My only fault is the size of the bottle. It is quite small at only 15ml.


Images from thebodyshop.co.uk and boots.co.uk

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2010/11

By Jennifer Ennis

I'm back!

Oh my God. It has been bloody forever.

I apologise for my severe lack of blogging. I have relocated to London! After a two month period of no internet and having to check my e-mails in the local delightful library, I am now all broadband-ed up and ready to get back to work!

First up: this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at New York City's Lexington Avenue Armory on November 10th 2010, always a personal favourite of mine.

'Serious' fashion folk will always criticise the show and brand it 'tacky' but you cannot deny how glamourous and fun it is! That is what it is meant to be after all - fun. The producers have the last laugh every year when the ratings and sales continue to go through the roof.

This year the girls were just as gorgeous, the stage was just as impressive and attractive, the A-list stars were in attendance, the soundtrack was fun (Katy Perry and Akon) and we had the welcome return of long-term angel Adriana Lima following her pregnancy last year.

It was hard not to be moved by the reaction she got when opening the show! With all these new younger Angels on the scene, there is no mistake that Adriana and Alessandra are still firm favourites.


Brazillian beauties: Adriana Lima and Izabel Goulart.

A large number of the high fashion supers walked again this year such as Jessica Stam, Anja Rubik, Magdalena Frackowiak and Chanel Iman. Jessica, Magdalena and Chanel got in to character and gave it socks on the pouting and blowing kisses front, but there is no denying the awkwardness of Anja despite her gorgeous wings.


Blonde bombshells: Erin Heatherton and Rosie Huntington-Whitely.


Katy Perry performs her hit single 'Firework'.


Angels Chanel Iman and Lily Aldridge.


Of course there were plenty of proud boyfriends in the audience including Maroon 5's Adam Levine who proudly showed off his model girlfriend Anne Vyalitsina afterwards, and Kings of Leon's frontman Caleb Followill, fiance of Lily Aldridge, who attended the show for the second year running with younger brother and bandmate Jared (still single and what better show to be single at).

Anyone who missed the show can check it out on Youtube.

While the feathers and bubbles are laid to rest for another year, we can look forward to what suprises the next show will have and the hopeful return of Miranda Kerr, noticeably missed this year!

With love angels,

Mwah!

Images from daylife.com

Collection We Covet: Victoria Beckham A/W '10

By Jennifer Ennis
Written for WhatSheWears.ie

Victoria Beckham presented her Ready to Wear Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection in New York’s Upper East Side with such poise and professionalism (she circled the room greeting every guest personally before beginning); it was almost as impressive as the clothes themselves. But not quite.

Mrs Beckham’s new collection is an ensemble of evening and power dresses in mostly nude, red, black and blue tones. All the dresses are in block colour and were teamed with matching shoes and black sunglasses for the presentation. She experimented with silhouettes including a flowing maxi dress, statement mini-dresses, floor-length red carpet gowns and of course her trademark pencil skirt. This season confirmed that Victoria is fast gaining multiple respect within the industry as a serious fashion contender.

Highlights included the breath-taking nude floor length gown with draping detail which Victoria hinted as a personal favourite, the red wool shift dress with nipped in waist and back zip detail and the blue silk full column gown. The collection excited fashion editors and critics worldwide and is now making its way to the exclusive department stores, including our own Brown Thomas. When Mrs Beckham came to Dublin to launch this season’s collection, she munched on Ladurée Macaroons, no less.

As per usual, designer prices apply (expect roughly to pay anything from €1,105 to €3,500 for a dress) but if you have the cash to splash this season, a Victoria Beckham dress is a beautiful, timeless gown in colours that will flatter the Irish woman.

Images from whatshewears.ie

Fave A/W 2010 Campaigns

by Jennifer Ennis

Here are some more of my favourites this season...

Kenzo

Featuring models Lily Donaldson and Sasha Pivovarova. Shot by Mario Sorrenti.

Bvlgari

Featuring actress Julianne Moore (and the cutest little lion clubs!). Shot by Marcus Piggott.

Alberta Ferretti

Featuring models Sigrid Agren and Monika Jagaciak. Shot by Paolo Roversi.

Aldo

Featuring model Jessica Stam. Shot by Terry Richardson.

Lanvin

Featuring models Anja Rubik, Magdalena Frackowiak & Mariacarla Boscono. Shot by Steven Meisel.

Valentino

Featuring model Freja Beha Erichsen. Shot by David Sims.

Hugo Boss

Featuring model Natalia Vodianova. Shot by Peter Lindbergh.

H&M

Featuring model Daria Werbowy.

And I'm sure there will be even more...

Images from The Fashion Spot.

