Gossip Girl Fashion: 'Raiders of the Lost Art'
JustJared, Style.com

I haven't done a Gossip Girl Fashion post in ages. The show's fashion has been quite bland ever since it came back from its last break so I have just been watching. But since next week's episode is the penultimate of the season I thought I would at least choose the bits and bobs I liked because, let's face it, I am probably going to miss it over the summer.

I would like to thank the GG stylist team for finally injecting the show with some new designers. It was all about the Dries van Noten (FW11) blue tweed coat Blair wore this week. I loved how it looked paired with the patterned tights. I was not as big a fun of the citrus Brian Atwood pumps as part of this look – as much as it's about a POC this season. But I appreciate the fact that B recycled her shoes from earlier in the season.
I was also a fan of her other look – a classic camel coat covering up the (ironic) Hervé Léger dress and nude Sergio Rossi heels she has worn before in hot pink. The POC here was the Louis Vuitton  Monogram Fascination Lockit Bag in mustard.

JustJared

Serena kept things quite simple this week. She spent most of the episode in a simple look – the good part came with her outdoor ensemble. She wore a black coat with a chic pair of Repetto lace-up shoes, a funky Theodora & Callum scarf (worn before by quite a few celebrities) and, my favourite, a Jimmy Choo Lara Woven shoulder bag holding a Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop cover.

Plot-wise things have picked up quite a bit lately – we have found out who Chuck's real mum and dad are (or have we?) and the Gossip Girl username and password has got around. But the biggest shock yet came at the end of this weeks episode, which I won't spoil to anyone who hasn't seen it yet. As the cast of Laguna Beach would say – So. Much. Drama.

Are you still watching?

Best Dressed of the Weekend: Elizabeth Olsen wears The Row
JustJared

I was quite happy that Paris Fashion Week ended late last week because it meant I would get to include some of the looks from the last big shows and after parties on today's post.

I think Sarah Jessica Parker's white Louis Vuitton look was one of my favourite of all fashion month. It wasn't the dress on its own but how she wore it with a black bra, which worked almost like a small bustier, and that amazingly decadent hairdo. It was glamourous and edgy but very classy. So good, in fact, that I can even overlook the fact that she is wearing white stilettos. Not that it's the first time...

Gwyneth Paltrow also wore Louis Vuitton for the brand's fashion week closing party in Paris. Hers felt a lot more modern than SJP's – a sexy double-chested tux jacket with satin lapels and tux capri pants. Gwyneth always knows how to make a statement out of simplicity. If you don't know what I mean, remember her Oscars look.

Elizabeth Olsen was seen out and about in New York in one of my favourite looks of her – a maroon velvet suit by The Row. I love the way she wore it with a slightly oversized shirt buttoned up (Karl Lagerfeld would be proud) and snakeskin pumps. I would perhaps gone for a smaller bag but this is a 5-star look regardless.

Louis Vuitton FW12: Is Marc Jacobs a Harry Potter fan?
Style.com

To be completely honest, I have never really understood what is all the fuss with Marc Jacobs. I have really liked some of his past collections and I appreciate how he's turned his name into a sort of modern-day fashion empire but his collections are usually too gimmicky for my taste.
I never posted about his namesake FW12 collection because, despite the few very nice jackets, it was some more of the same we usually see from him. Getting people's attention for being loud and, frankly, even silly at times seems to have worked all this time. But I still don't understand why everybody loves Marc.
The latest Louis Vuitton collection was shown this morning in Paris. Even though I am usually not too keen on this line either it's usually where we see Jacob's finer work. Despite, again, a few very nice coats or embroidered outfits it was all really gimmicky –full of big plastic buttons, bellboys carrying bags and more silly hats. The only scenario where I can see any of these work is in a high-fashion version of Harry Potter. The LV hats would make a dashing 'Sorting hat' substitute and the bright coats with oversize rounded lapels would make Sybill Trelawney flutter.

