FASHION - American Celebrities Wearing MaxMara

Earlier this month Katie Holmes was awarded the Face of the Future Award for women in film. The event was sponsored by Max Mara and several celebrities showed off Max Mara styles in support of the brand. I've included some comments on their outfits below, I would love to hear yours too in the comments section.

 

Anna Kendrick wears a Sportmax black pleated v neck dress with belt

Pleats seem to have been the must-wear trend for fashionista's this season. Personally they make my ass look bigger than it needs too but that isn't an issue for the pretty Anna. Her belted dress shows off her waist and creates enviable curves.

 

Ashley Greene wears a Max Mara black strapless pant suit.

This outfit would look better if she had feet! Love the draped necklaces and strapless top too. Totally jealous of Ashley's fab hair style too.

 

 Katie Holmes weas a Max Mara navy double breasted trouser suit

I'm not sold on the super-wide legged trouser, especially as a suit. Plus it causes that awful disappearing shoe problem that Cheryl Cole seems so prone too.  The top half is classic and elegant though.

Leslie Mann wears a Max Mara yellow print silk chiffon dress and brown shoes

When I look at Leslie Mann all I hear is her voice, it's so distinctive. I really like this dress - layered chiffon rocks - but I've also got my eye on the bag. I recently bought a blue and yellow dress and am seeking out a yellow bag to go with it right now. Alas, I probably couldn't afford hers anyway.

HAIR - A Lusciously Light Summer Soiree with Aussie

This weekend was the Aussie summer party where I got to mingle with lots of other lovely ladies who've been part of the Aussie Angel project this year. There was a mix of us from the North and the South and we came together in celebration of lighter hair products - amen!

The 'light' theme extended to our food and drink - a healthy but tasty salad followed by our own home-made candy floss (I didn't brave it myself). The venue was amazing, Sunbeam Studios in West London and we all had the chance to have our hair styled and be photographed. I stupidly wore my specs and wasn't quite on top form but I gave it a go anyway and am brave enough to share my pics...

As for the Lusciously light Aussie products, so far I've found that I do need to use a little bit more of the conditioner than usual but it does produce a clean and weightless feeling. Of course, as you would expect, it leaves your hair smelling delish just like all Aussie products.

I've been a fan of Aussie styling products for a while (I wouldn't be part of the Aussie Angel project otherwise) and the hair stylist tasked with transforming my locks gave me a soft wave. He opted for a glossy fringe, crown and ends with a gentle wave in the mid length of my hair. Tor of Fab Frocks made me laugh when she said it was a sort of 'poodle eared' look - she's right but I sorta like it.

Check out the Uncover Aussie site for all the latest from a fab bunch of bloggers. Including Sherin of Hi Fashion below who had a go at the candy floss making...

COMPETITION - Vans and Wah Nails Team up

You can breathe a sigh of relief as this isn't going to be another post telling you about an event I've been to. This is an event for you lovely readers thanks to the people at Vans and Wah Nails.

Vans are asking that you unleash your inner stylist for their Girls Style Night. If you think you have the stylistic edge come join in, the Girls Style Night will seek out those with a keen eye for fashion and reveal the new AW11 Vans collection to entrants.

With full access to the collection, you'll be asked to style a 'head to toe look that is original and inspiring'. A Photographer will capture you modelling your  look plus you'll get a free hair styling and make-up including customised nails from the expert nail artists at Wah Nails. I've had mine done by them twice now and they rock!

Pictures will be uploaded to the Vans Facebook page, where Vans’ 300,000 Facebook friends will be able to vote for their fave Vans girl.  The overall winner will nab an outfit from the Vans AW11 collection (including top or dress, jacket, pants, accessories and shoes).

To take part register at www.facebook.com/vanseurope and upload a full body profile shot and info. You'll be contacted via email if you're lucky.

T&Cs are available at www.facebook.com/vanseurope

CELEBRITY - Anne Hathaway's London Style In Harper's Bazaar

I'm loving this Anne Hathaway shoot as seen in the upcoming issue of Harper's Bazaar. Featuring a palette of red and cream it's the perfect warm-up for AW11. You might remember similar hues filled the Betty Jackson catwalk show at London Fashion Week back in February - check my blog post for Betty Jackson collection pics.

I quite like Anne Hathaway and she tends to have quite a classic and elegant sense of style. When asked by Harper's Bazaar for her take on fashion, Anne says she “feels like the luckiest girl in the world when I get to wear all these glamorous clothes,” and from this spread we understand why.

