*Fashion: Jimmy Choo for H&M

This autumn, British accessory brand Jimmy Choo will bring its international glamour and covetable shoes and bags to selected H&M stores. The collection will be available from November 14 in around 200 stores across the world. The main focus will be shoes, but Choo will also be designing men and women's bags, accessories, and even clothing. This marks the first designer accessory collaboration for H&M. We can speak of a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection.

Why I love Jimmy Choo? His pieces are glamorous and sexy, and they add instant style to your entire outfit. (even when you keep the rest of the outfit simple)

*So set your calendars chicks and give your comment on the preview of the collection!*

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Sources:

www.hm.com

www.jimmychoo.com

Well-Dressed Men

I thought it was time to acknowledge some of the gorgeous and well-dressed men I have come across while researching my blogs.  There are quite a few of them filling up my pictures folder so it is time to do something with them... and of course I just want to share some gorgeous men with you!

Maybe you might get inspiration for your man (I don't tell my man what to wear, and lets face it, we really shouldn't try to... but a hint in the right direction always does wonders, n'est-ce pas?)

Photographer Alexi Lubormurski - check those blue eyes!

Tom Brady - lucky Giselle

Eric Bana rocks the plaid shirt

Gerard Butler, doesn't he just ooze bad boy?

Ryan Reynolds - I just love the gentleman-biker look.  

Robert Redford -  seems the newsboy cap has been a favourite for a while.

Chris Martin - a long-time fan.

I am addicted to his music, his voice, his lyrics, his guitar... makes me weak at the knees every time.

Laid back and casual, love that blue denim shirt with the rolled cuffs and converse.

Cute shorts and polo shirt with again, no socks... hmm

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.  Today is the end of term for my girls and so the next two weeks I will be doing my best to blog regularly, but you know how it is... the girls come first! 

Ciao for now,

Hx

Sources: People.com, GQ.com, Details.com, Google.com, The Sartorialist.

Amazing Grace

So on Monday night night I finally got to see The September Issue!  It was great, very very interesting and by the end of it I was wanting to see more.  More of Grace Coddington, the supremely talented misstress of styling and VOGUE's Creative Director.  Don't get me wrong, Anna Wintour is the queen of decision making, she never hesitates.  But is it always the right one?  Most of the time it probably is, but when you see the work (and the money) and the HEART that Grace puts into her stories only to have them treated second-rate or to have important parts of her story canned because they don't fulfil Anna's vision is both heartbreaking and infuriating.

I wanted to see more, much more of lovely Grace and her sublime creations.  A truly innate talent that somehow she is able to transfer from her mind to reality with the help of gorgeous models and gifted photographers.

Grace began her work in fashion on the other side of the camera as a model in the late 50s.

Grace has worked as a stylist for more than 30 years and if you think back to any editorial of the past that may have stuck in your memory - chances are it was Grace's work.


So you might be wondering, what exactly does a fashion editor do?


"Of course, choosing the clothes to shoot is part of it, but it's also much more than that... it's playing with everyone's personalities and making sure that everything is jelling.  When I'm on top of a mountain with a photographer who doesn't want to shoot something because it doesn't look sexy, and the magazine wants it in the issue - at that point, I'm the one who has to keep everyone motivated."  - Grace Coddington

Following is some of Grace's sublime work for VOGUE over the years and an interview with Jay Fielden of VOGUE regarding her "role" in The September Issue.

You were reluctant to be in The September Issue.But you eventually decided to do it. Why?

I really wasn’t given an option, and I guess R.J.[Cutler, the director] noticed I was the only one who argued. I was even a bit spiky with them. And they wanted that dynamic. I still didn’t want to do it. It’s not what I do, but I gave in. These things do come back to haunt you.

What was your reaction the first time you saw the movie?

Shock! Shock that I was in it as much as I was. I thought I would end up on the cutting-room floor. . . . It has happened before.

Does the movie accurately portray life at Vogue?

It portrays a small part, I think. It showed the racks whizzing by. And it showed us all sneaking into the art department when no one is looking to see what pictures made it up on the board and how they’re jumping around. Everyone does that, though maybe I’m a bit more like a dog with a bone.

I think work is actually busier than it appears in the movie, more frantic. At the time we were shooting the September issue, we were doing shoots for Teen Vogue and Fashion Rocks out of the same office space. There were so many racks in the hall at one point I went on strike. They filmed that, but it didn’t make the cut.

