Snow and style in Sundance

Sunshine brings with it the promise of backless gowns and strapless wonders all designed to attract the cameras – not to mention those column inches! Trying to look the part in sub-zero temperatures, however, is a whole other matter entirely. My advice to you: if you want to know how to work that winter style, look not further than Sundance.

For those of you who think snow is an opportunity to bury yourself in eight layers of thermals and an over-sized ski jacket, Sundance will make you think again. Looking good and staying upright on the ski slopes may sound difficult, but it’s worth all the effort. For my first ski attempt I opted for style over skill, picking out a Porsche ski outfit. My snow wardrobe also included a pair of Chanel boots, but I think I was being a little optimistic as they only came up to the ankle. At least my gold ski suit went down well with the instructors!

When it comes to après-ski, Sundance certainly knows how to stand out and stay warm. On my first night out, I went to the Playboy party, where I managed to pull off a short leather Jitrois leather skirt and vintage blouse by teaming them with Chanel boots, gloves and bag and a fur jacket by Plein Sud. I even accessorised with a YSL hat to keep my ears warm. It was a little more challenging at a bling-themed party a few night later, but by incorporating bling into my Sonia Rykiel hat – worn with gold jeans and vintage boots, a cardigan by Il by Saori Komatsu, jacket by Golden Goose, scarf by Brunello Cucinelli, bag and earrings by Kendall Conrad and gloves by Newberry Knitting – I was warm enough to dance the night away to the sound of rapper Asher Roth.

For its annual Film Festival, Sundance goes from snow resort to centre of style overnight. And with the style came parties at every turn. For the best party in town – hosted by CAA’s finest agents – we headed to a venue called Sugar, and on the final night we secured a table at Park City Live to watch OneRepublic play their hit song Apologize. Together with my partner in crime thespian Dina Rosenmeier, I was entertained by top Danish cinema director Mads Matthiesen who won the world cinema directing award at the festival. He had the award, and I had the only key to the vodka supply (such are the restrictions in Utah), which made us both pretty popular party guests.

Parties, fur jackets and bands aside, the biggest treat of the week for me was when I got the opportunity to attend the Sundance Composers’ Showcase. Listening to talented composer Vivek Maddala – who created the music for Dina Rosenmeier’s feature documentary A Journey in My Mother’s Footsteps – was a real pleasure and gave me a moment of calm to reflect on what is a truly great destination.

 

Sundance is the epitome of cool. I just need longer boots next year!

Weinstein Golden Globes After Party

Lanvin gown and earrings, YSL clutch and heels.

Whether or not they make it onto the stage for the Golden Globes ceremony, there’s one part of awards season that all stars love – and that’s the after party.

Having spent the day styling others – and watching all the red carpet action from the Soho House viewing party – the Weinstein after party gave me the chance to dress up and have some fun. With six Golden Globe winners in attendance, it was the party to which everyone wanted an invite. Michelle Williams in a blue velvet dress and Meryl Streep in a stunning black number certainly gave us some winning style – proving that awards do make great accessories.

After a spot of party hopping and people watching I was ready to hand out a few fashion awards of my own. Jessica Alba’s cut out backless glitzy cocktail number was a real delight and Heidi Klum’s low backless peach Calvin Klein dress – coupled with a turquoise necklace – made her stand out from the star-studded crowd. And, making the most of her perfectly-toned physique was Cameron Diaz, who arrived in a flash of photography in a short blue mini dress with Puff Daddy at her side.

Bethany Joy Galeotti glistens at Golden Globes party

All eyes are on Los Angeles this week as it gears up for its 69th Golden Globes awards ceremony. And, with the parties already underway, it’s not just the on-screen action that’s the talk of the town. Where there are red carpets, there are great outfits, and it was wonderful for me to work with Bethany Joy Galeotti to make sure she looked the part for her big moment.

Having just finished TV show One Tree Hill, Bethany’s brief to me was to help her stand out from the crowd at the Forevermark and InStyle party. And, with the L’Wren Scott dress I selected because it worked beautifully with her natural colouring and body shape, I think we did just that. We had great fun when we met up trying on different looks and, even though I ended up adding some vintage gold earrings, a beige Pucci clutch purse and a rust and gold YSL ring, it was a nice touch that we were able to use her own shoes to complete the look.

Whoever walks away with a Golden Globe this year, the sheer volume of photos of Bethany’s dress online shows that her red carpet performance won’t easily be forgotten. You can watch Bethany in action and enjoy a close up of that striking look.

Or, find out what Bethany thought of her new look by taking a look at her blog