Thandie Newton and Kerry Washington Hang With The Boys in London

Celebs travel around the world going to parties that they have to go to - either because they are being paid to attend or because it is a contractual obligation. It must get very, very tiresome. And then every so often a party invite lands that is just too good to pass up. Like if you were invited to attend the Esquire opening party for London Menswear Collections. Where you would be one of very few ladies present in company with a lot of very attractive men. If Thandie Newton and Kerry Washington didn't subconsciously smack their lips in anticipation of this one, I'll eat my hat.

For the occasion, Thandie went ultra-feminine in Erdem. Smart move in a sea of boys, playing the girlie card. And so pretty. Her and the dress. Kerry kept things chicer and more simple. She wore Marc Jacobs and played the doe-eyed sultry stunner. Well, she may have. She is also very, very pretty. Nicely done ladies. Wish I was there.

Jessica Chastain's Hawaii Style

The talented flame-haired actress, Jessica Chastain has been in Hawaii this week for the 2013 Maui Film Festival and she has been playing a bit of a stye blinder. That's a good thing for people who don't choose to speak colloquial colonialist English. Standing out in dazzling colours has been the hallmark of her shot stay in paradise.

This green Herve Leger dress may be a more obvious colour for a ginger, but actually I would like to point out that Jess has successfully worn yellow on several occasions, not least of which was the first time we saw her in Cannes. Just saying. And doesn't she look SO happy.

Oh, and just to get our fill of her bold colour palette, Jess headed off to Shanghai after Maui and wore this gorgeous dress, accessorised with Bulgari jewellery. Not bad, lady, not bad at all.

Octavia Spencer in Blue Lace Tadashi Shoji

This post can't be billed as 'news' as such. I mean it's not news that Octavia Spencer wore Tadashi Shoji. She almost always does. It's not even news that she looks absolutely and completely fabulous in this blue lace dress by Tadashi Shoji. Because she almost always does that too.

So in fact all that this post is doing is reminding all of us ladies that style is about wearing what suits us, sometimes in a great colour. And maybe getting our hair did. Octavia has learned this. And she is preaching every time she steps out. We just need to listen. Brava!

Michelle Obama Lands at the G8 in Belfast in Burberry

There is a canny political game that many of the key international figures play with fashion when they travel abroad. There is the tussle between supporting your home country's fashion designers as you are in the international spotlight, and showing respect for the country you are visiting. FLOTUS Michelle Obama doesn't play this game. She reckons you should wear what ever makes you comfortable. Which may explain the sea of seventies beige/brown that she wore on arrival in Belfast to attend - and speak at - the G8 summit this weekend.

The coat is, of course, Burberry. A classic Burberry trench with a twist. I don't love the extra bulk that the waistband adds, but I'll bet it kept her warm and dry and seems pretty comfortable.

When the coat came off for the speech, we were left with a sleeker, trouser look. I actually really like the jumper and necklace combination. It works. The shoes work. The trousers? Wow, it is hard to like that colour. The fact that all I could see of her speech on twitter was that her fringe was getting in her eyes and annoying people, is a rather sad testament to how seriously a first lady gets taken at the G8. Not very seriously at all. And so I kind of wanted to avoid commenting on her clothes. But in the absence of any other information, I will say, "nice try, maybe not a home run this time." What do you guys think of it all?

Roksanda Illincic Launches Resort 2014 Collection with Julianne Hough and Ashley Madekwe

Really it is always a good sign when you can rustle up a few 'names' to attend the launch of your new collection, and British designer Roksanda Illincic (that's her in the blue in the middle) managed just this last week in Hollywood. Back home in the UK she has both Kate Middleton and first lady, Samantha Cameron, wearing her designs reasonably regularly, so it is remarkable to be able to replicate that success on the other side of the pond as well.

My favourite looks at the launch were first Revenge actress, Ashley Madekwe, who wore that amazing collar and trouser look. This is exactly the pared down style I am partial to.

Also looking like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, was Julianna Hough. For a tiny person she carries off the bold design with aplomb. Remarkable.

2013 amfAR Inspiration Gala New York Red Carpet Feat. Candice Swanepoel

Onse very own supermodel, Candice Swanepoel, shocked and angered her followers on the weekend by dying her hair platinum blonde for the 2013 amfAR Inspiration Gala that she attended in New York with her designer friend Olivier Theyskens. Blimey, you should have seen some of the comments on her Instagram feed - universal dislike, mostly because it made her look 'old'. I'm not sure about that. When I first saw the photos I thought she looked amazing and dramatic. But the more I look, the more I maybe wish it was temporary.

Attending the Gala looking sensational were also Uma Thurman who wore hot pink Atelier Versace for the occasion. Iman was equally dramatic in classic red silk Valentino. And then there was Jennifer Lopez in skin tight, cut-out Tom Ford. It's not the first time we have seen this dress on the red carpet, but it may be my favourite. Just because she is so JLO. Rawrrrr. What do you think?

