Trend Alert: Bold Earrings

Earrings will make a BIG comeback in 2012- big in terms of size and selection. When you have a look at some of the most famous designers’ Spring 2012 fashion shows, jumbo-sized earrings were most certainly a great feature. Think detailed chandeliers, exaggerated globes, over-sized tassels and even vibrant vegetables. Giant earrings are not only restricted to the latest fashion shows, many famous fashionistas such as Shala Monroque and Anna Dello Russo are inspiring us by making the most of this trend.  For those who are wary of wearing statement jewellery in fear that it may overpower your frame, oversized pieces can actually be used to emphasize your best physical features. So no excuses, it is time to embrace the bold!

ON THE RUNWAY

 STYLE ICONS

Shala Monroque sports one of a kind globes.

All eyes were on Joanna Hillman (Editor of US Harper's
Bazaar) at New York Fashion Week withher Eddie Borgo
red tassel earrings. 

Olivia Palermo embraces this trend by wearing big
emerald earrings at Paris Fashion Week. 

 FASHION EDITORIALS

Famous model, Arizona Muse, showcases one of this seasons biggestaccessory trend in February 2012
issue of Vogue UK.

Dianna Agron, from Glee fame, posing for the January 2012 issue
 of Nylon. 

Magdalena Frackowiak wearing beautiful bold earrings for the JapanVogue fashion shoot (February 2012) .

The Enchanting MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

Over the weekend I spontaneously decided to go watch a movie at my local cinema nouveau. I took a chance and chose Woody Allen’s latest film- Midnight in Paris. Apart from seeing the film poster and knowing Owen Wilson plays the lead, I did not quite know what to expect. To my surprise it was absolutely charming- I loved every second of it!

The movie follows the ventures of frustrated writer, named Gil (Owen Wilson), who visits Paris in the modern day with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams) and by night magically escapes into the thrilling 1920s to party with infamous personalities he admires from the past, Hemingway, Salvador Dali, Gertrude Stein, Picasso and Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald are just among the few he socialises with. Most scenes are set in smokey jazz bars and in the streets of Paris as Gil takes scenic strolls at night. Every time when faced with returning to reality of modern life, Gil feels more torn between the life he is familiar with compared to the fascinating past.

Apart from an intriguing plot and beautiful scenery, the fashion in this film is just breathtaking and so inspiring. Being partially set in the 1920s- which is viewed by many as the golden era, the female characters are dressed in flapper dresses, silk stockings and beaded shift dresses, while men wear smart suits, ties and crisp collar shirts. Sonia Grande, genius costume designer, was responsible for capturing the essence of this past era as well as the fashion of today. She also uses the clothing to masterfully distinguish between the different personalities of Gil’s two love interests.  Ines (Gil’s fiancée) is one of those women who comes from a privileged background, has expensive taste and is trendy. Grande mainly dressed Ines in contemporary designer clothing such as Dior, Chanel, and Hermes. But it is undoubtedly Adrianna’s (seductive 1920s muse played by Marion Cotillard) wardrobe that steals the show.  She captivates the audience with beaded shift dresses, headbands adorned with feathers and beads and interesting flapper dresses that truly reveals her romantic and idealistic character. 

Rachel McAdam’s character looks chic and relaxed in a plain shirt dress paired with a slender belt,  classic handbag and simple jewellery.

I just love Ines's look in this scene- mixing a classic Chanel jacket with a plain tee.

Marion looks so sensual with her beaded shift dress, bob curled hairstyle and of course slender cigarette.
  

Marion looks so fresh in this white knee length dress with dropped waist. Owen's vintage blazer with button down shirt compliments her look.

Dressing smart when socialising.

The Fitzgeralds!  Zelda is beautiful with her wavy bob and Scott in a perfect tuxedo, waistcoat and tie- so typical of that time. 

Classic Flapper attire.

If you are mesmerized by Paris, just love the fashion of the Roaring Twenties or wish you could have socialized with some of the infamous Parisian artist and writers- then Midnight in Paris is a must see. Not only is the acting spot on, the movie immediately catches your interest with an extended opening scene of true Parisian attractions- street cafes, the Eiffel Tower and picturesque streets. I have not been to Paris myself, but this film just once again convinced me that this is the city to experience. I can truly understand why so many fall in love with it.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS ON THE RUNWAY:

Fortunately some designers have drawn inspiration from this edgy era for their Spring 2012 collections- indicating that drop-wait shift dresses, embellished headpieces and silk stockings will be a big trend. At Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York, it was clear that Ralph Lauren drew strong inspiration from the 1920s with a soft colour palette, silk fabrics and feathers. The flapper dress was without a doubt the focus of his collection. Other designers that were also inspired by the 1920s for Spring 2012 include Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam and Oscar de la Renta.

Ralph Lauren

Derek Lam

Oscar de la Renta

Suno

Mark Fast

Mark Jacobs

Meet Elizabeth Olsen

After starring in the lead of the Sundance breakout film- Martha Macy May Marlene, Elizabeth Olsen was suddenly on Hollywood’s radar.  Many were very surprised to learn she the younger sister of acting and fashion duo Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Taking a completely different route to her sisters, this 22-year old actress studied at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and gained valuable acting experience as an understudy of and on Broadway.

