Lola

Cinema love: Carmen by Carlos Saura

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:31:00 +0000

Love and jealousy are blood brothers. Carmen is one tough bitch, badass, fierce. Beautiful beyond words but she doesn't give a shit. She doesn't bat her eye lashes or swing her hips. Carmen carries a knife; she'll shred a guy's heart if he gets too close. That is pretty much the story. Written by Prosper Merimee - a short story. The opera has the most fabulous music ever (sure you've heard it at some point) composed by Georges Bizet.

Flamenco dancer/director Carlos Saura presented his version of the ultimate chica mala in Cannes 1983. Nominated for a Palme d'or and winner for best artistic contribution, Carmen brought the audience to its feet. Everybody loved it. We love it still.

"Eres la Carmen", he says to her. "Amor", she says to him and proceeds to make his life hell.

This "Carmen" weaves and entwines the plot between the staging of the flamenco version and the two protagonists. One of the best 100 films ever.

All the World is Cannes: Audrey Tautou and the 66th Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:31:00 +0000

Mistress of ceremonies at the 66th Festival du Cannes that is Ms. Audrey Tautou. (remember, last year we had Diane Kruger - her first dress was Versace and it was quite hideous). The fairy presence of film, Ms. Tautou, looks lovely in her simple summer dress (Valentino did a good job of disguising Valentino). Really, she can do no wrong. She is the type (petite, gamine, French) who can wear anything and she'll evoke a "sigh, I wish I looked like her" without conjuring up any jealousy whatsoever. We like that. (Don't despair, we are all awesome in our own way. No. Really. We are.)

I do wonder what the job description is of "mistress of ceremonies"; probably just showing up at the most important events looking pretty. Mission accomplished Ms. Tautou.

We shall be reporting in our own officially unofficial capacity on the festival which begins today and goes on through May 26th with the best photos, events and films. In our opinion, naturally.

for a taste of last year's festival, click here: Cannes 2012

photos of Ms. Tautou courtesy of Premiere.Fr
we are truly happy about each new follower of this blog

working girl: what to wear on Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:09:00 +0000

A simple dress with fabulous shoes. Very sixties, very classic, very cool. Works for a stylish working place or a working place that needs more style. You choose. Be daring.

Hair pulled back (if you don't feel like washing it tonight); add color with matte cherry lips. A silk scarf as a tie for your shirt adds polish.

Use a ribbon (any color) to change up your white blouse (or any blouse). Keep the face nude and fresh.

White is the non-color of Spring and Summer. Add a white blazer to jeans and you are good to go to any office. (Okay, maybe not if you work in a lawyer's office. But you know what works for where you work.)

Some more ideas of what to wear, what colors, what shoes, what types of skirts (swinging skirts are lovely for the Spring)

Denim from head to toe is not do-able for some work places. But a denim shirt with a black leather skirt or a white skirt is. Or a denim jacket over a silk blouse and trousers. Combine with ballerinas, loafers, pumps, an up-do and you conservative enough for a bank.

Okay, this may be appropriate if you're a dog-walker. But dog walkers want to look cute as well.

The white suit. Wear any color t-shirt underneath. Bag? White if possible. All white is the trend. And white is a staple you'll have forever.

photos all courtesy of elle.fr
first image of actress Saoirse Ronan
Last image of model Lauren Hutton

Red Carpet: Best of the White House Correspondence Dinner 2013 with one crazy lady

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 19:14:00 +0000

It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious (Oscar Wilde) Ms.Emily Mortimer belongs to the former. We love her. She is wearing Valentino fabulously well. The dress is a dream.

I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best. (Oscar Wilde) Take that bitches. Ms. Jessica Paré is wearing the now infamous Antonio Beradi*.

Everything popular is wrong. Ms. Kate Mara in Prada proves Mr. Wilde's point. We love her, we love the dress because it looks like a super fashionable nun wore it in the monastery of La Dolce Vita de la Santa Maria in 1567. We are rather tired of stars without knickers. Bravo Ms. Mara. Say hello to Rooney, will you?

Ms. Katy Perry in Giambattista Valli looks like the spokesperson for Glamorganic Green Juice. But it's nice. Hair nice and she has a lovely decolltée to fill the strapless bodice. Well-played.

