The E! Fashion Police on trial

The accused: Joan Rivers, Kelly Osbourne, Guiliana Rancic, and George Kotsiopoulos, who's a bit of a non-entity so I won’t focus on him too much. These people rip into every part of a ‘celebrity’ whether they’re at an awards show or the supermarket. Every time I watch I think who made them the experts?!!!

Please bear in mind, this post has been written to mirror their harsh style of critiquing. I think it’s time the Fashion Police got a taste of their own medicine so, I'm turning the tables...

I call them the Women with Weird Faces - 'WWFs'. There’s Guiliana (who is the best of a bad bunch and the only one I warm to) with her ‘space-age’ forehead; Kelly, with her ‘storing nuts for winter cheeks’ and then there’s Alien face Joan!….

Take a look at the Fashion Police...

Plastic surgery overdose but the wrinkles are still there!

A warning to us all. ALWAYS check your makeup before you leave the house

A fringe please!

On one occasion, Joan Rivers had the audacity to insult Angelina Jolie looks by saying she’s fed up of seeing her face with "those lips that look like she’s stuck her ass on her face" (trying not to laugh)…Well I say, at least her beautiful face is her own – that insult was mild and quite funny but she went on to say stuff about her kids – not cool. Most of the time she hurls outrageous insults (for ratings), which are just so out of order that they aren’t funny. Does anyone know what her real face used to look like? I don’t. I searched Google endlessly and this is what I found?! The first pic I assume is already some way into her surgeries and the others are so you can all see how really stylish she is!!

Next is Kelly Osbourne, well, well, well! How on planet earth did she get the gig? It really is about who you know. She has said a lot on the show about stars trying to be something they’re not and she has also said sexy doesn’t have to mean looking slutty. Pot/kettle Kel? 


Take a look folks, because I’m confused?                         

Sexy or slutty?

What is this?           

Is this the right style for your height and shape? No no no. 

                                                            

I see Guiliana Rancic as a poor man’s Victoria Beckham. In that she has a hot husband, tries too hard to look beautiful, stylish and perfect 24 hours a day - fake hair, fake tan etc. you know what I mean. Let’s give her a chocolate chip cookie for effort. She often says that she’s tired of seeing this or that look. Well, we’re tired of seeing your legs all the time on the show. Change it up please!

Interesting number and fake tan overload

ummm another interesting number

I'm bored now *yawn*

 I can’t fathom how George got this gig either? This stylist (?!) has zero - that’s zilch dress sense, he seems like a sweet guy but hello hellOOO!

Love the cardi!

Are you related to Peter Andre? And is that jacket pleather?

Umm what look were you going for here George?

Maybe they could all be replaced with people who even when they get it wrong, look pretty damn good. For instance, Charlize Theron instead of Kelly, Sofia Vergaro instead of Guiliana, and Joan Rivers could be replaced with anyone with a sharp wit and a normal face! Jeannie Mai would be great instead of George to represent a real style expert. How insecure would that make them feel? 


Gosh, it's really quite hard to be this mean.

Rumour has it the celebs are playing it safe, apparently scared of getting roasted by Joan and co. Wake up people! (Hard slap in the face) Don't worry about what they think or say. 

Aficionados of fashion – I think not.

The verdict:  

GUILTY as charged for:

• Continuously going below the belt with insults that aren’t even related to fashion/style
• Calling out people for misgivings they have too
• Not having a natural style eye
• Not taking a good long look in the mirror before judging anyone else or leaving the house
• Not practicing what they preach

The sentencing (constructive advice) as follows:

Kelly: go darker with your hair, stick to edgy, punky or retro looks for your clothing – these seem to suit you best – your choices are limited, don’t try to be too fashionable or dress too old for your age.

Guiliana: also go darker you’re way too blond at the moment (colour in middle pic below is a good balance), a more relaxed look in your clothing really suits you, rock more longer lengths – you can. No need to show skin all the time. 

George: Just get yourself a good stylist to help find your sense of style.

Joan: Stop drowning your body in oversized accessories from your jewellery line – enough already with top-half overload and the constant product placement. Be brave and let the cameramen shoot you from longer distances. It will take the focus off your face.

Fashion Police striking a pose!

A good look

A good look 

Seriously though, what's needed on an influential show as E! Fashion Police are real experts who deliver constructive fashion critique and advice. What do you think?

 Picture sourced from Google images

FoF - Fearlessness of Fashion

In my humble opinion, Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj’s style is an integral part of their success and marketing strategy. These two are astute business women who love to shock. Their message is bold, in-your-face, overtly sexual and controlled. Some of Lady G’s outfits are political statements to highlight a cause - supposedly. 

There are many similarities between them; both were performing arts students in New York, which I see as key to the theatrical nature of their style, they're around the same age, are not conventionally good-looking - slightly toothy (said in style of Zoolander). They are still beautiful, and proud to embrace their curves.  

Their FoF has increased with fame. However, I do believe that neither of them would walk around dressed to such an extreme if they weren’t mega-famous – the bubble of fame is an enabler for sure.

