Thursday, January 31, 2008

Everyday I love you more

Two couple-minute treats; Chloe talks speaks high waist, and lights up in a way only bordering on irritating. She's too easy to forgive, and besides, this is giggle inducing.

"..you wear Mom jeans.."

and then this second one? Sorry to all of you in Canada, but you can only be a teensy bit angry, surely?



Tuesday, January 29, 2008

DIY and MOT

Now that the blog is into it's third year I have recently been posting more often and giving extra special thought to the content. I've also been working on the appearance of Discotheque Confusion, which you may or may not have noticed. Keeping things ticking along nicely whilst looking pretty in the process is a total neccessity.

Thought this would be a nice chance to raise a couple of points and ask for your input;

Do any of you find the "labels" in the sidebar helpful when you're looking at the blog? Would anyone object if they disappeared?

Are there any problems that you think I could solve to ensure smooth navigation around the page, or if there is anything that you think the page needs that could help?

This is also a good time to point out that I've added a music player. Remember back in the days when the big clunky tape blared out "Young Folks" upon arrival? Now I've gone for something a little more streamlined, and what is played will be swapped and changed regularly, so be sure to keep an ear out. Just added is the gorgeous and chilling Nude by Radiohead. Perfect soundtrack to a drizzly sunday wardrobe editing session, methinks.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Nicole Richie in checkered high waisters.

Prologue: It's january. Which is the month when everything drags slowly and everyone spends their time daydreaming and pretending that they are somewhere else. so let's pretend that it's july 2007 again (retrrrro) back when everyone knew that Nicole Richie had a bun in the oven, even if she wouldn't let on.
Nylon's August issue has just come out and she's on the cover proclaiming "I don't have a clue why I'm famous either".. read on.

"Nicole Richie.. in checkered high waisters."
(Bet that wasn't a sentence you were expecting to see..)
So, what it is that you do when you're on holiday, soaking up the sun but still feeling a bit bored?
Shoot a cover for Nylon, of course!
Part of me wishes that following the shoot, Nicole had been styled by David Bonney* everyday, but really, there are plenty of blinged up hipsters in this world already. Then again, there aren't many pushing a pram.



*that's the dude who styled her for the shoot, y'all.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Alison Mosshart and The Kills


Ever since hearing the song "The Good Ones" by The Kills back in 2005 (memories of a fantastically generous summer weather wise, and my days spent browsing through Fopp), the duo have been on my radar.


And after a little "hiatus", Jamie Hince* and Alison Mosshart have popped back, with their new track UR A FEVER, which at the moment I must spent about half of my day humming it. The video is fantastic, makes me want to curl on my a stack of old persian rugs in a Kids-esque squat style grubby warehouse.

The Kills are Nylon's February Issue cover stars; a match made in heaven because these two pretty much sum up the whole essence of Nylon, without the instantly annoying aura of Cory Kennedy type hipsters. Granted, Jamie and Alison may get the "H word" thrown at them, but hey, they're a little older now, so they're allowed to be hipsters and cool at the same time.
Then again, maybe the fact they've actually done something to achieve status has something to do with this.

I remember reading an issue of Style Magazine some years back and reading a little snippet written by Mosshart that always stayed in my head, about her look as a twelve year old and how she just shaved all of her hair off one day and felt so fantastic. Wish I could find it somewhere..


*you've got to love those mesmerising wild eyes that still feel safe and intelligent.

Oh, what's that? Nylon has dubbed London the "Coolest City in the world?" Let's see about that. Keep your eyes peeled for a related post popping up this week...

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Judging by some of the comments left on the "This is a Tribute post", thankfully it seems that I wasn't the only one who felt greatly affected yesterday my Heath's death. Rather oddly, I felt very mopey yesterday.

Below are a couple of Bosworth themed collages that I created a while ago. Spy some of her best wardrobe choices of 2007, and have some input and vote!
(Just to let you know, I'm aware of the picture problems, it's what happens when I don't post from home, and they'll be fixed tonight.)


Photobucket

Which Red Carpet outfit suited Kate the best?

