Viva España

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may have physically returned to South Africa, but I left my heart and mind in Spain. Never before have I felt more 'at home' in a country and moreover, a city like Madrid. The Spanish way of life and joie de vivre is intoxicating - with all the sidewalk cafés, old-fashioned buildings with modern-sided façades, tree-lined streets, Chocolaté and Churros, languid 10pm sunsets and dinners that last through the night, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">impeccably dressed city dwellers </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and a <i>Zara</i> (literally) on every corner, what's not to love? It's a place that I could never tire of, there is so much to see and experience and Spain's eminent character and intrinsic sense of hospitality made my stay there even more memorable. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are some of the cities and sights I was lucky to visit while there last month.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOhUMgx_QHlFkO7SaTSzHVpdaEUu2Wvyq6V1XtJElw02LB1VF9Vw0gle9rkSRUwqFfbCrAxC92M6jEeIZky3TNjL69TxUznTLgwpjxlTvQgaAERz-hLTC148kLeC_tMeemEk2QjiF2hMz/s1600/spain1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOhUMgx_QHlFkO7SaTSzHVpdaEUu2Wvyq6V1XtJElw02LB1VF9Vw0gle9rkSRUwqFfbCrAxC92M6jEeIZky3TNjL69TxUznTLgwpjxlTvQgaAERz-hLTC148kLeC_tMeemEk2QjiF2hMz/s640/spain1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The <i>Plaza Mayor</i> in Madrid is a popular city square where locals and tourists come to experience the contemporary culture that this engaging city has to offer. I sampled tapas for the very first time at one of the authentic Spanish bistros here. An eclectic array of artists, painters, dancers, buskers and street performers make their living in and around this 16th century 'rectangular' plaza. </span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP2t0R7AKn2cAePcVUOkjTmp0QUuGEAqrM5Nu0GlbF8ON7ampEVJCpMOPLb7q-Buxo3QVoFcw_mqRgtHVw2v0CVHwUfJhhh7EQBqmStUupLOSbDKIgghNKzzZH1zJZz9k1gVgq_fXxQGM/s1600/spain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP2t0R7AKn2cAePcVUOkjTmp0QUuGEAqrM5Nu0GlbF8ON7ampEVJCpMOPLb7q-Buxo3QVoFcw_mqRgtHVw2v0CVHwUfJhhh7EQBqmStUupLOSbDKIgghNKzzZH1zJZz9k1gVgq_fXxQGM/s640/spain2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We took a coastal drive down the spectacular Costa del Sol, where the sun kissed beaches and turquoise waters make it the perfect playground for holiday makers. We spent a night in the luxurious resort town of Marbella, which is a favourite suntanning spot of the rich and famous.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyu1B2g9w48820xDorE35VmxOrZvt5iP3xewZ8YuZeviiDe_rI2SU_Z6EIOZx6WWWTXd6GXR1SedLFkSHKPmPszQ9Btk9vwv8LLM6D1NJjFX1NLheIy48E9GxY2mk1c05AtKRlhE9Mcip/s1600/spain3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyu1B2g9w48820xDorE35VmxOrZvt5iP3xewZ8YuZeviiDe_rI2SU_Z6EIOZx6WWWTXd6GXR1SedLFkSHKPmPszQ9Btk9vwv8LLM6D1NJjFX1NLheIy48E9GxY2mk1c05AtKRlhE9Mcip/s640/spain3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The enchanting town of Avila, a sanctuary built inside Romanesque medieval walls, it is known for their very many Renaissance Palaces and churches, as well as an assortment of sweet treats made by the local nuns, with marzipan being at the top of the dessert pile.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sY6wwFZ5vPnBIjCcHmyMNa0RXKtHyoSAbeonJtwj5e1Ok1w0YA7gYNQaGyd36y8SuSdgm0j10hzrlOXRj6FTSqa7KUTh6ivfV_PmVtBlDm1C6ogxL6j8XmGoIYeuJqOHYKfXcec5Dw_V/s1600/spain4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sY6wwFZ5vPnBIjCcHmyMNa0RXKtHyoSAbeonJtwj5e1Ok1w0YA7gYNQaGyd36y8SuSdgm0j10hzrlOXRj6FTSqa7KUTh6ivfV_PmVtBlDm1C6ogxL6j8XmGoIYeuJqOHYKfXcec5Dw_V/s640/spain4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of the most spirited and energetic cities I visited was Salamanca. It's a charming fusion of young student culture, ancient architecture, foreign photo-happy tourists, Castilian heritage, serene landscapes and a leisurely atmosphere. Salamanca also houses the oldest university in Spain, imagine soaking up your education amidst these beautiful historic surroundings.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-ENg4WCc4tu5QnA4_w3c_p-X4cNUYmW_QSuznbJvr_ZwGKsC6Pzm7sc0mxvHOil97btVAXpNEyZSzEYl4ZaOgPpjZiGoKK5nY3VkhLWr2g5QCHnnXn-NPF9sZRG6Y7QPrdM6IPjf5jE5/s1600/spain6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-ENg4WCc4tu5QnA4_w3c_p-X4cNUYmW_QSuznbJvr_ZwGKsC6Pzm7sc0mxvHOil97btVAXpNEyZSzEYl4ZaOgPpjZiGoKK5nY3VkhLWr2g5QCHnnXn-NPF9sZRG6Y7QPrdM6IPjf5jE5/s640/spain6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A view of the <i>La Giralda</i>, a minaret-turned-bell-tower that forms part of the remarkable <i>Cathedral of Seville. </i>This Roman Catholic cathedral happens to be the third largest church in the world, built upon 23 500 square meters of Sevillian soil. It flaunts magnificent Gothic architecture and vivid stained-glass art from the 15th century.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Kums1fiD8BflzLBSiWzFEaBzHePBS_E2ZYwDAAV9f1pR88qAfnB3jGRx46jU9bhIT2sr3zkQzg678MIEYUoXspcW_9y_IEINxphS0LA1qh4pPLDdE4eV6-5XDOqvkRhW4h7c1NeMnQkZ/s1600/spain+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Kums1fiD8BflzLBSiWzFEaBzHePBS_E2ZYwDAAV9f1pR88qAfnB3jGRx46jU9bhIT2sr3zkQzg678MIEYUoXspcW_9y_IEINxphS0LA1qh4pPLDdE4eV6-5XDOqvkRhW4h7c1NeMnQkZ/s640/spain+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1. We booked a night out at a vintage theatre, where I was entranced by the incredibly talented, rhythmically stamping, castanet-clicking Flamenco dancers.<br /><br />2. The striking black and red fringed Flamenco costumes on sale on the sidewalks of Seville.<br /><br />3. A shady courtyard in the centre of Seville.<br /><br />4. The <i>Cervantes Monument</i> and bronzed statue of Don Quixote in <i>Plaza de España</i>, Madrid.<br /><br />5. You can't leave Spain until you've had Paella. I am now hooked.<br /><br />6. The statue of famous matador Curro Romero outside the <i>Plaza de Toros</i> in Seville.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0p5rW4UXiNhZeIHHkAC_bMl30ZEdGfICC0NIIvpoWaujBymtcOi3gnNuVz6niUBhDQEER3ISYh4_5WsGApwN03eDy08EcVA2I0Psadm15SCUHmiTg9N6n3YeD-bGWEzcH6Uf6WfTuxIk/s1600/spain+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0p5rW4UXiNhZeIHHkAC_bMl30ZEdGfICC0NIIvpoWaujBymtcOi3gnNuVz6niUBhDQEER3ISYh4_5WsGApwN03eDy08EcVA2I0Psadm15SCUHmiTg9N6n3YeD-bGWEzcH6Uf6WfTuxIk/s640/spain+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The picturebook town of Toledo, it's narrow winding streets and diverse archaic buildings tells a tale of three different religions and cultures that all resided harmoniously within ancient city walls during the 13th century. The town is connected by the Middle Ages-built Alcantara bridge that crosses over the tranquil river Tagus.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>*All photographs by me.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>

