Sex and the City - the Review

It's finally here! The moment us gals have all been waiting for - the premiere of Sex and the City: the Movie! I laughed, I cried, I nearly came. Trust me when you see all those shoes honey, you'll be fighting the urge too! If you didn't already see me on RTE 2 this evening extolling the virtues of Carriedom, I'll let you in on a secret - don't see this film without your girlfriends, bring a hanky and leave your credit card at home....preferably in the freezer. Put it this was, I was glad it was 10pm when I left the cinema, otherwise I would have pillaged Brown Thomas in a New York minute. Most of all, prepare to be Carried Away! (excuse the fromage but I've been waiting for this day for almost 5 years!!)

C'est ci n'est pas une Boutique

Fashion Philosophy 101
Q: When is an online boutique not an online boutique? A: When it is a blog, an innovative merger of editorial content and online retail commerce.

How Magritte is that? I love it! Surrealism ain't dead honey. It's alive and kicking at the latest technothreads website 212DRESSINGROOM.com. Created to promote fashion and art from a New York perspective, the daily blog highlights industry news, reviews and oh so glam commentary while the boutique is set to make its official launch in Fall 2008. I've been glued to the site all morning and it is going on this blogroll in a New York minute!

Bourjois Rouge Hi-Tech

I love a bit of science. Nothing like hearing 'hi-tech- to get my attention, especially when it comes to beauty products. Speaking of which, Bourjois has launched a new lip tint which claims to deposit an undetectable veil of 'liquid lip colour'. Perfect for summer (if we ever get one!) and for those who prefer a natural non-shine finish. Its water-based formula also means it is instantly absorbed with no funny residue but rather a delicate scent of orange blossom notes. Sounds less like science and more like an excuse for snogging. Yum...

Available in 6 'techie' colours like Rouge Futuriste and Cyber Casis. Nifty!
Price: €10.70

Weathered Girl

I've been in a style quandry the past 24 hours. With the impending SATC VIP screening looming tomorrow, I can't help but wonder 'What the hell am I going to wear?!' The lashing rain and belting wind does not a fashion statement make...nor does Goretex for that matter. Despite flogging the virtues of floral wellies (see: below), I am determined to retain some degree of clothing kudos. This candy-striped beauty from Debenhams seems just the ticket. Go Carrie with a vintage tux jacket, outré jewellery and stacked heels or keep it pristine à la Charlotte. Most of all, if the heavens do decide to open, the nautical stripes are very appropriate.

Debut red and white stripe dress €140

Wellie Power

Into each summer a little rain must fall; unless of course you live in Ireland in which case you'll be needing these. I'm not being pessimistic but given our petulant clime, I think it best to manage expectations. Slip on a pair of Funky Wellies and you can still work the floral trend without catching pneumonia in a diaphanous tea dress. Am I getting practical in my old age? Dare I say yes?

Motorola Dublin Fashion Week

I don't know about you moda mongers but my leather-clad diary is heaving under the number of fashion events in Dublin this summer. Tonight it's Summer Lovin' at the Conrad, Monday it's the L'Oreal Trophy Grand Final at UCD, Wednesday the SATC preview and now I'm told Motorola Dublin Fashion Week (MDFW) is coming back for an encore 25-27 August! I'm just about as happy as Colleen McLoughlin with a black Amex. Not only do I get to view the S/S 09 showcase from designers like Joanne Hynes and Jennifer Rothwell, there's also the inaugural Irish Fashion Awards and Talk series to look forward to. How I intend on getting any work done is beyond me. Any assistants out there?

Recession Dressing

Oh dear....the bank account does not look good. Red apparently is now my money colour. Farewell oh bouyant days of black! Not to worry. This too shall pass as my mom would say. In the meantime, I shall continue to wear blinkers when walking past BT's (crystal-embellished of course!) and steel myself up for some recession dressing. Thankfully Penney's - my trusted favourite when the chips are down - has come out with some supercute dresses for summer. Check out this ethnic maxi number: only €19 and those faux snakeskin bracelets? A mere €3! Better still, they're part of the Ethical Trading Inititative. Now I just have to prepare myself for the scrum on Henry Street...

ANTM - What the Buck Style

Today's news from our favourite celeb-caster includes spolier alerts

• Plus size winner on America's Next Top Model. OMG!
• Gossip Girl Murder. LTP! (lot to process!)
• Ugly Betty and The Office finales WTB! (yes - the buck)

Who needs Perez when you've got Buck. "Love you Bitch!" (© What the Buck?)

