Thursday, February 28, 2008

Musette Beauty File

ARRESTING DEVELOPMENT:BROOKE SHIELDS
While others go through their awkward years accompanied by braces, blemishes and a crippling lack of confidence, Brooke Shields managed to gracefully transition from Pretty Baby to Calvin Klein's leading lady in one bat of a perfectly curled eyelash. She was the eighties teen queen. With an iconic blockbuster under her belt and the country's leading fashion designer on her side, Brooke's overbearing mother and widely scrutinised virginity couldn't have been so bad, right? From the barely-there beach get-ups and unkempt ocean hair she donned in 1980's The Blue Lagoon, to her breathless claim that nothing gets between her and her Calvin's in the jeans campaign of the same year, teenage girls of the time had every reason to want to be Brooke Shields.Forget the early 80's, today girls continue to have reason to idolise Brooke's muse worthy charm. She was a vision of innocence and an arresting symbol of the time, so channel your inner Brooke Shields by growing out your eyebrows, getting out the hair curlers, and opting for super high-cut one piece swimsuits...Actually maybe some looks are best kept in the eighties.That being said, Musette will always love Brooke Shields.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Musette Loves FLOWER POWER!

Take a walk on the sunny side of the street, and seek inspiration from the '08 Spring Collections by confidently exuding FLOWER POWER!
Designers found the key to the secret garden by focusing on floral motifs, colour palette's bursting with naturalistic tones, and an overall flowing, feminine aesthetic. Become easy, breezy and cheerful in items that will brighten up the dreariest of days.



From Top: Stella McCartney says 'Come on now let's get happy!' in a beautifully coloured frilly one piece, Miuccia Prada celebrates the resort season in a full volumed 50's inspired floral skirt, Karen Walker prepares for sun exposure in lightly patterned pastels, Nicholas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga brilliantly juxtaposes pansies and hydrangeas with sculpturally shaped dresses and gladiator sandals.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The Musette Must-Have List

BOYS ON THE SIDE: The Clothing Item
Embrace a little androgyny with an over-sized blazer. Dress down a short hemline or dress up a pair of slim jeans by channeling Annie Hall, or perhaps your Dad. Customise your suit jacket by pushing up the sleeves or adding a pocket square. Pictured above: Alexander Wang Spring '08 RTW.

LA VIE EN ROSE: The Perfume
Musette votes Series 2: Red Rose by Comme des Garcons as the must-have fragrance. One spritz will leave you smelling like the sweetest rose in bloom, and the aesthetically pleasing bottle will make your eyes smile. Comme's Red Rose is a light departure from the fashion house's more heady and strong scents-perfect for a gal looking for a scent to match her loveliness.

WAITING FOR MY MAN: The DVD
Get inspired by a great music documentary, like Lou Reed Rock and Roll Heart. This compelling film features footage from Warhol's factory, interviews with Patti Smith and David Bowie, and of course the beyond cool music of Lou himself. Rock and Roll Heart brilliantly pays homage to one of our greatest living legends. Get cozy with Lou Reed on a quiet night in, or play this film to get you in the mood for a night out inspired by unbeatable rock music.

I SEE RED I SEE RED I SEE RED: The Beauty Must
Musette does not see a red door and want it painted black, instead red continues to be the perfect way to amplify your look. Paint your nails red and become a sophisticate, paint your lips red and become a show-stopper. Musette follows in the footsteps of every single great starlett, and names red fingers and red toes as must-have. Pictured above: Gucci captured old Hollywood glamour at their Fall '07 RTW show.

GIRL FROM IPANEMA: The Accessory
How could Musette not feature silk scarves as a must-have? A chic scarf can serve a multitude of necessary purposes including headpiece, bag ornament, neck companion and facial sun shield for laying out. How could you get by without one, really? Opt for elegance in Hermes, trend-setting cool in Karen Walker, or vintage vixen with a second hand find, or a trip to your mother, (or grandmother's) closet. Pictured above: Printed silk scarf by Karen Walker.

CHAN-DO ATTITUDE: The CD
Chan Marshall aka Cat Power has returned with her second album of covers, entitled Jukebox. Cat Power's characteristically mellow vocals are backed up with a slick sounding band which adds a more polished, jazzy sound to our favourite song kitten. Keep your ears out for new spins on classics by Frank Sinatra and Joni Mitchell, as well as Musette's first pick, a tribute to Dylan, Song to Bobby. Jukebox should most certainly be your next musical investment, as this compilation of upbeat covers and wholehearted tributes serves as the perfect backdrop for entertaining, relaxing, or sweet romancing.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Musette Best Dressed: BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

Welcome to the first installment of Musette Best Dressed. The It-Girls featured in this inaugural Top 10 embody individuality, and have spot-on style instincts. Whether they serve as muse or master, light up the big screen or catwalk, they all share the title of Bright Young Thing for their ability to exude beauty and set global trends.

