Lady Gaga: Chic or Freak..?

Love her or loathe her, you can’t deny that Stefani Germanotta AKA Lady Gaga has that certain “je ne sais quois” which spearates the X Factor flops and the bonafide megastars. Given her 15 million followers on Twitter, 45 million “likes” on Facebook, record breaking sales and legions of fans, I think it’s safe to say that Lady Gaga definitely falls into the latter catagory. But I’m not going to talk about her status, social media skills or even her music. Nope, as you may have already guessed, the subject of this post is Lady Gaga’s style.

In theory, Lady Gaga should be a fashion disaster. I mean, lashings of PVC, flouro sunglasses and dresses made of meat don’t exactly scream elegance do they? But as many a fashion insider will no doubt tell you, real style has nothing to with following trends or adhering to prescribed good taste. Being truly stylish is about wearing whatever the hell you want and carrying it off with aplomb, regardless of how foolish others may think you look… Considerably easier said than done, but if anyone manages it, it’s Lady Gaga. Latex dresses, supersize shoulder pads and hats that could double as emergency landing devices aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but you’ve gotta hand it to her, Lady Gaga isn’t afraid to take a sartorial risk.

Lady Gaga
Elle UK, January 2012
Lady Gaga
Vanity Fair UK, January 2012

Even if the fact she risks life and limb (have you seen her shoes!?) for the sake of style doesn’t win your respect, it’s certainly got her noticed by the fashion world who have all, excuse the pun, gone gaga for Gaga. This month alone the platinum-haired diva extraordinaire has graced the covers of Elle and Vanity Fair not to mention the hundreds of blogs and fansites devoted to her every look. But ultimately, style is in the eye of the beholder so I’m going to leave the final call down to you… Lady Gaga, chic or freak?

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Fashion 2 Comments

Look Du Jour: Winter Blooms

My love affair with all things warm and wooly is heating up by the day. This no doubt has something to do with the fact that the heating in my flat has decided to stop working (sob!) just as winter get’s into full swing but there is also just something so luxuriously and effortlessly chic about a good piece of knitwear. I scooped up this adorable floral number in Topshop the other week. The fact that it’s made from white angora and sheds all over absolutely everything is a tad annoying but it’s so deliciously soft I just don’t care. My only complaint is it’s three quarter length sleeves. I mean, who thought THOSE were a good idea?

Winter
Sweater: Topshop, Trousers: BDG, Shoes: Russel & Bromley,
Bag: Urban Outfitters, Hairband: Accessorize

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Look Du Jour 2 Comments

Mulberry Hosts Pool Party at Chateau Marmont

Given that most of you have probably spent the last week nursing filthy colds, hugging radiators and avoiding going outside at all costs, I apologise in advance for the hideously jealous-making news I’m about to share. Last week Emma Hill, Creative Director of Mulberry, jetted out to La La land to host an exclusive bash at notorious Hollywood nightspot, Chateau Marmont. Yep that’s right, whilst you were donning thermal underwear and knocking back gallons of lemsip, the fabulous likes of Kate Bosworth, Louise Roe, Jaime King and Juno Temple were nibbling gourmet crab cakes and guzzling cocktails in the balmy Los Angeles weather. But before you click away in disgust (trust me, I nearly did too) just feast your eyes on these fabulous party snaps.

Mulberry Chateau Marmont pool party

Mulberry Chateau Marmont pool party
Emma Hill
Mulberry Chateau Marmont pool party
Jaime King
Mulberry Chateau Marmont pool party
Juno Temple
Mulberry Chateau Marmont pool party
Kate Bosworth

Mulberry Chateau Marmont pool party

The hotel’s infamous poolside was decorated with animal shaped balloons, supersized ice-creams, colourful fairy lights and beach balls, in reference to Mulberry’s sea-side inspired SS12 collection. Apres-dinner entertainment was provided by Lana Del Rey and DJ Twin Shadow and the beautifully dressed guests danced until the early morn. Well on that note, I’m off to make another hot water bottle… Bitter, moi?

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Fashion 2 Comments

Sneak Peak! Burberry Pre-AW12

As we all know only too well, Fashion is a fast paced and fickle friend. The second you finally nail your “look” for the current season, it’s suddenly time to start thinking about what you’ll be wearing in a few months time and if you’re really savvy, working a few of those next season pieces into your wardrobe right now. Some might say the fact that the Spring/Summer pre-collections arrive in stores before we’ve even decorated our Christmas trees is a little ridiculous but personally, I think it’s fab. London can be pretty dismal in December so what better way to escape the gloom than by ogling a few rainbow brights? Spring can also be pretty grey here in Blighty so thank GOD we have the option of wrapping up in cosy Pre-fall collection long before the first leaves start to fall. Even I’ll admit that thinking about Pre-AW12 now could be deemed a little excessive (that’s nearly 10 months away after all) but when the autumnal fare on offer is quite as delicious as these Burberry beauties, it would be a crime not to share it. Just check out these shots by Mario Testino of the sickeningly gorgeous Cara Delevigne working Burberry’s luxurious pre-fall looks…

Burberry pre fall 2012
Burberry pre fall 2012

Love Ella. X

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La Petite Party Diaries: Armani Exchange Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary

With gale force winds and pissing rain, yesterday was officially the nastiest day of the year. As we battled our way to the tube station I almost considered retreating to the comfort of my cosy flat and spending the evening drinking tea in my pyjamas. But there were parties to attend, pictures to pose for and multiple cocktails to drink so we dragged our soggy selves over to Regents Street where Armani Exchange were celebrating their 20th anniversary. Within about 2 minutes of arriving at our destination all thoughts of cold toes and hot drinks were instantly fogotton. The store had been transformed into a club, Jameela Jamil was on the decks and the oh-so-delicious lychee martinis were flowing.

Jameela Jamil Armani Exhchange party
Jameela Jamil wearing Armani Exchange
Armani Exhchange party
Moi

Cheesy though this will inevitably sound, the festive mood was tangible and regardless of whether or not they had to work in the morning, everyone was up for a party. The guestlist was a mix of fashion faces and music industry insiders with Dionne Bromfield, Jack Fox, Olivia Grant and Zawe Ashton all in attendance.

Armani Exhchange party
Dionne Bromfield wearing Armani Exchange
Armani Exhchange party
Jack Fox & Zawe Ashton
Armani Exhchange party
Olivia Grant
Armani Exhchange party
Rizzle Kicks

By the time 10 o’clock came around the vast space was packed fit to burst and Rizzle Kicks treated us to a DJ set. We drank, we danced and we somehow managed to fit two other parties into the course of the evening. What with all the scrumptious cocktails on tap it turned into a night of extreme over-indulgence but hey, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

Love Ella. X

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