For the full interview and more photos of Anne Hathaway, go to www.harpersbazaar.com/annehathaway and pick up the August issue of Harper's Bazaar, on newsstands 12 July.

Photos: Alexi Lubomirski for Harper's Bazaar.

INTERVIEW - Becky Colley of Blah Blah Becky

Another day another blogger to inspire us, and this time the blog in question is Blah Blah Becky. Read on...


Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Becky and I'm a 25 year old media graduate. I currently live in Manchester but my boyfriend lives in London, which is as crap as is sounds and involves spending lots of time on trains. I write the fashion/beauty/travel blog Blah Blah Becky, which I started in late 2009.

Why did you start blogging?
After graduating from the University of Central Lancashire with a media degree I moved to London to work in the TV industry; after a year I was made redundant and had to move back home to live with my parents. I've always been a creative person and desperately needed a creative outlet - I've always loved writing and had read other people's blogs for years so it seemed like the obvious next step to start my own.

What inspires you?
Magazines, films, people on the street, other people's blogs, nature, books, travel, history... I like to keep my eyes open to new inspiration as it's everywhere!
  
If you had to wear just one fashion designer's clothes for life, who would it be?
This is such a difficult question! My answer would probably change season-to-season but my new and current favourite is Carven.

What are your top 3 high street stores and why?
 Definitely H&M, which is so reasonably priced and great for basics, River Island for shoes, and this season I am obsessed with Zara. I do shop mostly online though, usually from ASOS.
   
What has been your biggest ever bargain?
I was one of the lucky few to receive a ticket to The Outnet's second birthday sale and I managed to grab myself a Dolce and Gabbana dress for £2 - it should have been £2000!
  
And what has been your biggest ever splurge?
The one thing I really splurge on (although rarely) is handbags - no matter what size I am they will always fit! When I got a new job last year I treated myself to the classic Louis Vuitton Speedy. It is the most expensive fashion item I've ever bought but I will love it forever.
   
What is your beauty routine?
I'm a huge fan of Clinique products so most of my skincare products come from them. Obviously I cleanse, tone and moisturise and I also use an exfoliator and face mask once a week. I like to go for facials once per month, usually at my local beauty college. Make up-wise I usually keep it simple and classic with either strong eyes (kittenish 50s flick for example) or a bold lip (I'm currently favouring scarlet, hot pink and orange).
  
What do you collect?
Hmm I've never really thought of it as collecting but I'd probably have to say shoes!
 
Which celebrity would you love to dress and why?
Probably Britney - she's so attractive but usually gets it so wrong!
 
Which celebrity do you think has the best style?
An obvious choice but it has to be Olivia Palermo. She experiments and has fun but her style is impeccable and she never puts a foot wrong. I love Diane Kruger's style too.

 
What is your favourite trend of the moment?
Isn't this season just fantastic?! We're spoilt for choice! If I had to choose just one favourite trend it'd have to be colour blocking.
 
How do you turn around a bad hair day?
With a bold lip to distract from it and high heels to make me feel more confident! And to prevent bad hair days I swear by Frizz Ease Extra Strength and my GHDs.
 
What would you wear on a first date?
That would depend on where we were going but probably something feminine and modern but classic at the same time - Erdem comes to mind but I'd have to go for a high-street version! I've been with my boyfriend for 4 years so I don't have to suffer any first date stresses anymore thank goodness!

Thanks to Becky for completing the Q&A, I'm loving her beauty tips and outfit pics. Be sure to check out Becky's blog if you get the chance.

EVENT - The J Summer Fashion Show

Next week there's lots going on, but one event that I'm particularly looking forward to is the J Summer Fashion Show. It's being held in the Savoy, in the same ballroom as the Contour Fashion Ball which was a great evening, and this too promises to be a night filled with fabulous fashion - the best kind of night in my opinion! The Savoy once hosted a fashion show for Christian Dior so we're in fine company on that front.

The show features a mix of high fashion and high street brand which represents the way most people shop these days. The main designers are: Paul Costelloe, Jaeger, Charlotte Sparre, Addy van den Krommenacker, Mirco Giovannini, Maicco, Danny Tang and Christophe Guillarme.

The show also supports the Environmental Justice Foundation and will showcase a range of 100% organic & fair trade cotton designer tees to benefit the charity. Tees have been designed by big names including Allegra Hicks, Jenny Packham, Richard Nicoll, Giles Deacon, Zandra Rhodes, John Rocha, Luella, Katharine Hamnett, Christian Lacroix and Betty Jackson.