Ad Campaign: Isabel Marant AW10

By Jennifer Ennis

Admittedly, I have my days when I feel a bit sick of Miss Moss and her super coolness (don't we all?) and the decision to chop my beloved Daria Werbowy by the Isabel Marant team and replace her with Kate? Well that was just dreadful.

But... it works.

I take my hat off. Kate Moss for Isabel Marant Autumn/Winter 2010 is stunning and I love it. That is all.



Images from Isabel Marant's Facebook

Editorial: Olivia in ASOS

By Jennifer Ennis

No words...

Found this editorial today and I just love it. The clothes, the shoes, the make-up, the hair, New York City and Olivia Palermo - everything works perfectly.





Images from asos.com

Style Winner: Alexa Chung

By Jennifer Ennis

Have liked this 'wan since T4. Her pretty face, odd/sarky sense of humour and unique dress-sense shone from the beginning but it is only in the last year that the world has really fallen for Alexa Chung.

Miss Chung is a very reputable style icon for me as she's always had her own sense of fashion in comparison to some of the 'style queens' who have been preened and moulded to perfection (Cheryl Cole anyone?).

She spun the decks at a Mulberry pool party (but of course) in LA recently wearing a peach silk blouse, denim shorts, black sandals, the leopard print Mulberry Alexa bag and a new glowing tan. As per usual, Alexa looked effortlessly chic and gorgeous.

There are SO many who could learn from her...

Image from style.com

Miu Miu Love: Lily Allen

By Jennifer Ennis

Just a short post to say well done to Lily Allen and the Elle UK style team for taking a dress I didn't find particularly attractive on the Miu Miu A/W 2010 catwalk and making it look sublime!

The colour looks gorgeous against Lily's skin tone and hair colour and I think it is possibly my favourite summer cover so far.

I have to hand it to Elle UK - they really create visually stunning magazine covers.


Images from stylefrizz.com and style.com

Wish List: Fendi Ankle Bootie

By Jennifer Ennis

Every find yourself browsing Net-A-Porter and making a wish list of things you may be able to buy one day, if you won the lotto, married a rich man or maybe just opened a designer saving account? No, oh just me then.

Well right now, these Fendi Vertigo ankle booties are top of my list. I love the neat shape, attractive heal and the cute cut out.

The price tag? €735.16. Sigh...

Image from net-a-porter.com

Beauty Love: Benefit's Smokin' Eyes

By Jennifer Ennis

New found love for this product. I received it as a Christmas present and while I liked it, I went back to my old going out faves, MAC's Bronze eyeshadow & Lancome's kohl eyeliner, after a month. The mirror in the kit smashed which I considered to be a very bad sign also (superstitious much?).

However, I decided to give it a go on Friday night and wow the difference is unreal! I have green eyes and the grey in this kit really flatters and brings them out. Actually a lot nicer on me than bronze and browns. The palette consists of...

- 3 Eyeshadows
- Eyeliner
- Brow Zings in Light
- EyeBright
- Tweezers
- Fluff Shadow Brush/ Hard Angle Brush

It also comes with a instruction booklet showing you different ways to apply it. I experimented and stuck with my own way of applying the lighter grey all over the socket, the dark grey on the outer sides of the eye and then my own Benefit Bad Girl eyeliner on my top lids (I don't wear eyeliner on my lower eyes). When I run out of this kit, I will probably just purchase the two eyeshadow shades I like in similar MAC shades but it has been a handy and convienant way for me to learn what suits me. Smashed mirrior or not.

Image from sephora.com

Influenced by: Burberry Prorsum S/S10

By Jennifer Ennis
Written for WhatSheWears.ie

Summer may be in full swing but fashion is always thinking ahead, so before the high street makes the transition to Autumn/Winter 2010, there is still time to grab yourself some beautiful summer looks – now at bargain prices.

Burberry Prorsum returned to London for the 25th anniversary of Fashion Week and showcased one of Christopher Bailey’s strongest collections yet.

The iconic trench was given a fresh updated look across a colour palette of mint, lilac, stone and baby pink. A youthful feel was presented with hemlines slashed to above the knee, belts worn over trench coats and dresses, and even the taboo of socks and sandals was successfully broken.

Naturally, the looks transcended onto the high street and in particular at A-Wear and Topshop.

Here are some of the key pieces inspired by Burberry Prorsum that will last long after summer 2010 is gone.

Ruffled party dress
Topshop have created their own versions of Bailey’s ruffled party dresses in colours such as white and pink. Our favourite is a mint one shoulder dress, a steal at £45/€53. The colour is perfect for summer evenings and flattering to every skin tone, while the one shoulder detail gives a fresh look for any party.

The sophisticated summer dress
The colour lilac was a welcome addition to Bailey’s Spring/Summer collection and bargain of the week is most definitely A-Wear’s carbon copy, the cotton Knot Sleeveless Dress. This dress was €45 and is now reduced to an astonishing €10 in their summer sale.

