dresses!

 If I had the money I would totally invest in one of these dresses......Roksanda Ilincic for Matches.com. How gorgeous? They have graduation frock written all over them.

Not sure if I could manage the price tag though. But there are some fantastic designs there for you to choose from if your feeling flush

THE DREADFUL DIARIES : Ouch my head hurts....

THE DREADFUL DIARIES : One more time for the cheap seats in the back....

So I am off travelling again this week for work and I'm quite excited. I move around quite a bit but I have managed to stay still for a bit which is good. I was getting quite tired....
Not much news to share with you other then my descent into madness last night in which I forgot to photograph my own make-up, which never happens! It takes so long to do that I always photograph it. I woke up this morning after I fell asleep with my big blue face paint on looking like I lost a fight with a MAC counter!!!!!
I have to be more disciplined about my skincare routine!!!
We also have a new president as well. I heard a few bits and bobs from his speech as I found myself stuck on the way home. Trying to get through a massive crowd while holding a large pot of butternut squash will remain as one of my oddest Galway memories for a while now. I had to scale a bush at one point - not a fan of that, I almost ripped my tights!!!
Anyway, I hope you've all had a wonderful Halloween and gotten loads of candies and other lovely things. I am off to bed for a bit now to recover from my night of mayhem and misbehaviour in the halls of the Roisin last night....to anyone who might have met me, tell me, was my make-up okay???!!!!!

Grazia Daily outs a face wipe addict!!!

Graziadaily.co.uk published a brilliantly funny online article from Laura Atkinson on the subject of skincare and facewipes. I quite enjoyed it, so I thought I would share it here. I would like to stress that this is NOT my work and I am not taking credit for it.
I am literally sharing the work by Laura Atkinson - you can access it here : http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/TheFash-Bride/archive/2011/10/31/help-i-want-wedding-skin-.htm
Do check it out!

HELP! I WANT WEDDING SKIN

When you get married, it's basically an excuse to, like, totally improve yourself. And when I say improve yourself, I mean change your looks until you’re almost unrecognisable to 90% of your guests. The brides-to-be that I've known have, between them, lost weight, given up smoking, cut down on their drinking, had their teeth done, had botox...one even (shhhh!) had some surgery (she wanted to keep it secret; but since when is a boob job not obvious? And why get it done in the first place if you're not going to go around shouting 'LOOK AT MY NEW BOOBS?).
As a bride-to-be myself, I've got quite a lot of work to go. In the grand scheme of brides, I really am as bad as it gets; I smoke, I drink, I eat too much cheese and could do with losing at least a stone; my teeth are far from Simon-Cowell-white. Yes, I am A CATCH. But forget my addiction to Marlboro Lights for a moment; that big old binge drink I did last night? Whatever. No, I've got bigger problems; an addiction so awful that it causes members of the Grazia beauty team to recoil in horror. Yes, my name is Laura and I am addicted to… facewipes.

I am not alone. Across the country, women too ashamed to be named face the same problem. The scourge of a generation, they're easy to come by, but hard to kick - trust me, I've tried. If, like me, you're remotely lazy, they lure you in - and before you know it, you're using them three, four times a day...

I know that as a 31-year-old, I should have a cleanse, tone, moisturise routine. I know that Facewipes are bad for me, that scrubbing my makeup off with a supermarket brand wipe and then falling into bed does not a skincare routine make. I know that I will not have the amazing skin I really want on my wedding day if I continue to use them. I know this, because the nice woman at the Elemis beauty counter told me so last week when she analysed my face; and also because my skin is, to be honest, not great. Brides should be glowing, dewy, blushing. I am a bit grey, a bit dry and a bit haunted-looking. Sexytimes.

