Fashion Statement: Cheryl causes controversy
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FASHION DILEMMA
IsCheryl Cole's star on the wane?
The woman whose walk-in wardrobe was once a wasteland featuring only nylon shellsuits and Ugg boots has become the most talked about fashionista since Kate Moss allegedly did drugs. Yes, if you go down to the shops today Cole's face willnot be staring down at you from a celebrity-infested Heat or Grazia, oh no! This month her beatific smile adorns the front cover of that esteemed fashion publication, Vogue.
There's no arguing that 2008 was her year. As Cheryl shed tears for the talentless on X Factor, the media was abuzz with news about 'the nation's sweetheart', accompanied by in-depth analysis of what Cole was wearing on her teeny-tiny frame.
She is now officially a fashion goddess (although one does wonder how much of her 'innate sense of style' is down to an army of helpers hidden in the wings). She even wangled her way into a couple of the Guardian'spicture galleries and was Fashion Statement'sfashionista of the week back in October.
However, her interview in Vogue is candid to say the least, and has created controversy in the tabloids.The Mirror warned: "Please Cheryl, tread carefully on your lightweight little tippy-toes - for you tread on our dreams ..." in response to the revelation that Cole struggles to control her weight and that she once reached awhopping nine-and-a-half stone.
After lamenting her weight worries, wordsmith Cheryl went on to accuse other WAGS of resembling "wooden blocks", and revealed that Peaches Geldof was "up herself" and Alexa Chung "acted all superior, like" when they first met.
We doubt that a bit of celebrity bitching will rile her true fans, but we can't help suspecting that a backlash is due for Cheryl Cole.
BANG ON TREND
Asymmetric
The one-shoulder dress is most definitely on trend and there are two asymmetric looks to watch out for: the 'Greek goddess', complete with lots of drapery and/or fringing; and the eighties look (add corsage as required).
Thissequinned dress from Lipsy is a very reasonable £40, while asnake-print, fringed Jaeger number manages to combine a whole host of trends in one and has been reduced from £499 to £199. Thischarcoal dress from Principles is a mere £26 (reduced from £89), but is only available in size 10. We also like thistwo-tone dress from Lipsy at £48, but if you're going for pricey (and by pricey we mean unaffordable) then check out thisAlexander McQueen strappy satin version, which comes in at the grand sum of £974.
FASHIONISTA OF THE WEEK
Anne Hathaway
Seen at the premier of her new film, Bride Wars, the womanwe love to ridicule appeared in a tux and lo - our opinion of her changed. Tapping into anew trend for this season, she carried off the masculine look surprisingly well - possibly because she was playing the groom to Kate Hudson's bride. Whatever, she actually managed to outshine Hudson's Oscar de la Renta white dress, which in our opinion was a stroke of brilliance. Doesn't mean she's a good actress, though.
FASHION GRAVEYARD
Metallic leggings
No, you don't look like a disco diva or David Bowie circa 1972. These leggings will turn everyone except Agyness Deyn into a sort of bulgy robot. As demonstrated brilliantly byKerry Katona.
SHOPPING NEWS
Sale madness is upon us and we've seen some fantastic bargains on the web. This rather fabulousOllie & Nic Venus tote bag has been reduced to £65 and is big enough to hold all the rubbish we heft around all day. There's also a purse and clutch in the same style.
On the Clarks website we've found theperfect office shoe, and it's been reduced from £70 to £20! It's made from leather and has an 'Active Air footbed' to keep you comfortable, apparently.
We've also spotted a pair of Kuyichi men's jeans onadili.com that are a steal at £44.
OUT AND ABOUT
Actually, we recommend staying in on Sunday night to watch the 66th annual Golden Globes awards. Cancelled last year due to the writers' strike, the red carpet runway rivalry will be back in full force. Bone up for a watercooler conversation the next day.
OFFCUTS
Check out somefabulous stripy looks from Britain's top designers - and the high street cheat versions, too
Hadley Freeman answers your fashion dilemmas. This week she tacklesshoulder pads and harem pants
Take a look at ouressential guide to fashion in 2009
Plus all the latest news and features from theworld of fashion
Any news to tell us? Email:rachel.holmes@guardian.co.uk