The Battle of the "Dress Factor" continues

Kelly and Tulisa are constantly under the microscope in more ways than we have ever seen in the program of late.  Since joining the X Factor judging panel, these two icons has been wetting our appetite for fashion and we have not been let down yet.  Their fashion choice has been under some very intense scruitiny week in week out.

During the launch of the X Factor Kelly and Tulisa got top marks from me for pulling it out of the bag.  They were obviously aware of the importance of the event and they did put in a 110% effort looking ultra glam.





Tulisa with her hair style in wavy curls, the star pulled out all the stops in her tight-fitting LBD by Vivienne Westwood which featured impressive lace printed detail, as well as enhancing her cleavage.

Tulisa completed the gorgeous ensemble with a pair of patent heels, which cost her £12,000 according to reports. Ladies, Passa-Diva can get you the same outfit but at your prize.  Here we are talking about celebrity prices and if you are thinking about dressing up like them, the place to really shop in the future will be at www.passadiva.com.

The battle of the "X-Factor" Styles - Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos

I promised you excitement and thrilling blogs in the celebrity fashion arena and it is exactly what I am going to do.  The United Kingdom sees the new X Factor season start in earnest like Brits have never seen before.  The Destiny child Icon Kelly Rowland and the N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos, are two of the judges in this year’s competition and they are in a war of, who wears what better.  Although in an exclusive interview Kelly did mention that it was not a "war of styles", but upon following these two closely I think Kelly is taking us for a ride.  Besides being a cheeky sod,  I am tempted to say, Cheryl and Danni who!!!!.  Follow my exclusive clash of style and i promised to bring some more as the competition progresses.

Getting in touch with their teenage side.

Tulisa and Kelly chose similar styles for the auditions in Manchester.  Both judges wore short, flirty frocks that showed off their tiny waist line and loads of legs.

Then what happens the following day in Manchester, Kelly opted for a cool casual look whilst Tulisa went for the cheryl Cole Jump suit style which didn't do much for me.

The Grey skies in the United Kingdom has not put a dent on these fine ladies objectives, to wow the fashionistas and the fashion savvy on what their wardrobes hold.  In Cardiff the competion was a bit of a one sided race and wow, I was impressed.  The former Destiny child diva went for a touch of brightness, a gorgeous Victoria Beckham spring 2011 Canary Yellow trendy frock which showed off her figure to perfection.  This diva won this round by a mile especially with the magnificent pairing with electric blue hills.  This shade has been very popular this summer as a few celebrities like Beyonce, Eva Longoria etc, seen parading in it.

Whilst Kelly's outfit was a stunner, there were a few negative comments by fashionistas on the outfit of Tulisa.  She wore a futuristic grey top, with shoulder pads and a silver metal belt.  Her poor fitted mini skirt and her black socks with patent booties made her look dull like a perfect British weather.  I guess she was having the country side effect.

I am having a great time writing about these two ladies and their fashion sense is just great.  I am sure most of you will be taking a close look at these outfits and hope that they continue to wow us.  With the very diversified fashion market we have now it will not be too expensive to dress up like them if you look in the right places.  Look out for more of this war on style on my next blog.

The revolution of the leather handbag: Fact or Fiction!

During the course of my short absence, I have been thinking about how leather handbags have been revolutionised lately.  I am seeing more and more sophisticated women, business women, executives and women with substances opting in for the traditional hand made leather bags.  I am a big fan of leather bags but have you guys looked at the price they are going for lately?  Let us take a few example and sample them.

Bags are all about presentation and context especially when it's just like a plain tote like what i am going to showcase but hey it is Prada – and just gaze at the type of leather – and instantly it’s welcoming and desirable. It’s not just the simplicity of this bag that got me. It’s the compartments that have me hooked as well. Look at the gold frames, it makes this bag an out right clean piece of carry material.  If you looked at the opened up picture, the centre compartment looks like it has one bag inside another. It has the details of a clutch, making me wish it could magically detach and become its own little bag.

The tote's overall feel is incredibly ladylike and proper, which is what we loved about classic Prada bags in the first place.  This bag is going at Prada for $2,595.

