Suns Out get your Candy Coloured Sunnies Out

Have you jumped on the FINEST SEVEN bandwagon yet? If these graphic, candy hued sunnies look familiar it's probably because they've walked the catwalk complementing some of London's most celebrated collections, Emelia Wickstead and Felder Felder inclusive.

Eyewear options in hot hues have abounded in recent seasons and there are options, but with FINEST SEVEN you get something other than the throwaway, wear for one season, "lost at a festival but don't care they're from the highstreet" quality of many of the brighter styles on offer. 

With a career history which includes designing for major luxury sunglasses brands such as Prada, Oliver Goldsmith and Cutler and Gross – amongst others, New Zealand born designer Jesse Stevens has a highly specialised understanding of eyewear and a dedication to the aesthetics and quality of the products he creates. 

  
 

The name FINEST SEVEN is derived from Stevens’ dedication to excellence, holding at the brand's core the idea that there are seven key elements in eyewear production, and FINEST SEVEN incorporates the very best of these elements in each and every style.  Stevens sources each part from the finest ateliers; Carl Zeiss lenses, best Italian acetate and vintage gold hinges, Check, check, check! The design process maintains a sensitivity to these material and Steven's sculptural design sensibility but the gold accents and dedication to precision engineering makes wearing Finest Seven reassuringly feel like a luxury experience. A forward looking rather than classical style prevails here (you couldn't work under Miuccia Prada and not pick up some quirk), this is definitely some cool and contemporary high end eyewear. Seek them out at Finest Seven, www.finestseven.com and Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1 (020-7235 5000; www.harveynichols.com) and branches.

credit: TBC magazine

Amy Leonard Stylist

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And the Winner Is... Wait the Met Ball isn't an awards show?

Fine so they aren't giving out awards at the Met Ball, doesn't mean we can't sit in judgement of those prancing the red carpet. I think there was a clear winner  for the Best in Show- Red Carpet category and without further ado... Drumroll please...

The Winner Is:

Margot Robbie in custom Prada

Margot Robbie, a relative newcomer to the Association of Red Carpet Stalkers has been killing it in beautiful red capret outfits, always with a slight edge. This custom designed Prada might not have been the most ott "wow" look to have made it's way down the red carpet (Carolina Kurkova in sculptural Marchesa and $1,000,000 of diamonds was vying for that title) but for me it is by far the most contemporary. The sheer top is balanced with a face framing high neckline, the embellishment is strong and graphic rather than delicate and 'girly' as is the black choker which adds another graphic line. The bejewelled skirt in an ankle length that is not the easiest to pull off is balanced with a sky high ankle strap pump in oyster silk. The simple modern bra shape and showing straps makes this feel like a more real outfit than many of the more fantastical creations on show. Simple fresh make-up, a ponytail and minimal use of jewelery stop this outfit from becoming overly fussy. 11 out of 10 for Margot, her stylist and of course the fabulous folks at Prada.

Honourable mentions abound, and so they should there was a lot of competition for best outfit at one of fashion's most high profile annual events. 

Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Ford for cooly navigating the challenging world of white tie like they "Dress for Dinner" every evening (maybe they do?)

Cara Delevigne for doing super sexy trousers. Beautiful hair and makeup and a strong shoe add bonus points.

Suki Waterhouse in perfectly blush coloured custom-made Burberry. Contrast with Blake Lively whose beautiful blush Gucci clashed badly with her hair.

Lena Dunham who has been running the red carpet gauntlet for some time now and always chooses something interesting. This look balance her figure and she toughens up florals with rock and roll smudgey eyeliner. This is the best I think she's looked on the red carpet yet. 

Beyoncé for doing sheer and doing it well. Excellent veil B.

Rihanna for always choosing something unusual, and almost always pulling it off. This is a winner, elegant whilst still showing skin.

Who were your fashion winners and losers? 

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She Who Can Do No Wrong (well I'm being generous with this one) Pt.6

So I've played fast and loose with the 'She Who Can Do No Wrong' theme this week but I thought this look deserved honourable mention. 

