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.