♥ "We're better together,,," ♥ + UK Giveaway!

Bonjour mes amies, hope you are all immense - you'll be glad to know that i'm finally getting back on track (wahey!) but it may take a while to respond to all your wonderful comments.

Darlings, unlike people who like dirtbike riding and manicures, I'm very lucky because the two loves of my life, the two things that I am most passionate about, that I could not live without; music and fashion, also ♥ each other.

For as long as the crossover between music and fashion has existed, models have moonlighted (as if they needed the extra cash) as musicians in their spare time. Kate Moss, France's First Lady Carla Bruni and edgy Brit Agyness Deyn to name but a few have all got on stage and some have managed to be even better musicians then they are models, proving they are far more than just a pretty face. Whilst others such as Rachel Hunter in Fountains of Wayne's 'Stacey's Mom' or Tyra Banks' cameo in Michael Jackson's 'Black or White' if not providing vocals, have at the very least appeared in the odd music video or two.

And if models don't have the talent to be musicians themselves, they sure as hell can date one. Famous model/musician relationships, both doomed and successful, are as old as time itself showing just how much the two worlds collide. Kate Moss is undoubtedly the world's most photogenic groupie with a string of musically gifted boyfriends; The Libertines and Babyshambles' Pete Doherty and now Jamie Hince from The Kills anyone? But 'Cocaine Kate' isn't the only one who likes her boys to have rhythm; Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger, Bianca and Mick Jagger (the man likes his models) , Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum, Alexa Chung and Alex Turner, Seal and Heidi Klum, Rachel Hunter and Rod Stewart (another serial modeliser), Yasmin and Simon Lebon, Iman and David Bowie, the list, is quite literally endless.

Models it would appear, inspire musicians and what musician can't resist a muse? The opposite is also true with musicians inspiring the fashion world and appearing in ad campaigns and runway shows; like Madonna for Jean Paul Gaultier, Lily Allen for Chanel or Rihanna for Dsquared2, the coin flips both ways, proving fashion and music are symbiotic; they need each other to survive and flourish.

And of course, the ultimate connection; what good fashion show would be complete without the ultimate playlist? The soundtrack is amoungst the most important part of any fashion show and can literally make or break the whole thing. The music should compliment and promote the concept and atmosphere of the collection without overshadowing it, it's a tough job but someone's got to do it. Which is where my fabulous UK giveaway comes in:

UK GIVEAWAY: Some of you may also be readers of the fabulous A Daisy Chain Dream blog and know that she is currently staging a music giveaway as part of a music phone trial we are both currently doing. Well darlings, I've been given the same wonderful opportunity by Nokia to share the love with my readers and strongly I believe in sharing all good things that come your way wherever you can. It gives me more happiness than you can imagine to be able to offer 5 of my superchic, music-loving UK bloggers, 10 free tracks of their choice to download from NokiaMusic which is basically like Itunes. Sound good?

If you live in the UK all you have to do is comment on this post and let me know which one song you would definitely include in your fantasy catwalk show and why. For example 'Lady Gaga's 'Fashion' because the lyrics are too perfect for words'. I'll run the giveaway until 6pm on Wednesday so get thinking and entering!

Even if you aren't eligible to enter the compettiton, i'd love it if you could still answer the question as I'd love to know your fantasy fashion show soundtrack and maybe get some ideas for new music to listen to!

Have an immense week,

Stay safe and chic mes chéries,

English Rose x 

"But I thought she was on Atkins?" "She was - carbs found her..."

Bonjour mes amies, hope you are all having an immense week. My life is just beginning to get ever-so-slightly less crazy in the past 3 days so thanks for bearing with me. That still means i'm not up to my blogging best but we're getting there. Slowly.

I love Karl Lagerfeld. I love him. Je l'aime. Whether you like fashion or not, no one can deny his complete and utter genius which I wanted to include in this post but will talk about in another one. Fluent in 3 languages, creative dircetor of both Fendi and Chanel and a million other acheivements he is amazing. And like all true geniuses, he is also certifiably insane.