Viva España

I may have physically returned to South Africa, but I left my heart and mind in Spain. Never before have I felt more 'at home' in a ...

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Looks of the Week - 14/07/12

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a short holiday hiatus, '<a href="http://frillsandthrills.blogspot.com/search/label/Looks%20of%20the%20Week">Looks of the Week</a>' is back. These are the styles that have been on my fashion radar over the past two weeks. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Dressy Damsels</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6crAmfci3Iq5qe1Dzr9NI7VzqA2BohXd32xYMAy7n_uf2YP0B8hCj3tua__6FZeUm68nYydvgKk2KViYbEsSJM3Y_B39U36CBhqjGPFfwOQ-CWG23eHXl8ObbsCo22tKj51s_DV4I4ZsJ/s1600/looks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6crAmfci3Iq5qe1Dzr9NI7VzqA2BohXd32xYMAy7n_uf2YP0B8hCj3tua__6FZeUm68nYydvgKk2KViYbEsSJM3Y_B39U36CBhqjGPFfwOQ-CWG23eHXl8ObbsCo22tKj51s_DV4I4ZsJ/s640/looks1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*At the ESPY 2012 Awards, <b style="color: #c27ba0;">Jessica Biel</b> looked lovely in a feminine white frock by <i>Christian Dior</i> Resort 2013, with a scoop-neck bodice and bell shaped skirt. What added a magnetic appeal were a splendid pair of cream <i>Nicholas Kirkwood for Roksanda Ilincic</i> ankle-strap pumps with fluoro yellow heels.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Our favourite French fashionista, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Clémence Poésy</span></b> was demure in a crimson red <i>Valentino </i>dress with high round neck and short sleeves. She accessorized with a black clutch and ankle-srtap heels. I love how simplicity translates into elegance.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Ashley Greene </span></b>hit Comic Con 2012 with a suave sense of style. Her head-to-toe <i>Oscar de la Renta</i> look included a winsome black and white silk printed dress with flaired skirt and three-quarter sleeves, along with metallic bow-strap sandals and a gold sequin clutch.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*The stunning <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Sofia Vergara</span></b> recently celebrated her birthday, in no less than an <i>Oscar de la Renta </i>dress. She wore a romantic strapless white tea-length dress with intricate lace overlay. Coral chandelier earrings and tan sandals complete her outfit.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Side Walk Style </b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AYbvLv_MJziyMey-BRhwZWl4Psu1CFhp83Pp5EoslrG7GIdTbFki384KyoBGwS27zlMD2VBRmQ5FByO8etOl9M0lLH4jbWbbCg2ev4Me_TLgUyCuABqrL23z7CD-B4ue_GOJJmNyUbdF/s1600/looks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AYbvLv_MJziyMey-BRhwZWl4Psu1CFhp83Pp5EoslrG7GIdTbFki384KyoBGwS27zlMD2VBRmQ5FByO8etOl9M0lLH4jbWbbCg2ev4Me_TLgUyCuABqrL23z7CD-B4ue_GOJJmNyUbdF/s640/looks3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Freida Pinto</span></b> was out and about in New York City, looking vibrant in a sunny yellow <i>Rachel Roy </i>Resort 2013 dress. She artfully styled it with a navy blue blazer, <i>Tory Burch</i> sunglasses, a pair of violet pink <i>Roger Vivier</i> flats and a snazzy 'Micro Metro' rainbow-hued bag by <i>Roger Vivier</i> that perfectly tied it all together.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Probably the most modish teens on TV, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Zendaya Coleman</span></b> & <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Bella Thorne</b></span> added their bright charm to the streets of LA. Zendaya chose a watercolour print 'Carissa' dress by <i>Kate Spade</i>, teamed with lime green satin 'Luster' sandals by <i>Nina</i> <i>Electra</i>. Bella wore a white sheath dress, jazzed up by cerise pink sandals and a trendy neon yellow <i>Cambridge</i> satchel.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Victoria Beckham</span></b> never puts a style foot out of place and this week was no exception, as she donned an athletic-shaped saffron orange stretch-crepe dress with contrast grey straps from her Spring 2012 line. Lady V kept her accessories chic with nude <i>Giuseppe Zanott</i>i peep-toe platforms and a large leather and chain clutch from her own brand.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Pastel Pretty</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczzvwFc91kRIVibO0aPqEpalEsccvFbImvRTlgVTh5EzuRVWS8O_LZW66iNdsykeZFCcgdcCe2K_edf2L9HmzI9EJxMstI8CswmkpzRt5N6Gykd57wkrizqCQuudYeR0MMoYt46jAF06d/s1600/looks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczzvwFc91kRIVibO0aPqEpalEsccvFbImvRTlgVTh5EzuRVWS8O_LZW66iNdsykeZFCcgdcCe2K_edf2L9HmzI9EJxMstI8CswmkpzRt5N6Gykd57wkrizqCQuudYeR0MMoYt46jAF06d/s640/looks2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I hadn't paid much attention to 'Nikita' actress<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"> Lyndsy Fonseca</span></b> before this outfit. The 25-year-old looked fetching in a retro styled outfit by <i>The Hellers</i>. The minted green, peach and pastel pink floral print skirt was paired with a divergent print cropped bustier top, a style reminiscent of the 50's. She kept the rest of her outfit neutral with strappy nude sandals and a metallic leather <i>Lauren Merkin</i> clutch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Miranda Kerr</span></b> shows off her exceptional street style in a mint green wrap-over maxi dress with tie-up waist and low V-neck. Her look was enhanced with a colourful purple and gold <i>Hermés</i> Tiger Royal bag, <i>Prada</i> sunglasses and bejewelled flat sandals.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Olivia Palermo</span></b> was pictured in this syrupy sweet ensemble from <i>Valentino's </i>Spring 2012 collection. She wore a dainty carnation pink sheer lace shirt and matching mini skirt, along with a blush suede <i>Reiss</i> belt and crystal embellished <i>Giuseppe Zanotti</i> sandals.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Maria Sharapova</span></b> wins hands down for the most stylish sportswoman to have walked a red carpet. The tennis star looked exquisite in a lunar blue <i>J.Mendel</i> Resort 2013 gown in pleated silk chiffon with cut-out sides and bodice. A silver cuff, <i>Jimmy Choo</i> heels and simple upstyle complete her arresting look.</span></div><br /><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who's your favourite 'Look of the Week'.</span></i><br /><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></i>

