Into thin air simply vanished

Now, I'm not a big fan of Lady B but this, this is too fierce.

One final, final round 'cos time means nothing

Spotlight: Carine Roitfeld

From: Paris

Day Job: Former Editor of French Vogue. Left last week after ten years of incredible work. I'm going to miss her input into the magazine no end.

First copped her: Her name in French Vogue. Her style on The Sartorialist.

Style: Parisian chic. Cutting edge high fashion while retaining a beautiful simplicity.

And a little example of the legacy she is leaving behind...

Count the headlights on the highway

You may remember a previous post I did about September Issues. They are my favourite, cover wise. And well, yeah, content wise too!

The majority of them have been released now and although many impress I must say overall I'm kind of disappointed with what the big players of the fashion magazine world have to offer.

One thing I take issue with is the fact that, as the September issue is about current season trends more than most others, it is ridiculous how many covers are simply head shots. Little styling is on display and I find that disappointing. I wanna see some threads!

Many of you were a little sceptical about Halle Berry for Vogue. I shared a lot of these doubts but, I thought she's beautiful and if they pair her with Patrick Demarchelier it could work. Well they didn't Mario Testino was the man for the job and I have to say I love it. Her eyes look amazing and she is working that fro.

This is why I love W. It's pure fashion devoid of the commercialism that magazines like Vogue and Elle are subjected to. Only a true fashion follower will pick up a copy of W whereas you can flick through a copy of Vogue in a dentists waiting room! The red hair is striking and the minimalism of the black leather is unusual for a cover. It's intense and eye catching and will definitely be purchasing this issue of the strength of it!

Disappointed with this. I wanted to see a different Jennifer Anniston. They didn't even put her hair up. They should have chosen one of the Barbara Streisand esque editorial shots. Now that would have been a cover. The subscribers have it all. Don't get me wrong she looks gorgeous but what's new. Boring.

Her hair is nice. That's it. Disgraceful styling. She looks disproportionate and badly airbrushed. I was looking forward to this cover purely because I haven't seen a Julia cover in a long time. This is bad, really bad. (On closer inspection, I also like the jewellery)

Didn't mention Marie Claire in the last post. I never buy it so it slipped my mind. Two good covers. Drew is almost unrecognisable but, perhaps that's down to the fact that she has been airbrushed to a ridiculous extent. This is the kind of thing I wanted from Harpers Bazaar and Jen. Gorgeous dress. As is Mary Kates. I want. Will definitely buy that one. Especially since I've just seen 'Tim Gunn's outrageous diaries' written on the right. I <3>

Oh it's gorgeous. I knew it would be amazing. Because it's Gaga, and it's Vanity Fair. Never expected this. Love.

Other covers I like..quite a bit.

So as it turns out US Harpers Bazaar was the only disappointment. That Prada was made for January Jones.

Let me know what you think!

If I fall I hope I'm near you, it wouldn't be the same without you

September issues.

Possibly the best issue of every year. March close second for obvious reasons.

The September Issue made me love Grace Coddington. I want her to adopt me. Only for a little while though, I'd miss my own muv. It also made me love Anna Wintour. But, Grace Coddington won with the shot of the camera man. You can't airbrush out his beer belly! If you haven't seen it do. Go now. Buy, rent, watch. Go!

Where was I going with this?...Oh, yes. The cover stars have been announced.

Vanity Fair has Lady Gaga

Vogue has snapped up the gorgeous Halle Berry

Julia Roberts for Elle

Harpers Bazaar are going with Jennifer Anniston

And fortunately for W, Lindsay Lohan is locked up so they are having unknowns for their cover.

I want to see what Vanity Fair does with Gaga. It could be wonderful.

Harpers Bazaar and Jennifer Aniston is a snoozefest. They should do something completely unexpected. I know Jennifer is the All-American girl and plain sophistication is her thing but once it would be nice to see her in something that isn't black, or white, or blue. Stick her in this bad boy.

And put her gorgeous hair up. Just something different for the love of god!

Vogue declared Halle Berry a while ago. Great choice for them. Pair her with Patrick Demarchelier and they're on to a winner.

Julia Roberts for Elle. Can't remember the last time I saw Julia on a cover. This one could be interesting. You know my preference of UK Elle covers but perhaps US will get it right with this one.

W had a lucky escape in fairness. They'll have to work hard to get this cover to compete though!

What do you think of the choices? Which one will you be buying?

My angel face is disguise for the devil inside

I quite like Lily Allen.

I like that she speaks her mind. I like some of her music. I like her style. I love her hair. I like her unashamed fondness for an older man. I don't like that she retired from music. I don't like her slagging matches with other celebrities. I don't like the way Perez Hilton makes her out to be a raging alcoholic. I like that she's one of Karl's Chanel girls. I like her sense of humour.

I like her in Miu Miu...

Elle UK, I quite like it as a fashion magazine. I'm going to be predictable and declare Vogue my favourite. Vogue can be very hit and miss with covers however. I have yet to find a Elle cover I disliked as much as this one

Mario Testino rarely does wrong but, this is just bad. Far too weak for a cover shot.

Elle, always wins with covers in my eyes. W is not too far behind it.

Sometimes, I think I prefer Elle UK covers. The US edition disappointed with the Fergie cover. After watching The City I am full sure it was only chosen to piss off Olivia Palmero. A poor reason for a cover choice if I ever saw one. Although, despite the airbrushing, this was pretty good.

So, here we go cast your votes.

For 2010 so far who wins Elle Uk or Elle US.

Who goes - you decide.

January

UK

US

February

UK

US

March

UK

US

April

UK

US

May

UK

US

June

UK

US

I love that Natalie Portman cover. I want to frame it. UK pretty much win all for me. Apart form Lady Gaga in January and Kiera Knightly in March. Love Kylie's cover she is a-mazing.

(Oh, PS. The Rihanna cover is the US version of the Lily Allen!)

Who wins for you?

I'll leave you with this one. I don't know why I like it.

Images via whodatedwho.com

Ear Candy - 17.8.09

Because sometimes the first draft is not enough, I give you my Exceptional Covers Playlist.

1. Running up that hill - Placebo (Kate Bush)
2. When you were young - The Noisettes (The Killers)
3. Keep the car running - Foo Fighters (Arcade Fire)
4. Not over yet - The Klaxons (Grace)
5. Love's not a competition - Paramore (Kaiser Chiefs)
6. Best of You - Stereophonics (Foo Fighters)
7. Use Somebody - Friendly Fires (Kings of Leon)
8. Hurt - Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails)
9. Against All Odds - Postal Service (Phil Collins)
10. You know I'm no good - Arctic Monkeys (Amy Winehouse)

It can either go brilliantly well or spectacularily wrong but sometimes, just sometimes, a cover can surpass an original in such a way that you forget it had ever been sung before.