So, I am embarking on my first bit of Bridezilla-style rejuvination. Not for me the giving up smoking (brides holding a cigarette in all wedding photos is a great look, right? Right?) or getting up at 6am to run round the park. No, I am starting with my Facewipe addiction, convinced that this is the key to beautiful bride-style skin. Lily Allen, Kate Middleton… even Kate Moss ‘glowed’ on her wedding day. I bet they don’t use Facewipes…

And so, it was with great difficulty that I threw my last pack in the bin earlier this week. Elemis reckon that three months is enough to get my skin looking good, so I have gone cold turkey - armed with a load of products that will hopefully give me Josephine De La Baume-type glowiness (her wedding skin is what I am aiming for). Two days in, and I'm still proudly cleansing, buffing, washing, exfoliating...which basically takes ages. How can anyone be faffed? How do you do it? See - this is what Facewipes have done to me. I am Waynetta slob in a pencil skirt. I can’t even be arsed to wash my own face.

Still, I am determined not to crack. Already, my skin looks a brighter and feels a heck of a lot softer. Someone at work said I looked 'shinier' - which I will take as a compliment, and not a comment on my grease levels.

So yes, I WILL have amazing skin by next summer. I WILL crack my Facewipe habit. Together, ladies, we can do this…

- Laura Atkinson

- I wish her the best of luck. If she cracks it, then god knows I might be next....I too have an awful addiction to facewipes which I am ashamed to admit to. I also know that I am ruining my skin by not removing my make-up properley and also like Laura, I have a Marlboro addiction. However, I am not getting married and see no reason to stop just yet......I'll start tommorow and all that!!!

http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/TheFash-Bride/archive/2011/10/31/help-i-want-wedding-skin-.htmhttp://www.graziadaily.co.uk/TheFash-Bride/archive/2011/10/31/help-i-want-wedding-skin-.htm

Reindeers

Since today is all about sleeping in and comfort (apparently) I thought I would throw out these reindeer Pj bottoms into the mix!
These are from Primark (Pennys) and will be available from now in store for €7.

PJ Salvage

I've fallen in love with an amazing pj company...Pj Salvage! They make the nicest comfiest Pjs you've ever seen. I wish I could have gotten a better image for you but this was the best I could find.
Anyway, you can find them in Brown Thomas for roughly about €55.
I love the cupcake set!

Vogue Cover for December

The December cover of UK Vogue is out.......hopefully its going to be worth it....

Miss Penny Dreadful Make-up is back....

 All this talk of me not going out for Halloween and not getting dressed up was what I suspected it was....total bollocks....I managed to head out in Galway this year after previous years in Limerick and Dublin (I believe in spreading the love and getting drunk in different parts of Ireland on a frequent basis.....) Anyway, I got to make over boys!!!!

 I've missed doing make-up professionally. I gave it up two years ago when I decided to become a masters student and concentrate on writing. But I didn't give up my kit or my brushes which I got to break out last night.  I am quite proud of myself since I find make-up fun and it was great to be creative again! I apologise for the darkness of the photos since my camera is still on the twisted side.....

 Anyway, here is a list of the products used :
White Foundation and White Powder mixed for base - Stargazer (I always have this in the kit)
White glitter - Barry M white glitter eyeshadow
Eyebrows - Rimmel eyeliner pencil
Brown eyeshadow - NARS
Lipstick - MAC 'cyber'
Liquid Eyeliner - Rimmel black
purple eyeshadow - BarryM

The make-up on the boys is pretty much the same product as this but there was wine involved and I can't remember if I used anything else!

 I on the other hand was a cat because I couldn't be bothered with a costume......
ears - Topshop
feathered cape - Next
I broke out the sequined hot pants again...god it had been a while...nice to know I'm thinner now then I was when I bought them.....hahahahhaha! Diet consisting of rice cakes and pesto does this to a person....

Happy Halloween kids....XOXOXOXOXOX

ONLINE FASHION WEEK ANNOUNCEMENT!

The launch date of Online Fashion Week is getting closer and closer and the brands signing up are getting more and more exciting. Alexander McQueen and Topshop are just two of the names gearing up for a week of online fashion mayhem....
It's running from the December 5th to 9th! I'm also planning a few days of mayhem on the blog to celebrate as well, so keep tuning in so you don't miss out......

