Horst: Photographer of Style

Horst can only be described as one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century. 

While looking at his work, I was stunned at the range of his subjects which included presidents, actresses, and of course models. His ability to capture the beauty of the human body and shape resulted in a close working relationship with Vogue and other publications, making him a highly sought after photographer.

Kimye x Balmain

I think it's fair to assume that no couple owns more Balmain clothing, footwear, or accessories than the Wests. We've come to expect their appearance at every show with North in tow as well as New York date nights clad in matching Balmain. However, their metaphorical love affair with Oliver Rousteing has now been cemented by the decision to cast them as the faces of the brand's S/S '15 menswear collection. In typical Kimye style, racy and commercial meets high fashion. Personally I'm still unsure of what to make of this campaign but I guess you can't knock them for trying.

the short.

Maokong Gondola and Zhinan Temple

This week, I was lucky enough to have the company of my brother, who took time out of his busy schedule to come visit me in Taiwan for Christmas. With it being his first time in Taiwan and the East, we went on a tourist overload starting with Maokong Gondola and headed to one of the great temples overlooking Taiwan. 

The Oversized Scarf

Nothing says winter like an oversized scarf and when it comes to size, bigger is better!

Besides obvious comfort and practicality, they're an easy way to accessorize and add volume to any winter wardrobe. Although I may have just ordered three from ASOS, a girl can never have too many oversized scarves.

the short.

Santa Tell Me

I have to admit, I've been fully converted since hearing Ariana Grande's new holiday track. This single is definitely the icing on the cake for Ariana who finally seems to have broken away from her Disney Chanel persona, stunning all of us earlier this year with her album My Everything.

Eyes on Olivia Lopez

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The Tall is heading to Taiwan

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As some might know, I'm currently at university studying Mandarin Chinese. It's an interesting subject to say the least. I'm exposed to a completely different society than I'm used to, a different language and learning culture, history and politics on the way. The most exciting feature is my upcoming journey to Taiwan.

 For 9 months I'll be away studying at a Taiwanese university to not only learn the language but to completely immerse myself in the culture. It would be an understatement to say that I'm excited to travel to a region I've never been to before (which often raises questions as to how I even began learning the language) but understand that I will also be pushed mentally, and placed outside my comfort zone in order to adapt and make the most of my experience. The particular reason I'm mentioning this is mainly because, as you would imagine, many of my posts here would be dedicated to fashion, life and food in Taiwan. So, hopefully you're ready to join me because I'm probably going to need a lot of help! 

the tall. 

Stella Jean

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First off, I'd like to thank all of the Instagram gods for bringing the ever-entertaining Rihanna back into our lives. Those of you who have seen her Instagram pictures from her White House visit last may have noticed the show-stopping Stella Jean dress she was sporting. If not, here's a little taster!

Stella Jean's FW 2014/2015 collection showcased African Ankara prints and combined them with more heavyweight materials like wool, giving the line a luxurious yet exotic feel. This seamless blending of cultures and influences definitely deserves considerable recognition!

the short.

Faking It

Although septum rings made their rather large debut on catwalks in 2012, the rest of the world seems to be catching up as I've now noticed many people, celeb and other, rocking septums. I actually quite like the look and after staring too long at some people, have almost considered getting one...almost. Obviously for those of us not so adventurous to actually get pierced, fakes are available en masse on sites like etsy to allow us to imagine what life is like on the other side. While celebs look oh so naturally good in them, I think I'll stick to faking it.

the tall. 

Going Grey for November

Last week's buys featuring a pair of shorts and trousers, both from Asos, and a dress and jumper, (which is fast becoming my new favourite as the temperature drops) both from Topshop. I guess you can say grey is my new favourite colour! 

the tall. 

Eyes on Mary Seng

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Mary Seng, a lady who I have only recently become aware of (Lord knows how!), has gained this month's spot for blogger of the month.

Big Sean Tells Us How He Really Feels

While in LA a few weeks ago, I heard "I Don't F With You" for the first time. Needless to say, it's a pretty candid and brutal song directed at his ex-fiancee Naya Rivera. After their abrupt break-up, cheating rumors, and her whirlwind wedding to another man on their wedding date, Big Sean lays it all out on this track. I for one am a fan of this song; sometimes you've just got to get things off your chest!

the short.

