RTE.ie Does Fashion

Fashion website alert! Tomorrow RTE.ie is launching its new style section featuring two interviews with I Blog Fashion! Looking forward to getting a goo at the digital deets. Be sure to log for your fashion fix!

Scare Cut

Oh what a tangled web we weave... It seems that I've been less than honest and am now paying the price. I blame my hairdresser. She's the one who went on holiday. Had she been here to tend to my follicular needs, I wouldn't have had to resort to someone else's scissors. Depsite my damn near good excuse for straying (grown out fringe + upcoming TV appearance), had I exercised some patience, I would have been spared what can only be described as prison hair. Long story short (excuse the dody pun), I asked for my fringe to be pixied by my clandestine scissorhands. "Like Victoria Beckham?" he asked. "Yes, like that," I replied. To which he added, "Great. Let's just 'reshape' it." Alarm bells should have rung like bastards here. "Reshape" is often maverick hairdresser term for "cut the bejaysus out of it". Regardless, I left him to his own devices, confident he would behave in manner of my long-term tress tender. Alas, when I raised my head to greet my newly shorn head in the mirror, I saw Posh's long lost brother Victor Beckham. It's now two weeks since said incident and my hair is growing in in its normal freakish fashion....wide. So now I have short fat blunt hair. Nice.
If you need to find me, I'll be hiding under the biggest hat I can find for the next two months.

Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images

Retro Fascinators

High squeal alert!!! I am totally hearting on these Katy Perry-esque retro hair fascinators from Nanny K. Normally the word 'fascinator' evokes images of naff weddings and tacky race meetings sponsored by Coast but this is the shiz!!! These quirky gingham/cherry numbers are just a sneaky peek at what you can expect. Think antique lace, ribbon, vintage flowers and feathers - all expertly crafted by designer Natashsa Yearley in her Somerset studio. Retail prices start at £4 for a small flower to £90 for a cocktail hat. Sweet. Check out the full collection at www.enamore.co.uk.
Image credit: Rene August; Hair & Make-up: Beatriz Lopez

Not So Shabby

Not too long ago a friend told me about the utterly bijou Shabby Chic boutique. Not only does the Meath mecca stock Vargas style shoes by Finnish cobbler Minna Parikka (hearted majorly by said friend) but it's now got some blinding bling from London label Mawi. I'm loving this military crested pin - very colonial chic and a look also seen in SS09 collections like that of Paul Costelloe.
Not so shabby...

Image: Jaipur button with navy velvet medal €175

Taken to the (Dry) Cleaners

Let's face it. It's not often that I bitch. No siree bob. Ain't my speed. It does beg the question really as to why I have a blog label entitled - The Bitch; but enough of the hair splitting. Suffice to say, I've got a beef with Grafton Dry Cleaners. Yes, I know dry cleaning isn't environmentally sound. I did however buy that cream linen Jesire trapeze dress without knowing that wet-cleaning would shrink it Rexy style. Damage done and all that, I've been taking it to Marlowe cleaners in Terenure that charge me a bargainista €11.95. Not bad. As I was in town yesterday, I dropped the same guna over to the much-lauded Grafton. Handing in my deets, she rang the dress through, told me I could pick it up today and that it would cost me €16.50!! WTF? It would want to be sprinkled in fairy dust and be capable of fetching my coffee for that. I'm not being parsimonious here. I'm just doing some emergency swag math:

€16.50 x 24 times a year = €396
That's a whole new dress! For just an extra €24, I could get that Stine Goya paragon of fabulousness in Indigo & Cloth.

I've literally been taken to the cleaners! (Cue: drum roll. "Ladies and gentlemen I'll be here all night. Do try the shrimp!")

Credits: 'Rexy' - courtesy of Dublin Streets' Matt Matheson

Fashion Bloggers' Brunch - the Debrief

No matter how tired you are on a Saturday morning, nothing wakes you up faster than the thought of mimosas, muffins and mad music mixes. That's right - the third Fashion Bloggers' Brunch kicked off at 11.30am in the Wrangler loft compliments of Thinkhouse PR and and er finished....at 5? Yep - we kind of stayed longer than anticipated but that's only because the company was gold-dipped frickin fabulous...it has nothing to do with the lovely goodies from Kildare Village and all thse bubbles...lots and lots of bubbles. I'd give you the low down on the chat but I'm way too wiped for that. A picture tells a thousand words. Amen for 17.I'm off for a nap.

Sophia Loren - Style Icon

There's a lot of talk about sex symbols, screen sirens and women of our time but no one in my opinion compares to Sophia Loren. Born Sofia Villani Scicolone in 1934, the actress is a the true definition of a Roman Goddess. In an age where thin is in, it's refreshing to turn back time to get a glimpse of some real curves and a woman who doesn't have to resort to silicone to get them. What's more la bella Sophia can burn up the screen with her almond eyes and self-confidence alone. More than that, what other sestogenerian has appeared on the Pirelli calendar? True beauty...it's an attitude, a belief and a life.