 

The picture of the bag in the first image is that of MULBERRY Alexa leather bag and the retail price at Net-A-Porter is $1200.

Many a time we like to dress up like our celebrity icons, and i am the biggest culprit for this but the prices are that of an arm and a leg.  This is the time when as you already know I am going to suggest a place where you can get this same type of bags for a fraction of the price.  www.passadiva.com, here you can get some sophisticated authentic Italian bags for very reasonable prices. 

Kate Middleton and Prince William Kick off Canada day celebration in style

I am beginning to fall in love with this girl's sense of fashion.  I have closely been following her dress sense and for a future queen and an icon for many she is doing nothing wrong.  For this I salute her wardrobe manager.  This week and until the end of this tour, my loyal followers, it is all about the Duchess of Cambridge. 

She and her husband Prince William attended the Canada Day Celebration looking very glamorous with a cream ruffled Reiss dress, she donned in her offical engagement photos.  She topped off the outfit with a red Sylvia Fletcher, which looked like it was actually featuring a Maple leaf.  What an act of genius if that is what the hat really portrays.  This definitely seemed to bear enough of the resemblance to make it the perfect head topper for the patriotic occasion.  This is also accompanied with a maple leaf broach and I actually save the best for last: the clutch.

 A fan shape red and brown straw clutch from Anya Hindmarch is actually a work of art.  Look closely at the detailing in this clutch.  It carries a high degree of sophistication and flare.  Simple yet aesthetically complicated.  It reminds me of an Arabian product and for those of you who are au-fait with products from this side of the world, will know what I am talking about. 

The whole outfit that the Duchess of Cambridge had on portrayed flamboyance at the highest level.  The colour scheme and her sense of matching the right outfits is beyond comprehension.  If you follow my blogs on her for the next few days, you will realise what I am talking about.  I for one, I definitely give a 10/10 for effort and style.

Jennifer Aniston Looking Red Hot

Jennifer Aniston walked on the "Red Carpet" looking very sexy at the Los Angeles Premiere of her new movie "Horrible Bosses".  The "He's just not into you" actress was looking mighty fine in a stylish black frock, black clutch and black strap shoes to show off sophistication.  The frock on the other hand is a hemmed classic shutterbug which she so elegantly showcased outside of the   Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Pippa Middleton - Red Hot shopper

The Duchess' stylish sister Pippa Middleton was spotted stepping out to find some fashionable footwear.  Now that she is single, she has more time to indulge in what she knows best, shopping.  She was spotted hitting the trendy stores of NW3 Kings road, showcasing a vibrant red dress which shows off her formidable figure.  She was trying out a few pairs of flats and wedges at Russell and Bromley.  I guess my earlier blogs about the revolution of wedges has some strong royal ties too.  Are we going to see Kate showcasing some of the latest Wedges and Flats anytime soon?

Pippa accessorised the red frock dress with her go-to-tan Modalu leather bag.  A thing of beauty and sophistication.  Leather bags in my opinion carry so much class and prestige hence the high price in any market in the fashion industry.  Any one will agree with me that a leather bag when in site is looked at again and again especially when its detailing is of some extraordinary craftiness.

I spoke about leather bags in an earlier blog.  Passa diva now introduces its brand of leather bags straight from Italy to your door step.  Passa Diva Italian Ladies Bag Leather Calfskin Handbag is a beautiful, hand crafted italian leather handbag. And your bag will be hand made, manufactured and distributed to you directly from the Italian workshop. Click here to buy this bag.

The Marta mini duffle will catch eyes and is a sensational yet sensible bag which is fashionably convenient.  Marta’s shapely outer structure is handcrafted from genuine polished calfskin and decorated with nickel studs and details.

Marta features a single inner compartment with an inside zip pocket, perfect for carrying your makeup, as well as a convenient mobile phone holder, all lined in durable polyester.

Interest in other styles of leather bags can be made available by Passa-Diva at very affordable prices.

Lady Gaga takes bedazzling a Hermes Birkin bag to the next level.

