the bb breakdown: The Great Carey

Here at bb HQ, we have long been lovers of the incredibly chic Carey Mulligan - but the release just recently of the promotional material for Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby goes to show just what a shining star she is - the focus is all on Miss Daisy, not Leo di C. This week's bb breakdown looks at Carey's seriously smart style and that incredible cat's eye she rocks on the cover art.

Everything old is new again - let's see Miss Mulligan's fashionable footprint.

Carey co-starred in "Pride & Prejudice" with Keira Knightley in 2005, but she first truly caught our attention in 2008 in the cult hit "An Education" - a brilliant coming of age film in which she starred with Peter Sarsgaard. She has continued to dazzle us onscreen in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" and 'Never Let Me Go".

She embodies the ingenue - fresh-faced, almost makeup free - and her pure English beauty and flawless complexion mean that she can carry off any style - including a pixie crop haircut. She is known for her love of minimalist fashion - favourite names include Prada, Vionnet and Christopher Kane of Burberry Prorsum. Known for her previous relationship with co-star Shia LeBeouf, she is now engaged to Mumford & Sons lead singer Marcus Mumford - a fellow fabulous Brit.

We love the way she rocks a strong eye - and does it so well, with all the focus on her peepers and minimal makeup elsewhere. Her look for "The Great Gatsby" has meant a ramp up in what she would wear personally - and she looks amazing.

To get your jazz on, we recommend using Eye of Horus Smokey Eye Pencil and Liquid Define Eyeliner - a fabulous combination that are incredibly easy to use and give an amazing result. If you are doing a strong eye, then a flawless canvas is essential - try Savoir Faire Mineral Foundation for the smoothest surface. A berry lip will complete the look - we love Yes to Carrots Lip Tint in Ready Red - the peppermint will help plump your pout and the organic ingredients will make you feel naturally gorgeous.

Gatsby-esque fashion is going to be incredibly strong this autumn/winter, with 20s influenced style already seen on the runways in Milan, Paris and New York - with Ralph Lauren the leader in making the dog days come alive. And for us, Carey Mulligan's portrayal of Daisy Buchanan will sum up the mood of the collections perfectly; seductive, dreamy and luxe - with a little bit of wistfulness. It's also no hardship to have Leo and Joel Edgerton on screen at the same time!

What's your favourite Carey look? Do you think she is a great choice for Gatsby's goddess? Let us know here!

(Images courtesy of Adweek, B.A.F.T.A.S (c), Easy Living and Elle Magazine respectively)