Oyster Magazine - Worth a Shuck

When I got stopped at LFW by Oyster magazine to get my piccie taken - have to admit - hadn't a scooby who they were. In fact you could say I wouldn't know them if I shucked over them. (har har!) Okay. So I'm not a comedian but you did sorta giggle. Anyhoo...I took a breeze through their site (looking for my mug of course) and gotta admit am WAY impressed. These fellas are up there with my beloved JC Report. Without them I wouldn't have known that Sophia Copolla is designing bags for Vuitton, Valentino sacked creative director Alessandra Facchinetti, several Prada models wiped out on the SS09 runways in sky high heels and corsets are making models faint on the runway. This shiz is good! Kudos to my Aussie Aesthetes. Love ya! xxx

Patricia Field Does Dublin

Our favourite scarlet-haired stylist- Patricia Field - launched her inaugural 'Destination Style - New York' collection at Marks & Spencer today. I was lucky enough to be given one of her scarves as a present and am loving this kitsch iconic print. It'll go perfectly with my new 3/4 sleeve recycled navy blazer from Urban Outfitters. Will have to give it a twirl at the upcoming FBB which is being held on Saturday in the Warehouse exhibiton space thanks to Emily & Co. at Thinkhouse PR. Hurrah! Mimosas, muffins and Ms. Field. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning!

Brown Thomas Menswear Relaunch

So much for the spirit of blogging. I've been less than 'of the moment' recently and a bit more like 'after the fact' with my missives. Safe to say it has had a lot to do with the full-on fashion shenanigans in the capital of late. The Brown Thomas menswear department relaunch was just one swanky soiree that kept me in bubbles and Balenciaga for the evening. Not only is the place an absolute aesthetic mecca - it should be after a €10 million squid refurb - but the lust-worthy labels (Westood, Gucci, Canali, Burberry) and uber-hot on stage trumpeter kept me salivating for the night. We were loving the English Eccentric look worn by the waitresses. I thought the hat was Carolina Herrera until I was told it was Penneys with feathers! Kudos to the stylist. And a bit cheeky too! We likey! ;

Public Apology

I'd like to issue a public apology to my thighs. There was no need for me to systematically polish off a chocolate cake in 24 hours (although it was fun). Nor was it smart to believe champagne and croissants could pass as fruit and fibre. This behaviour I realise only serves to cause irrevocable pain. Wrenching off leather trousers in the fitting room of Principles may make good blog fodder but that sales assistant wasn't too happy when I asked her to grab a leg. In fact, I'm certain it was out of sympathy that she chose not to charge me for the damage. From now on I will aim to maintain adipose-challenged pins - or if I could just hold out til February when the volume trend will be hitting the highstreet.

I Brow Fashion

Finally a beauty trend I can actually pull off! Yes indeedy - eyebrows are back in their Brooke Shields circa 1978 glory...only this time they're a bit tidier. MBFW SS09 catwalks had models sporting lustrous manicured brows so get ahead of the beauty pack and start preening those bad boys now! Bobbi Brown is selling limited edition Brow Kits online for £25 in Sable & Mahogony and Wheat & Blonde. If you're a recessionista (and who isn't these days), just root out a good tweezer, brown eyeshadow (I love my Nars duo in Corduro) and precision bruch and get to work. Remember the rules those rules though:

1) Only pluck the strays. Shaping should be left to the professionals
2) Be sure to match the colour to your brow. Going a shade darker will make you look deranged.
3) The brow is your feature which means the rest of your face is but a blank canvas. Opt for a sheer foundation and one coat of mascara. Hold the eyeliner and powder. The one thing you can opt to style up is your lip which can range from plain gloss to kitsch coral or Addicted to Love red.

Indigo & Cloth Bday Party!

Happy Birthday to Indigo & Cloth! Last Thursday saw Garrett Pitcher opening the doors of his 1 year old boutique to fans and friends in tandem with a Ryan McGinley's Wrangler exhibition. Friends, drinks, clothes and a bit of culture. Us busy fashion folk like to multi-task where poss. Nice work guys! ;)

Check out the pics from the night below.

Manolo Hearts My Shoe Boots!

Qs: What's possibly the biggest compliment you can receive from Manolo Blahnik?
Ans: I love your shoes!
So you can imagine my dizzy excitement at hearing those words from the man himself at his BT boutique opening and how I spent the rest of the day stroking my patent shoots purring 'gooooood girls'. What's more I also got to try my first pair! No shoe licking was involved - too afraid of cutting my tongue on the sequins from that Patoso boot. I did rub the suede underside against my face though. Prr.. Prr...

