Best gifts for Mother's Day: From a BOSS Bespoke bag to a Vera Wang bouquet
A barrage of sentimental gush is imminent: in case you had forgotten, Mother's Day is this Sunday. Somewhere beneath the heaps of mass-produced cards (some 30 million sent every year in the UK) lies a genuine attempt at honouring the sacrifices mothers make for us unruly offspring. For that you can thank Anna Jarvis, who conceived the day as a means of personal celebration between families in 1908.
Fast forward a century or so, and it's become more about spending money than spending time. While there's plenty wrong with that development, a bunch of petrol-station carnations isn't quite as convincing a thank-you for multiple hours of labour as, say, this limited edition BOSS Bespoke bag (1 - see gallery below). Designed by Mobama-endorsed Jason Wu, the "Intarsia" is the perfect spring addition to any wardrobe, above all your mum's; mainly because you get to borrow it afterwards. I bet Malia has her eye on it already.
For the more traditional (or forgetful), flowers are a sure bet. But, still, eschew the forecourt floristry. Take a cue from Mother of Pear which yielded Victoriana florals for its spring/summer collection and opt for a bunch that offers a more stylish experience, such as this premium bouquet from Interflora and Vera Wang.
Equally, while perfume is not entirely groundbreaking gifting, the launch of Sarah Burton's first fragrance for Alexander McQueen is. It not only smells exquisite but is guaranteed to appeal to those with an affinity for shiny objects; its facetted cap and antiqued gold feathers are a must for any magpie mother.
While, traditionally, Mother's Day serves to recognise those that go above and beyond with a showering of gifts, there are those of us that see fit to lower the tone entirely. Whether it's an inside joke or your mum really is a bit of a battleaxe (in a rose-garden), why not acknowledge Mommie Dearest with a copy of the cult classic movie. Disclaimer: a sense of humour is compulsory.
Kate Winslet 'is NOT pregnant but was simply letting Cate Blanchett and Brie Larson feel the material of her dress when they touched her tummy at the Oscars'
The rumour mill went into overdrive on Sunday night when Cate Blanchett and Brie Larson were pictured excitedly touching Kate Winslet's tummy at the Oscars.
After social media users speculated that she could be expecting her fourth child, a slightly more simple explanation for the exchange has since emerged.
A source close to the actress told TMZ that 'the star is NOT pregnant but was actually letting her friends feel the beautiful fabric of the dress.'
The set of the candid snaps, taken at the major movie event, featured Kate, 40, Cate, 46, and Brie , 26, excitedly chatting to one another. In the pictures, the trio of Oscar nominees are seen standing in a circle, smiling and talking.
In the first of the series of shots, Kate has her hand on the waist of a rapt-looking Brie, her mouth open as she tells the Room actress something.
In the next shot, Carol star Cate's eyes get wide with surprise, as she seems to be full of excitement over whatever it was that Kate had just said.
She then leans in to place a hand on Kate's stomach, resting it at the top of her abdomen. Finally, Brie gives Kate an enthusiastic hug.
The sweet set of images were immediately seized upon by beady-eyed social media users, with some internet sleuths speculating that Kate may have told the other stars that she is pregnant and expecting a fourth child.
'Did Kate Winslet just tell Cate Blanchett and Brie Larson that she's pregnant or am I just looking into it too much?' tweeted @SouDamnTrue after the show last night, while sharing the set of images from the awards ceremony.
Titanic star Kate already has a 15-year-old daughter with ex-husband Jim Threapleton, whom she divorced in 2001, Mia Honey Threapleton, a 12-year-old son with her second ex-husband, director Sam Mendes, Joe Alfie Winslet Mendes, and a two-year-old son, Bear Blaze Winslet with her current husband Ned Rocknroll.
Kate and Ned, who are extremely private, are reported to have tied the knot in New York in December 2012, in an intimate ceremony among their nearest and dearest.
Kate's super-shiny Ralph Lauren gown threatened to reveal every last bump — but Kate also looked quite svelte on the red carpet.