Image - June Issue

Pick up a copy of the June issue of IMAGE today and check out three of my articles:
The Guide to the Season
Interview with SPACE.NK's Nicky Kinnaird
Night Nurses - the latest trend in parenting

Technothreads

I'm really behind on this post which is ironic because it's all about the future. Technothreads is a 'must-must' exhibition/experience for all fashion lovers. Merging gorgeous frocks, hot new trends and controversial science, the programme takes a look at how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of fashion. Think of Guinness-fermented dresses, fabrics based on Braille, semi-living clothes and iconic outfits like Bono's bubble suit from the PopMart tour. The show's on until July 25th at the Trinners Science Gallery on Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Don't miss it!

Going Solo

Single boys and girls: get those iPhones on the ready and make a date for June 1st. Why? Because Solo - Ireland's smartest singles website is going live! Karina Corbett, my friend and source of reflected glory, is driving the digital dish of style, sights and sounds that will serve 1.2 million of the country's solo citizens. It's slick, sexy and coming soon! Remember where you heard it first...

Cherry Chau in Dublin

What a perfect way to beat the Monday morning blues: trying on hats and hair clips with accessory designer Cherry Chau! I popped along to Brown Thomas this morning to get a sneaky peek at CC's S/S and A/W collections. (How many initials was that?) Needless to say I had to practically be peeled out of there! Swarovski-crystal encrusted headpieces, oversized flower rings, Etruscan-inspired necklaces, combs that double as brooches. Divine! Word to the wise, get down to BT or Harvey Nicks prontissimo before they are all snapped up. With wedding and racing season upon us, I can safely predict they won't be there for much longer. Just check out that cute little cerise number Cherry is holding. How Von Teese is that? I love! I love!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to the old broad in the new shoes! That would be me by the way. In honour of the turning 21 again, I'm putting on my 5-inch peeptoes tomorrow and having me some cake. See you on Monday with an interview from Cherry Chau! Should be fun. Toodles!

Diet Coke teams up with Patricia Field

Patricia Field- fashion guru, SATC stylist and my personal hero - has teamed up with ‘diet Coke’ to create four dazzling bespoke designs to appear on its iconic original glass bottles. Each ltd ed bottle represents something different: career, passion, love or fashion and will be available exclusively in Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick and all BT2 stores from the 22nd May 2008, priced at €10 for a collection pack of four. How cute will we look sipping our DC in Stephen's Green. Love it!

The Way We Wear

Pick up a copy of today's Irish Independent and check out the interview with I Blog Fashion in the Day & Night supplement (The Way We Wear, page 20). You'll get a sneaky peek into how much I spend on clothes each month, my favourite designers and the worst fashion mistake I ever made! :)

Carrie Bradshaw in Dublin

Not really... it's actually just me doing my best impression of New York's favourite style icon on 98fm. Mine is a very similar story to the one where Carrie sets up her own 'list' at Barney's. After slews of weddings, engagements, baby showers and hen nights, I think its only fair get some kickback (dodgy pun aside). Listen in and have a giggle!

CLICK HERE to listen!

98fm Fashion Slot with I Blog Fashion

Thous Shalt Not Wear....a onesy or a one-shoulder dress

I Blog Fashion chats with the Morning Crew's Siobhan O'Connor.

CLICK HERE to tune in.

Shoes and the City..just not mine!

I just got an email from my friend Nina - owner of the lush ROMP boutique in L.A. She's having a shoe party with martinis. Normally, I would be ridiculously excited but the separation of an ocean and a continent has put 'a halt to my gallop' as my wise mother would say. So if any of you West Coast lovelies happen to be around West 3rd Street, think of me while you're sipping your cocktails and step away from those peplum shoots - those are mine bitches! ;)

Dotty P Gets Naked with Gok

I'm totally hearting on Mr Gok Wan - über celeb stylist and presenter of How to Look Good Naked. He's my new gay crush (see: What the Buck?). Tuesday nights @ 8pm have become a serious ritual for me: vino, pjs, face mask and Gok. Don't even call me; I won't answer. So you can imagine I'm only majorly impressed that he's come on board with Dotty P. (Nice one Dorothy! Didn't know you had it in ya!) Not only is the Wan providing in store style tips (the cardboard version of him that is) but he's also got a slew of them online. I'm loving the little tea dresses in store at the moment. Trendy brights, animal and floral prints at only €45 squids. Not bad. Click here for your own Gok tips.

