Who's that girl?

I normally don't pay too much attention to celebrities I don't know so it's something of an event when I start remembering a face whose name I don't know. And that's what happened with Teresa Palmer. She started popping up here and there when she was said to be dating Adam Brody (a downgrade from Rachel Bilson, if you ask me) but I didn't notice her until the last few weeks when she started her press tour for the film 'I am number four'. I was surprised to see such a relatively unknown name wearing key SS11 looks from big brands. She looked pretty incredible in the turquoise Pucci mini dress and its black maxi cousin but it was the two Versus SS11 looks (one below and one here) and a Christopher Kane (despite the dreadful hairstyle) that really impressed me. She still has a lot to learn but she's definitely one to look out for.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Zimbio.com]

Oscars 2011: The unusual suspects

As you know, I have more often than not strongly disagreed with Jessica Biel's red carpet choices. She always tends to wear boring, cheap-looking or quite simply horrible dresses to events. I can't come to terms with the fact that Justin Timberlake, one of the most stylish men in Hollywood, allows her to leave the house sometimes. But there is always hope, and stylists. I don't know if she has hired someone new, Zoe would do, but her SS11 Versace Atelier rocked my world. Even though we saw almost the entire collection at either on the red carpet or the stage I was happy to see my favourite pieces, such as this kind of patchwork sparkly number, in movement. Kate Beckinsale, on the other hand, is not someone I consider unstylish but just like Diane Kruger always wears Chanel, she always wears a dress white with a trail. So it was nice to see her in something more form-hugging and black. The choice, a Julien McDonald was a bit Amy Adams but I really loved the line of see-through gauze on the sleeves. Also, the hair was such a hit!

I'm off.

[Pictures: Celebrity-Gossip.net]

Oscars 2011: Less is more

I am rather disappointed with this year's Oscar red carpet looks. I was surprised not only not to find Angelina, Charlize Theron and Diane Kruger amongst the guests but also to see Natalie Portman and Gwyneth Paltrow in very bland dresses. Luckily, one can always count on Cate Blanchett to save the night. She was unarguably the best dressed at the Oscars in an incredible lilac and neon yellow beaded Haute Couture dress fresh of the Givenchy SS11 runway. She always makes such edgy choices that she wears with incredible taste. Number two on my ranking is very unexpected even for myself. Amy Adams chose the right shape of dress with a sexy back slit and covered neckline all covered in L'Wren Scott navy sequins. The choice of colour was perfect for her skin tone (for once) as were the jade, diamond and emerald jewels.

Third on the list is Mila Kunis, who had been building up to this moment. She saved this stunning lilac and nude lace Elie Saab number, which was made grand and occasion-appropriate by the glamourous hair-do and the smoky eyes. I loved everything about her and was happy to see her having such a great moment. And lastly, one of my favourite girls. Michelle Williams has been having some up and downs over the last few months but she made it clear that the only thing a girl needs is some Chanel Haute Couture. I loved how they turned the original dress into a body-con beaded masterpiece and how she relied on a good haircut and light make up.

On a different note, I need to point out Anne Hathaway's style throughout the show. For the red carpet she wore a red Valentino from 2002, when Garavani was still in charge, and even though she looked stunning there was something not quite right, which is why she wasn't on my best dressed list. However, there were two looks she wore during the Oscars that did out her here. The first was a Lanvin tuxedo, which she wore with a ponytail and Ryan Atwood sparkly pumps. And the second was an Amarni Privé number from the Haute Couture SS11 collection. Giulia and I were thrilled she wore it as we had predicted she'd wear it a few weeks before. Who was your favourite?

I'm off.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net]

Is that Posh?