A Plain Hermes Birkin Bag

What makes Lady Gaga who she is is her uniqueness and crazy fashion sense.  I am a bit like every one else to say they are crazy but in actual fact it is art.
You have to be an artistic minded individual to appreciate the beauty of what she bestowed on herself every time she goes on stage, walk the Red carpet or do what ever she does best.  I for one do enjoy seeing her everytime she comes up with something new.
My only question is always ... what next?

I guess what Lady Gaga truely hates is plain or bland outfits or even accessories.  This is evident as she was spotted lately rocking with the studded Hermes Birkin bag above by Leah and Bliss.  The bag comes in a rather plain form but according to close sources, she has customise the bag to suit her taste.  To me and others who appreciate what she really does, we see these as revolutionary in the fashion industry.  She is showing that you can turn your own handbag into something really awesome. 

What she does is all about having a signature status.  You know what ladies, there are so many items in the market that you can use to turn a plain piece of fashion wear into something with a wow factor.  A few crystal studs and some glue will definitely work wonders for you!

The Revolution of the leather bag

I guess this is a sign of defeat if my hubby should read this as he has always been talking and a strong advocate of the aesthetics of leather bags.  Ladies you wouldn't blame me, for the whole concept of bags was the fact that it had to be fabric or coloured leather of some sort from either GUCCI, GUESS or big brand names.

My sister in law introduced me to leather bags and that's when I realised how beautiful these products were.  They are not only beautiful, but they carry some sort of class that only a few people with a fervent taste for sophistication dare carry them as they can be really pricey.  I may go into storage to grab the hand woven one my hubby bought for me during his travels!

I looked at a few of these products and my favoutite feature of all is the gorgeous looking sachel above by GUCCI, which is hand made.  This sachels is a lovely Hatian artisan piece.  With striking details that reflect off this large beauty starting with it's rich brown leather body.

The twisting patterns give character and what would have been a simple looking bag and a fantastically braided top handles gives off the perfect finishing touches.  It's a Bohemian-chic style, bag that is sure to occupy closet space for many seasons to come.
 I know I have been converted, how about you?

Mila Kunis - Dress, Clutch, and Heels - 2011 Guys Choice Awards

Mila Kunis attended the Spike TV's 2011 Guys Choice Awards, wearing all the outfits featured in this blog.  In looking at Mila, we can see 3 different top fashion icons at work here, namely: Givenchy, Botega Veneta and Christian Louboutin.

Mila looked fresh and confident wearing a sheer armadillo printed and button up sheath dress from the Givenchy Pre-Fall 2011 collection.

Mila paired her dress with a coral clutch by Bottega Veneta and nude peep toe pumps by Christian Louboutin.

Mila also accessorized with a gold choker and a gold bangle both by C. Greene as well as statement rings.

 The whole collection is a simple and yet sophisticated ensemble to die for.  The Armadillo print portrays a calm but yet fiery persona that is bellied within the person wearing such an outfit.  The interwoven knot Bottega Veneta clutch is the perfect contrast to complete the outfit.

It would have matched well with the grey clutch also available but as mentioned earlier, it is the contrast that makes it a unique combination.

Finally what a work of genius to match the colour of the patent platform pump, which is the same colour of the Armadillos scales portrayed on the print.  The scaly paatern not too much but yet very elaborative.  I give this outfit an 8 out of 10 for completeness.

Shoes of the Day: Jessica Simpson

The VADIO above is my number one shoe of the day, I will choose this especially as we have just entered summer, it is very colourful and it is just the ideal shoe for when you are feeling wild.

This shoe will go well with a skimpy skirt of any colour highlighted on the shoe with a top showcasing a cleavage to die for.  Watch heads turn as soon as you enter the clubs on a Saturday night.

The shoe above BROOK carries a more professional look.  This is the type of shoe you will likely see me in, if I was going for a business meeting or engaging in some formal activity or gathering, where status of some sort is required.  It is a more professional footwear and worn with a suit and skirt will pave a way to say "This lady means business".

My personal favourite TRIXIE is a more conventional wear.  The craftiness and well detail outline is unbelievable awesome.  If you love shoes, you will understand what I am talking about.  Stubby platform front end and not so thin heels elongates you to new heights.

