2008's Cast of Characters

Presenting the Cast from 2008, Starring:

Kirsten Dunst as The Comeback Kid
Battling depression is never a fun feat, not to mention when attempted in the public eye. After Kirsten Dunst owned up to having a bad case of the blues, the media frenzy that followed was nothing short of nasty. Paparazzi pettiness aside, KD bounced back and now appears brighter and better than ever. Whether she's dining at Cafe de Flores with David Lynch or partying pretty, Chanel style, Dunst has well and truly earned her esteemed Musette title. However don't expect to see this siren lighting up the big screen any time soon, Kiki's soul searching has lead her solely to the stage.

Marc Jacobs as The Undefeatable DesignerIn between holidays away with Kate Moss and co., wild costume parties and a hot and heavy romance, Marc jacobs still had time to produce some of the catwalk's most covetable looks. When he wasn't making our palms sweat with the plaid shirts and metallic skirts of his Spring 2009 collection he was offering up affordable yet super-chic staple items by way of Marc by Marc. In 2008, MJ was more unstoppable than ever. May he continue to spark our interest with his consistently surprising campaigns - a leggy Posh Spice, a boy dressed in woman's clothing and a bathing Ryan McGinley have all been ads prime for the history books.

Michelle Obama as Fashion's First LadyAll hail Michelle Obama, she's not only our next First Lady but a mother, wife and fashion pro. Michelle hit the campaign trail hard with inspirational words, an impeccable demeanor and the occasional Alaia belt. Musette gives Michelle snaps not only for her involvement in the Presidential race but for her skill in knowing what to wear and when to wear it. She effortlessly rocked a floral Thakoon shift at a rally and had the smarts to sport up-and-coming designer Jason Wu on the set of The Barbara Walters Show. Here's to many more Annie Liebowitz shoots, memorable speeches and fashion-forward statements to come, next stop: Inauguration Day!

James Franco as The New James Dean, (we really mean it this time.)It has been nothing short of a thrill to watch James Franco flourish in 2008. He played a wigged out stoner in Judd Apatow's Pinapple Express and Sean Penn's love interest in Milk, while giving his second talk show interview of all time, in which he totally shined. A star that was a long time in the making was fully born this year and the verdict is out - he's adorable, convincing and undeniably talented. Franco also made waves on the red carpet, keeping it simple, slick and gentlemanly. With the confirmation of a successful career ahead of him, Musette is proud to have been pro-James ever since day #1.

Lara Stone as The Model Citizen2008's top model knows a thing or two about working a new look. With a full body, lily-white skin and a gap-teethed grin, Lara Stone has paved the way for a new sort of beauty that is unique, unconventional and smoking hot. Lara's fierce expression has accompanied her down a multitude of runways while she also managed to keep her cool while mingling with monkeys, elephants and snakes in Africa for the wild shoot of the legendary Pirelli calender. This year may have been a fab one for Ms. Stone, but Musette feels when it comes to this mod, the best is yet to come.

May you reach for the stars this new year,
Love Musette x

Musette Loves: Betty Draper

Mad Men is a hit, undeniably. The elusive yet always dashing Don Draper thrown in with a slew of other cads makes for pure television magic. As for the women of this mad world, they are not too shabby themselves. The red-headed Joan Holloway is a knockout while Peggy Olsen is a firecracker in the board room. However if any one of Mad Men's stars shine the brightest it is the physically flawless Betty Draper, played by January Jones.

January's Betty is a multi-faceted gal, always changing and constantly surprising. Impeccably presented but full of frustration and boredom on the inside, Mrs. Draper is one of television's most compelling characters. Whether she is making waves at the stables or causing a fuss at the local supermarket, Betty Draper is curious, complicated and kind.

