Continuing our theme of looking at the styles of the Sex and The City girls in celebration of Sex & The City 2, today we bring you Miranda Hobbes.

Miranda is quite often completley under rated and personally she’s our favourite of the four girls. You have to give her credit, she juggles her time between being a high flying lawyer and a Mum, whilst still managing to look absoloutley flawless!

In the office Miranda suits up, looking smart, and sophisticated. Elements of this have rubbed off onto her evening style which we describe as being sophisticated and stylish, whilst still remaining practical. Because of her pale skin tone she often opts for neutral, earthy tones.

Dress :

Fitted Wasit Sundress – Asos.com – £22.00

Miranda’s dresses are often in pastel or neutral tones, and whilst being conservatively cut she often glams up the dress itself with an exciting belt to flatter her figure and also spice up the dress, we love  this fitted waistband sun dres from Asos, its pastel pink colour is perfect for the girl with the lighter skin tone.

Accessories :

Vintage look bead detail waist belt – Asos- £15.00

As we mentioned before the key to the look is to accessorise! This belt, again from Asos is the perfect accessory for achieving the look, it is cool and quirky enough to compliment an outfit without being too bold that you make an over the top statement.

Shoes :

Bow Trim Platform Shoes – Newlook- £30.00

So as to keep within the simplistic dressy yet practical theme we reccomend these Bow trimmed platforms, they are elegant and lady like enough to be worn on a night out.

Bag :

Milli Bow Tote Bag – Boohoo.com – £30.00

Keeping with the bow detailing from the shoes, we absoloutley adore this cutsey Clutch bag from Boohoo, again the light pastel colour will compliment a lighter skin tone and will really bring the whole outfit together.

Good Luck with the look

Il2L.com

xxx

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past six months you’ll be well aware that this years biggest spectacle this side of the world cup (And who care’s about that right!) is now only one week away!

I’m talking about Sex And The City The Movie 2, so ditch the boyfriend, grab the Blahnik’s and lets look at how to achieve the girl’s fabulous looks for less.

Carrie Bradhsaw

Style wise Carrie is the most diverse and adventerous of the four, her over the top style has defined her as an influential fashion icon thanks to her ingenous ability to mix many styles into one glorious head turning ensemble.

Dress:

Floral Contrast Maxi Dress – £75.00 Topshop

Maxi dresses are again huge this season, this cutsey offering from Topshop would not look out of place in Miss Bradshaws huge walk in wardrobe thanks to it’s bold statement making floral print.

Bag:

Fiorelli Kelly – £37.99- IL2L.com

Carries mantra when it comes to bags is the bolder the better, through out the series she is rarely seen without something especially quirky on her arm (and that’s not including her many boyfriends) This oversized shoulder bag by Fiorelli perfectly excentuates the simple silhouette of the maxi dress and also allows for spacious storage for the girl about town.

Shoes :

Leather Gladiator Sandals – £12 – Newlook

Footwear is Carries forte, the girl could practically write scientific papers on the subject.

Mixing the flowing floral, and classic grecian trends is something Carrie would do with ease. Complete the look with these leather  gladiator sandals which  are a much more stylish alternative to flats, or flip flops

Good luck achieving the look

IL2L

XXX

This Bank Holiday Weekend see’s the start of the Summer Blockbuster season with Iron Man 2 paving the way for what is going to be a period jam packed with fantastic, high budget offerings and If this film is anything to set the bar by then we are in for a treat !

We catch up with Tony Stark Aka Iron Man 6 months after the end of the first film, where he is quickly learning the age old Marvel patented lesson that “with great power comes great responsibility”, having revealed the identity of his metallic, crime fighting machine at the end of the first film and “privatising world peace” everyone wants a piece of him, from the government who are trying to obtain the Iron Man technology, to a gaggle of super villains the main being Whiplash played by Mickey Rourke sporting the most unconvincing Russian accent ever!

Unfortunately, the world’s new interest in Iron Man could not come at a worse time for Stark, who finds out that the element used in the reactor that keeps his heart beating is slowly killing him, paternal issues ensue and it is through these that Stark finds a way to upgrade the Iron Man technology.

Following the huge success of the first film, there has been high expectations of director Jon Favreau to deliver a film as solid and enjoyable as the original. In terms of special effects and action packed scenes he far exceeds the level set by its predecessor however overall the film lacks the depth and humour of the first, the narrative is at times clunky and there are quite a few pointless scenes put in to pad the film out. Don’t get me wrong Iron Man 2 is not a bad film; far from it, it just suffers slightly from sequel syndrome.

This week, news reached the IL2L offices that two people had sat on a tube, read a book and talked very loudly about what they were reading. Nothing to interesting or scandalous about that, you may say. But what if we told you that the two people reading said book were actors being paid by a big brand, as part of a marketing campaign to influence our conversations. Intrigued? So were we  . . .

In today’s society we are bombarded by advertising and – quite frankly – we hate it. They annoy us, interrupt what we’re doing and our natural reaction is to switch channels, hit the mute button and block our computer’s pop-up windows. Therefore, the advertising industry has started to employ increasingly subversive marketing tactics to get our attention – welcome to the era of ‘Stealth Marketing.’

