The pretty-ing my neck obsession continues

Me and Zena necklace €16

Nina Chakrabarti

I heart Florence

I love her. I do.

Ive been trying to convince my flatmate that a giant sequined moon swing like the one from her latest video is necessary for our living room in lieu of a christmas tree.

I wanna do a post in her honor too, just as soon as I can think of a pun her name fits into.....

....could be a while.

Here she is looking only massive at the T4 Stars of 2009 night......

And heres Oscar the Grouch, god sorry no, Paloma Faith at the same event.

Honestly love, no.

Just no.

Sensational Smalls

Came across some beautiful pictures on The Independent website today of a shoot styled by Niamh O'Rourke with photography by Andreas Pettersson. The shoot showcases some lovely smalls from Myla and such at BT's and jewellery from the divine Luxury Hall.

The article was edited by Constance Harris and can be viewed at the above link.

Gal's about Town - Carrie Ann Moran

So, I was struck down with flu and feeling a little sorry for myself lately so I have been quite slow with the ole blog posts, thank you for pointing this out Emma, so to make up for it heres another glimpse into the fashionable brains of our very own Gals about Town and the lovely Carrie Ann Moran of Rediscover Fashion is up next, a link to the site is above but find out more about this exciting new endevour by Carrie and Co. in an upcoming post........

Name - Carrie Ann Moran

Occupation - Fashion Director, Rediscover Fashion

Describe your personal style in 4 words - Playful, Retro, colourful with a modern twist

Biggest fashion influence - Has to be the 60’s fashion , style, music, art, film...everything about that era influences me !

Most coveted fashion item right now -New Irregular Choice shoes….I have a serious addiction to them, little pieces of magic!!!

If your wardrobe/ personal style were an album, what album would it be?
Martha reeves and the Vandellas

Most trusty item in your wardrobe -Pink Patent Bag with matching patent shoes, they go with everything!!!

Best dressed/favourite look - Modern Day Lady would be Roisin Murphy for her eccentricity.....and definitely Audrey Hepburn for a timeless classic

Worst dressed/ least favourite look -The whole 80’s revival, it wasn’t good then and certainly aint now!!!

Favourite fashion image - Warhol, Sedgewick and New York City - need I say more!

Not really high fashion but oh so ifluential

I really must get rid of that ……… nothing ….. I hoard everything!!!!

I really must dig out…………. That coat in my picture above!!!!! A Vintage Find in London …love it

Unfortunate.....

God love her eh? I understand youre trying to forge a music career for yourself now Leighton but come on, thats just messing.

scarlet for your ma.

Ooooh me likey.....

Theres a boutique around the corner from where I live called Dolls who stock the most beautiful clothing and who also stock Tatty Devine jewellery to my delight, which I know is no new name to the jewellery world but everytime I pass by I cant resist going in to peek at the selection. Such quirky beautiful pieces all of which I covet with no exception. Here are some lovelies, christmas is coming, nudge nudge..........

50's spec's necklace

Acrobat's Necklace

Ruby Slipper's Necklace

Gilbert and George Gin Necklace

Crisp Necklace

Tatty Devine for (rather excellent band) Cobra Killer Brooches

Cinderella Necklace

Swallow Brooches

Tatty Devine for Asish Angel wing rings

I see your........

I see your Christian Louboutin boots for squillions of euro

and I raise you

Penny's version for 21 euro

Simples.

Check me mug....

'Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek' Thats what I mostly said for about an entire week before Decembers issue of the very fab mag Stellar came out, 8 of us bloggers had been asked by Stellars lovely fashion editor Corina Gaffey to be interviewed and photographed for an article entitled 'A passion for fashion'.

Above is my page, yup thats right, we each got a full page hence the eeeeeeeeeeekkkkk. I need not have been too worried tho as the Stellar team did a great job on the article and on representing each of our various styles.

Decembers issue of Stellar is still very much available in newsagents until mid next month for the recession kicking price of 2 euros.

