Miss Penny Dreadful

Obsessed with this chandelier....

2012-02-01T03:55:00.001Z

OMG I am obsessed with chandeliers. I want one so badly even though my house is not the type of place where one could have a chandelier dangling around for too long.

This one from the French Bedroom Company just warms my heart though. It has all levels of grand about it with a hint of gothic perfection. Just right for me - I like anything that looks as if Alexander McQueen would have loved it...

It's £280 from here

I want PVC shorts

2012-02-01T00:54:00.000Z

I am in love with these PVC shorts from the new Karl Lagerfeld range on Netaporter.com. Sigh....I really want them. €99 - not bad huh?

I could argue that they are black and I could wear them to work - but I know I never would.....Strictly a bar or nightclub thing I reckon!

Job interview chic

2012-01-31T23:06:00.000Z

Job interview chic from Oasis. I don't feature them often or praise green clothing. But somehow I am doing both in this post. The dress, as always with Oasis - its completely over priced and available somewhere else on the high street that doesn't cost a fortune for something relatively plain. €81

But if it floats your boat then buy it here

River Island sleeveless shirts

2012-01-31T22:55:00.000Z

River Island is continuing its love of sleeveless shirts with a new selection of Spring Summer shirt/dresses. This one replaces the black and white version that I bought before Christmas. These shirts are easy to wear and only really need leggings to go with them.
This one seems more expensive then my plainer version at £40 but still, they do look nice on
shirt dress

What 14 million worth of apartment will get you.....

2012-01-31T22:23:00.000Z

Daphne Guinness has placed her apartment on the market for a cool $14 million. It is on fifth avenue however, so that's worth a fair bit!!!! I like the layout and the design but if I had 14 million - I still wouldn't buy it - reason?

The amount of mirrors - could you imagine how much of a bitch it would be to have to clean all those?

Anyway, 14 million gets you four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a huge kitchen, fancy decor and a view to kill for. Not to mention there is a studio alongside the apartment which houses the staff. No seriously, because if you have 14 million to buy fancy apartments like this - then you clearly don't pick up your own damn mess! But if you want the other flat its going to cost you - 1.5 million alongside the 14 million.
Oh and watch out for the added extras - the building charges residents $17, 950 a month to live there. So not only have you got the worlds worst morgage ever - it's going to cost you roughly 215, 400 a year to live there. Nice....

Still, tis the life really isn't it????

Does anyone buy LOVE magazine?

2012-01-31T21:21:00.001Z

Issue 7 of Love is due to hit stores in a few days and I have to ask - is anyone bothered?

I ask because Love is currently riding in our poll of magazines with no votes and I don't know anyone who actually buys it. I know people who flick through it from time to time in shops - I was that person until the 6th issue when the beautiful covers were enough to convince me to buy it - god was it all downhil from there!!!
The tax on things like that in this country meant I spent ten euro on the magazine which weighed the same as a small donkey.
So anyway in this issue it features Kate Moss pretending to be a cat and Lara Stone, a vampire. I'm sure once the interesting photoshoots hit the blogsphere - there wont be much reason to buy the thing anyway!

If you feel differently then give the magazine a vote on the sidebar at the top - since they currently have none!

A polite word

2012-01-31T17:20:00.001Z

Can whoever is responsible for Katy Perry and her irritating hair color changes please stop? Either that or please do her roots as well as the rest of it. Thank you.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH US....MMMM

2012-01-31T17:15:00.000Z

A reminder how to get involved with us :

First of we are having a small vote on the sidebar for the best magazine on the stands so vote if you feel like it. Actually it would be great if you could because so many of them are tied and it's really boring when there is a tie!!!!

If you want to really support us then add yourself as a follower to the sidebar! We appreciate that...

You can join in the fun on facebook here and get access to all our exclusive competitions, discussions and see exclusive videos!

We also have a tumblr which can be accessed here where you can get access to all our left over and rare photos from vintage to kate moss - it's a bit of everything really.

and there is a random picture of Kate Moss from years ago with an ice cream....

Did this actually happen?

2012-01-31T17:01:00.002Z

Is this for real?

An image has been circulating of Kristen Stewart giving Karl Lagerfeld the finger. This cannot be real....no one would have that much of a death wish or want to have themselves removed from the Chanel Christmas card list....

Beth Ditto for MAC

2012-01-31T16:59:00.003Z

Hurrah - Beth Ditto for MAC will officially hit stores in June!

Okay, we've all had our fun, now can we please move on and discuss something else now?

2012-01-31T03:25:00.002Z

I am so glad I don't wear fake tan.

I can give a million reasons why I don't.

1 - it smells
2 - if you get it wrong its clearly fake
3 - streaks
4- I am proud of being pale and see no reason to pretend to be another color
5 - the orange shade that most people go
6 - the cost of keeping it up
7 - I don't think anyone really cares if your tanned or not
8- Christina Aguileras recent issue

So it took a few days but Christina's 'people' finally got back to the press about what actually happened at the funeral for Etta James last week. Basically as Christina began to sing 'At Last', something began running down her leg which looked a little bit like she'd just got her period. Live. On stage. At a funeral.

I didn't post anything about it because it was just awful to see how many people made fun of her and plus, its the stuff of nightmares really. But apparently it was to do with her fake tan which streaked under the hot lights and began to run. The late response from her people meant that the rumors about it being period blood actually took over the internet.

Either way, that poor woman. That is really mortifying and rather then people going on about how funny it was and calling her a whale (I am not joking, I saw that insult this morning) should take a moment to think how they would have felt in the same situation.

I'm the last person to stick up for someone whose made a career of taking her clothes and singing about getting dirty, nasty and a whole other variety of man pleasing disgusting things nor am I the type of person who passes up the chance to take the piss out of someone famous for doing something embarrassing - but this was a little bit too far.

DEAD TRENDS : Mukluk boots circa 2004

2012-01-31T03:09:00.001Z

Searching for images of Kate Moss in an old Westwood campaign in the 90s, I came across these images of her in mukluks and wanted to ask if anyone remembered them? Unlike uggs, which people recycle season after season for no apparent reason - mulaks were around for a season and then vanishing into the murky depths of fashion obscurity. Kate Moss however was one of the people 'credited' with bringing the mukluk craze to the UK. Great, so I have her to blame for looking like a twat in 2004 then.

Basically the boots (if you paid out for the real thing) were made of rabbit fur and based on Native American designs. However, as with most things that Moss wore over the years, once the high street got wind of it - it got ripped off everywhere from Topshop to Primark to market stalls the world over.

And once a trend gets onto the stalls, it's time for the celebrities to stop wearing them - which means the trend dies and then we stop wearing ours. Occasionally trends like this get recycled but thankfully the Mukluks never did.

I had a pair in 2004 and I thought I was the shit. Honestly, I thought Kate Moss was crap but it didn't stop me stealing her style though. I've since made my peace with Moss by becoming obsessed with her old 90s campaigns which I raid for style inspiration.

But those boots.....oh my god...grey, faux fur with huge pom poms the things were never off my feet. They were comfortable like wearing slippers all the time, but if you walked over stones, you felt every last bit of it. If it rained, you were screwed as the shoes soaked easily. Not to mention that if UGGs were bad for your feet then these were worse. They sagged under the heel, gave no support and hung off your feet. Long story short, I am so happy they are gone!

Wee Broon Bag

2012-01-31T02:55:00.003Z

It's not quite a bloomingdales bag - but this wee broon bag from hunky dory home has made me smile in much the same way....
Do check out the website - its always good for things to make you smile

We'll Take Manhattan is actually good!!!

2012-01-31T02:46:00.004Z

I finally got to see 'We'll Take Manhattan' tonight. The made for TV movie about Jean Shrimpton and David Bailey in the 60s.

I loved it.
I'm not entirely sure how accurate it was, how the actual Shrimpton would feel about how she was portrayed but I think they did a great job of capturing Britain prior to the explosion of youth culture in the 60s.
David Bailey is portrayed as a married womaniser and Shrimpton is a naive innocent country girl according to the BBC - although I have to give them credit where credit is due for their great knowledge of Vogue history. They got it spot on!

Vogue US would have been under Vreeland at that point, just - she had literally just left Harpers Bazaar for Vogue in 62. The images which I have featured in this post instead of bloody Karen Gillan (the only downside of the whole thing) are from the shoot, 'Young Idea Goes West' which covered 14 pages. A big risk for Vogue since Bailey was a relatively unknown photographer and this was a massive shoot.
The shoot was a complete success the photos have gone on to become legendary.

Shrimpton went on to become the world's first supermodel - sorry Dickinson but she was! She also became an icon of the swinging sixties along with (but slightly before) Twiggy.

Sigh, I really was born in the wrong era - I would have loved to be alive in the 60s....

*This is why when you make films like this you have to be really really careful to get everything right - because you get obsessive nerds like me sitting at home waiting for one detail to be wrong. I literally stopped the film and started researching the date Vreeland left Harpers because I was convinced it was 1963. Turns out, I was wrong - just- and the film were right - just!!!!! Nerd!

Headband

2012-01-30T16:38:00.003Z

This headband has gone down to £7 on the Miss Selfridge site! Beats paying a fortune for the Nicole Ritchie version doesn't it? here

WHEN BAD CLOTHES HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE : Helena Christensen

2012-01-30T16:28:00.000Z

Okay, so the dress I recognise as Stella McCartney SS12 which is great for her - however it does nothing for her frame straight on. It takes a lot to make a supermodel look frumpy - but this dress has managed it.

Moving on to the tights - what the hell did she think she was doing?!??!?! The only good thing I can say is that the stripe leads the eye and makes her long legs appear even longer then they are - but holy christ talk about print overload!!!! This would have been better with plainer tights or maybe if the dress wasn't a full size too big for her.

Then there are the 'hello I'm from New Look' shoes and the bag which are not remotely involved in the color scheme. I get that she's going for a clashy look but the over all effect is one of total outfit meltdown and panic. It's as if she woke up and let her children dress her - blindfolded.

Which makes it worse when she stands next to the man in the suit and the girl in the black dress. Who manage to make her seem almost casual somehow...

..nil points to Denmark....