Trench Coat
Of course the trench coat needs no introduction. AllSaints have an exquisite stone colour one called the Dido Mac which is priced £195/€230. This may seem pricey but the trench is an investment piece that never goes out of fashion.

Burberry Accessories
Bailey kept his accessories simple with the addition of the odd pair of sunglasses or checked bag. However, he did add a belt to every single model on the catwalk. Update your trench this season by wearing a belt over it. This also accentuates your waist and breaks up the block colour.

To replicate this look, head to Reiss – their Arlo Black waist belt is on sale for £30/€35 reduced from £59/€70.

Burberry Shoes
Bailey’s girls wore nude and grey platform sandals on the runway to complete the look. ASOS have a striking nude Hank Stud and Buckle Platform shoe for €53. It is up to you if you want to add the socks or not! If you do, make sure they are same colour as the shoe.

Burberry Beauty
As with many designers this season, the ‘no make up’ make up look was used at Burberry Prorsum. The key to this look is flawless skin (or the illusion of flawless skin). Use a foundation that is good for your skin like Bourjois Healthy Fix Foundation, €15.99 or BareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, €25.

Keep eye make up simple with just subtle mascara. Let your skin do the talking! Bailey’s girls wore nude lipstick. MAC has a great shade of nude lippie called Myth, (€17), available at MAC counters.

So for the rest of summer, take a leaf out of Burberry Prorsum’s book and enjoy the vibrant colours on show… but hurry as all these must haves are selling fast!

Image from whatshewears.ie

Cover Girl: Marion Cotillard

By Jennifer Ennis

French actress Marion Cotillard has graced two covers in recent weeks - August's Harper's Bazaar UK and July's Vogue US. Both very different shoots, but equally stunning.

Harper's Bazaar
On the cover, Marion wears Lanvin and is shot by Cedric Buchet. Her hair is slicked back and her eye make up is smoky. Marion looks beautiful in a non conventional way. Inside, she wears a mixture of Lanvin, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana.

Vogue
On the cover, Marion wears Dior and is shot by Mario Testino. Her hair is classic Marion curly and her make up is soft and flawless. It is a beautiful, romantic editorial and inside Marion's outfits include Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Nina Ricci pieces.

Marion makes a great cover girl through her ability to be strong yet very versatile. Both shoots portray completely different looks, and highlight her beauty. I dare you to walk by the magazine stand and not notice her.

Marion is promoting new film Inception in both magazines.

Images from harpersbazaar.co.uk and vogue.com

Style Crush: Olivia Palermo

By Jennifer Ennis

Never mind style crush, more like Style Icon!

I love this woman. Her bitchy (and edited to make sure it looks that way) attitude on The City has made fans either love her or hate her but style wise, she is best on TV by a mile right now.

I always look to her for inspiration and I love her ability to mix designer with high street (she loves Topshop). Olivia also wears lesser known designers too as opposed to always playing with the big guys.

She has her own sense of style and always look good whether it is at a red carpet event or walking with her (gorgeous) boyfriend in Manhattan, she is dynamic and ultra feminine.

Definately my style icon of the moment.





Images from daylife.com

My Fave A/W 2010 Campaigns

By Jennifer Ennis

It's that time again! All the new seasons campaigns are in the fashion magazines and Autumn/Winter 2010 has not disappointed me.

Here are some shots from my favourites...

Burberry Beauty

Featuring models Nina Porter, Lily Donaldson and Rosie Huntington Whitely. Shot by Mario Testino.

Chloe

Featuring model Raquel Zimmermann. Shot by Inez & Vinoodh.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Featuring model Ruby Aldridge. Shot by Juergen Teller.

YSL Womens

Featuring model Daria Werbowy. Shot by Inez & Vinoodh.

Christian Dior

Featuring model Karlie Kloss. Shot by Steven Meisel.

Versace

Featuring models Anna Selezneva and Iselin Steiro. Shot by Mario Testino.

Louis Vuitton

Featuring models Natalia Vodianova, Karen Elson and Christy Turlington. Shot by Steven Meisel.

I will no doubt be adding to these...

Images from The Fashion Spot.

Beauty Fave: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

By Jennifer Ennis

Ok so I like to think I am ahead of the beauty game (well in my head anyway) but I will put my hands up and admit I was VERY late in purchasing this cult product. One of Clarins's best sellers, this cream has won more awards and been recommended by more catwalk make up artists than I care to remember.

I have a weird obsession with cosmetic ingredients (the less the better and the more natural the better) so, while I think YSL's Top Secrets is a great product, the ingredients dishearten me. After a bit of research on this cream, I noticed the ingredients are much better. So off I trotted to Debenhams, handed over my €35 and brought this little gem home.

And how brilliant it is!