Fans also speculated that she may have been remarking on how slim Kate looked, comforting her stomach ache, or feeling the high-shine fabric - which TMZ's source claims was in fact the case.
But while the reason for the sudden outburst of excitement between the star, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Steve Jobs but lost out to Alicia Vikander, and her friends is not known, there is no doubt that it was an emotional and unbelievably happy night for Kate on every level.
The actress watched on with a joyous expression as her former co-star and long-time friend Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar, scooping the Best Actor award for his role in The Revenant.
As Leo gave his acceptance speech, during which he took the opportunity to share a warning about global warming, the cameras panned to the audience to show a visibly-emotional, and very teary-eyed, Kate, who appears to have attended the ceremony without her husband, sitting with her hands clasped together in front of her face.
Daily Mail Online has reached out to Kate Winslet's team for comment.
1. Bottega's sparkly coats. Embroidered with gold and then embroidered over that with sequins, they glittered down the runway like the world's most tasteful disco balls.
2. Two pairs of perfect boots. Gianvito Rossi’s military-inspired black leather boots were an exercise in sexy restraint, while Bally’s gold python boots were an exercise in sexy kitsch, thanks to their kitten heels and bubble-gum pink laces and toes. (The inspiration: “Anita Pallenberg in a John Waters film,” according to design director Pablo Coppola).
3. Missoni wins. There was a bulldog on the runway, nestled sweetly at the feet of the very handsome Missoni heirs. There was a swinging fringe dress, fun socks with sneakers, and drapey print-on-print outfits. And after the show, as per tradition, they served the entire fashion world dinner. All told, Missoni was a great time.
4. Marni's visual gold mine. In a landscape packed with Instagram bait, Marni’s sunglasses collaboration with Marchon gave us some of the best, wildest eye candy of the whole season. The invitation to the event promised that emotions would “flow freely in a poetic Total Theatre tale of colors and shapes,” though that didn’t even come close to describing the joy this event provoked in us. Zoolander 2 would have been a lot more funny if it had included any scene quite so over-the-top.
5. Dolce & Gabbana lived happily ever after. The fairy-tale backdrop (Cinderella’s gilded carriage, a glitzy pumpkin for photo ops) set the stage for a finale fit for any Disney princess: an entire lineup of models wearing Cinderella shoes and shimmery silver, pink, and red dresses made entirely of paillettes.
he 2000’s were a funny time for fashion, and the Oscars red carpet was no exception. From a seemingly covered in foil Nicole Kidman to a bare-bellied Tara Reid, choosing the best 2000s Oscars dress was not an easy task. That is, until I landed upon a picture of a young Charlize Theron in an orange halter gown at the annual festivities.
While most of the crowd at the 2000s Oscars carted around tulle shawls and adorned sequins aplenty, Charlize Theron’s burnt orange Vera Wang gown seemed ahead of its time with its understated elegance. While Theron’s gown definitely made a statement, it was orange after all, it was the fit of the gown that won me over. Unlike most evening gowns, Theron’s Vera Wang halter was seamed down the front to accentuate her statuesque frame, and then, to make matters even better, it was backless. While I have to admit, I am a sucker for a backless dress, this might be the backless dress of all backless dresses. Yes, I do believe it trumps Hilary Swank's 2005 Oscars gown. Not only is it low cut like Swank's gown, but just after the dress begins again, it extends into an elegant train, need I say more?
Theron has been known for many a great red carpet moments, but I have to say this might just be my favorite look of hers ever. Not only does the dress fit her perfectly, but the color compliments her gorgeous green eyes just as well. If you love her dress just as much as me, scroll down to get a better look at what is arguably the best dress of the 2000’s Oscars.
From the front, Theron's dress is a simple halter gown that reveals a little bit of décolletage. In truth, the most notable thing about this dress at first glance is its beautiful burnt orange color. However, the back of the dress is much more sexy. The super low scoop back ends in ruched cascading train that gives just enough drama to be an Oscar worthy dress.
To finish off her gorgeous outfit, Theron opted for a peach pout and structured brows. To top off this beauty look she styled her golden locks in '20s inspired pin curls.