.....Will announce more as I get it....

Fancy cuts....

Now you can go Chanel on that bruise.....and other such cuts

QUOTAGE!

"She was wearing a dress with an exposed back and I saw that back and that neck, and then she turned around and I saw those eyes, and — boom! My life as a single man was done. You have this feeling — I can’t really explain what it was, but I had it when I met her. I saw her across a room and thought: “What’s happening to me?”

- Johnny Depp on how he broke hearts around the world by meeting his current partner (love how I referred to her as if she's a passing phase in his life - THEY HAVE TWO KIDS PENNY!!!) and love of his life, Vanessa 'Chanel model and muse' Paradis

- Seriously though, what man actually thinks like that???? It's usually some horrendous comment concerning her boobs.....

- I've also used a really really old picture of Depp because I think JD looks better vintage....although.....he does rock a mean pirate costume...(and because of him, so do most men thinking their original at Halloween)

THE BEAUTY DIARIES : Joanne Hynes

The beauty diaries is my experiment at copying and re-interpreting catwalk beauty trends and reporting back on what I find. I decided to start with Joanne Hynes given that she used to be a tutor of mine back in the day (2004) and I liked the color pop eyebrows she had for SS12. I also decided that no one in their right mind would wear a streak under their eyebrows on the streets of Dublin, so I toned it down to a bright colored streak under the eyes - lets be reasonable here!!! The rest of the look is fresh faced and light, skin is dewy and the model looks as if she has had a full nights sleep. I, on the other hand - have not...so we will make do with what we have....
I apologise about the quality of the photos but it's half seven in the morning because I decided to test drive the first look at work. As usual, I am not going to give too much away - where is the fun in that?- but I am interested to see what my customers think and what I think over the course of the day. Already I don't feel too good about myself!
List of products used :
Eyebrow pencil - Rimmel
Eyeliner liquid pen - Rimmel
Brown eyeshadow - NARS
Blue eyeshadow - MAC
Foundation - Rimmel
Lipliner used as lipstick - Make-up Store
Concealer - Make-up Store
As you can see I have used a variety of products and a variety of labels as well. I don't like to stick to one brand because I find with all the great choice out there - its better to experiment!!!!
Start of the Day - I feel like I'm in drag. I didn't stray too far from my usual make-up - hence why I have the black eyeliner flicks which I normally have. I tried the blue on its own and found I felt too 'undone' with just that. However the alternative is that I feel too 'overdone' now and have to remove the lipliner before I loose my sanity. I didn't use any blusher but I wish I had. For some reason if I am going to go out feeling overdone and a parody of myself then I am going to use every product at my disposal. I have yet to remove the lipliner but it has to go. It's too outside of my comfort zone to have both a strong eye and a strong lip - its one or the other with me and always has been. I also worry about how the lipliner is going to hold up over the course of the day and I can't be worrying about it while I'm working - which I know I will be.

I will update this later on after a full day of wearing the make-up. I feel bad that I have removed the lipliner already though!

If you like Gossip Girl....turn away now!!!

Oh deary me! I got sent a few sneaky pictures from someone who I am obsessing about Gossip Girl with, and they have got me rather excited about the latter half of series five! It seems Blair gets into a spot of bother on her hen night and gets arrested!!!
I don't know how many of my readers are still watching Gossip Girl but I have made it no secret that I am completely obsessed with it. It's my guilty pleasure and myself and my room mate settle in to watch it every Tuesday morning. I'm sure readers have noticed that I feature the odd bit of GG news and post outfit snap shots occasionally...that would be why!
Anyway I will make one point - Elizabeth Hurley cannot act. Full Stop. Fact. She couldn't act in Bedazzled (if you have to ask what that terrible film was, you don't need reminding) and she can't act now. I find her storyline the weakest one going. I do hate her, which is what her character is supposed to make me do but I cannot bear hearing her talk and seeing her try to act or watching her aged hands fondling Nate, who has such the thing for older women.....sort it out Gossip Girl!

