Fishin' for Fashion

Hong Kong Collection by OPI

Fishin' for Fashion — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:22:06 +0000

I was ecstatic when I saw that the inspiration behind OPI’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection was Hong Kong. Coming from Hong Kong myself, it’s always exciting to see someone showcasing the beauty and excitement of this city.

The company that famously preaches that “it’s no longer about wearing a nail polish; it’s about wearing an accessory,” uses this season’s collection to capture the brilliant sharpness of Hong Kong’s cityscape. The inspiration behind it comes from the intriguing complexity and multi-cultural personalities of the Pearl of the Orient – Hong Kong, a city where we all yearn for the simplicity of the old but are not quite ready to leave the excitement of the new.

The 12 vibrant shades are cleverly named after gems of Hong Kong and aspects of Chinese culture. This palette truly brings Hong Kong alive! I’m definitely feeling some “Meet Me on the Star Ferry”…

To see close-ups of OPI’s Spring/Summer 2010 Hong Kong Collection, click here and here.

Image Source: OPI.com

Manish Arora’s Couture Headgear

Fishin' for Fashion — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:08:36 +0000

Manish Arora pushed for the future with his latest collection that merged Sci-Fi with Bollywood. His warrior models, with their sharp shoulders and hips jutting out, burst with colour in their sequins, stones and embroidery-filled looks as they came down the runway. What I loved the most were the bucket-shaped couture-like headdresses in eye-popping colours made with beads, sequins and stones.

Image Sources: GettyImages.com, Style.com

Oscars 2010: A Mixed Bag

Fishin' for Fashion — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:15:47 +0000

“If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot.”

Yes, Gabourey Sidibe said it right. Last night, the Kodak Theater hosted the 82nd Annual Academy Awards as Tinsel Town welcomed celebrities, designer names, limos, publicists and I’m sure…tons of Swarovski crystals! I could try to argue that the awards are a celebration of the year in film, but who are we kidding? The event has become the epitome of runway shows on the red carpet – “The Superbowl of Fashion” as some like to put it.

Once again, the carpet was swamped with style-safe numbers, which, though award ceremony appropriate, lacked the wow factor that some of us so eagerly fish for at events like these.

The film might not have lived up to its “best picture” nomination, but there was certainly an Avatar effect of some sort on last night’s fashion as we witnessed a strong sea of blue.

Oprah in Carolina Herrera; Mariah Carey in Valentino Haute Couture; Gabourey Sidibe in Marchesa; Mariska Hargitay in Vera Wang

The dominating metallics were a go-to for many. I’ll give them brownie points for their sparkle strategy in an attempt to stand out from the mundane colours.

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta; Kathryn Bigelow in Yves Saint Laurent; Sandra Bullock in Marchesa; Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent

Making another appearance on the Red Carpet after the Golden Globes earlier this year are the elegant blush tones.

: Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka Couture; Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab Couture; Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture

I’m not a huge fan of classic trains but I love the contemporary twist designers have given to some of them. Adding elements such as ruffles and playing with fabric resulted in these stars sporting a Spanish appeal.

Demi Moore in Atelier Versace; Elizabeth Banks in Versace; Diane Kruger in Chanel

After January Jones wore that to-die-for mint green Versace Couture sculptural dress at the Emmy’s last year, countless Hollywood A-listers have followed in her footsteps. The sculptural look is a bit more daring than a simple silhouette but it’s beginning to become overdone.

Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive; Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan; Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive

To me, prints are a great way to stand out in a crowd. These actresses paired classic silhouettes with the soft brush strokes of a painting.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten; Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Some stars chose to cover it up showing that baring all arms is not the only answer to looking smoking hot.

Meryl Streep in Chris March; Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka; Nicole Richie in Reem Acra

Of course, I’m always on the lookout for the crowd standouts. I appreciate the risk takers so much more.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy

Vera Farmiga in Marchesa

Carrey Mulligan definitely took the biggest risk. Her Prada number had a fun touch of whimsy, embellished with Swarovski crystal flowers as well as tiny forks, knives, scissors, bolts, watch gears and other charms!

