To: Woody Allen. Love, Musette.

28/08/2008
Dear Mr. Allen, (or should I call you Woody?)
Anyway, I am writing to thank-you for being you. You have created my favourite films and that's not all. You've brought me enough modern day heroines to last for a lifetime of inspiration. I swooned over Diane Keaton in Manhattan, Interiors, and of course Annie Hall. Mira Sorvino made me laugh my pants off in Mighty Aphrodite, and I wanted to get up and sing with the entire cast of Everyone Says I Love You. Each one of your leading ladies has left me positively awe-struck. But let's not forget about you dear Woody. Never has neurosis been quite so lovable or charming. OK, so you left Mia Farrow for your step-daughter, but let's just say this adds to your...eccentricity! You have reminded many of us gals that sometimes the less smooth of the male species are the ones that truly deserve to be honoured. I'd like to name you The Anti-Hunk, does this title work for you? It's meant as a compliment.
Love Always, Musette.
PS Congrats on Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Penelope Cruz and ScarJo? You stud, you!

Musette Honours Album Covers

The Cars Greatest Hits, 1985


It's the ultimate album, really. Just try and stop dancing once Just What I Needed, or My Best Friend's Girl comes on. You can also wrap the night up in style with either Drive or I'm Not The One. For a well rounded party, simply press play on The Car's Greatest Hits. But an album is nothing without a frame-worthy cover, and for this the Car's earn top points yet again. Is there a better snapshot of mid-Eighties goodness? Hot legs and fast cars-that's just what they needed back then! In short, this killer cover...oh, oh, it's magic!

Musette's How To: Love The Earth, Tip 2

Dressed Head to Toe in Love: The Cartier Charity Bracelet
The Cartier Love bracelet is beautiful, timeless and unique. However, this luxurious item will also cost you, or your beloved, a pretty penny. So how about showing a little love, not just for yourself, but for the world as well? Invest in a Love Charity bracelet, and one of eight world charities will benefit. Your wrist will be sure to shine in this colourfully knotted silk cord, featuring a pink gold Love charm. A-listers such as Liv Tyler & Sarah Jessica Parker have gotten on board, proving that Love really is the one label that will never go out of style. Go to love.cartier.com to learn more.
Above: The Youth AIDS Love Bracelet

Musette Brings Back Ophelia

Ophelia was Hamlet's doomed lover, and today she remains literature's most tragic beauty. Deceived by her family and rejected by her sweetheart, Ophelia's death was ultimately caused by a broken heart. She was portrayed by some of the best painters of the 19th Century, and while many of Ophelia's portraits depict her untimely death, they also show a beauty that is eternal.

Musette remembers Ophelia through some of Summer and Fall's most romantic looks.

'Therewith fantastic garlands did she make...'
Antoine-Auguste Ernest Herbert's 1876 portrait of Ophelia includes our lady's trademark wreath.

Abbey Lee unknowingly channels Ophelia in a gorgeous summer headpiece.

'Her clothes spread wide, and mermaid-like...'
John Everett Millais' 1852 work proves Ophelia's pain.

The flowers featured in Erin Featherston's fall collection could have been plucked straight from Millais' Ophelia.

'Sweets for my sweet..'
Jules Joseph LeFebvre's portrait of 1850 show Ophelia as a lovely yet lost soul.

Just like Ophelia herself, Rodarte's latest line had a beautiful eeriness about it.

Musette Spotlights: Lace at it's Loveliest

Femininity at it's finest comes in the form of lace. Originally, (think 17th Century) lace was so desirable, entire farms were sold in order to obtain a small portion of this luxury fabric. The Fall 2008 collections showcased a beyond-beautiful array of lace, proving that farm-selling wasn't such a crazy idea.

Prada didn't disappoint, presenting delicate yet bold lace dresses, tops and skirts in black, blue, brown and beige. Lace has never been so ready-to-wear.

Stella McCartney's show was perfected by the presence of lace. It was found in both child-like dresses and hot little numbers, as pictured above.

Alexander McQueen got historical on us, channeling princesses and colonial Britain. His lace was perhaps the most romantic of the season.

Balmain's lace came with a suitably rock & roll edge, tight traces could be seen on a number of mini dresses.

Musette Makes-Up With You

We lined our eyes with black as soon as we were allowed, and kissed love letters with bright pink lips. Our favourite tricks may change with time, but make-up is an old habit that will die hard.

Musette brings you four products that are worth trying today.

'Stop It, You're Making Me Blush!'
Stila Convertible Cream Blush
Stila offers a blush that can leave you looking fresh-faced and rosy, or positively flushed. This brilliant cream based compact goes on light or heavy and can double as a lip gloss. Take that Thin Lizzy!