Pamela Anderson I'm sure she will be the first to admit has made many highly questionable sartorial (and possibly lifestyle) choices in the past. But when she was papped emerging from an LA restaurant hand in hand with a new beau for once her bad taste in men (nor her considerable assets) weren't what caught my attention. 

 

I've always thought Pamela was a stunner and at 46 years of age she continues to be one, albeit now in a much more chic way. Her recent pixie crop is so fresh and highlights her beautiful features. Her all black outfit, pencil skirt, cardigan, classic Birkin and platform Mary Janes is discreet and let's the directional haircut do the talking.

She looks like how I imagine Marilyn Monroe would at this age had she lived. For me this look makes up for all of the years of sprayed on outfits in flammable fabrics. Well done Pammie (and your dates not bad looking either). 

A x

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V.L.E. is my New Phrase. The V.L.E. MARIA FRANCESCA PEPE Tribal Fringe Cuff

I am loving this very limited edition or *V.L.E. as I am calling it cuff by Maria Francesca Pepe. When worn (as demonstrated by the ever gorgeous blogger Cara Loren, how great is her look?) it looks like a perfectly placed bracelet stack and is a definite wow piece.

This amazing statement piece can be purchased exclusively from Luisa Via Roma for £1358.00 (they are currently offering express shipping and free returns for European customers) so get to it if you fancy brightening up your dreary january with a new accessory.

Click through to the MFP blog for a sneak preview of their SS14 collection soon to be on general sale and start adding things to your lust list.

Amy Leonard Stylist

*I think I just coined a new word V.L.E. go forth and spread it my pretties but remember you heard it here first!

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Into the same idea...

What I wore yesterday v's backstage Alber Elbaz's SS14 show yesterday.

Twinsies!

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Everything's Coming up Karl (poor Alexa)

Kaiser Karl has been busy. Not only is there a new drop of his eponymous Karl Lagerfeld range on Net-A-Porter, he's also put his, ahem, singular views in print. 

Lets talk clothes first:

The collection is utterly wearable with some details and fabrics that hint at some of Lagerfeld's more exclusive collections. Jackets in tweed, leather and a chubby fur (faux this isn't Fendi) sit alongside sporty separates in grey jersey and acid yellow and a selection of kitschy accessories (a Choupette keyring anyone?). Embellished logo T's were less successful and are probably aimed at Karl superfans. Who else would love to sport Karl or his kitten's profile on their chest (à chacun son goût).

The boots which include a pair of rubber wellingtons with biker detail I felt would make the ultimate buy from the new drop. This could be purely based on the drastic change in the weather in the past fortnight that has left me floundering without having shopped for winter footwear, however I'll stand by my vote. Do you agree?:

You can of course go the whole hog and start sporting some leather fingerless gloves for a true homage to Karl's signature style. 

Onwards to the main event "The World According to Karl". Ever quotable, Lagerfeld's book is billed as a compendium of his greatest hits, whether he's taking potshots at dowdy politicians or expounding on his favourite subject, himself. 

Published in honor of the iconic designer's birthday, this hardback book is a celebration of Mr Karl Lagerfeld's "razor-sharp wit". It's undeniable that Karl Lagerfeld is a great fashion designer, and despite many decades at the helm of two great houses as well as his own brands his work remains fresh, but does this justify his outspoken opinions? Everyone who has heard of him has an opinion, Jean-Christophe Napias, editor of the book, insists that the content forms "a complex portrait, both public and intimate, of a secret man"

My favourite quote from the selection

I'm inclined to agree. Lagerfeld's seemingly intentionally controversial one liners as well as the often contradictory nature of his opinions seem to me to be in aid of constructing a facade, an idea of Karl Lagerfeld. Everything about his never changing appearance, the ponytail, the waistcoats down to the fingerless gloves seem to form a shell, a barrier between the world and the man. Tellingly included is the quote "When I was younger I wanted to be a caricaturist. In the end, I've become a caricature." 

The World According to Karl will make a fabulous gift for those with an interest in fashion and style, a coffee table must, both for the Lagerfeld fanatics as well as those who appreciate the tongue in cheek.