Fashion Gaydar

I love my gays. Without them I wouldn't have emails like this to brighten an otherwise inclement blah Tuesday morning. This comes courtesy of my Neil to whom I am indebted for razor-sharp sartorial insight and Allegra Versace on speed dial. Have a read:

NEIL: "Hey Ams, You may have already seen this. It's my favourite picture of the week from the fashion wires and I thought iblogfashion needed to be alerted. It's from the visit of Carla Sarkozy to the UN last week. Looking ever elegant in her Dior suit, she is being subjected to an awfully fierce case of "the evils" from Chantal Biya, the fantastically glamorous first lady of Cameroon. Am sensing Chantal's amazement at how anyone could truck up to the UN like Carla has here without so much as a lick of make-up or having spent at least an hour of vigorous back-combing."

Genius! Lovin' your work Neil.  x

Manolo Shoe Boutique Hits Dublin!

Swoon-tastic! Mister Manolo Blahnik is gracing Dublin tomorrow for the opening of his first European in-store concession at Brown Thomas. Eek!!!! I'm frickin' apoplectic with excitement! I'll be hitting up the BT press call at 11.30am in a bid to catch a few soundbytes and a glimpse of his new 'Pareto' warrior-inspired beauties! Methinks a bit of shoelicking is in order. I wonder if security still have my DNA swab on file. Hmm....

Image: Thames and Hudson

Shoe Alert - 30s Style Brogues

It's official. My little ballerina pumps have been placed at the back of the abyss; otherwise known as my shoe closet. It seems these fancy schmanzy numbers to my right are the new style for flatties. Yup - prepare to channel your inner Jazz hands - 30s brogues are back. They were all over London Fashion Week - so much so I felt myself a bit out of place (and jealous!) in my vertiginous heels. Fashion's fiercest were wearing them with turn up jeans, peg leg trousers, dresses, minis - you name it. In fact the whole masculine/feminine dichotomy doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Best you rent out Victor/Victoria for some style cues. It's all about androgy-dressing this and next year my pretties.

Image: Black and white lace-up flat brogue, Office €65

Their message to you is:

Amalone €65

Fashion Feng-Shui

A little Friday night chat with my friend Karoona got me thinking about getting my life in order. Having used Feng Shuit principles to map out her room, she's started to notice some good vibes in her life. Hmmm.....maybe my room could use a similar clear out. Where would one start? Those piles of press releases, magazines, books and tearsheets. Maybe the burgeoning stack of beauty products, lotions and potions? What about my shoe corner which acts as an extended closet? Or the table full of aromatherapy candles? That pile of handbags shoved in the corner next to my bed? Hey, at least I had options. And so the cull began yesterday afternoon finishing just about an hour ago. Dayum I had shit! Now that my room is a paragon of minimalism, the next point is organise each sextile with its corresponding area in my life. As things stand, my life looks like this:

1) Shoes are in my romance and relationships section (very appropriate)
2) Wardrobe occupies my fame and repuation section (again not far off)
3) Beauty products are in my knowledge section (spooky!)
4) Handbags go hand in hand with travel (and lots if you've ever travelled with me)

I'm beginning to believe this Feng Shui biz and am considering going the whole '6 in every colour' on it to see what it can do. Keep ya posted!

Sunday Morning To-Do List

I'm all about a good Sunday morning lounge but making a pre-Monday list is necessary mental feng shui for forgetful folk like me. So after my 11.30 am rise and just before making a pot of coffee I made some brain scribbles. Yep - note to all you hispters - Molskine diaries may have been goody bag bling at LFW but their bleached pages are an inconvenient truth (says Green as a Thistle). Get your eco on and go recyclable. Pulp paper goes much better with an Anti-IT bag anyhow. But I digress... My social calendar is already looking a tad bloated (eek!) and the week hasn't yet begun. Tuesday sees the opening of Manolo Blahnik's in-store boutique at Brown Thomas with a personal appearance from the man himself. Thursday is Indigo & Cloth's 1st birthday party and Wrangler exhibition with Ryan McGinley. I'm sure there's something I've forgotten. Maybe I should be writing this down after all...

Trust Me Trust Me - I'm a Stylist!

Just had a gmail chat with my lovely fellow stylist and blogger Angela Scanlon. As it happens the lucky and talented lady landed herself a plum gig helping style the hotness that is The Blizzards. OK - I'm clearly referring to Brezzy here and am in awe of the wonderful Ange at how she managed to retain any sense of professionalism in his presence. I would be slipping in a pool of my own drool. Her work is being showcased tomorrow night in Dublin but I can't say where lest I spark a riot of females outside the gallery. Look - they've already had to file one restraining order in advance; it's not fair to have to ruin the evening. Speaking of which, I wonder can I actually see anything from 150 feet. I guess those night vision goggles may come in handy after all. Good call...

Credits
Stylist: Aisling Farinella
Stylist's Assistant: Angela Scanlon
Photographer: Rich Gilligan