Looks of the Week - 14/07/12

After a short holiday hiatus, ' Looks of the Week ' is back. These are the styles that have been on my fashion radar over the past t...

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Reem Acra Resort 2013

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not just the couture shows that showered us with exquisite designs for the year to come. Bridal designer Reem Acra brings a similar amount of prettiness and poise to her Resort 2013 collection. I've long admired the detailed craftsmanship of the Beirut-based Acra, but <i>this</i> is the collection that left me speechless.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Acra presents an enchanting range of evening gowns in bold jewel tones (emerald, ruby red and sapphire), sugary pastels (peach and mint green) and shades of champagne. Each look personifies elegance and romance. Ivory wedding dresses vary in degrees of opulence, from simple chiffon to those embellished with lace motifs and sprays of silver and gold beads. The cocktail dress is kept trim and polished with a wrapped bodice and lace sleeves. There are silken kaftans that would flatter any figure and pleated chiffon gowns that skim over the hip. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favourite are the strapless gowns with sweetheart necklines that unravel into voluminous skirts with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">layers of structured organza frills. They are pictured below in nude - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><i>first row</i></span>, royal blue - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><i>4th row</i></span> and coral pink - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><i>last row</i></span>. Everyone of these outstanding pieces deserve their place on the red carpet and down the aisle.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw406eHQthYnih1Wnzpk0fLPXupYh1HrtHWwy2lWkET_G3ni-iIA6J4x_Buuyy_7JV3kupdW-j4LpCENV_IFQz9pF2M6qZC9Sb9k5vdV5mGaUE7hCFp3MO3xaJDr5v7De1c1LcYUvVKw9z/s1600/reem1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw406eHQthYnih1Wnzpk0fLPXupYh1HrtHWwy2lWkET_G3ni-iIA6J4x_Buuyy_7JV3kupdW-j4LpCENV_IFQz9pF2M6qZC9Sb9k5vdV5mGaUE7hCFp3MO3xaJDr5v7De1c1LcYUvVKw9z/s640/reem1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKQTzzPZHNq4zTMNEm1KkfoirJy2hrg_8YNHCK3KnQdtlGPn9Pc2mpDqXMNy6s5BliReAfM0bdQHclGuNh5MaGmhRqbe_KonjgoHj6NgXC6O1l_Kl2MI9-TbnhwcAbESmaVbzOZqszqjJ/s1600/reem2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKQTzzPZHNq4zTMNEm1KkfoirJy2hrg_8YNHCK3KnQdtlGPn9Pc2mpDqXMNy6s5BliReAfM0bdQHclGuNh5MaGmhRqbe_KonjgoHj6NgXC6O1l_Kl2MI9-TbnhwcAbESmaVbzOZqszqjJ/s640/reem2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIBYQT_EcOOyULRsxU26DyvpuWS-whkzhhFkEgWhlYsAcdzvsGKixsRJpKjz7AWQwXMZvPK5HyXdaT5uhqb-InQ6IhdEiWvNFOz3cnWOMZqthTcM0mkr_QTz9HeRLgqezggmWDXzZBZ0A/s1600/reem3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIBYQT_EcOOyULRsxU26DyvpuWS-whkzhhFkEgWhlYsAcdzvsGKixsRJpKjz7AWQwXMZvPK5HyXdaT5uhqb-InQ6IhdEiWvNFOz3cnWOMZqthTcM0mkr_QTz9HeRLgqezggmWDXzZBZ0A/s640/reem3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEM_wBZ4IhFwadeuY4qlHv77r7IR5lPGHjOQLSn_uNjxSRSrUoCfQFGtXsaHQaHSmmqQeC69fFq6gniw3RkMzjHdsGQtEKF2P7zMqmYBXMIGVPBvUfK0P6lmwGw5NG2t-XiJ_8UslMcV4/s1600/reem4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEM_wBZ4IhFwadeuY4qlHv77r7IR5lPGHjOQLSn_uNjxSRSrUoCfQFGtXsaHQaHSmmqQeC69fFq6gniw3RkMzjHdsGQtEKF2P7zMqmYBXMIGVPBvUfK0P6lmwGw5NG2t-XiJ_8UslMcV4/s640/reem4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe3jh3jtXwv1UsmmX0LzlzuVp6_yFhtcaqM6dZbdLIedWzqluMXz6d423dHvsUjWAnHJAoG_9lXNDUWHlaxoDWdqXERHJcEULcK79422Mvj1nqXDVu2qzkUSnshU0-GE11p0E5lKnK43t/s1600/reem5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe3jh3jtXwv1UsmmX0LzlzuVp6_yFhtcaqM6dZbdLIedWzqluMXz6d423dHvsUjWAnHJAoG_9lXNDUWHlaxoDWdqXERHJcEULcK79422Mvj1nqXDVu2qzkUSnshU0-GE11p0E5lKnK43t/s640/reem5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIIY-UTJ5Hy-lYWiYyBvwmNyetLWi0ukz_Adio9yR64lxzBOAbxW2tStPkZcf5_AxoVhnPOn-xayNox2IfIwJQqyq1icp9iERenvqIBBXL1F9UKUuUaBmK2_TTsjtHAJz57krwuh8zq5t/s1600/reem6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIIY-UTJ5Hy-lYWiYyBvwmNyetLWi0ukz_Adio9yR64lxzBOAbxW2tStPkZcf5_AxoVhnPOn-xayNox2IfIwJQqyq1icp9iERenvqIBBXL1F9UKUuUaBmK2_TTsjtHAJz57krwuh8zq5t/s640/reem6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you have a favourite? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div>

