This Week BG is loving...

People watching on the streets of Champs-Elysees, a LOT of people were already wearing boots. Inspired, I went online to do some boot hunting of my own and came across these incredibly sexy Platform Knee Boots from Miu Miu.
The classic boot shape makes it a perfect match for any occasion, with skirts, with jeans tucked into it or with winter shorts- just everything. The little bow on the top gives it some more style that is feminine but not too cutesy. I’ve actually tried them on before at the store and they were FABULOUS. Even though they are extremely tall (they don’t look it, but they are 4” high!), they are relatively comfortable. I’m not much of a high heel wearer myself, but even I could walk around comfortably in them because of the solid pumps and the platform. Sigh, can we say gorgeous??

Paris Spring/Summer 2007 Wrapup III

Finally, Paris fashion week. My favourite week of all. Its so weird to think that one is actually IN the city where these shows are taking place instead of it being miles away. Although of course, the closest I actually got to a fashion show was probably on my way to the Palais Royal from the Louvre, although we didn't even got that far as we made a detour and had ice cream at Hagan Daz instead. LOL. But anyway, after many hours of battling with my faulty wireless connection (I'm finally catching it at a good time) here is what I think of the shows so far.

YSL
This is actually one of my favourite collections from Stefano Pilati. Everything was all very Parisienne chic and the proportions are all perfect to flatter the female body.

Even the check patterned outfits were cute and stylish and doesn't look like a picnic cloth at all!Although some of the proportions were still a bit off. Like these outfits. The first two looks like a very well tailored ninja uniform.
What I completely adored though, was the gorgeous gorgeous outfits at the end. I love the violet flower theme, the billowing chiffon flowers are just so romantic and beautiful. I especially like the purple dress (far left). And the presentation, on a flower strewn runway was a fabulous touch, although it does look rather painful to walk on.

Givenchy
Ricardo Tisci's third collection at Givenchy was. . interesting. I can't say I didn't like it, most were aesthetically pleasing, but some of the elements were just a little be too futuristic and geometric for my taste.

These are the few that I liked. I think that tuxedo black jacket would make an excellent addition to anyone's SS07 wardrobe.

Outfits like these looks cool, but I'm just don't think that it is has the elegance and sophistication that one usually relates to Givenchy.

Apart from the black and white palette, he also did something different with these African prints. I thought the prints were done alright, like this dress here (far left), although it didn't really go too well with the overall theme of the collection.
I thought these evening outfits were pretty interesting and geometrical. They all looks really nice, if a little strange. I wonder how the almost triangle shaped dress Gemma is wearing hold up?

And what is with designers this season all going for these ugly frills??

Paris Spring/Summer 2007 Wrapup II

Valentino
I've never really liked the Valentino collections in the past, but this collection was sooo pretty! The whole collection is made of spring colours -some soft, some bold. There is a lot of pleating, ruffles, bows and flowery prints. While I don't know how these would look off the runway, they certainly looked great on the runway. These clothes are definitely made for the super girly girls.
Caroline Trentini and this red dress (below left) are absolutely stunning. And Jessica Stam (below right) looks like a magical princess in the pale ice blue pleated dress. So gorgeous.
Karl Lagerfeld
The whole Karl Lagerfeld collection consists of black, white and navy. There are many puffy sleeve shift dresses in this collection which I didn't like, but there are also a lot of other cool looks (see pictures below.) Many looks have lacy flowery stockings and as any typical Lagerfeld shows, the makeup is another focus point. Again, Karl came up with a modern and chic collection that should sell well.
Dries Van Noten
OK, I liked DVN's FW06 collection but I was so disappointed by this one. I may be biased but I absolutely hate the sporty look. Sporty looks should stay at suitably sporty occasions and venue. Dark-coloured parkas looked smart on the Prada FW06 runway, but parkas are terrible on the SS07 runways. Afterall, why would we want to wear parkas in warm temperatures?
But thank goodness in the middle of the collection, there are a few of those silk, printed dresses and tops that I do so love from DVN. DVN's silk garments always have this expensive and edgy feel to them. Now if only I could afford them...

Paris Spring/Summer 2007 Wrapup I

Ooo... It's finally the last, and most exciting fashion week: Paris.

Balenciaga
One of the most, if not THE most anticipated show of the four weeks of fashion weeks. Nicolas Ghesquiere surprised everyone with a new theme and innovative use of material. Next season's hot theme is going to be robots and futuristic er, people. So expect to see many cyber-themed editorials in style magazines next spring and summer.
Gone are FW06's horse-riding caps and in are the space googles, which is very smart of course seeing how shdes are mainly summer's accessories. Even with the not-so-down-to-earth cyber theme, Balenciaga's clothes are still cut and put together impecably. Black and white are still the main colours. The most memorable item in the collection? The gold robot trousers.
Loves this collection!