MARNI FOR H&M FIRST LOOK

2012-01-30T16:19:00.003Z

I just caught a feature on Russian Vogue out of the corner of my eye - and boy am I glad I did because it's full of the Marni for H&M collection!

This is the second time Russian Vogue has had the scoop on a H&M collection - the first was Versace a few months ago. It seems the store and RVogue has worked out a deal! Still, who cares if it means that we have access to all the pieces ahead of their release date?

I have to say that I'm not really bothered by the whole thing. I wasn't a huge Marni fan before this collection was announced and I am certainly not bothered now that I can afford it. I'm just a bit meh about the whole thing. I'd much rather wait for the next collection which will be Katrantzou for Topshop. The whole Marni thing goes live on March 8th anyway!

I will add this though - I may not do print and therefore have little interest in the clothes - but the jewelry is a different story. I quite like it. Wonder if that is part of the collection too.....

Really? Nicola Roberts?

2012-01-30T16:10:00.000Z

Nicola Roberts and Rihanna will team up to present a new TV show for Living TV which will air this summer.

It will take the form of a project Catwalk/Runway style show in which contestants will compete to make an outfit for Rihanna's performance in Hyde Park at the end of the summer.

Rihanna I understand, but Nicola Roberts? She's not exactly urban chic is she???? Not to mention that both girls and their 'look' are heavily controlled by stylists. I love Rihanna's clothing - 9 times out of 10 - but I have to ask again, Nicola Roberts!??!?!?!!??!! Guuuurrl please!

OPINION : Fashion and weight and skinny bashing

2012-01-30T16:00:00.000Z

Just as I posted a rant on Tumblr about skinny bashing - Diane Von Furstenberg announced today that she is going to make sure that no underage models walk in the next load of fashion weeks - not only that but she would be paying close attention to how many of them were a healthy size.

It seems that fat is not just a feminist issue - its a fashion one too. I am fed up of hearing about how all models have eating disorders and go to extreme lengths to stay thin - some are naturally skinny and eat like horses! However just as there are healthy models - there are unhealthy ones too.

I think its great that someone is trying to change the negative parts of the industry for the better. I think models should be made to carry cards to prove they are over 18 and they should be monitored to see if they are healthy or not.

However, as I complained on Tumblr, I am sick of this skinny bashing trend that magazines and advertisers seem to be going through at the moment. This trend of labelling only curvy women as 'real women' - erm, am I not a real woman just because I am not a size 16?

I am a size 10. I've not always been a size 10 but I am now and I'm happy with that. I am really tall which means I do not carry weight on my stomach or my boobs but I do hate my thighs! (I also hate my feet but that is a separate issue for another day) I am sick of being told that because I'm tall and skinny - I'm not real. That I have to be a size 14+ to qualify for being a woman. I thought having ovaries made me female!?!?!? Still what do I know?

Women come in all shapes and sizes.

Magazines are sick of taking shit about their choice to feature only thin models - here is how this works. Magazines are essentially advertisers. They feature clothing that advertisers have paid to be there. Say D&G take out an advert for their RTW collection, chances are you will see their clothes crop up in the photoshoots because its been paid for.

The magazine has to sell the look and sell the dream - it does this by projecting an image.

The designers are also responsible for calling the shots by sending sample sizes. It costs a designer twice as much to make a size 16 dress then it does a size 8. This is why sample sizes are small and one of the reasons why the models must then be small.
In magazine logic anyway!

The magazine in order to make up for featuring smaller women in their photoshoots - balances this out by talking about real women. By making reference to how they can't refuse sweets, by using as many reader based stories as they can and doing reader make overs. But the meantime the message is that them and us. Them being the tall skinny model types who represent something that is not attainable and the US being the rest of the world.

It's an arguement which is not likely to be settled anytime soon. Weight is just one issue that fashion cannot agree on. It's been the case since the days of Twiggy when thin chic became Vogue and carried on in the 90s when Kate Moss brought in heroin chic.

Again I will stress that women are all shapes and sizes but the industry isn't likely to change anytime soon.

Badger bags

2012-01-28T17:19:00.002Z

I found these cute bags on the Motel Rocks website as a result of bored trawling through websites. I couldn't shake the feeling that the fox and badger prints remind me of something.......a book or a film or something...

Then I realised what it was.....

What color does this dress look like to you?

2012-01-28T15:54:00.000Z

We've have had all varieties of the mullet skirt and here comes another one! This dress is from River Island and is described as light beige. Maybe its one that you need to see in person, but to me this is off white.
Any advances on off white? dress

dress love

2012-01-28T13:16:00.004Z

I love this dress. If I had a spare €730 then I would totally buy it. It looks so simple, but yet so beautiful. It's something about the neckline and the folds - I like folds.....

It's available from netaporter.com and it's by Rick Owens. Who I seem to be becoming a fan of day by day....dress

H&M new trend report involves a lot of pencil skirts

2012-01-28T13:08:00.001Z

There was a time where I swore I would never wear a pencil skirt again. I considered my hips too wide and my general style a little too wild for the conservative style that a pencil skirt demanded. I swore as I recycled my collection from the late 90s that I would NEVER ever go back. I gave in to the simple lifestyle of maxi skirts with their flowing and flattering layers and the ease of styling they gave...

Then something happened, and I was innocently stalking new collections from various outlets and I found myself reconsidering the pencil skirt. I bought a black one from River Island for work and swore - no more! This would do me! I had given in. But it was not to last. I added print and then I added color to my collection. I intend on adding more. I discovered that you could still make a statement with them and be alternative. Pencil skirts did not mean pearl necklaces and dainty cardigans and the type of woman who collect kitten calenders and thought afternoon tea was a basic human right - I could still wear them to gigs and be comfortable and better yet, they looked awesome with ankle boots!

While I still consider my hips a little bit too big for them - I wear them with pride and am looking forward to a high street riddled with them. I intend on collecting more as I moved away from the complicated layers of maxi skirts past. So I was delighted to see some of the new pencil skirts and indeed those blue pastel cropped trousers from H&M this morning. I think cropped trousers could be another style trend for me to try.....

Or maybe houndstooth - a print I have always hated with an intense passion....

Still, I wish I could look even half as good in one as the model does....Pencil skirts. I'm sorry I gave you a hard time - can we be friends?

Campaigns SS12 : Stella McCartney

2012-01-28T12:49:00.001Z

I always like Stella McCartney campaigns - and this one is no exception.

QUOTAGE!

2012-01-28T12:47:00.000Z

“In the Summer I remove the mattress from my bed and use it for sunbathing on my neighbor’s roof–such a special feeling!”

- Roberto Cavalli revealed on his blog today that he enjoys sunbathing on his neighbours roof. Could you imagine if you suddenly got it into your head that you wanted to go out on your roof, opened the door and found Cavalli tanning his cheeks out there??

EVENT REMINDER

2012-01-28T12:31:00.001Z

REMINDER that today the Closet Clear Out is happening at Andrews Lane Theatre! It's on from 12 until three today, so you still have loads of time to check it out!

Have a gander at the facebook page here

Not everyone was happy with the Gaultier collection

2012-01-27T16:57:00.002Z

Oh dear.

It seems not everyone was delighted with the Gaultier show this week in which models were dressed like Amy Winehouse. Her father, Mitch has spoken about how he felt the show was too soon and it was disrespectful.

"To see her image lifted wholesale to sell clothes was a wrench we were not expecting or consulted on.”

“We’re proud of her influence on fashion but find black veils on models, smoking cigarettes with a barbershop quartet singing her music in bad taste.

“It portrays a view of Amy when she was not at her best, and glamorises some of the more upsetting times in her life. That’s upsetting for her family.”

Mind you Gaultier responded with: “To me the scandal is that no fashion magazine did an Amy Winehouse cover. She was so exceptional in her style; how she held her body; the way she dressed, mixing pieces from different decades.”

Marni for H&M

2012-01-27T16:39:00.000Z

The first image of Marni for H&M is out! Enjoy! The collection hits stores on the 8th of March.

Nose rings...not make-up

2012-01-26T13:43:00.003Z

Remember how I said I was interested in the make-up at Givenchy?

Well it looks as if the make-up is not actually make - up but nose rings!

WATCH THIS : Shit Fashion Girls Say

2012-01-26T11:53:00.001Z

I know we are all getting a bit sick of all the shit girls say videos which are doing the rounds right now - but I found two more on my travels which gave me a horrific insight into the shit I say! Especially the stuff about bangs - which is the American for fringe......

Totes Wang!

SS12 LOOKBOOKS : Marks and Spencer

2012-01-26T01:04:00.001Z

I can't believe I am about to show this but, these clothes are actually from Marks and Spencer! I have unbelievably bad luck with M&S, every time I go looking for something from their lookbooks - I wander into the food hall and come out with lemon buns and cranberry infused cheese. I know I should be more strict with myself since my ass is not one that can take the calories of cranberry infused cheese washed down with lemon buns, but I just can't help it.

Their SS12 look book hit this week and its filled with gorgeous dresses, mint green trousers and bold printed pieces. In fact I would go as far as to suggest that those mint green trousers would make a great alternative for a summer wedding instead of the usual Coast dresses we see littering photographs - coast, now there is a brand I don't think I've featured here ever!

The pieces which are all due to hit stores in the next few weeks have some of the summers biggest trends covered like the sportswear trend, maxi dresses - because we can't do summer chic without them and bold print - some of them, like the above trousers have more then one trend going at the same time!

M&S even have your cropped top notions covered - although I don't care what D&G say or Topshop - its just too damn cold over here and I am too damn pasty to make this trend work. END OF DISCUSSION! But if you fancy it then make sure to team it with a high waisted skirt of either full or pencil varieties to avoid it looking tarty!

What in the name of god is running through her head that she pulled that expression?

2012-01-26T00:53:00.000Z

Someone snapped Clemence Poesy on her way to the Chanel couture show. While magazines banged on about her amazing outfit - which lets be fair here, is black skinny jeggings and a jacket, they forgot to mention the odd facial expression she has here.

Which to be fair looks like she is either chewing the jaw off herself after a hardcore night out or that she has a gob full of sour lemon sweets....the truth is something more then likely a lot more dull then that but since when have we ever cared about the truth?