New Track: My Nigga Just Made Bail

BAS, real name Abbas Hamad, made his big debut after he released his first studio album "Last Winter' earlier this year. The rapper was raised in Paris until he moved to Jamaica and eventually New York where he was picked up by his mentor J. Cole. His tunes feature a mix of Cole rap with Frank Ocean beats, both people I really do love, so it's no surprise I'm a fan of his music.

the tall. 

A Tribute to the Genius of Oscar De La Renta

In honor of one of the most iconic designers of our time; his talent will be hugely missed.

the tall and short.

Eyes on At Fashion Forte

Blankets: The New Fall Coat

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Earlier this year, Burberry revealed their AW'14 collection which featured models draped in their own personalised Burberry cashmere blanket. Christopher Bailey's message was clear: this was to be the next big thing. His vision is definitely coming to life, and in full force, as this Fall the Blanket coat is a growing trend (and a creative one at that).

Personally I love it, you can accessorize your look easily by donning an extra layer with a choice of numerous colours, textures and patterns. And plus, who doesn't love a good layering?

the tall. 

Gone Girl

Gone Girl has to be one of my favorite thrillers of all time. The intrigue and suspense manage to carry the audience through what is a reasonably long film while the incredible acting skills of Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike allow an insightful yet disturbing look into a modern marriage. Tyler Perry also provides some much-needed comedic respite throughout the second half of the film. In the hopes of not giving too much away, I'm going to stop and let the trailer do the rest of the talking. If you haven't seen this film yet, now is the time to do so!

the short.

Andre 3000's Profound Messages

This year has revelled in the return of Outkast to the music game. The pair, Big Boi and André 3000, reunited this year and promised a comeback tour putting them as the headline for various festivals around the world. Although I have not been lucky enough to attend any of theirs performances, my friends tell me they're as electric as ever. Something that has caught my eye of recent are the constant wardrobe changes that happen in each of their shows, which of course is normal amongst most artists, but not when they carry a different message for every performance. If you still haven't got a clue I'm talking about Andre Lauren Benjamin a.k.a André 3000.
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Fashion Week Round-Up: Paris

In celebration of our 100th post on the blog, we give you the final round-up of fashion month: Paris. PFW marked the end of SS15 runway shows. However it was a bitter sweet ending, with emphasis on the sweet, as many designers put their best fashion foot forward. Here's a look at our favorite shows of the week. 

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Charlotte Simone

Charlotte Simone's range of designer scarves are nothing short of heavenly. She offers a range of hoods and cuffs along with fondly named 'popsicles', 'canes', and 'fruitloops'. Her designs are also available in both ethically-sourced real fur and faux fur as well as in a wide variety of colours. Her scarves are becoming increasingly popular with celebrities and the wider public, with her latest line being modeled by singer Rita Ora. As winter approaches, it's prime time to shell out the bucks and invest in a Charlotte Simone scarf! 

the short.

Don't - Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran's newest track 'Don't' has been climbing the charts since its release. His new album 'X' is Sheeran's second studio mix and with the help of geniuses Rick Rubin and Pharrell, the album is doing extremely well. 'Don't', his second track is written about an ex and a friend, which Sheeran has pretty much now admitted, are Ellie Goulding and a 1D member *cough*Niall Horan*cough*. The lines in the song are a bit cut throat, detailing the affair in a very Swifty-like manner but the beats are awesome and the acoustics are, naturally, amazing. Once again, thanks Ed!

the tall. 

To Fedora or Not To Fedora

If there's one thing the Made In Chelsea girls know how to do well, it's pull of a good fedora. Although it can be tricky to find just the right hat for you, the versatility and variety of this piece has led more and more people to catch onto the trend. The fedora adds an air of sophistication to any outfit and to be quite frank is a life saver on those bad hair days! I recently invested in an olive green fedora of my own while in Portugal and am happy to report that it has been a great addition to my wardrobe!

the short.

Eyes on Adam Gallagher

Although we don't talk about men's fashion doesn't mean that they're not appreciated and as proof, our next blogger of the month goes to Adam Gallagher. 

Fashion Week Round-Up: Milan

With New York and London behind us, and Paris still ahead of us, Milan drew our undivided attention this week. The catwalks did not disappoint, providing a spectacle of colour, cuts, and textures.
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Blazers + Trainers = Rarely A Good Look

I tend to write about emerging trends that I personally love and hope to see more of. However, over the summer, I noticed a somewhat worrying trend emerging primarily among adolescent girls. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good attempt at 'smart casual' but this trend is totally misguided. Chunky Nike trainers do not belong on the same body at the same time as a nice tailored blazer. For a more put together look try some fun skate shoes, like those pictured, in place of trainers. As we begin to transition into Fall, I hope we've seen the last of this unfortunate combination!

the short.