Anywhere But Here

Go! Why? Because I said so.

www.anewspace.info

Globetrotting Guests

I just had a goo at I Blog's site stats and looky look at the amount of fashionable visitors we have! Aren't we just the cosmopolitan little blog?!

Where in the list are you from?
Amsterdam, Ashtown, Auckland, Ballymount, Bangkok, Berlin, Brooklyn, Clondalkin, Coolbaun, Cork, Crockaun, Crumlin, Dallas, Dublin, Erie, Galloping Green, Galway, Houston, Limerick, Ljubljana, Lockstown Upper, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Manchester, Maynooth, Montréal, Mountain View, Naas, New York, Oldtown, Oslo, Oxford, Paris, Portarlington, Porterstown, Rathcoole, Ripe, Rockhill, Ráth Tó, Saint Ann's Wells, Saint Johns Wood, Saint Margaret's, San Francisco, Sandyford, Singapore, Summerton, Templeogue, Tullamore, Whitechurch.

Exclusive Valentinto Sample Sale

If you're in London at the end of May, you're in luck. If not, book yourself a ticket now and prepare to make the ultimate day trip...with a spare suitcase. Valentino is holding an exclusive sample sale with Fashion Confidential on May 28-31 but it is STRICTLY invitation only so you CLICK HERE to RSVP. Prepare yourself for what promises to be a bitchin' bun fight. Top tip: you may want to take Aer Lingus; what with baggage allowance and all that.

Tiffany Comes to Dublin!

Just in case you thought I was talking about that red-haired Long Islander from the 80's, I'm actually referring to New York's most famous jewellers. Come autumn, Tiff will be taking up residence on the ground floor at Dublin's Brown Thomas and women around the city will be in debtor's or divorce court. It's a crying shame we've all spent our SSIAs at this stage. Ah well, we can always remortgage.

Sex and Someone Else's City

Whatever possessed the men in suits to take the ladies in couture to London is beyond me. As Sex in the City: the Movie premiered in old Blighty last night, I am sure there is a cacaphony of New Yorkers shouting 'WTF!' and some errant film exec waiting to get the sack. I extend my symphathies. Why Leicester Square trumps Times Square is beyond me but enough of my rant. Feast your eyes on the fabulous four, in particular SJP's fab Philip Treacy hat. Ladies at Punchestown take note: this is how hat-wearing is really done. We love you girls! Mwah! xxx

(Image credit: Newspix; The Daily Telegraph)

Louis Copeland opens at Dublin's Chq

For all you sharp dressed men out there, Dublin's rapidly-expanding chq is giving you another reason to put your best buttons forward. Today, Louis Copeland opens his eponymous doors dockside offering a selection of brands such as the LC label (uh...not Lauren Conrad) as well as sartorial stalwarts such as Armani, Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger. My guess is our Louis is partial to a bit of ZZ Top. Waddaya think? You don't get it? Please don't make me sing it...

http://www.chq.ie/

Swag Math

Only one week until the dreaded BDAY! As I clutch, nay claw, onto what's left of my rapidly evaporating youth, I am fit to utter only one word - CHANEL!!!!!!!

Look. The way I see it is, if I'm gonna be an old bag, it may as well be in fabulous shoes. Exhibit A: these two-toned beauties from the Brown Thomas Shoe Room. At €460, I'm thinking bargain-ola! My sister however has another word for it - rent. I could opt to mutter expletives under my breath or just engage in some timely swag math.

€460 = summer investment

3 months of sunshine and heat equals the following savings:
heat bills = subtract €70 per month x 3 months = €210
winter comfort food = subtract an extra €100 x 3 months = €300

If you're anything like me, winter involves full blast heat and 6 meals a day. As a cold-blooded person, it's about all I can do to stay warm. By graudating to summer, I am not only saving the environment, I am also losing weight by not raping the planet of its potatoes and meat stocks.

Surely I deserve a reward for that?

Bobby Brown Beauty Team at Brown Thomas

Try saying that 10 times in a row without tripping over your tongue and I Blog Fashion will give you a free Bobbi Brown goody bag...just kidding.

What I simply wouldn't jest about is the Bobbi Brown Beauty Team hitting Ireland. Ricki Gurtman will be visiting Brown Thomas Dublin during GOLD RUSH on May 16th and 17th with Julianne Fallon hitting up BT Cork and Galway on the 21st and 22nd respectively. If you're looking for top tips to get your skin sunkissed and gorgeous for the summer, you simply can't afford to miss it. I've been to two BB personal consultations and I've loved them! Ms Brown personally hand-selects and trains her make up artists which makes them a veritable crack team of experts! Have I sold you into it yet? Hello? Are you still there?