"I'd much rather be a woman than a man. Women can cry, they can wear cute clothes, and they're the first to be rescued off sinking ships." Ms. Michelle Dockery will definitely be one of the first to be rescued. She is wearing Elie Saab.

"I'm undaunted in my quest to amuse myself by constantly changing my hair." Have you seen Ms. Wright in "House of Cards"? You must. She is deliciously glacial. Ms. Robin Wright is wearing Rolando Santana.

What Patricia Arquette was thinking: "Since I don't smoke, I decided to grow a mustache. But you can't see it yet." The crazy lady makes an appearance at the White House correspondence dinner. (We'll never understand why who gets invited) She is on our ill-fitting dressed list. And on our worst hair list which basically adds up to "worst-dressed". Oh well.

Ms. Stone, if you are secretly auditioning for the evil Queen, we have to tell you - the movie has already been made. Personally, we think you looks rather fab. Okay. Except for the hair. What's up with that? That's what I look like before I take a shower.

*Antonio Beradi is the designer's of Gywneth's "everybody can see I'm flashing the red carpet" dress
For a look at last year's event, click here. Last year even Kim Kardashian looked lovely.
We appreciate every new follower. :)

Serial Love: Da Vinci's Demons

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:13:00 +0000

British Actor Tom Riley as Leo

Love, ethereal muses, gleaming thighs, succulent kisses and life-threatening sex (No, no STD's - Leo goes right to the top and has a romp with the Duke's mistress) Add betrayal to the mix along with the ubiquitous deception; behold the canvas of Da Vinci's 16th century Florence - painted with strong, fantastical strokes - as interpreted by creator David S. Goyer. Mostly fantasy (imagine Baron Von Munchhausen telling the story) but supremely entertaining fantasy.

Da Vinci himself - or Leo - as his friends call him, is handsome, witty, headstrong, crazy talented (not only with the brush but with the sword and is able to talk himself out of pretty much any situation). Wow. How much of this "untold" story of the 25-year-old renaissance man is historically accurate, is anyone's guess. Florence was ruled by the Medicis and Lorenzo de Medici did mentor Da Vinci. The rest? Chi sa and we don't care.

Filmic styles borrowed from the Guy Ritchie/Sherlock Holmes instruction manual (you know, those speed ramps going from extreme slow motion to super speedy and back again), sweeping pans up and around a not great CGI Florence; but you know what? If you want to submerge yourself in one of the most fascinating eras history has to offer, the occasional technical flaws can be overlooked. The actors are talented and pretty; the action gripping. Magic and mystery, secret societies and oblique references to the soul, fate and memories - so far, we find it awesome.

always a mysterious woman to follow through the narrow streets of Firenze

Say it with flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:52:00 +0000

top and skirt Iceberg

Chiffon skirt by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

top and skirt by Marni

Would you like to be surrounded by flowers all the time? Audrey Tautou will be playing Chloé in an upcoming film; release date in France April 24th. Her character develops a strange illness which can only be treated if she is surrounded by flowers. All the time. Whimsical director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is directing "Froth of the Daydream" based on a Boris Vian novel of the same name. Everyone who has read it says to read it in French as some words are hard to translate but there are a few English translations around. Kind of an awkward title in English. In French it sounds so much more elegant "L'ecume des jours".

Anyway, back to clothes and flowers. April showers and flowers are finally here (the weather is getting better by the day) and flower prints are rather nice in modest quantity. The Marni top and skirt is rather lovely even though it reminds us of a botany babe. Not a bad thing by any means. Below some flowered items we like. (Just hover over the item, then click and it shows the label. At least it is supposed to - the site is having glitches)

Say it with flowers editorial seen in Elle UK photographed by Enrique Badulescu, Fashion editor Madeleine Christie

Summer things: a black dress, golden sandals

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:16:00 +0000

A perfect look for a warm Summer night: a black mini with gold sandals. And some simple black jewelry with a decidedly modern twist. We love the hair as well.

Black crepe dress by Julie Brown seen on popsugar.com

Gold Daphne sandals by Diane Von Furstenberg seen on ssense.com

Chimera by Dominic Jones seen on ssense.com

Spring Things: best hair in braids, buns & pony tails

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:41:00 +0000

Dancing inspirations: with a hair style like this you can twirl and spin your way through the Spring and Summer. Not like the Tasmanian devil obviously. We're thinking more along the lines of a graceful ballet dancer. These styles are simple to do - all you need is long hair. If you had your hair newly cropped into the shoulder-length bob (like me) then you might want to invest in a fake pony tail with you can braid as well. Stock up on hair gel, hair spray and lots of bobby pins.