In an ode to BD herself, Musette steals some recent items that could have come right of the costume department of Mad Men.

betty by MKennedy
Clockwise from left: Chloe leather riding boots with strap, English riding hat in grey, OPI nail polish in ElePhantastic Pink and Cajun Shrimp, cotton turtleneck by Splendid, Tiffany & Co. 1950's diamond ring, linen dress by Narciso Rodriguez, Hermes scarf, Christian Dior lipstick, By Malene Birger Peach Limona negligee, kitten heel wedges by Fendi, pointed stiletto pumps by Miu Miu and Donna Karan moleskin riding pants.

Musette Look of The Week

Isn't She Lovely?
Liya Kebede at the screening of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button


Ruffles, boots and a big blazer, oh my! Liya Kebede wows on the red carpet of Brad and Cate's new movie in a perfect little ensemble. Luckily the film's stars were nowhere to be found because Liya clearly stole the show. When the best pair of pins we've seen for a while hit the ground of this New York soiree, Liya Kebede revealed that winter is undoubtedly the chicest season of them all.

Brrrr....
x Musette

Musette's Star Signs, 11.

Sagittarius
November 23 - December 21

Oh bless, you are carefree, cheerful and eternally optimistic. It doesn't matter if you are taking on the works of Tolstoy or performing an at home mani/pedi - any job you approach will be one thoroughly well done. Your personable nature and childlike perspective must never be mistaken as simplicity because in reality you possess true intelligence. You love Bergdorf Goodman, Dolly Parton and public libraries. You are a bright ray of sunshine whose happiness is quite contagious; you truly are one in a million.


Designer: Chloe


Prized Possession: Charm Bracelet


Film Heroine: Cher Horowitz

Musette Thinks: It's A Wonderful Life!

No other film celebrates the festive season quite the way Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life does. This smash hit from 1946 just gets better with time, reminding us all of the importance of love, family, the holidays and of course - timeless style. Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed sweep us off our feet as George and Mary Bailey. George melts our heart by promising to lasso the moon for his sweetheart, while we can't help but sing along to Buffalo Girls with the beautiful Mary.
This holiday season, you too can dance by the light of the moon in crisp, Christmas classics that pay tribute to the divine Donna Reed as Mary Bailey.





*Above: Aquascutum & Miu Miu

Musette Look(s) of the Week

THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT: The Vogue China Icon Awards

Temptresses were out in full force in Beijing this week while two of Musette's favourite foxy ladies played with fashion in the most inspired of ways. Both Sasha Pivovarova and Lou Doillon opted for short dresses which were made unabashedly flirty with flamboyant yet elegant trails, how novel!




Don't simply settle for one this weekend - go on and treat your self to a little long and short.
x Musette

Musette's Star Signs, 10.

Scorpio
October 23 - November 22

You are a dark angel whose emotional intelligence, dedication and drive will take you far in life. Your multifaceted personality is intriguing to everyone you cross paths with - the last thing you would ever be labeled is a bore. You are a private person at heart, more likely to hang back and observe than step up and steal center stage. You maintain an air of mystery that adds to your allure. You relate to the likes of Ally Sheedy in the The Breakfast Club, Roald Dahl's Matilda and Virgina Woolf. You believe in magic, witchcraft and love at first sight.


Designer: Rodarte


Favourite Book & Film: Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca


Music Pick: CocoRosie

Musette Dreams of Shoe

Musette gives you something worth dreaming about with a little look at five different shoe styles. Have a look, swoon a little & just try to say no.


Put Me Up on a Pedestal!

platform by MKennedy
Left: Chloe platform with peep-toe. Right: Marni double platform peep-toe sandal.

Boots Electric!

boot by MKennedy
Left: Chloe black suede swift boot. Right: Marc Jacobs folded leather boot.

Going Brogue!

Left: Jil Sander. Right: Repetto

Buckle Up for Safety!

mary jane by MKennedy
Top: Miu Miu tri-colour mary jane flats. Bottom: A.P.C. black mary jane flats.

Start the Raid on Suede!

suede by MKennedy
Left: Chloe suede crossover sandals. Right: Miu Miu suede shoe boot.