Victoria was seen yesterday leaving the big apple after the success of her FW11 collection and a sweet interview with Jimmy Fallon. The Beckhams are coming back to London just in time for fashion week. I was surprised to see Victoria in a tee, leather jacket and beanie (and bag from her own line). We rarely get to see a very casual Vicks but I really like it. It might be that she's trying to channel some of that London street style inspiration Anna Wintour talked about earlier this week or maybe she's expanding the range of styles of her own line. In any case, despite the slightly too big sunglasses and questionable beanie choice, I like where this is heading.

I'm off.

[Pictures: celebrity-gossip.net]

Grammys 2011: Couture frenzy

I never thought I would be choosing the Grammys red carpet choices over the BAFTAs'. The British red carpet usually delivers the best subtly grand looks but this year there was little excitement in the wardrobe department. Over in LA, however, everyone donned the best of the best. We saw, at least, four or five Haute Couture pieces from the SS11 collections shown in Paris only a couple of weeks ago. My favourite by a mile was Florence (sans la machine) in Givenchy couture. I daresay she even looked cooler in it than Carine Roitfeld, who wore it in NYC for the AmfAR gala. Florence already caught my attention two weeks ago when she appeared on Gossip Girl. There is little room for improvement once you wear Givenchy couture but if she keeps this up I'll soon be a fan.

Rihanna, whose still I'm still loving, wore not one but two couture gowns last night. The first was a SS11 Jean Paul Gaultier, which on the catwalk looked a little like a wedding dress but it was perfect for Ri-Ri, who refrained from accessorising it. Good choice. The second gown belonged to Christian Dior's FW10 couture collection, one of my favourite ones of the last few seasons. I really liked the fact that they made it a little sexier by lifting the front chiffon and pansies print.

The other attendees in couture were Nicole Kidman, who also wore SS11 Jean Paul Gaultier, and Nicki Minaj also in Givenchy. Who was your favourite?
I'm off.

[Pictures: Style.com, JustJared.buzznet.com]

Best dressed of the weekend: BAFTAs

I was originally planning a bigger BAFTAs edition of the 'Best dressed of the week post' but most attendees didn't try very hard. Emma Watson, in Valentino, looked slightly off with a very old hair style that didn't do her any good. Emma Stone, in that Lanvin Karlie wore, was on the right track but there was a something missing. And everyone else, except Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann, looked either too plain, too slutty or too dressed. Apart from these three ladies below, that is.

Julianne Moore made up from her bad GG look by looking ravishing in a cobalt blue velvet Tom Ford (?). The wavy tied-back hair and the red lips and light makeup were as perfect as the subtle diamond jewellery. Just wait for her Oscars look.

Hailee Steinfeld has been on endless blogs over the last few weeks. Her previous Miu Miu and Prada looks have proved that she knows how to be fashion-forward while staying age-appropriate. Her Miu Miu choice for the BAFTAs was a great evening choice both as a dress and as jewellery, as it needed none. I'd love Hailee to be in a film with Elle Fanning. Think of those press tours...

I was completely oblivious of the fact that Jessica Alba was attending this year's ceremony. She donned one of my favourite SS11 Versace Atelier gowns (from that post where I said how much I'd love Christina Hendricks to wear it that I then had to take down because the pictures had been leaked) and, being completely objective, she outshone all the Brits. Her choice of hair and jewellery perfectly complemented the gown and, well, it's Jessica Alba, she'd look good in a bin bag.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Celebrity-Gossip.net, JustJared.buzznet.com]

Alexa for Net-a-Porter

Net-a-Porter is introducing a change to their seasonal printed magazine. For their SS11 issue, available to buy online on February 16 for £7, they have featured for the first time celebrity stars. Alexa Chung, shot by Kang Z Feng, and Anna dello Russo, shot by Giampaolo Sgura are meant to epitomise this season's two biggest trends —the minimalist garçon look and the pompous style. I absolutely love both shots but especially Alexa's, who is wearing that Erdem dress I first fell in love with when I saw it on Michelle Williams. And it goes in line with today's first post. Red, it seems, is the colour of the day!

I'm off.

