Saturday, May 15, 2010

i-D Magazine: Miranda Kerr


By Jennifer Ennis

Miranda's i-D cover is the strangest thing I have ever seen - because it looks nothing like her! The Aussie beauty has been quietly breaking in to high fashion and this shoot is far cry from all the Victoria's Secret promotion she has done this month.

Am I the only person who hates bleached out eyebrows though? I don't get the fashion world's obsession with them. Lara Stone's Jaeger ads are the only time I have seen it look nice. Miranda looks almost alien-like and her hair has seen better days but I admire that it's different and proves she can be versatile.

However is beautiful, bubbly, happy Miranda what she does best? Her smile is too pretty to be hidden!



images from celebritysnap.com and daylife.com

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Just Cruisin': Chanel Resort 2011


By Jennifer Ennis

Ok if there is ever a luxury show I want to attend it's Chanel resort. Previous shows have been in amazing locations such as Shanghai but this year Karl Lagerfeld stayed on home turf in the beautiful and very glamourous St. Tropez in the Cote d'Azur, South of France.

It was a fun few days for guests in the Riveria with the screening of the Lagerfeld-directed short movie 'Remember Now' in the Cinema de la Renaissance the night before followed by a party and the catwalk show the next day. The show took place outside St. Tropez's Senequier and guests were seated in the famous red wooden chairs. Karl and the models all arrived via speedboat (of course!).


The collection itself has received a mixed reaction online but I personally liked it. Yes there were one or two awful pieces (including some revealing black crochet numbers) but in general it was fun, floaty and summer-y. Models were often barefoot as they danced and strolled along the runway. There was a large 70s theme with plenty of sunhats, caftans and maxi dresses. There were 87 different looks in total including the signature tweed, beautifully embellished swimsuits and great tailored jackets.


All the models were there - Abbey, Freja, Natasha, Anja, Eniko, Magdalena, Hanne Gaby and a few suprises like Karolina Kurkova and newcomer Georgia Jagger (who came out on the back of a motorbike to a Rolling Stones tune at the end).


A host of Karl's muses were in attendance including Vanessa Paradis and Leigh Lezark.


It was beautiful sunny evening with the party continuing long after sunset at the VIP Dinner. It must be said, Karl really does things in style and looks after his guests. It has been years since I was on the French Riveria but this show has me yearning for another visit.

Oh sigh, how the other half live...

Images from daylife.com and style.com

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Cover Style: Harper's Bazaar UK


By Jennifer Ennis

It's been a year now since I purchased my first Harper's Bazaar with Alexa Chung on the cover (below) and it has fast become one of my 'must have monthly mags'!

The editorials, features, fashion and beauty are really strong but it is only in the last few issue that I have really noticed how beautiful their covers are! A lot of my faves in particular Vogue (UK & US) are letting me down this weather but Harper's have raised the competition. I fell in love with Jennifer Aniston's editorial in the May issue so much that while attending a short course at the London College of Fashion I choose it as my 'piece that really stood out for me lately'. In a class of 12-15, another girl had also chosen it (out of every single thing in every current magazine). The colours and lighting are spectacular and so flattering. It is a real soft and feminine image to highlight the 'rebirth' of the actress.

June is amazing too with a very dreamy and gorgeous Cheryl Cole. We are used to seeing her dolled up to the nines but this is very relaxed and natural. The colours are a soft mix of brown and beige. It definately stands out on the shelf. Both covers are great art shots, as opposed to just photographs.

Alexa's was very dreamy and beautiful too. Harper's portray their leading women with elegance and class while also being drop dead gorgeous!

BEST covers right now.



images from harpersbazaar.co.uk and magxone.com

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Style Watch: The Met Ball 2010


By Jennifer Ennis

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala Ball (try saying that fast) took place in NYC last night and the creme of the crop where in attendance! The benefit is known for being one of fashion's premiere events, yet last night's bash is being hailed as a bit of a disappointment. That may have something to do with this year's theme - 'American Women: Fashioning A National Identity'- but it seems most fashionistas went for safe, simple and beautiful looks. I suppose the absense of Miss Lady Gaga from the red carpet (she was performing inside at the time) probably didn't help! However, there were some stunning dresses and it has been hard to narrow it down - everyone seems to have been there!

Here are some of my favourite looks...