I don’t think you’re made aware of quite how many fashion editors are working here, either. Phyllis [Posnick, Executive Fashion Editor], who you see in maybe one scene, has a very major role in the magazine, but she mostly works with Penn, who doesn’t allow cameras in the studio. Her contribution might be just one page in an issue, but it’s huge in making Vogue Vogue. And besides the Neiman’s breakfast and the Fashion Fund, you’re not given a sense of just how many huge extracurricular projects Anna’s always involved in, such as Fashion’s Night Out.

Of the photo shoots you did in the September 2007 issue, which is your favorite?

The one I make such a fuss about in the movie—the twenties story I did withMeisel, who also won’t allow cameras on his set. He was allowed not to allow it.

The New York Times characterized your most important relationship here as one like that between Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. . . .

What I want to know is which one’s me. Anna’s the leader like Mick. I guess I’m Keith because I’m wrinkled. Seriously, though, a lot of people say Anna’s the business one and I’m the creative one. It’s not true. She’s the creative one. So many of the shoots I do start with her ideas. She was the creative director ofVogue before I was, after all. I also believe that everyone needs an editor. What she does is edit and make my work stronger.

What is your favorite moment in the movie?

I like the part when I’m walking past the feathers and spitting them out. And I loved the bit about Andrè's diamond tennis watch, I also like the cameos at the end—I hope people stay to watch that part, which comes after the credits have rolled by.

But my very favorite scene is when Raquel [Zimmermann, the model] was eating pies at the couture. She kept looking at them and saying she wanted one, while we were lacing her into this tiny corset and reminding her she wouldn’t fit if she ate one. So she didn’t eat them. . . . and she didn’t eat them. Then when the shoot was over she ate, like, a whole pie! It’s a funny scene, and she looks absolutely beautiful.

What do people who have seen the movie say to you?

Well, I wish people would stop saying to me, “You were great in the movie”—as if I were acting! I wasn’t acting!

What’s it like watching yourself on-screen?

I’d much rather see myself in a still photograph than a moving one, because a still is more controlled and they can get rid of the double chins. I really thought I looked younger than that.

What was going through your mind in the infamous silent-elevator scene?

“Oh, God, I hope it’s not too many floors up.”

What if the movie makes you famous beyond the fashion world?

I’m in denial about that. I don’t think it will happen. If it does, I’ll allow my hair to go naturally gray, and then no one will recognize me.

What’s the secret of surviving for 27 years in fashion?

Twenty-seven! Are you kidding? Do I look that young? Try 50!

There is no secret—just by absolutely loving what you do. Maybe it looks easy in the film to get great pictures. But there’s a lot more lead up, which you wouldn’t want to film because it’s boring. There’s all the wheeling and dealing to get the people to do the picture. There’s making sure you get the best clothes first, getting the right photographer and model, hair and makeup. The precise team is all-important. I do not accept second best. That’s my strength and my downfall, at the same time. Because I’m so stubborn I often do end up getting what I want. Even at school. On my reports it used to say, “Grace has a sweet way of getting her will.” I mean, I AM aware that sometimes I can be very annoying.

So if you haven't seen The September Issue yet, it is well worth it, for it's not so much about the fashion, but the working relationship between a pair of alpha females that know their stuff and work day and night to achieve the ultimate in fashion publishing, month after month after month.

Ciao for now,


Hx

Sources: Vogue.com, Style.com, 

Look Book

Well I am at a loss as to what to write about today because it seems that the street in which I live is the busiest street in my little village!  I cannot understand why because it is one of the shortest and one of the skinniest streets too.  But without fail, once someone has finished one noisy job, sure enough another begins - and always within earshot of my house.  I don't wish to sound like a cantankerous old lady (and of course I'm not), but I have had to put my iPod on to drown out the sound of the jackhammer.  Who knew that a seaside village at the bottom of the North Island could be so darn productive!


So when I am feeling uninspired (or out of sorts) I like to go through my folder of pictures for inspiration.  For today's blog I have put together a little collection of looks that have captured my attention recently.  

Nothing compares to the look of a crisp white shirt.  Leave an extra button open and show off a little décolletage!  And if you've got the legs, leave the stockings in the drawer and show them off too!