The low pony tail with side part. How do it: give your hair a blow-out so it's sleek and shiny. Then proceed to fasten with a thin hair band. Wrapping a piece of hair around the band is optional. Only freshly washed hair looks as effortlessly messy as shown here.

The messy bun - can be done any which way. And actually can be done without a hair stylist. The same applies as above: wash and blow dry hair. Use hair pins to fasten loosely in the back.

Heidi from the Alps says hello. Braids wrapped low or high - the perfect style for hot summer days and nights.

photos courtesy of Harpers Bazaar and The New York Times

Serial Love: The Good Wife

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:43:00 +0000

The aspirational intellectuals fall all over "Mad Men", "Breaking Bad", "The Walking Dead", "Game of Thrones" and "Girls". They are edgy, weird, gory, stylish, squeamish and on premium cable. "The Good Wife" is on normal TV, in its fourth season and is about the stand-by-your-man wife and her metamorphosis. Not a plot line that grabs you by the throat but may we remark: still waters do run deep.

"The Good Wife" is one of those rare shows we can watch any time and feel skinny in baggy sweats - you know, just good. It's not the kind of show where multi-tasking on iPad, iPhone and laptop is possible. This is a good thing and the best indication the show is actually decent. Your undivided attention is politely asked for: may I have this dance? We accept and are swept away for 45 minutes. It's smart (who are these writers? good lord they are awesome and really know their high calibre law office intrigue), sexy and powerful: the women have steel spines.

Characters we adore because they are intrepid and alluring: Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski), Alicia Florrick (Julianne Margulies) and of course private investigator kiss-my-boots Kalinda Sharma (Archie Punjabi). Running our finger down the cast list, we love Will Gardner and Cary Agos (Rory Gilmore's misunderstood rich kid Logan Huntzberger aka Matt Czuchry), Peter Florrick (Chris Noth has finally overshadowed Mr. Big) as well as engaging guest stars. Seeing Michael J. Fox, Amanda Peet and Martha Plimpton romp through the show being annoying adds to the fun.

Ms. Margulies' Alicia is as reserved and outwardly polished as we'd sometimes like to be. She is also as flawed as we all are. Over the course of the seasons, her imperfections and character nicks simmer to the top, dispersing yet lingering on, giving her the patina of what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. The good wife is crossing the street from Stepford wife to a Chicago broad. The fashion frosting: cool elegance in the corporate world. Take your cue from them corporate zombies: dress sharp, speak sharper.

NB: we have to offer some fashion advice: peep toe platforms are on their way out girls.

Excerpt from the New Yorker:

Set in Barack Obama’s home city of Chicago, “The Good Wife” went at its theme sideways, with cunning and great TV craftsmanship. With her helmet of hair and black-slash eyebrows, Julianna Margulies’s Florrick was a mysterious figure, gifted at hiding motives, even from herself. In the first episode, she was still recovering from the press conference at which her husband, Peter (Chris Noth), the Cook County state attorney, had confessed to having sex with prostitutes. The press nicknamed her St. Alicia, a sneer embossed on a pedestal. While Peter was in jail, awaiting trial for corruption, she took a job as a junior litigator, transforming herself into a single working parent, paying legal fees, sparring with her mother-in-law, and mulling a divorce. But “The Good Wife” ’s showrunners, Michelle and Robert King, pulled off a clever trick: they nested Alicia’s domestic dramas within a sleek legal procedural, with its classic case-of-the-week structure and intra-office sexual tension.

Read more at The New Yorker Emily Nussbaum reviews seasons one through three.

Season four is currently airing in the United States on CBS on Sunday nights, 9PM.

Season three is currently airing on Sky/Fox in Germany and Austria on Tuesday nights

Serial Love: Braquo

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 19:57:00 +0000

The chick is such a shrewd badass we immediately became intrigued. Braquo is a French TV series comparable to The Wire or The Shield. Common ground between these three cop dramas: excellent writing by an insider: an ex-cop. We discovered it on hulu. So if you get hulu, season one of three is currently showing. If you are in Europe, check your local cable company, or just get the dvd. So worth it. Fans of gritty cop dramas, real cop dramas, will rejoice.