Carey Mulligan in Prada

And of course, my favourite of the entire night is none other than Carrie Bradshaw herself! Parker wore a stunning satin-like yellow gown that set her apart from everyone. I adore the neck detail of the dress and love the embellishment in the front that drapes down her back.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel

Image Sources: Film.com, Style.com

Country West Meets Urban Chic

Fishin' for Fashion — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:57:27 +0000

Every time the Fall shows come around, I’m always intrigued by Derek Lam’s ability to take so many types of stiff, chunky, winter fabrics and create feminine, sexy looks that are still winter-worthy. Lam’s latest collection shows a marriage between two very different worlds – the strong, mannish American West and the stylish, urban metropolis. The fringe, Navajo prints, cowboy belts and hats complimented the soft georgettes and knits that came down the runway. The show was also outerwear galore with options showcasing embroidery, fur and fringe in contemporary silhouettes – perfect for welcoming a ’70s cowgirl to our current 2010.

To view entire collection, click here.

Image Source: Style.com

Long Strap Shoulder Bags

Fishin' for Fashion — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:16:45 +0000

My mum used to carry purses on her shoulder just like this…

I remember being six years old and wishing I was older simply so I could use a purse. Instead, I would just steal from my mum’s closet and run around my home with a purse so long that it almost reached my ankle! Naturally, you can imagine my excitement about this trend. We saw long strap shoulder bags make an appearance on the Spring/Summer 2010 runways…

Derek Lam, Spring 2010; Marc Jacobs, Spring 2010; DKNY, Spring 2010

This new shoulder bag is perfect for everyday use, night or day. Pair it with a fun dress or with tightly fitted jeans…

Lauren Conrad; Zoe Salana; Alexa Chung

There are so many options out there at a wide range of prices, colours, styles and material…and these are only my picks!

Studded Shoulder Purse, Forever 21, $14.80

Totally Turnlock Sasha Messenger Bag; Marc by Marc Jacobs, $458

Material Girl Crossbody Bag; RACHEL Rachel Roy, $79.00

Rocker Bag; Rebecca Minkoff, $330

Goa Saddle Bag; Banana Republic, $150.00

Leather Woven Cross Body Bag; Topshop, $55

Image Source: Asos.com, BananaRepublic.com, FashionUnder100.net, Forever21.com, Macys.com, Shopbop.com, Style.com, TinyPic.com, TopShop.com

H&M – The Garden Collection

Fishin' for Fashion — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:10:36 +0000

Anyone who knows me well recognizes my dislike for anything nature-like. Give me a plant and I’ll toss it; invite me to go hiking and I’ll run the other way. I’m more of an urban girl…but show me a garden with an H&M stamp on it and I’m all eyes and ears!

Due to come out this Spring (towards the end of March I hear), H&M has created a sustainable and organic collection made with recycled materials such as PET-bottles and textile waste that is full of ’70s inspired coolness, ruffles and flowers. Dubbed the “Garden Collection”, the pieces are bright, feminine, romantic, playful yet sophisticated…perfect for Spring! The best part – the prices match our current economically down days…with the highest price at $60!

Here are some pieces from the collection. Pretty clothes at a good price and it’s good for the world! What more can a girl ask for?

$17.95

$29.95

$17.95

$19.95

$24.95

$39.95

$49.95

$4.95

Image Source: HMTheGardenCollection.com

Golden Globes 2010: Wet Carpet Glam

Fishin' for Fashion — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:59:18 +0000

Last night’s Golden Globes kept me on my toes! So long boring red carpet – hello risky, fun fashion! I loved all the fashion that showed up on the red carpet – from the variety in dress shapes to the different hues and shades to the dazzling, exquisite jewellery. The glamour radar was sky high even with all that nasty rain.

One of the biggest trends seen last night was ruffles. We saw some edgy, roughly cut ruffles…

Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton; Jennifer Morrison in Luis Antonia

As well as some soft, cascading ruffles.

Anna Kendrick in Marchesa; Chloe Sevigny in Valentino; Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano

The bling was on on the red carpet. Celebrities showed their glamour with beading, jewels, sequins and stones.

Toni Collette in Elie Saab; Olivia Wilde in Gucci; Heather Graham in Elie Saab; Jennifer Garner in Versace

Some created a flattering shape with a jewel-clinched waist.

Courtney Cox in Victoria Beckham; Fergie in Elie Saab; Julie Bowen in Georges Hobeika

Coinciding with a major trend we are seeing in fashion, designers dressed stars in sharp shoulders.

