Feathers

Lela Rose took us on a fairy-tale ride for Fall '13, specifically concerning the stories of the Grimm Brothers, with a runway show filled with gorgeous, whimsical looks. Fitted sheath dresses highlighted intricate floral embroidery. Chic boxy tops were embellished with decadent rhinestones, while fancier silk organza gowns showcased the most spectacular lace detailing we've seen yet. Feminine and chic, with a playful twist. In fact, one might even ponder whether some of these pieces were made specifically for the first lady herself — we can easily see Michelle Obama wearing some of these confections at her next public appearance. After all, who could say no to such effervescent looks? See the prettiest looks from Lela Rose's Fall '13 runway show, and we guarantee — one glance, and you'll fall in love.

There's been plenty of amazing Emma Watson fashion moments we could write about, but this one, from November 2010, is by far our favourite. She'd just cut her hair off following the filming of the final Harry Potter movie, and the world (Sugar included), fell in love all over again. This was the moment that Emma blossomed into a woman, and her Raphael Lopez dress was just perfect. Her legs looked next level — so brown and shiny! — and her wet-look hair was a beauty moment in itself. The whole look is very party and the feathers bring the perfect touch of festive. Wanna copy? Let's go.

We'd like to introduce you to a new weekly feature: The Icons. And when I say we, I mean Bella and I. Fashion and beauty (especially in the Sugar office!) are firm friends, and when it comes to recreating an iconic look you can't have one without the other. In the spirit of stylish collaboration, we're going to recount some of our all-time favourite, made-us-go-weak-at-the-knees fashion moments — and give you the tools to pay homage to them at home. We're kicking things off with perhaps one of the greatest special-occasion celebrity looks of all time — Kate Bosworth in her feathered Prada frock and vampy lip at the 2012 Met Gala Ball. From the dress to the updo, our fashion + beauty maths will be only formula you need memorise. Ready?

The trans-seasonal months give us Aussie shoppers reason to rejoice. During these change-over months, our favourite international chain stores are stocking new season gems designed with the shift from Summer to Winter in mind, but that luckily work just as well for our transition into Spring. No more shopping out of season! Zara's August look book is full of such trans-seasonal treats; think lightweight tweed toppers, slick leather shorts, pearl-embellished blouses and peplumed tees. If you're Melbourne-based we suggest you pop into Zara's fourth Australian foothold at Chadstone shopping centre (it opened just yesterday!) and see for youself if these goodies are on the racks yet.

It's time to break down the top red carpet trends from the 2012 Met Gala red carpet. Metallics might have been the big story of the night, with Karolina Kurkova stunning in a slim-fitting gown and matching turban courtesy of Rachel Zoe, Michael Kors dressing Jessica Alba like a golden goddess, and Camilla Belle looking every bit the '20s siren in Ralph Lauren. There were also plenty of plumes, from Diane Kruger's purple Prada gown to Kate Bosworth's flirty Prada dress. It continues to be the year of the peplum, while the next big trend in sexy dresses appears to be all about showing some sexy back — case in point, Rihanna. Don't forget about the orange crush, textural play and feather fetish we spotted, too! So many trends, so little time. Step inside to start your Met Gala red carpet revision.

A trend that we've been banging on about for you to try out for Winter has slipped up the fashion hierarchy, and is having a major influence on red carpet looks, in particular today's glam 2012 Met Gala offerings. Texture, and not in the faux fur variety, was all over the red rug — a myriad of guises. Rihanna wore an alligator stamped Tom Ford sheath, Leighton Meester experimented with Marchesa tulle, Rooney Mara contrasted leather with lace in Givenchy, Carey Mulligan worked a metallic fish-scaled Prada number and Cate Blanchett was feathered head-to-toe courtesy of Alexander McQueen. Take a gander at the plethora of way celebrities incorporated this tactile trend into their Met Gala looks.