black bag crazy.

I don't know if this is a nonchalant fashion craze I'll grow out of or if black bags will be my weakness for life, but at this point it doesn't really matter; what matters is that I can no longer look to any other sartorial staple to complete an outfit. Be it a satchel, crossbody purse, clutch, carryall tote or backpack, black is back and it's the easiest and sharpest way to pull together any outfit. Above I've collaged some of my current faves (but there are loads more); basically anything predominantly black with a metallic embellishment that isn't too bling but is enough to add interest and detail. Usually such adornments come in the form of gold logos, which I generally don't permit unless it's Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and in the case of bags and bags only, Michael Kors (please no obnoxious Juicy Couture crests or Gucci - eurgh). I've rambled enough about my ultra-perfect MBMJ Classic Q Karlie bag, but there are plenty of other gorgeous crossbody options such as Lulu Guinness and Proenza which are equally yum (I will never fall out of love with the PS11 and that's a promise for life). Fringe details, studs, geometric zips and quilted leather are perfectly executed on neutral black, which serves to spotlight tactile detail and texture. 

Are you equally in love with black bags? Which are your favorites?

beauty in slow motion.

There's something so eerie yet so undeniably dreamy about the winter months. Howling winds and limited daylight hours might sound like a drag to some, but winter comes with it's own poignant seductiveness and magic. It's a temporary state of dormant absence, it's the time of stagnant snowflakes and elegantly frail trees, of beautifully soft cardigans and layers upon layers of warm, cuddly clothes. It's full of those beautiful moments where you stomp through fresh carpets of powdered snow and you listen to the silence and the steadiness of the breeze, and curl up in a ball by the crackling fire with a steaming mug of cocoa and the latest issue of Vogue. Speaking in the context of weather, it's a serene, slow time of year, where temperatures frolic in the sub-zero extremities.

Pat McGrath described Gucci's Fall 2012 beauty look as "dark romance." Her signature bleached brow lent an ethereal, faerie-like feel to the collection, as well as contrasting perfectly with the deep, berry-stained lip trend. Eye makeup was kept to a minumum with translucent, coral shades for a wintery, snow-kissed look. Au naturale seems to be the recurring theme here, with only the slightest use of colour to mirror the freshness of one's cheeks after a day spent in the cold, biting wind. Simple, windswept waves and no-fuss twirls and braids pulled together each look, keeping things simple yet sophisticated.

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What do you think of Gucci's Fall 2012 "Dark Romance?"

golden globes 2012.

I absolutely loved watching the Golden Globes this year; it was the cosy charm of the dinner tables and small-ish audience (in comparison to the Grammy's!) that really hit home for me. It was heart-warming to see such a prestigious award ceremony held in such an intimate setting, I almost felt like I was in the same room as them! It was so difficult to nominate 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, so I ended up having to select two stunners for each category.

I had to give it to my two favourite Modern Family girls this time. Aside from being one of the funniest people ever, Sofia Vergara is absolutely stunning. I mean seriously, look at those curves! This sensual Vera Wang gown, reminiscent of ocean waves and stitched in stunning navy thread, made for a show-stopping silhouette.

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Although still fairly young, its clear that Sarah Hyland has a dazzling future paved out for her; not only in TV but maybe in fashion, too. A browse through her street-style shots will be sure to clear up any doubts that any of you have about her in no time. This vintage Dolce & Gabbana masterpiece highlights her slender figure and the colour scheme couldn't be more compatible with that of her skin/hair. Topped off with a few soft, loose curls, this 21 year old is nothing short of radiant, even though her zipper suffered a malfunction on the red carpet!

Not far behind in the competition comes Kate Beckinsale in a creamy Roberto Cavalli creation, adorned with jewels. My favourite thing about the dress isn't only the fact that it looks like it was made for her- it's that beautiful, structured curve at the top of the dress, which doesn't quite hug her cleavage, but does bring considerable attention to it. It's so refreshing from a structural point of view, seeing as the rest of the dress is either figure-hugging or frothy & flowing.

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Glee girl Lea Michele really wowed critics in a daring Marchesa piece. She looks party-ready in that glitzy, high-glitter creation, and I adore the McQueen-style detailing on the top half (although, at a first glance, I thought glitter-covered reptiles were clawing at her boobs). Baring a bit of skin- yet keeping it classy, that's Rachel Berry for you!

If her dress wasn't sprinkled with a fine dose of metallic shimmer, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed Jessica Alba's Gucci look half as much as I do right now. Although that isn't the most appetizing shade of lavender, the glitzy frosting amps up the power of the dress, and I have to give it to her for complementing her empire-waist gown with a cute clutch. She's so gorgeous, she can pull off anything. God, I hate people like that.

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Mila Kunis received her fair share of crap for wearing this slightly frumpy Dior dress, and although I must agree that the awkward waistline doesn't do anything for her figure, I didn't think it was a bad choice. This chick is sexy, and she proved that she could work this dress to her advantage by slicking her dark mane back and letting her fierce features shine. 

What did you guys think of the Golden Globes? Which dresses were your favourites?

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& Thanks to everyone who supported the short life of ShopSIS. Unfortunately I had to close it down for logistical reasons, but fortunately I got to keep the pieces that perhaps I didn't want to sell after all! Thanks to everyone who has also checked out the "Press" page in the right-hand sidebar. Feedback on the new blog buttons I've recently added is also very welcome!

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