Get in.

My oh Miles

Was checking out photographer Miles Aldridges work today, so beautiful - the colours, the subject matter, the theatrical poise of the models, amazing.

Check out www.milesaldridge.com

Gimme.....

Loves it.

My friend Orla kindly treated me to this studded clutch when we were recently in the metropolis that is Primark in Oxford Street in London Town.

Thanks smorls. xx

(pick from look book)

Liberty Blue

Whilst at Off the Rails in the RDS on Sunday I chanced across a great little boutique called Liberty Blue which I was told is located up north at 19-21 Lombard Street, Belfast.

Gorgeous trinket necklaces, hats, brooches, hair slides and clothes were displayed amongst pictures of Debbie Harry, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Their stand was really pretty and I had to pop on the internet afterwards to check them out. Their website seems to be under construction but you can take a peek at their myspace on the above link.

Check out these beauts.....

Gorgeous. I want both please.

Nice work Chung one

I got a bit of a dose of Alexa envy today when I saw this picture of her..........

She manages to pull off the cutest clothes whilst anyone else might look like they have plundered a three year olds wardrobe whilst they were in playschool.

More examples of her skills over time........

Damn you Chung, you win this one.

Je T'aime

Bourjois have totally stolen my heart with these beautiful limited edition make up pots containing their most in demand eye and cheek colours.

The Bourjois range first used and made popular by Parisian actresses in the mid nineteen century have just released a limited edition collection called 'Rendez-Vous A Paris'. With the help of French artist and illustrator, Nathalie Lete each pot is adorned with a picture perfect postcard view of everyones favourite fashion mecca the wonderful city of lights that is Paris.

I believe they are currently only available exclusively from ASOS but keep an eye out for them as they will make a pretty addition to anyones make up bag.

New Choo's???

This coming saturday November 14th sees the launch of a one off collaboration between affordable high street giant H&M and shoe legends Jimmy Choo.

Tamara Mellon has exclusively designed a Jimmy Choo collection for the Swedish high street brand encompassing womens shoes, bags, jewellery and even a capsule collection of womenswear pieces and a collection of shoes for men to boot (pun intended).

Since Tamara Mellon launched the brand in 1996, Jimmy Choo has represented independence, power and femininity.

Now the luxury shoes will be available for to all women who wanted to be a part of this universe but were not able to afford it and that’s defo a brilliant brilliant thing especially in the 'current climate' as they say.

“The H&M customer is slightly younger, yet we wanted to stay true to what Jimmy Choo is,” says Mellon. “There is a sense of rock chick but always with added elegance. The Jimmy Choo AW ’09 collection had a big Debbie Harry and chic punk-rock inspiration—leopard, neon studs—so that was our starting point. We were not sure at first whether we could use real leathers, studs, crystals, and rivets, but when we found what was possible, it completely exceeded our expectations.”

Pop to the H&M website (link is in the list to your left) for details on stores stocking this collection and to view the strict 'crowd control' plan. seriously.

My two favourite pieces from the collection are below. Im currently having a bit of a bag moment so these clutches caught my beady eyes.........

Pink Cutch - Jimmy Choo for H&M €59.95

Black 100% leather Clutch - Jimmy Choo for H&M €99

Happy Shopping!!

Wowzers

Whilst browzing about the internet there as I do, I stumbled across the most amaaaazing images by 29 year old, Berlin based photographer Patrick Houi. These images are from the featured portfolio section on V magazine's website, for a look at more of Patrick's work click the link above.

Im in love with these images, sooo beautiful.






(all images by Patrick Houi as posted on Vmagazine.com)

Movember - well you're no Tom Selleck, yet.

Movember is about bringing the moustache back and having some fun for a very serious cause - prostate cancer. It is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issue's, specifically prostate cancer. Mo Bros, start Movember (November 1st) clean shaven and then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache.
Now in its second year, we are all looking forward to seeing Mo Bro's & Sista's embrace the Mo once again.