Be sure to check back after next weekend when I'll have posted all about the collections on show. There were a limited number of visitor seats too, although they may well all be gone by now. More sneak peeks below...

The team

 Shots taken inside the Savoy ballroom where the event will take place.

 UK press coverage

Last year's poster

EVENT - ALDO's Exciting New Launches For AW11

This week I headed along to the fabulous 1 Marylebone space in London to check out what ALDO have got up thier sleeves for AW11. They held a shindig to launch their brand new ‘Get Lucky’ campaign for next season which adds a little magic to the brand's already super stylish shoes with ads and campaign imagery featuring Lily Donaldson as shot by Terry Richardson.

ALDO showed off some great new collections including a festive collection featuring killer heels and sparkle, plus their new premium men's shoe range Mr B’s. The new men's shoes are great quality and timeless in style and design.

There was also a new capsule collection by New York designer Christian Cota coming in Autumn - this sits within ALDO Rise, an initiative that sees ALDO collaborate with up-and-coming design talent. They're even teaming up with some big name British designers too - Mark Fast, JW Anderson and Preen - who were at the event to celebrate the announcement.

ALDO Creative Director Douglas Bensadoun (he was so cool) talked us all through the new developments, and I was excited to hear there's also going to be a London based design office - they just think us Brits are super stylish. But we already knew that right!

See more pics from the event below...

P.S. if Autumn collections seem too far away, there is currently an extra 30% off ALDO sale sandals and free delivery on their website - hurrah!

TV - Kate Winslet Stars as Mildred Pierce

  Still of Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood in Mildred Pierce

 Still of Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood in Mildred Pierce

Coming to Sky Atlantic is yet another exciting HBO drama. Following my obsession with Boradwalk Empire, Mildred Pierce is a 5 part drama mini-series set in the 1930s and starring Kate Winslet. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the first episode, and although it's not as action-packed as Boardwalk empire, it is just as slick and stylish and I can't wait to watch the rest of the series.

From the pics I've seen, Mildred Pierce's daughter (played as an adult by Evan Rachel Wood)has some super-glam outfits and there are lots of other vintage fashion moments to look out for too. Plus the story (or start of it at least) really draws you in. Kate's character lives in a world so very different from my own each step of the plot is a discovery about the past.

The TV show is based on a classic American novel by James M Cain and if you aren't able to see the mini series you can get the book half price at Waterstones via the Sky Atlantic site.

It all kicks off on Sky Atlantic this week. Be there!

Images: © 2011 - HBO Films

GIVEAWAY - Witch Skincare Treats & Goodie Bag

It's been a while since I showed my lovely readers how amazing you are, so I've teamed up with Witch Skincare to give away 10 of their brand new liquid concealers which aren't even available in the shops yet!

Plus, I'm throwing in a special surprise goodie bag for the1st prize winner too so there are two great reasons to enter.

Life definitely throws things at us which can make skin look a bit rubbish. My vices are late nights, caffeine and alcohol. If anything causes dark circles and blemishes it's those things! But I have tried out a lot of the Witch skincare products and have been really impressed with them so I also have high hopes for the new concealer. A few late nights and glasses of champagne are fun, so as long as there's something to help me look fabulous the morning after I won't deny myself a treat or two.

To enter...
Email jenny@thestylepa.com using the subject line 'WITCH' with your name, telephone number and address you'd like the prize posted to if you win. Plus don't forget to include if you'd like the light or medium shade.

Competition is for UK residents only and closes at 11.59pm on Thursday 30 June.

Plus, check out my previous post covering the Witch Blogger challenge.

Good luck everyone!

SHOPPING - On My June Wishlist

1. Cinema tickets to go watch Bridesmaids again

Thanks to the fabulous Poppy Dinsey, I was able to head along to Universal's offices on Monday evening and watch a preview of the much talked about new movie, Bridesmaids. I loved the film and found myself giggling the whole way through. Starring the hilarious Kristen Wiig and a cast of other fine females, the film is filled with those moments we can all relate to. It's been getting pretty good reviews across the board - watch out for the aeroplane scene (my favourite) and close your eyes at the dress fitting scene (my least favourite). It's out tomorrow so grab the popcorn and get down to the cinema.

2. Emma Watson's Vogue Cover lipstick

I've never been a fan of Emma Watson, never really saw what other people saw when they said how stunning she was. That was until I saw this Vogue cover shot by Mario Testini. I absolutely love this look on her and I want to recreate that lip look. Is it gloss over lipstrick? Help me find out what it is so I can buy it! The brows are also to die for, for once I'm not even looking at the clothes. You can read the full article over at Vogue's website.

