Everyone's wearing... Reem Acra

I have recently fallen in Love with the hottest designer on the block from Madonna to Kristen Stewart to Olivia Wilde everyone is rocking Reem Acra on the Red Carpet... Reem Acra is an internationally known Lebanese fashion designer. She studied in Beirut, Paris, as well as New York. She is known for her bridal designs. Her designs are sold in famous clothing boutiques such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. She has been on several popular magazines including In Style, Town & Country, Vogue, Women's Wear Daily, Sayidaty and W. Her fine evening gowns are also sold all over the world.

Kristen Stewart at the Cannes Premiere of Cosmopolis, She looks Red Hot... Lucky Robert Pattinson.

Reem Acra started designing Wedding dresses when she moved to New York, her dresses where quickly becoming as popular as Vera Wang and her designs, however in the last couple of years no Red Carpet has been complete without someone wearing Reem Acra, in fact most celebrities would be dying to answer 'Reem Acra,' to the infamous question 'Who are you wearing?'

Everyone was wearing Reem Acra at the 2012 Golden Globes.

Reem Acra has designed some amazing Wedding gowns, however with the fashion AList demanding her latest designs for the Red Carpet, maybe her design focus will be on keeping up with demand. I'm sure in the coming years may stars will be proudly declaring 'I'm wearing Reem Acra,' maybe not just on the Red Carpet but also on their special day... I'm sure Miss Acra will be busy drawing, creating and designing as we speak...

One of Reem Acra's stunning Wedding Dresses

My Favourite Things...

With my head always in a magazine or searching the web for the latest trends, designers good and style tips, I have a few items that are personal favourites of mine...

Casadei Heels, a recent find of mine and fast becoming a favourite.

Alexander Wang, Rocco Studded bag in Red, I saw this bag at Barneys in New York was instantly in Love.

You can't go wrong with a pair of Christian Louboutins, However these ones a particularly special, I also saw these in New York and spend at least half an hour starring at these beauties.

Burberry will always have a special place in my heart, I adore this Burberry trench with studded sleevs and this Burberry Knight tote wth extra wow factor. Love, Love, Love!!!

The Alexander McQueen clutch is soooo gorgeous, love the skull, love the red gems and love the Union Jack.

This Dior Haute Couture gown may be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

This YSL bag is sold out everywhere, Nooooooooooo.

These Alaia boots caught my eyes last year, I love the heel, I love the studds and I need them on my feet.

Mrs Beckham can do no wrong and this outfit is to die for.

These are few of my favourite things, share some of your favourite luxury things, some of them are pretty pricey but we all can dream, better get saving my pennies...

However I saw this Chanel bag in Selfridges 5 years ago and the day I walk into Chanel and buy this beauty, I will be beyond happy!!!!!

154 years of perfection...

I have two favourite letter in the alphabet they are L and V and when they're put together, they make the most beautiful items around. From handbags to clothing to luggage, there isn't anything that can't be made better with two simple letters. Louis Vuitton Malletier, commonly referred to as Louis Vuitton or shortened to LV, is a French fashion house founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton. The label is well known for its LV monogram, which is featured on most of its products - this ranging from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, jewelry, accessories, sunglasses, and books. Louis Vuitton is one of the world's leading international fashion houses; it sells its products through standalone boutiques, lease departments in high-end department stores, and through the e-commerce section of its website. For seven consecutive years (2006-2012) Louis Vuitton has been named the world's most valuable luxury brand. Its 2012 valuation is $25.9 billion.

Supermodels Christy Turlington, Karen Elson and Natalia Vodianova

Louis Vuitton is the most luxury brand on the planet with celebrities all over the globe endorsing the brand with their luxury luggage and arm candy, everyone wants to own a piece of this one to be seen with brand. From iconic celebrity endorsements including Angelina Jolie, Madonna and Uma Thurman to advertising campaigns featuring the 90's supermodel elite, every campaign targets the LV consumer encouraging them to enjoy the AList lifestyle with an amazing bag, stunning couture dress or the perfect accessory.

The Gorgeous Avalon GM Handbag

In 1858 Louis Vuitton started making trunks in Paris that were lightweight and could be easily stacked and keep their contents airtight preventing damage, the idea took off and Louis Vuitton was born. Over the next 50 years the brand expanded into London and other European cities making the brand very successful. By the early 1900's Louis Vuitton was a well known company in Paris and in 1913 LV opened the Louis Vuitton building on the Champs-Elysees, after Louis Vuittons death, the company was passed to his Son continuing his brilliant work. The company continued to grow and expanded their products, with more and more leather goods being created, the companies reputation grew and expanded globally. Louis Vuitton today, are the most powerful luxury brands on the planet, they definitely haven't suffered in the face of a recession.