He is like that crazy grandparent that says all the wrong, un-politically correct things but that you love all the same. Renowned for being kranky and temperemental (especially after his dramatic weight loss and current restrictive diet) rude, bitchy, snobbish, judgemental, speaks before he thinks, offensive and un peu fou (a little crazy), Karl's behaviour has earnt him the nickname in fashion circles of 'Kaiser Karl'. As you can imgaine, this makes him a joy to interview (if he shows up on time, he was once 4 hours late to his interview with NY mag). Whatever you want to say about him, Karl gives good interview. Just not always for the right reasons.

So I thought i'd give you some examples of Karl at his quote-worthy best. Voilá:

On intellectuals:

“I want to know everything, but I’m not an intellectual, and I don’t like their company. I’m the most superficial man on Earth.”

On journalists:

“I have no problem with journalists — many are friends,” he says. “Only if they are really stupid, or if they’ve got bad breath, or if they smell. Yesterday [at the Chanel couture show] I had a problem. I said, ‘I’m sorry, you’ve got to tell this woman that she needs to be taken away. Her smell is not possible.’”

On his weight loss:

""Yes, some people say to me you`re too skinny, but never a skinny person says that to me, only people who could lose a few pounds say that.""


On fellow German Heidi Klum:

"Heidi Klum is no runway model. She is simply too heavy and has too big a bust. And she always grins so stupidly. That is not avant-garde - that is commercial!"

"I don't know Heidi Klum. She was never known in France. Claudia Schiffer also doesn't know who she is."

Despite this, I adore him and will adore him until the day I die in Chanel. This post is only one side to a complex and brilliant creature whose talent the world has never seen before and probably will never see again. Don't leave this thinking he's all bad - he isn't, he's just not all good either, but honestly, who is? For as many awful interviews I've read with him, I've read twice as many brilliant ones where he comes across as a kind, uber talented man that has a huge heart and truly loves and is exceptional at what he does. When my life sorts itself out (or the other way around, depends on which comes first) I'll write just as much about those. But for now, English and History Coursework are calling me so i'll save it for another day.

Hope you are all awesome.


Stay safe and chic mes chéries,

English Rose x

♥ "Dancing at discos, eating cheese on toast..." ♥

Bonjour mes amies, hope you all had an immense weekend. Mine was hectic to say the least and i'm completely buried under an avalanche of work I have to do so I might be a little slow in replying to all of your lovely comments on the last post. I couldn't possibly leave you all hanging while I sort my life out so I thought i'd just do a quick outfit post to keep you going until you have my undivided attention again.

Both the nautical theme and Breton stripes have kind of been my 'thing' for spring/summer for many years now, until much to my horror and annoyance, they both became 'in this season' and knowing me and my obsession to be unique and individual at all times, I think it's time I gave them both a break, at least until another trend comes along to replace them. Still, I couldn't resist giving my favourite cardigan one last wear for a while:

Have an immense week darlings.

Stay safe and chic mes chéries,

English Rose x

♥ Clog Off ♥

Bonjour mes amies, loads of you will remember that my impossibly awesome friend Barbara has her own magazine BFR which I occassionally contribute to. Each issue we do a debate about a fashion item or trend, last month's we disscussed Uggs which got an overwhelming response from you guys (I had no idea people felt so strongly) so I decided to share with you this month's debate on Clogs:

Against - Moi

Clog. Never in the history of fashion has the name of an item so aptly described its function. It quite literally does what it says on the tin. Clog. You clog up a drain with too much hair dye, you clog up your arteries with one too many cheesecakes and you clog up not only the creative ‘flow’ of an outfit but, to be perfectly frank, the pavement with clogs.

Let’s be honest darlings; clogs are only one step up from the fashion-catastrophe-of-epic-proportions that are Crocs and that’s only because they don’t have obscene gaping holes everywhere. It still doesn’t make them any less fugly than their rubber counterparts. In my opinion both deserve to go straight to jail without passing go or collecting the £200 that you forked out on them.

The fact that “Alexa Chung wore them on the cover of Vogue so they must be okay is not an acceptable accuse for inflicting such horror on society. Unless your name is ‘Heidi’ and you live in the countryside of Sweden or Holland or you are going to a fancy dress party as a Dutch maid; there is simply no acceptable reason for you to be caught, dead or alive, in clogs. And besides, as her outfit at the 2010 Elle Style Awards showed; even the style goddess that is Alexa Chung can occasionally get it oh-so-wrong as can Chanel who are doubly guilty of committing what can only be described as crimes against humanity; one for Alexa’s ‘grandmother’ attire and secondly for currently selling a pair of clogs for the bargain price (please note the heavy sarcasm) of £400. Photographic evidence now exists that just because something is ‘Chanel’ or that ‘Alexa Chung wore them’ does not make them fashionable by any stretch of the imagination. If Alexa Chung can get it wrong and fail to make clogs look stylish, then my friend, step away from the clogs immediately because you don’t stand a chance in hell.