Reem Acra Resort 2013

It's not just the couture shows that showered us with exquisite designs for the year to come. Bridal designer Reem Acra brings a similar...

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A Ray Of Style #6

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>The 'Spencer Hastings' Look</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>by Ray</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ray's outfit is inspired by <i>Spencer Hastings</i>, who you may know from the TV popular series 'Pretty Little Liars'. Spencer, played by Troian Bellisario is noted for her layering of feminine and masculine pieces in neutral colours. Her style is the epitome of classic and preppy. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AmNHazX35s5sgG_OyoXtlLH2fEiwxuiLcnnlKbuvuetBNkqrODblY546kiKjJ1_OInFrkcisoTztA-CSdxmql0ECs33puafs4HDr88KacZ0DRkjQkohxXIcEezV2Hn_1ff_j_rWTIPV8/s1600/spencerhastings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AmNHazX35s5sgG_OyoXtlLH2fEiwxuiLcnnlKbuvuetBNkqrODblY546kiKjJ1_OInFrkcisoTztA-CSdxmql0ECs33puafs4HDr88KacZ0DRkjQkohxXIcEezV2Hn_1ff_j_rWTIPV8/s640/spencerhastings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ray's Spencer-Inspired Outfit</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQC-9tyyN-Vt6Bv4kDBb_WBssdQuckC_hAE4hMw_KJ28LSexeGpGg_WbrTEy8K_nIOtpd52qIMWuUwFd45UXEaMc6DSYjyixAj59U-KG2oeaFRo8lUq7yAWpskXW5VXWfOv9QItbrCVOc/s1600/raystyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQC-9tyyN-Vt6Bv4kDBb_WBssdQuckC_hAE4hMw_KJ28LSexeGpGg_WbrTEy8K_nIOtpd52qIMWuUwFd45UXEaMc6DSYjyixAj59U-KG2oeaFRo8lUq7yAWpskXW5VXWfOv9QItbrCVOc/s640/raystyle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bright Coral blouse - <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Forever 21</span></i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Caramel knitted cardigan - <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Zara</span></i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tan oxford pumps - <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Forever New</span></i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Get The Look</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymoc7mCr0nAFQnJVsmMS-73D3RiZA0FEYTZviv-qLcyy4Pg9TJkYLY1f0x8Op4-lbF5eDjc-8Pzpb3mn32ZoNNHWqAj7qbSIEFUWjlbN_gw77zST92tpf7_4Y4oykLinzUUCOBdXQZnYD/s1600/rays+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymoc7mCr0nAFQnJVsmMS-73D3RiZA0FEYTZviv-qLcyy4Pg9TJkYLY1f0x8Op4-lbF5eDjc-8Pzpb3mn32ZoNNHWqAj7qbSIEFUWjlbN_gw77zST92tpf7_4Y4oykLinzUUCOBdXQZnYD/s640/rays+style.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*Special thanks to my dear cousin Ray for this outfit post.</i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /></div><br />

A Ray Of Style #6

The 'Spencer Hastings' Look by Ray Ray's outfit is inspired by Spencer Hastings , who you may know from the TV popular series ...

