Celebrate Farrell & Brown's 1st birthday with up to 30% off the new spring/summer 09 collection at all outlets nationwide. Irish design duo - Emma Wilson and Paula Hanley - cut their style chops at Marc Jacobs, Sharon Wauchob and Abercrombie so you're in good hands. Also, if you're in Dublin, check out the Dawson Street flagship store for live DJ choons! Happy Shopping! www.farrellandbrown.com
...that is the question. And the answer is I caved. Regardless of my protestations to the latter, the social pressure is just too much. It's beginning to feel like a high school secret from which I've been excluded. So, there you have it. I Blog has no spine but then again the' broken down doll look' is sooo now! Here are some of the latest tweets from the twitter deck.
Rachel Zoe - real_rachel_zoe wish I could be in two places at once, I'm missing the Grateful Dead concert with Rodger @rbermanusabout 24 hours agofrom TweetDeck
Karl Lagerfeld - Karl_Lagerfeld I think I'm going to have a dinner party where no one speaks. I'll give all my guests pens and pads instead of the usual dinner conversation2:47 PM Apr 24thfrom web
Henry Holland - henryholland Just met the Weston ladies at selfridges do. Both immaculately Bergdorf Blonde! Love itabout 2 hours agofrom TwitterBerry
Well, so to speak. I actually munched on his red and blue regatta dress, along with a Balmain sleeve and a McQueen 'Elvie'. Did I mention the Christopher Kane chiffon frock? Lest you think I took leave of my senses, this style snacking was all complements of the Berkley's Prêt-à-Portea launch at Harvey Nichols. If you fancy some designer elevenses, then CLICK HERE to book your place now, before I get hold of the Louboutin slipper and Matthew Williamson bikini!
I'm seriously thinking of doing Drag, maybe for Pride; but if not, definitely for Halloween this year. So what do you think? Could I carry off green or is it only for Liz Taylor? Source: cgi.ebay.com
At $51.99 this Ebay diva gown is a winner. What do you think? Should Andy work the green glitter or should he leave the emeralds to Liz?
It wasn't too long ago I acquired a Vivienne Westwood bowling bag - my treasure. I even christened it Viv; and when Viv wasn't tucked in her cotton monogrammed covering, her handles were wrenched grannylike in the crook of my arm. Viv wasn't just a bag, she was a stylish keeper of secrets - from receipts to schedules, make-up and stealth purchases - zipped dutifully from the public eye. You can therefore imagine my confusion upon reading in this month's Vogue that Viv and I are all but 'déclassé' and 'démodé'. Handbags are now subject to a new set of rules which are ironically louche.
Thou 'now' shalt 'wear' thine bag; rather than carry it. Zips shall remain open as shall clasps and buttons. Never do, 'trophy', 'big' and 'stuffed' - too gauche and by all means ditch the handles, lest you be tarred and feathered.
This was all too much for me. A bit of lower back pain and carpel tunnel syndrome never hurt anyone. And then I read on... Not only am I being encouraged to ditch Viv P. Hilton-style; but I now must learn the methodology behind 'wearing' one's bag. There's the Scramble, The Dangle, The Cuddle and The Twiddle. I can't help but thinking if it's conjugation applies in similar manner to that of Twitter. If I Twiddled, did I twaddle or have I twiddled? Great, now I've got to add Strunk and White into the debacle. Who knows, maybe Conde Nast have a copy of The Elements of Style?
This wasn't the week to buy skinny jeans. Firstly, I head to Saba on Friday night for a catch up with my girls. Hoisin Duck Rolls - Prawn Wok yumness - Oozing hot choc pud - vino. Fast Forward to Saturday morning for the 9th Fashion Bloggers' Brunch again at Saba. Veg spring rolls - Chicken Pad Thai - Deep-fried honey-dipped banana spring roll with ice-cream, Toblerone cocktail...more wine. Fast forward to Sunday morning and my vastly redundant efforts at trying to shoehorn myself into said denims. Regardless, it was soooo worth it. Until I shrink myself back to my less-bloated self I can console myself with the gems in my goody bag - a copy of The Gloss, healthy Saba food fixins and Yes to Carrots body butter. I shall be Klum-like...until the next Saba food fest. Erm, didn't I book dinner again for next week? Best whip out the Slendertone.
Every gal loves Benefit. The cheeky packaging of saavy beauty solutions makes getting dolled up a treat. So you can imagine how excited us beauty boffins got when invited to the launch of Crescent Row - Benefit's latest fragrance trio.Inspired by the exclusive strip of flats in Bath, England -each scent down to her floral topnote represents a different woman. There's the playful Laugh With Me LeeLee, go-getting Something About Sofia and seductive My Place or Yours Gina. What's more, the bottles are modelled on a great-aunt's Victorian cocktail flask!Too fabulous! Speaking of which, below is a taster of my chat with founding twins Jean and Jane Ford. These are two of the most funny and motivating women I've ever met and undoubtedly the secret behind the brand magic.
Crescent Row fragrances (30 ml/1 oz - €43) are on sale from July. On the Ireland/Benefit love affair...
Jane: I think the Irish people have so much moxie. Irish women are hardworking, extremely colourful and so much fun to be with. They are so energetic - there is not one fibre in them that is not fully on.
