It's black, it's white...

3.1 Phillip Lim, AW2012-13 from Style.com

I love winter clothes...crazy love them...and words cannot describe how much I want these pants from Phillip Lim's latest NYFW collection.


I just know that my life would be enriched and fulfilled if I had them in my wardrobe, and more importantly, on my legs.


NYFW is proving to be a winner, I love all the blacks and blues and dark reds. These would go perfectly with my (fingers crossed - I'm on the waiting list) royal blue tiered winter cape by Adrian Hailwood, and Kathryn Wilson creepers. 


It's the height of cruelty, giving us winter winners when it's still 97% humidity outside. Maybe I'll start hanging out in the freezer section...


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Embrace the lace trend

Image courtesy of CND nails

If you're like me and love the idea of lace but not the reality (I somehow look like a giant granny-kerchief no matter HOW expensive or chic the design) here's a way to embrace the trend without looking like a doily disaster.

This beautiful nail extension was created for the Joy Cioci show by CND nails (I promise I don't have shares in CND, I'm just loving all their Fashion Week coverage). You could easily recreate it at home by first painting your nails with base coat and laying a (carefully shaped) piece of fine lace over the nail and finishing with top coat, but if you want the exact look below are the professional instructions. Print this page off and take it to your local CND nail salon.


1. Sculpt clear tips with crystal clear Retention+ Liquid and Powder

2. Lay a piece of fine weaved lace over the nail

3. Apply a light layer of Shellac in Cream Puff, creating a random, deconstructed lacey pattern.

4. Cure and seal.


Email me photos when you do!

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The prettiest nails at fashion week

Image courtesy of CND 

I'm a beauty junkie, so technically I should be all over the current obsession for nails in every colour of the rainbow, and for awhile I was. I'm still looking forward to donning Bus Stop Crimson on my toes, and will be sporting crayola yellow nails for at least one summer wedding, but I have otherwise reached (colour) saturation point.

I blame my day job: scrolling through image after image of the various fashion weeks for a forthcoming nail feature left me craving a palette cleanser. When this image popped into my inbox from CND nails (taken back stage at Alexandre Herchovitch) it was the refreshing visual sorbet I needed. The 'Sugar Babe' manicure was created by first coating the nails with Air Dry Top Coat then sprinkling fine white sparkle on top and sealing with Brisa Gloss.

I haven't worn glitter on my nails since college, but this is just subtle enough to work for office and outings.

And how pretty is her eye shadow? If anyone can tell me how to recreate it I will love you dearly forever and ever.

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My one wish in the land of birthdays

Image from Stylecaster.com

As a child I was seldom seen without a book, usually something by Enid Blyton. A particular favourite was 'The Enchanted Wood' where Jo, Bessie and Fanny climbed the faraway tree and had the most magical adventures.

I have never forgotten the final scene where the children visit the Land of Birthdays and are each allowed to make a wish in celebration of Bessie's birthday. Fanny wishes that she could fly and is given a beautiful set of magic wings. As a child I couldn't imagine wishing for anything else - how could you not want to fly?

These days my adult feet are firmly and happily on the ground (at least in my waking hours), and my one wish has changed. I wish I could draw! Now, kind readers, before you insist that of course everyone can draw I want to be clear about something: I cannot. Stick figures are about all I can manage, and Pictionary usually ends in tears. Give me a pencil and I can whip up a poem or a rhyme in no time, but any attempt at art is woeful.

When I saw this beautiful, whimsical fashion illustration by Rebecca Taylor for her forthcoming collection at New York Fashion Week, I was once again 8 years old and wishing I could scale the faraway tree. Somehow, Rebecca has climbed inside my head and drawn the outfit I would draw, if I could.

I have always loved Rebecca's clothes and am lucky enough to own a couple of her dresses. In the exclusive interview for Stylecaster.com Rebecca talks about finding inspiration in the contrast between the laid-back New Zealand countryside and the fast-paced New York lifestyle (read the interview here). If this is a sign of what's to come for her next collection, my bank balance is in serious trouble.

What about you, lovely readers? What would your one wish be if you chanced upon the Land of Birthdays?

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