To make an appointment please visit the counter or call:
Brown Thomas Dublin: +353 (0)1 605 6666
Brown Thomas Cork: + 353 (0)21 480 5555
Brown Thomas Galway: + 353 (0)91 565 254

Summer Fever from Clarins

It's sunny! Again! Could this be a pattern? I'm apoplectic with excitement at the prospect of my demi-tan not fading in the next 24 hours. I'm equally delighted at Clarins new limited edition Summer Fever make-up range. If the temperatures do decide to soar over the next few months, they've got a range of waterproof eyepencils and mascaras in shades like violet, turquoise and yummy mint to keep you looking beach perfect. I'm seriously hearting the Sun Palette SPF 15 (€38) which acts as a bronzer and a natural concealer and the Sun Lip Balm SPF 6 (€18) which nourishes and repairs in two shades of Bikini Pink and Orange Delight. Smart and sexy. We like!

Interview of the Week

This week Elizabeth Rushe of Dwanda gives us the benefit of her style counsel.

1. What's your definition of style?
My definition of style..when your clothes are an extension of your personality. I always think about this when I look at the street fashion photos you can find on Glamcanyon (glamcanyon.blogspot.com), these portraits are so real and expressive, the outfits featured seem to be a real essence of the person.

2. Who would you kill to (un)dress?
Hm, the model for the new Filippa K menswear spring/summer season! (I've seen him on billboards and he's the one you see when you first click over to the website, before entering!) Swoon, thud...

3. What fashion faux pas is most unforgiving. Be ruthless?
Erm..can it be a hairstyle? DREAD LOCKS! Yuck! I can't believe I used to think these were cool.

4. What is your fashion weakness?
T shirts from the 80s! if it has a kitten or a horse or a unicorn or a tiger on it, I want it! I guess it's catching on, I noticed a rail of them in Urban Outfitters in Dublin a couple of weeks ago!

5. How many models does it take to change a lightbulb?
Well, just the one...but it might take her about 10 poses to get the job done though : )

Dwanda is an online community for the buying and selling of handmade fashion and hard to find goods.

Summer Lovin

There's nothing like chilling with a cold drink during the summer especially if live music and male model totty is involved! So if you're on the same wavelength as moi, keep May 22nd free in your diary for Conrad Dublin's inaugural event of the summer - Summer Lovin. The hotel is due to be transformed into a Summer Paradise with a fantasy garden runway show kicking off the proceedings. Expect labels from Furla, Hackett, Tommy Hilfiger, Pepe and BCBG Max framed by giant daisies, bumble bees and picket fences. Afterwards guests will be treated to live music and DJ set in Alfie Byrnes Bar along with the change to sample the Summer Conrad Cocktail. Tickets are €25 for both the fashion and music evnts with luxury goody bags thrown in. If you can't make it, don't despair. The Conrad will be running the Summer Lovin live series at Alfie Byrnes throughtout the summer.

To book your seats contact the Conrad Dublin on 01 6028900.

Helen Cody @ Protero Hill

Super duper week ahead of us poppets. Not only is the sun set to remain in the sky for a few more days but Helen Cody is having a 'happening' at Protero Hill. Check out her collection at the Royal Hibernian Way before Saturday, May 10th when the happening will have happened and..well, you'll just look silly. I can guarantee you her SS08 collection is only glorious. Enjoy.

Helen Cody's collection @ Protero Hill
The Hibernian Way, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.
Thursday, May 8th - Saturday, May 10th

Strawberries and Cream

I had an interesting Facebook convo this sunny afternoon with my friend Karina. Sitting outside partially naked with my laptop, I shared my 'strawberry and cream' woes with my fellow freelancer. Whilst bemoaning the current state of my white and red skin, Karina, also two-toned, tells me it's normal for 'binge tanners': you know, those who frolic buck naked at the merest hint of sun. Surely we're not anything 'binge', I protested. Are Irish fillies the tanning equivalent of a Falaraki hen night? I refused to believe it and passed it off as another eptithet fashioned by the tabloids...whilst sheepishly putting away the baby oil and tinfoil.

(Image credit: Bald Monk)

Farewell O Wooly Bondage!

Hurrah! Oh joyous day! In honour of the glorious bank holiday weather, I took the liberty of officially putting away my winter clothes - namely these little beggars to my right. Yes, the black opaques have been locked up until such time as it is too cold to be bearing my shambolically white legs. Methinks it's time for a bit of Fake Bake...

