Sunday, March 28, 2010

Under Construction; Part II

I'm working on a new layout for the blog, so bear with me. If you're interested in doing a link exchange with me, please tell me in the comments below :]

Saturday, March 27, 2010

The airport dilemma.

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time getting dressed for the airport. It's so hard to dress comfortably and stylishly at the same time. It's been niggling at me for days now to try to figure out what I need to start wearing. Here's what I've come up with.


I usually wear an old band t-shirt and a hoody, with sneakers to the airport. And I always feel self conscious because I look like a boy. I hate airports, they're so stressful. And the last thing you need is an uncomfortable outfit adding to that. So, a pair of loose, khaki trousers that won't wrinkle too easily (not that I've tested the Stella ones or anything) and a comfy tank are a recipe for success.
A blazer is one of the most comfortable jackets going. Maybe not this particular one, considering it probably weighs quite a lot, but most people don't own a Givenchy blazer.
Shoes are always the worst part. People always suggest sandals, but in Ireland it's only really ever warm enough for them around May. And I always have to go to the airport at about 6, so you're not going to be comfortable braving the irish coldness in a pair of gladiators. So, these Doc Marten-ish boots are pretty perfect.
And of course, a big bag for carrying extra layers of clothes, different shoes if needed and all those other airport neccesities.

SHOPPING

So,no, I didn't go to the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Awards 2010 photoshoot, the weather wasn't great and I think I'm getting a cold. So, instead, me and my mum headed out to the Kildare Outlet Village for some retail therapy.
I mainly went to see the new Juicy Couture shop, which was honestly dissapointing. The interior was really cool, though. I was hoping for some Bird Couture, but there all there really was was those velour tracksuits and some velour handbags.
I adore the DKNY shop though, it's got some very good reductions on some very nice quality basic pieces.
I then headed onto Penneys in Whitewater because I couldn't afford anything in the outlet. I got a gorgeous pleather biker jacket, I'll take pictures later.
Anyway, here's what I wore;


Shorts; Penneys. Tank; Penneys. Cropped blouse; vintage. Blazer; Thrifted. Socks; ? Shoes; Penneys.
I buy too much stuff at Penneys, don't I?

So, my advice to you is if you are taking a trip to Kildare for some shopping, head to the Outlet, then go to Whitewater for some good ol' fashioned high street shopping. There's a big food court there too, which is good because you will be hungry and tired. And while you're at Whitewater, check out Tosca and The Frock Exchange. There's two second hand shops within walking distance of each other around the area which Tosca and The Frock Exchange are, and when you've finished those two, you can walk to Penneys. I am an expert at shopping, you see.

Me in a nutshell.




Blouse; Alexander McQueen. Skirt; well.... tank; South. Shoes; Penneys.

I think this outfit pretty much sums up my style. I turned a cocktail dress and a skirt inside out and let the tulle lining act as the main skirt. I really like it, but I can't say I'd wear it outside the house.


Broke out the frilly umbrella. Penneys, where else?


My dog Penny decided to get in on the action. (For the record, I didn't name her after the shop.)

Spot the dog.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Irish shopping.

Although Dublin doesn't exactly spring to mind when listing off the best places to shop, you can be really surprised at what you find when you look hard enough. I have not been shopping for too many years, but I think I have a pretty wide knowledge of the shops in Dublin and the surrounding area.
I have discovered so many gems over the years, it will be impossible to list them all, but I'll share my favorite places with you.



BROWN THOMAS

If, like me, you're one of those tacky tourists who always makes it her first priority to have a snoop around an expensive shop, then Brown Thomas, or as we natives tend to nickname it, BTS is for you.
Have a craving for some McQueen? Some Vera Wang bridal? LV? Chanel? Celine? Are you dieing for that feeling when you see something so beautiful that your heart starts beating really fast and your hands move without your brain's approval? Then head down to Brown Thomas. It's probably a bit out of most people's price range, but it's nice to look at, no?


BT2

Does Sacks have a separate store for the cool young kiddo? How about Harrods? Printemps? Not that I know of, anyway. Brown Thomas has made another store, this one stocking the more affordable but still pretty luxe items. Head in here for See by Chloe, Juicy Couture, 3,1 Philip Lim, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Diane Von Furstenburg and various other cheap/diffusion labels. You are more likely to score a bargain here than in the regular BT, and they also carry MAC there too. Does it get any better?


COVET


Oh dear. If I could have one wish, it would probably be to come in here and play dress up. They have an amazing selection of just about everything, from vintage to Chanel, and it's all for rent! I wish I had some sort of fancy Gala, I'd come in here and dress up and have a ball. The only drawback is that I'd have to give it back. Oh well, it's better than nothing, right?