Best Dressed at the 2012 Academy Awards
Getty

This year's red carpet seemed to be a lot more subtle than last year's, which is exactly what I said a year ago. We saw little drama but a lot of elegance, so I am happy.

My three absolute winners are Rooney Mara in Givenchy Couture, Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton and Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford. All three dresses were stunning, unique and very simple. It was all about the details – the slickness of white, the layers of chiffon, the play with textures. They are three of my all-time favourites so I was thrilled so see them look so beautiful, especially Gwyneth who wasn't even nominated!

My two big surprises of the night were Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen and Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera. The first because I felt like she hadn't quite found her style until now (and I loved the hair) and the second because she had 'it' but hasn't been too successful showing it in the past – Fey was the epitome of elegance last night.

Natalie Portman and Sandra Bullock were a bit hit and miss for me because even though they looked really pretty, they failed to have that something that makes a look Oscar-worthy. In the case of Natalie's vintage Dior I think it was the overly simple silhouette and informal pattern, and in Bullock's case it was the odd fit of her Marchesa that didn't feel age appropriate.

Getty

Best Dressed of the Weekend: Michelle in Erdem, Part II
JustJared

This week I am very happy with the mix of women on the BDOWeekend post! So happy, in fact, that I am not ranking them because I can't choose.

Naomi Watts' Stella McCartney look from the Resort 2012 collection is the ultimate example of understated elegance. I love the top white panels, which make the dress super modern. I also love the fact that there's barely any accessories (perhaps a different clutch?) but the hair and the shoes are simply spot-on.

Brooklyn Decker makes a second appearance on this post in a very different look. Her Proenza Schouler dress has all the right vibes for a pre-Superbowl event. It's the perfect time to give the luxury sportswear trend a go! I am not super keen on the bag but the Karl shoes add the perfect touch.

Rooney Mara just can't get it wrong. She's on like her bizillionth red carpet hit, this time in Louis Vuitton  Pre-Fall 2012. It could have been a boring look had the dress been black but the emerald green injects energy into the look and works great with Rooney's skin tone and dark hair.

Michelle Williams has adopted a much more pin-up-ey attitude lately, no? Like she's been hanging out with Dita von Teese. And it works brilliantly with her SS12 Erdem dress. I didn't think she could top her last Erdem moment but I was definitely wrong. She looked stunning.

Lana del Rey covers the new British Vogue!
TFS

British Vogue has finally done it!! They have not only delivered a brilliant new cover but they have also managed to be ahead of American Vogue for once. And they have Lana del Rey to thank for it. Lana, shot by Mario Testino, covers the March issue of the magazine in a yellow Louis Vuitton number from the SS12 collection. The magazine has now featured the main two spring collections so it'll be interesting to see what's on the April cover.

The timing of the issue is, of course, perfect as Lana's album has been released this week after months of buzz about it. I haven't had a chance to listen to it in full but its reviews are really good! There has also been a lot of talk about where she comes from and what she did before but, honestly, I couldn't care less. If no one cared about Lady Gaga's why should we care about Lana's past? She is stunning and there is something so intriguing about her eyes. I love everything about her and I hope to be seeing great moments of her on the red carpet. After all, she started off quite well –you might remember her Prabal Gurung moment a few weeks ago or her super chic Antonio Berardi look in her 'Born to Die' video.

Are you a fan?

Best Dressed of the Weekend: Alexa and the side-slit
JustJared, Courtesy of Burberry

I found it hard this weekend to rank the four ladies on my Best Dressed of the Weekend because each of them have such individual styles.

It would be fair to say, though, that out of all four of them Alexa Chung was probably the one that surprised me the most. Not because she chose Burberry –everyone knows she's a big fan– but because how sexy the look was. We're used to short mod dresses but it's not often we see her pulling off sides-slits like this. I love how she balanced it out with the coat and the silver platform shoes was a perfect touch.

Amanda Seyfried went for a simple pale pink Calvin Klein number very much in the style that Alexa is known for, which she accessorised with a pair of nude YSL Trib Two pumps.