'Back To Black'
CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner
Who said only Amy Winehouse can overdo the eye-liner? Going wild with a liquid liner can be the first step to a great night out. Choose CoverGirl for a pen that's easy to use and won't break the bank. Louis Vuitton did and just look at the results!

'What A Doll!'
Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation
Even out your skin tone with a light and beautiful foundation from skincare expert Bobbi Brown. With a built in sunscreen and silky finish, only a little will leave you looking flawless all day. Wowzer, it worked at the Burberry Prorsum show!

'Beat The Blues'
Chanel Nail Polish in Blue Satin
Finding black a little harsh? Soften things up with a navy for your nails. Chanel's Blue Satin dries quickly and looks fab on. You will be pointing-or pulling-the finger at all those in sight, anything to show off those nails!

Musette Beauty File: Anouk Aimee

"I feel that anything can happen" - Anouk Aimee
During a time when cinema favoured classically beautiful actresses such as Brigitte Bardot and Faye Dunaway, Anouk Aimee stood strong on her own, individual ground. With a less than typical, slightly haunting look, she soon became known simply as, 'Anouk.'
Anouk could have been one of the biggest stars of her time, but always chose to stay out of the mainstream spotlight. From age 14 she was offered a multitude of film offers, yet was quick to turn many of them down-namely the role to play opposite Steve McQueen in the original Thomas Crown Affair.
That's not to say Anouk didn't shine in many memorable pictures. Fellini directed her in La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2, and she took home a Golden Globe for her captivating performance in 1966's A Man and a Woman. She may have been considered aloof, but when it came to acting, Anouk gave it her all.
Since then, Anouk has been directed by Robert Altman, played herself in fashion's favourite cult documentary Pret-a-Porter, and been married a total of four times. With her refusal to sell out and a look that can never be duplicated, Anouk Aimee has earned a repuation as one of Hollywood's most mysterious beauties.

Musette Movie Magic TAKE THREE!

Musette Takes Three by bringing you girls, girls, girls. These four screen dreams couldn't be more different from one another, but what's one thing they do have in common? Sensational style.

Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz in Clueless, 1996
Any girl that grew up in the 90's can vouch for their undying love of Cher. Her mini dresses, platforms, credit card and jeep were all worship worthy. Clueless helped define a generation, and we couldn't be more proud to have been a part of it.

But this is an Alaia!!! Steal the show as magnificently as Cher did in 90's inspired luxury items. Don't be timid to colour coordinate, or squeeze into the tightest of bandage dresses.

Clockwise from left: LNA t-shirt, Miu Miu pumps, Herve Leger dress, blazer from Topshop, bag by Lanvin, Chloe platforms, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt, Alaia skirt, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti shoes.

Anne Bancroft as Mrs Robinson in The Graduate, 1967Here's to you Mrs Robinson, not simply for seducing an impressionable Benjamin, but for having the wardrobe to pull it off. Whether you were lurking in animal print furs or lounging in a silk nightgown, you were a cougar who knew how to dress.

Revive the look that made Mrs Robinson so darn irresistible in over the top items that have enough glamour to seal the deal.
Clockwise from left: Jonathan Aston tights, Linda Farrow 'Jackie O' sunglasses, dresses by Matthew Williamson and Stella McCartney, Agent Provocateur perfume, Hermes scarf, shoes by Marc Jacobs, leopard ring by Roberto Cavalli.

Gwyneth Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums, 2001
She was sullen, depressed and beautiful. As the adopted member of the Tenenbaum clan, Margot took our breath away with a razor sharp bob, heavily made up eyes and vintage furs. Only could such an oddly enchanting girl steal the hearts of both Richie and Raleigh St. Clair

Give a tennis dress a unique twist with a second-hand find. Embody all that was lovable about Margot by fusing preppy with peculiar, but try and avoid the cigarettes and missing finger.

Clockwise from left: vintage fur coat, hair clips from Forever 21, tennis dresses from Fred Perry and Lacoste, white gloves by Chanel, vintage fur coat, Bottega Veneta pumps, black brogues by Rachel Comey, Birkin bag.

Liv Tyler as Lucy Harmon in Stealing Beauty, 1996Watching Liv frolic in the Tuscan hills made for the best coming of age story of the 90's. Her unruly hair, barely-there dresses, cute swimsuits, and innocent outlook made for movie magic. Liv's Lucy is the quintessential girl of summer.

Go free in scanty summer must-haves, sans shoes or bra. Also, let your hair go wild and your spirit will follow!

Clockwise from left: Irwin & Jordan shirt, Eres one piece, dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Acne shirt, dress by Miu Miu, Stella McCartney Stella in 2 perfume, Ksubi shorts, lace underwear by Stella McCartney, dress from Topshop.