Let the vicious rumor spreading commence!

COUTURE SS12 : Givenchy

2012-01-26T00:39:00.004Z

There has been such a wide variety of different themes on display at this year's couture shows. Gaultier has proved me with the most fun, I found Dior a little dull, Valentino was so boring I didn't even bother and Chanel was as usual, entertainingly beautiful. But couture is of course, about art. The art of fashion. So it's about time we had some art of fashion and we can start with Givenchy.

The first thing I noticed about the collection was odd presentation of the shots - they seemed to all have a show of the back as well as the front. It's weird but someone once reminded me that rarely give a damn about the backs of frocks because you only ever care about what you see coming towards you - like no one photographs the backs of the damn clothes! So this was what I found so odd and almost eerie about the pieces - that there was so much detail and attention paid to the back and the front. Oh and what detail!

Each piece was so beautifully crafted and lovingly stitched that you couldn't take your eyes off them. It was a small collection, with only ten pieces in total. I have no idea why there are basketballs in a lot of the shots - no idea at all - but the designer, Tisci has said that his muse for the collection was old 1920s foreign films such as 'Metropolis' from 1924 and more obscure Russian films. So maybe this is something to do with that?

The roaring 20s and the art deco period of the 30s are going to be huge in fashion for next season. In true me style, I am dying to get a close up of the make-up which seems a little odd. But from what I can see there seems to be little less besides maxi dresses and the back on display from the collection. Still it's so beautiful that it doesn't really matter.

COUTURE SS12 : Jean Paul Gaultier

2012-01-26T00:20:00.001Z

Wow. Amy Winehouse might be dead but certainly not forgotten! I have to say that I found couture a bit dull this year without the spectacle that is Galliano. However all was forgiven when Gaultier shoved a catwalk full of Amy Winehouse-esque models in Winehouse inspired gear down the runway. A-mazing. What a show!

It was nice to see a spectacle again and the models were smoking!!!! Pure Winehouse style! Brilliant - reminds of the Louis Vuitton collection where Kate Moss chewed on a silk cut purple all the way down the catwalk. It was also besides the kitsch 50s references ala Winehouse, it was a burst of color with just the right amount of playfulness for my liking. I LOVED the colorful wigs.

Is that a baseball jacket in leather I see before me?

I found the colors inspiring - especially the use of blues which cropped up in the Chanel show as well as Karl worked several shades of blue into the collection. I love how there seemed to be a really fun and colorful work gear element to the show as pencils skirts in burst of colored sequins were placed with waist belts which clashed and shirts tied at the waist. It was difficult to know where to look but then, somehow the whole effect just seemed fun!

I am loving all over blue! I really want to start wearing or using this color more in my own style. I have an eyeshadow or two that I could use. Collars and fabrics seemed draped over models, revealing glimpses of corsets and bras underneath. In fact the fabric in the dress below just seems tied on!

There is something wonderfully 90s about this picture above!

Not sure why all the models came out with veils on - but it happened! Still, I had gotten so bored of all the couture I had seen so far this week. It just felt as if it had been reined in a bit. It's odd, January Vogue UK talked about how fashion was starting to enjoy itself again following the minimalist designs which had reigned on catwalks since 2008-9 and now couture seems to have swapped places with the RTW and produced a somewhat quieter affair.

But you can always count on Gaultier to add some old school to the catwalks!

TRENDS TO WATCH
Waist belts
color
sequins and leather
veils
mixing textures
hips
corsets
draped fabrics
Amy Winehouse
beehives
50s
90s

CAST WATCH : WEEK FOUR : Getting tired of being useless

2012-01-25T23:59:00.002Z

So this week marks week four of the broken leg from hell. I'm slowly but surely becoming part of the couch. I'm surprised by how much better I am feeling.

I can now put basic weight on the leg without it buckling and me needing a fist full of pain killers and I can now stand on my crutches for longer then five minutes without needing a sit down. So I am getting there. I can't wait to be back on my feet. There is no episode left unwatched and no film left unjudged at the moment.
It's odd, when I am sick I am so used to lying in bed feeling miserable and knowing full well I couldn't work or be a decent functioning human being. But with my leg, I still feel fine and ready to work - I just cant walk.
I'm excited because the cast is coming off in two weeks and I can't wait to get back to work. Sod going out - my main focus is back to work! I hate sitting here feeling awful and sorry for myself. It's boring.
I miss my make-up, I miss my clothes and I miss wearing shoes. I cant get shoes on my feet right now - well I can get one on but the other one? Nah!
I am loving how much weight I've lost recently - no seriously, I've lost weight. I thought with all the sitting around I would really gain weight - but because I have no desire to try standing up or running - I've not been eating. In fact I'm living on one meal a day at the moment - so I have lost a lot of weight which I can see in my face, collarbones and legs. My brace has had to be resized three times as my swelling has gone down so much. Which is a good thing.
So now all I have to do is wait another two weeks for the bloody thing to come off and then I can go back to my normal life. Thank god.

THE BEAUTY SPOT : Eyeliner transfers

2012-01-25T19:11:00.001Z

As someone who has been using liquid eyeliner since she was fourteen - I've gotten a pretty steady hand when it comes down to doing cat eye flicks or dramatic eye liner shapes. I get asked a lot how I do my own eyeliner by people who fear using brushes, shaky hands or lumpy eyeliner! I normally use eyeliner pens or MAC fluidline in black trax to make my own but there is a much easier alternative on the market!

Each eyeliner sticker costs about £6.99 and you can buy them from motel rocks cosmetics along with all the nail and lip transfers!

I found these this morning - it works the same way that the lip or nail wraps do - like a peel on eyeliner. So you can get dramatic eye effects which last for one night. While I'm not sure I'm down with the idea of the lip transfers - although I will try them just to review for you guys - I do like these....

Long black dress

2012-01-25T14:21:00.002Z

I always have room in my wardrobe for long black dresses. For something so simple there are so many variations! I have at least six of them in different styles. I found this one this morning on topshop.com and I like the small cut out detail on it. Simple but pretty
dress

Rainmacs - not couture but practical

2012-01-24T20:30:00.002Z

With the weather in Ireland being of the shit variety, its always a good thing to have a spare mac on hand for those horrific walks to work in the rain. Especially if like me, you work in cosmetics and you end up with your face on your knees by the time you get there (FYI - If you live in Galway - invest in waterproof mascara!) So it's handy to know that the high street have your back with two stores already bringing out spring water proof macs at reasonable prices. After all, we can't all afford Barbour! So I bring you - two waterproof macs!

Primark €21. The Paddington coat is being released to stores mid March. I understand why its called Paddington - it looks like it. Even though his coat is blue!

Topshop - £48 from here

* and if anyone is interested - Splash proof lash from MAC is the waterproof mascara I would suggest investing in! Made for sports, high emotions and Galway weather!

Ann Summer reveals some new designs - finally!

2012-01-24T20:20:00.001Z

For a while there, Ann Summers had gotten really boring. It was all about the same patterns being recycled on the same shapes. You could almost predict the styles you would see coming back in year after year. Fair enough, a best seller is a best seller - but seriously, it was getting old. So I got sent some imagery today of their new stuff and I almost deleted it without opening it. I'm really glad I did because it's gorgeous.

Strappy, colorful and almost vintage inspired. It makes such a change from some of the cheap gaudy things they have stocked over the years. I am impressed by the purple piece above. The usual prices apply with Ann Summers - €38 for a bra and around €18 for the underpants. While they are not cheap, its nice to have something a little bit wow for a change!
The pieces are available in stores from today

WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT ON FACEBOOK

2012-01-24T20:12:00.002Z

You've been messaging us like mental over the past few days so I thought I would do a round up of all the things you've been talking about on the facebook page over the past week.....
We have a section called Opinions from the Minions where we ask you what you think of collections, designers, celebrities and their attire. You can join the conversation by LIKING us here
So here are the top three conversations :

1- VERSACE COUTURE : We asked would you wear lime green in any format? This followed the new Versace couture show yesterday. Answer was a clear no!!!

2 - Avril Lavigne : We asked if she dresses just right or too young for her age. Survey said - she was a car crash from day one and you'd like to see her ditch the teenage clobber. However a valid point was raised about appropriate dressing over the age of 25 and how it doesn't mean you have to be frumpy!

3 - Grey hair on young celebrities - It seems your over the grey hair thing and more interested in silver or lavender.

We are also discussing how sick of Johnny depp with Tim Burton are you?, the new Gossip Girl wedding episode on next week and thigh boots - hooker chic or just plain chic? Get in the conversation by clicking here

Johnathon Saunders new high street collection

2012-01-24T15:24:00.003Z

OOOH! Just as I wrote about high street collaborations - this one swept in under my watchful eye - the new Johnathon Saunders for Debenhams collection. I love that suit below - how 1940s! It's filled with cute tea dresses like that blue one above which I am lusting over and floral shirts like that one above. I want. I might even have to get over my severe hatred of the stores to see if my local one stocks it. Might. I said might....

Kate Moss working with Mango

2012-01-24T15:20:00.002Z

Look who Mango got as their new face of the brand - IT'S ONLY KATE MOSS!

Thank god they got rid of Scarlett 'only one facial expression' Johansson!

COUTURE SS12 : Chanel

2012-01-24T15:02:00.000Z

When Chanel promise a show - they deliver! The couture shows continued today with Chanel and their airline inspired show blowing the fash pack away. Worries about limited seating due to the outrageous setting had built up a frenzy before the show had even started. You have to admire Karl, he knows how to get 'em going....pure show!

The colors focused on blue, navy and black with a return to the pastel blue sequins we saw in RTW last year. What a show though......

There was a 1920s influence running through the show with beautiful drop waisted dresses and boat neck collars on jackets. Romantic floaty skirts were given a tough edge by heavy jackets placed over the top. Tights were patterned around the knee with tiny star designs and dots (coming soon to a pennys near you) and shoes were strappy and pointed (a look which has cropped up on the Chanel catwalk many times in recent years)

I must admit I am really interested in those pockets on the waist. I love how a lot of the lines and shapes on this are straight or boxy which gives a sort of mechanical or 1960s air hostess look to the collection. I'm really feeling it. There are a whole range of blues to choose from as well. The pastel lighter blues to the darker seductive navys which are placed with black. I know they say never to do that but in sequin format - it works pretty well.