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The Floral Jeans Trend

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Arguably one of the biggest casual wear trends to sweep over us this year are floral jeans. The trend evolved from the beautiful floral prints displayed on the SS12 runways of designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Peter Som, Celine, Prabal Gurung and Diane von Furstenberg. Then we saw endless photos of celebrities like Olivia Palermo and Jessica Alba wearing a pair of brightly hued floral pants, turning it into a world-wide craze. But it's not just flowery blossoms that's catching on - visually interesting patterns, tie-dye, smudges and stripes have also been splashed to skinny denim jeans. These are some of the most eye-catching pairs designer denim pairs currently making waves.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbQroabqM6svYy7bmd8vgwE1H9RyB7vT_jikzuqpmu5TpW8beWnZUlBY1RZlRWHfHqCvevc5FgJ6Hqc8N5OylXSfIOwFSzjxyK8bYxrslOqaUTlx5tZU1S3-KRX_kiYG9Fv4p8iG2xqhj/s1600/floraljeanscelebs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbQroabqM6svYy7bmd8vgwE1H9RyB7vT_jikzuqpmu5TpW8beWnZUlBY1RZlRWHfHqCvevc5FgJ6Hqc8N5OylXSfIOwFSzjxyK8bYxrslOqaUTlx5tZU1S3-KRX_kiYG9Fv4p8iG2xqhj/s640/floraljeanscelebs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Stacey Keibler</b></span> in <i>7 For All Mankind</i>, paired with a white tank and neon pink clutch.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Beyonce</span> </b>wears a bright <i>Stella McCartney</i> pants with lumo yellow heels & pink belt.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Olivia Palermo</b></span> dons a <i>Paige Denim</i> tie dye pair with navy blue blazer.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Rihanna</b></span> looks suave in an ombre floral mesh print jeans by<i> Alexander Wang</i>.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Minka Kelly</span> </b>wears her flower printed pair by <i>Dolce & Gabbana</i> with a leather top, yellow clutch & blue heels.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk3ygN3BB1SP39W396kCb1rkSQKE8zsuwos1dwGsBqBkNouTDELNK7DLnl1prCq-2s4r7CIeTWJfwuUQykLawBB2N7XAwoUjHwapERmsCw4GgaFjTWRlKS2Vy7fGYEtXOsOLHe1mrn5rg/s1600/celebritiesfloraljeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk3ygN3BB1SP39W396kCb1rkSQKE8zsuwos1dwGsBqBkNouTDELNK7DLnl1prCq-2s4r7CIeTWJfwuUQykLawBB2N7XAwoUjHwapERmsCw4GgaFjTWRlKS2Vy7fGYEtXOsOLHe1mrn5rg/s640/celebritiesfloraljeans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Lana del Rey</b></span> wears a camel trench coat over her <i>Citizens of Humanity</i> skinnies.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Victoria Justice</b></span> is cute in a tribal print pair of <i>Rag & Bone</i> jeans.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Jessica Alba</span></b> is chic in a vibrant floral pair with electric blue heels and a leather jacket.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Olivia Palermo</span></b> in a jazzy botanical pair from <i>Topshop</i>, paired with bright yellow, black & leopard heels.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Kristen Cavallari</span></b> wears a berry-hued <i>Joe Jeans,</i> paired with all black.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Jenna Dewan</span></b> is casual in a pretty printed skinny jeans with grey tee and Panama hat.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Pretty Floral Prints</b></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqraE-CmCOBipIj8BjrFhXA8QrQPibq8UoqfPVU0LRUtEb7nvh4_5KpGk58ETSiT7eSSUbtd7GyKVb74sGtCH1hanEQmrWZZhVPe3q4DwOBO25weFCGpQpuP_BsyQgIZg40bPfkvZq6-I/s1600/floraljeans1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqraE-CmCOBipIj8BjrFhXA8QrQPibq8UoqfPVU0LRUtEb7nvh4_5KpGk58ETSiT7eSSUbtd7GyKVb74sGtCH1hanEQmrWZZhVPe3q4DwOBO25weFCGpQpuP_BsyQgIZg40bPfkvZq6-I/s640/floraljeans1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1. <i>River Island</i> multicoloured floral skinny jeans. $66 at <a href="http://www.asos.com/">Asos</a><br /><br />2. Brightly shaded floral skinny jeans by <i>Asos</i>. $31<br /><br />3. <i>Dylan George</i> watercolour skinny leg jeans. $189 at <a href="http://www.nordstrom.com/">Nordstrom</a><br /><br />4. <i>Paige</i> Tie & Dye Verdugo denim in amber. $199 at NeimanMarcus.com</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Not Your Average Blue Jeans</b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuM-chmxG_UQf9SVUf4-TQiKGBCxb8EWCRxuZNuLcRrQD88t6R2-NLWtqgxBgaBpkqGrroWe5l9Wioj8i9yI88xSU4Gj1mdZBGKBexsTjXRoGFZx8Eqhz9isVCGIDvXYPcNUrra-nV2-he/s1600/floraljeans2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuM-chmxG_UQf9SVUf4-TQiKGBCxb8EWCRxuZNuLcRrQD88t6R2-NLWtqgxBgaBpkqGrroWe5l9Wioj8i9yI88xSU4Gj1mdZBGKBexsTjXRoGFZx8Eqhz9isVCGIDvXYPcNUrra-nV2-he/s640/floraljeans2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5.