Premise in a nutshell: a group of cops avenge the death of a colleague. The cops are good bad cops or bad good cops - however you want to look at them.

The cops

Roxanne: "Do you want to become a shit like your father?" says Roxanne's retired cop father when she comes for advice. The only thing covering her make-up free face is cigarette smoke.

Eddy: Tired, fierce, extreme, loyal: all these traits combined make him the natural leader, the one all the cops look up to, the one who won't cave under pressure no matter how hard it comes at him. He will revenge the suicide death of Max at all costs.

Theo: The pretty boy; weak, whiny, brutal, mean and a coke addict. The erratic link who will be protected by his mates nonetheless.

Walter: Thick set with the obligatory shaved head. He may have the physical traits of a thug at first blush but his eyes give him away. They are kind. Gambling is his weakness. You may suspect this affects his partners-in-crime.

All the bad shit seems to happen at night, these anti-heroes moving within shades of black and clouds of more cigarette smoke. The rat squad is hot in pursuit. So are the bad guys.

Prada Fall 2013: Jack the Ripper and Italian Beauties

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:40:00 +0000

Source: Uploaded by user via Lola on Pinterest

Fashion week has moved to Milan and the always much-awaited Prada collection showed earlier this week. Along with Gucci (although Gucci was disappointing this season), we'd say it's the one worth waiting for. Miuccia Prada is one of the most anticipated fashion barometers among anyone who is anything in fashion i.e. the intellectual fashion crowd. We aren't name whores and really don't give a rat's ass about labels but Prada is worth getting hot flashes over. One of very few in our opinion of the big labels to break into a stress sweat over (Nina Ricci, Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Marni the others we like to gauge) These designers influence what and how we wear things season after season.

So, back to the Prada show: Last year was Asian-themed more specifically Here's my Geisha (demure, high-necked heavy satin with embroidered flowers symbolizing purity and the forbidden at the same time - a kind of Amazonian Geisha) This season, the sinner/saint thing is still very much present but taken to a different era and geographically leans West rather than East. The collection was a mix of ate-19th century lady of the night with mid-20th century fashionable virgin. At least that is what it evoked in our heads.

Opening with artfully ripped bodices, unbuttoned sweaters, these dresses took me to a dark foggy cobblestone street, London anno 1888 when Jack the Ripper put fear in a hooker's heart. The models with the wet, greasy looking hair seemed devil-may-care, walking toward a gruesome fate - albeit in style.

Then Ms. Prada showed a Dior-esque silhouette Christian Dior introduced after WWII - cinched waist, billowing, swinging skirts and a soft chemise easily slipping off the shoulder. Coy, coquette, a tease a la Gina Lollobridgeda and her consorts.

Yet another era was conjured up with the dripping teardrop sleeves (with soft fur or artful folds) on many of the coats and jackets: reminiscent of medieval times. Quite gorgeous. Practical they are not but who cares about that?

All in all, wearable without screaming "I'm wearing Prada". Well, at least not quite as blatantly as last year's Japanese-flavored theme. So was there a message? Even if you stop with the personal hygiene, wear fabulous clothes? Does Miuccia Prada anticipate a water shortage? Who knows. All in all, our take-away was times are dark, go dance on the volcano.

to view the entire collection, visit style.com
for the best of fall winter collections of New York, Milan, London, visit my pinterest boards

A Visit from Your Fairy Godmother

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:16:00 +0000

Source: Uploaded by user via Lola on Pinterest

Couture or not to couture? This is a question us mortals need not pose nevertheless it's amusing to dream of the day when our fairy godmother arrives to grant us a wish. We shall wish for a gown by Rochas. Black velvet in the front and pink satin in the back.