Isabel Lucas, one of my favourites in terms of style at the moment, wore Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall'11to celebrate the opening of the brand's Sydney flagship store. I just love how she managed to look dressed up but thanks to the prints the look still had some of her bohemian surf-girl vibe in it.

Amber Heard, who has been looking incredible during her 'Rum Diary' press tour, chose Dolce & Gabbana for a screening of the film in the Bahamas. Is it just me or could se be the new Dita von Teese?

There was a bit of buzz this morning in the office as some of the die-hard Beyoncé fans watched the new 'Play' Beyoncé video. I've always been keen on Queen B but being around these people every day has definitely made me pay more attention.

You know how much I love some current high fashion on a music video so it's no surprise that I'm posting about this. I love the mix of high and low and the styling of all the rest of the cast including B's sister Solange and of Kelly Rowland.

After watching it a couple of times to do the screen caps I noticed a few of the shots were very similar to the editorial by Sharif Hamza that Beyoncé did for the Dazed & Confused July11 issue. This made me wonder whether this video was shot quite a few months ago (B doesn't look preggers at all), which would explain the abundance of SS11 and FW11 pieces that would have been a lot more new then.

In any case, it's a really amazing fun video –you can watch it here– and the great styling only makes it better!

Vevo screen caps, Style.com, TFS

This season of Gossip Girl is being a rollercoaster. I loved last week's episode but 'Memoirs of an invisible Dan' was so dull! I could cope with an uneventful episode if, like they used to, Serena and Blair would change four or five times during the day but it seems this season we're not getting more than a change of clothes.

Serena, who I'm happy to say is still the best dressed, looked amazing in a Yigal Azrouel dress that she wore with amazing snakeskin YSL wedges and a Jody Candrian cuff was the perfect example of a day-to-night look. Once she took off the chunky cardi she was ready for a cocktail. I also loved her 'relaxed' look with the sequinned Haute Hippy skirt and the cozy tank top.

Blair had a hit and a miss this week. The hit was the Louis Vuitton Resort 2012 print dress with the chiffon hemline that she wore with a stunning Prada bag. The miss was her evening look –a Peter Som SS10 dress with a beautiful textured top that was spoiled by the ragged silk skirt that looked really cheap. It was less conservative than normal but I wasn't keen on it.

There's little else to report on the rest of the characters. Liz Hurley keeps looking hot but exactly the same as every week, the boys are looking good but not trying hard enough, not even Chuck. And Lily had two hits but she's got so little screen time we barely have time to enjoy them.

CWtv.com, Style.com

After a slightly boring episode the week before, Gossip Girl added a little of much needed drama into episode 3. Serena was, again, my best dressed this week. Her look went along the same line as last week's, which I loved, but this time it was a bit more city-appropriate. I loved the Oscar de la Renta cuff that matches the earrings from last week and Charlotte Olympia 'Dolly' pumps in a citrus green. Unfortunately, this was the only look we saw from her this week. Since when does Serena van der Woodsen pass on a fashion show and party invitation?
Jenny Packham's fashion show and party was another nice surprise. The deisgner has been a regular to Gossip Girl in the past. In fact, Blair and the Duchess of Cambridge have both worn the same dress! Perhaps that's why after her SS12 collection Style.com finally decided to add her to the list of designers displayed on the website.

CWtv.com, Style.com, Elle.co.uk

I loved Liz Hurley in the white Marios Schwab dress this week. It was body-con enough for her but the design and the detail across the top made it kind of interesting for her, it just felt modern. (Sometimes I sound like Nina Garcia, no?)

Blair has gone back to her old boring dressing habits a little... Though I must say I am still loving her attitude. The way she carries herself this season is different, like she suddenly feels super cool.
My favourite look form her in this episode had to be the lovely Louis Vuitton number from the Resort 2011 collection. The flower print and the bow at the waist scream Blair Waldorf and the bustier top adds a touch of sexiness. She also wore well the Jenny Packham but the evening look didn't feel as special this time...
On another note, I am not convinced that the prince is the father. It's GOT TO be Chuck, otherwise the show is doomed! How amazing would a baby of theirs look in a little bowtie?!

