Fashionista Barbie

May 14 2013

Bright New Things: Styled By Coast

Last week I attended a mini-styling session with Coast and a host of gorgeous bloggers including pals Sherin, Ree and Monica to check out the brand’s high summer collection and I got to try on some amazing dresses.

I have to be honest I haven’t shopped in Coast before and I have not got a reason why not after visiting their flagship store, which is not only decorated beautifully but the collections are incredible. If you are attending any weddings, garden parties, cocktail bashes, or even a night out at a fancy restaurant you need to check out Coast’s gorgeous dresses. Whether you are into florals, love embellishments, ethereal styles, or prefer something more dramatic, I think you will be surprised by the choice.

The event was a lot of fun, I got to wander around the store gushing over all the pieces I adored, I got my hair and make-up done, and the best bit was being styled by Coast’s Oxford Street stylist Marie, who picked out two gorgeous looks for me.

The first was a bright pink duchess satin ‘Chancey’ cocktail dress, which is super flattering thanks to the placement of the statement floral print, and it looked perfect styled with purple accessories including the ‘Lana’ shoe with its gorgeous one-sided bow and ruffled ‘Charlie’ clutch. What I love about this dress has to be the gorgeous detailing to the back – so different.

Keeping with the purple accessories, I changed into another floral dress, this time the elegant ‘Amelie’ print fit and flare style dress, which was teamed with a bright yellow skinny belt to cinch in my waist. More of a grown-up look, I really love the silhouette of this dress and I think it would work perfectly at a summer wedding.

Out of the two looks it is hard to choose my favourite, I loved both, mainly because they are two dresses that I wouldn’t normally wear because of the large floral prints. Also looking back on the look I really need to add more purple into my wardrobe as I really do love the contrast these accessories bring.

But as always at events like this I do love seeing what all the other bloggers wear and two looks I adore were Really Ree’s cool monochrome look and Hi Fashion Sherin’s pink textured ‘Edwina’ dress.

Have you checked out Coast’s latest collection? And do you like what the stylist dressed me in?

**Thanks to Sherin for the fab piccies, Bare Minerals for making me look pretty and Coast for inviting me**

Tags: Coast, My Style

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May 14 2013

Editorial Loving: Bambi Northwood-Blyth For Foam Magazine

I love discovering new magazines to add to my reading list, especially when recommended by a cool friend, and my latest is the Californian-sun-inspired Foam Magazine, which seriously made me lust for sunshine!!!

For me magazines are all about the print version, I love to flick through the glossy pages, but I have come to realise that iPad versions of international magazines are a great alternative and I love that with Foam it is available a few weeks before the newsstand version, which works perfectly with my impatient self.

As well as a lot of surf-inspired editorials and lots of gorgeous models in swimsuits, there was one fashion editorial in the May/June issue that completely grabbed my attention as it mixed three of my favourite things – reflection, clashing prints, and the incredible Aussie model Bambi Northwood-Blyth, who not only has a great name, but stunning features and eyebrows to give Cara Delevingne a run for her money.

Shot by American photographer Dove Shore, the vibrant kaleidoscope-style ‘Outside the Lines’ editorial plays off the colourful patterned fashion pieces styled by Gena Tuso to create one seriously stunning piece of editorial. There is something cool about seeing Bambi doubled, tripled and quadrupled in the mirrors, it not shows of her incredible features but it also makes the patterns and prints of Topshop, Moschino Cheap and Chic, and Kate Spade New York seem even more vivid and psychedelic – and I just love it!!!

I can’t wait to check out more issues of this fantastic magazine, which not only makes me dream of sunshine, but also makes me think I would be cool enough to surf, which of course I am not!!!

Are you a fan of Bambi Northwood-Blyth and do you like this vibrant editorial?

[Pics: via Foam Magazine]

Tags: Bambi Northwood-Blyth, Dove Shore, editorial loving, Foam Magazine, Gena Tuso

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May 09 2013

Reinvent Yourself: Diane Kruger For Jaeger-LeCoultre

Who: Diane Kruger

Where: At the launch of her short film, Reinvent Yourself with Jaeger-LeCoultre in New York

Wearing: A black fitted Alessandra Rich crepe gown with dramatic fringe detailing to the side, teamed with a skinny white belt, white Christian Louboutin heels, a checked clutch, chunky bracelets and of course a dainty Jaeger-LeCoultre watch

Verdict: Only Diane could get away with wearing this fringed beauty during the day and what a beauty it is, I love how she has styled it with white accessories making it so on trend, as monochrome styles are everywhere.

What I love most about this look has to be how immaculate she looks – her body looks incredible in the fitted dress, her belt shows off her tiny waist, and her natural, barely there make-up and sleek hair is just the topping on the cake really. I know that I gush a lot about Diane, but come on this is why, she is stunning.

So why was Diane sporting a gorgeous fringed dress during the day in New York? I would like to answer that why not, but actually the actress was launching the new short film she stars in for Jaeger-LeCoultre called ‘Reinvent Yourself’.