[Picture: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter]

Best dressed of the weekend: Unexpected guests

When I picked the three ladies that would make it into this week's 'Best dressed of the week' I knew that there would be some controversy about two of them. No one will argue how unbelievably chic Kate Moss looked trotting the streets of Paris at the beginning of the weekend. It's hard to find any flaws in her style, especially these days when she's keeping clean, staying out of trouble and getting engaged in Paris. Katie Holmes and Emily Rossum are another story. I choose Holmes' look because, while somewhat conservative, I felt it kind of channeled Jackie O. Which is not surprise considering Katie recently played her for a TV miniseries. I love the combination of the blouse, the light washed jeans and the low cowboy boots. And then, Rossum. I have never liked it as she's always seemed too cheesy for my taste. But she looks charming in that red and burgundy Etro dress very much in line with the 20's orientalism we saw at Louis Vuitton's SS11 show but rather more restrained. Agree?

I'm off.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net]

Collage Sunday, 06.02.11

Having Mischa Barton as the centre of our Collage Sunday seems a little anachronistic, I know. But when Giulia did her Rachel Zoe's girls post I felt like there was a main figure missing. It would have been unfair to simply add a couple of pictures of Mischa in it because, even though she's not fashion-relevant at the moment, hers and Marissa's wardrobe in The O.C. marked a before and after on the role of fashion on TV (at least for younger, hipper audiences than Sex and the City's). Mischa and her alter ego personified the ultimate boho chic style (brought to perfection in the Missoni look below and in this other one) in the most effortless of ways. She seldom wore heels on TV and every bag design Chanel ever made was worn by Marissa to school. In 2006 Mischa left the show in style wearing Chanel's SS06 closing look paired up with gladiator sandals for her graduation after three years of continuous hits.

On a more personal note I'd like to comment on The O.C.'s influence on my friends' and my own fashion sense. This show encouraged in us the idea of fashion as a way to express yourself in a natural way. And because of that, and because of how much some of us tried to emulate it I'd like to dedicate this post to my friend María. Her Prada boots and D&G tops were the Coop to my Cohen argyle jumpers.
I'm off.

[Pictures: OC-addict.com]

Vanessa Bruno's corals

This week I am starting to experiment that first feeling of anticipation that one gets at the beginning of the new season. I am thrilled that bold colours are everywhere for S/S11 moving on from last year's neutral/khaki domination (which I enjoyed but got tired of). While I put together a special Spring post, which is coming up, I looked at some recent celebrity looks from LA —the only place where people hate FW collections. Rachel Bilson hasn't appeared on soVIPzone for a bit but she's back in style. She was seen out and about yesterday getting ready for a TV appearance in a very lady-like classic ensemble. I love how the dress and the Chanel bag keep things quiet and the shoes and necklace help add an edge. but I particularly like her Vanessa Bruno coral jacket. I have always been a massive fan of the brand and of that colour (which my beloved friend Maria excellently wears every summer) and this upcoming season the two have come together. Check out the whole Vanessa Bruno line over at Net-a-Porter.

I'm off.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Net-a-Porter.com]

Giambattista's boutique opening

I still remember how Giulia jumped up and down (literally but in a classy way) when she first heard Giambattista Valli was opening his first store ever in Paris at the beginning of the year. She loves his clothes to the point of madness. And so does the rest of the world. He has an exquisite eye to create modern shapes reminiscent of the golden eras of fashion to make a woman feel and look beautiful. Even even more so if the woman is already stunning as it is. That's the case of Diane Kruger (not in Chanel, for once), Lapo Elkann's ex (who he didn't deserve anyway) Bianca Brandolini and Industrie's über-chic Editor-at-Large Elizabeth von Guttman. They all went out to celebrate the store opening at the Rue Royale, which coincided with the designer's collaboration line with Longchamp sold exclusively at the new boutique.