Can there be a better celebrity endorsement than the stunning Angeline Jolie... Louis Vuitton didn't think so

I personally can't imagine a more luxury item to own short of diamond's. I love Louis Vuittons bags however, I don't always enjoy visiting their stores expect in America where the staff are friendly and non judgemental, whereas in other countries they are not so polite. Louis Vuitton have been around for 154 years and have gone from strength to strength. I'm sure in another 154 year someone else will be sharing their love of the brand too.

Destination... London

This Summer the only place to be is London, with the Olympics coming to our fair city, it's time to think about what you can do when you're in the capital. When you're in London there are a number of place to stay however my choice for the ultimate luxury indulgence is Claridges on Brook Street in Mayfair, with their Luxury vintage interiors, amazing food courtesy of Gordon Ramsey and 1920's art deco style rooms, Claridges is the perfect place in the city to have the perfect weekend away.

Claridges in Mayfair

Other thinks to do in London include afternoon tea at Sketch on Conduit Street, this funky and quirky place reminds you of school desserts and days gone by with all the retro decor. It is a fab place to spend a Saturday afternoon and P.S the cake is amazing. If you're a chocoholic why not try Choccywocchydoodah at Foubert's Place, with their amazing cakes and hot chocolates it is a great place to get your sugar rush. If you're stying at Claridges make sure you treat yourself to some time in Claridges bar it's perfect for drinking champagne and celeb spotting, don't be surprised if you see Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller or Robert Pattinson. Don't forget to make a reservation at Coleridge's to sample of Gordon Ramsey's delicious food.

Choccywoccydoohdah, is a chocolate lovers heaven.

When you're going shopping in London there are sooooooo many amazing places to go, there are the great department stores including Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Harrods. However one of my favourite places to flash the cash is South Molton Street, in Mayfair. The street is filled with amazing designer shops and small boutiques it is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and give your credit card a workout. Why not treat yourself to an outfit for cocktails at Mew of Mayfair, where they make the best Mojito you have ever tasted.



Get your Gladrags on at Mews of Mayfair.

The perfect outfit at Mew of Mayfair should be glamorous and stylish so you need the perfect cocktail dress and as your in London make sure you pack plenty of British Designer clothing, try a Stella McCartney Dress, and some Alexander McQueen heels and accessories, to feel truly British.

Show your curves in Stella McCartney

Rock the dance floor in these Alexander McQueen heels.

Keep your Cash safe in this Alexander McQueen Clutch

London is a fabulous place to visit and there are soooo many place to go and plenty of places to flash the cash to round of the perfect weekend treat yourself to some time in the Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden, while away an afternoon at the V and A museum or take a champagne trip on the London Eye. I love London and with the Olympics in town this Summer there is nowhere I would rather spend my time. Let's hope the Sunshine comes out in time for team GB to grab a few Gold medals.

Fifty Shades of Luxury

Everywhere you go at the moment, every women you talk to and every paper you pick up, it seems that everyone is reading The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. The story of a man and women and the obstacles they face as a couple to be together, with lots of sex, action and luxury product placement. As much as I enjoyed reading the Fifty Shades Trilogy one of the main thrills for me was the fashion, shoes and the man who loves the finer things in life. From drinking Cristal at every opportunity, The heroine Ana and her collection of Christian Louboutin Heels and very expensive underwear, which is never on for long. EL James clearly created a world where the finer things are the norm.

Fifty Shades of Grey is a 2011 erotic novel by British author E. L. James. Set largely in Seattle, it is the first instalment in a trilogy that traces the deepening relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young business magnate, Christian Grey. It is notable for its explicitly erotic scenes featuring elements of sexual practises involving bondage, discipline, sadism, and masochism (BDSM). The second and third volumes are titled Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, respectively. Fifty Shades of Grey has topped best-seller lists in the United Kingdom, United States, and around the world. The series has sold around 20 million copies worldwide, with book rights having been sold in 37 countries, and set the record as the fastest-selling paperback of all time, surpassing the Harry Potter series. The rights to book have been sold and the movie is already in the pipeline, the question on everyones lips is who will play Mr Grey?

Who will play Mr Grey? Matt Bomer is my choice...