Did I forget to mention that they are also hideously impractical? Firstly what on earth do you wear them with? Gypsy skirts died in 2005 so they’re out of the running and to be honest; unless you have legs as long as the M5 clogs are a huge no-no with skirts or dresses. Which only leaves trousers. They look downright bizarre and clumpy with skinny jeans and not everyone can pull off high-waisted bell-bottoms so the list of people who can successfully wear them continues to shrink. They look appalling with socks (maybe even worse than *gasp* socks and sandals) so you have to wear them barefoot meaning that they can’t be worn for a good half of the year. And at least Crocs have a sling back; clogs are super-uncomfortable and contain no support whatsoever so not only do you walk funny in them, trying not to make your feet fall out and embarrass yourself by leaving your shoe behind; but you certainly can’t go to gigs, clubs or run for the bus. “So when, where and how can you wear them?” I hear you cry. That’s a very good question indeed my friend.

You and I both know that the ginormous chunks of wood otherwise known as clogs are destined to fall out of style as soon as you leave the shop with your hideous pair and then you are left £100 poorer and even worse, with a pair of one of the most hideous shoes known to man. Do not despair however; you do still have two remaining options. You could always go camping and throw them on the fire, I’ve heard they make excellent firewood and if you don’t want to burn them I will happily do it for you. Or failing that, the only thing left to do is change your name to Heidi, leave behind all your friends and family who were smart enough to not buy a pair, and move to the mountains of Holland. Don’t worry though, you’ll fit right in and look on the bright side, at least there your clogs are guaranteed to never go out of style. Because they’re worth it, right?

For - Barbara

Chanel. To be honest I'm not a massive fan. The predictable black and white and black and white, maybe occasionally pink. The pearls. The well grooming. Just doesn't hit the spot for me. But, S/S 2010 was definitely one of their collections that captured me. And it wasn't the temporary tattoos, straw bags or fake flowers luring me in, it was in fact the appearance of the Dutch dynamic clog! And I thought, "Hey, that shoe is worthy of being on my feet! You're not overtly feminine and you have a bitch of a heel, lets be friends". The genius Phoebe Philo @ Celine also chose to rebel against frivolity in her collection via the clog. And if Celine and Chanel are doing something (check out Viktor + Rolf a/w 2007, for some sick clogs!), it will be in your wardrobe in at least 18 months (depending how fashion forward you are) and this not a bad thing at all.

I know you're thinking, "yeah, but come onnnn, I wouldn't wear such a funny looking shoe". But you're wrong. Big time. March 2010, saw Alexa Chung on the cover of Vogue supporting the clog, with a crispy white shirt and jeans looking somewhat effortless and fabulous. One of the most acknowledged rules of physics is that if A. Chung manages to look hot in something one must attempt to duplicate this look. And I say "hell yeahs" to that. For far too long the pavements of LDN have been ruled by less than a tenner ballet pumps, the Ugg (see Issue//14) and canvas basketball shoes. B-o-r-i-n-g. The clog, like the Brothel Creeper and the Doctor Marten, offers an alternative. Like your friends brother who is still working the 1990s grunger look (floor length leather jacket, puddle soakers etc) yet still manages to look ridiculously fit, regardless of his attire. The Clog revolts against grandeur and class, yet still lets you feel feminine and ready to run around town doing your errands.