The White Jil Sander

The casual pleat and tie combo dress

THAT Fendi Fur

Etro tribal dress

The SS08 Proenza Schouler dress that she debuted

the Red number worn to the Calvin Klein show

Preen bodycon dress worn at Toronto film festival

pollcode.com free polls

And Which of the outfits would YOU most like to wear?
The White Jil Sander
The casual pleat and tie combo dress
THAT Fendi Fur
Etro tribal dress
The SS08 Proenza Schouler dress that she debuted
the Red number worn to the Calvin Klein show
Preen bodycon dress worn at Toronto film festival
pollcode.com free polls

And just like us, Kate is a creature of habit when it comes to the clothing and accessories that she loves. Over the summer she wore stripes to death, and they're going to be all over the shop this summer too. Looks like there is a new trendsetter on the scene.

Photobucket

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

This is a Tribute

I'll keep this short and sweet because I am sure that you are as shocked as I was to hear about the death of Heath Ledger. So here follows a short tribute, to the fantastic and nay, fantastically attractive actor.
He died on Tuesday 22nd (yesterday) in his Manhatten appartment, and I would like to point out that the cause of his death has not been confirmed and I don't wish to get sucked into an unneccesary debate, because really, that is not what it important here.
Sadly, I know that Perez Hilton will have a weeks worth of posting about coronary verdicts and conspiracys and that is most certainly not what this blog is about, so instead here are some images of Heath Ledger, to pay homage to him in a way that celebrates his life, the way we would like to remember it.

and let him be remembered with this picture, which perfectly sums up his cheeky persona and humour, but also his value of privacy and his family.


Tuesday, January 22, 2008

When A Need Is A Must

For people with a geniune and deep rooted interest in style and aesthetics, cloning your style icon's entire outfit isn't on the agenda.

Instead, you prefer to pick here and there. The best and cute little pieces that you might come across by chance, spotting it in the window of your local charity shop.
Well, that is an ideal scenario, or course, but unfortunatley it's not always that realistic.
Here are some items to inspire you, and there's not a Lohan or Richie reflecting piece in sight.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Good Things Come to Those Who ELLE

If this isn't the most exciting news that I've heard in a long time, then, well, someone sack Carine Roitfeld.

I mean it. Brace yourselves.

UK ELLE Magazine has secured Discotheque Confusion's resident girl crush Chloe Sevigny as their "style advisor", and to promote this will be March's covergirl.

Er, "Style Advisor". I know, it's easy to think this is just one of those labels handed out willy nilly just like Jessica Simpson and Lauren Conrad are fashion designers.


But this is Chloe Sevigny, and Lorraine Candy, ELLE's ed is quick to defend this label.

“‘Style advisor’ is not just a title - she’ll really be doing it, she has a column. She is not someone who’s instantly recognisable - she couldn’t go on a Glamour or Cosmopolitan cover, she could only go on an Elle cover to be honest. But what we’re saying with this [signing] is that this magazine is about fashion and style - and next month we’ve got someone who the author Jay McInerney once called ‘the most stylish girl in the world’ on the cover.”


ELLE magazine are seriously branching out, and this is one wise move, showing themselves to have more pounds worth of quirk than Vogue ever will posess (I know, it isn't hard).


Granted, they'll never ever stand alongside the likes of Tank, Lula, Wonderland, i-D, or 10 magazine, but in my opinion, ELLE is the most innotive and creative "mainstream" fashion magazine out there. I don't know about you, but everything starting with their layouts just gives me the hots.


As hinted by James Silver in an article for todays The Guardian, glossies such as ELLE has suffered from the remarkable success that is Grazia magazine. The weekly magazine's circulation figures have risen by 26% per year, all since it's UK launch in 2005.


You may have noticed the relatively new "Mademoiselle" column, titled "Confessions of an ELLEgirl" which follows a "stylish, cool and connected" London scenester has been added to the magazine's features, and by throwing Chloe Sevigny into the mix, in addition to new photographers such as Mary McCartney, the magazine will certainly garter some interest from readers who like to think of themselves as fashion aware rather than "100 ways to boost your sex life" aware as they would be reading Cosmopoliton and Glamour.