<i> Citizens of Humanity</i> Avedon Morris paisley print jeans. $218 at <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/">Shopbop</a><br /><br />6. <i>True Religion</i> Stella skinny tie-dye jeans. $216 at Saks Fifth Avenue.<br /><br />7. <i>Genetic Denim</i> Shya cigarette jeans with glazed houndstooth print. $220 at Shopbop.com</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Designer Vibrance </b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKrYQJYap9ImlLWLhbiGej8zhulhyEmONvqj9T-cssnPwfJF5owr79LOoNeXLxvrId0XeLf63HAiD6t8u-ZE-pAy-2ppFJubuGqbTsIDPrEwAwVd76qTw9tVUpnWg8m2YxDALFq_-UezH/s1600/floraljeans4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKrYQJYap9ImlLWLhbiGej8zhulhyEmONvqj9T-cssnPwfJF5owr79LOoNeXLxvrId0XeLf63HAiD6t8u-ZE-pAy-2ppFJubuGqbTsIDPrEwAwVd76qTw9tVUpnWg8m2YxDALFq_-UezH/s640/floraljeans4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <i>Dolce & Gabbana</i> floral printed white straight leg jeans. $260 at <a href="http://www.farfetch.com/">Farfetch</a><br /><br />9. <i>Goldsign</i> virtual printed floral cropped jeans. $112.50 at <a href="http://www.netaporter.com/">Net-a-porter</a><br /><br />10. <i>Diane von Furstenberg for Current/Elliott </i>classic skinny jeans in tropical mint. $184 at <a href="http://www.stanwells.com/">Stanwells</a><br /><br />11.<i> 7 For All Mankind</i> 'The Skinny' print jeans in garden floral. $189 at Nordstrom.com </span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Black & White</b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1i4JDXshSCvWUOoJjDUa__luyQ0Lkk8c6g1nmRmc6D88c5odwbZyCbbb0do1TXrW8fh4OkTlF4P4bXWP-k0C19ijVZdHkdCwkX_dG-ZYoolmPjvE1v93JANfGO4fU8pDGJIQIJyzfQ06/s1600/floraljeans5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1i4JDXshSCvWUOoJjDUa__luyQ0Lkk8c6g1nmRmc6D88c5odwbZyCbbb0do1TXrW8fh4OkTlF4P4bXWP-k0C19ijVZdHkdCwkX_dG-ZYoolmPjvE1v93JANfGO4fU8pDGJIQIJyzfQ06/s640/floraljeans5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <i>Citizens of Humanity</i> black paisley print corduroy Thompson jeans. $230 at Net-a-porter.com<br /><br />13. <i>Helmut Lang</i> grain print jeans. $220 at <a href="http://www.helmutlang.com/">Helmutlang.com</a><br /><br />14. <i>Jordan Jean by Motel</i> black and white striped pair for £48 at <a href="http://www.topshop.com/">Topshop</a>. This pair was inspired by a look I saw on the lovely <a href="http://thefashionsnapshots.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-in-striped-jeans.html">Zoe's blog</a>.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Pale Romantics</b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXJP4G3eYxo5_aVQU5CqRIPhIA1oXzf_uX4PNfvRmSKWFxuUo2qP4bd_VvbGsyT4BG_AxtYbW6ghi-yAt2w6ctBDTAGBjSlrlBsb6Mm5_Kt-pqv-Dqr_nirQ7HojQW90UQuuO1bjBpS81/s1600/floraljeans6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXJP4G3eYxo5_aVQU5CqRIPhIA1oXzf_uX4PNfvRmSKWFxuUo2qP4bd_VvbGsyT4BG_AxtYbW6ghi-yAt2w6ctBDTAGBjSlrlBsb6Mm5_Kt-pqv-Dqr_nirQ7HojQW90UQuuO1bjBpS81/s640/floraljeans6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. <i>J Brand 835</i> denim mid-rise skinny jeans in twisted pink seashell. $202 from <a href="http://www.jbrandjeans.com/">JBrand</a><br /><br />16. <i>Current/Elliott </i>The Stiletto skinny floral jeans in tonal rose and green. $228 at <a href="http://www.mytheresa.com/">Mytheresa</a><br /><br />17. <i>J Brand </i>Baroque skinny jeans in a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> romantic pink. $203 at Shopbop.com</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. <i>Current/Elliott</i> skinny jeans in a blush pink floral rose print. $153 at <a href="http://www.boutique1.com/">Boutique1</a></span></div></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you considered the floral denim trend as yet? </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If so, which of these pairs would you wear?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span>