But, I hear you ask .... How do I wear my clog? In order not to look like you are wearing a traditional outfit (Louis Vuitton did take the clog too far this season by adding neons, tassles and kittens heels - now that was hideous!), we say keep your outfit simple and neutral. Now, if you have purchased the clog I take it that you are the kind of girl who likes being adventurous. So why not take hints from Chanel and wear the clog avec socks? Trust me, if MK Olsen is working this look, it passes the "cool" test. But please make sure that the socks are not novelty, and that your shoes are not mules. Just a reminder - Forget the flat, clumpy, traditional Dutch style and think backless, chunky wooden heels and gold stud detail. If you cannot afford to invest in the Chanel or Jimmy Choo (who provides a more slender clog) numbers, turn to Kurt Geiger for cheaper alternatives, some with peep toes if you don't want to dive head first into the clog trend and would rather paddle in the shallow end until the trend fully catches on. Which will be soon, with Topshop selling a near identical Chanel copy for around £70. You will have no excuse for not clip-clop-clip-clopping into the office or not turning up to the latest clog dancing night at Fabric (clog dancing will sooo catch on!). Get with the programme bro!

So, I understand that the clog is pretty hard to get your head around as a fashion concept. But get your head around it because it will be here to stay. Until, we need to take them to the cobblers to be polished and we will have to wear our loafers instead. And in response to those who say that you don't want to look like a Swedish maid or whatever - the Swedish are freakin' immense and are highly responsible for the fantastic top-knot hairdo and we salute them, whilst wearing our five inch clogs (despite the rubbing). What is more one cannot draw parallels between the Clog and the Croc, apart from the both consisting of the letters "c" and "o"- the clog offers sophistication, rocknroll and vigour unlike the Croc, who's only good points are being wipe clean and breathable.

Those who slag off the clog only fear it and (probably) lack balls. And you know what they say ... the only way to get over a fear is to confront it. So, there should be nothing stopping you jumping on the clog-band-waggon!






So what do you think darlings, to clog or not to clog?


Stay safe and chic mes chéries,
English Rose x

♥ Beauty is in the eye of the brand-owner? ♥

Bonjour mes amies, hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I came across a story yesterday, the likes of which i'd heard many times before so does not shock me in the slightest but which never fails to anger me - I wonder if you'll agree.

The Prada Flagship store in Japan is facing a lawsuit from a former manager who is claiming that she was ordered to get rid of "old, fat and/or ugly staff." Rina Bovrisse, whose job it was to oversee 500 staff in over 40 Japanese stores is now suing the fashion powerhouse label for discrimination and harrassment over the allegations and is also claiming that the brand's Italian CEO told her to lose weight and change her hairstyle in order to fit in with the company's image.

Ms Bovrisse who has almost 20 years internation fashion experience, was placed on involuntary leave last November. Her allegations focus on an incident last year when she claims that Davide Sesia, CEO of Prada Japan, allegedly asked her to "eliminate" around 15 managerial staff he said were "old, fat, ugly, disgusting or not having the Prada look". She also says that was later summoned to a meeting where she was told Mr Sesia had reportedly said he wanted her to change her looks because he was "ashamed of Ms Bovrisse's ugliness, so he doesn't want visitors from Italy to see her".

I couldn't possibly tell you if there is any truth in this because  Prada Tokyo is refusing, no i'm sorry "unable", to comment which may as well be taken as a confirmation of the validity of the allegations in my opinion but we shall see how the case unfolds.

As I mentioned before, this isn't the first time allegations like this about discrimination in fashion stores has reached the media, although admittedly not in Prada. The most notable of these is undoubtedly Abercrombie & Fitch who have had numerous lawsuits filed (and in many cases won) against them on the grounds of discrimination and/or unfair dismissal on both sides of the Atlantic.

The brand, if you aren''t familiar with it is all-American WASP personified; privelleged, predominantly Aryan in appearance (blonde hair, blue eyes), uber-thin girls, athletic, muscular boys (absolutely nothing against  WASPs themselves, I have far too many as friends to mention, but i'm sure those of you who know the brand will agree that's the precise look they go for). In fact, their brand can be summed up by the fact that they employ models (see left, actual Abercrombie 'in-store models'), with absolutely no retail experience to work in their stores, that they once employed a severely anorexic girl who was hospitalised one week later after telling her she had "the absolutely perfect look for the brand". Oh and the fact that they have, I kid you not, a "look policy" which stipulates that all employees must "represent Abercrombie & Fitch with natural, classic American style consistent with the company's brand" and "look great while exhibiting individuality". Workers must wear a "clean, natural, classic hairstyle" and have nails which extend "no more than a quarter inch beyond the tip of the finger".