You Look Wonderful Tonight, Second Edition

Back in May, Musette paid tribute to four women who stole the red carpet thanks to their unforgettable frocks. Since then, the CFDA has partied, the glamorous headed to Cannes, and the awards season celebrated a beautiful newcomer. Enjoy the dresses that made these nights so wonderful.

Caroline Trentini in vintage Thierry Mugler at the CFDA Party of the Year
At a party that put an emphasis on all things super-heroic, model Caroline Trentini suitably embodied one part good, one part evil in harsh black velvet and a swept up bun. This Brazilian bombshell took a risk that paid off in a 90's get-up, complete with dark eyes and an elaborately shaped dress. Think Cat Woman with a demure twist.

Marion Cotillard in Chanel Haute Couture at the Bafta Awards
Bless the birth of a true screen siren-and of the Academy Award winning, La Vie En Rose singing, hopelessly chic variety no less! For her role as Edith Piaf, Marion Cotillard received standing ovations around the world, but it was her impeccable appearance at the Bafta's that really made Musette want to stand up and clap.

Karen Elson and Jack White, both in Marc Jacobs at the CFDA Party of the YearIt's no secret that Jack White loves red headed women, and with Karen Elson as his wife he's scored top of the class. The two made their grand entrance at the Met in pure style, Elson shined in ruffles and a fringed bag, while Jack's transformation from rock star to gentleman is given two thumbs up. If you can't get enough of this darling couple, check out September's British Vogue, featuring Elson on the cover.

Natalie Portman in Balmain and Lanvin at the Cannes Film Festival
Pint-sized Portman always gets it right, favouring Lanvin by night and casual-cool by day. Pictured here in a Balmain dress, bolero by Lanvin, and personally designed animal-friendly footwear, Natalie took the Cannes cake. With her beau, singer Devendra Banhart, beaming from the sidelines, Little Miss Natalie Portman proved she can make a grown man cry.

Musette Spotlights: The American Indian Inflluence

The fringe, feathers, embroidery, and headdresses are in part what make the American Indian aesthetic so undeniably beautiful. Cher and Bob Mackie could not resist being inspired during their heyday, but more recently we see that Balmain and Anna Sui can't seem to either.

Balmain's front man Christophe Decarnin focused on fringe and a bird motif for his Spring 2008 collection, and we love him all the more for it.

American Indian's of the Pacific Northwest served as muse for Anna Sui in her Fall 2008 line. Sui made her admiration known in the form of leathers, fun headpieces and intricate beading.

Musette Look of the Week

Chan Marshall AKA Cat Power at Lollapalooza
If there is one beauty who always keeps her cool on the fashion front it's Musette's favourite songstress, Cat Power. Chan took to the stage at the renown Chicago festival in a peace t-shirt, black jeans and her trademark brogues-an ideal look for pulling off her wacky dance moves and on stage impersonations. This cute kitty is adored by Karl Lagerfeld and has the rest of the fashion world at her mesh gloved fingertips, but continues to opt for basics. Staying easy and breezy certainly suits her, but let's face it-CM would look good in anything.
Meow x

Musette Looks Back: I Just Wanna Dance!

Whether they were tiny dancers or strippers with a dream, the leading ladies of dance floors past inspire not only our moves, but our clothing choices too.

Lycra & Cotton! What a Feeling!
As both steel worker and exotic dancer, Jennifer Beals knew how to dress down for 1983's mega-hit Flashdance. Harness your inner ballerina in loose grey marl, itty-bitty shorts and chunky socks. Now comfort is always cool thanks in part to this gutsy girl.

Tried, Tacky and True-Shine Like a Showgirl!
Elizabeth Berkeley wasn't afraid of sequins or skin in 1995's Showgirls and neither should you be. Her routines may have been risque, but this wild child could pull off a leotard better than an American Apparel model. Team paired down basics with a little glitz and glam to pay homage to everyone's favourite down on her luck stripper.

Baby Knows Best in 60's Inspired Dance Gear!Baby Houseman came a long way from carrying a watermelon to stealing the stage with Swayze in 1987's Dirty Dancing. Watching Babes learn the trickiest of steps in denim shorts, cropped tops and high heels prove that real dancing queens can manage to move in just about anything.

Musette Is...Checking Up On You

From statement stockings to all things metallic, the fall ready-to-wear collections threw us many cute yet crazy curve balls. However, the presence of plaid guaranteed one trend that will be very easy to embrace.
Preen tranforms lumberjack into lovely, above. Dries Van Noten yelled checkmate with a chunky wool jacket, ideal for any chilly night to come.
Thakoon's tartan touches will leave you yearning for a lesson on the bagpipes and a date with Ewan McGregor.
Fancy yourself more of a traditional gal? Then stay true to Chanel's magnificent, if not checkered past.