Mariah Carey in Herve Leger by Max Azria; Anna Paquin in Stella McCartney; Cameron Diaz in Alexander McQueen

Lace-details peeked their way into dresses.

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior; Carey Mulligan in Nina Ricci; Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive

Stars in hues of purple looked royal on the red carpet.

Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta; Rose Byrne in Lanvin; Jane Krakowski in J. Mendel; Leona Lewis in Roberto Cavalli

All the blush tones were far from boring.

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci; Emily Blunt in Dolce & Gabbana; Elisabetta Canalis in Roberto Cavalli

Maybe it was the rain, but some daring ones chose to keep it short.

Kristen Bell in Jasmine di Milo; Julia Roberts in YSL; Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera; Ginnifer Goodwin in Vionnet

The one-shoulder never fails to deliver an elegant look.

Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace; Amy Poehler in Jay Godfrey; Jennifer Aniston in Valentino; Maria Menounos in Romona Keveza

One of my favourite trends was the sculptural look that some stars rocked. Some showed rigidity with their architectural dresses….

Christina Aguilera in Versace; Kate Hudson in Marchesa Bridal

While others took a softer turn with their dresses looking almost like origami.

Sofia Vergara in Carolina Herrera; Maggie Gyllenhaal in RM Roland Mouret

Finally, there are always the few mega risk takers that truly stood out in the crowd.

Tina Fey in Zac Posen

Jayma Mays in Badgley Mischka Couture

And of course, one of my favourite dresses of the night…

Diane Kruger in Christian Lacroix Haute Couture

Image Source: JustJared.com, NeonLimelight.com, Style.com, UsMagazone.com

Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Ad Campaigns

Fishin' for Fashion — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:30:00 +0000

One thing I like about a new season is all the new ad campaigns. Maybe I’m being over-critical but I’m a bit disappointed by the Spring/Summer 2010 ad campaigns that I’ve seen in the latest issues of various fashion magazines. When I see a fashion ad, I want to see the designer’s vision, what the brand is all about, the colour palette for the season, the products and much much more. At least show me some of those elements – what I hate most is seeing yet another lady with a bag! I love ads that are funky, fun and creative. Here are some of them from the upcoming season…

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2010 with Claudia Schiffer

GF Ferre Spring/Summer 2010

Balenciaga Spring/Sumer 2010 with Iselin Steiro and Mirte Maas by Steven Meisel

Bvlgari Spring/Summer 2010 with Julianne Moore by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott

Valentino Spring/Summer 2010 with Dree Hemingway by Mert & Marcus

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2010 with Nicholas Holt and Carolyn Murph

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010 with Jamie Bochert by Juergen Teller

Hermes Spring/Summer 2010 with Karlie Kloss

Image Source: Fashionising.com

Stylish Serena van der Woodsen

Fishin' for Fashion — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:48:23 +0000

Season 3 of Gossip Girl started off a little rocky. With all the characters off in college, I felt the concept of the show becoming a bit blurry and the OMG factor just wasn’t there anymore. But before the holidays, the season just got good for me…and now, we’re being kept on our toes till March!

One of my top reasons for still keeping up with all the drama on the Upper East Side is Serena van der Woodsen’s style. Having put off Brown for one year, Serena is spending her time “finding” herself and trying out a new career in public relations. Her wardrobe this season says exactly that.

Case in point:

Tight fitting clothes and longer hemlines with a dash of accessories

Serena’s unique look, which is probably the reason why we all fell in love with her in the first place, still consumes her character but it’s just gone up a notch. Gone are the days when she paraded down the streets of New York in cute vintage dresses and over the top uniforms. Now we see her in more sophisticated Upper East Side attire, ready to take the corporate world head on.

Here are some of my favourite Serena looks of the season.

If you’re interested in rocking any of the Gossip Girl characters’ looks, check out Gossip Girl Fashion.

Image Sources: CWtv.com, GossipGirlFashion.net, GossipGirlInsider.com

Time Savvy Fashion Accessory

Fishin' for Fashion — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:10:25 +0000

This morning I realized I have an amazing collection of bags in my closet. Problem is, I get too lazy when it comes to switching back and forth between them, not to mention the time involved. As I was flipping through InStyle, I noticed the JoAnn Huth Transfer Bag. It comes in a variety of prints and colours.

Ah, I think I’ve found my solution.

To view the entire collection, click here.