The beautiful film, directed by Fabienne Berthaud and set to the Shirley Bassey ‘(Where Do I Begin) Love Story’ song, basically pays tribute to the her unique personality and successful career – following her from a young ballerina to a successful fashion model and now an actress.

Watch the film below – it really captures Diane’s beauty perfectly, and she even cries pretty!!!

[Pics: courtesy of Getty Images for Jaeger-LeCoultre]

Tags: Alessandra Rich, Christian Louboutin, Diane Kruger, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Watch

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May 09 2013

To Do In London: Afternoon Tea At The Millennium Hotel in Knightsbridge

I think I am going to make it my goal to go round all the fancy hotels in London and try out their afternoon teas, I just love all the delicate cakes, the gorgeous scones and the cute little sandwiches, if I could eat it every day I think I would. So when the Millennium Hotel invited me to try out their new menu I jumped at the chance, especially as I would be munching my through the menu with some of my blogger pals.

When considering afternoon tea options location is nearly as important as the food itself, the Millennium Hotel in Knightsbridge is perfectly situated down the road from Harvey Nichols on Sloane Street and just round the corner from Harrods, and what’s better than a spot of tea after a day of shopping.

Unlike a lot of other afternoon teas I have experienced in London this was more relaxed, I am not sure whether that was because I was surround by friends, or the Tangerine Cafe Bar, which has a modern decor with lounging comfortable chairs. However, as it is attached to a bar be aware that hotel guests might be watching football, which is what was on the large TV while I was there.

The menu itself was very traditional, a tray of sandwiches containing egg mayonnaise, smoked salmon and cream cheese, and ham and pickle, as someone who doesn’t like salmon or ham I was a little limited, however the egg one was pretty tasty. A tray of scones, a selection of incredible crafted cream cakes, and all washed down with traditional English Breakfast tea.

Once the sandwiches are all gone then you can move up the tiers, well that is what the etiquette coach at the event instructed, my opinion is eat what you like, when you like, afternoon tea is however you like it.

The scones, which come in plain and raisin varieties, with the occasional chocolate chip were delicious, the only thing I could add is that they need to provide more clotted cream and jam, I do like to pile mine high. Though to be honest the middle tray, which is always my favourite, did make up for the lack of cream with its exquisite chocolate feast of a chocolate éclair, a profiterole, a chocolate and cream sponge cake and a chocolate cup filled with mousse. A selection that could be a little too chocolatey for some, I on the other hand love chocolate so really enjoyed it.

Overall I did enjoy my afternoon tea, which was a little strange to be eating at 8pm, and for the price only £20 per person **until the end of May 2013** it is certainly value for money, it just didn’t have the excitement of The Sanderson or the variety of The Berkeley, and sadly no one does traditional afternoon tea quite like The Wolseley. However, if you are planning a Knightsbridge shopping trip it is a great alternative to Harrods or Harvey Nichols.

**Thanks to the Millennium Hotel in Knightsbridge for inviting me and for Sherin, Ashanti, Lucy, Nathalie, Kate, and Faye for being such great company.**

Tags: afternoon tea, Food, London, Millennium Hotel in Knightsbridge, Millennium Hotels

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May 08 2013

Inside The Cath Kidston House

If Cath Kidston sold houses I think it would pretty much look like this, with walls of course, decorated out with just the right mix of florals, birds, mushrooms, penguins and polka dot prints.

I love it when brands make their press days more of a presentation, something to grab my attention, something to get me excited, and this make-shift house set in the middle of central London certainly did that, the only thing that was missing was the fictional Cath Kidston family!!!

Known for its quirky English sensibility, there is something about Cath Kidston that makes it universally liked, I think practically everyone has something from the shop – whether it is a floral bone china tea cup, a dotty handbag, a strawberry cover iPhone case, or even a cowboy mug. For me Cath Kidston is the ultimately gift shop, you can always pick up something cute and memorable for a friend or family member.

What do you think – would you like to move into a Cath Kidston clad house?

For more pictures inside the Cath Kidston house head on over to my Facebook page.

[Pics: all taken by me, Fashionista Barbie]

Tags: Cath Kidston, Fashion, Home, Lifestyle, Press Day, stationery

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May 07 2013

Met Gala 2013: The Stars Who Embraced ‘Punk – Chaos To Couture’

Safe to say that a lot of celebrities and designers struggled with the punk fashion theme at this year’s Met Gala, some embraced the studs, fishnets, the safety pins, spikes and wrapped tape look, most went with heavier eye make-up than usual, some really took the theme to town, Madonna I am talking about you, while others just ignored it completely, Gwyneth I am pointing this in your direction, and some even made their hair the focus, oh hello Anne Hathaway’s bleached blonde hair-do!!!

Usually I do individual posts for the Met Gala much like my Oscar coverage, but this year I thought I would just do a round-up of my best dressed looks, and focus more on the stars that actually made punk high-fashion.