L-R: Camilla Belle in Jason Wu, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad and Mila Kunis in Vera Wang.


L-R: Rosie Huntington Whiteley in Burberry, Natasha Poly in Michael Kors and Lily Donaldson in Marc Jacobs.


L-R: Blake Lively in Marchesa, Coco Rocha in Zac Posen and Alessandra Ambrosio in Versace.


L-R: Jessica Stam in Rachel Roy, Donatella Versace in Versace of course and Bar Refaeli in Rag & Bone.

And some not so good looks...


L-R: Demi Moore in Lanvin, Kristen Stewart in Chanel Haute Couture and Riley Keough in Thakoon for Gap.

As you can see, it was an uneventful night for outfits. There were some pretty dresses but nothing that will be remembered in a week's time! It can be frustrating as these people have access to the best frocks, the best stylists, the best designers but I guess maybe it is better to be safe than sorry even if that means - boring. Oh Gaga, you were missed...

All images from style.com and elle.co.uk

Monday, May 3, 2010

New Beauty Buys


By Jennifer Ennis

Dior's Hydra Life Pro-Youth Skin Tint SPF 20

It's officially summer which means shopping for a few new bits for my make-up case! I prefer to wear less in the summer as my skin is usually in better condition due to more fresh air, longer daylight and less central heating. I came across this Dior product on Sephora.com over a week ago and I, being the beauty addict that I am, purchased it in Debenhams a few days later for €39. It is part of Dior's Hydra Life collection which features three plant extracts - Jisten, Centella and Black Rose - for maximum hydration. I was attracted to the packaging, SPF and the ingredients (no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes etc). I don't have too much experience with tinted moisturisers apart from Laura Mercier's so wasn't too sure what to expect.

However it has been a week now and I LOVE it! The colour is made for me and I love the texture. It is very natural looking, yet it gives great coverage. It smells nice too! It may be a bit shiny but it's nothing a dab of powder on your nose and forehead won't solve. I only need a tiny amount every morning and I use the MAC #187 brush to apply but you can use a sponge or your fingers for easy application also. It was a bit pricey but I feel it will last a long time as you only need a small amount to do your whole face. It takes no time at all to apply and the finish is flawless. I will be wearing this all summer!


Chanel's Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universal

UK's Harper's Bazaar magazine described this bronzer as the nearest thing you will get to a tan from make up and as I hate orange/red bronzers I was lured by the sun-kissed promise! After reading a few reviews online, I bought this for €37.50 and was immediately flabbergasted by the size of it! In short, the tub is HUGE! It's definately worth the money and I predict it will last me 18 months no problem!

I have never used a cream bronzer before and I was always a bit worried about it smudging your make up, in particular powder foundation. The girl at the Chanel counter reassured me that once I apply a bit of finishing powder over my foundation before the bronzer then it shouldn't. However for now, I have just been dabbing a bit on my cheeks and forehead over the Dior moisturiser. Most people recommend using a brush but I don't like the way all the little hairs from any brush seems to stick in the product (ewww) so I have just been using my fingers. It is called a 'Universal' bronzer as it adapts to everyone's individual skintone. It sets to give a lovely matte finish which lasts all day with no touch ups. This product really suits my skin. I have tried a billion bronzers now as it is one of my make up staples (looking pale really does not suit me) and this is definately one of the better based on colour, texture, the gorgeous matte finish - and the size of the tub! It is definately brilliant value for the price and I look forward to it being my holy grail this summer!


MAC Lipstick in 'Full Fuschia'

MAC's Lip Conditioner in Fuschia Fix has been in my handbag for a while now and I adore the colour! As I have become quite the lipstick fan and as MAC's are not too expensive in comparision to other luxury brands (€17.50 as opposed to €25 for Chanel/YSL or even €45 for the great Tom Ford!) I decided to treat myself to one in BT2, Dundrum the other day. I decided to stick with the fuschia colour for a change as I usually go for coral or nude lipsticks. When I tried it at home, I realised just HOW strong the colour is, but I like it! It will look great later in the summer with a tan and I will wear it on nights out with a softer eye! Also, a bit of clear lipgloss over it makes it very striking and girlie! The MAC packaging is very cute also. I usually always research my make up buys but the odd successful whim every now and again is no harm. It's good to experiment!

Images from sephora.com, chanel.com and maccosmetics.com