Belles of the Ball Part 1

In a sea of awards ceremonies at this time of year, it's easy to become a bit jaded by endless photos of the stars on the red carpet. Some play it safe, some try too hard, some get it right and some get it just plain wrong! I like choosing my stand out star/outfit for each major event and interestingly, after the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild awards this month, both my winners are wearing French couture. Perhaps all these years of living here are finally starting to have their effect on me.

And the 'After My Own Fashion' award at the Golden Globes goes to.... Anne Hathaway in Chanel

Photo: Getty

She looks so beautiful in this white, crystal encrusted Chanel gown, with her amazing pixie hair cut and simple jewellery, she quite took my breath away. It seems fitting that she should be winning awards for her role as Fantine in ' Les Miserables' when her mother had performed the same role many years earlier and inspired Anne to follow in her footsteps. 'I dreamed a dream' indeed. Red carpet perfection, I'm not sure how she can outdo herself at the Oscars...

And onto the SAG awards last Sunday night, and amidst a sea of ho hum dresses and the odd frock horror (Sigourney Weaver I love you, but what were you thinking?) the hands down winner for me was.... Marion Cotillard in Dior.

Wearing Dior pre Fall 2013 with a Chopard watch and diamonds she is effortlessly elegant, simple, chic and well, oh so French. She reminds me of Grace Kelly - French royalty.

Photo: Getty

 Christian Dior

As you can see, the bodice has been subtly altered from the showroom version and with the stark definition between the white and the navy on the nipped in waist and the deep pockets adding that touch of modernity, this is Raf Simons' Dior New Look for the 21st Century.

Coming soon, Belles of the Ball Part 2: the BAFTAS and the Oscars.

Justin Goff/GoffPhotos.com

PS: A Special Mention goes to Laura Bailey at the London world premiere of 'Les Miserables' in December.  Cinderella leaving the ball in pink chiffon and satin - fairytale fashion...

Dressed to Kilt

It was Burns' Night on Friday, which gives me the perfect excuse to talk about men in kilts. The Observer did an excellent mens' knitwear spread last week and as well as showcasing some great jumpers, the male model is proudly sporting a "jupe écossais" and mighty fine he looks too. There's something very rugged and dashing about a Scotsman in his kilt and I really like the way this is a casual version of kilt wearing, rather than the formal version that we are more used to.

Kevin Foord/Observer

Kevin Foord/Observer

Proving that everyday kilt wearing can be for all ages....

Alban Donohoe

 All kilts are from 21st Century Kilts. Aren't the wee bairns adorable?

From everyday wear to the catwalk, Chanel's Métiers d'Art 2013 show in the ruins of Linlithgow Palace in Scotland back in December showcased Karl Lagerfeld's inspired interpretation of traditional Scottish dress for both men and women. I love the 'Chanel meets the Highlands' touches such as the iconic quilted bag replacing the sporran and the bow on the blouse instead of the lace jabot.

Photo: Conde Nast

Photo: Conde Nast

Photo: Conde Nast

Photo: Conde Nast

And if you don't think the man in your life can go down the kilt route then tartan trews, as worn by the Chanel gentlemen above, are the perfect alternative. English Gent delved into his Scottish ancestry and wore a pair to our wedding so I have to admit to being rather partial to a man in tartan. Perfect for this winter weather and certainly less draughty around the knees!

New beginnings

“I was not designed to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion”.

A New Year, new beginnings and words by Henry David Thoreau that have inspired the title of my blog. Welcome!  I've been thinking about starting this for a while and finally, it's happened.  I'm hoping to share my thoughts with you on life and style and navigating my mid-40s with the right amount of humour and panache.

As a true Brit living in Switzerland and France these past 12 years, there are many things I miss about home (my family, Waitrose, car boot sales), but an equal number of things to discover and appreciate living abroad.  I shall be blogging on fashion, beauty, interiors, food, books, bringing up boys and the things that make me stop in the middle of a hectic day. A new year brings with it the chance to - as my 6 year old son so succinctly put it - 'be a bit less scared Mummy'.  So here goes, I'm breathing after my own fashion, I hope you enjoy the ride.

On a clear day.....Mont Blanc from the boys' room

On the school run

In the midst of all the crazy winter weather we've been having, the sun came out briefly and reminded me how beautiful my surroundings can be, and how much I take them for granted. I literally had to stop and stare, and it felt good. A sign perhaps?