NATALIA VODIANOVA


She is the oldest of the bunch, and in terms of fashion, perhaps the wisest. Natalia Vodianova has been the face of Calvin Klein for several, beautiful years, and beyond that the industry has been very kind to her. However, Musette loves Natalia the most when she is herself-at events, backstage or on the go, she is able to bring the meaning of chic to a new level. As the yummiest of mummies, her British aristocrat husband sure is one lucky fellow.

CLEMENCE POESY


The French have a reputation for getting it right on the fashion front, and this new beauty on the scene is no exception. Karl Lagerfeld has fallen for her, and the Sartorialist loves to snap her-we can expect many exciting style statements from newcomer Clemence Poesy. With a breakout performance in, go figure, Harry Potter, Poesy has left Musette wanting more, more, more.

CAMILLA BELLE


She literally was the Belle of the ball at last year's CFDA gala at the Met. As Teen Vogue's Style Blogger Kimball Hastings stood proudly on the sidelines he agreed along with the mass of ultra chic attendants that a style star was born. Hastings discovered the glittering Gaultier Paris Haute Couture gown and knew Camilla Belle was the best to pull it off. With her striking features and petite frame, Camilla has yet to make any fashion faux pas', consistently stealing the show at any high profile event.

CHLOE SEVIGNY


Just when you think she can't get any cooler she goes and does it again, with an even better fashion statement. Oh, Chloe Sevigny how hip can one gal be? Sevigny can be seen pulling off either couture or jeans and a tee equally well, proving the fact that her clothing choices are as well thought out as her career moves. Chloe's creative cool is complimented by her distinct features and enviable blond waves. Here's one celeb whose turn as fashion designer, (for Opening Ceremony) is warmly welcomed.

JULIA RESTOIN-ROITFELD


OK, so she has a bit of an upper hand with Carine Roitfeld, editor of French Vogue as a mother, but Julia Restoin-Roitfeld still deserves mega fashion praise. With an eye for finding sophisticated yet youthful looks, it's no wonder Tom Ford chose her to endorse Black Orchid. Julia puts her fellow socialites to shame with her fashion forward vision that is commonly displayed in girly frocks, red lips and killer heels.

KIRSTEN DUNST


Like the move from Jake to Johnny, Jumanji to Spiderman, Kirsten Dunst moved from total teeny-bopper to hot hipster with ease and grace. Realising that modesty is often the best policy, this screen siren is able to make an otherwise frumpy get-up appear sexy and daring. Dunst has turned out many memorable red carpet gowns, and her more casual looks always seem to be a perfect combination of femininity mixed with a touch of rock & roll.

CHARLOTTE CASIRAGHI


Musette would curtsy to Charlotte Casiraghi any day, not because of her Princess mother, but because of her high status as fashion royalty. Karl Lagerfeld is a fan, and her photo appears in many a fashion mag, but this BYT's fortunate facial features are not the only reason. Charlotte knows how to exude a classic chicness that is also fun and modern. Unafraid to run around in micro-minis and teeny-weeny bikinis, or glam it up at night, Char will always be royal in our eyes.

GEMMA WARD


Flawless, and ridiculously tall, Gemma Ward knows how to work a look. Maybe it is her vast experience on the runway, but Ward effortlessly makes a look her own, be it red carpet formality, or casual street style. This super, supermodel has become a style icon not simply because of her many magazine covers and copious campaigns, but also because of her knowledge of what to wear, and when to wear it.

ASHLEY OLSEN


Who would have thought the Full House twins would make it this far. Sometimes it is hard to believe that the Tween Queens are fully fledged style stars in their own right. Ashley Olsen's itty bitty build allows any garment to shine, anything she dons is immediately cool. Possessing an elegance that most starletts take years to perfect, Ashley is able to put together timeless pieces and give them an unforgettable edge. P.S. Don't worry MK fans, there are more top ten lists to come!

MARGHERITA MISSONI


As granddaughter of the founders of Missoni, Margherita uses her status as fashion heiress very well. As a fixture on the New York social scene, Margherita can be spotted partying in anything from classic shifts to embellished gowns. With her trademark olive skin and long brown hair, MM has established herself as an independent style icon, while still doing her family name proud.