3. Libelula AW11 dresses

OK, so I'm slightly ahead of myself as it isn't Autumn yet (tell that to the weather!) but these dresses have definitely caught my eye - such a striking colour combo. I want them all, just look at the Audrey Hepburn chic of the dress far left. I don't think the Libelula summer collection is anywhere near as strong though so save those pennies and wait till next season.

4. Asahi Super Dry lager

Yep, shock horror lots of gals drink beer and after a recent lager tasting event with Beer Genie I decided my new favourite is Asahi. It's just pipped Corona and San Miguel from the top spots. So when the sunshine does come back, feel no shame whatsoever in cracking open a can or bottle and enjoying something refreshing. Check out the Beer Genie website for everything you ever wanted to know about beer (but perhaps were too afraid to ask). I also found out that girls generally make better beer tasters, probably explains why I got 4 out of 6 in the blind taste test and the boyfriend only got 2 *smug*.

5. Kirstin Ash Chasing Dragonflies Ring

After hitting a jewellery sample sale the other day (and losing a ring down my cleavage for two hours, long story) I've become more obsessed with jewellery, just like I used to be. I'm coveting the ring pictured above which is available at Accessories Online for £55. It's got that fab antique styling that always gets a compliment. Just wondering whether I should really spend that much money... probably not.

GIG - The Pipettes Rock The Big Mix Festival

I was invited along to take in the Big Mix Festival in Shoreditch, London which is put on to raise funds for Macmillan - a great charity. I've made a donation as a token of my appreciation and to support the valuable work the charity does.

The line-up was uber cool, but I really love the Pipettes, nothing beats their upbeat, fun and fabulous performances. Whether you're into their style of music or not seeing them live is just great. It was also a great opportunity for me to try out some venues in Shoreditch which I've felt too uncool to walk into previously. The Pipettes did a set at Richmix, and Arts Centre in Shoreditch, and I snapped them in action. The girls make their own outfits and I was pleased to see the band in coordinating polka dot shirts too.

After The Pipettes we had time to take in some comedy at Concrete. It was pretty darn good and so amazing of all the comics to give their time for free, for charity of course. Be sure to check out the Pipettes website and their tour schedule.

NEWS - Medwinds Comes To The UK

 
This week I went along to get a close-up view of the Medwinds collection which is now available in the UK. The Spanish brand is delivering worldwide with no delivery or returns charges which I think is a real positive move. They also accept Paypal which always makes me happy. They don't have stores, it's purely an online operation and the products are real staples and great quality. I got a chance to chat to the people behind it who have a real passion for what they are doing, and they reiterated that this is just the start of things to come. Definitely one to watch.

I was particularly impressed with the bags and shoes. I've got a tan bag on order, the Corfu shoulder bag in fact as shown above on the iPads that they left out for us to view the website on.

The range overall is still quite small but it looks set to grow. There are collections for both men and women with crisp and classic shirts, bikinis and little tunic style dresses standing out for me for women. Take a look at my pics below and let me know what you think. I'll be sure to show you my bag when it arrives too.

SHOES - I Love Nine West

I recently got my first pair of Nine West shoes and I have to say I've never had a more comfortable pair of heels in as long as I can remember. I usually avoid slim heels opting for something chunkier. This means no irritating re-heeling costs, but also usually means the shoes are a bit more comfotable and stable too. With my latest Nine West aquisition, the slim heel and dainty styling do not impare the wearability and comfort of the shoes. Hurrah!

I opted for the pair pictured above and I can pretty much wear them for most occasions. So far they're good for work, dinner with friends, a night out dancing - true multi-tasking shoes which make them worth every penny. I wonder if this veer towards a slightly lower heel in a brand that's more about quality than 'passing trends' means I'm getting old - what do you reckon readers? Do you have a fave pair of shoes that are your fail-safe pair for all occasions? If not then give Nine West a try...

Here are some ideal new-fail-safe Nine West shoes currently available on Spartoo...

 Nine West Punchy

A sensible wedge heel is really easy to wear, even if you aren't usually that confident wearing heels.

 Nine West Seductive

These are tall heels but with enough of a platform to make them wearable. You've also got plenty of straps to keep you feeling secure.

 Nine West Angelica

A slightly chunkier high heel with a sturdy platform, I'd probably be a little wary of them having no back or ankle strap though.

Nine West Bornto

These are a great summer style being a paler colour, they might be next on my hit list.