I'm trying to get my head around those shorts under that tunic style dress. Are they tights? are they shorts? Whats going on? Either way they are pretty horrible.

As I mentioned earlier, there was a repeat of the blue sequin on the white fabric which gives this beautiful icy effect. Karl used it last year to get the mermaid effect for his under the sea themed RTW show. He clearly had a few knocking around the shop floor! Pencil skirts have been extended in the show to longer forms to the ankle. As nice as the skirt looks - its murder to walk in.

How amazing is the set? Lets just take a moment to look at the details that Chanel go to to make sure they have a perfect show. Every last detail is considered to give the over all effect of an airplane. I love that they even have drink trollies!

While its no secret that Karl spares no expense for the press pack as they watch the show - I can only shudder to think how much this one cost!!!!

Celine cancel their catwalk show

2012-01-24T14:14:00.000Z

I'm quite impressed by this....

Celine have announced this morning that they have cancelled their catwalk show in order to decrease pressure on Phoebe Philo, who is currently heavily pregnant with her third child. Given that Philo is one of the best designers currently doing the circuit, I can understand that they would not want to take any chances.
There will be a Tom Ford-esue mini presentation to the world's chosen few instead in which Philo will attend but there is no confirmation of the format of the presentation yet. Still, nice to see a company taking the health and well being of their staff seriously.

SS12 LOOKBOOKS : H&M

2012-01-24T14:07:00.000Z

H&M have given us a sneak peek into their look book for Spring Summer and its bursting with retro inspired vintage pieces. Including some rather vintage looking sportswear - like this sports bra and bomber jacket above. It's quite a girly collection as vintage inspired high street often is.

The peblum top/dress is back for next season - which I can live without. I'm not the biggest fan of this design at all. I never have been. But it remains a good way of placing the emphasis on a small waist. I would team with a pencil skirt to get this season's 50s inspired look.

I also don't know why the high street has gone mad for the bomber jacket. Topshop is all over them like a rash and now H&M. Although I quite like this one....

More cut away detailing but this time on swimsuits - not sure if I like or hate this piece. I certainly wouldn't wear yellow and I think the string would annoy me, but there is something unusual about it which I like...

Karl by Karl goes on sale tommorow - credit cards ready girls!

2012-01-24T13:53:00.000Z

In recent years designers have learned the importance of including all customers - not just those who can afford their prices. We have seen a rise in designer / high street collaborations from Marni at H&M to Mary Katrantzou at Topshop, the high street collaborations have become an excellent way of promoting the brand to a younger more edgier audience.

Even those who swore they would never bring out cheaper lines - Versace - are using the power of the high street to promote their work and gain new customers. But now, on Wednesday, it is the turn of Karl Lagerfeld who releases Karl, his cheaper line into the world via netaporter.com. While I can imagine that being sold through netaporter.com, it isn't exactly Topshop prices but still, worth it to own a small piece of Chanel-esque wonderment. The pieces, all 70 of them will retail from $50 for a canvas tote bag to $1,350 for a leather jacket.

While a few of the pieces have been revealed online - the rest will go on sale tommorow. May the battle commence!

More images leaked from the Gossip Girl wedding

2012-01-23T20:57:00.001Z

Another day another image leaked from the up coming Gossip Girl wedding....by the time the thing airs we will have pieced together the storyline from leaked images!

I've never been a fan of white or cream on men but this is almost nice.....I still don't like the bridesmaids Vera Wang mini dresses though. The priest looks lovely too.

Would you buy Versace for H&M online?

2012-01-23T20:55:00.000Z

It seems a shame to have to discuss this, but I am curious....

I read today that Versace for H&M is retailing for four times the shop floor price on ebay at the moment. This is why shops have such strict policies with how many people they let into stores for collections like this but try as they might, it just doesn't work.

Apparently the US is worse as they didn't receive the last collection, it was sold online and H&M do not have an online US store.
Still dresses and shoes are most in demand with some selling for £300.

I think this ruins the fun of collections like this. It cheapens the brand and makes it less lust inducing. I wasn't bothered by the second H&M collection at all but it seems really unfair that there are people out there who are deliberately buying to make a fast buck.

There is nothing that stores can do though as there are genuine people out there just trying to sell unwanted clothing. They have in recent times taken to desperate measures to stop the sell of their clothing and the tarnishing of the brand image online by destroying old stock and destroying staff uniforms rather then letting staff keep it. Which seems a little unfair and completely wasteful. I plan on writing about this later on in the week as Wednesdays are normally the day I handle the opinion section of the site!

Avril Lavigne and her dress sense - I'm baffled

2012-01-23T20:18:00.000Z

The fashion car crash that is Avril Lavigne is meant to be producing a collection of nail wraps with Sally Hansen. This is boring enough news but what shocked me was that Avril - is now 27. What I find more interesting then the useless information that she is releasing a new product is this - she is still dressing like a 15 year old punk hooker at the age of 27.
I gave up dressing like a goth/hippie when I was 17 and I felt I was getting a little old for it. So I packed away all the metal albums, the velvet maxi skirts and retired my new rock boots to the wardrobe - where they are still gathering dust - and I learned to start dressing like I do now. I look back fondly on all the stupid stuff I wore at that age but no way would I wear it now - outside of fancy dress nights.
I know that Avril's target audience is the teenage tramps market but seriously, how has she not seen at least one photo in the past year and thought it might to stop. Harsh - but I believe it to be true...

COUTURE SS12 : Dior

2012-01-23T19:51:00.002Z

Dior revealed their new couture today and it was actually okay. The show was under a lot of pressure since the last couture collection bombed -big time. It was torn to shreds by the critics. This is Gaytthen's second collection with Dior without Galliano and its starting to get annoying that we dont know who will replace Galliano yet. However this collection was a far cry from the messy unstructured show which took place last year....

The color scheme was limited as the collection seemed to focus on black, white, grey with occasional bursts of red. It gave the collection a tighter more structured feel which lacked with the collection of 2011.

There were a few pencil skirt designs but Dior flourishes with the dramatic showstopper - so it was the fuller more dramatic skirt which created the most impact which is why I've included nearly all the full skirts. But then what would couture be without a bit of a statement dress?

There was a little bit of print with checks and spots appearing in places along with crocodile style leathers appearing on pencils skirts in black, grey and red.

Corsets were tight to place emphasis on tiny waists before flowing into exaggerated hips and full skirts showing influences of 1950s designs - which is what I would normally associate with classic Dior. Although I'm not sure if the oversized hips look is one that would suit most people - I think I have enough problems there without adding to it!

There were quite a few gowns with this years red carpet written all over them. I could almost see who would wear what already though!

So all in all a hit. But time will tell what the critics reckon to the new collection as reviews haven't been released yet. Although I am confident that Dior are back on track with this collection. I guess we all need time to adjust to a new job and to be fair with the last collection, it was half designed when the Galliano fiasco happened and they didn't have a big turn around time. It came across in the designs. I am happy that they have made a much better go of things this time.

TRENDS
Grey, white, black and red
layers
ruffles
waists
statement hips
full skirts
1950s

COUTURE SS12: VERSACE

2012-01-23T15:42:00.001Z

Versace couture for Spring Summer 12 hit the catwalks today - for the first time since 2004. It's been a fantastic year for Versace with the successful launch of the H&M collections and now a return to couture. I had heard a lot about this show before I got the chance to review it - I had heard it was meant to be a show filled with lime green but turns out - its more citrus shades with a burst of silver. It was a triumphant return for the house as the pieces proved to be quite wearable for couture.

Hotpants and biker style jackets with thigh boots should scream hooker but there is something really 60s about this for me. I think it's the high ponytail with the lashings of black eye make-up which help to give it a really old school feel. While the boots might not be to my taste - I do love a good hot pant!

Lace and sheer panels also appeared at the show running down the side of dresses in a silvery almost lavender shade. Collars are high and there are a few pieces with the panels or cut out detail on them. That V shade on the hips and waist make me think of previous Armani Prive collections though which I am not sure if thats a good thing or not.....

There was a mad burst of color with bright yellows, oranges and limes lighting up the catwalk Shift dresses and jackets have an almost mini statement shape to them. Not quite as insanely shaped as 2009's Balmain and McQueen shoulders but there is a really strong finish to them. Note the cut out pattern on the shoulder.

Corsets - of course! This is Versace - where one of their collections be without the sex? I note that the cut out detailing also applies to the shoes....it also proves that neutral colors such as this light tan brown shade on the shoe look great placed with a brighter color.

One of the lime green pieces which again shows all the makings of a Versace gown - dripping with sex appeal! One shouldered, sequinned, thigh high slit and a light pattern on the gown. All these trends rolled into one gown. There were a few pieces in this shade and while it's not for me (I don't wear green) I wonder how well this shade will look when placed on a red carpet situation....time will tell I suppose!

TRENDS
Lace panels
Sheer panels
Green, orange and yellow
Hotpants
Statement necklines and shoulders
Lavender
cut away detailing

SS12 LOOK BOOKS : Miss Selfridge

2012-01-23T15:26:00.002Z

Miss Selfridge can be a bit hit or miss with me. On one hand, I like that they have cheaper essentials then Topshop but on the other hand, some of the stores don't carry a lot of the better stock and it can be really off putting going in there. However, they have revealed their Spring Summer look book and I can reveal - there are some really lovely pieces.

Like this denim jacket with leather sleeves which I quite fancy. Short cropped jackets like this are incredibly easy to wear and comfortable. I seem to be feeling the denim biker look for this season, which is odd considering how many times I've avoided it. I would prefer if the sleeves were black but apart form that - its lovely.

This floral print is identical to one Topshop had a few years ago - I think 2009 - and I was sickened I didn't buy it then. I'm going through a big pencil skirt thing at the moment as a reaction to all the maxi skirts I bought in 2011 and I'm slowly building a collection of them.