Fashion Week Round-Up: London

Following the splendour that was New York fashion week, London took to the stage in order to show us their prediction for SS'15. Unlike it's predecessor, LFW chose to tone down the extravagant style and opted for more colour and wonderful tailoring. More shows strutted in flats than 6-inch heels letting us know that next season you need to dress down in order to dress up. 

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Duck & Waffle

I'd been dying to go to Duck & Waffle all summer so on my final day in London last Wednesday, Bisi and I thought it would be a fitting farewell and ventured down to London's East End. 

Fashion Week Round-up: New York

New York Fashion Week brought the start of a fantastic month for all fashion fanatics, with all the shows and the people attending it looking as gorgeous as usual. Here we summarise our absolute favourite looks inside and outside the showrooms. As Spring/Summer looks were being showcased, many of my favourites focus on feminine elegance with a touch of edge. 

(Images via style.com and wmagazine.com)

Riding the Bus with BB Bakery

If I were to describe my reaction to the afternoon tea bus, confused would have been an understatement. I looked at it, questing whether it was a special event, maybe a wedding or birthday party. After a double-take I spotted the back of the bus where the concept was advertised and knowing full well I too could be part of this fun red bus ride, I called Bundi and told her to check out the website. After getting her seal of approval, we booked 2 seats. 

Kurobuta (Marble Arch)

With the intention of having a romantic dinner date for two, Bundi and I headed out to Kurobuta by Marble Arch.

Journey Through Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, Evora

Zara AW'14 Lookbook

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 The high street brand is making us feel not so high street after they dropped their new collection a few weeks ago, and we couldn't be more excited...

Nicki Minaj - Stripped Down

Nicki & I have had our ups and downs over the years. Her debut album, Pink Friday, quickly became one of my favorites but once her schizophrenic alter-ego Roman came out to play, I called it quits. However, "Pills N Potions" has now been out for a few weeks and I'm loving the resurgence of a new 'stripped down' Nicki. Her natural-ish hair and make-up combined with stripped back vocals truly showcases her talent without relying on gimmicks. Don't just take my word for it, give it a listen!

the short.

Asia de Cuba Restaurant

I had been dying to dine at Asia de Cuba for a while but its combination of Cuban and Asian cuisine always managed to scare me into a safer alternative. However, since I found myself back in London for the summer, I figured I'd finally go for it! 

The eclectic decor can only be described as library meets portrait gallery while the entrance is littered with interesting props like this human-sized chess set. However, somehow it seems to work much like the food itself. After spending a few minutes decoding the menu, I finally settled on a starter of scallops and plantains as well as a dish aptly named "Chicken Milanasia" to share - both were delicious. If you're one for trying new things, this is definitely the place for you!

the short.

New Track: Giant in My Heart - Kiesza

To sum this up short and sweet, Canadian artist Kiesza's second single, 'Giant in My Heart' is 
one of my current favourite tunes. Tbh, I don't think it needs much of an intro, just a quick listen will surely make you see just why. 


the tall. 

Festival of Love

Southbank's Festival of Love is running from May to August this year and aims to celebrate the complexity and variation within human relationships.

Eyes on Frédérique Tietcheu

This months blogger of the month is the fantastically French lady, Frédérique Tietcheu.

Oblix Restaurant

So this time last week, I was 32 floors above London soaking in the skyline. The views from Oblix at The Shard are beyond breathtaking, and the food even more so with the extensive cocktail and wine list adding to the opulent atmosphere. Despite mocking the seeming overuse of egg whites on the cocktail list, I have to admit that the Pomegranate was one of the best I've ever had! As you can see from our extensive table of food, there is more than enough to choose from on the menu with everything from steak tartare to duck with smoked carrots.

the short.

Tall and Short's First Outing

For the first time since starting our blog, on Sunday both of us managed to make a small trip out in London! 

Le Specs Sunglasses

Le Specs has been loved by A-list celebrities like Rihanna and Kate Moss for years. However this year, the UK festival scene has been especially inundated with models, quasi-royals, and socialites such as the Delevingne sisters and Cressida Bonas rocking Le Specs sunglasses. These highly affordable sunglasses range from the bold and oversized to the feminine and subtle. Their range of reflective lenses also adds a much needed color boost to any summer wardrobe. 