No, this obviously isn't the gown we are talking about. This tinkbell-esque gown by Alexis Maville was shown yesterday in Paris during the Spring couture shows taking place this week in locations at least as intricate and theatrical as the gowns. We still can't quite grasp the need for couture as the buyers are way too conservative to buy anything artful and daring. The Pret-A-Porter collections do more in the way of innovation, edge and cool than any couture collection. Still, yes, we admire the fantastical craftsmanship put into each gown. And we imagine seeing these creations breeze by in real life is surely something we'd never forget. Off to Paris!

for more lovely couture gowns, visit the fairy dust page on pinterest
for daily tidbits of this and that, shoes and bags, news about Kate Upton and other random fashion delights, visit us on facebook

image via style.com

Nicole Farhi and Iris&Ink: Shades of black, grey and pink

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:31:00 +0000

Some lovely dresses, two nice coats, two beautiful sweaters and a sequined skirt: all seen on theoutnet.com and all on sale ranging between $100 and $500. We'd pair with black opaque tights and some ankle boots for day, some low-heeled Mary Janes for evening.

Posted with Blogsy for ipad

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:17:00 +0000

seen in Marie Claire December 2012 Issue

You are. You have been invited. To a dinner party, a glitterati party, a work party - anything that causes fumes to emit from under you arms because of stress sweat.

It happens to all of us. We suddenly get an invitation to a party we'd actually like to attend. Or there is a party we have to attend because it's for work. Whatever the case, if we have to go to a party, we want to look good. And let's face it: unless you are a jet-setting socialite with party experience and the small change to go with it (knowing where to go, having the funds for last-minute alterations, etc) you are going to end up looking like Bridget Jones. Cute for the movie but it can be avoided in real life. Before you buy a sparkly ruffly ill-fitting cheap rag, just go in what you normally wear. Worst case, get your hair blown out and put on some crimson lipstick. Do your nails in royal blue. Far cooler than looking like a cheap candy wrapper.

Way to avoid a crisis: shop for a party dress when you see one you love and that fits. There are plenty of dresses that multi-task i.e. you can wear for day and for night. The black dress is the classic example and rightly so. Instead of boots, some nice shoes and voilà.

So do look around, try on dresses, lots of them, bring them home, try them on again, return them if necessary. You can find the perfect outfit if you do it when you are not stressed.

Tips in a nutshell:

On the cheap: H&M, AllSaints, Dorothy Perkins, TopShop, Zara etc
Designer: theoutnet.com has everything designer on sale. It is pretty much the best designer outlet site on the web. Obviously, not all sizes will be available so subscribe to the newsletter and check in regularly.
The Little Black Dress: worth buying quality. If you go classic, you will have it forever and can update with the shoes, the color of nails, the lipstick and hair from season to season
Support a young designer. Well worth it.

If you need help finding something, let me know. Maybe I can point you in the right direction. Below some of our styles and ideas we put together. On pinterest our party time board. It's nice.

We are not associated with any labels or shopping sites featured.
image via Marie Claire. Dress by Marchesa

More Looks...

The Romance of Miss Laurant

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 19:43:00 +0000

a very short bedtime story and really, with fashion like this, you need a good romance to go with it.

She was staring out the window. Snow was falling. It was quiet here in a dark corner by the tall windows. Luc’s reflection appeared behind hers. The girl's gasp bled across the ice cold window, melting the snow stars. Although she had willed him to come find her, it still startled her. He dropped his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward him. They looked at each other. Music in the far far distance reached them even there.

"Why are you here, hiding yourself – away from the dancing?" His hand was on her cheek. It was soft and warm.

"Because it is all just too much for me. What I found out about you. I need to be alone sometimes." Laurant paused. "Honestly, even though this shouldn’t be happening, I wanted to see if you would come. To look for me, " she whispered.

Luc was looking down at her, running his thumb across her delicate cheek bone, moving down, touching her lips.

"You tease me. You know I cannot stay away from you."

He touched his lips to hers. "I cannot,“ he whispered again.

excerpt from The Romance of Miss Laurant by Lola Channing©

fashion by Christian Dior from Marie Claire US December 2012 Issue

Repetto is designing some clothes now, something similar to the red Dior creation. So if you want to look like you can dance, check out their new designs at repetto.fr

Queen of the Night: Black 'n Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:43:00 +0000

Black is the Queen of all colors. Always. Again and again. And as a blonde, you have an advantage over brunettes: the immediate stark contrast. You have bling without the jewels as your hair gives light.

But never fear, us non-blondes still have fun. We read more and have existentialist fears.

Analysis of the outfits: above, a beautifully tailored jacket is key. Wear boyfriend jeans with converse, you'll still look gorgeously sharp.