Musette's Most Wanted: Economic Edition

Our funds may be dwindling during these tough economic times, but let's not waste anymore energy begrudging our bank accounts. Musette recommends five ways to keep cool throughout the crisis.

1.) Stay Hot in Heritage
Summer, winter, day or night - Minnetonka moccasins are here for you. At a starting price of US$35 you can't go wrong in a pair of super comfy, super cute fringed booties. minnetonkamoccasinshop.com

2.) Never Turn Down a Freebie
Just in case you needed another excuse to buy Paris Vogue, it's December/January issue includes a knockout 2009 calendar shot by none other than the sex magnet himself Terry Richardson.

3.) Come to H&M for Comme
If you're hankering for a little Comme des Garcons but can't quite stomach the cost then pop into H&M to check out their affordable line. You'll be able to nab yourself a spotty scarf or cropped coat and still have enough money left over for lunch. hm.com

4.) Great Homewares Don't Have to Break the Bank
Fearing yet another voyage to Ikea? Mix it up at CB2, a one stop shop offering anything and everything to make your house a home. Pick up a couch for under $400, a lovely lamp for a tenner or a set of Andy Warhol butterfly print serving plates at US$0.95 each! cb2.com

5.) Special Items for a Special Price
Because of MJ we can easily afford to rug up for winter, carry our books to school and stuff everyone's stockings. Have a spree at Marc by Marc Jacobs special items stores and score anything from a cashmere beret to a quilted tote for less than US$50.00. marcjacobs.com

Musette Star Signs, 9.

Libra
September 23 - October 22


In true Libra fashion, you are fair, balanced and kind. However your character is full of depth, revealing a frivolous and eternally fun side which others simply cannot get enough of. An easy going optimism comes in handy during the most trying of times - your uplifting words and cheerful outlook have brightened many a dismal day. You are happiest rocking out to David Bowie, The Cars, Holly Golightly or The White Stripes, consistently proving yourself to be an integral part of any party. You would gladly forgo lunch in order to purchase a new dress, making for a style that is positively showstopping. You are an undeniable flirt who has broken many a heart but in truth you are always slyly searching for 'the one.'

Designer: Balmain


Can Never Have too Many: Cocktail Rings


Trademark Scent: Daisy by Marc Jacobs

Musette Gives Thanks

In this special post Thanksgiving post, Musette mentions a few people, places & things worth being thankful of.

1.) Lace Tights
Lovely up a look with lacy legs. For luxury pop into Chanel or Wolford, but if you fret over first day runs in your stockings, Fogal also offer a beautiful, more affordable selection. Above image, Emma Cook's pretty runway pins.

2.) Gwyneth's Grey Nails
Our fingers may be familiar with the dark side of navy and black but grey is new on our list of to do. Gwynnie may have made a few eyes roll with 'goop.com' but here she does anything but. Thank-you Gwyneth, here you have well and truly nailed it.

5.) Dr. Bronner's Fair Trade Magic Soaps
In these trying economic times it is imperative to turn to affordable and trusted names, such as the iconic Dr. Bronner. No need to stock up on a a number of unnecessary bathroom bottles when Dr. B offers an 18 in 1 alternative. Choose from a range of Magic Soap scents such as rose and eucalyptus and use it as body wash, massage oil, shampoo, aftershave and wool wash - may sound wacky, but well worth a try!

3.) James Franco
He is a humble heartthrob who can act, dress and make us laugh. We swooned over him as Daniel in the shamefully short lived series Freaks and Geeks, but it has been a thrill to watch him mature by way of James Dean, Gucci, and his upcoming roles as Allen Ginsberg and Sean Penn's love interest in the much anticipated Milk.

4.) Opening Ceremony, Howard Street, NY
Escape into the haven that is Opening Ceremony's store in New York. Step into the aroma of burning Comme des Garcons candles while perusing a multitude of racks packed with high fashion names such as Alexander Wang and Rodarte mixed in with a few Kate Moss for Top Shop gems and must have heritage brand Pendelton. Nab yourself a gold Casio watch for $95 dollars or one of Opening Ceremony's own items such as a snug cardigan or elegant trench.