Lily Cole in my town

I know it's old news that Lily Cole went to Cambridge University and scored a double first in history of art but I came across this image online and missed my hometown a bit.
So there you go....Not sure if I ever revealed I was English on this blog before, now you know!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I know it's not technically Halloween yet....but!

I wish all my readers a happy halloween and hope your enjoying the festive season!!!!

COLOR!

FINALLY! Some color on this blog! Amidst all the black and darkness! But I love this dress for that reason, it's bright and uplifting and fills me with joy!
However it is on a netaporter and totally sold out. It's from One Vintage and it's called the Jennifer dress....

How cute is this?

There is something very cute about this 3.1 Philip Lim playsuit! I don't wear enough playsuits myself and this is something I need to change but I love how easy they are to wear.
All you need are tights and platforms and your away with it!

However, I cannot stress this enough, cotton-ey and loose fabric playsuits do sag after time and there is nothing worse then seeing girls with the crotch of the playsuit hanging around their knees. I don't know how no one else notices!!! So if you have a loose playsuit then PLEASE keep an eye on it!

You know your a goth when......

A girl in work recently speculated that I seem a bit gothic with my style..which is a fair assumption given that I am almost always in black and when she made the comment, I was wearing a crucifix ring and a necklace made of spikes and fangs! She has a point!
Then I went digging on the River Island website and came up with a few things I like and was horrified to realise that I have all black and gold!!! I don't mind so much given that black and gold look wonderful together - but it seems to be my fall back!
Another way of putting it could be that I like a mixture of texture maybe? Which is the reason I selected these boots, which by the way also come in leopard print and black and are equally as nice. I do have black wedges which I must bring out at some point before they get too clumpy for spring!
This, as you can see comes from the River Island Design Forum and all pieces are available online currently. I am going to post more about the RIDF at some point but right now, I think I need to try get back to sleep before I collapse tommorow at work!

Want...

A lot of the time when we went out in the late 90s, for some reason myself and my friends wore tiaras as part of our costumes....yes costumes, you've seen the sort of stuff we get dressed up as!
I wouldn't dream of doing it today which is slightly sad, but I do like the above tiara from Topshop....more then likely because it looks a bit gothic which I seem to be leaning towards lately...

Things....

How cute is this?
It's from Pennys (Primark) and is going to be in store at the end of October - which is now!!!
I have the pink and white polka dot version of this and its one of my favourite pieces. I would remove that ratty looking string belt though and throw a heavy weight one around it however.

Why?

Temperely London have explaining to do after they released a pair of pants named 'Latino' trousers.

Naturally this is a bit racist so I think we can safely expect a full apology tommorow on their website....

...however I have to include a piece from styleite.com who had a brilliant take on the whole affair :

'

The only modern reference to the name Lantino we could find is a thoroughbred racehorse who, in 2008, was the Reserve Champion of the Holstein licensing in Neumünster. Unless Alice Temperley herself has a betting problem, we highly doubt naming them Lantino or Latino has anything to do with this horse. The company named the pants Latino because they’re dark tan. Next we imagine the company will start calling its brown knitwear “African sweaters” and its yellow coats “Asian outerwear.”

But after a little more digging, we found out that for €800 (about $1,134 at current exchange), Lantino the horse will get your mare fully pregnant. It might sound like a pricey hookup, but it’s a lot cheaper than paying $1,745 for a pair of racist pants.'

Brilliant....

TWEET DEETS!

Mary Katrantzou has tweeted the first look at her new collection for Topshop!!!! Wow! Get that down yer! I only wish this was going to be available for my graduation.....I would have loved that...strolling in to collect my degree with this on me...

Mary Katranzou for Topshop...oh yes....

They weren't about to take the Versace blow easily!!!

Topshop have revealed their next designer collaboration and it's going to blow Versace for H&M out of the water!!!

MARY KATRANTZOU FOR TOPSHOP!!!!!