Last year's cover stars saw a slew of not so original cover stars, with Paris Hilton, Mischa Barton and Keira Knightley all, er, "gracing" the front cover. However 2008 is off to a more promising start with this month's cover star Karolina Kurkova (Not exactly Missy Raider, but we'll leave that to POP) to show they're readers "yes, you and I both know about the models too!" The covers will also be getting a makeover, which you may have noticed already, starting with the refreshingly stark front of the current issue, and will have a "less cluttered look".

International Teen



When it comes to Teen publication's, quite clearly, Korea is where it's at.

Since UK Elleegirl folded, and since, well, nobody seems to have taken it upon themselves to launch a UK TeenVogue (Jenny Dyson, can you hurry up, please?) all us the Brit teens have are the tabloid worthy Bliss, Sugar and the slightly bland Cosmogirl to satisfy their pappery fashion needs.


Take a peek at what Korea has to show for itself. I would go as far as saying that their "Vogue Girl" beats the US counterpart, with rich colourful and imagitive spreads that wouldn't look out of place in an adult publication.

The following delightful editorial named "Sudden Sleep" from Vogue Girl Korea depicts narcoleptic prone pretty things taking kips from everywhere from taxi doors to high trees.

images: strawapple at foto_decadent, voguegirl.co.kr

Sunday, January 20, 2008

God Save Iekeliene


After a short absense (where was she?), everyone's favourite Dutch funnygirl is back on top form. Spring 2008 sees her as the face of Topshop, looking gorgeously chisseled in those floral minis that are now guaranteed to be selling like hot cakes now since everyone has copped a look at her legs in the adverts.

A must see is a feature in the latest issue of tank magazine, with her Iek at her home. The typically Stange-esque picture showing her in her candy coloured knick-knack frenzied bedroom surrounded by her collection of My Little Ponies has to be the highlight.

She reminds me of a cute little animated Julie Delpy

Many have drooled over snaps of her outstanding street style in the past, but it's been a while, so here's a recap on the girl who must be rewarded with the title Eyecandy of the Moment.

Nice to have you back, Missy, and get yourself in some more spring editorials, please.

images: iekelienestange.com, googleimages, fashioninsanity.com,superfantasticpicturetime.com

When an innocent daydream becomes an obsession


I'm after a pair of boots.
..that I think I may have invented in my head.
but they're based on these four examples
Poesy's are the ideal, I might have to give her a call and ask her about them

why they're great
1 They don't conform to the "jeans tucked into boots" look that pisses my off so much.
2 They're "circa my Dad"
3 Suitably careless in a Charlotte Gainsbourg way
4 They shake up the shoe routine, non?
Of course, now I fear I have developed a mild obsession and will not be able to settle for any versions that I come across because they don't live up to my ideal.
Any budding boot designers our there?


Thursday, January 17, 2008

The List

The List; What will be Blacklisted? Who will make it onto the Guestlist?
TheList.jpg picture by yeahLAK

Monday, January 14, 2008

And Gisele is McSteamy



The gloss, the tan, the 80's power figure, the smell of cash. It's everything Versace is, with Donatella around. Of course, she perhaps no longer has one, but wouldn't you love a peek into Ms Bundchen's portfolio?

While I dismissed the Versace SS08 Menswear Ads as a bit of a safebet, Gisele and Mario have caused me to do some serious digging, and well, I've eaten my fascinator.


Gisele, (who, as we all know is the World's highest paid Supermodel) really is at her best when she's looking sexy and a little greasy. And Mario, I'm sorry what I said about you, I take it back, even if I still think you should shoot less for The AA Twins (that's Alexandra Shulman and Anna Wintour).


Many of the Ad campaigns have gone back to basics, with Balenciaga, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and Fendi all adopting a bright on white outlook and ditching some of the delightfully busy campaigns from last year. However, Lanvin at least (and don't forget the gorgeously upbeat Moschino Cheap and Chic ads) provide a little Spring joy in amongst the rest of the white backgrounds that shall be filling a third of our fashion glossies.

A Week of Wardrobes Through The Lens

Shoulder Strap Dress Special


Following Christmas, the Rich Bitches were feeling a little too tired to host any charity bashes, but thankfully for us, this week there was plenty going on in the way of premieres and luncheons, which brought out an army of dresses.


