X Factor Live show Fash Off – Week 1

Well, it is back with a bang, and if last night’s live vote was anything to go by, then singing is not the most important thing about the X Factor ( Rylan is apparently a better act than the beautiful, talented Carolynne..who would’ve believed that???). So I will concentrate on one of my favourite aspects of X Factor, the fash-off. Last year, the lovely Kelly Rowland was the absolute clear winner in the style stakes, choosing beautiful dress after beautiful dress and leaving Tulisa frankly in the shade. But with Kelly gone, Tulisa faced a new challenge from Nicole Scherzinger. So who would win the battle of the opening week of live shows. Would the newly brunette Tulisa win the honours, or would new girl Nicole show her how it was done?

Saturday night – Honours even

Saturday night was judged a draw in the Fashion-Mommy household, because both dresses were clear misfires. Both ladies opted for black, but that was where the similarities started and ended. Tulisa went for a strapless, puffball monstrosity from Carlotta. This was a dress that so disappointed me, because when she was sitting behind the desk, this looked so beautiful. The ruching on the bodice was lovely, and her showstopping necklace looked fabulous, and with pretty hair and make-up, she actually looked perfection. But the skirt had the appearance of a deflated parachute, or some left over puffball from the late 1980s and so just spoiled what could’ve been a winning look. Imagine this with a 1950s style prom skirt, or even a slinky pencil skirt, she would have been the runaway winner in the style stakes. Nicole fared no better. Her revealing mesh and bodycon look from IZMAYLOVA was rather tacky, particularly the panel that looked like a pocket over her breast. I couldn’t help but think this attempt at ‘edgy’ looked like something Cheryl Cole had left in the X Factor wardrobe two seasons ago – not good on any level.

Sunday Live Show – Honours even

I really loved both the looks on display on Sunday night, the girls opted for colour and sparkle and both chose a strapless option. Tulisa looked gorgeous in a hot pink dress from Milly that she teamed with shoes from Burberry. She looked young and fresh, the colour was great for her and the length of the slightly a-line skirt gave it a flirty feel. Nicole lived up to her promise in a glittering gold dress from Kristian Aadnevik that just poured over her curves, giving her a goddess-like appearance. Both ladies also had the perfect hair to complement their outfits. Nicole’s glossy mane made me envious, whilst Tulisa’s cute side plait was perfect for her fun look. This was just so much improved on the first night – making me excited to see the rest of the series now.