Christian Dior
When I looked through the first 20 looks on style.com, I thought, wow this is so boring. But then, there are many loveable dresses that follow the suits. The dresses' cutting and theme seem to be continued and only slightly evolved from the Resort collection. This doesn't mean the dresses aren't pretty of course. As usual, John Galliano managed to come up with many pretty yet very sellable dresses for Dior's RTW collection. The only thing I have to complain are those ugly shoes. Check them out in look #4-6 below.
I can totally see some actress wearing the glamorous dresses in the last two looks below to some award ceremony.
Ann Demealemeester
While Demealemeester is not a huge brand, I do love that dark, cool and black & white look. I usually hate tye-die things, but the black and white tye-die is done so fantastic here. There are the typical cool clothes: the suits, the black vests, thin silver chains. The silhouette continues to be long tops and skinny pants. OK, so maybe I'm not going to be buying clothes from Demealemeester in the near future, but I'm definitely going to try to imitate its looks.

Fashion Show Fashion

So obviously fashion shows have been on the top of our minds for the past few weeks. We all dream of actually being there and witnessing the beautiful works of art in person (well I do anyway), but should your dream really come true *gasp* what will you wear? In case such a scenario happens, here are some inspirations from the fashion front rowers.

Front row center, we have Anna Wintour and (occasionally) her daughter Bee. For fashion observers they are the perfect duo because you get to see what the young and the more mature are wearing all in one picture. Anna seems to favor a more nuetral palette while Bee favors brighter colors. Both wear dresses, which are simple, elegant and sophisticated (left: Anna at Carolina Herrera, right: Anna + Bee at Zac Posen).
Apart from dresses, pretty blouses with dark skirts is also a good elegant and sophisticated combination. Anna (left at Bottega Veneta) wears it softly with a flowy skirt and nuetral colors, while Olivia Chantecaile (right at Carolina Herrera) wears it sharply with contrasting black and white colors and sharp pencil skirt.
Now we know where people wear those gorgeous gorgeous cocktail dresses we see on the runway- back at the runway! Mischa Barton looks smashing at Marc by Marc Jacobs (left) and Anna Sui (right).
It is always also a plus if you wear said fashion show's fashion at the fashion show. Witness Margherita Missoni at Zac Posen and Mischa at Marchesa.
For something more classic, I am loving Laura Bush's smart black blazer and jeans look at J Mendel (I saw a local celeb wear this look at the local YSL show and she looked fab- but remember to wear fabulous shoes to spice up the outfit!). Kate Bosworth also looked gorgeous in the classic LBD at Zac Posen.
Even simpler (especially for those on a budget) just wear a fabulous pair of jeans and a pretty top or jacket. Note Eleanor Ylvisaker (left) and Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler at Vera Wang. Their outfits are simple and casual, but still very stylish and appropriate for a fashion show.

Hope this helps. Better to be prepared than be caught unaware right? :D

Season Premieres of Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars

Last Tuesday was the season 7 premiere of my all-time absolute favourite show, Gilmore Girls. With the original producers, Amy and Daniel Palladino gone, I was a bit worried Gilmore Girls will lose its spark. Nevertheless, I was super excited to watch the premiere. I'm not going to go into the details of the episodes because some people have not watched it yet, but let me just say that after such a long summer break, episode 701 really got me hyper for the coming season.

In the premiere, we see most of our favourite characters (except for the grandparents.) I love Rory and Logan! Rory's got such shiny hair and pretty clothes! And that rocket thing was SO sweet!

The lovely Paris and her SAT prep business scene is my favourite scene in the episode. And the loveable citizens of Stars Hollow are also featured quite prominently. It's good to see Taylor thinking of some random scene to 'improve' Stars Hollow again!

Predictably, Lorelai and Luke continue their fight. To be honest, Luke really deserved to be told off after his 'I need more time' thing last season. And most importantly, what is Gilmore Girls without mother and daughter talk -in super speed of course.

*Squeals* OK I think I should stop gushing how much I love Gilmore Girls. I can't wait for tomorrow's episode. Oooh, speaking of tomorrow, Veronica Mars' Season 3 premieres tomorrow night. For those of you who don't know Veronica Mars, it's about a student plus part-time PI dealing with life and solving cases with lots of cool ideas and gadgets. If you like GG, you're sure to love VM too, so remember to watch Veronica Mars after Gilmore Girls tomorrow night on the CW.

Milan Spring/Summer 2007 Wrapup V

Versace
- Dontella continues her revival of the House of Versace beautifully. Dresses in this collection are not as 'pretty' as SS06's, but more fashion-foward.
- Models' makeup is stunning. If you're going out at night, try the Versace look!
- Really like the black, sequin mini-dress on Irina (look #4.)
Jil Sander
- Raf Simons proves that no matter how bold, how bright the colours are, Jil Sander is forever minimalistic.
- Has a lot of suits that really focus on good cutting.
- And of course, there are the plain but very Jil Sander-signature cut dresses in various bold colours.
Roberto Cavalli
- Daria's first, and possibly only SS07 catwalk. To be honest, the makeup doesn't look great on her.
- I don't understand Cavalli's theme here. The girls look like what I imagine Prairie girls, or slightly masculine bohemian girls to look like.
- Nevertheless, many of the outfits are still very grand and opulent-looking. And well, since this is Cavalli, many of the clothes are perfect for party animals.
- Look #2 below is one of my favourites. The dress is glamorous and fun.