In case you don't remember (I doubt you don't) here is the SS11 collection. Not Giulia's or my favourite because he tried to do the same kind of minimalistic thing everyone was doing. But it improves about halfway through when the leopard comes into scene. (Sorry about the quality, couldn't find the full show better).

I'm off.

[Pictures: Style.com]

Jessica Alba's über-chic Parisian trip

Jessica Alba is definitely on a roll. I have been keeping a close eye on what she's worn for the last 5 weeks and she has proven that she has a great personal style. Not only her red carpet and party dresses have been excellent choices but her street style is even more spot-on. This week we have seen a lot more from her as she travelled to Paris to attend some of the Haute Couture shows and Paris Vogue's Gucci party. For the latter she donned a sparkly cocktail dress by the Italian house, which looked almost like a big jewell wrapped around her body. This dress would have looked rather slutty on mostly anyone else but Alba makes it look sexy and subtle. The drapey shoulder detail is a great call. I just hope we get some side and back shots to appreciate it fully.

My favourite thing about her style is that she doesn't really wear anything any woman wouldn't. And what I mean by that is you don't see outrageous stilettos and Hervé Légers to go grocery shopping. She loves her black and her leggings and always accompanies them well with a dash of colour. I am particularly keen on her leather-armed parka. Get me one, please.
I'm off.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, AllPosters.com, concorde-hotels.com]

Best dressed of the weekend: Leather is in

JustJared.buzznet.com, Zimbio.com

I had been looking out for great celebrity spottings during the weekend but, apart from the classic Jessica Alba weekend moment, there was nothing I wanted to post about. That changed this morning when I came across these pictures of Kate Bosworth and Leighton Meester in Chloé and Michael Kors. You would think both dresses are by the same designer as they seem like the cocktail and gown version of the same dress, no? I love how the Chloé number looks very Bosworth (aka: girly but simple and not too form-hugging) and how Leighton looks much like an amazon. Her hair really compliments the look.

My other spotting (picture on the right) has me quite excited. Elizabeth Olsen (A & MK's younger sister) made her Sundance debut this weekend while presenting "Martha Marcy May Marlene", her first movie. She had had very small parts in her sister's films from back in the day and now she's breaking through. And I say I am excited because it sounds like she is very talented but also because she has clearly inherited the Olsen genes of beauty and style. She is incredibly cute! She's got that broad Olsen smile and her style, while very different from her sisers' fashion-forwardness, seems quite cool so far. What do you think?

Golden Globes 2011: The year of minimalism

After going to bed at 4am and sleeping scarcely four hours to wake up early and edit pictures I finally give you the Golden Globes 2011 post! I keenly watched the red carpet and the entire show this year not to miss out on any outfits. We know that the Globes are just the warm-up to the Oscars in terms of fashion. Everyone tries to look as effortlessly glamourous as possible, which this year translated on minimalism as the main trend on the red carpet.
My three clear winners of the night were Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone and January Jones. I was thrilled that Rachel Zoe chose the beautifully sequined Armani Privé gown I first fell in love when Karlie Kloss wore it on the catwalk. It was simple yet tremendously sophisticated and very Anne -simply bananas. Emma Stone chose a salmon Calvin Klein Collection that needed no more than light make up, simple hair and a nice clutch. Check, check and check. And January, oh January. I literally gasped for air when I first saw her on the red carpet. Even though she already wore a cocktail version of this dress at Versace's SS11 show I loved the fact that she was channeling Mad Men this time with the hair and the modern take on Hollywood's golden era.

I really liked Claire Dane's pink Calvin Klein Collection. Especially the fold detail on the top. She looked lovely but there was a kind of spark missing. She was still one of the best dressed of the night. Now, Natalie Portman is a tough call. I was horrified when I saw her first but then I sat back and looked more carefully. If anyone could make her Viktor & Rolf dress look refined that's her. I liked that it was quite dramatic, apt for the role she was nominated for, and that it celebrated the woman she's become and the things she's achieved. I also thought the choice of wearing a necklace was a great way to draw a bit of attention away from the baby bump to the neck and balance the look up. And lastly (for now), Leighton Meester in Burberry Prorsum. She always looks so incredibly cool and feminine in anything. I love how she never lets dresses wear her and I particularly liked this one below because it was unexpected and very event-appropriate.

