Shoesday: Dancing Shoes

Without pointing out the obvious, I think it's safe to say that the popularity of Boardwalk Empire, Oscars success of The Artist, and with The Great Gatsby due in cinemas in November, that the 1920s will be enjoying another sartorial moment any second...

Gucci has released a round of party dresses that could have come straight out of the silent film era...

... and in Tory Burch's recent Fall collection at New York Fashion Week, models were shod in Fred Astaire type tap shoes (minus the taps, I presume)...

What's Black, White and Red All Over?

Not the newspaper, on this occasion.... But the Oscar's red carpet!

Today's Oscars red carpet was dominated by these, the simplest of hues. Although there were a few other colours on the carpet (yes, even a few purple dresses), the tone of the ceremony was really quite sartorially conservative. Thankfully, there were some sequins, but even they appeared in block colours and without drawing too much attention (although J.Lo did manage to draw attention to her lovely lady humps - no surprise there, though, and it was fairly mild by R&B standards anyway).

First with the blacks. The stand-out - primarily because of her chicken-bone thin limbs, was Angelina Jolie. I found her dress frumpily gothic. I did not love this one. I was also confused as to why she insisted on posing with her leg poking out. Was it a call to arms to Madonna? They are both as spindly as the other - perhaps this is a declaration of war between the white, gaunt limbs?

That said, her hair and make-up was lusciously divine. It wasn't a total disaster.

Rose Byrne has been going bananas for the sequins of late (she appeared in an all-white sequinned jumpsuit at a recent other awards ceremony). The black dress she chose for today was a definite improvement... Such a shame Bridesmaids didn't score any awards!

In red, we had some of the best dressed ladies of the day - Emma Stone (somewhat reminiscent of a red dress worn some time ago by Nicole Kidman) and Michelle Williams.

And of course, there were red sequins.

In a rare fashion mis-step, Natalie Portman appeared in an oddly mixed red dress with black polka dots.

And then there were the white frocks. For a change, very few of these dresses looked like wannabe-brides, and instead they all looked stunning. Unofficial best dressed of the day certainly went to Gwyneth Paltrow in her stunning floor-length jacket and equally gorgeous dress - topped off with a stunning diamond bracelet. The woman has style. She looked incredible.

Big props to Giuliana Rancic whom I adore. Such a brave lady. I just wish she'd have a sandwich.

Happy Friday: Got the Blues

I'm not sure what happened last night, but I was suddenly overcome with feelings of melancholy. It was a tidal wave of feelings that caught me off guard. I think it's good to have moments like that, but even this morning, I woke with a heavy heart. Very strange, because life is good. I think I'm going to sit with these feelings though - I feel like some little part of me is trying to get a message to me.

But for all those already cheery (or in need of cheering up!), I think this Kate Spade video should brighten your mood! I want the pink dress and the t-shirt! Happy Friday guys. Peace out xo

Rainy Day Blues

What a gorgeous outfit for a miserable day like today. Polka dots make everything better!

You Must See

The Artist

Fabulous, heartwarming, brilliantly acted, a glorious soundtrack to boot AND with the most divine costumes (from the '20s, of course!) I highly recommend The Artist.

What is it? It's a French romantic comedy, set in Hollywood in the late 1920s as talkies (talking pictures) take over from silent film. At the heart of the film is Georg Valentin (and his adorable puppy) - once a star of the silent film world, staring into an abyss of obsolescence as youngsters with new, flashy technology take over the film world - previously Georg's domain. Keeping an eye on him throughout his fall from grace is up and comer Peppy Miller (who owes her entree to the film world to Georg). This is truly a delightful film, and all of the actors - Jean Dujardin (who has won countless awards for his work), John Goodman, James Cameron and Berenice

Bejo - are fabulous.

Jacaranda Dilemma

Some time ago - and in a ridiculously well-planned and totally un-me manner of shopping - I purchased a dress for a wedding. A wedding that, at the time, was being held 6 months in to the future. I have no idea why I did this - probably the sales assistant running out the tired old "we only have a few left because they've just flown off the rack" and me falling for it out of my love of the dress.

Anyway. The dress is a lovely jacaranda colour. For those who don't know what jacaranda is (the colour) it is this:

A jacaranda is also a tree, with flowers in a bell-shape and coloured a lilac, light-coloured shade

of purple (herein known as jacaranda). Apparently the tree originated in South America, and after travelling there I can tell you with certainty Gondwana is true - there are parts of South America so similar to parts of Australia it is just not funny. Which explains why there are millions of jacaranda trees in Australia. Furthermore, if you ask anyone who went to university in Brisbane they will tell you that a jacaranda in bloom will always bring back the memories of exam time palpitations, as final exams always coincided with the jacaranda season. Sinking feelings a-plenty.

Irrespective of the exam-time blues, I adore the colour, which led me to my irrational (in

hindsight) decision to buy a dress months in advance of an event. So, so silly. Way too much

time to see other dresses I love! And also plenty of time to procrastinate on what I'll wear with it in terms of accessories - and now the wedding is just one weekend away, and I have no shoes, no earrings, no bag, no necklace. No bloody idea in summary!

And for once the internet just is not delivering inspiration.

The important thing about accessorising on this occasion is that I ensure I do not look in any way bridesmaid-ish, as the dress itself is a long, strapless dress in a single colour. Yes. Classic

bridesmaid dress. Oh dear. So I need to spice this little puppy up in order to not look like a bridesmaid-wannabe. But how?

As always, there are options.

1. The Fluorescent

Obviously, anything brightly coloured is very appealing. However, the wedding is at St Stephen's Cathedral, with a reception at the Sydney Opera House. I'm not sure fluorescent yellow or pink screams class, and I feel that this occasion requires polished classiness. Dang. I really like that yellow belo.

2. Minimal Accessories

These dresses are all well and good, and of course a supermodel and Kate Middleton - each styled by the best in the business - cannot be trifled with, however my dress is a little more Katie Holmes' in that it is strapless... The general rule with strapless seems to be to pare down the decolletage, and let it all happen at the waist.

Note: I have no plans on being an oompa-loompa like Katie. Fake tans seem to be accessories in themselves these days, don't they?

2. Gold Accessories

This is a no-brainer, really, and probably one of the leading contenders at the moment. The question remains, though, what tone do you approach make-up with?

So guys. Any thoughts? Apart from the fact that I should catch up with Ali once I'm down in Sydney? ;o)

Shoesday: Heat

It's as hot as Bangkok at the moment (j'adore), but I wish that you could just work in your underpants sometimes...

I'm loving the return of the pointy toe here... More on that to come. Hope your day is going swimmingly.

PS: These fabulously candy-coloured pics are from W Korea.