After breaking the mold with two intense adult indie films, Elizabeth is set to star in upcoming movies opposite big names such as Robert De Niro, Sigourney Weaver, Zac Efron and Dakota Fanning. Not only is she the new talent to watch, but she also boasts great style and is definitely on her way to become a fashion icon in her own right. Here are some of her standout looks.

Cannes Film Festival, May 2011.  

Elizabeth looked so pure and innocent in this sheer white dress with intricate embroidery from The Row's Fall 2011 collection.

Beverly Hills, August 2011

Looking oh-so-chic with this eye-catching necklace and simple shirt by Alexander Wang.

Toronto Film Festival, September 2011. 

Elizabeth most certainly stood out with this floral Erdem Resort 2012 gown. She completed the look with soft curls and natural make-up.

Mill Valley Film Festival, October 2011.
Elizabeth looks prim and proper in the British label Preen! 

New York Film Festival, October 2011.
Elizabeth in a gorgeous Alexander McQueen dress. 

Beyond the Pale

With summer in full swing, almost everyone is obsessed with having a great tan. For a great part of my life I seriously envied people with tanned skin. Every summer holiday I vowed to return with a beautiful caramel complexion. Alas, I started every new year with a reddish glow, peeling skin and freckles. It has only been relatively recent that I accepted my pale skin thanks to so many celebrities that have ensured that fair skin has made a major comeback. Movie stars who are famous for going au naturel include Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow.  Even younger talent such as Emma Stone, Kirstin Dunst and Dakota Fanning are renowned for their porcelain skin,  which just shows paleness equals class and beauty. So, who do you consider fairest of them all?

Florence Welch in January 2012 'Vogue'. Photographed by Mario Testino for 'Vogue'

Nicole Kidman in February 2011 'Harper's Bazaar'. Photographed by Alexi Lubomirski for 'Harper's Bazaar'

Emma Stone in August 2011 issue of "Vanity Fair". Photographed for "Vanity Fair" by Patrick Demarchelier.

Julianne Moore- The face of Talbots. Photographed by Mert & Marcus.

Nicola Roberts in February 2012 'InStyle'. Photographed by Robert Wyatt for 'Instyle'. 

Katy Perry- The One That Got Away

I have to admit- at the moment I am kind of obsessed with this song and music video. Not only is it a beautiful, yet tragic love story- almost everyone can relate to this song. The one you secretly wish you'd married or imagined a life with, but unfortunately it just did not work out. You carried on with your life but never forgot him/her. The song is sad, but catchy and upbeat at the same time.

The music video begins with a much older version of Katy- her make-up was done brilliantly! It is really what I picture her to look like in her 70s- super stylish and well groomed.  Her curled bob undoubtedly reminds you of the pink hairstyle she had at this year's Video Music Awards. Throughout the video the older Katy boasts a classy wardrobe- mainly white and ivory with splashes of colour and expensive jewellery. The highlight of her wardrobe is definitely reached as she wears all black to mourn the loss of her true love. Don’t you just love the in a chiffon pussy bow blouse and tailored blazer?

The young Katy’s clothes are very simple and relaxed: stretched-out tees, oversized button up shirts and long black pendants. In one particular scene she mixed prints in a very exciting way by pairing an American flag inspired pants with a nautical striped top and finishing the look with a leather jacket. It does sound a bit crazy, but for some reason it just works. Then there is the fabulous tiered retro party dress- how I would love to own a dress like this. I am also very excited to see that Katy is a brunette again. The blonde and other bright coloured hair was great, but I still prefer the dark brown. She just looks amazing- I love the messy hair style and simple make-up.


Her then-lover is played by Diego Luna (it’s first time I have heard of him too!) and he is just my kind of guy. I love his arty, laid back sense of style with denim shirts, leather jackets and old faded tees. Just look how his beard totally adds to this image. 

Older Katy looking stylish with her soft curly bob.

Katy mourning in monochrome. Love the structured jacket and pussy bow blouse.

Back to brunette.

She even looks amazing in a tattered tee.

Diego Luna looks so handsome in this leather jacket.

I want this dress!

Katy mixing prints brilliantly.

After a year of silence, I am very excited to announce that Pelican State fashion blog is BACK- this time it has a whole new approach. A lot has happened in a year- I graduated, got a job at a leading fashion company and moved to Joburg (even though I was hoping it would be New York, London or Berlin). Although it has been a major adjustment, this year of transition has opened my eyes to so many inspiring people and places. My sense of style has also changed greatly, therefore it was only natural to give Pelican State a make-over. This time round I will be reporting on the latest trends, bargains, music videos, movies and inspiring people. But it won’t be completely out with the old and in with the new, I would still like to re-post some of my favourite fashion shoots I did as fashion editor at the university newspaper. Looking forward to the new journey ahead.