The brown leather and especially the the bit draped down on the heels with lined up studded pins makes me want to go out now and pay any money for these shoes.  My preference will be, to be worn with jeans and either a top or shirt.

Jessica Simpson's collections are some of the best in the market to die for.  They will be show cased on the Passa-Diva website once it is up and running.  Since we are strong advocates for value for money, it means it will be affordable for all.

Has the financial Crisis affected the fashion industry?

The reccession has affected overall the fashion industry and consumer spending habits.  This industry is ever so finding ways of introducing new trends to get consumers shopping again.  Retail sales has been improving lately but consumers are still skeptical about how badly the present climate will flare due to the ever changing economical arena.

Consumer confidence in the economy, has been at an all time low and as such are not spending as much as they need to spend in order for the fashion retail sector to fully recover.  Due to a change in the consumer spending habits, this has led to women looking for wow pieces and not basics, something more emotionally tied to their taste.  They are looking for value but yet again they are looking for quality at a price.

One might think due to the present atmosphere, ones desire for fashion and a remodelling of ones wardrobe will decrease or cease, but experience and instincts tell you that a fashionistas interest in fashion never stops, but rather it is a slight issue of adjustment to meet ones needs.  My taste for the newest trends will ever continue, but am i going to break the bank to achieve this?  Maybe not, but what about a change in buying enviroments and shopping habits, a place where one can still shop for the latest designer wear and not experience any financial burdens.

As mentioned before, lavish spending habits have been replaced by very cautious closefisted consumer. One of the few items on which the consumers cut back in tough times include apparels and fashion accessories. As such, many fashion companies have also started to fall into credit problems. In the last few years, various companies worldwide have filed for bankruptcy.  Many high street stores are closing down hence the emergence of the ever so growing online retail environment.

There are still some very reasonable high street stores that cater for our fashion needs.  The same designer wears paraded by our very own celebrity icons, are sold at prices that we feel comfortable with.  Take TK Max for instance, they offer some designer range at very reasonable prices.  One might think you spent top buck for a 30 Great British Pounds Sterling dress from TK Max. 

This is the type of shopping environment Passa-Diva is going to offer its customers.  The management understands beauty and the everyday needs of the people and who better to bring it to you at a generously affordable price.  Look out for www.passadiva.co.uk in the very near future for all your fashion needs.

Sizzling Halle - Hot

The fashion industry is one of the biggest industries growing at a very fast rate lately.  For the past couple of years, there has been economical melt downs, businesses closing down and major financial institutions being bailed out by public coffers.  Fashion icons, idols and celebrities have not felt this in the slightest of ways.  The commoners like you and i have to adjust and revisit our shopping and buying habits.

Recently, Halle Berry was spotted strutting her sexy stuff in a skimpy Halston Gown on the red carpet at the 2011 FIFI Awards.  The awards is dubbed as the Oscars of the fragrance industry.  It was held at the 'Tent" at Lincoln center in New York city.  On the night she presented the fragrance celebrity of the year award for Reveal.

A collection of a few Halston Designer products

Halston is a brand name associated with so many of these celebrities. Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Love, but to name a few.  Halston showcases a range of designer wears from dresses, hand bag, shoes etc and they are known to grace the bodies of well known celebrities.  We always strive to dress like our famous celebrity icons and it does come at a very expensive price.  Take the Sequin dress below, it is a product of sheer exquisity and detailed aesthetics.  If this was an edible product, I will be described as being glutonous, because I wouldn't have enough of it.  To dress up in this dress you have to fork out about $2500.00.  Quite pricey huh! but I am afraid I will pass or maybe try shopping for a similar dress at Marshalls, TK Max, or even Passa-Diva (the up and coming online fashion retail store).

Sequinned Halston Gown valued at $2570.00



Passa-Diva in the last couple of months have been on the verge of launching what will be a mouth watering online retail store.  The store will showcase a variety of products from shoes, dresses, accessories and all those things that women crave for in the world of fashion.  Watch the www.passadiva.co.uk space, it is going to be quite an entrance.

Halston Mettalic Gown