The statement print. This is a great way to get in on the mad print trend which is taking over the high street thanks to Versace. Wear one printed piece with essentials like leather jackets or tights and let the print do the talking. I am really loving those printed trousers.

The white maxi. This is a tricky one. Get it right and you look like Florence, but get it wrong and you look like some form of insane bridal wannabe. I like the idea of teaming with with a gold headband but I am also dying to dip dye it. I would pick something like blue and dunk the dress into the bucket of dye. I know this would ruin it - possibly - but it would stop it being a bit wedding-y.

Leather jacket with printed shoulders.

If white maxi bridal-y dresses aren't your thing then why not try this one which is mid length and mint. I wouldn't dream of dip dying this one!

Anyway, there is plenty of trends on offer for next season and I can confirm the rest of the collection is just as lovely! The pieces should be hitting stores soon.

Chanel Show invite ss12

2012-01-23T14:56:00.002Z

Check out the Chanel Couture show invites.....looks like they are going with a jet set theme this year!

Couture week kicks off tommorow and I can't wait!

2012-01-22T18:25:00.000Z

Dior just posted a picture of their frantic preparations for tommorow's couture shows!

Just a reminder that I will be posting pictures of all the shows along with our usual reviews as well so that will be happening all week! Hurrah!

I cant wait. Haute Couture is the magic time for fashion where the real art comes into play. It's where the big boys get to play with their shows, the models and fabric to create something truly unique. While couture might not be functional on a daily basis and might only be bought by few lucky collectors, its still one of the best times for fashion.

So many questions to be answered....will Dior reverse the awful reviews of last year? Will anyone have a nervous breakdown? What will be the over all trends? Which models will wear what?

Hurrah for Couture!

SS12 LOOKBOOK : Awear

2012-01-22T18:14:00.004Z

Awear have had a truly wonderful year which has seen them go from strength to strength in the British press. While we have grown accustomed to to their usual collection of trend led pieces at reasonable prices - it's a totally new brand to the English.

So I have a few images of the new Spring Summer lookbook for you - and its nautically wonderful! It's also has a lot of work wear pieces which is handy if your stuck for work pieces. I have to say that I do tend pick up a few pieces from Awear from time to time - but they always tend to be pieces which I wear from season to season.

They have also gone a bit mad on the clashing prints and color pop for next season too.

Sweet Valley High the movie is going to be a musical....why

2012-01-22T17:58:00.001Z

More news about the new Sweet Valley High movie...although its left me thinking it might be one to miss. Apparently its going to be a musical.

Diablo Cody revealed that Broadway musical writers are already writing songs and performances for the up coming movie. Oh dear god no! I think any high school musical is edging into Grease territory and can't be a good thing....

I will more then likely see it for the sake of reliving my teenage years...but I'm not a fan of musicals.....fact

Carey Mulligan takes a tumble

2012-01-22T17:54:00.001Z

Behold Carey Mulligan falling off her YSL heels last night! I feel for you love, god knows I've been there.....although not with YSL heels sadly....someday.....

More bad news from Ungaro? Really?

2012-01-22T16:41:00.000Z

More bad news from Ungaro today as it was suggested that the reshuffle at the brand will mean job cuts for employees.

Someone also suggested that it could be a come back from former......god knows what her job description actually was.....Lindsey Lohan. Have they learned nothing from THAT collection a few years ago?
Basically the goings on at Ungaro could serve as a warning to Dior as the brand have failed to find a full time designer since it's founding designer left in 2004. Heed this warning Dior - FIND A REPLACEMENT FAST before you start hiring young car crash actresses to design collections......

Heidi Klum is back on the market - this can't be a good thing for the rest of us girls.....

2012-01-21T17:24:00.002Z

This just in - apparently Heidi Klum and Seal are to divorce!

WTF! I'm sorry but of all of the couples which have happened over the years that didn't seem as if it would be a long term thing - Katy Perry and Russell Brand anyone? Seal and Klum always appeared as if they were madly in love. If it wasn't matching Halloween costumes then it was a constant stream of children and renewed wedding vows.

But sadly the gossip sites are reporting that Seal and Klum will be getting a divorce after six years and three children.

Balenciaga channel Patti Smith for new campaign - total legend!

2012-01-21T17:15:00.000Z

I'm not normally one for Balenciaga - although I wouldn't say no! But I LOVE their new campaign for Spring Summer 2012 which fashionably channels Patti Smith from the 70s. It continues the fashion love affair with musicians which has seen a gaggle of models (I've decided that more then 3 models is a gaggle) dressed as KISS, Daphne Guinness dressed as David Bowie circa Ziggy and Theysken's Theory dressing their models as if they were fresh from the all night gig. Oh and Kate Moss dressed as Bowie for French Vogue.

I love Patti Smith and I was incredibly lucky to meet her this summer. I think its the only time I was ever star struck in the presence of a celebrity. I've met people before and never turned into a bumbling idiot unless you count shouting at Henry Holland by accident but Patti Smith just reduced me to rubble.

Louis Vuitton cake

2012-01-21T16:47:00.002Z

Seems a shame to eat the thing!!!!!

The new lip shades I am dying to try!

2012-01-21T16:40:00.001Z

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love my Ruby Woo lipstick by MAC. However, I do occasionally wear other colors! I have my eye on four new shades at the moment, so I thought I would run through my new lip colors which I will pick up over the next few weeks!

UP THE AMP : I love this shade. I have been wearing Saint Germain for a complete change from Ruby Woo which is a deep red matte shade. UTA is a glossy purple based pink which looks amazing on darker skins. I have been meaning to give it a go for a while now. It looks even better if you team it with a purple/pink gloss.

LADY DANGER - I love my red lipsticks and the one thing I haven't been able to find is an orange based red lipstick. I did invest in Morange and while I love it - it's just that touch too orange for me. LD is a nice inbetween shade. It's extremely vibrant and quite red but with more gloss then Ruby Woo which I like. I find RW can be a bit drying on the lips after a while. If your a fan of red, then check out Ladybug which is a lighter more daytime shade and Russian Red which also gives a fantastic effect.

SMOKED PURPLE : I have Cyber which is almost identical to this. I'm just really curious to give this shade a go. Again its another shade that you need a lipliner with as its quite dark and will bleed into the skin.

GIRL ABOUT TOWN : This has been on my list for years now. I keep meaning to buy it and then I somehow end up buying more ruby woo everytime! This is a really vibrant pink shade and it's a great change from my usual red lips!

All the lipsticks are available from MAC cosmetics which can be found at Brown Thomas for €17.50

VOTE!

2012-01-21T13:42:00.001Z

We have a little bit of a vote going on at the moment - what magazines do you read?

It's interesting to me as I buy so many of them and I keep majority of what I buy in special piles around the house. I've been collecting Vogue since 2009 and ELLE since 2010. Which means that I have quite the stack.

While I buy Vogue and ELLE, I sometimes dabble in Glamour, Harpers Bazaar and Grazia - although this is occasional and not every month. I forgot to include Glamour actually! Oops!

So you can vote for the magazine you always buy or prefer on the sidebar just under the followers button there and you have another 26 days to do it!

Red By Valentino - why do I like this?

2012-01-21T13:30:00.002Z

I don't know why but this dress from Red by Valentino has really grabbed my attention. Normally Valentino is too girly for me and their pieces are too prim and proper. There is something that I find quite cute about this dress. I think it might be the shape rather then the print though. I also find dresses with no waist annoying so I have no idea what has drawn me to this dress.

Any ideas anyone?
selfridges

Aldo Rise collection for SS12 is in stores

2012-01-21T13:24:00.002Z

While we are all eagerly awaiting the new Marni for H&M collection which will be in stores soon, there is another collection worth nothing which is available now.

The Aldo Rise collection sees shoe collaborations from designers such as Mark Fast, Libertine, Preen and JW Anderson. The shoes are available until the 22nd of February from Selfridges shoe department - otherwise known as heaven.

While I love the collection, I do think J.W Anderson has the edge for me. I am loving those shoes...sigh....

VALENTINES DAY : Gift ideas part 1

2012-01-21T13:08:00.002Z

It's that time of the year again. Valentines day, where couple act smug and singles wish they could hibernate for 24 hours. Despite the amount of anti-romance balls and nights out which are on offer, I still have to cover appropriate gifting options for this time of year - no matter how much I might not want to.
No matter how much I downright don't want to. So here goes a few ideas.....

1 - Make rice krispy treats in the shape of hearts using moulds and clingfilm. I got this idea of pinterest which is becoming an obsession for me to check out what people are cooking. This is just a nice idea to get your day started. It also will cost you the price of a rice crispy box!

2 - Saint Valentines Laduree Macaroons for €15.50. You get this lovely little pink box and some tasty treats inside which makes a change from chocolates. The box is available from Brown Thomas.

3 - Literally give someone your heart this year. On a chain. For their neck. This unusual necklace comes from Etsy designer Lost Apostle and can be yours for $55 here
It's also anatomically correct too - if that makes a difference. Again, its something completely different.

pearl collars

2012-01-21T12:50:00.002Z

Collars are one of the handiest pieces of equipment you can buy for your wardrobe. It's a great way of adding something new to your wardrobe and changing a simple blouse into something stunning. Unfortunately they sell out fairly quickly as most people are aware of how amazing they are! I found this one in River Island and its new so get in there quickly! river island

WHATS ON : Dublin

2012-01-21T03:58:00.002Z

Hurrah! The closet clear out is happening again in Dublin folks and we have the details for anyone interested in attending :

... ...........................................................................................................
Is your wardrobe fit to burst? Full of pre-loved, high-street, designer or vintage finds, that you'd love for them to find a new home? Want to make a little more room in your closet? Basically, you want a wardrobe like Carrie's, who doesn't?

Why don't you have some fun, clear out your closet and make a few bob at the same time at the Closet Clear-out, a unique, fashion market.

Or maybe you want to bag a fashion find? or pick up a designer bargain? or just have fun browsing the many rails, listening to great music, at the Closet Clear-out, right in the middle of the city-centre.

The Closet Clear-out is taking place at ALT (Andrew's Lane Theatre), just off South William Street, Dublin 2. In the middle of the city centre, on Saturday January 28th.