Henry Holland's Career = Safe

This is what happens when you miss t-shirt making Saturdays at the Bernard Shaw.

Moral of the story? If looking to create your own Hennry Holland homage, don't do it at home. Get down to the BS and learn the fine art of screenprinting. Big fat makers don't do a killer logo justice to which btw I own the Adopt Me Angelina copyright ©. You like?

Click here for more details on make-and-do Bernard Shaw style. All the cool kids are doing it.

I Blog Fashion in the Irish Independent

Keep an eye out for I Blog Fashion in the Irish Independent's Day & Night supplement. I've been interviewed for their style section. Should be out next Friday...or the one after that. Expect some bitching about WAGs and gushing about Halston, Chloe and Marc Jacobs. Will keep you posted.

Interview of the Week

This week the lovely Kate Watts of Pearl Plum gives us her fashion pearls of wisdom (geddit?).

1. What's your definition of style?
Knowing what works for you, having the confidence to wear it and genuinely not caring what anyone else thinks.

2. Who would you kill to (un)dress?
Hmmm.. I’m thinking Kiefer Sutherland. The poor man has to wear the same outfit for each entire series of ‘24’, so I’d like to be on hand to assist him with some wardrobe changes.

3. What fashion faux pas is the most unforgiving? Be ruthless.
Anything that gives you a ‘muffin top’. Low rise skinny jeans one size too small coupled with a short/ tight top will do it every time (unless you have a body like Britney Spears circa 1997).

4. What is your fashion weakness?
Shiny things – I’m like a magpie. Patent leather, sparkly diamonds, and of course fabulous pearls.

5. How many models does it take to change a lightbulb?
Let me remember how it goes... One. They hold the bulb and the world revolves around them.

China Pink

New boutique alert! Have you checked out China Pink yet? It's a gorge designer costume jewellery shop in Ranelagh which doubles as an art gallery. How bijoux can you get? We love! Moreover it stocks some fierce one-off pieces by quirky European designers like Philippe Ferrandis, Anton Heunis and Tatty Devine. I've got my eye on the '3d glasses' necklace by Ms Devine. Totally Sth Richmond Street. I will be the toast of the Bernard Shaw on a Saturday!

Check it out at:
www.chinapink.ie
38 Dunville Avenue, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
Beechwood Luas Stop

Doll's Boutique

Last night saw the launch of the summer collection at Dolls Boutique on Dublin's Clarendon Street. The tightly-edited pieces are a credit to the girls at the boutique. Labels include Peter Jensen,Tatty Devine, Alex Monroe and Sabyasachi, Mawi and Opening Ceremony to name a few. I felt like a little girl again rummaging in my mom's closet. Pure Bliss! Take a look at some of the pics from the evening and be sure to pop in if you're in the area. xx

Party in Your Pants

Call me old-fashioned but I never could quite get my head around those Ann Summers parties. No amount of free plonk could loosen me up enough to discuss edible panties and sex toys in someone's sitting room. Face it. It's just wrong.

So I was quite relieved when I discovered Livebylove lingerie and Faces cosmetics have joined forces to give us Girl's Night In: an upmarket underwear party. I've always been a fan of Lisa O'Riordan's cute colourful knickers (not her own obviously!) and although I've never heard of Faces, my sources tell me the Canadian brand has been bought to Ireland by makeup artist Rachel Murphy. In addition to getting the exclusive on the new lines from the two brands, the party also provides a personal stylist and makeup artist for the night with the chance to avail of a free make up lesson, free fittings and style advice. Not bad for a pants party (geddit!).


To book your own Girl's Night In:
email lisa@livebylove.com or call 087 799 6422 ,
email rachel.murphy@faces-cosmetics.com or 087 647 2295

L'Oréal Colour Trophy Finalist

The regional finalists for the L'Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final on 26th May have been announced! As leaders in hair innovation, L'Oreal Professional has strict criteria for would be competitors. Take a look at the slideshow below to get a sneak peek at the winning salons and their unique designs!

The Prize for the winner will be a photo shoot featured in February 2009 issue of Creative Head magazine, a year long tailor-made scholarship with L’Oreal Professionnel, a profile of the winner featured in Creative HEAD Magazine, 2 VIP tickets to the Creative Head Most Wanted Awards, 2 VIP tickets to the annual L’Oreal Professionnel events.

Keep your eyes peeled next month to find out who the winner is!