This year Im leppin' on the bandwagon by supporting my good friend's Cian and Jose in their tash growing tribulations, follow their effort at the link above.

The boys are currently cultivating some serious furry facial art work all for the cause.

Look at their little clean shaven baby faces, how could ya not love it?.............

Jose Before/ After.....Hes bringing 'taches back

Cian Before/ After.........Hes growin a ronnie for your money

Follow their moustached moves at their blog http://mochicos.wordpress.com/

Fasion Bloggers shoot for Stellar magazine

Hello all, here are a few pic's from a photoshoot I took part in for an editorial on fashion blogger's for December's upcoming edition of Stellar magazine which should be in shops mid November.

We had a lovely morning being pampered by the girl's from Make up Forever and the wonderful Maurice Flynn, hairdresser extrodinaire.

Corina Gaffey, Stellar's fashion editior took on the probably exhausting task of interviewing all five of us bloggers before we were snapped by the fabulous photographer Lili Forberg wearing the finest threads.

I met some lovely fellow fashion bloggers on the day, these are some casual photo's taken by myself and find links to their blog's below.........

http://www.stellarmagazine.wordpress.com/

http://www.missliliphoto.wordpress.com/
http://www.thestylebitches.com/

http://www.opheliaford.com/

http://www.fashionfiliosofy.com/

http://www.cosmo-sparkle.blogspot.com/

http://www.whistyblog.wordpress.net/

http://www.thisisanoffshoot.blogspot.com/

Oooooh me likey......

I adore this oriental inspired dress below from Mossy's latest Topshop collection in store from next week......

Time to get the fishnets back out me-thinks.

American Apparel in-store bash

If you are about Dublin town on this fine evening leg it promptly to American Apparel 114 - 116 Grafton Street where you will be greeted upon arrival with complimentary drinks and food and a whopper of a 15% discount on all AA purchases, yummy.

The after partytakes place in Spy on South William Street where they are hosting a costume party and karaoke from 9-3am with prizes for best dressed.

sure its a thursday, what else would ya be doing?

While you are there say hi to the lovely Zohra and Leonn AA ladies and fellow fashion bloggers, links to their sites are below......

http://www.opheliaford.com/

http://www.cosmo-sparkle.blogspot.com/

Have fun kids x

Gal's about Town - Miss Harlot de Ville

Having recently relocated from Dublin to London town, this burlesque beauty is now persuing her performance dream in the UKs captial with regsular performances at burlesque events and launches. Meet the lovely Ms Harlot de Ville....

Name -Ms. Harlot DeVille

Occupation - Burlesque Broad, Pin-up Peach and Personal Shopper

Describe your personal style in 4 words- Individual, Structure, Classic, Hollywood

Biggest fashion influence- Grace Kelly, Natalie Wood, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren. Both my Grandmothers always dressed impeccably,despite having hugefamilies and little or no budget.Performance wise,my costumes and performances are influenced bychildhood musicals, Tim Burton, David Lynch and Jack Vettriano

Most coveted fashion item right now- A Grace Kelly-style (RearWindow-era) vintage frock which caught my eye in Brick Lane last week

If your wardrobe/ personal style were an album, what album would it be? -

Peggy Lee, Black Coffee

Most trusty item in your wardrobe - Black 'Nina' organza dress from Coast. It's beautifully cut, a classic style and I know I will wear it for years to come

Best dressed/favourite look - Classic Dior. My favourite era is1945-1955, classic tailoring, nipped in waists. Simple elegance

Worst dressed/ least favourite look - So-called leisurewear,velourtracksuits. If you're not actually in training for the Olympics or in the gym, then there is no excuse. NONE!