Time: Midday til 6pm

How it works:
You book a rail - either half or full, depending on how much stuff you want to flog!
Half an rail holds up to 30 or so pieces.
Full rail - is up to 60 pieces or more.
You turn up with the stuff you want to sell and hangers, we provide you with your rail. You get selling. It's that simple!
What you can sell: Handbags, jewellery, shoes, dresses, tops, t-shirts! Everything from your closet!!!
..............................................................................................................
Sounds like a really fun afternoon! You can check out their facebook page here
for more details! Happy shopping!

New Year Fashion Resolutions!

2012-01-21T03:49:00.001Z

Every year I make fashion related new years resolutions! This year, my non fashion resolution is to be more careful with my coeliac diet which is really quite dull but don't worry - I still made some fashion related ones and here they are.....

I PROMISE......to buy more skinny jeans, leggings and trousers. I have an awful tendency to buy skirts and dresses. So this year I promise to get more practical and invest in things I can wear in a more casual sense. I intend on investing in metallic jeans, pastel jeans which I can turn up and some new blues one. I need more leggings then jeans so thats next on the list!

I PROMISE.....to finally get my Vivienne Westwood bag cleaned!!!! I've been meaning to do it for ages now and yet the bag still hangs in my wardrobe in need of a good dry clean! So I promise to that as soon as I can - I also promise never to buy a bag that needs dry cleaning ever again!

I PROMISE......to FINALLY sort out my sock drawer. It's boring to remember things like socks and tights when shopping with your paycheck but I went through my tights collection earlier and finally remembered to throw away the ones I have ripped. I normally throw them in the wash and forget which ones have holes in them until I go to put them back on again. I am going to make a point of replacing the torn ones and buying new and cuter socks instead of stealing pairs off people!

I PROMISE......to get around to buying something I have wanted for ages like the Cambridge fluoro satchels which I have had my eye on for about a year now. I cant decide between yellow or pink though. I promise that as soon as everything is sorted - I'll try get that sorted!

I PROMISE......to finally do something new and exciting with my hair. I will finally get the ends trimmed and neatened by a professional and not do it myself. I have included a picture of the wonderful lady from stylorexic, who I have been style stalking for about a year now. I love how she always seems to have the exact thing I want - including mint green hair. So I hope that I will be able to with work - we shall see - otherwise I promise to at least cut the thing!

a light up cup....

2012-01-21T02:43:00.004Z

Well this is one of the more random pieces I have featured here but for anyone who has ever spilled an entire mug of water/tea/vodka while reaching for a sip in the dark, introducing the No Spill Lite Cup. Which does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a light in a cup for your room.
Which means no more awkward soaking carpet.
It can be found here

Cox and Cox sale - no serious, not what you think a website called that would sell

2012-01-21T02:18:00.000Z

I've written about my obsession with household and gift sites before and in fact, I've written about this one before too! This is cox and cox - no word of a lie that is the actual name - which you can view here. They sell all manner of wonderful stuff - I only meant to have a small look and lo and behold, I found their sale section - which is dangerous for me! I'm obsessed!

I wrote about these masks before which are now down to £9.30 from €15

Or this beautiful lantern which would cheer up any garden. It was £47 and is now £16!

And finally - the birds! I cant stop repeating the phase - 'Put a bird on it' after my flatmate showed me a portlandia clip :

Anyway - the birds are down to £2.98 and I think they are really cute! I would love a few strands for my window - even though you could easily make them yourself!

Everyone is going grey....but not enough mint green for my liking

2012-01-21T01:47:00.001Z

People have gone nuts over grey hair. It's an old trend which has re-surfaced thanks to celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne and now yer wan off Marina and the Diamonds. Everyone from Lady Gaga to Katy Perry has tried the unusual hair color trend which was started by salons like Bleach in London. Personally, I am holding out to try the mint green color with a blunt fringe - I WANT IT NOW!

Someone told me recently that if you mix a mad hair color with conditioner then you can get the washed out sorbet colors which the stars have been sporting recently - I haven't tried it but its been confirmed by others as a viable option. Watch this space!

By the way, if anyone wants the lipstick that Marina is wearing, then it looks very like Saint Germain from MAC cosmetics. It's about €17.50 a pop and while it looks like a hard color to wear, its actually great fun. It does demand a very finished look and the right coloring - I love it. I think its great with a bubblegum gloss over it for added effect.

SS12 LOOKBOOKS : Kurt Geiger

2012-01-21T01:37:00.000Z

Kurt Geiger have released pictures of their up coming SS12 collection which will hit stores in the near future. I keep forgetting that KG have their handbag collection as well now.

There are only seven images so far which all seem to strappy pointy heels.

Which to be fair the entire high street are pushing as the shoe trend for 2012. Which saddens me as I think I got rid of all of mine post 2004...damn! I hate when a trend is recycled and I have gotten rid of original pieces!

Looks like the shoe color to have is mint green as well! Totally inspired by Louis Vuitton who showed pointed pastel colors - including mint green on his catwalk for SS12.

Still though...I'm sure there will be many different styles to choose from once the high street really get going.

Alexander Wang bag

2012-01-20T22:47:00.001Z

It's been years since the release of the Kristen tote from Alexander Wang, but yet I am still as in love with it as I was the first time I saw it. I don't know what it is about the bag but I just love it. Mind you, it's about €945+ so I guess it's going to have to go on the want list for a while yet - at least until I managed to finally get a Cambridge Satchel!!!!!!!!!

Fashion's big night out confirmed for 6th of september

2012-01-20T22:45:00.000Z

Hold onto your haute couture kids!

The next date for the Fashion's Big Night Out has been confirmed! This year it will happen on the 6th of September on a high street near you!
I'm excited!
Last years event saw Brown Thomas host a fantastic night out along with various other stores in Dublin - who knows what this year will bring?
The event takes place the day before New York Fashion Week which means that London is going to deserted!

Marc Jacobs talks about his weight transformation

2012-01-20T10:03:00.000Z

Oddly enough - last week I posted a picture and asked you to tell me who it was....while no one got it right, the person in question has spoken out about that particular time in his life.

The photo was of Marc Jacobs back in the days when he wasn't the tanned, groomed and tattoo-ed person he is today! He spoke out in a recent interview about his transformation....

"I did it for health reasons. I was really very weak. I had been working very hard and I had some stomach problems, so I saw a nutritionist and he recommended that I go to the gym and change my diet and all of that." - On why he changed

"It certainly changed a lot of people’s perspectives. Some people say that they liked me better the way I used to be, but those people don’t really know me so they don’t know that I am exactly the same person and I just look different. But I just feel stronger and better. ' - On how people dealt with the transformation

"It’s funny: I enjoy clothing more, I enjoy getting my haircut, I enjoy grooming. In a way it kind of helped me to understand more of what the customer sees in terms of fashion. I got to appreciate it more from a first hand point of view. I like to shop, for example, which I never did before.I feel much more secure with my body and in some ways I can relate more to the joys a woman gets in terms of taking care of herself." -On how he can relate to his customer more.

Still, its one hell of a transformation right?

More bad news at Ungaro as shows are cancelled

2012-01-20T09:38:00.002Z

Things are also bad at Ungaro this morning as the retailer announced that it will not be delivering it's Spring Summer stock to stores. It also announced that there will be no pre fall or fall collection this year either.

Wow, this follows the news that Giles Deacon has walked from the company prompting internal re structures which are responsible for the lack of collections for the next three collections.

This is also the same company that hired Lindsey Lohan....I had to throw that one in....as unfair as that was!

Forever 21 are being sued by their own employees

2012-01-20T09:32:00.001Z

Well, this is new!

Normally when I write about High Street lawsuits - its American Apparel, so I was surprised to read this morning that Forever 21 are being sued!

Employees of the company are launching a lawsuit as they believe they are owed unpaid wages. Which sounds fair enough, until you hear why they are owed wages - for bag checks.

At the end of a shift, management/security will often check the bags of their employees. This is standard practice in every single retail job I have ever had. It takes about a minute and unless you have stolen something - then its nothing to worry about. However the F21 staff are annoyed that the bag checks are taking place AFTER they have swiped out and on their own time. Riiiiiight.....

Before this is dismissed as another stupid claim, Ralph Lauren settled out of court for the tune of 4 million for the same (but slightly larger) claim in 2010 by 6,700 employees. Which to be fair, if you had to wait for 6,700 employees to have their bag checked before you could leave - would piss anyone off.

Still, seems a bit....unreasonable doesn't it?

versace for H&M is already sold out!

2012-01-19T16:33:00.000Z

Despite H&Ms lack of an online store in America, the cruise collection of Versace hit online today and has already been there, done that and made its way onto ebay!

At 6:30 am this morning, the site crashed and caused uproar as no one could get online. H&M tweeted an apology and tried to get the site working as soon as possible. There was more though, shoppers reported being unable to pay for goods at the check out and the collection selling out in only a few hours.

However, it's all on ebay now and you pick up any of the pieces you might have had your eye on from there! Mind you, it has almost doubled in cost!

H&M also reported that you should check back for returns over the next few weeks.

PENNY.....At the movies.....

2012-01-19T16:10:00.002Z

I occasionally get to do movie reviews for radio and I really enjoy getting the email which tells me what I am going to be reviewing! Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's not so good - I did have to see the Muppets movie a few months ago which wasn't great!
I was delighted today to get the chance to review The Iron Lady. I have been looking forward to this as there has been a lot of hype surrounding the movie from various critics and fashion bloggers such as myself. Maggie Thatcher has inspired a lot of women, not just those in politics but in recent weeks with the release of the movie she has inspired a whole look for next season with her selection of prim and proper blouses and skirts. I think I might leave the curls for another time!
I was impressed with the film but I wasn't expecting it to be so sad. Old age and confusion are a sad fact of life but it was horrible to see such a powerful figure reduced to a confused old lady. I can see why the family are finding it hard. I found it hard in places to watch. Meryl Streep is Thatcher in this. I have seen a lot of reviews which call her performance nothing more then an imitation at best but I think its a little unfair. She does a wonderful job and its great to see her flex her skills a bit more then just using them in musicals like Mamma Mia and chick flicks. She manages to handle the part with great sensitivity which playing someone suffering like that deserves.
The actress playing the younger Thatcher also does a wonderful performance. In short, the film is worth seeing but it might be one that is better viewed on the small screen as it has a BBC TV documentary feel to it. If you like this one, then maybe watching the Channel 4 docu-movie MO is your next step which tells the story of Mo Mowlam and her effect on the Northern Ireland peace process. It's really worth viewing as its done extremely well.