As with every outfit, you need to determine who is the star: here, it's obviously the motorcycle jacket. We'd prefer one sans the metal, but it's okay. Because the metal on the jacket is the cherry on the cake, everything else is quiet (hence a black ring instead of a bling ring). Nothing else is needed. Fabulous.

The diaphanous shirt gets top billing here. The shoes and shades give it an edge with lux rock 'n roll.

Pointy pumps say: sexy. Always. The sleeveless top is the balance to naked feet in high heels. Bare arms, bare arches. So you look good without the coat. Makes sense, no?

Remember: it is always about proportion.

editorial seen in elle.fr
photographed by David Burton
styling by Patricia Boin

Blonde Tuesday En Noir

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:57:00 +0000

A good ad can be as effective as a good editorial: sell a desire. There isn't too much to this ad but it's good, clean, effective and we love the look therefore: bingo. The styling is spare and on topic with the message being a Les Copains girl likes to sparkle just a little bit. We love the pairing down of an item one would normally wear to a party. Screw parties. Every day is a party.

More Theory...

Lola is not associated with any brands, labels or sites shown.
visit Lola on facebook - a lot going on there

Project Runway All Stars Season 2: Episode Virtual Insanity for Made in USA Today

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:26:00 +0000

Emilio's look and the judges (Carolyn Murphy, Georgina Chapman, Issac Mizrahi, Tavi Gevinson, Charlotte Ronson)

Project Runway All Stars judges seem more enthusiastic about their task and less caustic than the regular crew, are therefore fresher to watch. Alongside Issac Mizrahi, Caroline Murphy and Georgina Chapman, Tavi Gevinson, the child wonder blogger and Charlotte Ronson, designer and cool gruff chick extraordinaire were the guest panel members. The challenge, such as it was, was called interactive (when really it was about as interactive as sending in a postcard with your name on it) Fans of the individual designers sent in - sorry - tweeted inspirational photos, then in twos (didn't quite get why? or why it made a difference who went first, last, or second) the competitors scrolled through the photos and printed out their fav. USA Today - that beacon of serious journalism and fashion forward iconery- sponsored the challenge with the winner getting a spread accessible deep into the cornfields of the heartland.

Off the designers skipped with cameras merrily following them through Moods; the usual schtick. Project Runway has long ceased to be about the designers' skills but their ability to entertain, speak coherently in front of the judges i.e. selling their look and engaging in on-camera therapy sessions. Gimmick over craft. Why we keep watching is for the stories of the downtrodden star-gazing designer hopefuls (and honestly, I do wish them all well. It is such a tough business. Without the jewelry-laden touch of someone famous, success is nigh impossible) because well, we find them inspirational. Some of them overcome so much shit, we hear kindred spirits talking to us. From that aspect, the show has merit, is heartfelt and continues to have its raison d'etre although the producers might consider a slight overhaul with the challenges. It just gets boring over time.

To the episode itself: Emilio should have won, Anthony Ryan did win for the same thing he does over and over again. Why do "body con dresses" (as Miss Gevinson quipped) always win? Nobody except the skinniest girls can wear them. Honorable mentions to Uli, Casanova and Laura Kathleen (notice how Joanna Coles makes a point of bubbling forth with their two-toned names?)

Andrae was out but really, Joshua's rubik's cube look was much worse. But Joshua, bless him, will be there for a while because he has such insightful offerings

Emilio totally captured the spirit of his fan photo and made a really sweet look. He should have won but came in second

the winning look of the Made in USA Today challenge

Anthony Ryan's design back view

Andrae's losing design

A brief word on the phenomenon Tavi Gevinson: she reminds me of a fashionable Chucky doll - very "altklug" (semi-wise insights coming from a kid you'd usually call a precocious brat). Ricki Ticki Tavi seems nice enough and obviously is much cuter than Chucky. However we always find kids with the demeanor of a sixty-year old faintly creepy).

We have figured out why the fashion world is so in awe of cute young things: first of all, because the fashion industry is innately insecure and secondly, it is so astonished when somebody can speak eloquently, they bow and scrape in subservience. It was quite funny to watch the expressions on the designers faces as they listened to what a 16-year-old girl had to say about their designs. You could so tell the producers invited young Miss Gevinson onto the show to be hip and fashion forward but didn't quite know what to make of the whole thing. Ms. Ronson we thought was way cooler.

