Halloween Nail Art

I have a slight obsession over nail art at the moment, especially seasonal nail art, right now I have skulls adorning my nails. I am a big fan of the fuck yeah nail art tumblr, which is where I got all the pics and videos from. Could not be more annoying that hurricane Sandy (or Frankenstorm) is ruining any prospective halloween plans.

The 'Mini' Coveteurs

So cute...

Political Climate

It's pretty exciting being in the US right now, change is most definitely in the air and while that can be exciting it is also pretty terrifying. As a women, the thought of a Romney run United States makes me very very nervous. Check out this amazing video, featuring many fashion favourites, recreating Lesley Gore's 1964 'You Don't Own Me'...

Elections are so so important. Who runs our country is so so important. I don't understand how so many of my generation fails to see the importance in knowing and actively participating in our political system. We take it for granted, this notion of 'democracy'. Having a say in who governs us is a severely undervalued right. In my opinion, no vote no opinion. If you choose not to vote you forfeit your right to a say in pretty much everything. 

So that's my rant over and done with, on to the fashion! Michelle Obama has done wonderful things for young up and coming designers, pushing the boundaries in interesting and daring choices. Here are some of my favourite looks...

Alexander McQueen

Doo-Ri Chung 

Jason Wu

Jason Wu

J. Mendel

Erickson Beamon

Peter Som

Naeem Khan

Michael Kors

While I have nothing against what Ann Romney wears there is a severe lack of publicity. I emphasise the word wear because I have a huge problem in her opinions (Why should women be paid equal to men?). From a PR perspective, nothing is more beneficial for a brand than the honour of dressing the First Lady. And whoever Michelle Obama wears, the next day, no the next second, it is photographed, blogged about, tweeted, you name it. However, designers remain silent when it comes to Ann Romney. It has been said that Anna Wintour has forbidden designers to dress the Republican candidate's wife. The fashion industry is predominantly Democrat, and Wintour is an active supporter of Obama. 

While this may be the case, it must be said that whatever the outcome of the 2012 Presidential elections, designers will no doubt be clamouring over the chance to dress the First Lady. 

Not being a US citizen I am unable to vote, however, it is of the utmost importance that all that can do. So GO VOTE!

Fashion Films

Recently I've been thinking about fashion films, a glorious amalgamation of both film, fashion and music. It has to be said the the undisputed king is Chanel, in particular their perfume ads. Karl simply has a way of transporting us into a magical land of Chanel No. 5.

No. 5 The Film, starring Nicole Kidman and directed by Baz Luhrmann cost a reported £18million. An insane amount but the results are outstanding...

I loved the Audrey Tatou advertisement, a woman who quite simply is the perfect embodiment of the chic Chanel Parisian... 

And now we come to Brad Pitt, the first male to ever represent the iconic perfume. The pared back interpretation is somewhat of a disappointment, which is such a shame. Looking at all they have done, they could have done so so much more...

Recently released by Chanel was Inside Chanel, a story depicting the evolution of the famous No. 5 perfume. A thoroughly interesting watch, proving to not only be informative but also stylish, chic, and oh so Chanel...

Romeo + Juliet

(all images via bullettmedia.com)

I absolutely love Bullet magazine. At $12.99 it's a treat, which I justify with it's seasonal, which is perfectly legitimate right?! The theme of the Fall 2012 issue was Romance, and what captures this more perfectly than the tragic love story of Romeo + Juliet. The editorial was a fun take on the epic affair, reminiscent of Baz Luhrmann's adaptation featuring a young Leonardo DiCaprio and a very young looking Claire Danes. 

Luhrmann is certainly an amazing director if for nothing else that the pure beauty of his films: Moulin Rouge, Australia, and the much anticipated Great Gatsby. The costumes, the decadence, the colours! I can barely contain my excitement for Great Gatsby!

Also on the Bullet website is a short of the shoot.

Balenciaga Biker Boots

I along with the rest of the fashion world just can't get enough of Balenciaga's cut-out biker boots...

For those of us who can only but dream of them, Topshop, as always, provides a great highstreet alternative, which, after many weeks of pointless deliberation I bought! The shop assistant informed me that they were the last pair, in my size, so it was fate! I LOVE them, they make me feel totally badass! I purchased the black version but the burgundy are pretty cool...

Topshop Boots

PFW

With the end of Paris comes the end of another fashion season, always a sad moment in my opinion, I love nothing more than the excitement of what new creations designers have conjured up. Some people I meet don't understand my love of fashion, dismissing it as irrelevant. My response, well due to social norms we have to get dressed every day so why not have fun with it?! And with that I present to you my favourite shows from Paris...

Alexander McQueen was filled with strong shapes and a fantastic backdrop...

Balenciaga...flamenco fun and sporty cool...

Balmain literally does the best shoulder, strong without being too overpowering...

Carven...where ladylike elegance prevailed...

Céline...luxe, slouchy fabrics...

Chanel...I mean I need the purple suit with green edging...

Chloé...always a favourite of mine, I simply love the first photo below...

Christian Dior...Raf Simons is unbelievable. I didn't think he could come near to topping his couture collection and he has gone ahead and blown my mind once again. The shiny fabrics in the first two photos, the laser cut out and neon pop of the third, and the full skirts in the last...

Dries Van Noten...great layering...

John Galliano...incredible draping that looks so effortless...

Miu Miu always produces an amazing collection...

Rochas...bare midriffs galore! Oh and I want those sunglasses... 

Stella McCartney...a firm favourite of mine. The middle look is divine...