Favourite fashion image - Her expression is incredible,such a bold and beautiful image (image below)

I really must get rid of that - I'm so bad at getting rid of anything especially clothing. Having recently moved to London, I did have to seriously rethink what I do and don't wear but so much of my wardrobe gets recycled as costume pieces for photoshoots or acts that I find it impossible to permanently get rid of pieces. I tend to off load a lot of my clothes onto my friends in the hope that if I do need them at any point I can 'borrow' them

I really must dig out - My Hitchcock movies and my sewing kit. It's a horrid day outside and it's high time I got my Christmas cossies in order

www.myspace.com/harlotwithaheart

www.twitter.com/MsHarlotDeVille

My latest love......

Lately I've become increasingly beguiled with nail art - so wrong its right in my eyes. Once a big no no, now a huge yes please and thank you.

Whilst pottering around Arnotts Project in a daze a couple of weeks ago I was strangely drawn to a neatly pressed looking lady sitting waiting behind her nail art station and the array of nail art designs she was proudly displaying beside her. Admiring them from the corner of my eye whilst hiding my less than perfect nails in my pockets I supressed the desire to pounce and silently vowed to make a point of grooming my talons so she could work her magic at a later date.

Since then Ive noticed these little beauties everywhere, Revlon do some lovely press on versions as do Claires Accessories although I had to stop myself when i realised I had absentmindedly been wandering around Claire's with a set of spider web nails and full intention to buy them.....to wear where exactly Im not too sure.

My suggestion is to start off small with some DIY nail art...how fun. Its like art class all over again.

Anyone who knows me can tell you that i am a leopard print lover to an almost alarming degree so Im off to try my hand at these bad boys.....

If animal print ain't your thing, try your hand at these lace lovelies, simply cut some thin lace material to size and fit over a wet layer of clear varnish, once this is dry apply a second coat of varnish to set them. Of course the McQueen clutch probably helps to set them off but we can all dream......

Colourful options.....

So start off small but perhaps take it easy when you get to a more proficeint level, these charming little fellows below probably wont go down too well in the 9 to 5.......

Thrifty me.....

Sigh......Whilst I lust after the above Angel Jackson studded sequin satchel and despair at how we will never be together.... Ive found a similar style that wont break the bank..........

Metallic satchel bag - Marks and Spencer €52

Happy Birthday to Stellar

Stellar - Irelands coolest womens magazine is one, thats 1 whole year of the best fashion, interviews, gossip, news and reviews.....hurrah and heres to many more


Check out a note from Stellar on why you should get your coat immediately and run to the shops to get your copy.....

Hello all!


It's our birthday..Gonna party like it's our birthday!

Yes, it's true..STELLAR is 1! But here at STELLAR towers we are a giving lot. Even though it's our birthday we are giving away some gifts!

Pick up the mag to be in with a chance to win over €7,000 worth of prizes! Wowzer!


Here is what else to expect in our b'day issue!

*298 secret Wardrobe Weapons to update your look in an instant!

*100 celebs we are lovin' right now

*10 ways to change the world in your 20's

*Naked Guys! Irish Boys in their b'day suits (well it is our b'day!)

*How to be a billionaire Plus loads of fashion & beauty & much much more...


Don't forget to keep checking the blog http://stellarmagazine.wordpress.com/
Follow us on twitter..http://twitter.com/stellarmagazine

STELLAR x


Well, hurry then, off you pop............

Gal's about Town - Jessie Ward

Name -Jessie Ward
Occupation - By day, video editor/director - by night, member of the band Talulah Does The Hula & sometimes DJ

Describe your personal style in 4 words- RocknRoll, Shape, Texture & Comfort

Biggest fashion influence- I'm obsessed with anything 60’s and French, so films like "A Woman is a Woman" or "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" or singer’s like France Gall
Most coveted fashion item right now- Minidresses or Playsuits paired with anything studded and leather - though I can't afford anything like that! The most coveted thing I own is a tiger-print Shaheen wiggle dress made from http://whirlingturban.com/boutique
If your wardrobe/ personal style were an album, what album would it be? - At the moment, probably Blondie Parallel Lines or the soundtrack to the film Smashing Time: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2642429714_9f859088f9.jpg