The Floral Jeans Trend

Arguably one of the biggest casual wear trends to sweep over us this year are floral jeans. The trend evolved from the beautiful floral prin...

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Memories of Morocco

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Traveling to the North of Africa, I didn't know what to expect. Coming from the same continent, I assumed it would be similar to South Africa, with all our tall skyscrapers, urbane sidewalks, modern cities and general mall-hopping culture. Well, I was in for a culture shock. Morocco is a country built upon a compelling history, where the opulent buildings and ancient avenues of the past still stand as it did centuries ago. Chaotic city streets, traffic jams made up of motorcycles and horse carriages, and tiny alley way markets where you can buy everything from your daily fruit and veg, freshly baked pastries to baby clothes, wedding decor, copper pots and pans or even a new sofa. An exotic explosion to the senses, I was immersed in the captivating customs, tantalizing food, rich heritage and diverse landscapes: sandy deserts on one side, the vast Atlantic ocean on the other and spirited old cities everywhere in between. These are some photos I captured on my recent trip there.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjGDkse4rAfQQfKYXPwFL5VvB9zz61zW5Jcq_fxg6ZhTJakJOhKhfYrviUOG6hwB7giISjkrna7ycBMaYDpdw4ghD1lZYwrL0kBu4cnXnIJqGtcJZ_iQUR5Xhm8IaHLe4Ehs-ench4SWD/s1600/fes+palace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjGDkse4rAfQQfKYXPwFL5VvB9zz61zW5Jcq_fxg6ZhTJakJOhKhfYrviUOG6hwB7giISjkrna7ycBMaYDpdw4ghD1lZYwrL0kBu4cnXnIJqGtcJZ_iQUR5Xhm8IaHLe4Ehs-ench4SWD/s640/fes+palace.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Royal Palace in Fes, <i>Dar el Makhzen</i>, is still used as the King's residence when he visits the city. It provides a great example of the ornate architectural design that is prominent in Morocco. It's well worth a view just to see those grandiose golden doors up close.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO2GBMATZ-pd4w1JATPuRPt5tUOCCedc3QKJA5jcZe9b6yxYGD_d1LdRt53B1GM6RKVUzp7yiv-cQo2gIycJknsU8zENFmci4LE7BiuSYNcugkJtBTogcptdFBF7xGYAWE2KBm_-PMIOp/s1600/morocco+fes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO2GBMATZ-pd4w1JATPuRPt5tUOCCedc3QKJA5jcZe9b6yxYGD_d1LdRt53B1GM6RKVUzp7yiv-cQo2gIycJknsU8zENFmci4LE7BiuSYNcugkJtBTogcptdFBF7xGYAWE2KBm_-PMIOp/s640/morocco+fes.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A birds-eye view over the cream and beige Imperial city of Fes, a maze of over 9000 narrow streets, each one looking remarkably similar to the last, this is one place you do not want to get lost in! Legend has it that a tourist once went missing in the labyrinthine medina (old city) and only found his way out 3 months later...with a new wife in tow.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhmbUqz4sZSGa2QJAImxLu-uwAhIbzKwmzTOTDRZe7DS-njCxayvQZcSq2vZkip2zmvvUjoUZ8eDieU8m78o66CV08-sK2rrdrMgWBuoefrqjDVRwHIaHKS2n3oeqcLz7WU4YZEFfG1cP/s1600/morocco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhmbUqz4sZSGa2QJAImxLu-uwAhIbzKwmzTOTDRZe7DS-njCxayvQZcSq2vZkip2zmvvUjoUZ8eDieU8m78o66CV08-sK2rrdrMgWBuoefrqjDVRwHIaHKS2n3oeqcLz7WU4YZEFfG1cP/s640/morocco.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1. The <i>Hassan II Mosque</i> in Casablanca, which is the third largest in the world. 2. You can stop by for a drink at <i>Rick's Cafe,</i> the hub made famous in the movie, 'Casablanca'. 3. Our hotel overlooking the city of Rabat. 4. Laying sight upon the red stoned minaret of <i>Koutoubia</i> is a sure sign that we had reached Marrakech. 5. A lavishly dressed guard keeps a look-out at a Mausoleum of a former King in Rabat.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10qSmaogOTJJgChKk5ojAldNstpgeDQB-9blqpH2UnUjkeTrqwHV4lv7HmRr1F0CiuXCK7clBLn4lq2ijl_EiU7nBPyLOupJSBn3raozJ3Y1sgx2EMPTS8qJCgGAZdPxj0CmqjFolJ3ML/s1600/morocco+marrakesh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatHLQ0ebbeJgqi6cuoAN_jZqRmbXMP-vcdERYV9WhrfYwZ2HafdsLuprBHJISs6CM6ACEPVdqSWpJUyCIBHOEfrQBT21BcW_Jw84pEY4XZlc-XhdbbU53ZbqJ79FVyORhI-XUguajHzur/s1600/morocco+marrakesh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatHLQ0ebbeJgqi6cuoAN_jZqRmbXMP-vcdERYV9WhrfYwZ2HafdsLuprBHJISs6CM6ACEPVdqSWpJUyCIBHOEfrQBT21BcW_Jw84pEY4XZlc-XhdbbU53ZbqJ79FVyORhI-XUguajHzur/s640/morocco+marrakesh.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The famous <i>Jemaa el-Fna</i> Square in Marrakech comes alive as the sun sets. This exuberant souk is where you will find snake charmers, folk dancers, tarot-card readers, music-makers, astrologists, herbalists & traditional healers. Seeing it on the Travel Channel and actually being there in the pandemonian are two completely different things. The market has an electric vibe, teeming with locals & tourists, eager to catch a glance of one of the 'professional posers' or have a taste of the inviting native cuisine from one of the countless food stalls. You can also shop for uniquely Moroccan souvenirs like a fez (the hat, not the city;), fragrant spices, argan hair oil at half the price, antique silver teapots & a Djellaba kaftan.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Tfi6_Rw5uLyufcp3cHqgL7GLwoN6iGCn3XtRAlr8cKy8IxvU2dPbiT_dRMEbteEgTpVraJjOTw5gartHhKA3QNKYVvCku6-tSD2N73IxEseM6xvyJlP7keP5-fTth78IBfZFRQCxnOZq/s1600/morocco2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Tfi6_Rw5uLyufcp3cHqgL7GLwoN6iGCn3XtRAlr8cKy8IxvU2dPbiT_dRMEbteEgTpVraJjOTw5gartHhKA3QNKYVvCku6-tSD2N73IxEseM6xvyJlP7keP5-fTth78IBfZFRQCxnOZq/s640/morocco2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The vibrant culture, art and colours of Morocco. We spent time in the vast medina browsing for quaint antiquities and exquisite handwoven Persian rugs, one of which will set you back over €4000. One of the most memorable evenings was spent in an ancient riad-turned-guesthouse, where we served a delicious tagine and entertained by the sashaying moves of belly dancers to the ethnic sounds of folk singers dressed in traditional garb.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNSlivPcyBvXpIz4valS_-sfrF8v16oTRViHG6ERT8s1xCunshTIcd3YokWD6-czsNsMBp4j_SN4RTOL4lokOloyVq-nIglJnavp0E8G76mL6YBQcoDU_oD-4S7uhth6CbEvA4zQfmpa7/s1600/morocco3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNSlivPcyBvXpIz4valS_-sfrF8v16oTRViHG6ERT8s1xCunshTIcd3YokWD6-czsNsMBp4j_SN4RTOL4lokOloyVq-nIglJnavp0E8G76mL6YBQcoDU_oD-4S7uhth6CbEvA4zQfmpa7/s640/morocco3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Red sands and a forest of greenery pave the <i>Ulrika Valley</i>, a place that the Berber villagers call home amidst the Atlas Mountains.</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*All photos taken by me.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Memories of Morocco