TOSCA
Unfortunately, Tosca doesn't have a website so I don't have any pictures, but this place is probably one of my favorite shops. Unlike a lot of the others I have listed, this shop is not located in the center of Dublin, but in Kildare.(there's plenty of other shopping to do here, ladies, no worries.)
Basically, Tosca is like a consignment store. With tonnes of second hand designer clobber, and some really special unbranded bits and bobs too, it's a definite must see. And if you're from around the area, pop in once in a while and check back. Last time I was there they had the most adorable vintage Chanel bag, which sent my heart in flutters. Tosca, I give you my love!

PENNEYS

If you've read my blog before, you know I am a Penneys addict. It's probably the irish answer to Forever 21, just, in my opinion, a lot better. I never get tired of this place. If you're not English or Irish, and are planning on coming over to Eire for a while, you need to come to Penneys. And you won't have any trouble locating one, because they're all over the country. Literally.

KILDARE OUTLET VILLAGE
Another Kildare gem. Probably the best outlet in the country, this place is your go to area for reductions on Juicy Couture(!), 7 For All Mankind(!!), LK Bennet, Balley, Anya Hindmarch, Jaeger, DKNY, Calvein Klein undies, and many more. Need I say more?

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Underwear as Outerwear.

This, in my eyes, is definately the hardest trend to pull off for the summer. But all hope is not lost. There are ways of looking like you're wearing your bra without really wearing your bra. Yep, it's a tromp de l'oeil, and it's going to become your best friend this summer.



This shirt from the lovely ASOS really gives the illusion of a bra with a supersized belt. It's not though. It's a tank, and it looks comfy, versatile and expensive. And at £35, it won't break the bank either.



Of course, Miu Miu. For me, it was Dior Couture that set this trend, but when translated into their RTW it just didn't work. It just wasn't wearable, it was too much like literal undwear. But, Miuccia worked it into something totally wearable, and so luxe. Words cannot describe how much I loved that collection. Maybe the latest Miu Miu collection didn't quite live up, but there were still some nice bits.



HOT. This dress from NastyGal totally screams glamour and sexyness. Dressed up or down, it's perfect and totally nails this trend, while still having a kind of timeless quality about it. I can see this being worn in a few years with whatever new, spangly jacket and boots are in trend then and looking amazing.




The man behind one of the most perfect bags in the world(DINNASAWWRS), Giles Deacon has created this very pretty little piece for New Look. The detailing is pretty amazing, everything is done completely out of sequins. And, of course, the cut out detail is band on trend. For £65, it's very reasonable, but it won't hang around for long, so get yours while you can.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

HOLIDAYS and GOOD NEWS

Even though the weather is typically Irish(horrible), I am feeling ever so summery. I always end up packing waay too much stuff, so I decided to create a capsule suitecase, if you will, for inspiration for myself.



I would pack;
.2 pairs of pants for the aeroplane and those chillier days
.2 pairs of shorts because they are oh-so chic and versatile.
.1 skirt because it is so damn beautiful.
.3 pairs of shoes because, well, they are neccesary. In reality you probably need something a little more reliable, such as /ugh/sneakers.
.4 t-shirts/tanks/bra things because they are comfy and can be dressed up so many ways.
.1 fierce leather jacket for the colder days/airport.
.1 stunning, bold dress by McQueen for formal evenings, and for possibly dressing down with sandals and a nice headband.
.2 gorgeous bags. Chanel because it can go from day to night so easily, Balenciaga because you can toss all your stuff in it for the airport, and use it when you actually get there for those days when you need a jacket there just in case. Just pray the studs don't set off the metal detector.

And I am hopefully going to be heading to the Nokia Young Designer Awards on the weekend. I'll take pictures and put them up after.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

There's a big yellow thing the sky!

Finally, the sun has decided to shine upon the warmth-deprived island we call Ireland, and make things slightly more bearable.
Well, for a few hours at least. Then the wind picked up and everyone sighed and went back inside, peeling off their gladiators and pulled off their sunglasses.
But, it still made me happy.

All I want to wear this summer is;


When I made this, I thought I was rich. I thought I had enough money to buy a Wang-a-like bag from Ebay, and a big silver cuff from there too, and still have enough left over for McQueen Snake Effect Leggings if they go on sale. Then I counted my money and realized I didn't have enough for any of them. BGUNEDM SHIT.
But I've decided to just save my money and get the leggings. Anyway, back on topic.
What I really want to do this summer is take basic articles of clothing for the base of my outfit, then add a classic, identifiable but not in your face bag, and some big chunk costume jewellery. It's easy to take in your suitcase, it's comfy, and it's chic. What more could anyone want?

Thursday, March 18, 2010

All I can think about




I can't get my mind off these Miu Mius. My train of thought keeps breaking, and I have a big cloud of bejeweled pink-ness in my mind.
My favourites are definitely the powder pink ones, although I can't say I would turn down any of them. After Alexa Chung tweeted a picture of her wearing them, I fell in love. Hard.
So, congrats Miuccia, you really have created the perfect shoe.
And if there are a few lying around your office I'd be kind enough to take them off your hands.
I'm going hunting for some lookalikes on the weekend, if you've seen any please let me know, I am in desperate need of these.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Úna Burke

I was lucky enough to stumble upon the immensely talented Irish designer Úna Burke while browsing the web.
She is amazing, really and truely.