We look forward to next week's show: androgynous (what ever is Laura Kathleen going to do?) and some hot male models.

for more on Project Runway All Stars, go to lifetime.com
links to the guest judges: Tavi Gevinson's blog here
Charlotte Ronson's page here

coolest look of the day: black and blue

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:35:00 +0000

jacket: Hermés, shirt: Dsquared2, trousers: Vanessa Bruno, shades: Tom Ford

Cool glasses and great red hair help - obviously - to make this a super classy rock 'n roll act. Not much else to say except the exquisite materials do make it what it is. And great hair (must stress how important good hair is and no, it doesn't have to be red darlings. Just shiny.) And good lighting.

Combining blues with blacks is something we've done way before it was trendy (not because we are cool but because we have taste. Smack us. We sound awfully pretentious). No, seriously, the black/blue thing has been around for a while simply because most everybody has black and blue in their wardrobe hence it's a natural evolution to elevate this to cult status plus it looks fabulous and will be around forever. Seize the moment: Go black and blue.

coat: Louis Vuitton, shirt: Dsquared2, skirt: Karl Lagerfeld, fishnet tights: Agent Provocateur

photos courtesy of Thomas Schenk for Elle France November 16th, 2012 Issue
Lola is not associated with any brands, labels, products, sites featured

More Rag and Bone...

More Dorothy Perkins...

Clash It Match It: artful mismatching for dummies

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:23:00 +0000

Interview Magazine calls this "The Clash". We'd like to add "hardcore". Very cool. What appears to be "Let's dress with our eyes bound" is however a look of artful considered nonchalance. You need to know what you're doing. If you are not versed in the ways of the artful mismatch, under 1,78 and not quite as skinny as your average model (let's face it, they can wear anything) then there are a few things to consider.

The Artful Mismatch for Dummies

1. No more than two pieces mismatched
2. DO mismatch patterns (plaid with stripes, stripes with polka dots, plaid with polka dots etc)
3. Never go plaid on plaid or stripes on stripes or checks on checks etc.
4. As a beautiful painting needs the right frame, create a perfect frame for your mismatched pieces i.e. keep your outer wear in solid colors
5. You've got two contrary pieces in your outfit and you are wearing a skirt: go solid color on the tights. Makes them look longer (black, charcoal, navy, plum)
6. match the bag to the key solid piece in your wardrobe

That's all. While we may dream of hardcore clash, start sedately. And we still love a great denim mini skirt. Works wonderfully well with prints.

Coats
Crewnecks & Scoopnecks

for more ideas and mismatch looks, click here
The Clash photo from Interview Magazine November 2012 Issue
Jacket shown by Prabal Gurung, Trousers by Balmain
Lola is not associated with any brand, product or site featured

all the pretty coats: Emily Mortimer for L.K. Bennett

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:17:00 +0000

Engaging the lovely Ms. Mortimer for the London retail store L.K. Bennett has apparently paid off as now I know a place exists that has enough taste for a well-styled ad using a talented actress. We must say the styling is impeccable: a purple bag with the belt in a different color but in tone matches. Shoes in a beige that goes with the coat although again, not matchy matchy. Well done whoever you are. Ms. Mortimer looks fabulous and we shall open the next tab and check out what else L.K. Bennett has to offer. Hopefully more of the same.

We are back and have duly assessed the offerings: classic simple, some pieces a bit on the dowdy side while other pieces definitely have potential. We like. Reasonably priced as well: some decent bags, lovely shoes and a few versatile coats, dresses and skirts. Finding decent quality clothes, bags, shoes, coats reasonably priced without the "we have to sew on all the buttons first" factor is rare. L.K. Bennett appears to offer a good median approach. We are excited to have discovered them. If anyone has experience with their assortment, do tell. We'd love to know if the quality lives up to the appearance.

Elysia Wool tailored dress £156

Hayle Bag £395

Letitia Wool coat £425

Dawn Mary Janes £140

Dottie Sequin Leather shoes £210

click here L.K. Bennett to discover more and here is our usual disclaimer that we are not in any way, shape or form associated with the brands, products and sites shown here.

cute look of the day: Keira Knightley

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:54:00 +0000

Ms. Knightley in New York City last week on her way to some talk show or other, promoting her latest film "Anna Karenina". She is wearing Chanel (of course). The look is clean, simple, chic and just plain cute.