Who did you love most?
I will be back later today with some more good styling choices and my favourite, the worst dressed list! Stay tuned.
I'm off.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net]

Best dressed of the weekend: Bows, the good and the bad

Seeing as I have no inspiration to make a collage for today and since the Golden Globes are tonight and they will occupy tomorrow's post I thought it just made sense to post the 'Best dressed of the weekend' today. I don't know if it's because I actually look for pictures more avidly during the weekend but I'll never cease to repeat how much better everyone looks then. This weekend Kristen Dunst slipped into an absolutely stunning Rodarte, which worked so well with the simple girly hair and the dark eye shadow. Let me remember, however, Chloe Sevigny's amazing Rodarte moment from a couple days before. It's quite a coincidence how I should include Olivia Wilde on a post for the first time just when I have decided to start of The O.C. season two. I like her even more as a brunette and her A.L.C. has that kind of "I'm still a surfer girl" vibe to it. It's simple yet interesting and the nude and bronze colours really compliment her skin. Michelle Williams continues on her quest to have me forever in awe. This time she did it with a vintage-inspired Balenciaga dress. If you only look at the top half of the dress you're almost expecting a classic cocktail number, which is why the embroidered scalloped hem is simply genius. It suited her simple styles with heaps of sophistication. And lastly, someone I hardly ever like. Eva Mendes looked incredible in a sheer lace and chiffon Valentino culminating in an oversized black bow to the shoulder (proving Dannii Minogue had no clue what she was doing). What's fair is fair.

Now, this is not part of a best dressed list by any means. But I also didn't think I could let this moment go unnoticed. Some of you UK residents might have watched 'The Devil Wears Prada' last night (or maybe I was the only loser who spent his saturday night like that). If not, I am sure none of you feel like I'm talking about some obscure film. Funny they should decide to play it on the weekend when Jennifer Love Hewitt chose her horrendous Paule Ka dress. And I say funny because it was almost identical to the red "James Holt" dress exclusively designed to Miranda and which causes the "pursing of the lips".

I'm off.

PS. I would have totally included Leighton Meester in SS11 Marc Jacobs if the pictures had been out by the time I started editing.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Zimbio.com, FanPop.com, theage.com.au]

Quite quintessentially Kate Moss

It never ceases to amaze me how Kate Moss has managed to make of blazers, jeans and ankle boots an iconic style. It annoys me when people "don't see the big" deal because she looks so cool and sexy wearing outfits that anyone can put together at home without making too much effort. She's not papped as much as she used to now that there's no drama or endless ad campaigns centred around her but it seems she's gone back to her style roots. I love this very simple (or basic, if you will) outfit below. Especially, the Balmain leather blazer. The only thing I will never get about her is how she manages to stay healthy walking around London wearing only that in the winter.

I'm off.

[Celebrity-Gossip.net]

Best dressed of the weekend

I might or might not make of 'Best dressed of the weekend' a weekly feature on soVIPzone but the fact is that I find celebrities to be better dressed on weekends. Perhaps it's because they let the most personal part of their style breathe through when they are relaxed. This weekend we saw a rather demure (yes, you read correctly) Gaga wearing a Sally LaPointe SS11 dress, which seemed perfect for a woman's wedding day as long as she's actually attending her husband's-to-be funeral. I did, however, really liked the outfit and how the silhouette works great with Gaga. Her hair is also looking phenomenal at the moment. Let's hope she stays like that for another two or three days. Jessica Alba (on whom I've been fixating my eyes a lot lately) made it evident that she doesn't need any designer cocktail dresses and hours of hair and make-up to look incredible. This weekend she slipped into a grandpa cardi, which she wore with leggings and battered brown leather boots. I particularly liked the choice of earrings (despite my odd feelings towards hoops) and of sunglasses. I do believe a big Proenza PS1 would've finished the look quite well, no?