As I'm sure you can imagine, this policy has given them more than one costly headache (all the photographs except the Prada ones are of Abercrombie models and employee). A 2005 lawsuit on the part of racial minorities who felt directly discriminated against by the chain's hiring practices forced them to pay out over $50 million and most recently just last year, the very pretty Riam Dean (above), a British law student who was taken off the shop floor by her manager after her prosthetic arm which she wore under a cardigan, was found to be "violating the look policy" won her £25,000 lawsuit.

The way I see it, there is nothing wrong with having a 'clear' image for a brand, in fact I think it's sensible. Everyone knows the specific 'look' of the brand and their target demographic and to be honest, that's not what I have a problem with particularly. It may not be politically correct or fair but it is good business sense, especially for ad campaigns. But I don't think that's what brands like Abercrombie and Prada are doing. There's a very thin line between preference and discrimination and both are crossing it in my opinion. Having a clear image in mind for models is one thing, shop assistants? Not so much. I don't see how employing black/asian/disabled people who are good at their job to work in the shop is going to dramatically damage the image of the brand. In fact, it may improve those all important sales(which at the end of the day, let's be honest, is all they really care about) as minorities feel included and that the brand also caters for them and I could be wrong but I really don't see Abercrombie & Fitch alienating their target young WASP any time soon.

However let's just say that they don't discriminate they just have a 'clear brand image'. My biggest problem lies with the fact that they employ these poor people who for whatever reason don't fit the 'norm' or the brand's' ideal' image; be it for race, physical ability, weight, hair color, skin colour, religion etc as tokens just to reach targets and quotas and protect them from accusations of discrimination (which they still end up getting) only to treat them like utter crap and stick them in a dark stockroom at the very back only to see the light of day when someone claims "you don't have any black/brunette/asian/disabled/muslim/fat (delete where appropriate) people." so they can drag them out and say "look see, for your information we actually do."
  

Why bother? Everyone knows you don't want them so just don't employ them. Save everyone the hurt, hassle, embarassment and the costly lawsuit and just be honest with us and them about what it is you want. It's not fair to the workers or to the consumers who are buying a lie that you are diverse and inclusive when you aren't. In an ideal world, they wouldn't discriminate at all and would employ people based on experience and ability but lets not be silly, unrealistic dreamers, this is unfortunately the real world after all.

So darlings, am I the only one who thinks it is completely wrong to blatently discriminate on the basis of appearance? Do any of you have a problem with it or do you think it is just good business sense and nothing personal? Would any of you be put off buying from the brands? 

I would be really interested to hear what those of you who actually read the whole thing thought (don't worry if you didn't darlings, I really don't blame you, it was way longer than planned)

Hope you all have an immense week.

Stay safe and chic mes chéries,

English Rose x

♥ You might laugh, you might frown, walking around London Town...♥

Bonjour darlings, hope you are all having a great week. The free London newspaper The Evening Standard contains a great magazine, ES magazine, on Fridays which I get without fail. On the last page it contains an interview with a famous person who was either born, lives or has strong links with London talking about their favourite things to do in the city. As I get emails from so many of you asking for great places to visit and things to do in my fabulous hometown, I thought it might be fun if I answered the London-related questions from the magazine along with photos i've taken on my many voyages across the city to give you an insight into my experiences of Young London.

Where do you live in London?

I've lived in West London my whole life and it's definitely one of the best places in the city (anywhere south of the River Thames is not worth investigating). It's got incredible transport links and is 20 minutes max from the center of the city with all the charm and the things that make London so great but nowhere near as hectic.

What was the last play you saw in London?

'Othello' with Lenny Henry at Trafalgar Studios, it wasn't half bad. Before that, the last three plays I saw were 'A School For Scandal' at The Greenwich Theatre and 'Hairspray' and 'Wicked'. Now they were what I call amazing theatre.

What advice would you give to a tourist?

After you've seen the typical sights; throw out the guidebook and go off the beaten track and immerse yourself fully in the city. The real London is just waiting to be discovered. It's impossible to get literally lost in the city as there's always a bus or train to get you back to where you started but one of the best places in the world to get metaphorically lost. So do yourself a favour and get off at a random bus stop or train station and just walk around and explore. There is always something going on regardless of the time of day and so much to do and see, often for free (all museums are free, the V&A is my personal favourite). The narrow sidestreets off main roads have the best hidden gems and mix of incredible shops, people, restaurants and markets that you simply won't find in the guidebooks. Oh and bring both an umbrella and sunglasses. It doesn't matter what season it is; it will be both rainy and sunny in the same day. Fact.