Traveling to the North of Africa, I didn't know what to expect. Coming from the same continent, I assumed it would be similar to South A...

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Paris Fall Couture Week 2012 - Part 3

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Paris Couture Fashion Week</b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Fall/Winter 2012-2013</b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Part Three</b></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My coverage of Paris Couture Week comes to a close with a focus on the exquisite collections of Lebanese designers. We are all familiar with Beirut's most famous import, Elie Saab, but there are few more notable couturiers that deserve their space in the style spotlight. What I love about the Lebanese designers is their exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite hand-beading, intricate attention to every detail, and their ability to bring princess perfect gowns to life with in a way that is delicate, elegant and utterly feminine. Click on the pictures to zoom in.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Elie Saab</u></b></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The master of couture has served up another triumphant collection, possibly even more beautiful than the ones before. The silhouettes were graceful, accented at the waist with bateau necklines and lengths from midway to maxi. A vigorous splash of peach and teal added colour to the range of black, gold and taupe Imperial-inspired evening wear. Breathtaking gowns were contrived from lusciously beaded lace, silk crepe and brocade, drizzled with the opulence of a Byzantine empress.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldT_yS6RRVAWlg0Px-Of7wywfWWOoQmR20MaaPaD-KmGdUOuxl3ZaZD8jrL7l19abjGsVMEyXpMVpIJAXPYNAKLe5Gwxvr3dn48-Wznu3nK1xMfJ9bz2R8uyTh_cWvB3K2hES1WMX5zvQ/s1600/eliesaab1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldT_yS6RRVAWlg0Px-Of7wywfWWOoQmR20MaaPaD-KmGdUOuxl3ZaZD8jrL7l19abjGsVMEyXpMVpIJAXPYNAKLe5Gwxvr3dn48-Wznu3nK1xMfJ9bz2R8uyTh_cWvB3K2hES1WMX5zvQ/s640/eliesaab1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe0Ddt3lqoOO_JYmWjlQCqLF0O1v-ngp3yJRYfZruqez28YI4YEHTiqEIjqb42YdXZIcYlCQYMVMiIJyXxtIfoKB_iWS6kZdODevJ5Wu3HSgWOCu124smmXZQx9kPNKWiyBZBSqxcRgcx/s1600/eliesaab2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe0Ddt3lqoOO_JYmWjlQCqLF0O1v-ngp3yJRYfZruqez28YI4YEHTiqEIjqb42YdXZIcYlCQYMVMiIJyXxtIfoKB_iWS6kZdODevJ5Wu3HSgWOCu124smmXZQx9kPNKWiyBZBSqxcRgcx/s640/eliesaab2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1dGUMEvPLT0h8KE_xIm_80cQsgq0PhjBForc3re_p7O6eZfPIguoJapjU08hVRlSNhS4cFyyB-ftn5-Kat1MibJFoGIDF9WIvgfnJ2ISgXeXX8umQhfXMKtcft5E7jfOONDoYskotFL8/s1600/eliesaab3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1dGUMEvPLT0h8KE_xIm_80cQsgq0PhjBForc3re_p7O6eZfPIguoJapjU08hVRlSNhS4cFyyB-ftn5-Kat1MibJFoGIDF9WIvgfnJ2ISgXeXX8umQhfXMKtcft5E7jfOONDoYskotFL8/s640/eliesaab3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Georges Chakra</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lebanese designer celebrates 25 years in the fashion industry with a ritzy Fall Couture collection tinted in crimson red, midnight blue, rays of violet, black and lustrous gold. The hourglass figure is accentuated by</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> fitted waists and bell-shaped skirts, while the asymmetrical shoulder was a prominent feature on the curve-hugging gowns. Sequins and feathers were found in abundance, methodically embroidered onto the dresses, adding dimension and texture. Favored by many-a-popstar, we can expect to see a few of Chakra's creations somewhere along the musical red carpet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCecqaEZm2XReDARV69yBx5inyCzzC4wp5d6kycDDIvOyFsKRRWh6ya0QMPr3Hs4j4AHNB87tqqcDGYcLv1gpobGPTmgLuW91zzkjVoIdUhtzQu2d9R5OCOX1uaoRRt_x26Jj-nsI_5KoQ/s1600/chakra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCecqaEZm2XReDARV69yBx5inyCzzC4wp5d6kycDDIvOyFsKRRWh6ya0QMPr3Hs4j4AHNB87tqqcDGYcLv1gpobGPTmgLuW91zzkjVoIdUhtzQu2d9R5OCOX1uaoRRt_x26Jj-nsI_5KoQ/s640/chakra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Georges Hobeika</u></b></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An enchanting tale of fairies aflight and gardens in bloom, Georges Hobeika incited the magic of nature for his Fall 2012 Couture Collection. Fluttering gowns appeared in sublime shades of summer sage, rose red, lavender, minted aqua and sea breeze blue. Sumptuous velvets were underpinned by sheer chiffons, silk mousseline and lace, the pussycat neck bow acting as a leitmotif. The ethereal looks were festooned with dainty floral appliqués and a flurry of organza petals. I would love to see the hazy blue half of this collection on the red carpet, the second last look (blue ballgown, bottom row) is one of my favourites of fashion week.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrQjP0aK9GtCZF4njpp_xOe1kZ9dDHE6w08EUD9wxuD6gAG7lldu9hb-G41WZWZfyMyGKbJFpqYmxqs9PU18rxIFrDOCANFSiox5iq3O1aipe-LsB-OJSnwXdXgU7yCvt4Nu3vgvLj1qX/s1600/hobeika1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrQjP0aK9GtCZF4njpp_xOe1kZ9dDHE6w08EUD9wxuD6gAG7lldu9hb-G41WZWZfyMyGKbJFpqYmxqs9PU18rxIFrDOCANFSiox5iq3O1aipe-LsB-OJSnwXdXgU7yCvt4Nu3vgvLj1qX/s640/hobeika1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuHvqJZdQiynX26o7KR4p1hQ4OR6lzlj5rzQWoXspEk7i-1fOT5F0WFkw_5fTfdbarTQE33581Ep32TT2bXuhQs5yFK5nXApyvYMP-FbK5K1meJ1Vjo0vwLz-fxk4pNKXpil7oGipe65F/s1600/hobeika2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuHvqJZdQiynX26o7KR4p1hQ4OR6lzlj5rzQWoXspEk7i-1fOT5F0WFkw_5fTfdbarTQE33581Ep32TT2bXuhQs5yFK5nXApyvYMP-FbK5K1meJ1Vjo0vwLz-fxk4pNKXpil7oGipe65F/s640/hobeika2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Zuhair Murad</u></b></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With style icons like Blake Lively, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez wearing his designs, Zuhair Murad is a fashion force to be reckoned with. He creates the kind of eye-catching, head-turning looks that always make a dramatic statement. For Fall 2012, Murad flirts with florals, as seen on the voluminous, varicolored gowns, and with delicately embroidered blossoms tacked onto gauzy lace, see-through silhouettes and full tulle skirts. Celestial white and ivory gowns make for pretty bridal wear, while red haute dresses appeal to one's passionate side. Concluding this extravagant collection is a set of emerald green and royal blue gowns in luxurious satins and silk, trimmed with feathers and self-shaded beads. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDAqOJSUiUd6fFgSyXiRf3Wl-9l1VANp935KmmXKs3e9-ztPSzMEBVH_otFYPD2kcUCbePF88IcIj3SCYQjle8O37x8GrEJu3rcnEyazEIk3gq8oud3FtKTvGRHSxgq-xkfK7yWWnL-8t/s1600/zuhairmurad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDAqOJSUiUd6fFgSyXiRf3Wl-9l1VANp935KmmXKs3e9-ztPSzMEBVH_otFYPD2kcUCbePF88IcIj3SCYQjle8O37x8GrEJu3rcnEyazEIk3gq8oud3FtKTvGRHSxgq-xkfK7yWWnL-8t/s640/zuhairmurad1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGyhGKIEL46LIxAP00lyM8J5eKDvwDWN4v00Gz4C7YioYnWaneTRy6LEdbGGExWy3codQaJHS1U_7KZpYCCpFrs9ACaCwpaCKFfcerUDFtPBOAF94wIXpoVgc8jt6mrXvRaYJQnKmspSG/s1600/zuhairmurad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGyhGKIEL46LIxAP00lyM8J5eKDvwDWN4v00Gz4C7YioYnWaneTRy6LEdbGGExWy3codQaJHS1U_7KZpYCCpFrs9ACaCwpaCKFfcerUDFtPBOAF94wIXpoVgc8jt6mrXvRaYJQnKmspSG/s640/zuhairmurad2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you spotted your dream dress yet? That sums up the wonderment that was Paris Couture Fashion Week. Click for <a href="http://frillsandthrills.blogspot.com/2012/07/paris-fall-couture-week-2012-part-1.html">Parts One</a> & <a href="http://frillsandthrills.blogspot.com/2012/07/paris-fall-couture-fashion-week-2012.html">Two</a> of my runway reviews. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span>

Paris Fall Couture Week 2012 - Part 3

Paris Couture Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Part Three My coverage of Paris Couture Week comes to a close with a focus on the exquisite...

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