Stealth marketing is the subject of an upcoming film starring the ageless Demi Moore and alien hunting David Duchovny. It is a dark comedy which functions around an ostensibly perfect family,  living the archetypal American Dream – obligatory McMansion, flashy cars, and all the latest mod cons. Of course the Jones family are a fake as Moore’s extensive plastic surgery. The have been employed by big brands to live a fantasy lifestyle which promotes hundreds of brands and products to their simultaneously jealous and impressed friends and neighbours.

Intrigued? Scared? Yep us too . . .

Lots of love,

IL2L
XXXX

Tom Ford’s name is synonymous with good taste. As creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent in the 1990’s and early 2000s, the Texan-born designer was responsible for bring sexy-back into fashion with his Velvet hipsters, patent boots and risqué advertising campaign. Next came his eponymous accessories and menswear collections which set the celebrity and fashion world alike on fire.
However, it seems that fashion-world domination wasn’t not enough, Tom Ford wanted more and ‘A Single Man’, is the result.

Ford’s directional debut may be the most stylish film you’ll see this year. Bringing Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 novel to life, Colin Firth stars as the recently bereaved gay university professor George Falconer who though jaded by life cannot seem to ignore the beauty of it.

Firth’s poignant performance has earnt him a selection of awards, but, for IL2L, it is the incredible beauty of this film that lights up the screen. Ford’s attention to detail evokes an emotion like nothing else.

A Single Man truly is a masterpiece of style and substance.

Last weekend saw the beginning of Milan Fashion Week 2010 drawing crowds of thousands of fashion fans coming from around the world to see the new works by their favourite designers and learn about new up & coming protégés.

Never short of grabbing a headline or two Vivienne Westwood was again the talk of the town unveiling her new homeless inspired range.

Reminiscent of a scene from Zoolander the catwalk was covered in cardboard boxes and a selection of the models pushed shopping trolleys filled with newspaper, others had sleeping bags thrown over their shoulders.

Excuse the pun but isn’t this all a bit old hat and just a tad desperate? John Galliano did virtually the same thing years ago!

What do you think ? Is it Distasteful ?

The last decade is now well and truly behind us, and we at IL2L are now settling into 2010, though January is proving glum, and cold heres our Top 10 of 2010 to look forward to:

Project Natal

This year see’s Microsoft going head to head with Nintendo’s Wii with the release of project Natal, their visionary completely wireless concept for the Xbox 360. Players use all parts of their body to interact with their on screen characters creating a full body gaming experience

The End Of Lost

As the old saying goes “All good things must come to an end” and as was originally announced in May 2007 the mysteries of ABC’s acclaimed island mystery will be concluded in 2010. Love it or hate it the producers Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof have pushed the boundaries of the traditional narrative and kept us wanting more for the last 6 years. Fingers crossed all the pieces of the puzzle are put into place and we aren’t left disappointed.

Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1

The 2009 Formula One season was said by many to be one of the most exciting seasons for years, controversy, money problems, injuries, the season was full of twists and turns on and off the tracks!

That’s all very well, but this year is to see the excitement stakes raised even higher with the return of one of F1’s biggest stars Michael Schumacher. No spring chicken at the ripe old age of 41 but guaranteed to show the likes of Lewis Hamilton exactly how its done.

The World Cup 2010

Whilst discussing exciting sporting events I could hardly ignore the biggest football event of the last 4 years. The World Cup! This years will be in South Africa, and will be the first time that an African nation has hosted a World Cup. Though England are favourites to win their group will Capello and the squad be able to go the full way and repeat the glory days of 1966?

Sex And The City The Movie 2

Don’t Worry Girls, the years not all about sport! May 2010 will see the return of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte in Sex And The City The Movie 2

The cast have remained tight-lipped on the plot through out production but early spoilers state the films set two years after the original, and to expect a wedding!

(Good News for any man who is already dreading the prospect of being dragged to see it: Kristen Davis (The brunette one) has confirmed the film will be shorter than its previous instalment, which ran for 2.5 hours. Thank God! )

40 Years of Glastonbury festival

Famous for its massive line ups, and infamous for its weather England’s largest and longest running festival is returning for its 40^th year. After years of speculation, and 30 years after the release of their debut album U2 are set to headline the iconic pyramid stage on the Friday night of the festival. David Bowie & The Rolling stones are amongst other artists rumoured to be playing over the four nights.

Iron Man 2

2010 is set to be the year of the sequel with offerings such as Toy Story 3, Wall Street 2, & SATC 2 (As mentioned above) from the massive list we are most looking forward to Iron Man 2 which see’s the return of Robert Downey Junior reprising his role as Tony Stark alongside a similarly huge cast consisting of Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson, & Samuel L Jackson to name a few!

If the trailer is anything to go by we can expect the same action packed adventure that the first film provided us with along with a host of new villains for Iron Man to take on.

