Red Carpet: Cannes Film Festival 2013

The Cannes Film Festival has got to be the most spectacular of red carpet events. For just a few days, cinema's most successful and prominent actors and actresses are brought together under the glorious sun of the French Riviera, not only to promote their work but also to showcase stunning creations, designed by the most sought-after couturiers in the world. Here just three of my personal best-dressed celebrities - take a look! Who were your best-dressed?

Prada red ballgown with pink accents on final night of festival

Lanvin tiered prom dress with black sandals and jewellery by Chaumet

Audrey Tautou looked so understated and chic. The combination of her trademark elegance with that quality of lavish glamour so befitting for Cannes was just beautiful.

Dior pre-autumn/winter 2013-14 white silk crepe gown with Chopard jewellery

Dior dress from pre-spring/summer 2014 collection, jewellery by Chopard

Vivienne Westwood Couture pink and ivory striped dress and Jimmy Choo nude sandals

Marion Cotillard looked just as gorgeous in Westwood and Dior in soft frills, asymmetrical hemlines and art deco inspired designs.

   

Giorgio Armani bespoke gown with Swarovski bow detailing, Harry Winston jewellery

Ivory gown from the Valentino Couture spring/summer 2013 collection

Dior Couture strapless embroidered dress with pink heels

Nicole Kidman's outfits were soft and feminine, interjecting the red carpet with that all-important dose of over-the-top decadence for which Cannes is so renowned.

Inspire Me: The Asymmetrical Skirt

I've always been one for the classics - the essential items that we own that neither we nor our wardrobe could live without; that LBD, the crisp white shirt, that pair of faithful black trousers or the Parker jacket. You all know what I mean.

But as ever in the world of fashion, even our dear beloved essentials every now and again have to take a back seat, while their reworked eccentric counterparts find themselves the new darlings of the glossies. While fashionistas get snapped, posing in and adoring the latest craze, I usually find it difficult to show any affinity for these trends so openly, still unable to detach myself from the classic staples that haunt my wardrobe, the same "staples" that everyone else seems to have forgotten and discarded in the corner.

This all changed however when the asymmetrical (or hi/lo, as it is known) skirt hit the runway this spring and since then has become one of this year's hottest trends. Maxi or mini, multicolour or monochrome, the asymmetrical skirt is this season's creation where anything really does go. There's something refreshing in it's flamboyance and the way it throws convention and uniformity to the wind. And most importantly, it's fun!!...And isn't that what fashion is all about!?

Don't get me wrong. I haven't forgotten the classic pencil skirt - far from it. I just think it's time to give it a well-deserved break...at least for the summer!

 

Juicy Couture Catalogue: Summer 2013

If your looking to update your summer wardrobe look no further than the new Juicy Couture Summer 2013 Catalogue, featuring the gorgeous Edita Vilkeviciute and Magdalena Frackowiak.

In-keeping with this season's latest trend of Riviera Chic beach-inspired look, the catagloue features floral printed swimsuits, party dresses, casual T-shirts, white jeans, coloured shirts to denim shorts, crisp shirts, the brand's signature vibrant palette along with infusions of black and white. Offering outfits for almost every occasion from day wear to party to beach apparel, you will be left lacking for little this coming season. Casual-glam is perhaps the best way to describe the collection, which offers comfy, eye-catching outfits and bold combinations which create that fun, playful style for which Juicy Couture is so renowned.

Hot New Trend: Dungarees

Dungarees. They have got to be the most controversial item of clothing ever invented. Like Marmite, you either loved them or hated them forty odd years ago and not much seems to have changed since. Funny, really, since they were first invented in the 1800s as labourer's overalls. But as ever with fashion, the banal becomes beautiful and the monstrous, magnificent once the fashion houses of Paris and Milan are finished with them.

Thanks to the creative brainchild of Margaret Howell and Kinder Aggugini, dungarees are back in the limelight for 2013, yet still haven't stopped dividing opinion on whether they should or should not be worn.

Margaret Howell RTW 2013

Kinder Aggugini RTW 2013

Admittedly, I am quite a fan of them myself. I find something attractive in their course, denim masculinity which, ironically, gives them an even more feminine quality. I especially like their 'slouchiness' (whoever said only diamonds and pearls can define beauty?). Alexa Chung and Pixie Lott seem to think so too, who have been recently papped sporting a pair.

Pixie Lott

Alexa Chung

I fell in love with them ten years ago, and desperately wanted a pair after watching an episode of Friends where Rachel looks indescribably adorable in them. Paired with a simple tee and sneakers, she creates the ultimate girl-next-door look. Don't you agree? Take a look at some street style below if you're in need of a little more inspiration...