60S INSPIRATION : Airline fashion

2012-01-19T15:58:00.000Z

I love how bonkers everything seemed in the 60s. The color, the expression, the creativity - this was all really apparent in the modelling used for Vogue and other magazines where the emphasis was on having fun. A far cry from the sour faced models you see scowling at you from the pages of ELLE in modern times....

I'm not sure where these images came from or if they are a photoshoot, advert for airlines or simply just girls in short skirts having fun on planes - but I love the sense of fun and adventure in them. I just don't think they are legit - I can't see airlines allowing girls in hotpants to serve customers! Still, I wouldn't complain! I appreciate airline fashion!

It seems a lifetime away from the bright blue and yellow uniforms of Ryanair as this was back when flying was glamorous. This was in short before Ryanair stripped flying of any fun and made it about turning a fast buck.

I've become obsessed with looking at 60s and 70s images today so you can expect a lot more images like this over the next few hours. Still with fashion obsessed with the 20s and 60s right now, it's good to see how it looked originally! I am loving hotpants after this post - it's going to be a while before I am back in shorts and indeed tights but I cant wait to dig out my old denim shorts!

Topshop do grunge - prefer the lookbook to the actual pieces!

2012-01-19T13:48:00.002Z

However out of all of the new looks from Topshop, I decided that this one is the best of the lot. I love it. It's their take on sporty - grunge. It's funny because as I surfed through the collection last night, I was really unimpressed by the pieces in color and laid out like that. So I think I am going to be using this as an inspiration rather then a guide of what to buy from the store.

I need a denim jacket. I've never felt like that before because I've always sort of hated denim jackets. But this one has changed my mind a bit. I like the idea of hacking the sleeves off and sewing in fleece arms into the jacket - but long sleeves and not the shorter pieces as as seen above. I don't think my disgusting upper arms would be too happy with being displayed like that! The jacket is a great piece to throw over my black pieces - its also a nice change from my leather jacket which gets taken out a bit too mcuh

I have already posted last night about my urge to buy a backpack and I prefer the pack from River Island menswear which I posted about. I'm not sure about those shorts either as its hard to find boyish cut shorts - most womenswear shorts tend to be fitted and tailored. I also think our curves make it hard to get that desired rake effect as well. I'm not sure that the boyish look would be really well fitted with my large thighs!

Now this I can get on board with! I really love the idea of layering a flannel shirt with a fleece and a denim jacket like this one has above - nice! I don't know about double denim as get it right and its 70s but the margin for error is great and you can really mess it up and get 80s instead!

Love it.

I will be digging out my long maxi skirts again next season! I love a good maxi skirt and have worn all of mine to death over the past three seasons - I even have the holes in my river island skirt to prove it. I don't want to do a metallic effect on it. I would like a nice black one though!

The belly top - a step too far prehaps for me? I might try one under a flannel shirt like that though - it looks great and the one thing I have been blessed with - in amongst the fat arms and legs - is a flat stomach ....watch this space!

This I think would look great with a flannel shirt over it or a long hoody. The dress is in grey and is already available online.

How 90s My So Called Life is this?????

Topshop take us through their lookbook for SS12

2012-01-19T13:37:00.000Z

Topshop have released more pictures from their lookbook for next season - although with the early advances of Spring in this country - looks like this season already! Its a mad collection of clashing colors, mad prints and er, bomber jackets. We posted the looks for the season already which you can access here to get a detailed look at the direction Topshop are going....

I love that gold sequin skirt - its a remake of a skirt they had in crushed velvet last season which sold really well for them. They are all over the sequin and shimmer trend which was seen on the catwalks of Versace and Chanel this season. If your not big on shimmy and shine then another way to do it is to inject a bit by changing your accessories or adding one piece of sequin or pastel amongst your usual wardrobe. Personally, not sure if the shimmery look is really me or not but I do like that bag above! It has 'town' and 'errands' written all over it...

This also has a mad sniff of Versace off it but you can take inspiration from the brand and Mary Katrantzou by clashing all over prints and using statement printed leggings or trousers to get the effect. I love how the bag and the skirt clash perfectly. The way to get clashing prints to work like that is to identify a common color between them. Note how the skirt has light pink piece which are matched by the small piece of pink in the print on the top and leggings and the bag echoes the white. It helps not to confuse the eye too much and means that the pieces aren't competing for attention with each other.

As I mentioned - Topshop are big on the bomber jacket for next season. I mean - BIG on the bomber jacket. I am not sure if I am ready to forgive the jacket just yet for its crimes against 80s fashion but, it doesn't look too bad in it's 2012 remake! Warning though - another trend which Topshop are promoting is the belly top trend which was seen at pretty much every show going, although and example of which can be seen at Dolce and Gabanna.

I am feeling metallics as always. I had seen this jacket already on the site and thought it looked quite nice. My natural instinct would be to team it with black but I think the white is a different and nice effect. However, I am wary of buying metallics from the high street as I think the metallics wear down after a while and the shine comes off leaving this horrible worn effect. So I think if I was to do metallics then I wouldn't be doing expensive pieces like this leather jacket...

I really like this in an odd way - odd that I am the girl who hates print but yet, I love this. I can't imagine it being too flattering on any girl above a size 10, which includes me but still.. the pieces could be nice on their own mixed with other pieces. Like those leggings with a white shirt knotted over them.

QUOTAGE!

2012-01-19T13:11:00.000Z

“When I went to fashion week for the first time I was 13. People were confused about my being there for a few reasons. One was that I was a blogger. The word itself blog is kind of ugly, it just doesn’t sound very legitimate. And fashion, as an industry, has been really behind on being online and so I think people were confused and angry that someone younger than them had kind of figured it out. You know, they would talk about how inappropriate it was for someone my age to be at fashion week, but this is coming from an industry that fetishizes youth.”

- I'm always impressed by how smart Tavi comes across in interviews. This is from an interview she did with the BBC recently and she speaks about how the industry didn't take too well to having a teenager sitting front row in Galliano at fashion week.

D&G finally make something I would consider - and its actually pink?!?!?!?!?

2012-01-19T03:04:00.002Z

Readers, you may be shocked by this post because the item in question is (A) pink and (B) quite girly - but I sort of like this skirt. I have my reasons - one of which being that it looks sort of a bit 80s and punk - in a pink way when teamed with a leather jacket with some bad ass zips like below....

It's from D&G and costs €529 from here
Here being netaporter.com of course.....But it does make me think of a certain person who I think would have gotten a massive kick out of it....

90s Carrie Bradshaw....or rather 90s Patricia Field....sigh...the good old days....before SATC went to the middle East and ruined their empire - and Carrie's excellent wardrobe track record.....

CAST WATCH : Week Three : Coming home....

2012-01-19T02:53:00.000Z

So today I finally made the epic journey back to the apartment. I have spent three weeks living in my parents house and getting under everyone's feet.
It's nice to be back - although already its a bit odd and I'm feeling a bit confused! It's odd to be back here as I haven't spent much time here since the accident. I did find my camera with images of that night on it. I can't even look at them as it just makes me feel awful.
I have plans tommorow to return to my writing work properly as my deadlines are looming closer and closer with nothing in sight and also I have a lot of work to do on the blog as well. I'm also back closer to my brushes as well so I am thinking of using my face as a canvas to practise a bit.
The room, which is still in the state it was in when I left it - post getting ready for new years eve - needs to be cleaned desperately so tommorow is crunch time.
I guess this means that life is slowly getting back to normal, bit by bit and day by day. I've still not mastered the art of my crutches. I keep finding myself getting faster and faster on them and picking up speed. The other unfortunate side effects include the sore hands I have - despite my mother's DIY job on the handles and the fainting.
Ah yes, the fainting.....If I spend more then twenty minutes walking on them - I faint. Which is not normal. This has caused widespread panic as the show must go on (the show otherwise known as banking and paperwork which must be dropped into various places in town) and I have been doing short bursts around the local bank and supermarket - in both I have nearly keeled over. My constant companion is now a frozen water bottle and an apology to shop keepers who have visions of health and safety dancing in their panicked eyes when I go white. I've also caused panic at the hospital by doing this!

The other downside, speaking of hospitals, is that I picked up a bug while I was there last week. This means I have a borderline cold and feel generally unwell along with the horrible lack of walking. I woke the family with coughing last night and had to deal with my mother storming into my room with cough syrup at half four in the morning. Sadly, she caught me by surprise as I was watching Ab Fab and I screamed in shock which woke anyone still sleeping in neighbouring houses up. I slunk back to my own flat today amidst evil glares from tired villagers.
Incase anyone is wondering about the lack of sleep - its to do with my normal insomnia which has gotten worse with the injury - which means turning over in my sleep is enough to wake me up swearing. But still, anyone who knows me knows I don't give up easily and I've learned how to roll over with a bit more ease...I just cant sleep now. Thank god for the boxset of Ab Fab I had the good sense to buy - every episode ever thought up.
Excellent.
Till next week kittens........

The week in review.....by you

2012-01-19T02:38:00.001Z

We look at what you've been looking at this week.....

There is Gossip Girl fever in the air as most of you have been keeping tabs on the Vera Wang number that Blair is due to wear for her wedding in series 5. We've have been posting as fast as the images keep on coming - but the storyline is being kept tighter then Kylie Minogue's face.......see pictures and read about it

There has been a lot of interest in the La Senza protest as we posted the video of the girls at their sit in in Dublin's Liffey Valley store following the dreadful news that they had lost their jobs and wages. Luckily for the girls it has been sorted out now and so far everyone seems happy but you guys got seriously interested with this remaining one of the most searched stories we had. la senza update

Rather gruesome but an old post on fingernail piercing has seen a revival in the past week. I am not sure if this means there is a new trend on the way or not, but it seems you are all thinking of picking up the needle. Shudder! Just take care - as we explained on the old post.....read this post

backpacks. I want one. I don't know why but I do....