Their brand of performance art pop/classical/rock/rap/rnb has upped the ante. Nicki Minaj has transcended the 80’s fly girl and 90’s bling ghetto fabulous looks of recent times.  This clever woman stands out from all her hip-hop peers and has pissed off a few (haters) - she is a very skilled rapper. Lady G has moved on from her Amy Winehouse lookalike days (her words not mine) to transform into this unique Grace Jones-esq visual musical character that’s taken over of the charts - she is a fab musician. They are huge right now - what they’re selling the world is buying in platinum numbers.

These young women are perfect examples of FoF - however over the top. The pictures speak for themselves. Everyone wants to see the next outfit/creation. I encourage everyone to have a FoF that works for him or her – Be brave enough to express yourself through style. What’s the worst that could happen? Unless you're famous the paparazzi won’t be there to capture the moment and haunt you with it forever, nor will the world pick you apart. And who cares if they do..

Take inspiration from their ‘no fear’ ‘don’t give a f***’ attitude.  

Lastly, Rihanna is another female flying the FoF flag - she is a favourite of mine, as she can carry off a whole array of ‘looks’ from regular to elegant to reggae girl to the avant garde, that would make Miss Minaj and Lady G proud. Due to her model stature/look she can pull of most things (see past post Style Wars 1).

Be creative, it’s time to find your FoF.... 

I found mine a long time ago as a teenager never wanting to conform but that’s another story/post (and set of pics!)….But here is a taster in the form of a shiny suit! *blushing*

The bottom half: a matching pair of jodphurs – Silk satin suit was by Soap Studio bought from the Zone at Harvey Nichols, back in the late eighties, I wore black suede Jasper Conran wedges with it...this was day wear.


The Fearlessness of Fashion !! 

Links à la Mode - Top 20 Fashion blogs of the week 20th Jan 11

Thanx again for choosing Karma-Style 

"I have confidence that spring will come again, Besides which you see I have confidence in me"

Edited by Florrie Clarke of Intrinsically Florrie


Within  this week's links I kept noticing a resounding honestly in the  heartfelt posts. When we blog or choose an outfit we are putting  ourselves out there for all to judge, and it's not surprising that doing  the activity can have an affect on our confidence for better or for  worse, especially when feedback starts coming in.
There's also been a  sense of rebellion in the air: from the emergence of the punk style to  controversy over Vogue, and in the week that saw the spectacle which is  the Golden Globes rises a questioning of what the red carpet is all  about.

Links à la Mode: January 20th

• A la Modest Drawing inspiration from Kabukis, Rainbow Brite, Ladytron, and Padmé Amidala while on Tatooine
• Antares: Alfa Scorpii Fashion without mercy: do I have to choose between fashion and my beliefs?
• By Anika Who gets to label me and my worth? I do! An honest account from this  curvy fashionista who fiercely supports all of our rights to label,  embrace and love our fashionable selves, what ever our size.
• City of Glitter To Cover-up or Not To Cover-up? A post exploring foundation and its role in our self-esteem.
• Crimson Rosella Blogging: A Self-confidence booster?
• Depict This The challenge of wearing vintage clothing in the real world
• Elle Enchanted My take on what bloggers need to consider before accepting a sponsor.
• Fashezine Inspired by Jennine Jacob's post on how fashion blogs will evolve in 2011, I thought I'd try my hand at a video.
• Fashion Limbo Online Christmas Shopping, the Aftermath - on lost packages, refunds and independent retailers.
• Fuyume The demise of the kimono industry.
• Fish Monkey's Writing Stuff Why I don't think that red carpets have any relevance to fashion.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: 5 Tips for Taking Better Photos of Yourself
• Intrinsically Florrie The fashion show that's made me impatient for summer.
• Karma-Style Blog Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj have 'FoF' - Fearlessness of Fashion. Do you?
• My Heart Blogged Falling head over flats. My flats collections, and why you don't see me wearing heels.
• Scarlet Letter Style Why is the fashion world so critical? I have an idea on how to fix it
• The Column of Samantha Tyler Of Punks and their influence on Fashion
• The Fashion Pawn The fourth part of The B.O.B Series discusses all "About You:" Tips for your About You Page.
• The-Loud Mouth Sometimes, garbage piles up: Fashion blogging isn't just a hobby. For some, it can be an emotional release.
• The Taxonomy Of My Wardrobe Three Strikes Vogue - You're Out! Three examples of how the fashion  bible is inexcusably out of touch with readers and losing relevance in  today's world
• The Simply Luxorious Life Why Not . . . Create Your Own Signature Style?

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Extreme weather: London style observations

Last month was the coldest in UK history - this winter has wreaked havoc on my style psyche. I’ve always loved winter for the style choices it brings, but in extreme weather conditions it can prove difficult...

Here are some observations:

1.    Staying gorgeous en route. Trying to stay looking cute by the time you get to your destination is a challenge as snow blizzards attack from all angles. Dynamic entrances fall flat, as does the perfect hairstyle that's turned limp and frizzy. Then there’s the feel-good outfit that now looks like it’s been worn the night before to an all night rave, due to the time its taken to get there via London transport!!

