Absolutely nothing to wear

Maybe someone can explain the phenomenon known as "having nothing to wear regardless of the fact that I own more clothes than the combined wardrobes of some small towns." That isn't an exaggeration. I have so many items of clothing that my closets are transatlantic. I have three closets in three different cities. So explain to me why I have absolutely nothing to wear! This is ridiculous. This evening I stood in front of racks of clothing and threw clothes on sofas, my bed,  the floor and any other surface that could support the weight of dresses, jeans, sweaters or shoes. And I couldn't put anything together. It was like losing the ability to speak properly. I couldn't express how I wanted to look. And, sadly,  it doesn't end there.

I've been shopping a lot lately, looking for clothing that would be good additions for premieres, parties or general events and I have come home sans shopping bags. I can't remember the last time that happened. I can't decide if it's me or the fashion world that is going through a rut. I am just not inspired by anything. Keeping in mind that I get in crazy mood swings with my style I have come to expect these little spurts of blandness. But it seems as if this is a mighty long draught in the creative portion of my mind. So the outfit of the moment, that is keeping my afloat, is a standard pair of black leggings, brown over-the-knee boots, a crisp white shirt and a gucci jacket. It's boring, boring, boring! I can't even find my usual inspiration in the blogs.

Yes, I am having an off day,  a very off day. Just had to get it all down and share. It's a bad fashion day and no one can save me. Send me McQueen, Karan, Lauren and Lagerfeld. I need immediate medical attention. Any words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated!

2009's best fashion blogs

What a wild ride for fashion 2009 has been. The internet has been around for over two decades and it is only now the past 18 months that it the worldwide web has changed the way in which everyone participates in the art of style.  Amazing bloggers from the age of 13 to 70 have spent the past year amazing the world with their talent for style-spotting and creative journalism. The best part of my day has been scrolling through these blogs, over 150 of them, every morning. I love seeing what each individual has to say about movements in fashion. Opinions are all over the place. A celebrity appears on the street wearing a little black dress and you have reviews ranging from "a classic dress sense" to " a hollywood harlot."  I would like to say thank you to all of those individuals who have made 2009 exceptional and magical for me! I look forward to reading everything you wish to share with the world in 2010. Don't let any of the big, bad, scary editors put you off!

Here are my top ten for the year, in no particular order!

1. Sea of Shoes

2. Red Carpet Fashion Awards

3. The Cut for New York Magazine

4. Coco Perez

5. Fashionising

6. Stylelist

7. Racked

8. Fashion Week Daily Chic Report

9. Fashion Copious

10. The Sartorialist

V Magazine jumps on the plus size wagon

I love, love, love this shoot. It is miles better than what any magazine has done before when it comes to addressing the size issue. "One size fits all" is dead on. Comparing a stereotypical editorial model with a plus-size model is pure genius. If I could reach out and shake the hands of everyone responsible for this shoot at V, I would. It was first reported a few months ago that V would be doing a plus-size shoot. I expected it to be half-assed, similar to what we saw in Glamour Magazine. I must have momentarily forgotten who I was dealing with. V doesn't do half-assed. And Crystal Renn looks amazing in these photos! The stylist definitely chose clothing that would rock her curves. Take a look for yourself and let me know what you think.

Help is on the way for men shopping lingerie...

Debenhams decided to take on a big Christmas dilemma this year...buying the correctly sized lingerie for your girlfriend. More than once I have seen men pointing at another girl in the store and saying to the attendant "She's about that size." Well there is no need for awkward pointing any longer. Debenhams on Oxford Street in London hired three models in a size 8, 12 and 16,  to walk around the department and model different lingerie so that men could accurately judge what size their girlfriend of spouse would wear. Brilliant right? I'm sure the men didn't mind the interaction one bit either...

Sex and The City 2 trailer!!!!

Here it is in High Definition....mark your calendars lady! SATC is back!

Kate and Lila Grace

Lila Grace must have so much fun playing dress up in her mum's closet. Can you just imagine? And it's only a few years before she starts borrowing from what must an amazing collection that Kate has developed over the years. I am particularly loving the fur coat, which Kate was recently photographed in while in Oxfordshire! PETA who? Rock on Mossie!

Be & D without the D

Sadly, the handbag team of Be & D, Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain, have parted ways.
What a sad state of affairs. Steve will stay on as Director of the company and continue to crank out fine leather bags that celebrities around the world simply can't get enough of. I have a few in my closet these days that I will treasure as creations from an awesome duo. It will be interesting to see if there is any great change in the vision of the brand with only one of the creators remaining. Stay tuned!