I am not joking, I am so excited! I have to admit that I was excited by Versace for H&M, but when the collection dropped, I was a bit...underwhelmed. I didn't like any of the pieces and it wasn't my style. But I am a huge fan of Katrantzou and I can't wait to pick up a few pieces...wonder if she will re-make the lampshade skirt for them?

There are few details at the moment as Topshop are giving nothing away, only to say that the collection will arrive in the early spring. Meanwhile we are free to speculate about the wonderful items which will be available for purchase....

I think its safe to assume wonderfully large prints, bright colors and strange shapes!

Amy Winehouse death news

It has been announced that Amy Winehouse died from alcohol poisoning not a drug overdose as previously reported. It has been recorded as a 'misadventure.'

THE DREADFUL DIARIES : Halloween

THE DREADFUL DIARIES : Halloooooweeen

Normally Halloween is a great time of celebration for me. Its the one time of the year where everyone dresses up and I get all excited about not being the only person in costume! But this year it is twinged with a little bit of sadness....I wont say why but I am sure those who read this blog can guess why!!!!!
Still, tis the season to be merry and all that....so I am getting dressed up and heading out as is my tradition but not going all out. I'm still getting used to a new place, a new town, a new apartment and what have you!
I am reminded that what has come before should not define you or make you who you are but it can change you and make you a new more interesting person. I am delighted to announce that things are good right now for the first time in a long time and I am loving the changes I have made to life.
I hope everyone here has a good and interesting Halloween...

Sigh....Give it up GAGA

I'm pretty sure Audrey Hepburn just rolled over in her grave....

Tali for Mango - thank god....

FINALLY Mango made good on their promise to remove Scarlet Johanson from their increasingly boring adverts. I don't know what it is about her, if it was her one facial expression or the boring clothes, but Mango just became very.....meh...
So this is Tali Lennox for Mango. Yes that is Annie Lennox's daughter....it just works so much better doesn't it?
So Mango thought they would try win back some customers by making a 'rock inspired' collection. Good luck to them, judging by the ill fitting garments I saw the last time I was in their stores, they need to not just hire a new model but hire a new pattern cutter and seamstress...(yes I am aware they have more then one....)

Gossip Girl fashion

Sigh...just a sneaky peek at some of the Gossip Girl ladies on set and their fantastic outfits....Is anyone watching Series Five?
All I can think is how much Hurley cannot act to save her overly botox-ed forehead.....

SAMPLE SALE : London

GLAD RAGS AND HANDBAGS
This is a heads up for anyone who lives in London, but Grazia are having a sample fashion sale!!!! This means you can get your hands on (and I quote) : 'Half Price House of Holland or Discount Dior!' while enjoying a glass of champagne and a WAH nails manicure!
WHY DO I LIVE HERE AND NOT THERE!?!?!??!
Anyway - entrance is free and you can find it at : 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2QA.
4th of November - 9am - 8pm
5th of November - 9am - 6pm
The aim is to raise money for Kids Company who hope to give 2,000 vunerable children a proper Christmas this year with lunch, presents and some much needed love and care, all you have to do is turn up and shop!

- Oh and all of the items in the picture above are going to be on sale on the day and yes, that is a Mulberry.....

WATCH THIS : Versace for H&M

Versace for H&M behind the scenes!

THE BEAUTY SPOT : colorful eyebrows....

Colorful brows at Joanne Hynes for Spring Summer. I kinda like it! Not sure if the streets of Dublin are ready for icy blue brows but I'm sure I can get it to work!
We shall see how this goes down soon enough as I am planning a bit of a beauty experiment in the next few weeks..will keep you posted on that but it should be great fun
Would you wear it?

All I want for Christmas.....

It's a $2,500 Chanel book cover.....Im not joking. There are three books on fashion, jewelry and fragrance inside and there are only 30 in the world...Can I ask the question? Why would you bother????? For that money you could buy something actually useful from Chanel or a pony....whichever you prefer!