I tried it the next morning as was feeling pretty tired. I put a small amount on my face instead of primer and applied make up straight away (as advised on the leaflet enclosed) and my skin looked awake and terrific. The smell and texture are gorgeous and the tube is a lot handier and efficient than YSL's non-hygenic brush. The cream dried really quickly and was non-greasy. My skin looked flawless and radiant.

This has become my make up bag staple now for mornings after little sleep, or when I just need a boost. I have been complimented many a time after a late party night on my fresh skin and I owe it all to this beauty!

Purchase today! It may seem a little pricey but you only need a tiny amount and it feels so luxurious and lovely on your skin! After also falling in love with their HydraQuench moisturiser, Clarins are fast becoming a skincare favourite of mine.

Image from sephora.com

August Vogue UK: Freja

By Jennifer Ennis

My love for the beautiful Freya just grows and grows and grows! I was delighted with Miss Erichsen's August Vogue UK cover shot by Josh Olins and styled by editor Alexandra Shulman. Freja looks fresh and beautiful. The interview inside paints an effortlessly chic, dynamic woman with a down to earth and humble attitude, despite being one of the most in demand models at the moment.

I think the cover text sums her up perfectly - 'Fashion's coolest cover girl'.

Sigh...

Image from Vogue.co.uk

Style Winner: Kristen Cavallari

By Jennifer Ennis

After six wonderful seasons The Hills came to an end with a red carpet event (for a twenty minute programme) in The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood last week. Lauren 'LC' returned for the screening and the girls were dolled up to the nines as expected.

I was mostly looking forward to seeing the fashion on the night as opposed to the final episode as season six has bored me to tears I must admit.

Style Winner of the night is.... KRISTEN CAVALLARI!

I have beeb a fan of Queen KC (I made that up) for a while now and she looked cute and classy in her golden Zuhair Murad dress compared to some of her other co-stars, I mean 'friends'.

While I found the last series disappointing, I am still a long time The Hills fan. It is the end of an era! Can't wait to see what they will all do next. Anyway, we still have the (better) series The City to keep us entertained...



Images from daylife.com

WhatSheWears: Samantha Jones

By Jennifer Ennis
Written for WhatSheWears.ie

While the fashion world has consistently lusted after Carrie Bradshaw and her wardrobe, I have always been more of a Samantha girl. She’s charming, witty, entertaining and simply fabulous.

Ms Jones, known for her lavish ways and love of younger men (wait ‘til you see Noah Mills in this movie), always oozes sophistication and glamour but with a touch of fun too.

For this movie, Samantha style is made up belts and body-con dresses, and big, bright and beautiful earrings. Actress Kim Cattrall may have resident stylist Patricia Field and a large expensive costume department to create Samantha’s winning looks but thanks to a very SATC savvy high street, it is now easy to copy Samantha’s high fashion on a downtown budget.

Samantha’s body con dresses
Patricia Field described Sam’s black body con dress as an ‘understated kind of Samantha’. ASOS have the widest selection of black fitted dresses.

The most striking is the Elastic Buckle Body Con dress which is currently on amazing offer of just €17.50 reduced from €47.50 so hurry!

Samantha’s sunglasses
Samantha wears several pairs of shades throughout the movie, including a few pairs of Ray-Bans. These days almost everyone has jumped on the Ray-Ban bandwagon!

The black wayfarers are still as popular as ever spied on everyone from Kate Moss to Jessica Alba recently – so Sam’s in good company! She wears the large style pair and prices vary from store to store but they are usually around €180.

Samantha’s snakeskin clutch
The perfect bag is always a must for every SATC girl. Samantha loves her python bags in this movie and A-wear has a great version of her snakeskin clutch for just €15.

Samantha’s white wooden shoes
Similar styles to Samantha’s high wooden heels are very easy to find. Office have a cool white summer pair with a strap (easier to wear) for £85/€100 and if you want to go one step further, Barratts have a white leather pair of high heeled clogs for £45/€54.

Samantha’s gold accessories
We’re huge fans at WhatSheWears.ie of chandelier earrings which are the perfect summer accessory to brighten any outfit. You can see how much Samantha loves them!

She wears a beautiful multicolor blue pair and thick gold hoops. If that scares you a little, Freedom at Topshop have a more subtle pair of hoops called the Seed Bead Hoop earrings priced £9/€12.

Samantha also wears some great gold belts and bangles. Temperley of London have a classy knotted metallic gold canvas belt on Net A Porter for €195 which is an ideal summer wardrobe staple while Miss Selfridge and Warehouse have a variety of sassy bangles to finish any outfit splendidly.

All that’s left is to enjoy the Sex and the City weekend ahead and feel confident that while wearing a few of Samantha’s style faves, you will look absolutely fabulous darling.

Image from whatshewears.ie