Ralph Lauren for 2010

Ralph Lauren has launched their online outfit shop for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. They are some great pieces in there including a gorgeous vintage shawl collar sweater! It will be a collector's item for sure. Check out the gear now and get ready for the Olympics! Go USA! Only 51 days until kick-off.  Have you sorted your stylish winter wardrobe for the event yet?

Liya Kebede for Italian Elle

Liya is looking amazing as the cover model for Italy's Elle January.
Check out the phenomenal pictures below. It's obvious that the "volume" trend is sticking around for a few more seasons!

Rodarte for Target: A review

I love these two girls, I have always thought Rodarte was a miracle label. They design for women as designers who love the female form rather than those who wish to punish us with attire that only works on a size zero frame.  So since they made the announcement, that they were running a line for Target's International designer range, I have been going mad with anticipation.

Finally the day arrived on Sunday when the stores would fill with enthusiasts, such as myself. Well I flew in from London a day after the clothes hit the racks so I was expecting the entire stock to be wiped out with nothing left for me to grab for my wardrobe. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the fashionistas had left some pieces for me. In fact, there were a lot of pieces left!

As I neared the racks, my heartbeat quickened and my palms began to sweat. I couldn't believe my luck. The fashion gods were shining down on me on that day. My hand reached for the first lace and organza detailed dress with pretty nude silk bows for shoulders. As my fingers made contact with the first shred of fabric a shock ran up my arm and I was instantly reminded why high-end fashion is so damn expensive. Quality, quality, quality. Rodarte for Target was, sadly, another example of why amazing designers are best kept on the amazingly high priced circuit. The material was deadly.

The clothes may look phenomenal but they are not "wearable".  I tried on the bow-shoulder dress and there was so much static cling from the mesh of fabrics that I could barely keep the skirt down from around my waist.  Sadly, the sequin ribcage dress was sold out so I wasn't able to review that. However, I think that must have been the winner of the collection as far as value for money.

Now, I did walk away with three pieces from the collection so all was not lost. Their lace cardigans are a great staple for the season ahead so grab whatever they have left in stock for those.

A nice effort Rodarte! Great designs but we understand you were on a budget.

Next stop on the International designers list for Target.....Zac Posen!

New Look for Taylor Momsen

Taylor Momsen, of Gossip Girl fame, is the new face for the Britain's fashion brand New Look. Several famous faces have led campaigns at New Look previously. You may remember seeing Miss Daisy Lowe and Scarlet Johansson in advertisements in years past.

The campaign with Taylor was shot a few weeks ago. It will be interesting to see how she was styled. Her look on Gossip Girl is a bit goth, but all high end fashion.  She has become the poster child for upper east side overindulgence. Her character would never be caught dead in something like New Look.  But I suppose her publicist could argue that Taylor is not the character she plays on TV. Some of her style does actually look like items you would find in New Look. And I can't knock the brand. They have come out with some pretty "on-trend" pieces that I wouldn't mind having in my closet.

I'll reserve judgement until I see the campaign but I think this might just be a match made in heaven if done with the right stylist. Thoughts?

2009's best Christmas card

The folks at Harvey Nichols are geniuses, true geniuses. How brilliant is this Christmas card? It is definitely my favourite for 2009! I'm already feeling the pinch of the holiday overindulgence and I have to fit into a Vera Wang gown the day after Christmas!

Anyway, in case we haven't said it before....Merry Christmas from all of us at Fashion Foie Gras!!! xoxo

Charlize Theron for Toms and Charity

Depending on where you live in the world you may have never heard of TOMS shoes. If you are an American west coaster you will be very familiar with the trend. Every occupant of California seems to have a pair of these glorified bed slippers. They are comfy, ugly and totally in demand. So it would make sense for a celebrity to tie into the hype right?

Well Charlize Theron has donated her artistic eye to collaborate with TOMS to create a vegan friendly Baobab shoe. I have to laugh at the vegan friendly notion.  We've all sen Charlize out on red carpets in some pretty fine "non-vegan" friendly designer footwear but maybe this is going to be her look from now on?

We won't be ordering them but someone sure likes them as they have been completely sold out on the website for sometime now. It's pure marketing genius but a true fashion no-no.

The latest and greatest in plastic surgery - foot fillers!

The Harley Medical Group reveals that whilst Botox remains the most popular pre-Christmas treatment, accounting for 73% of non surgical injectable treatments carried out during November, with dermal fillers - particularly for the lips and brow areas are also up 22% year on year. More unusual filler requests received this year are for 'foot fillers', with patients keen to use fillers to plump up the ball of the foot in the sole of the feet to provide some "party padding" to ease the pain of high heels during the party season.

