COUNTDOWN

5

Nearly there everyone! The ladies of HML are having a lovely time of it. Trees are up, decorations are made and there is the distinct smell of gingerbread in the air. And it's so cold we may as well be having a white Christmas! I'm doing my favourite thing of the year which is give the handmade presents to friends and family.

It wouldn't be a HML Christmas without some potato printed napkin sets (the ones that Beck did for me a couple of years ago are my absolute favourites- you can revisit them here). I hope Miss K and Miss S like theirs.

A simple gift is often the best. My friend K - who is a playwright and poet really really loved his little pack of HB pencils. I carved off the tops and wrote his name - old school style - and he was really touched. 12 pencils and a cool tag from Craft Victoria. It's all good. RAMONA

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

9 Ladies Dancing

8 Maids-a-Milking

7 Swans-a-Swimming

6 Geese-a-Laying

5 Gold rings

4 Colly Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Source: Vogue US December 1997

click on this pretty picture to reveal

today’s newfashiontodayblog choice of party wear

And don’t forget to enter NEXT Daily Christmas giveaway – click here

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

8 Maids-a-Milking

7 Swans-a-Swimming

6 Geese-a-Laying

5 Gold rings

4 Colly Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Source: Vogue Paris April 2009

click on this pretty picture to reveal

today’s newfashiontodayblog choice of party wear

And don’t forget to enter NEXT Daily Christmas giveaway – click here

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

7 Swans-a-Swimming

6 Geese-a-Laying

5 Gold rings

4 Colly Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Source: Vogue Korea December 2009

click on this pretty picture to reveal

today’s newfashiontodayblog choice of party wear

And don’t forget to enter NEXT Daily Christmas giveaway – click here

Gwyneth Paltrow Almost in White Emilio Pucci Lace-Up Dress

There really isn't much to say here. Amazing. Brave. Bold. Sleek. Incredible.
To nit pick, the shoes should have been nude. That's all.

Diane von Furstenburg Tells All About Her Iconic Wrap Dress as She Releases Pre-Fall Collection

I have been a fan and an 'investor' in Diane von Furstenburg for some years now. She now goes largely by the initials DvF, such is her iconic status in the fashion world. As the first designer to truly understand how to include comfort as standard in her women's wear - and my much loved pockets - she invented the suits-everyone wrap dress back in the 1970s. She now tells us that it was inspired in part by President Richard Nixon's daughter who was doing a talk wearing a skirt and a matching little tied up top.
This essential wrap dress is very clear and present in the new pre-fall collection for 2011 - with strong echos of the 70s legacy DvF carries.
DvF has recently appointed a new designer; Yvan Mispelaere, and this collection really reflects his aesthetic, merged with the trend of "Seventies Mom" also seen in Chloe and Celine this year.

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Anne Hathaway and David Beckham

ANNE HATHAWAY
Robyn: So the Princess Diaries is hosting everything right now it seems. And something as illustrious as the Nobel Peace Prize concert it just the latest. So here Anne is in J.Mendel black shimmer. It is pretty classic and a bit sexy. And she looks really pretty. I’m just not sure that she is really a credible choice so that bothers me a bit. What do you think Marco?
Marco: Well, she has taken on more serious roles since the Princess Diaries, thankfully. To me it makes sense. I have always believed her to be one of the relatable and intelligent starlets in Hollywood and have enjoyed every one of her red-carpet looks. Not only because she is always ravishing but because she exudes class at the same time. Plus she has a bigger smile than anyone in Hollywood. Even Cameron. Thumbs up for this one.

DAVID BECKHAM
Marco: I have an incredibly supportive and loving father so when I saw this picture I knew it had to be my pick of the week. I appreciate a father who gets involved. David took his son to the Sun military awards in London and dressed him all up in Brooks Brothers. I must say the pair look rather dashing. Davids overcoat has a superb fit. Still all that said, what is going on with the middle path there, Becks?

Robyn: Ah, no fair! You know I love all things Beckham and here is a double dose of the cute. I can even overlook the hair since you know it is just going to change again in a couple of weeks. I can't wait for next book club so I can ask Vicky what she thinks of it! Totally and utterly adorable for Becks big and small. Marco, you win this one.
Images thanks to Coco Perez and Just Jared