The truth is Mr Grey doesn't just seduce the reader with his burning Grey eyes, chiseled jaw line and Greek god physique, his lifestyle is truly a turn on, from rides in Charlie Tango to a Private Jet, expensive clothing and fine jewellery, Mr Grey and his clearly very good taste all add up to the man the reader is in love with. However Miss Anastasia Steele doesn't even care, all the designer clothes, expensive shoes and underwear are not even appreciated for their beauty, she only has eyes for Mr Grey.

Ana wears a grey gown in Fifty Shades Darker could it be this gorgeous Alexander McQueen Dress.

No outfit is complete without the perfect pair of Christian Louboutins.

The truth is EL James has created the perfect fantasy world from the gorgeous Mr Grey, the gifts he flourishes on the innocent Miss Steel and the endless sexy scenarios the writer has created. Whether you've read the books or not they are defiantly worth your time you never know you may learn a thing or two and even if you don't you can always fantasise about the gorgeous designer clothing and lifestyle the author has created. I know I speak for a many women when I say I won't stop biting my lip until I bump into a handsome Billionaire... Laters Baby

McQueen of the Catwalk

Alexander McQueen is considered to be the cutting edge of British Design, the jewel in our fashion crown, and with Sarah Burton as creative director McQueen hasn't put a fashion foot wrong. She was the creative talent behind the Duchess of Cambridge's exquisite wedding gown. And as she launches her fourth collection as head of British design house Alexander McQueen, it's clear that Sarah Burton has hit her stride and then some. The highly accomplished collection, which made its debut on the Paris catwalk in March earlier this year, continues the flamboyant design house's tradition of texture, ruffles, volume, coupled with the sense of adventure that marks McQueen out time after time. With autumn/winter 12, the fiercely talented creative director and showcases the staggering wealth of the technical skill and talent that helped her rise from work experience girl to head of the design house over a 14 year period.

Alexander McQueen (1969 - 2010) burst onto the fashion stage in 1992, courting controversy as headlines hailed him as the new enfant terrible. Though contentious and frequently misunderstood, he established the fashion label that is now internationally acclaimed and coveted without compromising his approach. From the start of his career McQueen has both shocked and delighted his audience with raw presentations often depicting bleak history and anarchic politics. These shock tactics began in dimly-lit warehouses away from the staid environment of the London Fashion Week tents. His autumn/winter 1995 catwalk show in particular captured the headlines. Entitled Highland Rape, the collection featured dishevelled and battered-looking models in torn clothing. It was McQueen’s comment on the rape of the Highlands at the hands of the British; interpreted by others as a perverse and misogynistic celebration of the sexual violation of women. His spring/summer 1997 collection, La Poupee, featured a black model whose movements were restrained by a metal cage attached to her limbs, hit the headlines again. Inspired by the German puppet-master Hans Bellmer, the rusty contraption was designed to evoke a marionette; inevitably, again, some of the press saw bondage, slavery and the subordination of women.

 

 

Despite the controversy that surrounded him as a designer he created collections that celebrities, models and fashionistas alike wanted to wear an formed close personal relationships with Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Sarah Jessica Parker. He committed suicide in 2010 after the death of his mother. Leaving a huge hole in the fashion industry and a space for a new creative director at Alexander McQueen. Sarah Burton took the job.

 

 

Alexander McQueen with Sarah Jessica Parker at the Met Gala 2006 she wears his design.

Sarah Burton grew up in Manchester before moving to London to study fashion at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. On the recommendation of a tutor, Burton completed a placement year with Alexander McQueen in 1996, rejoining again upon her graduation the year after. In 2000, Burton was made Head of Design – Womenswear. After Alexander McQueen's tragic death, Burton was announced as Creative Director of the Alexander McQueen brand. By then, she had worked alongside Lee McQueen for more than 14 years. Since her appointment, Burton has produced four acclaimed collections. Her debut in Spring/Summer 2011 was a highly acclaimed showcase of intricate craftsmanship. In Autumn/Winter 2012, Burton continues to focus on handcraft, establishing herself as an accomplished designer with artisan and technical excellence.

Today, Burton supervises the creative direction and development of all collections of the brand which includes women's and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories as well as the contemporary line, McQ, also made up of women's, men's and accessories collections. Sarah Burton has been honoured with 2011 Designer of the Year Award, British Fashion Awards; Harper’s Bazaar Woman of the Year Award (UK); Glamour Designer of the Year; The Walpole Award for British Luxury Design Talent; Quintessentially Excellence Award and in 2012, at the Elle Style Awards, International Designer of the Year.