Rosie Huntington Whiteley in Emilio Pucci

Model-turned-actress-turned-underwear-designer Rosie Huntington Whiteley was on the red carpet last night at the premier of her boyfriend, Jason Stratham's, new movie, Hummingbird. For the event she popped on a teeny tiny little white dress by Emilio Pucci, and completely stole the limelight. Not that anyone was complaining.

The dress also had an open back and sheer panels, and really could hardly be made of less fabric without becoming a leotard. Not that it is going to be long before we see that on a red carpet, mind. She is blessed with all the elements that make a stunning woman - incredible long legs, great hair, a natural pout - pretty much the jackpot. I am glad though that she is diversifying while she still has it all. Who knows how long it will last. And I am not sure that she is particularly witty, although I am told she is a very sweet girl.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, in McQueen for Trooping of the Colour

Just as we thought Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, had taken to her confinement ahead of her baby's birth, she popped out for one more engagement on the weekend. It was the Trooping of the Colour for HRH The Queen's birthday and for the occasion she wore pink Alexander McQueen.

The coat was custom made for K-Middy in her preferred maternity style. She seems to have made a decision and stuck with it throughout the pregnancy - dress coats, hemmed above the knee. The look was simple, modern and sleek and it has served her very well indeed. A well-played is in order.

And despite the rather twee colour, I like the coat. The oversized collar and pearl buttons work with the bump, and it all looks rather nice despite that hideous pink situation happening on her head. The matchy-matchy hat is by Jane Corbett and Kate wore it to the Queen's garden party last summer, if you remember. Dear me. But whatever I thought of her headgear, she had a complete blast as usual with her mother-in-law and brother-in-law as they larked about the entire day. Good on them.

Solange Knowles in Mary Katrantzou and Marni Prints

With those new braids all wrapped up in an elaborate hair style, Solange Knowles - queen of all things print - performed yesterday at Art Basel, in Switzerland. For the occasion she wore the Murano dress by Mary Katratzou from the SS13 collection. And popped on some polka dot heels to go with it. As you do. Impressive, right?

But the day before she had worn a much more higher-grade outfit when she performed in Marni, with swooping arm holes and a daring 70s-inspired floral print. Either way, Solange keeps pushing that level of print-taste and we love her for it.

Best of Black and White Outfits for the Week

As has become a ritual, on a Friday I post all the outfits I liked from the week that fit into the black and white trend and that I didn't get a chance to post elsewhere. This week has some of my favourites. I really liked the dress Nicole Scherzinger wore to the Britain's Got Talent auditions this week, although I absolutely hated her shoes. I loved everything about Olivia Palermo's outfit, especially the gingham check trouser and the happy pup. And Sandra Bullock can do no wrong as she hit London on promotional tour.

But it was Kate Beckinsale that gave the most inspiration. I love the tribal print. I love the easy-fit pieces. The whole thing just says summer to me. And the blast of neon yellow is sensational. TOP TIPS RIGHT HERE PEOPLE. Take notes.

What New Fashion F**kery Is This Miley Cyrus?

Don't get me wrong. I am actually pro-Miley Cyrus. I love her hair. I think that you have to have some sympathy for being brought up by Mr Achey Breakey Heart. And now her parents have announced that they are getting a divorce. Shame. Her own relationship is on the rocks. She is being criticised from all quarters for her overtly-sexualised photo shoots and I feel a bit bad for her. Well I did until I saw this outfit. WTF? What new fashion f**kery is a half-trackpant-half-jean?? Please tell me. It is by British designer Ashish and I think that it is an abomination. NO ONE WANTS TO BE WEARING HALF AND HALF. Right? This is not flattering. This is not fun. I don't get it. Stop it.

Also attending the same event as Miley were a bunch of other celebs. Let me just tell you that this was a MySpace event. Wha? So confusion was obviously the name of the game. And let's be honest they obviously paid more to get the celebs there than for invitations with a dress code clearly stated. Some of them turned up looking pretty in Marc Jacobs and Peter Pilotto like young actresses Dianna Agron and Jamie Chung...

Whilst others thought it was more like a night at a grunge club, like Olivia Wilde and Vanessa Hudgens. Although I will say that I pretty much love all the elements of Olivia's outfit. Just maybe not all together, to an event. I don't know. Which style do you think worked best? And, more importantly, can you explain Miley's trousers to me? Please.

Sandra Bullock in Victoria Beckham 'Bra Dress'

Last night in London, Sandra Bullock attended the premier of her new movie called The Heat. She stars in it with funny-lady Melissa McCarthy and I am sure I am not alone in thinking, "I'll probably go and see that." For the premier, Sandy wore a black dress. As per usual. But that is where the 'same-old' stopped. Because this was no ordinary black dress....no...this is the Victoria Beckham 'bra dress'.

All those straps and lace bra details are built into the soft silk dress, cleverly providing a sexiness that is completely safe and intentional. The considered 'bra straps' are both functional and aesthetic and the silk softness of the dress is one of the most sophisticated evolutions of VB's designer style. I think this is cool, clever and classic. Do you?

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, in Dalmatian Print Hobbs Coat Dress

It was apparently Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, last official engagement before going on maternity leave. She is due exactly one month from yesterday (on my birthday, ahem) and you can tell all that standing around in heels, being polite and charming was starting to take its toll on her. There were moments during the long ceremony and tour of the gigantic passenger ship, The Royal Princess, that Kate just looked uncharacteristically tired.

