Dear Celebs

After a good vibe with the last post, The Cherry Blog will now include a regular ‘Dear Celebs’ conversation, because I’m sure if I type it very very loudly – they might just hear me.

Dear Celebs,

Congratulations Melanie C! So you are the last Spice Girl to have a baby eh?! I really like her name - Scarlet Starr, and wish you lots of new-born happiness!

President Obama – you and Stevie Wonder put a big smile on my face! I love how Stevie’s songs played a role in your courtship, and at your wedding! I’m visiting America in September, can I come see you? - we could hang out, drink tea, listen to tunes? Yeah?

From The White House to the Nut house – Lady Gaga – your outfits just keep me entertained, don’t stop. EVER!

Yes girls, well done. Alice, Pixie and Daisy – you have successfully mastered the ‘come hither’ look in this issues Dazed and Confused magazine. I half expect you to break into a pillow fight any moment now.....

Try and be good this weekend.

xx

(Image Credits: Greg Williams, Mel C Website, Reuters via here, Gaga shots here, here and here)

7 photo's of fashion

This week I turned on BBC4 to see a show called 'Seven Photographs That Changed Fashion' in which fashion photographer Rankin challenges himself to re-create his favourite iconic photographs. He used both the old techniques and modern digital equipment.

I really enjoyed it - as I studied most of these portraits and artists during both my college and University studies. Here are his modern versions of the original photos, what do you think?

(Above) Sophie Ellis-Bexter poses for Rankin to re create an image by Cecil Beaton, used for 1934 Vogue. (Below) Erin O'Connor steps up to recapture the famous Richard Avedon photo of Socialite and supermodel - 'Dovima With Elephants', 1955. Read more on Erin's blog here.

Rankin pays homage to Guy Bourdin's provocative models, with the help of Daphne Guinness.

British supermodel Jade Parfitt brings to life Helmut Newton's , 'Le Smoking' for Vogue, 1975. Rankin returned to the actual Parisian street, Rue Aubriot, and was aided by the original model.

Heidi Klum vamps it up in homage to Erwin Blumenfeld's famous Vogue cover, 1950.

Herb Ritts' original 'Fred with Tires', 1984, featured a rugged mechanic, and Rankin recreated the image with model David Gandy.

The famous portrait of Jean Shrimpton in 1963 by David Bailey was posed for by Rankin's girlfriend Tuuli. Bailey was present at the remake shoot to offer words of wisdom!

I now crave re enacting loads of my favourite images, old and new!

(Images from The Telegraph)

Tat's all folks!

Tattoo's always seem to be an ongoing subject, filled with mixed opinions and ideas. I think it is very much down to personal taste.

Tattoo's often conjure up images of bearded bikers, jail birds and rock stars, but we forget that most of today's modern fashion icons all boast some ink of their own - think Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie, Sienna and Kate just for starters!

In my case - I got a tattoo when I was 16 (I borrowed my sisters clothes to look 18 - call it teenage rebellion okay?!) and chose a Celtic symbol for my lower left abdomen. I loved it at the time and it represented the kind of girl I was, living for the moment - to hell with tomorrow!!

8 years later I find myself looking down at it, ruined by 2008's key hole surgery, and looking a little sorry for itself. In hind sight it is not an image I would pick should I do it all over again, yet I cannot bring myself to detest it. Why?

Because it's a symbol of my 16 year old self - and I liked her. She was feisty and in control and I'm a little ashamed to say I want to re introduce her into my life mid-twenties! So instead - I am going to have it redesigned into something a little more feminine, funky and be proud!

Having researched the incredible art work of tattoo designs I came across Kat Von D - a celebrity in the tattoo neighbourhood.

She reminds me of Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry and Amy Winehouse squashed into one artistic canvas of a body - pretty cool in my books! She has become quite the pin up for the industry and has many celebrity clients.

Kat has been inking since she was 15 years old! She also has her own line of cosmetics, a reality TV show (Miami / LA ink ) and a new book out now called High Voltage Tattoo. I'm liking her alot!

So - this begs the question, what is your take on tattoos? Love 'em or hate 'em? On men, or women? Do you have one, or would you ever get one? Tell me, tell me......

(Top Image from here)

Top 10 Tuesdays

In the wake of the Brit Awards and the successful sweep of UK victory at The Oscars, (well done Kate - at last!) today's Top 10 is a nod to modern British style at its best!

(From top - Bottom, left - right. Click for larger image)

London scene shower curtain Urban Outfitters / Patriotic cushions from The General Trading Company & Karen Hilton on Etsy / Giddy up horse necklace Elsiebelle / London Loves T shirt ASOS / Stag head ice bucket Joanna Wood / Wellington Boots Cath Kidston / Grandfather clock print on canvas Rockett St George / Patent bowling bag Vivienne Westwood / Woven Trilby Lollipop London / Carry on films tableware ARIA.

I have come over all English and am off to have tea and scones and watch Pride & Prejudice!! x

Celeb Conversations

Dear Celebrities,

I do not know you.

