Michelle Obama at the American Ballet Theatre

Michelle Obama is still the centre of attention on the fashion scene with her recent appearance at the American Ballet Theatre held at the Metroplitan Museum.

In the audience from the fashion industry were designer Ralph Lauren, the former model Iman, editor Anna Wintour of Vogue and Carolina Herrera among others.

Here's what some had to say about the first lady's style of dress.

The Grecian style dress

It always amazes me how fashion recycles itself. Styles you swore you would never wear again after the 70’s or 80's is revamped on the catwalks year after year after year and we find ourselves wearing them again. Now fashion designers are going even further back in time to the roman days and so we have the Grecian style dress making a comeback on the catwalk.

Runway looks from Chadwick Bell, James Coviello, Elie Saab, Valentino and Kenzo Pictures from http://www.fashionising.com/

We had Michelle Obama appearing in her Grecian styled inaugural ball dress designed by Jason Wu. But the Grecian dress is not only about the off the shoulder or cold shoulder dress but is also characterised by the flowing draping silhouette effect including grecian knots and halter cuts.


Not quite Michelle Obama's inaugural dress but this Draped Grecian Style Wedding Dress is both feminine and elegant. This full length wedding dress is beautifully designed and detailed with a draped and pleated front and deep V at the back. An exclusive, luxurious look from Autograph for your wedding day.



If you are looking for your classic black versatile number then this Dyer Grecian Jersey Dress by Malene Birger is the perfect day-to-evening saviour if ever there was one. This works beautifully with simple accessories and flats or for a more glamorous look for evening - the plunging neckline allows for a statement necklace like Munique's Veil of the Incas silver jewellery gift set.


This One shouldered, grecian dress is the perfect party dress falling just above the knee. Made from 100% organic cotton, this wide, gathered shoulder strap and ruched neckline dress is belted at the waist.




Or if you had a longer evening dress in mind for your night out then try this Teatro embellished Grecian dress with embellished waist detail.


Perfect with Munique's handmade Rose Sandal in metallic bronze leather.

Butterfly Motif: Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Trend

No doubt in different cultures butterflies may mean or symbolize different things to different people but in the universal language of fashion it has always been associated with femininity and beauty.

It is not just about the print of the butterfly used on fabric but also about the use of georgeous and luxurious silks and georgettes to create the soft floatyness, dreaminess and fairy tale romance that the butterfly conjures up in the imagination.

American fashion label - Badgley Mischka captures the floatiness of the butterfly not only in the use of the butterfly wings sewn onto the dress but with the creative use of the organza overlay which is as light as a butterfly's wings.

American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, known for her iconic wrap dress, offers more dramatic appeal in this black and white butterfly patterned dress that is almost as timeless itself as black and white polkadots and Furstenberg's very own iconic wrap dress of the 1970's. The bordering detail on the hem, sleeves and neckline softens the large butterfly pattern.

This fusion of the oriental collar styled dress with brightly patterned butterflies from the Tibi Collection may have been influenced by the fact that in the Japanese culture butterflies are thought to be representative of young maidens and marital bliss. Many Japanese families use the butterfly in the family crest design.

Butterfly Silk Jersey/Drape Sleeve Wrap Gown by Australian based fashion designer Colette Dinnigan. Photos from http://www.fashionising.com/

Accessorize with Munique Fashions' handcrafted Purple Amethist, Swarovski Crystal and Silver Necklace and Bracelet jewellery set with butterfly motif.


The high street captured this butterfly motif in their spring/summer 2009 collection through both cut and style as well as the use of butterfly patterned fabric which together maintained that floaty, feminine appeal with a touch of sophiscation.

Marks and Spencer captures the butterfly theme in this Rose Print Butterfly Top through its layered sleeve butterfly sleeve which appears to be winglike. This is an original '70s Zandra Rhodes Rose print with hints of metallic detailing. The waist tie is a flattering feature and it comes with a camisole to wear underneath. This layered sleeve butterfly style top makes a striking statement in monochrome.

Get dressed up in this season's frills for a striking and timeless look in this Spiral Butterfly Frill Trim Dress. This mock wrap dress has Zandra Rhodes' original '70s Spiral Butterfly print, a flattering crossover neckline and figure-defining waist tie. Very feminine and sophisticated indeed.

This gorgeous prom dress from Autograph Occasions Butterfly Print Dress with Silk is beautifully styled with a flattering waisted shape and butterfly print. A gorgeous style statement, perfect for elegant occasions and very reminiscent of the butterfly design of american fashion label - Badgley Mischka.

A striking design featuring Zandra Rhodes' original '70s Spiral Butterfly print. Ruched detailing and fluid waterfall layers make this feminine Spiral Butterfly Print Dress flattering and up to date while the print has hints of metallic detailing for a touch of eye-catching glamour

Vintage Fashion for Spring Wedding

I am attending a wedding in the next two weeks and wanted to get a start on my outfit. Well this is late even for me as I like to have my outfits way in advance so I could get the perfect fashion accessories to match especially since I like handcrafted fashion accessories. With handcrafted fashion accessories and the problem of limited stock sometimes it is necessary to order it. Thus I like to give myself 6-8 weeks when planning a wedding outfit or any other special occasions outfit for that matter. On the other hand when I find unique fashion accessories I usually buy it and then find an outfit to match.