I love the black "Bowie" and the ultra marine "Hey Macarena". Having just ordered both, I think it's fair to say that this brand has my endorsement!

the short.

Rise of the Baby Bag

(Image sources: fashizblackdiary.tumblr.com / thestreetfashion5xpro.blogspot.co.uk / chicismo.com / kayture.com)

The mini bag, or what I like to call the baby bag, is a fashion trend the started a few years back but has only recently seen an all time high on the street. Celebs, high profile fashionistas and fashion bloggers can all be seen sporting them now. I personally have my eye on the Philip Lim Pashli Satchel and I know my counter part, the short, definitely has her eye on a mini too. 

the tall. 

The Pointed-Toe Heel

It's a fine line between effortlessly chic and witchy when it comes to the pointed-toe heel. However, many designers have managed to navigate these murky waters pretty successfully; none more so than Valentino. I myself am slightly obsessed with his new Hitch On cutout leather pumps.

Alternatively, for more simple and classic options, check out designers like Gianvito Rossi and Jimmy Choo.

the short.

Eyes on Shope Delano

This month's blogger is 1/2 of London's Closet duo, Shope Delano.

Givenchy Antigona Tote

The Givenchy Antigona has become the "It bag" of 2014. Seen on the arms of models like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Miranda Kerr, people (like me) have been clamoring to get their hands on it. More importantly, it comes in a huge range of designs and colors making it easy to find one to fall in love with. 

the short.

The Perfect Two Piece

(image source: enzaessentials.wordpress.com)

Espadrilles

For a laid back yet stylish look this summer, ditch the flip flops and grab a pair of espadrilles! With these Valentinos, you'll be able to let your wild side show with a dash of animal print and a sprinkling of studs. Leather should not be confined to the winter and its subtle incorporation here elevates the humble espadrille. 

the short.

Why I Watch The World Cup

(Image source: 3.bp.blogspot.com)

To begin with, football has never been my thing: I've never followed what games are coming up nor have I worried about who plays for who or mulled over fantasy football. However, with a big worldwide event like this, it's impossible to go to any restaurant, pub or see a TV advert without coming across a football reference. 

At the beginning of the tournament, I would only watch whatever match was on when I couldn't find anything else. Once the groups were done and it came down to the final 16, I found myself coming back home from work wondering what the score was and making sure I caught the end of the game. Now with the semi-finals done and the final this week, I am definitely going out of my way to watch the match. A while ago, a friend of mine asked me why I cared about the football in the first place and in the end I pinned it down to 3 reasons:

1. The players - No seriously ladies, have you seen these men? They range from 'sexellent' to 'brb trying to decipher your haircut'.

2. The emotion - I've yet to go through a whole 90+ min without thinking "Just get up!" Never have I seen such theatricals, where men drop so quickly and get back up at the same speed once the call has been given (Robben I'm looking at you). 

3. The atmosphere - Very similar to the emotion factor, but particularly the passion and pride people have for their own countries as well as the respect of others and their players in truly wonderful. As I said, World Cup fever is very difficult to avoid so might as well enjoy it while it lasts! 

However, if you still don't care about it, then just carry on, it's only a stupid cup! 

the tall. 

Charlotte Olympia

Let's Talk About 'The Fault in Our Stars'

The novel "The Fault in Our Stars" written by author John Green, was one of the recent literary fortunates to face on-screen adaptation. Being a reader of the novel itself, I felt the movie had a lot to live up to, particularly because it wasn't a sci-fi or fantasy novel so not too much could be done with the imagination. Even though 2 of my favourite scenes were cut from the movie, I still sat through the movie and honestly enjoyed all 2 hours it and I know every other girl (and hopefully their reluctant boyfriends) did too.

 Firstly, the casting of Shailene Woodely to play the main POVcharacter, Hazel Lancaster, was a fantastic choice. I did imagine her very like Shailene: her appearance, her mannerisms, everything! But I'd have to say the star of the film was Ansel Elgor. For me, he definitely nailed the part of Augustus. I don't really know what I expected from his character, but it was the little scenes, (SPOILER) such as the plane scene on the way to Amsterdam, that just made me love Augustus Waters so much more. So If you haven't seen it already, go ahead and watch the movie.

At least now you can avoid all the wails of female oestrogen working its way round the cinema.

the tall.