We love multi-tasking outfits and this is a no fuss outfit you can wear to work and to go out afterwards. If your local Chanel boutique is closed, here some cute alternatives.

More Topshop...

Lola is not associated with any brands, products or sites shown
photo of Ms. Knightley courtesy of Fashion Scanner

Sunday chic: Jessica Biel in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 09:20:00 +0000

The only thing that gets us up at 7AM on a Sunday morning is when we have to catch a flight back to NYC or if a helicopter is landing two houses down the street. In the middle of the street. A rather narrow street. So we are up, bright and early. We don't look quite as chic as Ms. Biel (think Banksy without the spray can) but we'll try again after we've had some coffee. Needless to say, the helicopter landing incident brought out the neighbors. "Well, I better get back inside and finish breakfast otherwise I'll be too late," declares the little old lady from next door. Evenings, she watches TV with the lights off. Those types are always up at the crack of dawn.

If you are planning to take a stroll at an acceptable hour, keep in tune with somber Sunday. Bright colors are just too much to endure on a day when having coffee, reading the newspaper, catching up with friends or just sitting alone in a cafe reading "Anna Karenina"(our occupation of choice) has top priority.

Speaking of "Anna Karenina": sounds like one of those boring books you had to read in school or at least should have read: well, let us tell you this particular classic is awesome: it's like a beautifully written romance novel you can be seen in public with. And what is better than the story of a married lady having a fling with a younger guy who is incredibly hot? Exactly. Whatever you do, enjoy the day lovelies.

Cashmere Sweaters
Boots

photo of Mrs. Timberlake courtesy of Vogue Russia
Lola© is not associated with any label, site or product featured on this blog

red carpet: best of the week with Keira and Cameron

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:27:00 +0000

"Women should concern themselves only with cabbage soup and housekeeping." This wasn't part of a recent conservative political campaign but from Tolstoy contemporary Gustave Courbet, a French painter who obviously didn't think too highly of women outside the kitchen. Thankfully, Monsieur Tolstoy did and gifted us with the spirited Madame Karenina.

Ms. Knightley, clad in Valentino, is attending the premiere of "Anna Karenina" which opens to the general public in the United States next week. More and more we've come to realize the girl has some serious poise.

Meanwhile, Ms. Diaz was in London for the premiere of her latest movie "Gambit" (Colin Firth, Alan Rickman and Stanley Tucci? Most definitely!) wearing Stella McCartney. The dress is great and Ms. Diaz looks lovely from tip to toe. A rare win for the designer and for the Lady Cameron.

A word about the do's: contrary to popular belief, while both hair styles are lovely, they are not that easy to reproduce at home. Be aware that both ladies had their hair washed, blown out, then styled. And the blow outs these ladies receive belong to the best of the best so trying this at home with a flat iron won't work (unless you already have lovely straight shiny hair). If you are plagued with frizzy hair, want to look fabulous with a shiny pristine do, get it done by a professional. Really. It's worth it. Going to a star stylist is not necessary. Do shop around.

Our suggestion in general for lovely hair: skip the expensive products (all of them) and find a stylist you visit regularly (weekly, twice monthly, whatever). You can ask for a discount and you will be much happier than trying to do it at home.

Hair do from the Salon: around $40. Beautiful hair: priceless.

photos of Ms. Knightley courtesy of The Daily
photos of Ms. Cameron courtesy of The Daily and Fashion Scanner

congratulations people of the USA

noreply@blogger.com (Veronika) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Casual Jackets
Totes

"You greedy Americans. You think you are entitled to everything."
"There are a lot of us who feel really badly about that."* America, you are growing up. Well done. We are extremely proud and happy we get to keep the smart guy for another four years.

To celebrate, bust out the stars and stripes with a helping of Green. Don't be afraid to show color. Nobody is going to throw eggs because the world loves Obama.

Congratulations President Obama. Congratulations people of the USA.

Cashmere Sweaters
Athletic Shoes

*quotes from "Under the Tuscan Sun" quite a charming movie really. Fluffy but charming.
Lola is not associated with any of the products, labels, shops or sites shown.