While it is hard to go wrong with a Vera Wang gown, Theron didn't just go right, she hit it out of the park with this sexy number. But then again, when doesn't she? Theron might be one of my favorite celebs to watch on the red carpet because she isn't afraid to take a risk — she is always down for a deep plunge or high slit. While she has quite a few memorable dresses that top my list, I have to say this Vera Wang dress is my all time favorite.
Gucci’s return to a logo area as monogram features extensively
It seems Beyoncé in her electrifying Formation video is not the only one looking at throwback Gucci for ideas. The retro GG monogram, customised for her leggings and crop tops, anchors Alessandro Michele’s latest collection for Gucci. Barely visible since the logo mania of the 1980s, the monogram was painted graffiti style on the backs of leather aviator jackets and printed on swishy skirts. Retro Gucci graphics came thick and fast printed on suits and skirts, while the famous signature red and green stripe trimmed blousons and bag straps and boldly emblazoned a white suit and cross body bag.
There were hints that Michele was going old school in 2015, when he added the monogram to his Dionysius handbag and buckle belts, but now the logo is appearing everywhere.
The colourful new collection opening Milan Fashion Week was a mash-up of 1940s meets ’70s silhouettes, with prim veiled pillbox hats over a long tulle gown, and Studio 54 shiny sequin dresses and pantsuits. It felt sexier than his previous outings although not in a louche way. There were fewer geeky glasses and a more decadent attitude filtered through in the shiny trouser suits and satin dresses. Michele is proving himself as deft with colour as Yves Saint Laurent was.
Mr. Porter held its five-year anniversary event at the Saville Club, a private gentlemen’s club. Retired bartenders from the Savoy served up martinis (both shaken and stirred). There was a caviar bar, Cuban cigars — and a room full of handsome, well-dressed men. The perfect reprieve from weeks of women’s fashion.
2. Molly Goddard had one of the most inventive presentations of the week.
Last season, the designer recreated a sandwich factory. This season, inspired by the idea of old couture shows, Goddard cast models from the street and from Facebook, and arranged them around a multilevel set. They sat in her signature voluminous dresses, watching old couture salon videos on YouTube.
3. Alexander McQueen finally came home.
For the first time in 15 years — and for the first time since the founder’s death — the brand brought its show from Paris back to London. Sarah Burton presented a whimsical, dreamy collection with tons of influences thrown in: punk, boudoir — even a beaded dress with a unicorn.
4. Mulberry got new blood.
Johnny Coca, the brand’s new creative director, debuted a standout collection for the British house this week — its first major runway show in more than two years. Out with the sweet, countryside Mulberry girl of the past, in with the tough Londoner with a punk edge.
5. Burberry tested its new business model.
Burberry made waves a few weeks ago when it announced that its next show, in Sept. 2016, would be see-now-buy-now. As a leadup to that, the brand put its entire fall/winter 2016 collection in its Regent Street shop, where customers are able to see the new clothes and place orders, immediately following the show. Based on the strong collection of oversize outerwear and beaded Mod dresses that Christopher Bailey put forward on Monday, people will surely be storming the gates for it.
One of the most romantic shows of the week was Simone Rocha, where the designer’s show notes suggested a sense of unraveling — which translated to rich, beautiful fabrics with frayed edges, oversize silhouettes and excess fabric swaddled around the models like an emotional gesture. Christopher Kane, too, featured slits in fur jackets, feather details and piled-on jewels that seemed undone. And at Joseph, Louise Trotter featured a gray turtleneck sweater and skirt with yarn strings still hanging from the sleeves.
7. Queen Elizabeth’s presence was felt.
Countless designers — including Simone Rocha, Erdem, Peter Pilotto and Ashley Williams — seemed to reference the royal jewels, with a strong showing of sparkling earrings and necklaces. And at Alexander McQueen, piled-on barrettes added some extra sparkle.
8. There’s a new crop of minimalists in London.
A handful of amazingly talented designers are making a strong case for understated dressing — and serving as a powerful counterpoint to the city’s experimental sensibility. Some of the best of the week were Margaret Howell, Paula Gerbase of 1205 and the newcomer Fran Stringer, who debuted her first collection for Pringle of Scotland. They showed well-tailored trousers, knits — and, of course, white button-down shirts.