I feel sorry for poor Alexa Chung having the misfortune to release her "It" during the same period as her pal Karl's tome, people have been much less complementary to her musings, I wonder why...

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VMA's Rate and Hate

The VMA's last night was a seriously mixed bag. At one end of the scale there was cutaway couture, at the other a beetlejuice-esque monstrosity. Check out the high (and low) lights below.

Rate:

Wow wow wow. All grown up at 21 Selena Gomez knocked it out of the park in navy Atelier Versace. The hip high split and revealed corsetry could have been too much but the matte navy fabric as well as the natural makeup and undone hair tempered the sexiness.

Katy Perry's grill caused some people to scratch their heads but I liked her look. Yes the knee length embellished Emmanuel Ungaro was cut to the thigh but for once she kept her considerable cleavage under wraps which was a nice change. The shape suited the Roar singer's figure and her classic two strap sandal (a style that's been a real winner for a couple of seasons now), neat accessories and simple high ponytail modernised the leopard print. This look is just right for the VMA's. it's glam with a hint of fun (teeth jewellery is a right laugh) but most importantly it's not too formal. Hello this is not the grammy's, MTV is the channel who brought us Jersey Shore for goodness sake lets not take the evening too seriously. Which brings us to Taylor Swift...

Taylor Swift went full glam with old Hollywood hair and makeup in a stunning full length Herve Leger gown with a plunging neckline. The dress fitted like a glove and navy is an update on the black dress theme that is a perennial red carpet favourite and Taylor did look fabulous. However I can't help feel this is a bit too done, this is the VMA's and Rihanna wore jeans ffs. 

Daft Punk looked slick as ever in their Yves Saint Laurent suits (Sorry Hedi I can't bear to drop the Yves) their chromed out helmets and gloves were a slick addition. Possibly the best of the boys. 

Ellie Goulding occasionally gets a hard time for not conforming to the big blowout and lots of cleavage standards of many of the red carpet favourites. I've never understood this, the singer looks pretty and cool and far more contemporary that many of her compatriots most of the time, and never more than in this high necked high split studded gown. The all over studs added the perfect rock and roll edge for a music awards event, watch and learn everyone else who didn't keep in mind which red carpet they were walking. 

Jemima Kirke you complete me you mad vintage curtain wearing goddess you.  

Vintage Dolce and Gabanna, VINTAGE DOLCE AND GABANNA! Seriously every now and again people surprise you. Yes Miley Cyrus's performance resembled the actions of the the possessed child from The Exorcist (the tongue, the miming finger-banging herself with an inanimate object, dry humping on some old lad) but this outfit is cool contemporary while nodding to the 90's and completely different to everyone else. The crop top is al brave choice for a red carpet but I can't help but feel Miley is channelling the poster girl for the crop top, Gwen Stefani, (check out the buns) and if so then it all makes sense. Kudos to Miley for daring to wear couture rubber designer Atsuko Kudo's (do you see what I did there) nude bralet and pants, I'm a huge fan of theirs, but not sure she pulled it off. Oh well, you win some you lose some Miley. 

Iggy Azalea you can do no wrong in my eyes. The Aussie rapper totally pulls off this completely sheers wisp of embellished Pucci. The full on gilt on her pale pale skin, and her phenomenonly curvy physique makes this a look that not many will or will be able to emulate. A departure from her usual big earrings and booty shorts outfits, I'm excited to see where Iggy goes next sartorially. 

Not sure...

Givenchy stop trying to make Ciara happen, Ciara is not going to happen. She looks stunning in this sheer embellished couture which is not a million miles away from Iggy Azaleas Pucci  but the feathered hen made it just a step too far for the VMA's. 

Hate is a strong word but:

Nope, nope nope. Not working for me sorry Rita Ora. This is way too much and I'm not keen on the beauty look either, the tones make you looked washed out and plastic. Better luck next time.

Gaga no. You're wearing a bin bag and a Halloween witch wig. Go back into retirement and try again. 

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejui... Stop! Don't finish reading it aloud it might appear. Best to kill it before it lays eggs. The suit or Robin Thicke I hear you ask? You decide.