Dr Nick Milojevic said, "It is common for patients to manage their schedules of non surgical treatments in order to have some pre-Christmas fillers and non surgical treatments in the run up to Christmas, to get them camera-ready for the festive season. This year, however, we have received increased enquiries for foot fillers, a technique of using fillers to pad out the ball of the foot to reduce the pain cause by more vertiginous heels. We do say to patients that the results are not long lasting because of the high impact on this area of the body so that they should think twice before spending the money."

Liz Dale, Director, The Harley Medical Group, said, "We're still talking tiny numbers of foot fillers in the grand scale of things. Partox - Botox for the party season is still the no.1 injectable this season."

Other treatments seeing seasonal increases include dermal fillers which work to plump out the skin giving fuller, smoother cheeks and a Christmas picture pout. Chemical peels, which work to remove the top surface of dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and firmer, has also seen an increase of over 300% following the recent wintry weather and introduction of new effective peels including the popular Obagi Blue Peel.

Liz Dale cautioned, "Before booking in an appointment for any kind of injectable procedure patients should always check with their practitioner that they are a registered healthcare professional."

Leopard Print Keds! I die!

Ok I loved keds as a kid and there has always been a pair in each of my closets growing up.  So to find that I can now buy them with Leopard, Zebra or Cheetah print gives my goosebumps. These are hot, hot, hot. Buy them now before they sell out at Opening Ceremony!

Extreme advertising

www.glow.com recently released a new advertisement that is more than just a little disturbing. Apparently the average women ingests 7 lbs of lipstick in her lifetime. Interesting, sure. But did we really need to see some woman going to town chowing down on the products? See for yourself. Doesn't really make me want to buy "raw" makeup...just makes me want to run to the nearest loo...

Best Spread from Jan 2010 glossies

Brooklyn Decker's fashion spread for Elle Magazine January 2010 is by far the best out this month. I've fallen in love with the Ralph Lauren three-piece cashmere suit! Great shot, great style.

Perfect Man

Cam Gigandet, who you may recognize from a number of movies including Twilight, was pictured out and about a few days ago with his gorgeous daughter Everleigh Rae in tow.  Now why do I call this the perfect man? Alright, let me start with the outfit. That absolute best outfit out there. Is there any woman that would turn away from a guy in loose jeans, white v-neck and a leather bomber with aviators as well? You have got to be kidding me! Any and all men would benefit from trying to put together this sort of daywear. Trust me guys, you won't be disappointed by the amount of second glances you get. 

Secondly, he has a baby with him. Now, where most men would just be pushing the baby in a stroller, Cam has opted to use the baby sling. Regardless of the fact that he is probably carrying around a 14 baby on his chest, Cam stands tall and walks as if there was nothing there are all. And there's just that lovely hand to hand contact there between father and daughter. It's perfect. Gorgeous father, gorgeous baby, effortless look. He just looks same damn cool. Ok I will stop now.

Daily Style Snapshot

Zoe Saldana has quickly become a red carpet sensation since Avatar started premiering around the world last week.  She has yet to attend an event for the movie looking anything less than spectacular. Even yesterday she attended the LA Premiere and an interview at MTV studios, looking sensational. She is well put together, simple and classic. Obviously her stylist knows better than to compete with Zoe's amazing features. Clothes come secondary to her natural beauty and that is quite a daunting task for a stylist as many Hollywood starlets actually use their clothes as a disguise. Well played Zoe and your stylist!

Vogue UK January Cover

Daily Style Snapshot

Naomi Watts, Marion Cottilard, Sarah Jessica Parker and Diane Kruger.

Lindsay Lohan's auction

This is beyond ridiculous so brace yourself. The Lohans, also known as the "famewh*res" , have a site called The Lohan House where you can read about each member of the family and what they are up to at the moment. There's even a news section in a blog sort of format where you can see the latest publicity stunts for the family. But the reason I mention it is because it was brought to my attention that Lindsay, and the rest of her family, use the site to sell off their clothing. It's seems to be pretty full of stuff. That might be because they are selling the items for what you would buy them retail. Perhaps they think we want we want the priviledge of wearing their cast-offs? Interesting concept. There dont seem to be a great deal of sales that I can see, over the past week at least. Those poor children. Actually, I don't even want to go into it as it will just upset me and turn into a rant.  Let's just say fame is a disease for some.

January Cover Vogue 2010

The first cover of the new year for Vogue...Rachel McAdams brings in the new year.