Most trusty item in your wardrobe - My white & navy striped stretchy tunic top from Topshop - nice low-cut back :)

Best dressed/favourite look - Anyone who can do a modern take on classic 60’s so probably Zoey Deschanel. During the actual 60’s Anna Karina was amazing, I reckon Zoey is trying to be a modern-day Karina
Worst dressed/ least favourite look - Pussycat Dolls
Favourite fashion image - Audrey Hepburn in ‘Funny Face’, or that amazing photo from 1962, by the South African photographer Sam Haskins of a girl named Gill - it's on the cover of ‘The Last of the Shadow Puppets’ album...

I really must get rid of that - I can't really answer that because I'm a real packrat, I always figure I'll be able to use something again - especially now that I've got a sewing machine. I'm obsessed with up-cycling everything
I really must dig out - my Mom's dresses bought in Camden market at the height of the swinging 60’s, including a crocheted mini-dress. Sound’s awful but it's really cute

http://myspace.com/talulahdoesthehula

http://loveactionluvs.blogspot.com/

Purple Reigns

purple picks from the highstreet....

Shoulder pad jumper - AWear €25

Geo mittens - Urban Outfitters €25

Lace Lantern Dress - Warehouse €60

Junk Food - 'Wizard of Oz' tee- Urban Outfitters approx €35

Dress - Once Upon A Time - Bt2 €200

short satin evening gloves with front bow - Cornelia James approx €35

Python Cinch Belt - Cornelia James £170 sterling

Purple all over sequin dress - Warehouse €115

For Websites see links to the right

Gal's About Town -Dandelion

Next up is one of Dublins best loved Dj's and general style icon's, the beautiful and always cool Dandelion

Name - Dandelion
Occupation - DJ & Vintage Clobber Dealer

Describe your personal style in 4 words - Sixties, New York, London, Underground
Biggest fashion influence - BIBA and all the BIBA shop girls
Most coveted fashion item right now - My 60s Cathy McGowan Boutique Shoes (She of Ready Steady Go fame)
If your wardrobe/ personal style were an album, what album would it be? - Love - 'Forever Changes'
Most trusty item in your wardrobe - Red Vinyl Coat
Best dressed/favourite look - 1966 Andre Courrege's spaceage fashions
Worst dressed/ least favourite look - 80s Goth.... 80s Clothes - THE WORST TIME IN FASHION EVER ! { BURN IT ALL}
Favourite fashion image ....See below

I really must get rid of that ……… Mary Quant coat by Alligator - that doesnt fit (its' been wasted)
I really must dig out that…………Michael Mott Paraphernalia dress

Water water everywhere......

Double Frill Walker Umbrella - Umbrellas - Accessories - Topshop

So its rainy season again, Ill be brightening up my day with this beauty from Topshop, nom.

Gal's about Town - Lydia des Dolles

After a not so brief sojourn I am back and ready to blog, raarrr.

So, With Dublin hot on the heels of London, Paris and Berlin these days in the street style stake's and the popularity of online trend blogs and snapshot fashion stories I have decided to look to a couple of ladies who's sense of style and adventure I admire......to coin a phrase, Here come the girls!!!................................

First up is the lovely Lydia des Dolles, glamourous grunge goddess and lead singer of local band to watch Sweet Jane.