9. Jonathan Anderson showed one of his best collections yet.
But what made the J.W. Anderson show extra-special were the details: zipper-lined tunics, cropped, flared pants and studded leather skirts. And, since the designer constructed a thin, maze-like runway, audience members were treated to an very close view of the clothes. And, after such a good show, one must celebrate: the brand threw an after party at the ACE Shoreditch, in collaboration with i-D Magazine.
10. The Central Saint Martin’s grad show reminded us what’s so great about this city.
It breeds and fosters new talent unlike any other. This season’s graduate show was filled with new exciting ideas for women’s wear, men’s wear and textile design. Some standout names to watch: Michael Halpern, Henriette Tilanus, Alexander Krantz and John Alexander Skelton. Here’s to the next generation.
According to a new study, working out with your boyfriend could be the best motivator your workout ever had - with 40 per cent of us agreeing that our partner is our most significant other when it comes to keeping fit (new workout kits aside).
The study by workout wear company ADAY asked 350 couples if their boyfriend boosted their healthy intentions. The resounding answer was yes: we think we work out harder with our significant other. And, over three quarters of us revealed that our boyfriend or girlfriend was our best wellbeing cheerleader.
One woman confessed: “My husband inspires me to eat healthier and live an overall healthier lifestyle. He is my motivation, because ultimately, I do it for us.” Another added “It’s much harder to have a meal of cheese and pickle if someone is there! Plus, I would far rather make an effort for two.”
“He believes in my ability to push myself more than I do, and he is very encouraging throughout,” said another.
As the experts at W10 Performance training explain, "We know that people who have spouses or partners who work out regularly are much more consistent and get much better results. One, there’s accountability for gym sessions. If they do these together, there is no opportunity cost time-wise. Also, even if they don’t come together, they prioritise workouts and manage households accordingly (kids, etc)," explains founder Jean-Claude Vacassin. "But it’s outside the gym that has perhaps the biggest impact. People who have significant others who are also into getting into and staying in shape, typically make better foods choices and stray less from a ‘good diet’. Again, they keep each other accountable, and don’t sabotage the other's efforts (the latter happens A LOT)."
As personal trainer Olli Foxley explains, "While having a training partner is always motivating, training with your other half? Even better, particularly as you learn to work towards the same goal. It also gives a couple more common ground, as well as some crucial extra time spent together.”
No surprise then that it’s not just our figures that are making gains either, but our relationships too. Sixty-five per cent of couples who work out together felt more connected to one another according to the research. As W10 Performance coach Adam Jones ponders, "Perhaps those who train together stay together." Couples' classes anyone?
Upcoming fashion trends that will soon appear in stores were being showcased in New York City this weekend.
The Capsule Show for women’s fashion began Sunday at Pier 94 along the Hudson River at 52nd Street. It is not open to the public, but CBS2’s Ilana Gold got inside.
Nearly 700 designers put their work on display for buyers at the show. They scoured through the racks to stock up on their stores for the fall.
The hot trends are taking on a so-called “girly look” with pastel colors. They are also full of big, bright patterns and quirky patterns like a dress that is covered in prints of lips.
“Something that starts a conversation is helpful — just fun, whimsical, even a little bit sill,” said designer Rachel Antonoff.
Designers have also experimented with unusual silhouettes; wide, flowy pants; and boxy coats. They are also using unique materials – among the items on display were a jumpsuit made of corduroy and jackets made of plastic.
“A lot of texture — you’ll see designers using faux fur; suede,” said Greg Armas of Assembly New York. “People are going by touch and feel more than a print of a color.”
When it comes to accessories, designers are going away from bulky statement pieces and instead they’re making them dainty. You will notice delicate necklaces and rings of gold and rose gold
“You can layer them; you can mix metals with rose gold and yellow gold,” said jewelry designer Ariel Gordon.
The capsule show runs through Tuesday for professionals.