Definitely a sign of things to come in the new year. Looks like the fifties housewife is still in style with the tightly fitted dressed and sweater cardigans. Although I'm not liking the short styled hair. Not a good look on her or in general. Why on earth Vogue insisted on making her look like she is about forty years old, I have no clue.  Just compare the picture to how she looked last night in London at the Sherlock Holmes premiere. It's like a different person. What's happening at Vogue?

Although.... Once you dig into the issue there is some fantastic styling! Including this awesome sidebraid style with safari wear. Absolutely love it!

A Dior Christmas

Loving the Dior / Bazaar invite this Christmas...so festive. If only a Santa's sleigh like this was arriving at my house this Christmas.

Visit partycrasher for more awesome invites this holiday season!

Daily Style Snapshot

Amber Le Bon, Marion Cotillard and Kate Hudson

A designer Christmas Tree

Well I've decided who will be designing my Christmas tree next year. I'm stealing John Galiano from Claridge's.  This year he designed a magical wonderland right in their front hall, at the base of the grand staircase, that has the whole fashion world buzzing.  The tree is definitely Galiano as the curves and decoration bring me straight back to several seasons of catwalk stunners. The tree's haunting ghostly pastels make you feel as if you have just stepped into an alternative universe for Christmas. Go by and take a peak before the holiday is behind us!

DIY Shoes at Keds

Visit Keds today to outfit yourself with your designer kicks! We had a lot of fun playing on the site and could have spent all day on there.  You can choose from prints or colours to cover the entire shoe. For  the more creative you can upload your own photos to appear on the shoes. Get designing.

Taylor, straight or curly?

Which do you prefer?

Burberry stays in London

Christopher Bailey announced, last week at the BFAs, Burberry would  once again be catwalking in London in February. Fantastic news! We'll see you at the show CB! Can't wait to see what you have to offer and  thanks for staying with the home city! A decade in Milan was a decade too long.

More Tavi Love!

Tavi's report on the Rodarte line for Target. We seriously love this little style queen. She is just too adorable for words and the smartest 13 year-old we've come across when it comes to fashion.
Take a look at the brilliant video...

A Solution for those gentleman who can't live without their music...

Ladies, if you are looking for the perfect present for your music obsessed boyfriend? Well Thomas Pink has the announce to your prayers this season. The Commuter Tie has finally hit the website. Basically Pink has taken a normal tie and put a subtle pocket on the reverse to hold your ipod in place while you travel or, for the more daring, while working. There is even an extra fabric loop to keep the wires out of sight and close to your body.

A stone's throw from perfection

It's been an interesting week for Lara Stone. The famous gap-toothed model was named one of Forbes' top paid models for 2009. She was also signed to replace Madonna for the forthcoming Louis Vuitton campaign.  And if that wasn't enough excitement, pictures of the February issue of LOVE magazine were released and Lara is completely nude on the cover!  Quite a change from the last nude star, Beth Ditto, who graced the cover. Lara is also rumoured to be dating David Wailliams. Lucky gal. And all happening at the age of 25. We're a big fan of the model who seems to be taking a stand against the size zero craze with her curvy figure.  This is definitely one to watch. Now Lara, what do you plan on buying first with the $10 million smack-a-roos from Vuitton?

The fashion Enigma, Lady Gaga, and top ten rules for dressing like the new trendsetter

She's walked out of the house in getups most mothers would balk at, she bears an uncanny resemblance to Donatella Versace and she's got an amazing talent for giving the music scene regular number ones. Who is this fanciful creature and why do we love her so much? She walks and the public follow her like lambs to the slaughter.  She used to be an adorable brunette who with a Barbara Streisand-ish nose. She had a normal, cute body, and wore "appropriate" clothing for a girl in her twenties. Then a switch flipped. When her hair went platinum so too did her music and so our obsession began.  

So what are the top ten rules of dressing like lady gaga?

1. Leotards (or a combo resembling such) aren't just for ballerinas. Stock up on them in every colour and ever fabric now.

2. Accessorize. We are not talking just handbags and pearls. Be creative. Teacups, hair bows (actually made of hair) and funky shades are welcome.

3. Lady Gaga doesn't believe in following the rules of underwear being hidden "under" clothing? It's too fine to be in hiding.

4. Throw in a semi-sophisticated look every once and a while just to keep your public guessing.

5. The more uncomfortable the outfit the better. Strive for outright pain.

6. Celebrity arm candy as an accessory is the only accessory this season.

7. There are only two "L's" in fashion...not Lagerfeld and Louis.....but rather Latex and Lace!

8. Ever seen "The Birds"? Try and channel this look into your daily red carpet wear.

9. There is nothing wrong with dressing with an intention to frighten young children.

10. If in doubt, cover yourself with Kermit the Frog stuffed animals.