madonna, marion, and mondino...

i've been on a little madonna kick for a couple of weeks, ever since nikki, an instructor at my gym, threw a little "express yourself" into the mix for our ballet barre class. (one thing about nikki--she's about 4 inches shorter than me--and i am right around 5 feet--but her legs? oh, about 6 inches longer than mine. amazing.)

the "don't tell me" video, directed by jean baptiste mondino, with alex barber as dp, is an all-time favorite. a deceptively simple idea, the video deconstructed, but so stylishly executed: her on the automated walkway and dancing on the set; the second location, with beautiful big blue sky and way out west imagery; the third, with the fellas dancing in the desert; and then everyone on set at the end.

aaaand, i can't get enough of alex magno's choreography. i've dreamed about learning that dance, but so far, i've only got the last bit, the hip-shaking. ah well, it's a start.

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i do love mr. mondino's photography; if i could figure out how to get indoor light to look like it does here (marion cotillard in the kitchen!), it would be an achievement worthy of the thesaurus: significant, magnificent, miraculous, monumental...and those words would still not be enough.

marion cotillard, photographed by jean baptiste mondino, for french elle's special "green issue" (feb 2009). via mondino's official site.

i adore this, too:

marion cotillard, photographed by jean baptiste mondino, for french elle's special "green issue" (feb 2009). via mondino's official site.

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i've been picking up some interesting lighting tips via twitter, but if you can de-code the lighting scenario here, i'd love to hear what you think...

in any case, more of mondino here at the official site. they've curated the images nicely, so it won't take long to scroll through all the pages. unless you want it to...

some ultra-enthusiastic fan has created this site, if you want more, more, more. it's quite a catalog!

Bangles - the hot fashion accessory

Bangles are the hot new accessory trend this season and flickered into focus on the runway. And if you must have noticed, a lot of them are adorning the wrists of celebrities and would continue to do so.

Even models on the ramp were decked with numerous chunky, colourful bangles, bracelets and cuffs on their arms.

Statement worthy bangles add sizzle to any look. There are variety of bangles or bracelets that you can choose from to compliment any ensemble.
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L-R: Burberry, Zan Posen, Lacroix

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Louis Vuitton displayed African-themed wooden bangles in their collection. Check out picture of Madonna wearing loads of bangles in the Louis Vuitton Spring campaign ads.

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Madonna in Louis Vuitton Campaign

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Bangles are one of the unostentatious ways of accessorising and a must have accessory this season. It is particularly best for all those fashionistas who have a funky side inside.

You can wear chunky bangles with any look - it goes as well with jeans as it does with a sophisticated dress. You can glam up your look with gold bangles or add a splash of colour with colourful ones or can freshen up your corporate attire by adding one or two chunky sterling silver bangles to your suit or business dress.


When it comes to jewellery in 2009, the bigger and more exotic, the better. So goes for the bangles.


Bangles made Fashion Fun this Season. Get our best picks from the high street:

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1 - Hammered row cuff for $6, click here to buy; 2 - Betsey Johnson Sequined Bangle Bracelet for $35 each, click here to buy; 3 - Wooden Bangle set of four from New Look for £6, click here to buy; 4 - Colourful Alexis Bittar Tapered Bangle for $55, click here to buy; 5 - Metallic Bangle Set for £8 (Aldo Accessories), click here to buy; 6 - Threaded and Embossed bangle set for £10, click here to buy; 7 - Embossed Detail Bangle Set (in silver or gold) for £8, click here to buy; 8 - Silver Bangles for £8, click here to buy; 9 - Kate Spade Keswick Caning Bangle for $135, click here to buy ; 10 - Oasis Bangle Set for £12, click here to buy; 11 - Alexis Bittar Two Tone Tapered Bangle Bracelet for $145, click here to buy; 12 - Guess Double G Gold Bangle for £64, click here to buy.


To play it right, wear only two statement pieces at a time either bangles and earrings, bangles and necklace or bangles and ring.

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Check out How you can liven up the outfit with bangles:

- Stack some colourful bangles to brighten up your black outfit
- Team a single oversized silver bangle or multiple bangles with your formals. Make sure you choose something subdued and not OTT, because you are not going to a pub or out shopping, but at your workplace. And you certainly don't want to attract too much attention. Another thing, choose oversized bangle or bracelet not multiple noise making ones.
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Image Source
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How much to spend on Bangles?

When it comes comes to how much you should spend on a good piece of bangle, the best part is you can get a bangle that looks like a million dollar for just $1.

So you need not shell out too much to get a good pair of fashionable bangles. But make sure of the quality before you pick from the street. Some of them use harsh chemicals which can cause rashes or other skin problems. The colour may also rip off and may damage your clothes.

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Related Posts:
Spring Earrings
Waist Cinching Belt
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Fierce Shoes

Fierce Shoes with vertiginous heels are doing rounds on the runway and are popular even with A-list celebrities.

High-heels are definitely my fav, and I never step out without a pair, but these are the ultra-high heels with unusual horrifying designs.

I think its a silly trend, that not only looks ghastly but is also very uncomfortable. Fashion should not be fatal, but when will the fashion industry understand this?

These sky-high heels had even the professional models, who are used to walking the ramps with high heels, stumble on the runway while displaying this trend. Scroll down to see the runway pictures.

Celebrities wearing the trend

Rihanna

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Rihanna was seen wearing Rodarte ultra high platforms at the Verizon Blackberry Pre-Grammy party with an electric blue dress. You like?

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Madonna at the premeire of movie 'Filth and Wisdom'

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Madonna wore a very unusual pair of platform shoes with pistol-shaped heels at a New York movie premiere. How can she see those shoes as a fashion statement? Well, no wonder the Material Girl was attacked with lots of criticism for these shoes.
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and the most horrifying.........

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Victoria Beckham

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The most ghastly shoes were worn by none other than the Fashion Forward Victoria Beckham. I usually like her fashion sense, but these shoes look angry and horrifying. She is wearing Christian Louboutin spikes and studded shoes. Usually I love Louboutin shoes, but these are a complete no-no.

FROM the RUNWAY

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L-R: Versace, Miu Miu, Rodarte (by Chritian Louboutin)

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Models slipping
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Models slip at Herve Leger's Fall 2009 fashion show while walking in ultra-high heels.


You like the Fierce Shoes Trend?


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CRUELTY FREE FASHION
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