My girlfriend who is getting married simply loves vintage fashion so naturally I have narrowed my choice down to vintage fashion. I was quite worried about the time I would have to spend rumaging through vintage fashion boutiques for a suitable vintage outfit. Luckily for me Marks and Spencer have just launched a fabulous vintage collection in celebration of their 125th anniversary. These exclusive garments have been inspired by some of the beautiful pieces in their archive and reference the iconic decades of the 20th century.

So I have two outfits in mind and would really love your feedback as to which one you prefer and why.

This '70s Inspired Ruched Neck Maxi Dress is plain but so very elegant. While I would prefer something brighter for Spring, I simply love this aubergine colour and could see myself getting a lot of wear out of this vintage piece. If I were to select this for the wedding then this is one Christmas or New Years Party wear taken care of already.

Then I have also fallen for this Per Una Embroidered Shift Dress straight '60's style design with embroidered metallic detail. I like the detailing in the hem and the embroidery is simply classic. If I go for this sleeveless dress I will have to invest in a coat as well like This Per Una Antibes Belted Mac

The shimmering finish of this coat simply shouts class and quality. The long flared sleeves and flared skirtline is really flattering and I could see myself getting lots of wear from this coat. This for me is a wardrobe must have even if I do not use it for the wedding. And best of all this coat can be washed effectively at 30°C, so no dry cleaning expense.

Plus sizes for women

This week I ran around the high street trying to find some jeans for my husband who was travelling this week and last minute decided that he needed a new pair of jeans. To my horror most high street shops carry jeans up to a size 36-38 and length is also a problem as my husband is tall. Finally a kind store clerk directed me to a store for big and tall men. I mean you can get some generous sizes in there and length is no problem.

So I imagined that big and tall women must have the same problem and when I say big I don't mean fat but that genetics and body structure means that not every body can healthily be a size 8-12 and that being size 14+ does not necessarily mean that you are obese. Big and tall women must experience the same problem as men with regards to trousers width and length and arm lengths when it comes to long sleeve tops and blouses.

At the conventional high street stores,big and tall women will find that most things they like either do not come in their size or fit well for whatever reason as they are not tailored to fit their shape. But when you shop in big and tall outlets like la Redoute's Taillissime range for en plus women you will find that size is not a problem and that you are not spoilt for choice as most if not all their gorgeous french fashion range comes in your size. More importantly it is figure flattering sizes ranging from 14-34.

This Antik Batik low-cut round neckline top is just one of the many creative fashions to choose from in the Taillissime range. Enhanced with buttoned teardrop opening, this flamboyant coloured blouse is perfect for that summer barbecue this weekend. Blouse is made from 100% cotton voile.


This Asymmetrical Blouse is definitely charming with it's versatile boat neckline which can be switched from side to side. The batwing sleeves and ruffled hem adds simple yet sophisticated detail to this blouse. Pink and grey always go well and with the addition of polkdots this is a trans seasonal, flirty and playful party blouse.

This Sleeveless Dress is simple yet stylishly structured with it's asymmetrical lines. The round neckline with seaming under the bust and at back and the bust darts makes for a comfortable fit. This simple summer dress is detailed with fancy seaming front and back, side seam pocket with fancy button. Accessorize with Munique's copper and brass thorn necklace to continue the asymmetrical team of this dress.



This beautiful ''1970s'' Style Dress with dramatic and very colourful print will also team well with Munique's copper and brass jewellery or our handmade Raku Copper Circles Pendant.

Vanessa Hudgens naturally stylish

While I love colour, I also find earthy colours like the browns very appealing and transseasonal. I am more partial to the warmer browns that teams well with hues of green, gold and rust. From the accessories in these Vanessa Hudgens photos it is obvious that she loves her neutral accessories. In two pictures Vanessa is carrying a fringed bag in a neutral colour. Her bag in the other two pictures is in a richer shade of brown with golden detailing.


Vanessa Hudgens naturally stylish by Munique on Polyvore.com

To get the Vanessa Hudgen's look, keep it simple and sytlish with Munique's handmade accessories starting with our fringe necklace which would team nicely with Vanessa's fringe bag. Our handcrafted copper jewellery with it's golden hues will add lovely accentuations to Hudgen's golden detailed tote bag.

Keep it earthy with our handcrafted Raku fired pendant and unique ring made from a piece of beach pottery found on the shores near East Lothian.

The Fan Necklace and Toy Earrings designed using toothpicks embellished with pearls is certainly a show stopper. Not only will it get you noticed but imagine the conversations you can have about it when people ask you - "Are thoses toothpicks? Perfect for Hudgens dressier occasions and newsworthy as well as she would certainly appear to be doing her part for the environment by wearing recycled jewellery creations?



Ah and the heart necklace ... well etch a -T- on it and it is the perfect love token from Troy - Zac Efron. This amazing salmon colour fits right in with Vanessa's love for earthy accessories. Made from stone, cut and polished into a lovely heart, this necklace is the perfect colour for her outfit when Troy gives Gabriella the T Necklace in High School Musical 2.