Monday 24 January 2011

Swan Style



The Black Swan is fast becoming one of 2011's biggest films (and we're only in January!) Natalie Portman plays  ballet dancer Nina in her most demanding role to date. Her acting has already won her a BAFTA but its her Black Swan style that is creating a buzz in the fashion industry. The costumes in the film and some of the most beautiful we have seen. Think sequins, feathers, tutus and pastels all with a Gothic twist!

Want to recreate the Black Swan look? Topshop has some great pieces to work into your (already fabulous) wardrobe...









Monday 17 January 2011

RED CARPET FASHION: THE GOLDEN GLOBES 2011

One of the only reasons why January is so anticipated is due to one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the entire calender year. The Golden Globes - the biggest celebration of Film and Fashion.

This year was the year of the favourites! The Social Network picked up 4 gongs including Best Film and Best Director. Colin Firth was named Best Actor for his mind blowing performance in The King's Speech and much deservedly, Natalie Portman was crowned Best Actress for being the Black Swan.

Other winners include Glee?! - yeh I don't get it either... and Broadwalk Empire that won best series!

Now getting to the good stuff - my top  fashionista's of the night...


Heidi Klum is straight off the Marc Jacobs s/s 11 runway!
Natalie Portman carrying her beautiful bump in Victor and Rolf

Angelina looks stunning in this Emerald Versace gown


One of my fave dresses is this Burberry dress worn by the beautiful Leighton Meester

Anne Hathaway is becoming one to watch - this Armani Prive gown is HOT

Halle Berry is on fire in this  Nina Ricci dress

Olivia Wilde has come along way from 13 to fashionista! This Marchesa gown looks like a trophy!

Megan Fox's Armani Gown was custom made for her svelte body!

Considering how i feel about black dresses - Eva Longoria shouldn't be here but i LOVE the shape of this Zac Posen dress on her petite frame!

Kim K works the sexy goth trend in  this gorgeous Nina Ricci dress


Monday 10 January 2011

Burberry's Biker Boys!

* Motorbike not essential but very beneficial!



Leather, Studs and Zips were all over the catwalk at Burberry's spring 2011 show. Biker Boy is one of my favourite men's trends for this year! This look implies you are tough, exciting and of course very stylish - all things that will impress the ladies for sure ;)

The legend Christopher Bailey helped Thomas Burberry come up with the idea of 'heritage biker' for his s/s '11 collection.


Incorporate studded belts, leather jackets and a monochrome palette to work this trend next season. As spring collections hit stores ill be on the look out for the best pieces for you guys - but keep an eye on Urban Outfitters, Diesel and the King's of leather All Saints! 

Friday 7 January 2011

Rihanna Reb'l's

Girlies, ever wandered what Rihanna has and how to get it? How many of you have wished you could bottle Rihanna and hope to get even the smallest percentage of her beauty/talent/sex appeal?

Well now you can! Rii Rii is launching her own fragrance called Reb'l Fleur. The fabulously fruity fragrance contains notes of red berries, plum and peach, Hawaiian hibiscus flower, coconut water and violet and is said to reflect Rihanna's roots in Barbados mixed with her new lives in LA and New York.

When questioned about the scent, Rihanna said “I wanted this to be the fragrance no man can resist - and it is!” 

The perfume is out in Macy stores all over America in time for Valentines day but unfortunately us Brits will have to wait 3 months for it! Rihanna in a bottle - defo worth the wait!

Here's a sneak peak at what the bottle will look like....


Thursday 6 January 2011

Vogue ♥ Victoria

With 8 Vogue covers worldwide, Victoria Beckham is one of their favourite cover stars. My personal favourites are the Vogue India and Turkish Vogue covers, take a look and pick your fave...
Jan 1998 - Vogue cover with the Spice Girls
Feb 2004 - Going solo for the first time for Spanish Vogue
April 2008 - Sparkling on the cover of British Vogue

Nov 2008 - Looking like a true Bollywood beauty on the front of Indian Vogue

Feb 2009 - Military chic on the over of the Russian issue
May 2010 - Beautiful on the cover of German Vogue


August 2010 - this cover caused a lot of controversy - but I absolutely love her Turkish Cover!
Feb 2011 - simple yet stunning on the British front cover.

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Spring Style Trends

Okay so I know its kinda optimistic of me but one must start planning ahead! With Spring just around the corner (I hope) its time to start thinking about your spring wardrobe.

As well as the January sales, shops will start stocking their new season collections. My previous post was 'Sale Shopping Tips' and in it i mentioned looking at next season trends and bagging some bargains that relate. So although it is slightly presumptuous of me to start talking about Spring, I think a brief overview of the key trends is needed when sale shopping.

Sheer Maxi Dresses and Skirts

The maxi trend is back and merging with another favourite - sheer. 



Lace

Lace is one of my much loved textures, I love how it can ooze glamour yet add some class. This sprint it's back but in very unique forms!





Tassels

Spring is all about the detailing and tassels, added to jewellery and accessories, are a great touch!


Tail Hems

As you've seen before - I adore this silhouette and its back in full force for spring!


Crop tops

Probably one of the most controversial trends; the crop top, is back. 



Jumpsuit and Playsuits

Yes! The all in one is still in trend - if like me you have lots already then you are sorted! If not go out an get one or three... the more printed and bright the better!




Look out for my 'wear to buy' features on all of these trends coming soon :) xxx

Sale Shopping Tips




January Sales - love 'em or hate 'em, most of us can't resist! The thing is, the thought of January Sales make us so excited - a bit too excited - but end up leaving us a bit blue. 

Do I really like that fluorescent yellow dress?

Can I really squeeze my feet into shoes 2 sizes too small?

Will I ever take in that jacket 3 sizes too big?

Do I really need the same top in 4 different colours?
If you find yourself asking those same questions year in year out then STOP and read these tips before you head into town...

1 - Shop at off peak times - mid morning, after lunch or late night, to avoid pushing, shoving and lots of mess!

2 - Don't just check in you size sections, most people pick up 100's of things and put them down anywhere

3 - This is the time to buy things like party dresses and tops - at 1/2 price who cares if you only wear them once?

4- Check label and hanger sizes as shop standards will drop in these busy times

5- Don't try in changing rooms, find out the returns policy and take everything home to try it. This was you can see if it goes with your existing wardrobe and you'll be judging with a clear head.

6 - Don't buy things that are very 'on trend' without checking if the trends still in.Chances are you wont get to wear till next season and by that time it'll be out of fashion! To see Springs top trends check out the next post 'Spring Style Trends'

7- Explore independent stores as they usually have better discounts then big department chains.

8 - If you like something but are unsure think about whether you would look at it full price...if not then put it back down as you probably wont ever wear it.

9 - With the powers of the world wide web - shop on-line to avoid the hassle!

10 - Have a budget and try and stick to it - January is always a tight month so don't blow all you cash in the first week!

Would love to hear about any sale bargains you find, email me at bellaalamode@gmail.com !

Saturday 1 January 2011

✰ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ✰

Happy New Year Beautiful People! Hope 2011 brings you all lots of fabulousity!


Remember: "You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,  Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening,  And live like it's heaven on earth."  William W. Purkey


Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, filled with lots of family fun, friendly frolics and lots of food!!
Here's some of my favourite pics from the festive season :)










Look out for my best and worst dressed of 2010 coming soon.... xxx