Of course she pulled it out for the occasion, as she always does. She slapped on a smile and a good laugh or two, but I actually really felt for her. All big bellied and high heels. And I was relieved when she got to sit down for a bit.

But aside from all that, I have to say she looked fantastic. Modern and cool and fresh and all high street style, but making it look like it was tailored just for her. Because you see that sassy little Dalmatian print coat is not a designer piece. It is just from down the shops at Hobbs.

The coat was available online yesterday morning and certainly, to my knowledge and great detective skills, was sold out within half an hour of the first pictures coming out. Whether or not Kate wore the coat, it is a fab little thing, and looks great for maternity too, so I am not surprised that it was snapped up lickity-split.

I imagine we are going to see a lot more dalmatian print moving forward on the high street and in the malls, such was the fervour with which this look was received by the public and fashion-critics alike. So look out for that. It makes a nice change from all the leopard print. She says, wearing her favourite leopard print scarf as she sits here typing...

Anyway, Kate is now off-duty until after the baby has been born and settled in. So I guess we will have to get used to the lack of Kate-posts for a while. It's a pity because, as much as she makes me a bit huffy with her shoes and hair, she is the best poster child for affordable and ladylike style we have seen in forever. And I for one, will miss it.

Sofia Coppola in Louis Vuitton For Women in Film Awards

You may already know how much I admire Sofia Coppola's style. I may have mentioned it once or twice before. So let me take this opportunity to explain. You see she is a woman in charge. There are so few of them in Hollywood. So I love that. She doesn't ever lose her personal style signature. She is totally consistent. Lose, simple garments that are slightly school-girly but always in impeccable fabrication and taste. She doesn't ever think she is the star. She never seeks to stand out. Just to look elegant and true to herself. I can't think of a better way to dress.

Sofia wears Louis Vuitton almost exclusively. But she picks the pieces that she wants to wear. The ones that are in her own handwriting. Like this. This week she was given the Director's Award at the Women in Film Awards. She also had a premier for her new film The Bling Ring. She kept things simple. I would kill to have these looks in my wardrobe. Maybe only a small creature. But actually kill.

Miranda Kerr for Mango SS13

It was announced earlier this week that Miranda Kerr was to take over from Kate Moss as the new face and ambassadress for Mango spring/summer 2013. We discussed Miranda's style yesterday. This is obviously a jolly good thing.

The shoot, which was done in New York some months ago, was shot by celebrity photographers Inez and Vinoodh.

I found the press release a bit discordant when Miranda's quote on working with Mango was a few words, and then there was a whole paragraph on her exercise, diet and beauty regime. I can't speak for you guys but, to me, she is a model. It is her job to have a good exercise and diet programme. She is also genetically blessed. I too can do some yoga and dancing but I will never look like her. And what does that all have to do with the summer range from Mango? I don't know. Weird. But pretty.

2013 Fragrance Foundation Awards Red Carpet Best Dressed: Taylor Swift

How many times have I typed a headline that had Taylor Swift taking home the best dressed prize? So many. And yet, she still takes flack for her style. I don't get it. She dressed beautifully. Especially in ethereal white on a red carpet. That's her thing. And it was no different at the 2013 Fragrance Foundation Awards held last night.

Her dress was by Emilio Pucci. And it was A LOT of dress. In fact she did need to carry the skirt around when she wasn't standing still. But just look at that back. Stunning.

Also looking sensational at the awards was the very special and stylish Dita von Teese. She was wearing a dress by Maria Lucia Hohan which was actually completely sheer. The volume of the fabric was what made it acceptable. Amazing. And that back panel is a triumph. Beautifully done.

I did think that Taylor's mate Jessica Szohr also looked super cute in her silver embellished dress. It wasn't as show-stopping as the other two, but it was cool and suited her perfectly. Nicely done.

Best Dressed at The 2013 Coach Summer Party

I know that it is shapeless and bland, but there is something about that See by Chloe pink silk tunic that Naomi Watts is wearing that I LOVE. It is so fresh and modern. Naomi was attending the annual Coach Summer Party in New York, and hung out with Katie Holmes, who was wearing a rather lovely summery white Chloe asymmetrical dress and awesome Alaia sandals.
Connie Britten and Anna Kendrick were also there, but I didn't much care for their outfits. Although the blue is a nice colour. No, I'd be happy with Naomi's tunic, please. Gimme.

Amy Adams in Valentino Couture for London Premier of Man of Steel

I only figured out this morning that the new Man of Steel film was a Superman story. Um. Ok. But I took complete comfort in the fact that the female lead, Amy Adams, is doing a fantastic job with her style on the red carpet of the premiers. They were in London last night. I didn't think that Amy could better that Nina Ricci but she did. This sheer and black Valentino Couture dress is so perfect for her, you would swear it was designed just for her...

I am not sure why all the surprise at the rain. It is London after all. You should just collect your umbrella as you step on the Heathrow Express. Would save everyone a lot of bother. But really pretty dress, don't you think?