I have mentioned a couple of times in the past about how big a fan I am of the so called 'airport chic' style. There is something about dressing up or down or wearing odd clothes combinations that simply fascinates me. I have a lot of fun doing it myself and I even go as far as buying things I will only wear to fly (i.e. my Lanvin x H&M merino wool bottoms). I also keep a good folder of celebrity airport look pictures. My absolute favourites are Charlize Theron, who always looks so effortlessly stylish, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who will literally wear everything and anything paired with anything from a furry puppy to a vintage Kelly bag. I'm also quite keen on some of Victoria Beckham's and Rachel Bilson's looks as long as they're not too dramatic. And it's because of this that I'm fascinated with Lily Allen's latest look. She was recently seen at LAX carrying a Pegase 65 Louis Vuitton suitcase with the initials L.R.C. and one of Prada's Mexican delirium totes from this season. So I obviously went looking for my favourite travelling bags on line right away and this is the result.

1. Personalised Pegase 55 trolley @LouisVuitton.com , 2. Trussardi 1911 ethnic print bag @ Yoox.com, 3. Lanvin quilted leather suitcase @ Net-a-Porter, 4. Prada striped tote @ Saks.com, 5. Mulberry hot pint fold-up bag @Net-a-Porter, 6. Missoni travel bag @ Yoox.com, 7. Alexander Wang leather back pack @ BrownsFashion.com, 8. Personalised Keepall 55 @ Louis Vuitton.

Best dressed of the weekend: Jessie J

I spent a big part of my Sunday night watching videos of Jessie J on youtube. I didn't know who she even was until I saw her perform on Graham Norton a couple of weeks ago. On Saturday she was SNL's musical guest (a very big deal!) and she was incredible on stage. I really like her music, kind of a vintage R&B, and her style. She combines a kind of cabaret/pin-up aesthetic with very contemporary clothes that are often extremely tight or see-through —e.g. leotards or bodysuits— and yet she looks classy and cool unlike Nicki Minaj, whose style I simply don't get. Her fuchsia leotard look for SNL reminded me a lot of Versus famous FW10 line and Louis Vuitton's FW11 one, of which I hated everything apart from the corset shorts. And I liked how it was combined with patterned tights that I thought to be thigh-high boots very similar to the amazing Patternity ones I saw a while ago at Selfridges and. And it works as a bonus that she has this amazingly straight and shiny bobbed hair, which is 100% natural!

You can watch her SNL performances here and here. Are you a fan?
I'm off.

[Pictures: YouTube Screen caps, Style.com, patternity.co.uk]

Gossip Girl Fashion: "The Kids Are Not Alright"

Gossip Girl has FINALLY returned this week and so has this feature on soVIPzone. Now, I have to firstly advice those who haven't watched episode 12 to please stop scrolling down as there may be spoilers ahead. I am getting bored of saying that (not that anyone's complained) so just be aware for the future. The title of the post is, after all, rather evident.
I would like to start the post with my favourite moment of every Gossip Girl episode —the breakfast. This week I have been particularly lucky to enjoy two types of this particular Upper East Side morning meal. The first was, of course, the Humphrey-Van-der-Woodsen one at a restaurant this time. I was surprised of how much they're mixing it up these days having omelettes instead of waffles and even drinking grapefruit juice! A little more glamourous and sexy was Chuck's breakfast —mimosas on a limo and fresh-looking women.

I have this thing for Penelope and that-other-girl-whose-name-get-srarely-mentioned. I think they should have bigger parts on the show, maybe as a part of the Blair Waldorf world domination plan. I really want to know their stories and I want them to have good lines opposite Blair. While that happens, we can enjoy the always matching outfits both of them wear in every single episode.

