Audrey Hepburn Wardrobe Sold at Auction

Modern fascination with the stars of Hollywood means there's usually plenty to explore and discover about the fashion choices of the world's favorite celebs, from red carpet critique shows to gossip rags that seem to have a never-ending supply of dirt on designers and the silver screen players who love them. Some of the most revered figures in Hollywood history, however, no longer make their way down movie opening promenades or into fashionable bars and clubs. By far one of the greatest fashion legends in Tinsel Town is Audrey Hepburn, a star who dazzled audiences with her performances in a range of classic films, and who also lit up the imagination of onlookers with her often simple, understated, and undeniably elegant couture. Many items form the actress' much-loved wardrobe was auctioned off on Tuesday night at a standing-room-only event held in London by Kerry Taylor Auctions.
The event was full to the brim with admirers of the ate film star and fashion hounds intent on scooping up a piece of what was, in the 1950s and 60s, one of the most talked-about wardrobes in the world. Dresses in black, white, and pastels –the actress' favorite colors for womens' wear--, comprised many of the lots, with plenty of little black dresses, day dresses, and suits complementing the collection. Designers such as Hubert de Givenchy, who designed many of the pieces Hepburn wore in her movies, made ample appearances throughout the wardrobe, with classic styles celebrated with a sense of taste and refinement that is unmistakably reflective of Hepburn's poise and grace. One of the highlights of the show was a wedding dress created by the Fontana sisters for Hepburn's planned marriage to James Hanson, a wedding which did not actually take place. Hepburn requested that the dress be given to someone without the money to afford such a dress on their wedding day, and the recipient, an Italian woman, decided to add the dress to the auctioned collection to pass on the storied item.
Scores of accessories were also included in the auction, from quilted Chanel bags to impeccable flat-heeled shoes and impressive costume jewellery belts. Hepburn's renowned sense of style was, after all, as visible in her choice of accessories as it was in her clothing, with ample room for sparkling Swarovski crystals and bold, solid pieces that complemented her smooth and well-kept look. Exploring the possibilities of costume jewellery can quickly yield a one-of-a-kind collection that's bound to be remembered by friends and family. With a set of bangle bracelets and cuffs, silver necklaces, impressive drop earrings, fun cocktail rings, and other costume jewellery accessories, fashion mavens can stake their claim to creating their own enviable jewellery box well worthy of passing down through the generations –or drawing in the crowds at an estate sale. Hepburn's auction showed that the appeal of true style never dies, but continues to delight the eyes and minds of the fashion-savvy throughout time.

All Abuzz about Bruno

Fans of Sacha Baron Cohen, an actor with several years of pushing people's buttons under his belt, are probably most familiar with the star's film Borat, which was released a few years ago and chronicled, somewhat hilariously, a character of Cohen's creation who hailed from Kazakhstan and made a US tour as a confused but well-meaning journalist. A far departure from the goofy antics of Borat, Cohen's latest invention focuses on a very different kind of character indeed. Bringing his penchant for slightly uncomfortable comedy to the world of fashion, Cohen has been gearing up for the release of Bruno, a movie centering on his original Austrian fashion design character.



With sometimes outrageous outfits and suggestive poses, Bruno has been making the rounds to promote the new movie, showing up at media conferences, premiers, and even at airports to create some buzz about the feature film. The effort seems to be working rather well, as everyone from regular moviegoers to actual fashion designers themselves are sounding off on their opinions and apprehensions about the larger-than-life fashion character. With a release of July 10th in many parts of the world, the movie has been racking up the box office bucks, and the verdict isn't entirely in on how the film will impact the fashion industry, if at all. But that doesn't mean it can't serve as a little inspiration. The Bruno character has been spotted with various pieces of costume jewellery, even on the film's main poster. We've taken a look at our catalogue with fresh eyes, scoping out a selection of pieces that Bruno himself would be proud to wear. Here are his picks:



Bruno clearly has an appreciation for the masculine yet chic quality of leather wristbands. With supple grain, a classic feel, and even that distinctive, pleasant leather scent, our wristbands beautifully show that trendy jewelry can also be affordable jewelry. We offer a variety of styles stamped and embellished with designs to suit any taste. A subtle statement in a great and durable material, leather wristbands are sure to garner Bruno's enthusiastic thumbs up.



Also among top Bruno jewelry gifts is our black and silver men's Celtic cross pendant, a beautiful specimen of finely-worked silver and rich black enamel. Set in a classic shield shape, this pendant portrays faith, strength, and style, while remaining wonderfully inexpensive and easy to wear with just about any outfit. The necklace comes on a basic ball and links chain for effortless clasping and removal. We can see this piece pairing with one of Bruno's fashion-forward vests already.