Name - Lydia Des Dolles
Occupation - Lead Singer of Sweet Jane

Describe your personal style in 4 words - comfortable / dark / moody / simple
Biggest fashion influence - Stevie Nicks
Most coveted fashion item right now - Black & White Rabbit Fur Coat
If your wardrobe/ personal style were an album, what album would it be? -
Oasis ''Whats the story morning Glory''
Most trusty item in your wardrobe - Black ski pants
Best dressed/favourite look - grunge meets goth via the 90's
Worst dressed/ least favourite look - Victoria Beckham, she never looks comfortable
Favourite fashion image - the designer Hannah Marshall & all her collections, total goth queen
I really must get rid of that ……… orange velure jumpsuit
I really must dig out………… my black jean hotpants

Designs by Hannah Marshall
http://www.hannahmarshall.com/

Electric Picnic

I for one am extrreeeeaamly excited about this years Electric Picnic. I have gone every year so far from the first year when the festival was a one day wonder with Arrested Development (blast from the past or what?) to last years fun extravaganda that included The Presets and Cut Copy amongst many many others. In my eyes its one of Europes best festivals and amazingly it still manages to out-do the last every year.

This years line up including Florence and The Machine, Chic, MGMT, LCD Soundsystem Djs and faaar too many other amazing acts to mention seems to be the topic on everyones lips as the weekend gets closer and closer - 15 more sleeps and counting folks!

In the run up to the festival I've decided to ask a stylish lady about town what acts she is looking forward to and what fashions she intends to dig out for the weekend where pretty much anything goes.


Helen Kennedy


21/Dublin / Fashion Journalism Student

How many years have you been going to Electric Picnic? 1 (this year will be my second)

Highlights of the past few years: LCD Soundsystem, Chemical Brothers, Primal Scream, Modest Mouse, The Beastie Boys, The Jesus and Mary Chain...

Looking forward to: The Walkmen, Fleet Foxes, Royksopp, Orbital, Simian Mobile Disco, Bat For Lashes, Basement Jaxx, First Aid Kit, Lykke Li, MGMT, Madness, Whitest Boy Alive, The Sugarhill Gang.

Dream Headliners: Animal Collective, Neil Young, The Brian Jonestown Massacre/The Strokes.

Your top tip: Scented moisturiser/body spray and Rennies, perfect combo to make ye feel better.

Festival Love: The buzz, the music, the culture.

Festival Hate: No easily accessible toilet first thing in the morning.

Fashion must haves for the festival: Accessories! Scarves, hats, headbands, jewellery-anything to distract people from your drunk state, your manky appearance and not-so-fresh body odour....

If you were playing included on your rider would be…….A proper bed. I NEED to sleep at festivals, even just for a few mins at a time.

What you shall be ‘rockin’ this year: Vintage high wasted denim shorts, band tees, couple of dresses, check/lace/floral shirts, vintage military/leather jacket, All a must! Oh and wellies of course.

I will be rockin a body-con blue skirt whilst rocking out to 2 Many DJ's

These boots are made for walking (after some practice presumably)

Well to say I'm a little obsessed with these beauties is an understatement. Ive always been a fan of the retro folksy rock look a pair of sleek thigh high boots can create. The good news is fashion has come full circle and these lovelies are all over the high street for autumn, come pay day i fully intend to be sporting a pair.
The key to wearing them this time around is to wear them with next seasons glam grunge or Glunge as its been proclaimed ie. denims, plaids, fake fur and layers. At all costs...avoid chanelling Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, keep it casual and these boots are soon to become your autumn fashion favourite.

Laura Whitmore for AWear

Fashion and Music go hand in hand and AWear designers seem to be the latest to mix the two. AWear have collaborated with Irish girl and MTV news presenter Laura Whitmore for a special collection of 20 pieces in association with impulse bodyspray. The collection is available in AWear stores now starting at a very recession friendly €12.

Think rock chick with a hint of glam grunge they tell us..........well ok then....

See attached link and get shopping.

The Plan

Well, here I am, blogging, who'd a thunk it?
Decided to start up this blog as lets face it I tend to spend any spare minute of the day reading other blogs, websites, magazines and newspapers scouring for fashion pieces to dream about and to inspire me and of course my wardrobe.
The plan as it stands is to update this (fairly) regularly with fashion and music news and finds almost like my own scrapbook in a way.
hope you enjoy....
xxx