Fashion-wise this episode wasn't the most exciting. The wardrobe kind of went back to the first weeks of the season, that is, everything is nice enough but it was missing that 'je-ne-sais-quoi'. However, I did quite enjoy Blair's Louis Vuitton Resort 2007 number (and Serena's leather Longchamp travel set) as well as Serena's Burberry checked trench and Lily's ever so chic silver silk Luisa Beccaria FW10 gown (awaiting for designer).

Other fashion highlights of the show include Serena dressing up as her mum to sneak into the bank and looking exquisite. It might just be me but she does look a lot like Lily then. The way she carries herself outside the bank and the way she holds her head inside are very much Lily mannerisms.

I love the way Blair's wardrobe is slightly turning. She is becoming more relaxed and mature, almost cool. I really enjoyed the dark green coat and pashmina combo at the beginning of the episode. Not as much as I enjoyed her beautiful Oscar de la Renta gown, though. She makes everything look so easy to wear, I love Blair at the moment.

Like mother like daughter. Or the other way around. The fact is that I realised how much I like Eleanor Waldorf in this episode. She has such a presence but in a very different way than Lily's. She doesn't need to be overly subtle or do slow small movement with her head because she has that presence. She also looked stunning at the party towards the end. As she did too sipping tea and reading the paper in her dressing gown later. I hope they turn this into another classic GG moment when Blair and her mum have heart-to-hearts every week.

The only to slightly funny things that caught my attention on this episode are how Rufus and Lily have about two or three sips of champagne before they leave (I wonder if they drink Moët or Dom Perignon) and if their (invisible) maid just finishes them off —because is she does she must be quite the alcoholic. The other is Blair's initials at the top of her CV. They have been turned into some kind of logo, they almost look regal.

This plot turn has me quite excited. It was quite clever to write up a character who can fight Chuck Bass. The fact that he can always win is cool but it gets old. So the fact that there is a new big businessman in town who lights a fight as much as Chuck seems refreshing. Add a hot, smart daughter into the equation and you have a winner.

And lastly, but most definitely not least, the Blair and Dan affair. I already had a feeling about their chemistry before Christmas but now it's so evident. I am not 100% sure they will end up together but, at the very least, we'll be able to enjoy some of the best GG conversations ever between the two of them.

I'm off.

[Pictures: CWTV.com, Screen caps]

It's Spring in Paris

It's that time of the month again when new magazine covers and storied start surfacing. Vogue Paris (surprise, surprise) is among them and I am in awe of their über-colourful cover. Lara Stone (again, surprise) presents the issue dressed in some of the genius Louis Vuitton collection for SS11. The cover also promises some private time with Colin ("Colin Firth en privé") and it includes their Spring/Summer collections special. And that's exactly the feature I am most excited about, as no other Vogue does the one-look-per-designer editorials like the French do.

Part of their 65 looks of summer special is an editorial featuring also Lara Stone and Sasha Pivovarova shot my Mario Sorrenti (yes, surprise again) and styled by Emmanuelle, Jane How and Carine. I realised this is most likely the last work as both editor and stylist we'll ever see from Carine, which is terribly upsetting but also slightly exciting.

What do you think of the issue?
I'm off.

PS. All the "surprise" in this post are meant to be pronounced in French.
[Pictures: TFS]

Some Alba to end the year

First of, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Giulia and I hope you've had a great few days and that Santa has been as kind to you as, we know, you deserve (you read soVIPzone, after all). We hope that your new leather iPad covers, winter fedoras and fur vests have kept you amused enough for our absence to go unnoticed. Just as we're gathering forces to post are round-up of the year, choose our New Year's ensembles and write down (or list) our resolutions for 2011 we thought we'd make one last regular post on 2010. Jessica Alba has pretty much owned it this year in and out the red carpet. She's as good an actress and she is a mum and she's now adding style icon to the list. She's now on the cover of the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar Australia looking incredible in some Louis Vuitton, which makes us doubt the obsoleteness of Cruise collections. It also sets the mood for the new season, SS11, which we'll soon be getting ready for.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Celebrity-Gossip.com]