Inside The Czar's Closet: The Blazer

Outerwear is an integral part of my style blueprint. Part of the reason why I hate summer is because the weather is too hot to allow  for jackets and blazers (or maybe I'm simply just too fat that I just roast quicker than the average human being). Now that Autumn is on the horizon, my heart flutters at the thought of being able to wear my favourite wardrobe item once again- in fact my shoulders are yearning for thy shoulder pads! I got to sifting through my wardrobe yesterday to see what I can rock this season and it dawned on me that the blazer : everything else ratio is significantly unbalanced. I have nearly as many blazers as Chandler has vests.

Here are some of my favourite pieces- from 80s YSL to vintage St. Michael.

The first time I wore a blazer was when I moved to England in 2004. I guess you could say I was a late bloomer. It was by school uniform code and I've never worn them before so at first it was weird, but I grew to love the preppy feel of it. Schools in the Philippines didn't include jackets for obvious reasons of climate (unless they've changed within the last seven years or so), so it possessed a genuinely quintessential European appeal. I don't have broad shoulders and I had some serious body issues back then, so whenever I wore blazers, my shoulders were nice and square and the tailored jacket hung right that it improved my silhouette. If there was ever a time when I clung hard to a piece of clothing as an armour- a go-to article to hide flaws, create a flattering illusion and boost my self esteem, this was it. Much like the ladies finding solace in a new pair of heels or a new addition to their wide handbag collection, the blazer became my guilty pleasure. I don't really see them the way I did when I was sixteen anymore, but as far as having some great tailored pieces in my wardrobe, I just can't seem to get enough of them. They add a pinch of chic to any ensemble, and I love the flexibility and versatility it brings. Personally, I like it simple and clean in terms of structure but I like a good shoulder. When it comes to texture however, I adore luxe fabrics- my velvet ones are treasured pieces. 

Blazers! by czarventurawaldorf on Polyvore

Also if the fashion gods were willing to swing some goodwill my way, can I have this amazing Dolce and Gabbana one please?

That is all. That's not too much to ask is it?

Do you have a favourite wardrobe staple?
Love,



[image: Showstudio]

Golden Globes 2012: Best Dressed

Last night's Golden Globes officially started the 2012 awards season, and true to form, the red carpet was full of Hollywood's finest. Actors and actresses from both television and the big screen walked down the carpet in some of the most beautiful couture pieces and as always, some were better than others. The ladies definitely brought their A-Game so without further ado, here are my top favourites for Best Dressed. I hope you like them!

SOFIA VERGARA: Wearing a beautiful navy fishtail gown, custom made by one of her favourites, Vera Wang. I love the ruching and the gathering of the fabric and the dress fit Sofia like a glove! Look at that stunning hourglass figure! Sofia won together with the cast for Best Comedy TV Series, and in the fashion stakes she may as well have won a statuette. 

ZOOEY DESCHANEL: The New Girl wore a custom Prada couture dress, and while most of the critics debate over it, I thought it was the perfect choice for the singer/actress. It's sleek and shiny, and the acidic green beading adds just enough tartness to bring life and youth to what could have been a boring and predictable choice. She went for a sultry 60s Barbarella-look and it is a beautiful colour on this quirky and whimsical nominee. 

TILDA SWINTON: Once again, Tilda brought a frosty fierceness onto the red carpet with this icy blue Haider Ackermann chiffon dress and structured tuxedo jacket. It's edgy and polished, a complete standout last night in a sea of nudes and champagne hued dresses. Plus, LOVIN that hairdo that is not dissimilar to mine :P

ANGELINA JOLIE: Wearing Atelier Versace, Angelina finally broke out of her usual choice of black dresses. This cream satin gown, like the actress herself, is clean and simple- very understated glam and that flash of scarlet just complemented her alabaster skin. It's subtle colour blocking and it worked. 

NICOLE KIDMAN: It has been an underwhelming couple of seasons for the Nicole and I am so glad that she finally got her mojo back last night in this gray beaded chiffon Versace gown. It's still within her conservative frosty palette but when partnered with the cascade of her luscious red locks, it was a beautiful balance of fire and ice. The dress hugged her body perfectly, showing off those newfound curves (thanks to motherhood), and what else can I say really? Top marks!

Leona Lewis: A Trifecta Of Fashion Boo-Boos

I really don't know what she's thinking. In just three days, Leona Lewis has managed to drop out of everybody's best-dressed lists with these three heinous ensembles. Ok, so the middle one isn't that bad, but the bow and the lips?! She said that the reason for it is to just be 'different and fun', but I'm not having fun looking at her. However I must say that these bright colours do complement her really well, and the darker locks are growing on me, but girl, ditch the bangs and wear something else. If you want to have fun, why don't you just raid Frida Gianini's Gucci Spring 2011 collection? Everybody else is. 

xoxo

Fannypacks, Bondage Belts, and the Clutch: Leather Candy!

YUM! Who would have thought eh? Looks like somebody from Gucci and Versace watched an episode of Friends and had taken a cue from Joey's Man Bag. Enjoy some of these delightful accessories from Milan! I spy lots of queens rocking clutches this season! Plus, who doesn't love love S&M belts from Ver-says?! Mamma Mia Donatella! Bellissimo!.....Do I see fanny packs too!?

Gucci A/W 2011-12