Lastly, we have Natalie Portman. I am still hurt that she never called to inform me of her engagement and bun in the oven before I found out online. But that's another story. She attended the Palm Springs International Film Festival wearing a unknown-so-far Vionnet SS11 sort of chemise dress with golden cuffs and neck. Personally, I found the choice not only exquisite on her but also quite apt for the occasion as it looked like what a (tasteful) ice skater or ballet dancer would wear. I am still hoping for THE Rodarte dress... Maybe for her wedding?
I'm off.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com]

Drew & Jil

I love Jil Sander's SS11 collection of bold-coloured semi-Couture since before I even saw it. I guessed a genius season when I first saw the men's show at Pitti last year. I think Drew looks really alive in this dress. I know it seems like an obvious and almost stupid thing to say but that's the best way to describe her. Just like it happened to Victoria Beckham in the orange Versace dress from seasons ago. There is something about orange dresses that makes me excited. Maybe because they're slowly becoming a classic. In any case, Drew looks incredible and she gives Jil Sander a whole different vibe than Kate Bosworth did (she looked beyond, though) a few weeks ago.

What do you think of the collection?
PS. I changed the picture because I believe the right shot will convince the unbelievers of how good this choice was.
I'm off.

[Picture: Zimbio.com]

Happy New Year!

About two hours ago I finally received my laptop charger, which I had cleverly forgotten in Spain last Wednesday when I headed back to London. I'd like to say sorry for the lack of posts. Being at home always makes me feel lazy and go out and not blog as much. My new year resolution is to get back to my regular blogging routine :) I assume everyone's got their outfits for tonight already laid out on their beds, your Louboutins polished and your hair straightened. But have you thought on what you'll wear tomorrow? Call me weirdo but I have a lot of fun putting together "lazy-day" outfits. The trick is to kind of look like a celebrity (the good ones, of course) without being one. Think black, oversized, layers and flats. Don't forget a good winter fedora or a beanie and your biggest sunglasses.
Happy New Year!

Thanks for your visits, comments & support throughout 2010!
Love,

Giulia & Iñaki

[Picture: Celebrity-Gossip.net]

The best PR for the best collection

I am extremely happy to see how after the last London Fashion Week some of my favourite British designers have really raised their PR game. Erdem is the best example of this. They have been doing an extraordinary job not only because we have been seeing their FW10 and SS11 collections non-stop over the past weeks but because the famous faces who have worn their dresses are the most stylish at the moment. Carey Mulligan's long number at the Dubai Film Festival reminded me of one of my favourite Keira moments from last spring, which was unforgettable. As was Michelle Williams' red lace look from the London premiere of Blue Valentine. It was also Michelle who wore another of my preferred dresses from the collection at another Blue Valentine press tour appearance. Less memorable but equally lovely were Lea Michele, Jessica Biel and Anne Hathaway.

But yesterday twitter brought my way another Erdem moment that will linger in my mind for a while. Jessica Alba shared a twitpic of herself in one of the brand's SS11 floral skirts and made me die. I like the fact that the skirt is the protagonist of the look and how she looks quite minimal but super stylish. I'm not quite sure what she does when she wears something but it's like magic happens. That's why I keep posting about her on soVIPzone.
Coincidentally, I attended the Starworks press day a while ago where the Swarovsky people were showing some of the London designers they had collaborated with for the SS11 season. Erdem was among them. It was incredible to be able to take a look at the clothes so closely. I loved how the brand's signature floral prints have become digital this season. They give the clothes a more contemporary feel and mixed with the Swarovky crystals and the hand-made collars and lace detailing the garments become feminine with an air of demure romanticism.

I'm off.

[Jessica Alba's twitter, Style.com, soVIPzone's]