Alexander McQueen and his designs set the fashion world alights and the light continues to burn with Sarah Burton in charge as Creative Director, she was the perfect choice to take over from the legendary Lee McQueen. She created the perfect look for Kate Middleton on her wedding day and she has dressed nearly every major Hollywood Star on the red carpet. Her last four collections have set the fashion catwalk alight with a clear influence from Lee McQueen's legendary design skills and his vivid imagination. Sarah Burton shows her own creativity and design prowess, she is clearly a very talented and extraordinary women, who I hope will be in charge at Alexander McQueen for a very long time to come… All hail the McQueen of fashion.

It's all about the Choo...

They say you should never judge a book by it's cover, but a number of recent newspaper polls and articles have revealed that we often judge the people we meet by their choice of footwear. So if this is the case surely the only choice of shoe is one that everyone will not only admire but also instantly know what a fabulous person you are, the only choice can be a Jimmy Choo. The famous shoe that was put on the fashion map by SJP in Sex and the City and had it's place cemented on the fashion map by a number of Hollywood AList stars, who could wait to get a pair of Jimmy Choos on their feet.

Ex Jimmy Choo director Tamar Mellon her Jimmy Choo collection is worth an estimated £2 million

Jimmy Choo is an iconic luxury lifestyle brand defined by an empowered sense of glamour and a confident sense of style. The brand traces its roots to a bespoke shoemaker named Jimmy Choo, based in the East End of London in the early 1990s, who catered to the global jet set, including Princess Diana. The Jimmy Choo company was founded in 1996, when Tamara Mellon, OBE, then an accessories editor at British Vogue, discovered Mr Choo and recognising a niche in the luxury shoe market, she established the Jimmy Choo brand. Mr Choo’s niece, Sandra Choi, joined the business as Creative Director. The sexy cut, fashionable design, and exceptional Italian craftsmanship struck a chord with a sophisticated clientele, and the first collection enjoyed immediate success. With a goal of creating a global luxury business, Jimmy Choo attracted outside investment and the company embarked on a significant expansion across product categories, channels and geographies. Mr Choo departed the company in 2001 and Ms Mellon departed in 2011

Nina Dobrev rocks her Metallic Jimmy Choos with this electric Blue DKNY Sequined Dress

A pioneer in the art of celebrity dressing, Jimmy Choo was among the first to bring shoes and handbags to Hollywood where the red carpet proved to be the ideal runway for the brand. Today, Jimmy Choo can be seen on style icons from celebrities to royalty, musicians to heads of state. The brand’s reputation as a celebrity favourite helped to fuel its rapid expansion. Its iconography was further defined by the bold and dramatic advertising portraying glamorous but strong women in towering heels and luxurious handbags, captured by photographers such as Mario Testino, Terry Richardson and Steven Meisel.

Freida Pinto mixes her Jimmy Choos with Gucci

Retail development has been integral to the company’s strategy. The first Jimmy Choo store was opened in 1996 on Motcomb Street in London, complementing a distribution in some of the most prestigious multi brand stores in the world. Two years later, the company expanded to the US, opening two stores in New York City and Beverly Hills. International expansion continued with Jimmy Choo securing locations in the premiere luxury shopping destinations of the world’s most prestigious cities including Sloane Street and Bond Street in London, Avenue Montaigne in Paris, Via Condotti in Rome, Madison Avenue in New York, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and Ginza in Tokyo.

Jimmy Choo Orange Wedges Spring/Summer 2012

Today, Jimmy Choo encompasses a complete luxury lifestyle brand. Women’s shoes remain the core of the product offer, alongside handbags, small leather goods, scarves, sunglasses, eye wear, belts, fragrance and men’s shoes. The design direction is overseen by Creative Directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway, who together share a vision to create one of the world’s most treasured luxury brands. Part of Labelux GmbH, a privately held luxury goods group, Jimmy Choo has 140 stores in 32 countries and is present in the most prestigious department and speciality stores worldwide.

Even Kate Middleton gives Jimmy Choo her royal seal of approval her sandals sold out within hours of her wearing these golden beauties.

Jimmy Choo are one of the most sort after designer shoes in the luxury market everyone women wants to have a pair in their wardrobe whether it's a classic design or something a little bit more on trend, there a Jimmy Choo for every taste and every occasion and let's face it the fashion can't be wrong about such an iconic brand. So ladies, if your looking for a new shoe make it a Choo.