Macrame is sure to find a soft spot in Bruno's fashion finesse, with its traditional appeal yet modern complexity. Our multicolored leather macrame men's fashion belt is a dream of an accessory, able to highlight nearly any pair of pants with an intricate appeal that belies a great fashion sense. While Bruno is probably a little too busy at the moment to verify our special picks in person, we bet he'd wholeheartedly applaud these modern men's costume jewellery pieces.

Pamela Anderson “Belts” it Out at Vivienne Westwood

As marvelous and full of exciting finds and trends as the fashion industry tends to be, it is not without its potential for the occasional disaster. Whether the result of a stressful season, and ailing designer, or rapidly tightening funds (a phenomenon that seems to be hitting a little hard these days), a show can sometimes flounder from high fashion statements to the low and simply lame. Of course, it all depends on who you're talking to. Some critics are a bit more enthusiastic when it comes to laying on the skepticism, but once in a while a show will end with a flop that no one can deny. Unfortunately for famed gown designer Vivienne Westwood, this seems to have been the consensus case about her showing during the recent celebration of Paris Fashion Week.
Full of gowns that didn't quite seem fit for the season, or at least, weren't up to the cheers and accolades of her critics, Westwood's show culminated in what was, doubtless, intended to be big-deal publicity stunt. Sure, ex-Baywatch actress and occasional Playboy model Pamela Anderson is famed for having an attractive figure, but her presence on the runway seems to draw a bit more upon her fame as a highly sexual and often overexposed icon. It may have come as no surprise to viewers, then, when one of Anderson's breasts was briefly revealed when her dress came apart during her strut. Hand in hand with Westwood, Anderson took off down the catwalk in a sculptural black dress with red accents and a brown belt, no doubt feeling confident in her designer getup.



But as she approached the end of the runway, whether by accident or as an intentional call for extra attention, the bust of the dress came loose on Anderson's left side, and plenty of flesh was let loose, in full view of onlookers. While the event easily could have been seen as an embarrassment, Anderson, Westwood, and most of those present seem to have been able to take the slip-up in stride. What's more, the speculation that Anderson's less than authentic asset actually saved the show has been circulating among fashion blogs and magazines, and at any rate has been getting Westwood and her designs a healthy dose of additional scrutiny.
The life of a fashion designer may, indeed, be a lot more complicated than it seems. Perhaps Pam would have felt a bit more cozy and well-contained in more casual attire, ditching the long-sleeved gown and accessories for a fashionably laid back look. Fashion belts aren't just for the runway - plenty of timeless and attractive designs come ready-to-wear, for both men and women, whether finished in simple leather or given a special touch with Swarovski crystals or cool metallic finishes.

London Live

London Live is currently underway! BBC.com highlights the event on their entertainment homepage. This programme features the hottest artists of today and the up and comers of tomorrow. Along with concerts, this series will feature interviews that answer the public’s burning questions. With past artists like Groove Armada, Fergie, Kate Nash, and the Manic Street Preachers, this show is presented with the challenge to match-up with another list of all-star performers.
This series is more than concerts and interviews. Like any gathering of stars, this event will be filled with new fashions and trends by your favorite artists. Here are my fashion predictions for my favorite acts:
Hip-Hop artist Lupe Fiasco will certainly stay true to his style of bright colors through use of jewellery. His look can be easily mimicked by men and women alike with Swarovski crystals. Swarovski crystal chandelier earrings and brooches come in an array of colors that provide drama and creativity to a simple outfit. The Killers will showcase rock star style in stainless steel bangles, a play on their edgy appeal. Bands like Keane who have style that is earthy may be seen in leather jewellery and brown fashion belts. Female artist Pink will have a style that reflects her tough, but fun personality. She will wear diamond earrings in her multiple piercings, along with lots of bangles. Other female artists will follow the trends seen during this awards season of metallic and layers of glass bead necklaces.
If you haven’t caught a glimpse of this spectacular series at KOKO, tune in Friday, December 5th for the premiere of episode 7. This lineup features the All Saints, The Killers, Pink and Brakes. And if you missed episode 5 which included performances by Amy Winehouse, you have another chance to see her on episode 18. That is one of the great elements about this show. The hottest artists of today have the chance to play multiple nights. However, let’s wish Amy Winehouse well. According to uk.msn.com, she has had a side affect to medication prescribed to her while on a drug replacement programme. Her illness caused her to miss a court date on Monday for husband, Blake Fielder-Civil.

