I should know by now that the first episode of each Gossip Girl season is always really good fun but the episode that follows usually disappoints... 'Beauty and the Feast' is not a very eventful episode. We do get to see the last of the cast in LA, which I already said last week I enjoyed, but everything else is otherwise very blah.
What's not blah at all is the Serena's only outfit in this episode. If a van der Woodsen is not going to change three or four times she might as well make an impression with just the one outfit.
Coral and turquoise look so great on her so I'm glad she keeps wearing both. The jacket, which I first thought was this Vanessa Bruno one Rachel Bilson wore months ago, it actually Top Shop. I loved the fact that it was cropped so they paired it up with a high-waisted super short skirt and a striped tank top. And I loved the accessories even more –muted suede Prada sandals, an aquamarine Mulberry 'Taylor' bag, and (my favourite) a pair of Oscar de la Renta earrings with coral, green and turquoise stones. The only thing I wasn't too keen on were the two big flower rings, one also by Oscar, that were just a tad too much!

CWtv.com, SaksFifthAvenue, Mulberry, Lyst.com, Net-a-Porter

Blair's looks weren't as good as in the last episode but I stand by what I said about her grown-up style being a lot more chic than before. For the first part of the episode she wears one of Stella McCartney's famous citrus skirts from SS12. And I loved that she went over the top and kept the citrus vibe alive with a yellow ruffled silk top, an orange handbag and orange Brian Atwood pumps.
I realised I failed to comment on Blair's new hair colour this season. It's so chocolate! But it doesn't always look great. It depends so much on the colours she's wearing, which is a bit of a shame... But it looks amazing throughout this whole episode.
My favourite look this time was this very subtle golden brocade dress by Prada. It fit her like a glove and she kept it very simple but chic with aquamarine earrings and and a pearl colour tube clutch.
The third look was supposed to be some sort of laid-back pyjama ensemble but, of course, it's Blair so there's only so relaxed you can go. No trackie bottoms. Instead, Blair wears a sleeveless silk printed shirt that I really wish they made with a long sleeve for men. I would wear it with a blazer.
It looks like now that she's expecting and marrying a prince she's really stepping the fashion up. It was about time!

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]

anyone up for a BREAK?

I have never been able to begin to understand why most people hate Winter, and let alone their ridiculous obsession with the sticky warmth of the Summer. For me, the cold season is not only a time of "bad" weather, but the time to experiment with the enless posibilities of winter-wear. However, Cruise collections tend to leave me in a state similar to that of a little kid in a candy shop.

Out of all these collections, there has been one which I found particularly espectacular, that's because of it's simple way of reinterpreting the brand's winter view and being able to turn it into a perfectly viable look for an escape to an island.

If Frida Giannini's view for the F/W 2007 collection was a mountain getaway for rockstars, this is no different, except for the scenery. Black and white are, again, the clear dominant colours; they get mixed with glimpses of citrus brights and the most beautiful red.

The full skirts, fitted tops and leather biker jackets make the retro inspiration in the sixties undeniable and the driving gloves in leather are the perfect touch to culminate the looks.

The most beautiful feature of the collection is also the most innovative made in Gucci. Graphic bamboo and coral prints dance with the richest embroidery and make the catwalk show an unforgettable celebration of the best italian design.

[Pictures credit: style.com]

Click here to see the entire collection.

I'm off.