2012-01-19T02:29:00.000Z

Inspired by 90s grunge - which is being badly done at Topshop at the minute - I have fallen in love with the idea of a 90s backpack. I don't know why but I have.
This one is from River Island Menswear department and its appealing to my grunge needs right now. Naturally a clean 90s backpack wont do so I would drag this one around in the mud until it screamed but I am loving it right now. I like the idea of this with oversized shirts, candy necklaces, torn jeans and a snarl....oh and a bit of Sonic Yoof on my ipod, because my parents just don't understand me - and this song is of course, about me.....

bag £30

test

2012-01-19T01:33:00.001Z

I actually found a nice piece of jewelry!

2012-01-18T04:15:00.002Z

I'm not normally the type to look at fancy jewelry - mainly because I leave it behind in bars and cafes. So I figure if I buy cheap jewelry then I wont have my heart broken when it gets stolen or lost. Which has served me well. I have been half looking for a really nice piece of jewelry with a stone in it. I am attracted to certain stones more then others. I used to be really into crystal healing when I was younger and still have a whole drawer full of various crystals in all colors. When I was 15 I had this beautiful piece of Lapis Lazuli which I wore on Wednesdays - don't ask! I wish I find a beautiful piece of turquoise, amber or Lapis for a ring. I just havent been able to find one - until now.

I found this gorgeous ring on netaporter.com this evening and straight away I liked it. It's simple, elegant and yet unusual. I thought that there was no way I could afford such a beautiful piece - but it's only €150!!!! You can view it here!

I thought I would post a bit about the stone and what it does.

A stone of protection that may be worn to guard against psychic attacks, Lapis Lazuli quickly releases stress, bringing deep peace. It brings harmony and deep inner self-knowledge. Encourages self-awareness, allows self-expression and reveals inner truth, providing qualities of honesty, compassion and morality to the personality. Stimulates objectivity, clarity and encourages creativity. Lapis Lazuli assists to confront and speak one’s truth and inspires confidence. It bonds relationships, aiding in expression of feelings and emotions.

Lapis Lazuli boosts the immune system, purifies blood, lowers blood pressure, cooling and soothing areas of inflammation. It alleviates insomnia and vertigo, and overcomes depression. Lapis Lazuli benefits the respiratory and nervous systems and the throat, vocal chords, and thyroid, cleanses organs, bone marrow and thymus.

It's the birth stone of December

Funnily enough, I suffer from CRONIC insomnia and vertigo - maybe this is why I was drawn to the stone? I am still going to have a look at New Moon jewelry in Dublin too because they stock wonderful pieces before I commit to this one!
Oddly enough this piece is rather dark and I prefer brighter ones - so we shall see!

God sweatpants are horrible

2012-01-17T20:01:00.000Z

Oh god my style has gone bad!

When trying to fit trousers over a giant brace and cast - there aren't many stylish options available to you. I've actually had to wear - sweatpants a lot.

I can recall having a few pairs for gymnastic training when I was thirteen which is fair enough - sweatpants are for sports but I have not worn them since. I used to wear leggings to go running in and worked out in green cut off pants. I cant remember the last time I wore or owned sneakers but I think it might have been for PE in school which I stopped doing aged 14.

I had a debate with my mother about the pants. I cannot get my head around people who wear these day in and day out. I think they are lazy, unflattering, sloppy and unattractive. I am mortified to be seen in them. I understand they are comfortable - that is about all they have going for them. I just cant understand why anyone would want to wear these on a daily basis.

But we do, I have lost track of the amount of women I see wandering around in these! I will leave bitching about men in sweatpants aside for now even though its just as bad for the moment. These pants are horrific and are really unflattering. Deeply so.

I have also had to team this with - hoodies....I feel horrible right now but its all that will fit me. I can't get leggings or skinny jeans over my giant disgusting cast!

So there, I've said it - its out of my system now. These trousers are revolting! I just hope I don't turn into this :

Kate Moss actually had a quiet birthday party - and here is what she wore

2012-01-17T19:24:00.000Z

When I saw the pictures of Kate Moss on her 38th birthday, my heart sank. She had confirmed my worst fears - that when you get married, you loose any reason to get dressed up. I HATED those awful disgusting mid 90s unflattering grey flares she wore! WHAT was going through her mind? Of course all the magazines and newspapers are like, genius! flares! Why didn't we think of it sooner! I have to be honest because I don't get paid with money/interview or time by Moss and admit that I thought they were shockingly disgusting.

Mind you, she did have a better outfit for later on. The offending flares were for a warm up lunch - she wore the black and white outfit above for later on. She had a dinner party, yes, a dinner party - this from the woman who Lionel Ritchie sang to on her 35th birthday and is known for 4 day sessions which put anyone from Clonmel to shame!

THIS is why I don't want to get married. Not because no one would have me - but because I would never want to become dull and dinner party-ery.......

Still, you miss the days where she tore the bar a new one and passed out in a pool of her own brilliance wouldn't you?

Oh to be that cat....

2012-01-17T18:45:00.001Z

This.

This is no ordinary cat.
This is Karl Lagerfeld's new kitten.
Choupette.
Imagine the lifestyle that cat has - its more then likely on better money then you and I combined!

The Dior story keeps on going - no announcement until may?!?!?

2012-01-17T18:41:00.000Z

So the Dior story has gone all quiet! Just as we thought we were getting Raf Simmons for the job, it goes quiet again and we are left quessing!

Well, I don't know whats real or right at the moment but some sources are saying that Bill Gaytten has designed at least three Dior collections in advance and this means we might not get an announcement until May.

Couture starts next week and the last time Dior showed couture, it was not a success story. In fact it was slammed by everyone possible! Sales at Dior are reportedly up by 27% which is a good thing but there are no concrete figures for Gaytten's designs yet but if the reviews are anything to go by, then it could be a disaster waiting to happen.

Although, does anyone really buy couture?

Vintage homeware ideas

2012-01-16T21:35:00.001Z

I've written about Rockett St George before but I keep forgetting to pop back and check out their new stuff. I went for a quick nose today since I seem to be in the frame of mind to decorate a house - dont ask, I dont have one to decorate!
I seem to have vintage ideas today!

Like this cute bird attachment for the top of lamps - €15.50 - there are two white birds to collect!

This stag door handle at €24.17

This vintage lamp at €108.38

old school book box - €37.05

The currency doesn't exactly translate well as you can tell by all the weird cent prices at the end of the prices but meh! Still reasonably priced vintage pieces! rockett st george

We'll take Manhattan on BBC 4

2012-01-16T21:18:00.002Z

Well I've tried my best but I can't seem to find a screening date for 'We'll take Manhattan' anywhere!

Basically WTM is another fashion biopic which is due to be screened on BBC 4 in January. It follows the love affair of Vogue photographer David Bailey (played by Aneurin Barnard - that is a wonderful name) and iconic model Jean Shrimpton (played by Karen Gillan) in the 60s.

I look forward to it - yet no one has a release date for it!

---------UPDATE-------------------

FINALLY! I managed to get the release date on a Karen Gillan fan site (ew) but it's going to be aired on Thursday the 26th of January on BBC 4 at 9pm!

Happy Viewing

Waldo Pancake - the people who make the Puccino coffee packaging

2012-01-16T21:10:00.002Z

Anyone who lives in Cork knows that the only thing entertaining about being in the dump of a bus station is Puccinos coffee. I am not going to lie and say it is amazing coffee but the packaging has kept me going for a year now. I am also not going to defend the bus station to anyone from Cork - I'm from there myself and I can vouch for its long standing shitty-ness!

I had a nice routine going last year. I would jump off one bus and grab one of their Americanos before getting on the Limerick bus. I would then spend the last twenty minutes of the journey desperate for the loo! But thats just me!

I never really thought about the company behind the cute slogans and funny logos on the coffee cups until I came across someone raving about some of their products. I decided I should check this out at once and to my horror - I actually really liked some of it. I say horror because with my current situation, I am not in the market for a teapot or coasters and I wish I was. However they are extremely reasonably priced and very well priced if you consider that it makes your guests smile!

They do have a large selection of everything from teapots to coasters to notepads but as usual I have focused on stuff for the kitchen because I seem to be a little obsessed!

You can check out the whole range at Waldo Pancake.

FACEBOOK MAKE UP STORE WINNERS

2012-01-16T20:45:00.003Z

Basically I got tired of waiting till Wednesday to announce who won the Make-up Store competition! So I thought I would announce it today and Wednesday!

If your name is on the list and your friends with us on facebook then please email : Caroline_b1985@yahoo.co.uk and we can get your goodies sent out!

FIONA DEE
AMY O KEEFE
MARIA SHEEHY
LAURA HAMPSON
JENNY AUSTIN

But, in an added twist - if you leave a comment below this post then we might just pick another two names from the list for Friday!

We will be launching more competitions like this on the facebook page so don't forget to LIKE us if you want to be entered!

facebook page

Kate Moss is turning 38

2012-01-16T20:32:00.000Z

Can you believe that this turned 38 today? Happy Birthday Miss Moss - you seem so innocent above.....

Katie Grand uses some interesting techniques

2012-01-16T20:29:00.000Z

We have already seen the horrific state of the model's feet on the Louis Vuitton catwalk last season but now the show's stylist Katie Grand has revealed that the models were literally glued into the shoes.
No, no word of a lie - they were actually glued using wig glue into the shoes.

She also revealed that Marc Jacobs played the 'Hello Dolly' soundtrack on repeat during fittings and the days running up to the show. How no one stuck him with pins is beyond me. But apparently he had a karaoke machine in the studio in which he sang show tunes on during fittings - sales of nurofen must have sky rocketed to his poor staff. Imagine being under pressure with fittings, sewing and late nights and having to listen to your boss singing there's no business like show business on repeat...

Between the glue, the singing and the apparent Uma Thurman appearances at the studio - no wonder not one of the model's smiled......