Today's Japanese Fashion Trends

Japanese style has always been wicked. Anime art has had an influence on fashion houses as well as street trends. Lately, the trends have shifted from inspired fashion of Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z, in which individuals wear mitch-matched clothing and over accessorize with stainless steel bracelets, fashion belts and art deco brooches. Today's trends, while resembling animation, inspire feminine looks of 18th century France.
In Tokyo, a group of girls is growing who dress like royalty who have escaped the Rococo era of art. The style icons for this group are figures like Paris Hilton and Marie Antoinette. So just image, young girls walking the streets of Tokyo covered in pink- pink ribbon headbands, crystal brooches and diamond earrings. These girls dress as if they are attending garden tea parties fit for a queen everyday. To find this clothing, they shop at Jesus Diamante. This is a boutique where one can easily spend $1000 on an outfit. Not only do girls of this rising group dress in frilly lace and costume jewellery, but they have the mannerisms and voice to match. Mayumi Yamamoto who is an avid shopper of Diamante speaks in a soft, bubbly voice as she talks about this new fad. Yamamoto takes it one step further, she has decorated her room in rococo style furniture of florals and imitation fabrics of that period.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the new wave of princess girls are better known as hime gyaru. So far this trend has only been executed by girls. It would be nice to see some little princes in the streets of Tokyo. They can wear fitted trouser, mens pendants, men's bangles, and maybe diamond earrings for a modern twist. Since the style seems to transition into a lifestyle for those welling to undertake the extravagance of this new trend, maybe it will bring back chivalry. It is definitely, one of the lost 18th century practices.

JaneoJewels Introduces New Collection of Buckle Belts

Janeojewels.com introduces a brand new collection of buckle belts. Trendsetters like pop-princess Rihanna are influencing designers everywhere to create edgier, glamorous looks. If it is a more elegant look you desire, fashion belts are offered with demure designs. Janeo Jewels remains fashion forward in the pursuit to provide style at an affordable price. This new product features genuine swarovski crystals and extra large buckles in silver or gold. You chose which oversized buckle fits your style from the various designs offered on the Janeo Jewels website.

Hollywood's Celebrities doing Halloween with funky jewellery

In LA anything goes. California seems to be the only state in the nation that plays by its own rules. Its citizens are eccentric, whimsical, individualistic and sometimes plain strange. And in a town full of actors, directors, writers, and musicians, the imbalance of normal and crazy must be the formula needed to remain creative. Everyone wears boots in the summer and shorts in the winter. Okay, so the weather does permit, but the nickname “La La land” is definitely fitting.
Halloween, the second largest retail holiday next to Christmas, allows Los Angeles to realign with the rest of the world. Because you see, while the rest of the world is venturing into the realm of the weird, grotesque, and all that is Halloween, Los Angeles has been in this state all year long. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that its citizens are not fashion forward. Shopping in LA is amazing. It is host to some of the best boutiques carrying men’s and women’s fashion belts, glass bead bracelets, and Swarovski crystals. However, California one-ups the rest of our states once again this Halloween through use of its celebrities. As they host parties and dress up in costumes that are just a little more outrageous than the rest of us.
Super sexy Victoria Secret angel Heidi Klum and husband Seal decided to spend their Halloween in NYC. They started the day off by strolling the streets of the Big Apple in costume. Well it least one of them. Seal wore a Barack Obama mask seemingly amusing to Heidi. Later that night, she hosted her Absolut 100 Party wearing a costume that outshined party goers everywhere. Painted in blue Heidi dressed as a witch doctor. Her head dress was bejeweled with stones matching her chandelier earrings and red eyes. She carried weapons and heads with her eight arms.
In Vegas celebrities continued the trend of being coupled up on the scariest night of the year. John Legend was there with his model girlfriend and Kim Kardashian attended the same party at PUR with NFLer Reggie Bush. Kim and Reggie dressed as 1950’s characters. She was a flapper covered in costume pearl jewellery, crystal bracelets and diamond earrings. Reggie was a 1950’s gangster, wearing 2008 canary diamond studs. I don’t think gangsters wore canary diamonds in the 1950’s. Let’s stick to the character. John Legend dressed up as a cowboy with moccasin clad girlfriend on his arm. Former Danity Kane member, Aubrey O’Day, also made her way to Las Vegas to host a “Halloween Night of Seduction” at Tabu Ultra Lounge. Aubrey dressed up as Disney mermaid Ariel. Surprisingly, her costume wasn’t as revealing and slutty as her reputation. Her reputation did get her kicked out of the girl group.
So as you see, the rest of the nation does align on Halloween. The stars travel to our cities, spread their quirkiness, craziness, and creativeness and we enjoy a taste of Hollywood every Halloween.