Katie Holmes, Leighton Meester, Drew Barrymore and Sophia Bush all stepped out in variations of the Shoulder Strap dress, a strong (dare I say it...) trend for 2008. Wonder how many we'll spot if the OSCAR's go ahead (0r rather how many will be hanging unworn in the Hollywood stylist's closets? God, I'm going to cry..)
Can you spot the odd one out? Clue: Who doesn't have a good soul? Think about it.
PS, For those of you who haven't heard already, the deadline for Mahalo Fashion's FAB awards has been brought forward from 15th Feb to the 1st Feb.

Friday, January 11, 2008

It's the weekend; dress like a Country.


It's easy to go about reading trend guides here and there, or having a peek at style.com and what the Olsens are wearing, but taking inspiration from far-fetched subjects really adds so much more fun, and it's amazing how creative you can get. I always find people who base their style on an unexpected source really fascinating.



Hey, you could use a car as a idea base and incorporate pieces into your outfit made from man made materials in solid, consistent colours. Or pay homage to the interiors. Grey and leather, anyone?

But here's an though. Dress like a country. Embrace a place's culure; their stereotypical dress, their geography, their animals, their weather, their art. The Fiji landscape of tropical rainforest in feather and bold florals. Make like Francois Hardy and don "that" bretagne striped shirt. They're what bowler hats are to the English, non? Have a dig around your drawers; Stars and stripes or red white and blue? Pay homage to the United States





Thursday, January 10, 2008

"Nice legs, what time do they open?"

After all that waiting.
Now let the bitching and disecting commence.

Victoria is here!
...here...she's right here...her- wait, where is she?

Victoria, we're ready for you!?..

Mr Jacobs is most certainly on a roll, and I think he, er, pulled it out of the bag (ouch!)

This is a wise, wise move. Or is it a bit too clever?

Not only is this good for Marc, but good for Victoria. She can finally prove to America that she has a sense of humour and win a little slither of us style snobs over, too by showing us that she can do "quirky" (That's quirky by her standards, naturally,)

You know what? I have a conspiracy theory to add to the mix. Just because I'm controverisal like that (...).

You ready? I think those are Marc's legs.

He and Victoria Beckham are about as orange as each other these days, and they look a little hairy don't you think. Although Mrs V's smudged tan is distinctive.

I just don't think I can imagine Victoria Beckham on her back with her legs wide open. Even if it meant starring in an ad campaign ("Like, I've wanted to do it ever since I was a little girl..")
EDIT:
Just in, are two more, a nice pre-weekend delight. Now, I'm thinking that he should have kepy on with the same idea of not seeing her face, just to keep everybody wanting (to know) more. And Victoria walking out of the giftbox? It just seems a little inconsistent with the first photograph. Maybe they will grow on me, but I'm not considering that my fantastic (!) conspiracy theory may have been shot to pieces. Damn.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Alexa Chung and The Kennedy Element


When, upon catching up with my daily dose of justjared gossip, I was greeted by the words "Alexa Chung: The New Sienna Miller?" I chuckled to myself, because I had been thinking exactly the same thing last night whilst having a flick through the Times' Style supplement which features a four page feature of this "rising star".

It seems that Alexa is just reaching the peak; she is at the stage where she is receiving such a buzz (to X hairdresser: "yes, I want it short, like Alexa Chung?") that there is a threat of what I call the "Kennedy Element", developing.


And yet, despite the fact that the teeniest part of me may be yawning and considering "but isn't she just another London party girl, the same as Peaches Geldof was, before the Kennedy Element sets in?" I can't help but like her. Perhaps it's the fact that she doesn't have famous parents whose stardom she can feed off while she waits for a string reality tv deals to dither over, which I find a refreshing change. Alexa Chung, according to the Style article, also seems puzzled by who, exactly the paparazzi that follow her are trying to capture."Like, Alexa Chung, television presenter and It-girl? I mean, there's not much to being an It-girl- it's really quite a depressing title to hold."