I see you only on the pages of my many magazines, the shiny TV screen, hear you through the speakers of my stereo and splashed across the internet.

Bizarrely, this makes me feel like I know you.

Sometimes I am genuinley shocked at what you do, excited by what you wear, amused by what you say and saddened by things you suffer. I am certain I am not the only one.

So I just wanted to say.....

Nicolette – you are 45 and look 25. Am-az-ing. How do you do it?

Cruise family – I may not 'get' you , but I adore you!

Pamela, there are many reasons to dislike you , but when you strut the runway in a gold leotard it only makes me love you more.

Jade, all the best for your wedding on Sunday. I cannot imagine what it must be like to get married knowing you have only a matter of months to live, or what your family are going through.You are brave and have become an icon for the British public in a way you never dreamed you would.

Have a nice weekend

Love Nicki
xx

(photo credits: AP via here, Huffington Post, CelebGlitz, Matrix via here)

Mad Hatter

(Images Stephen Jones)

I am eagerly anticipating : Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones at London’s V&A museum.

The exhibit will display over 300 hats as chosen by one of the world’s foremost hat designers, expert milliner Stephen Jones, ranging from Egypt 600BC to 1950's Balenciaga hats and couture creations. Can’t wait!

In the meantime, I have been swooning over the most theatrical of hats and wishing I could find a way to integrate them into normal, every day existence. Any ideas on how one could do this – please do tell!?

(From L-R, Top - Bottom) Feathers galore The Hat Shop, Designer style Hats on Heads, Gorgeous Couture Louis Mariette, Cherry-tastic Victoria Grant, Butterfly Siggi Hats, electric blue mini topper KC's Hats, Vintage style Jane Taylor.

Are you a hat person? Would you wear these if you could!?

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah!

In our world today we are more aware of sustainable living than ever before. The fashion industry is catching on too with more and more ecological brands forming and high end designers paying attention to the state of the world, and in designer Sebastian Errazuriz’s case – the current financial climate too.

Described as the ultimate in ‘credit crunch chic’, Errazuri has created ‘The Zipper’ - a versatile dress made up of 120 separate zips that can be added, removed or partially undone to create over a hundred styles.

The Zipper can be adapted to create anything from a belt or T-shirt to a full-length evening dress!!

He said: “The dress was influenced by the constant changes and demands that fashion establishes every season”

Errazuriz is a Chilean born NYC based designer who became renowned for his experimental style. He works with simple everyday objects and uses them in fashion, furniture and artistic projects to provoke thought and humour.

(The Rubber Glove dress and the teddy bear jacket)

(Fruit bowl in table and Halo spirit chair)

What do you make of his forward thinking fashion?

Top 10 Tuesdays

With all the buzz surrounding Patricia Fields styling on Confessions of a Shopaholic this past week, I decided to dedicate today's Top 10 to another PF masterpiece - aka - Carrie Bradshaw.

She is fabulous and I can’t wait for the SATC movie sequel! It is mighty hard to narrow down this characters diverse looks, but these are 10 of my faves.

1. The outfit Carries wears to move to Paris, black and white striped corsage top by Sonia Rykiel and a Chanel black fedora with pearls. So chic!
2. To match her new apartment walls Carrie wears this striking blue Vintage Emma Domb dress.
3. ‘I’m drunk. I’m drunk at Vogue’. The first of 3 Vivienne Westwood items in my list! Loving this chalkstripe suit.
4. I adore the smock Jacket, vintage dress and Timmy Woods Eiffel bag!
5. Carrie wears a Vivienne Westwood plaid halter as she battles against the Mr.Winkle the dog at a book reading!
6. Okay – I saw this on the cover of a magazine during filming and actually squealed! Thanks Ralph Lauren - I LOVE this look.
7. Classic Carrie – mixing vintage florals with designer shoes and disheveled hair.
8. I couldn’t leave this one out! The famous Vivienne Westwood Wedding Gown. Wow!
9. More Parisian perfection –a stunning Balenciaga Polka Dot prom dress.
10. Fit for a princess, Carrie dons layers and layers of chiffon splendor in Versace couture.

Do you like her style? What are your favourite Carrie looks?

Some Fabulousness

Well I am very chuffed today to be given my first ever blog award!

Thank you to the lovely Emily over at Resplendent Tranquility (check out her fantastic blog if you get a chance), it's so touching to be thought of by other fabulous bloggers!

In the spirit of being fabulous - I'm keen to know your thoughts on the premiere cover shot of eagerly anticipated magazine LOVE?

Gossip lead singer Beth Ditto is no stranger to baring all for magazines in order to stamp out any stereotypes we may have!

It is certainly a bold move for Editor-in-Chief Katie Grand - who promised the publication would be ‘very curvy’ and also that ‘no one is a sample size in the whole issue’.

Apparently Grand's opening Editors letter includes: "She says the wrong things. She looks the wrong way, Isn’t it confounding and amazing to have an iconic figure…who doesn’t have a 25-inch waist?

