Cover Wars: September Issues UK vs. US

September is the biggest month in terms of fashion magazine covers and, although, we are barely through half of August, all the major magazines state-side, and across the pond, have revealed their September covers. So for this Cover Wars I have paired some of my favorite September covers US vs. UK editions.

First up is Marie Claire:

SJP and Anne are two of my favorite leading ladies, so I was happy to see them in MC's front cover. While I love Anne's flowy locks and fresh face, I find the starry-night-like top to be too distracting. On the other hand, SJP's cover is a welcomed change from the usual couture looks that magazine editors love to put her in. Her simple and sweet, orange and pink, dress is really working for me!

Next up is Elle magazine:

Two blond stars graze the covers of Elle and Elle U.K. Although I like Gwen's outfit, I feel the pose and expression are lacking a little something. Meanwhile, Kristen's U.K cover is kind of romantic and haunting at the same time. I am really loving it!

And last, but certainly not least, Vogue:

This is the hardest pick for me! I simply love Kate Moss (despite all the scandals and bad press), I think she is such a talented model and I love her in this beautiful purple gown. The  whole look reminds me of Marie Antoinette. However, Vogue U.K has a more fashion forward cover, Freja looks gorgeous in the shiny, sequined number and the sense of movement ads an extra edge to the image. Hard to pick a favorite!

Which September covers do you like most? Are the U.S or U.K glossies impressing you?

xoxo,

Pilar

Cover Wars: Spring Fever!

As spring approaches -well at least for those of you in the Northern hemisphere since here in the tropics it's full on summer mode- it seems that magazine editors are also feeling the Spring Fever. Even across the pond in the oft-cloudy U.K, cover girls are looking fresh, surrounded by bright happy colors.

First up is Gwen Stefani in UK's Elle. I really like the nude dress on Gwen and those soft curls are a nice change from her usual very straight locks. It's also nice to see her wearing a different lipstick color, right?

Next up is Kate Winslet in Vogue UK sporting a super blond and super short new-do. I am really embracing this edgier hair-style on Kate and I think the minimal make-up and pink lips balance the whole look quite nicely.

So in the first magazines issues of spring, which cover girl reigns supreme?

Personally, I'm going to have to go with Ms. Winslet on this one.

xoxo
Pilar

Cover Wars: Black two ways

As the March fashion covers start coming out I noticed a lot of bold colors, such as Katy Perry in U.S Elle or  Rosie in the all-red U.K Vogue cover, however my two favorite covers for March include two leading ladies in stark-black outfits.

Up first is Keira Knightley, shot by Tom Ford for U.K Elle:

I love that Keira is really model-ish in this picture and the sleek and edgy outfit is exactly what you would expect, and want, from a Tom Ford shot. All in all, a great cover in my opinion.

Up next is Mila Kunis in W Magazine:

I really like Mila, she seems relaxed compared to most Hollywood "it girls" and like a fun girl to hang out with. And, I really love her on this cover, the pink bra is a nice way to add some frilliness to an otherwise very severe styling.

This is a very close call, but I think I am going to vote for Mila. Sorry Mr. Ford, you are still one of the sexiest designer out there though!

Who's your pick?

xoxo,
Pilar

Cover Wars: Opposites Attract

Two of my favorite covers from December are pretty much polar opposites.

First up: Emma Watson in Marie Clare, looking lovely in all white.... and of course, that gorgeous haircut! It is a hard style to pull off but I think Emma wears it wonderfully. I also love that she does not allow stylist to just "sex her up" in order to be shocking. Overall, I love the simplicity and prettiness of this cover.

Up next: Rihanna for Interview magazine. The cover is very flashy: all colors, the bright flowers and Ri-Ri's accessories (I love those shades!)

Two very different covers for two very different ladies, for all Rihanna's OTT outfits you have 5 demure Emma looks... So, for you, who wins this Cover War?

xoxo,
Pilar

Cover War: November Vogue(s)

For November, two of my favorite covers come from Vogue.

I have not been very impressed with Vogue's covers lately. While I thought Carey Mulligan looked lovely in the October U.S cover, it was not a particularly special photograph. As far as the September covers go, I thought Halle Berry was pretty forgettable (sorry!) and although Kate Moss looked fab in the Brit September issue, it was also rather predictable that they would choose her. All of this to say that I am quite happy to see not one, but two, great covers from this glossy in the month of November: British Vogue with Ms. Lara Stone and U.S Vogue with Ms. Anne Hathaway.

It's interesting that both magazines look so Christmassy, with the red colors and gold details. But besides that, they really do not share much in common. And I am really liking that the two magazines have used such different photographs. Lara's cover is very high fashion: the bleached brows, the positioning of the hands and focus on Lara's unusual beauty. On the other hand, Anne's cover is so romantic... it could be a painting! The big smile and princessy gown are a huge contrast to Lara's look. 

All in all, two major hits. Which is making it hard to decide who wins this cover war...for me, it's a draw!

(Images thanks to: Vogue and British Vogue)

xoxo,

Pilar

Cover War: Leading Men

While women usually get all the attention for their magazine covers, and lets face it, they deserve it! I was rather taken by two leading men in Esquire's recent covers.

First Up: Javier Bardem in U.S Esquire's October issue

I am not a fan of smoking, by any means. But Javier looks so debonair in this picture! Reminds me a little  of classic Hollywood stars, like a young and rougher looking Marlon Brando. 

And then: James Franco in U.K Esquire's November issue

I think this cover is great! I love that the picture looks "natural", the choice of all black and white and the fact that it is almost entirely bare of writing. In this cover war, I think Franco wins! However, I must say I was rather fond of Javier's role in Eat.Pray.Love ....

xoxo,

Pilar

(images thanks to: Esquire and Esquire UK)