Musette Beats the Breakout Blues!

Although we know that true beauty comes from within, there is no denying that often times clear skin equals happiness. Musette makes it all better by recommending a few tried and true treatments designed so you can kiss those pesky blemishes good-bye for good.

1.) Cetaphil Cleanser, cheap as chips and approved by your dermatologist!
While Lancome's scented skincare is tempting and the packaging of Stella McCartney's Care line is very chic, it's with Cetaphil that you simply can't go wrong. Guaranteed by dermatologists to visibly reduce breakouts, this gentle formula isn't hiding any nasty chemicals and will leave a lot of money left in your back pocket.

2.) When Life Gives you Pimples, Make Lemonade...Seriously.
Forget that their packed with Vitamin C and taste divine, lemons also work wonders on your skin. Squeeze a bit into a glass of water or tea for a helpful skin boost or see even faster results by applying lemon pulp directly to your problem areas. Leave for a couple of minutes before removing with warm water and voila! Super sweet skin.

3.) Hollywood's Secret Weapon isn't Proactiv, it's Sonya Dakar.
I know that LiLo and P-Diddy let you in on 'their little secret' but here's one that is better yet: Sonya Dakar's Drying Potion. This little bottle of magic is an ingenious concoction of peppermint and sage oils mixed in with a bunch of scientific stuff. One tiny dab before bed will lend new meaning to the words beauty sleep.

4.) Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Smooth sailing ahead!
Skincare experts Dermologica offer a gentle, soothing exfoliant that is yet to be beat. This dry powder substance will lather when mixed with water and effectively smooth out imperfections. Powerful enough to be used only a few times a week, this fantastic face wash will give your skin a velvety feel you never dreamed possible.

5.) Hop on the Rooibos... Like lemons, rooibos (or red) tea also has healing agents fit for problem skin. Break open a tea bag or buy the leaves loose to transform into a miraculous facial mask. Rub on a clean face, let sit until dry and wait for the radiant results. Note: Perform this procedure alone as it's not the most flattering home spa treatment.

Last Word, Promise!
When choosing a facial cream opt for a light, non-greasy formula such as Neutrogena's Sensitive Skin moisturizer or a calming face milk from the Dr. Hauschka range. To insure the lasting health of your skin, use clean makeup brushes to apply makeup and avoid processed foods and sugary drinks at all costs.

Musette's How To: Love the Earth, Tip 5.

Share The Shea Butter: The L'Ooccitane Foundation


For you, L'Ooccitane's Shea Butter is a beautiful product that your body will thank-you for using - for the women of Burkina Faso, West Africa, it's a means to their independence. L'Ooccitane en Provence founder Olivier Baussan developed his cooperative after discovering that West African women were able to earn their own money by crushing and churning shea nuts into butter. Baussan's foundation started small but today consists of 11,000 participants who work to create literacy centers, free medical programs and child care in the region. Purchase L'Ooccitane's limited time fragrances consisting of 25% shea butter content not simply to smell divine but to show support for the women of Burkina Faso.

Musette Look(s) of the Week

Rose Byrne's Ravishing Week

At the premiere of Gus Van Sant's Milk
Rose Byrne's pretty presence was felt all throughout New York this week as she covered fashion's bases in a chic and effortless manner. Rose partied at the Bowery Hotel in celebration of Sean Penn's smash hit Milk, dressed immaculately in a double-breasted cropped pea coat and black jeans. This sweet star sure knew how to battle the icy New York conditions in style.


With Francisco Costa at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards
On Monday, Rose B. served as the perfect arm candy for Calvin Klein's awarded womenswear designer Francisco Costa. Dressed in an ethereal shift, Byrne paired with Costa made for a fashion match made in CFDA heaven. Our love for Rose Byrne is reaffirmed by her knockout appearances during this blowout of a week.

x Musette