As you would expect with it being punk, there was a lot of black, not as much leather as I thought, but lots and lots of black. My favourite black look, and one of my favourites of the night, had to be Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuillier, a look featuring a leather and lace halter corseted bodice, black lace leggings and a tulle skirt, which was made perfectly punk with her incredible side-swept hair - seriously she so nailed it!!!

Coming in at a close second to Nina in the all-black category had to be Cara Delevingne in Burberry, as well as doing a great trench coat it seems that the British heritage brand also has a naughty side with this gorgeous and sexy spiked, plunging v-neck gown, which worked perfectly with her smokey dark eyes and sleek hair and her strong eye brows.

There were a lot of other black punk looks that caught my eye - Emma Watson in a revealing wrapped tape Prabal Gurung gown, Jennifer Lawrence in a polished Dior look, and Diane Kruger in Chanel, which was more grunge than punk but I did like the pink dip-dyed touch to her ponytail and spiked clutch. Then there were the blonde crop bombshells – Miley Cyrus and Anne Hathaway – who both looked incredible.

Sporting a slinky black mesh Marc Jacobs gown that Kate Moss has worn, I really liked Miley’s commitment to the theme and I think I am the only one who actually loved her OTT spiked hair. In contrast, Anne’s new blonde hair-do was more sleek and worked perfectly with her very revealing, gorgeously embellished vintage Valentino gown from 1992, which totally makes up for her Oscar look. I love that both totally went for it and I think it paid off.

But there was one look that completely blew me away and that had to be Sarah Jessica Parker wearing an incredible Philip Treacy mowhawk, a dark and moody paint-splatted printed Giles gown and incredible Christian Louboutin boots – now that is how you do punk fashion!!!

Do you have a best dressed from this year’s Met Gala?

For more piccies head on over to my Facebook page.

[Pics: via Monique Lhuillier/Burberry//Valentino/British Fashion Council/Vogue]

Tags: Anne Hathaway, Burberry, Cara Delevingne, Marc Jacobs, Met Ball, Met Ball 2013, Met Gala, Met Gala 2013, Miley Cyrus, Monique Lhuillier, Nina Dobrev, Punk, Red Carpet, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sienna Miller, Valentino

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May 02 2013

Met Gala 2013 Buzz: So Who’s Taking Who???

Each year after the Oscars and the award season has finished I have to admit I go through a little lull when it comes to red carpet appearances, premieres are fine but they just don’t have the glamour of a big award show, which is why I am always pleased when May comes around as it has two big fashion events – the Cannes Film Festival and the Met Gala.

This coming Monday, May 6, the very best in fashion will be strutting their stuff in celebration of Met’s Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition, and I love that the red carpet event is kind of a mash-up of the Oscars and fashion week, where designers showcase their very best gowns with most specially created for the event, on some of the biggest stars. It always seems to bring glamour and drama and some of the best looks of the year.

Last year was a Prada affair thanks to Miuccia Prada being co-chair, Diane Kruger in that gorgeous purple gown is still one of my favourite Met Gala looks, well this year is bound to be all about Givenchy as Riccardo Tisci is on the panel and his co-chair is Rooney Mara.

As well as enjoying the red carpet, I love the anticipation and lead-up to the event, guessing what people will wear, and who’s dressing who, which means for the week before I am addicted to WWD, the NY Post and the New York Times – they always have the best scoops.

So want to know the latest rumours? Well I have put down some of my favs below:

Tommy Hilfiger has announced that his table will be filled with a rather odd mix including Zooey Deschanel, Nicki Minaj, Lily Aldridge, Thalia Mottola, Debbie Harry and Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill – I can’t imagine Nicki Minaj in TH!
Jennifer Lopez will be a Michael Kors girl for the night – I can’t wait to see this
Iron Man’s Gwyneth Paltrow is going with Valentino – I wonder if her look will top her sexy Prada mini from last year?
There are no surprises regarding who Dior is taking – Oscar winning-actress Jennifer Lawrence and French beauty Marion Cotillard – I am just hoping for something customised
One of my most interesting reports is that Alexander Wang is designing a custom Balenciaga look for Julianne Moore – that’s going to be amazing
Sienna Miller is apparently attending with Burberry, well no surprise as she is rumoured to be the label’s new face
Diane von Furstenberg is taking Emma Roberts
Jessica Alba is set to attend with Tory Burch
Topshop is getting in on the action again with Jaime King, plus the retailer is taking Julianne Hough
Elizabeth Banks is going with Brian Atwood – so we can be assured her shoes will be hot

No word on whether anyone will be wearing Donna Karan, Prada, Versace, Alexander McQueen, or Elie Saab, or even if Nina Dobrev, Anne Hathaway, Diane Kruger or Sarah Jessica Parker will be attending – I have all my fingers and toes crossed!!!

If I hear anything I will be sure to keep you updated via my Twitter and Facebook pages.

Who are you excited about seeing and who do you want to attend?