While it is still too chilly to wear this look here, I am sure that in other parts of the world the weather is suitably warmer and so I say - partake now!  I will be - as soon as it warms up enough!

Ah, the crisp white shirt, again paired with a skirt, but this time a little more modestly covering up of the legs.  And look how well the length goes with those heels!

There are so many things I would like to say about this ensemble.  She looks so confident in her skin and her clothes.  J'adore this look - think I will leave it at that.

Chic boho.  This woman's clothes look very high-end but her overall look is downplayed by the sandals and bare legs.  Navy is a colour that always looks sharp, especially when the backdrop is a lovely tan.

To be honest, I am not so sure what she's wearing as the cape covers most of it up, but the shot is pure genius (thank you Mr Schuman aka The Sartorialist).  Her huge sunnies, the flowing cape, the gorgeous sunny colour of her skirt and those heels, yes, yes, yes!

Simple, unfettered, flats and denim playsuit, so lovely, I want more!  I have been busily scouring the stores for my summer playsuit and jumpsuit.  I just know I going to live in them all summer long.

Green is my favourite colour.  I know that is why I am first drawn to this look.  But after looking further it's more than that.  The simple wrap dress tied together with a skinny tan belt and paired with simple flats and colourful canvas tote.  Free-flowing hair is gorgeous too.

And now to summer's ubiquitous maxi dress.  The must-have item of the past few summers, with this summer being no exception.  Here Jen shows us how to wear black and white strapless.  Most maxis come in patterned fabric I have noticed, so choose your pattern wisely so that you don't tire of it and you'll get the most out of your dress.

Here is another example of the maxi dress.  Effortless dressing is key on a hot and sunny day, n'est-ce pas?

White is such a iconic summer shade, don't you think?  White and turquoise jewellery.  Simple, elegant, classic.  Oh, and you can never have too many pairs of Haviana's, non?

J'adore this gorgeous small blue flower printed maxi.  All she needs is her bag and she's ready to go.  Très chic!

Bare those legs, shorten those skirts and team them with a tailored blazer, simple tank and gorgeous drop-dead heels.

Hats.  I cannot tell you how much a hat can change your look.  For those people who say "I hate hats, they don't suit me." I say un-to-thee - RUBBISH!  You just haven't found the right one yet!  Get out there and search, search, search!  It's out there, I promise you!

Great hair, cute flats, frock and sunnies, and a gorgeous companion, need I say more?

I love the colour coordination in this outfit.  Those shorts are spectacular, I love them!  They look fantastic with those heels too.  Love it, love it, love it!

Another wonderful playsuit and heels ensemble.  Be daring, get those legs out of cover and show them off.  Yes, your may be worried that they are looking a little pale after being covered up all winter, but a quick splash of some tanning lotion and voila!  Instant sunshine!  Course, if you can't be bothered to do that, smooth skin that has been lovingly buffed and moisturised looks just as good!

Love them or hate them (I choose love), harem pants are going to be around for a while, so keep searching for that perfect pair and you will not regret it!  I am wearing mine today with some cute little flats and a turtle-neck sweater.  Soooo comfy!  I like this grey pair she's wearing with the denim jacket!

J'adore this cute little t-shirt dress, especially the butterfly detail on the back. 

Look I cannot say with all certainty that I wouldn't ever wear something like this (because I believe that one should always be open-minded about fashion), I just think that these legs look so hot in these python-skin pants (from Zara) that I just had to share it with you.  

I just love this shot.  It reminds me of my little ones being dragged around by me (minus the high-heels of course) - all dressed up with their Disney Princess accessories!  So cute!

I just love how this simple dress is being rocked by these amazing heels!  It could be a boring look otherwise, oui?

Garance Dorè and her Pierre Hardy heels worn with bare legs, looking très hot - must have been a hot day in Paris too when this was taken I think!

I love, love, love this suit!  Just looks so cool on her, wish it was full-length so I could see her shoes too.

Well, there you have it.  I am off to do some housework now... gee my life is so exciting. Oh I almost forgot - I am off to see The September Issue tonight yippee!  I promise to tell you all about it tomorrow (perhaps my life is not all that uninteresting then after all?)


Ciao for now,


Hx





Sources: Garance Dorè, The Sartorialist, Vanessa Jackman, JakandJil.