 
Which London shops do you most rely on?

An easier question would be which ones don't I?  Irregular Choice and Octopus in Carnaby Street for unusual quirky items, Portobello Market for ecclectic, one-of-a-kind buys, Beyond Retro for all things vintage, Topshop, H&M, Urban Outfitters and River Island for High Street buys, Harrods Food Hall for incredible desserts, sushi and ice cream (not all together), Paul's in Sloane Square for the yummy authentic French pastries, Le Pain Quotidien in Convent Garden for the Apple Muffins and Wholefoods Market on Kensington High Street for the all-over food shopping experience.

What's the best meal you've ever had in London?

One-on-One Seafood Restaurant in Knightsbridge is amazing if you like all things fish, The OXO Tower is a bit pricey but if you can has the most incredible view of any restaurant in London, The Riverside Café in Hammersmith is gorgeous on a summer's day, Fisher's in Parson's Green has the BEST tasting Fish and Chips in the city by a long, long mile (trust me, i've done years of research) and if you're on a budget, you can't beat Wagamama's, Nando's or GBK for a quick bite to eat.

What's your earliest London memory?

The best memories are when family and friends from abroad came to stay because then we got to do all the really touristy things that you never normally do in your own city.  I have vivid memories of visiting the Selfridge's christmas window displays at night, going around in the London Eye, visiting the House's of Parliament and London Aquarium, going all over town on an old fashioned routemaster and the most hilarious of all; feeding the pigeons at Trafalgar Sqaure (ironic as I am now absolutely petrified of birds)

What would you do if you were mayor for the day?


Make public transport and black taxis free for everyone.

What is your favourite London shopping street?

Depends what i'm in the mood for. Kensington High Street for the best of the British High Street, Carnaby Street for a nostalgic step back in time to the sixties and for the ever-changing unique, quirky shops and Covent Garden for the days when I am feeling bohemian and cultured.

What's the most romantic place in London?

Personally, I have a thing for bridges; you can't beat the infinite feeling you get on a gorgeous warm, clear summer's night on Westminister Bridge (see above and below for photos I took on it), Albert Bridge, Millenium Bridge, Hammersmith Bridge and Kew Bridge. The Southbank and Somerset House at night are also incredible and our parks are pretty romantic for picnics during the day and at night; Regents Park, St James Park, The Serpentine in Hyde Park, Hamstead Heath and Primrose Hill are nothing short of beautiful with or without someone special.

Which is your favourite London pub?

The Dove in Hammersmith is great in summer with riverside views, Chiswick has some great pubs and The White Horse in Parsons Green has the most extensive beer list ever (I don't actually drink so I can't tell you what it tastes like but my friends seemed to enjoy it very very much)

So there you have it darlings, I hope you enjoyed my self-interview and it's of some value to any of you who are thinking of visiting London in the future, I would strongly encourage you to do it, you won't be disappointed and we'd love to have you =]

Oooh before I forget darlings, I also have two exciting things to tell you. Firstly for UK bloggers only, along with 100 other fashion bloggers, I have been given a fantastic opportunity by Reebok to try out their not-yet-launched-in-shops fitness trainers and it comes with free swag; a wide choice of hooded tops, tshirts, tracksuit bottoms, sports bags and a pedometer (all of which you get to keep). There is also the invitation if you want it of attending two video feedback sessions which would not only give publicity to your blog but you get to meet Kelly Brook. All I have to do in return is give them feedback on what I liked and didn't like about it. Why am I telling you this? Well they have given me the chance to also offer the opportunity to one of my UK readers and I believe in sharing whenever possible all the fabulous things that come your way so I decided to offer a compettition of sorts to you guys. To be in with a shot of trying out the trainers all you have to do is comment on this post by the end of the day (10th March, they need your email adress asap) with your email address and why you should take part it the trial. If I could I would give it to all of you but I can only do one so get writing!!

Secondly, for the attention of everyone, I have also recently been offered the brilliant opportunity to write as a contributor for a brand new fashion site that has just been launched, ChicFiles.com. It's so much fun to do and i'm so honoured to have been invited and would urge you all to check it out as the other contributors are fantastic and have great fashion advice.