I think the picture speaks for itself, she is a one of a kind. You can see the rest of her designs here;
http://www.unaburke.com/

Happy Paddy's Day!

Hi to everyone celebrating our patron saint's day today! :]
So I didn't do much today, but I thought I'd do a spotlight on someone who is irish, and has a major role in one of the biggest fashion magazines in the world.

Who? Aoife Wasser
What? Creative Director for Teen Vogue
Where? Dublin, Ireland.
'I grew up in Dublin and came to New York after college with one suitcase. I thought I'd be here for three months and get it out of my system, but I never went back to Ireland--except on vacation.'

She is a big inspiration to me and I really admire her for breaking into the fashion world, and just moving to NY like that! It can't be easy to go from boring old Ireland to the hustle and bustle of New York. I was only there for 3 days and I was exhausted!
I'd love to follow in her footsteps.




Oh, and in America do you really get pinched if you don't wear green?! I don't think I even own any green!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Dress to impress.

Firstly, happy Mother's day to those on my side of the pond! :D
Anyway, my Mother's day outfit was pretty simple. I wore the vintage floral dress I wore (or rather, laid out on my bed) in the Marc Jacobs inspired outfit here;

As I sat at our dinner table, feeling very grand in a full length dress, I realized just how dressed up I was compared to the rest of my family. My mum looked good- don't get me wrong, but it wasn't all out. My grandparents generally look nice and polished, but nothing to write home about. My dad and younger brother live in their tracksuits and comfy stuff. My other little brother is too young to really comment on.
And this got me thinking. I feel like a big fish in a small pond, I really do. People in my area have a uniform that goes a little like this;
tracksuits
uggs
skinny jeans

WOW! The only pro of this is that anything I wear that's a little out of the ordinary looks like something from the pages of Vogue. I feel uncomfortable wearing my outlandish outfits. People make snarky comments and pass mocking looks to their other crowd following friends. I can pretend it doesn't effect me, but it does. I'm only human.
I am so obsessed with the olden day lifestyle. When people have appearances to keep up and reputations to build. And so much of these reputations were based on the way you dressed. But I want to sit around and dine and be a lady and then sit on a little chair and make polite conversation! I want to have a reason for the way I dress.
I'm not from a posh family, so the only way to have a reason for the way I dress is to either make up one or build yourself a lifestyle.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Random outfit


Blazer; Thrifted, River Island. Check top; Next. Tartan ruffle top(worn under Next top) Alexander McQueen. Trousers; Penneys.
I'd wear it with a pair of those amazingly perfect chunky black Miu Miu heels that make my mouth water. And I'd wear it to Paris Fashion Week.
I can dream...

Enlisting the (fashion) army.



Blouse; Laura Ashley, borrowed from Mum. Vest(worn under)Penneys. 3/4 length khakis; ??
Boots; Penneys. Bag; Hot Kiss. British Vogue.

I got these trousers when I was like 11, I used to look terrible in them but I think I can make them look fashionable.
I think this would look pretty cool on because the Laura Ashley shirt is huge on me, so it would look really laid back and casual. I will hopefully wear it, but not around here. Maybe if I get to go to some really fashionable place and I won't stick out like a sore thumb, I'll wear it.
I stick out like a sore thumb all the time though, so maybe I'll just wear it shopping.

High Street Heaven

I am so in love with AX Paris. It's the best thing about New Look. Usually, New Look clothes are over trendy and bad quality. But Pussycat London and AX Paris are a saving grace for me. It's are so chic, but so unusual. I always catch people who live in JD Sports tracksuits laughing and scoffing at the dresses, and I just want to grab the dress and hiss 'myyyyyyy preciousssssssssssssssssss'
No! Don't laugh at them! They're too perfect!
And the prices are pretty fab too.

I love this, it reminds me a lot of that Vionnet peachy ruffle cardigan.



AAAH I WANT THIS.
It.is.perfection. In a big, creamy, rosy dress, like a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. It reminds me a lot of a Vivienne Tam dress from a few years ago which I loved.


I actually think the AX Paris one is better.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Fashion week(s)

I must say, the amount of fashion shows I found too boring to even watch the whole thing has been mind blowing. I'm really not into the minimalistic thing. However, there have been a few shows I am smitten with, and I will share them with you.



Alber Elbaz can do no wrong in my eyes. I would wear everything from that collection in a heartbeat, but then again, who wouldn't?


Missoni has to be my favourite show this year. I loove it. So much. I don't know why, I can't put my finger on it. But something about it feels so right.


I'll do some more later, there's been so many it's hard to keep track.
 
Header Image by Colorpiano Illustration