So what do you think ?

Time To Get Lucky....

....Because it’s Friday 13th I mean! (What did you think I meant?!) Do any of you get superstitious? I admit, I do, and so during this past 'week of love' I have filled my days with lovely things that I hope will be my lucky charms and ensure my luck will stay with me until the end of the weekend!

I baked yummy V-Day cupcakes for the dinner party with my girlfriends....

I filled my bedroom with bold, beautiful flowers....

I couldn’t resist this cupcake cookie jar......

Watched my favourite romantic film (yes, yes I know he is fictional but I can dream).....

I bought a ridiculously cheap vintage dress from ebay....

When I was a little girl someone once told me if you pass someone on a staircase it's unlucky, and you must hold your breath til you get to the top / bottom. I don't know why but I still do this in my adult life!!

Do you have any funny superstitions, or what do you consider lucky charms?

A bit of blog LOVIN'

I am absolutely delighted to be a guest blogger on one of my favourite blogs,The Lil Bee. Melisa’s blog is funny, pretty and sincere and always worth a daily read with a cuppa!

My post is very in keeping with my LOVE filled week, entitled, There’s no place like home, so if you get a chance please take a peek. Thanks!

In the spirit of guest posting and adoring reads in the blogosphere, I wanted to salute the world of blogging that I stumbled into post-operation last year.

Below I share some of my favourite blogs (not all, mind you! It would simply take me all day to list every blog I love – so randomly selected a few fabulous ones!!)

These blogs bring a smile to my face, a tear to my eye, or a general indulgence for the imagination. The things I see and read really inspire me and I love being opened up to new ideas, ways of thinking and creativity.

So let the BLOG LOVE begin.........

A Cup Of Jo By Journalist Joanna Goddard, always the sweetest photos, amazing etsy finds and feel good writing.

Coco’s Tea Party is a daily dose of fashion, fun and humour

Contented Me As Kirsten describes it, little joys – big inspiration.

Cupcakes and Cashmere The girl got style alright!! Plus any blog title combining those two delights is gonna be goooood!

Cupcakes take the cake some serious cake porn here people!

Dooder City bubbles over with incredible images.

Fashion Tidbits has it’s finger of the fashion pulse.

Heart shaped morning brings you sweetness, magic and wonder. Lovely.

iCiNG by Gala Darling is an addictive blog. You get drawn into her wise words and before you know it you have been sat there for an hour reading all her links and articles and your tea has gone cold – but totally worth it.

Just fashion.art.design has quirky finds, stylish sightings and delightful designs.

Lil Bee – As I said before, very very funny, pretty and sincere!

Lobster & Swan is very inspiring, and oozes creativity and pretty photos

Love, Life & a Latte is fashionable and fun in one gorgeous blog

Luphia Loves is a Brit blog with a wonderful mix of fashion, food, fun, beauty and design.

Secret Society of List addicts if you, like me, make about five lists a day you will love this blog!

Sweet Nothings lives up to its name and is a very sweet, endearing, must-read.

The Cherry blossom girl I love cherries, I love her photos and I love her style.nuff said.

You are my fave IS one of my faves.

I wish I could list them all!!

Know of any undiscovered gems in the blog world? Please do leave a comment with your fave links, I LOVE seeing what else is out there.

Xx 0 xx

Gifts of LOVE

Give your man some gift ideas – or better yet – treat yourself! Here are 10 commandments for gifts that come straight from the heart.

LOVE thy home

LO-VE pillows Cox&Cox / Tea light holders Linda Barker / Dream Blanket Brissi / Printer Block letters notonthehighstreet

LOVE thy body

Bed of roses fragrant soap HEYLAND & WHITTLE / Limited edition valentine’s SWALK melting marshmallow for the Bath LUSH

LOVE thy bookshelf

The Book of the Kiss by Cox & Cox

LOVE thy wardrobe

Blue rose corset Topshop / Pink Fendi satin clutch NET-A-PORTER / Anglomania fuchsia drape dress Vivienne Westwood / Corsage hair grips Accessorize / Fluorescent pink skinny jeans ASOS / Ruben Frill dress Monsoon / Irregular Choice antique rose Court heels Schuh

LOVE that's close to your skin

Candy Heart watch by Betsey Johnson / Mimi Holliday polka dot silk Lingerie by Damaris / Agent Provocateur EDP Purse Spray 25ml at ASOS

LOVE thy sweet-tooth

Flirt chocolate love heart Hotel Chocolat / Organic Valentine’s cupcakes The Organic Cupcake Company

LOVE to make a grand gesture

'Marry Me' porcelain candle votives notonthehighstreet

LOVE to share

Joint savings bank The Swiss Colony

LOVE thy cosmetics bag

Dandelion brightening blush Benefit / Nail polish in shade 'pussy galore’ NARS / Champagne-infused smoothing lipstick in shade ‘sex kitten’ Too Faced

LOVE to make an effort

What have you got your other half for Saturday? Or what you treated yourself to this week?

xx o xx