Apple Tablet

Though still a very strong rumour, it is very likely that in the next few weeks Apple will finally announce the launch of their fabled Apple tablet computer which has been rumoured for years. Chances are it’ll be ground breaking like everything Apple have put out for the past few years.

Emma Watsons Eco Fashion Line

Not content with just being the face of Burberry Emma Wastson has decided to make a further leap in the ocean that is fashion by collaborating with Eco fashion People Tree , due to hit stores in February the collection “Love Emma” fits with everything else sold by People Tree and is 100% ethical. The range covers all bases T shirts, dresses, trousers etc. The marketing  & logo’s include quirky tag lines such as”Don’t panic, I’m organic.” Definitely one to watch out for in 2010 !

3D Televisions

Though it is unlikely that the 3D television will be instantly accessible by the majority of the population with its massive £9,000 price tag it is set to make its debut in our homes this year. With the popularity of 3D films such as the massively popular Avatar the natural progession was 3D displays in the home. SKY plan to begin broadcasting certain programmes in 3D this year on a special SKY 3D channel, fingers crossed the internet is next.. Imagine looking at some of our lovely jackets in 3 dimensions !

Ok, so if you love, love , love, Twilight, it is likely you will have seen the ‘New Moon’. We at IL2L saw it this weekend and thought we would give you a little insight into what we thought:

The Plot: The original film was a solid £11 million hit at UK cinemas, but the whole Twilight phenomenon has become much bigger in the past year. Now comes the massively anticipated sequel and we are asked to join beautiful, emo chick Bella and her brooding, blood sucking,  boyfriend Edward, as they try to negotiate the minefield that is, going out with a 21st century vampire. Excited?! Us too!

What is so, so, right: While the first movie, was based on the well-worn premise of most romantic comedies – boy meets girl, romance is forbidden by deep, dark and tantalizing secret that must be overcome. The New Moon expands its horizons with some staggering visual effects and an incredible Robert Pattinson, who more than stands up to the emotional and physical challenges of his much expanded role.

Where did it miss: The intensity of the Romeo & Juliet theme raises the stakes – sorry! – in the Edward/Bella romance, yet – try as he might – the Director Chris Weitz just could not get around the fact that in the original Stephanie Meyer book , the lusty vampire Edward, disappears for hundreds of pages and the filmic devices he used to try and make the audience forget that, felt a little unsatisfying.

Verdict: This gothic drama continues to present the emotional intensity of the first film, but, due to the beauty of the visuals and skills of its leading cast, the New Moon takes it to the next level. Fans will not be disappointed.

The tragic passing of Michael Jackson in June this year has added to the mystery and allure of the man himself. With masses of fans such as myself keen to see This Is It, the final footage of the King of Pop as he prepared for his mammoth 50 date visit to the O2 arena, I booked the first available tickets for Wednesday evening and headed down to my local cinema after work.

The film is an extraordinary documentary, Jacksons stage presence, enthusiasm, and dedication to the art he perfected over the last 3 decades undoubtedly confirms what we already knew: That he was the greatest performer of his generation! All rumours of eccentricity, stage fright, and scandal are simply cast aside the second you see him take to the stage for the first time. Despite the colossal scale of the concert with its intricate sets and dance routines choreographed with such precision the film has a soft and intimate feel to it, overall it is an exquisite tribute.

Anyway, I digress. I am not here to steal the critics crown from the likes of Jonathan Ross.

When watching the visually stunning and frankly sublime Thriller 3D scene I paused to consider the beautiful red leather jacket worn in the original.

Although absent from the rehearsal footage I honestly believe that Michael would have again donned the fabled, iconic red number after all Michael wearing it was a staple image of Thriller, and the 1980’s! The subject of jackets in popular culture has captivated my imagination here are my top 5:

Would Indy really have been able to escape that rolling boulder in Raiders of The Lost Ark with his legendary duck & roll without the support of his sturdy bomber jacket??

Marlon Brando epitomised cool wearing a  leather biker jacket in The Wild Ones, rebellious youths of the 1950’s recreated the style ensuring that this jacket achieved ultimate iconic status. To this day the leather biker jacket style has remained a popular choice, and not just amongst bikers!

IL2L’s version

Failing to mention The Matrix when discussing iconic leather jackets would be a heinous crime, the whole film looks like it may have been shot in a leather warehouse! All three protagonists wear a leather jacket at some point in the film captivating the attention of millions of Goths worldwide!

A Baby faced Tom Cruise wears my second favourite iconic leather jacket in the slick & massively quotable aviators wet dream Top Gun, the leather flying jacket proved so popular that the studio actually endorsed official replica’s which were available around the time of its release.

IL2L’s Version

Slashing its way to the top of the charts is the Yellow Motorcycle jacket worn by Uma Thurman in Tarantino’s Vendetta fest Kill Bill. Beautifully constructed and body huggingly flattering. By the end of the film I am sure it needed a clean.. If walls/jackets could talk ey!

Enjoy your weekend, in particular Halloween. If you see any lovely leather outfits being worn drop us an email and we will send you something nice in return : Admin@il2l.com

Lots of Love

IL2L

XOXO