All Hail McQueen

I rarely buy fashion magazines, but I had to buy the new Vogue September issue the other day. Isn't it supposed to be "the issue" of all issues? Anyway, as I began flipping through it, one of the first things that stood out to me was the Alexander McQueen Fall line. It actually took my breath away. Here is the picture that was shown:

Much like the Chanel line I showed recently in my Plaid post, I love how they are embracing historic costuming! It seems like you often see designers inspired by the 1920's through to the 1980's, but you don't usually see inspirations coming from much earlier times. This collection reminds me most of the Elizabethan era. Here are a few examples:

If you have heard the name Alexander McQueen, but can't place it, chances are you know his name because of Kate Middleton's now famous and historic wedding gown. Interestingly enough, on the runways, Alexander McQueen is known for pushing the limits of fashion, often being extreme and crazy. But the surprising thing is that many of his red carpet looks are simple and elegant. 

Only Cate Blanchett could pull off such a strong and luscious design!

I love the simple silhouette with the beautiful detailing!

This red Kimono-esque belt makes this simple, silver frock a complete eye-turner.

He was appointed head designer at Givenchy in 1996 and stayed with them until 2001 when he left to create his own line. He had great success and his line is now fully established and thriving. On a sadder note, in February 2010, shortly after the death of his mother, he took his own life. As sad as that is, at least he has a legacy that remains, of fashion that pushes boundaries in all the right ways. Hopefully that's the way he would want it to be. The Fall and Pre-Fall lines I have pictured here more than live up to his previous talents and innovation.

I suppose these are not everyday fashion, but I wish they were! So unique and timeless!

Look at the detail on this! It is absolutely extraordinary! And I almost wish  that over-the-head netting thing would become acceptable. Oh, and the ruff too!

Again, the detail simply takes my breath away!

Of the high fashion looks, I think this one is the most wearable. 

I love these belts! And the shoes! And pretty much this whole outfit makes me weep!

This one too!

This little capelet thing with the high collared shirt is lovely!

This one is a little different, but I still love it!

I had to show some close-ups of the accessories.

Everything is so lavish and royal!

I may be getting them a little mixed up, but I believe the pictures above are from the Fall line, and the pictures below are from the Pre-Fall line. Both are utterly divine!

A cape? I would have said absolutely not if I hadn't seen this first.

Who knew the puffy-shirt could have a comeback? And the cut of those pants is amazing!

This is almost pilgrim-like, in a good way. And I love that detailing at the sleeves and hem!

This dress is so simple and yet breathtaking!

I don't even know what to call that bib-like appendage. As with the cape and puffy-shirt, it sounds awful, but it somehow works beautifully! 

Yes, to all three. But that last one is my favorite!

Another bib-like detail. I love it!

Ah! The piece de resistance! If I were a starlet, I would be fighting over this gown for my next red carpet event! It totally reminds me of something Bette Davis or Myrna Loy would have worn.

From Crayons to Perfume...

It's late August. It isn't really autumn yet, but it's not full-blown summer either. Lots of school kids have gone back to school, and soon the college & university kids will be going back as well. There's something about late August and the month of September that makes me want to buy lots of pencils, and pens, and paper products. I also have to fight the urge to start wearing ties, cardigans and pleated skirts.

This got me thinking - is the 'school-girl' look just something for a Halloween costume, or is it truly fashionable in its own right? Naturally, I cast my eyes back in time, starting in the 1920's, when women going to college became more acceptable and mainstream, ( though lots of nick-names & jokes were made about them - collegiates, coeds, etc.). So I have a few vintage examples, and even some modern ones (!) and you can decide for yourself if you'll run out and buy that plaid skirt after all!

Maybe if you went to uni in the 1920s, you'd dress like this! Yes, please!

I wish I could see the rest of her outfit. Although I'd never be brave enough to wear checks & stripes together, I think it looks adorable, and has a school-girl look to it. 

Clara Bow playing a college girl in "Wild Party". I love her outfit!

These clothes are campus approved! Aw, yeah!

Plaid & argyle! An irresistible combination!

Ties, braces & argyle socks. 

Ooh! Tweed! 

Let Me Be Emily Blunt

I know that I continually walk a fine line between movies and fashion, but in this case, I feel that doing a post on Emily Blunt is all about fashion. She may be one of my favorite actresses (and arguably one of the best actresses out there at that), but she is also a wonderful fashion presence on the red carpet, and has been in countless, amazing fashion editorials. She can be stunningly beautiful and also the girl next door, all at the same time. For me, she is a delight to be seen, both on the page and on the screen. 

I love this playful, polka dot piece!

The sparkly necklace teamed with this simple orange dress is a lovely combination!

The detail on this dress is amazing! And I love the metallic silver!

Simple and elegant.

With her husband John Krasinski (on the left). I love this retro look! And even though she throws me off a little when she is blonde, I still think she looks great!

I have a secret fondness for one shoulder ensembles. The cut and color of this is perfect!

The dress is nice, but that necklace and those shoes are staggering!

I love this soft, pink, ruffled number!

Just to give a quick background on her, she was born and raised in South West London, and was given a rigorous education. What many people don't know is that she had a stammer (or stutter) when she was young. When she was 12 she had a teacher that told her to play a character in a different accent, and her stammering was thus cured! I think this really explains why she is a great actress and also why she is so good at doing different accents!

This mono-tone picture is stunning!

Aside from the fact that these boys look like they're about 14, she looks amazing!

Large, black hat. Yes, please!

I'm not sure what she took these for, but I am in love with these ode-to-pin-ups! Plus, she's never looked better!

A little revealing, but in a good way. I would wear that dress too if I looked like her!

I'm kind of in love with the stockings in this picture. Plus, she always looks great with heavy eye makeup!

This most definitely makes me want to buy this perfume!

Aside from her amazing acting chops, she also excels at sports, cello and singing. In a nutshell, she isn't just beautiful, but smart and talented as well. She's the whole package! So, I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do! And if you haven't seen The Young Victoria yet, go out and rent it right now! Actually, just go ahead and buy it.

Possibly my favorite picture of her ever! That dress blows me away!