2.    More Brits are wearing real fur. I’ve seen fur worn in London so openly this winter. Foxes, minks on everyday people not the rich and famous. This is standard practice in Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany but not here in Britain. Times are changing - vintage fur especially is extremely popular.

3.    People become androgynous as they go about their everyday activities. Your best friend, brother or daughter could walk straight past you on the street. With all the hoods up, hats down. The bitter cold can make us pretty indistinguishable.

4.    Normal activities turn into a major chore. For instance; shopping for clothes, even if you’re a shopaholic, it’s much more appealing to stay curled up indoors. Why bother with the hassle of peeling layers off and on to try on this season's looks?! Sub-zero temperatures take all the fun out of it.

5.    Footwear clones are everywhere. I understand that normal shoes and boots can get ruined, but there are other alternatives to Hunters or Uggs. JFours are a cool and more affordable wellington boot. There are great selections online and don’t get me started on Uggs again! (Link to Ugg(ly) blog)

6.    So hard to show off a fabulous new outfit. I totally get it when celebs hit the red carpet and brave the cold, sans coat, for a mega-style impact. But for the rest of us in the real world, the outfit stays hidden, chauffeurs aren’t the norm and pneumonia is not an option.

7.    Hiking boots and Timberlands have taken centre stage. Guys - I know that rocking your Paul Smiths, Oliver Sweeneys, Oscar Milos etc. in the ice and sludge isn’t a wise move, but hiking boots and Tims can look so odd with anything other than jeans or cargos. The Milan menswear shows start on Saturday, check them out online for inspiration.

       The irony is, a winter white city is so beautiful but we need to look beautiful too. Don't you think? ;)

No mutton allowed..

This New Years Eve was a blast and an eye opener, as numerous people that night who were ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ inspired this blog. I haven't got the actual pictures to prove it as I was too busy having fun with the lads - was the only woman partying with seven (yes seven!) gorgeous men – don't hate, congratulate ;)

So, with a positive, realistic new year attitude, I will illustrate with pics what I view as age appropriate party attire.

If you are an older woman and have a beautifully toned proportioned body, it does not give you carte blanche to wear anything as the face often doesn't match (regardless of fillers/botox/facelifts) our bodies are representative of every decade that goes by - aged or not - our bodies grow up (Sorry Madonna!) Ladies over 35 don't be offended we just have to keep it real. And ladies under 30 don't run before you can walk leave the grown-up looks to us (Miley, Mary and Kate Olsen, oh and that annoying girl from Glee?!).

Anyway..here is a brief Partywear style guide to being true to yourself….

This Hervé Léger bandage dress is perfect for women in their 20s to early 30s with no bulk.

This Marchesa dress is perfect for ladies in their late twenties to mid-forties. It's sophisticated and effortless. This would look fab with a fashion forward red shoe and matching red lips. (Don't like the shoes worn with in pic shown)





This Kaufmanfranco piece with a 60s feel is also perfect for the 20something who loves trends - think Blake Lively or a chic 30something – think Eva Mendes. (She naturally doesn't look 37 years old - this is key.) 

Even though this Balmain dress shows a lot of skin, because of the tailoring it can easily be worn by a hot woman in her 40s - think Kim Cattrell. There is a mature feel to it. But this would look mutton on a twenty year old. This has to be given justice by a grown woman.



This fab Ashish number is another style that a 20 or 30something could rock. Curves work well with this dress.

This Erdem maxi would work on most women. Why? Length always communicates elegance and is ageless. This can be the look for a girl coming into womanhood as well as a woman that has already come into her own. You could never be labelled mutton in this.

If you can channel your inner Beyonce the ‘sex sells’ aspect of this Hervé Léger dress is definitely for the younger woman. I’d advise the over 35s to avoid sequinned bandage. What do you think?

This Christopher Kane number is perfect for you 20somethings. A bang on-trend piece. If you're curvy leave this style alone.

When youth is the key factor, skin and sex always feature. But when real womanhood is your x-factor then sexy sophistication is it  - never sex. 

Think Jennifer Aniston or Halle Berry for this A.L.C. number.

This Sass and Bride dress is ambiguous as long as accessories are kept to a minimum it could really work well on women in their early 20s to late 30s. 

This Lanvin dress is perfect for women who are 35+. The draping and shape is classy, yet sexy at the same time. Younger ladies would look too grown-up and therefore mutton in this. I love this dress. The colour screams confidence.

I hope I’ve shown that Karma-Style rules are fluid even though I believe in the boundaries of age appropriateness. We all should wear what works and looks good on us as individuals. 


Karma-Style believes mutton works both ways on the age spectrum - and that it's never a good look.

New Years Eve was also a reminder that a man's beer belly with a fitted stretch floral shirt really doesn’t work… more inspiration for my blog I think :)

Happy New Year.

CamilleA

© Karma-Style 2011

Disclaimer: All images from this post are used for illustrative purposes only and were sourced from Net-a-Porter.com. Images not used commercially.