Hope you are all immense,


Stay safe and chic mes chéries,
English Rose x

♥ I wonder if I could go back to Old Hollywood? ♥

Bonsoir mes amies, hope you all had an immense weekend. I couldn't let the last and most important awards ceremony pass without doing a post about it and bringing you all in to be my co-fashion police officers. As far as The Oscars go, this one was pretty safe and boring in my opinion both drama and fashion wise, but lets be honest 99% of us don't watch the Oscars for the movies and even though there weren't disasters on the Bjork scale (do any of us really need reminding of the swan dress?), it certainly wasn't without its horrors. Some truly beautiful and hideous outfits sashayed down the red carpet, far too many to post so i've had to narrow it down to my top 5 best and worst dressed, here goes nothing:

Best

Carey Mulligan in Prada - it may not be clear from the picture but the Oscar nominated actresses' dress is covered in tiny scissors, forks, knifes and spoons. Plus I love that she went against Anna Wintour's advice (very brave girl indeed) to wear a short dress. I love her hair and the shoes as well, and I'm not just biased because she's British. Promise.

  
Sandra Bullock in Vintage Marchesa - SO happy Sandy won Best Actress and she managed to be both a golden and silver girl. Stunning - old Hollywood glam at its very best.

Cameron Diaz in Armani Privé - what seemed to be the designer of choice for the night and responsible as you will see for the nights best and worst outfits; she may not have been nominated but Cameron certainly wasn't a shrinking violet but managed to get the "notice me" just right. It's a very thin line that I think she's thankfully on the right side of.





















Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab - okay i'll admit i've got a bit of a girl-crush on Rachel McAdams and the girl can do no wrong in my eyes but I think she looks beautiful and took a safe risk (if there is such a thing) and injected a little bit of much needed colour onto the carpet which was full of metalics and nudes.

Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham -  Um okay so I have a confession to make; I was really undecided whether to put this on the worst or best dressed list. I like the dress, I really do, but just not on Miley. I think its just a tad too old for her, she's what seventeen? Right dress, wrong person. On someone else it would have been gorgeous so it makes the best dressed list. Just.

Worst

Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel Couture - Yep, you all knew it was coming. I'm going to say something I never though would even enter my thoughts and will hopefully never think again; I don't care that it's Chanel, it's horrible. And what is WITH her hair!! I see where it's going but it doesn't quite get there and she just looks like a (pretty) gold curtain.

Nicole Richie in Reem Acra - Oh Nic, what were you thinking?! You are usually so fabulously stylish! Young girls allover the world look up to you! Unless Joel invented a time machine and this is actually Nicole in 70 years, this should not have been allowed to happen. But we'll forgive her because she has a good style record (shame about the criminal one.)

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries van Noten - I appreciate what she was trying to do, honest but she needs to take tips from Rachel McAdams, this is colour on the carpet gone wrong. Plus the fit is all wrong (what's with the bottom?!), it might even be nice for another ceremony (perhaps somewhere like The Cannes Film Festival?) but certainly not the Oscars. No siree.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Couture by Ricardo Tisci - Darlings, you all know that no one on the planet appreciates couture more than me. But there is 'high fashion stylish' and 'everyday person stylish' and this falls into the former not the latter. Its not the dress which is gorgeous, its not the actress who is beautiful; its the occassion. High fashion does not always work for events. The dress is art and was made for the runway not the red carpet and that's where it should stay in my opinion.

And the absolute worst...

Jennifer Lopez in Armani Privé - no, no, no, no NO. OMG NO! Bubblewrap?! Is she SERIOUS?! I literally have nothing more to say about this. I just want to go up to it and pop the bubbles.

Honourable mention - those who almost made the post:

Best: Meryl Streep, Dame Helen Mirren, Mo'nique, Queen Latifah, Kate WInslet, Anna Kendrick
Worst: Deborah Ann Woll, Hilary Swank, Elisabetha Cannolis, Molly Ringwald, Charlize Theron, Vera Farmiga, Demi Moore

So what do you think darlings, do you agree with the categories I placed people in? Is there anyone I didn't feature who deserves an honourable mention?

Hope you all have a fabulous week.


Stay safe and chic mes chéries,
English Rose x