It's a shame that such hype can leave a sour taste, and it's crazy that it is enough to make you feel as if you're sick of somebody that you don't even know. It may have been said before, but I think this just shows how mad this celebrity obsessed culture that is now our world has become. Don't get me wrong, I hold my hands high and am willing to admit that I'm one of these bloodsuckers, checking up to the minute gossip websites to analyse wardrobes and the lives of others. It's all rather sad when you look at it this way; It-girls and style stars cast off like 10 month old clothes for being "so last season".


I can fully appreciate that by writing this, I am contradicting myself somewhat, because, you see, meerly by mentioning the name "Chung" I am knocking time off of her "sell by date".
I just hope that the girl who came across as (for once) possessing a shread of sincerity is here to stay, minus that Kennedy Element.


* An explanation of the Kennedy Element:
Named after dear Cory, now a bit of a martyr for all things anti climax?
Boom, there she was, magazine snippets to covers and Nylon covers.
And then after initial hype, develops a case of serious overexposure, and that opaques and month eaten jumper combo that she has concocted just isn't doing it for you like it used to..

Related Links:


Tuesday, January 08, 2008

'Tis The Season of New Ad Campaigns


So Jennifer Connelly is the face of Balenciaga for SS08, which is hardly a surprise, is it?

The refreshing Spring feel, is certainly welcome, though I thought last season's campaign with Suvi K was rather lovely, with the dark familiar backdrop of wooden floorboards and persian rugs which made me nostaligic for a trip to a grandparent's attic.


Though the new SS08 ad is a nice contrast. To be honest, I'm feel a little indecisive when it comes to making up my mind about new ad campaigns, because I love to see new ones so much that I see the pictures through rose tinted glasses...


Also just released, is the Versace SS08 men's advert starring Patrick Dempsey. I feel it is a little of a "safe" move for Versace to pick "McDreamy", like they're trading on the "women want to be with him, men want to be him." formula. Sure, he scrubs up well, but to me, the advert, shot by Testino, simply looks like an ELLE shoot on a particularly good day. And Testino? With all due respect, isn't he mostly hired by Wintour and Shulman these days? Balenciaga on the other hand went for David Sims.







sources: popcrunch, frillr and justjared

Monday, January 07, 2008

Photobucket
With the liklihood of 2008's award season being affected by the Writer's strike season everything seems to be hanging in the balance.
Will we not be treated to the annual parade of fantastic dresses that we rely on to get us through the last few cold weeks of winter?
Will we miss out on emotional 11 minute speeches from the winners?

Fear not, the fantasic Jen of MalahoFashion has taken it upon herself to honour fellow fashion bloggers with her very own version of the OSCARs.

There are six categories, ranging from Best Overall Fashion Blog to Best Personal Style and we can nominate two bloggers to go through to be voted for from February 15th.
And ith the profile of fashion blogs on the rise, this is a great chance to reward our favourite bloggers for all that grafting.

Click for your application form, and let the voting commence!

Saturday, January 05, 2008

A Week of Wardrobes Through the Lens:
Best accessories of the week.


A belated HAPPY NEW YEAR to all! Christmas is officially over today, and sadly the tree and decorations must be taken down and it must be expected that normal life shall resume.


The 'slebs' however, have been very varied indeed this week, in the wardrobe department. With the likes of Fergie, the Aniston-Arquettes (!) and Bosworth all escaping the cool temperatures in favour of something a little warmer over the christmas period, and the faithfuls who stayed at home and battled against the winter climate (That's you, Keri Russell), a strange winter-summer hybrid wardrobe came into effect and that was before New Years outfits even came into the equation! Pheww.




And, finally, can you match the Spice Girl to her rightful shoe? A little lighthearted fun for the weekend! Sadly Mel B isn't participating, as her Uggs didn't really fit the bill.


NOTE: Exhibit C shoes are Giambattista Valli 'Victoria' shoes..



Reading through all your best and worst presents stories* stories was rather amusing (see comments at bottom of linked page), but pfft, you complainers, you got off lightly, surely! Though Miss at La Playa probably wins for a singing and dancing doll ("Um, thanks?")

* http://discothequeconfusion.blogspot.com/2007/12/week-of-wardrobes-through-lens-black-on.html


Things are tres tres hectic, as I'm sure is the case for many of you, with exams coming up next week, so I've been a little slow on blogging front, but looking forward to catching up on posts and comments.