Jean: I wanted to design for the working gal, the stay at home mom - whoever she is. But she has to have a funny bone. We've definitely found that in Ireland.
Jane: I was absolutely intrigued by the numbers in Ireland (Benefit's best selling region) and thought 'we've got to come over to Ireland and see what the magic is because it feeds our mojo.
On storytelling...
Jean: I think the Irish culture also lends itself very much to stories and lore which is what Benefit is all about.
Jean: Storytelling defines our products. From actively working in our shops for over 20 years, we had tales and we know what women wanted. As we stopped working in our boutiques and our brand became nationwide, we had to bring that enthusiasm for our customers the right cosmetics and the conversations we had in the boutiques into the product.
Jean: Years ago when we first started and had three stores, I was working at one of our tiniest stores. We had a female attorney come in and she was just all business. She would not sit down and listen to my yak yak. We could not talk. She said 'Don't try and sell me one more thing. I just came in for your mascara. I'm a very busy woman.' I just got into this Southern drawl and said 'being as your a woman in such a hurry, why don't you buy two mascaras and you can do both sets of lashes at the same time?' And she said 'That's a brilliant idea!' It's the culture of our company. We have an answer to everything!
On being twins...
Jane: I would describe Jean as really the quintessential creative person. If something passes her muster, then it's ok. She'll think of something that no one else will see. She won't settle for anything but the absolute best.
Jean: Jane on the other hand will look at critical reports and say 'that number is wrong'. She can look at a spreadsheet and find the number that doesn't make sense.
On Benefit beauty faves...
Jean: I would say That Gal. I think the primer is really smoothing. Even if you don't want to wear make-up, you don't have to after using That Gal. If you're going out with a guy and it's the first time you sleep together, you throw a little on and your complexion is nice and perky!
Jane: I quite like the combination of two products - Eye Con and High Beam. Mx a tiny bit of both and put it all over the complexion to get that moisturising 'glow' to the skin. It's fabulous.
Jean: Another thing I forgot is Lemon Aid (colour correcting eyelid primer). I get allergies where my nose and ears get really red. I use Lemon Aid on my lids to take away the discolouration. Equally, If your complexion gets flushed, it's great.
On choosing fragrance for the global launch...
Jean: When a gal walks into an elevator, men don't look at her face necessarily. The first thing a man picks up is a fragrance. Traditionally fragrances are the lure for food, the lure for everything.
Jane: We had the opportunity to launch three of something which is our biggest launch to date. We had to think "What is it going to be? What is our biggest lure". The obvious one was the lure of fragrance - your best accessory.
I better be karmically compensated for sharing my vintage finds with the world. Everytime I open my well-intentioned mouth, a 'gotta wait til payday' dress finds a new home - i.e. not mine. Nonetheless, I feel behoved to dish on The Goddess Room - Temple Bar's newest (a bare week old!) retro atelier. Owner Marie Therese Duggan sources threads based on the latest trends from 70s jumpsuits to 80s disco dresses and this gorgeous uber-femme chiffon delight. She's even got an online shop for those who live further afield. Hurry though. Once she is previewed on Xpose this Monday, methinks there won't be much left!
The Goddess Room (below Cafe Irie), 11 Fownes Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2; www.thegoddessroom.net
I'm on total bijoux high alert after spying these dotey vintage button rings by Aliquo at The Loft Market. Made from antique brass pendants, retro Lucite and Kyto collage beads, these babies are more than just your average finger frippery. What's more they cost a mere €18-€25! And it doesn't stop there. In the spirit of giving, all I Blog Fashion readers get a 20% discount on any vintage button ring purchase. Just ask for Alice at The Loft Market and say I Blog Fashion sent you. Happy Shopping! Click here for more Aliquo fun!
Happy Friday! An even Happier Friday to the following winners of I Blog's Benefit competition. Your Benefit and Coralista blusher swag bag is in the post!
Winners: Katie Mythen, Co.Cork; Marie Reilly, Co.Cavan; Sadhbh Deegan, Co. Wexford; Miriam King, Co. Cork; Kellie Dalton, Dublin 8; Paula Cullen, Dublin 2; Hilda Jenkins, Herts U.K; Tara Doolan, Co. Dublin; Aoife Sherwin, Co.Dublin; Lisa Riedmann, Austria
Cool cobbler alert! If you like your shoes sexy and strong with a soupcon of androgyny then you'd best check out German designer Lena Lipp's label - Red By Wolves. The Cordwainer grad is an alum of bespoke shoe maker Paul Thomas and protegee of both Kelsey and McQueen design departments - so she knows her shiz. The third hand-crafted collection from RBW is a real homage to masc/femme fluidity and is bound to be win plaudits from both men and women. We likey already. Click here to check out the fancy footwork or to order your own made-to-measure pair.
TheOutnet.com - Net-a-Porter's money savvy sister has finally launched. Much to my chagrin nearly everything has sold out. Louey B's for £195 - gone! Catherine Malandrino sequin dress for £123 - gone! Mulberry 'Emmy' bag for £175 - gone! Luckily you can sign up for email alerts about the 72-hour pop-up and flash sales so you can outclick trigger-fingered stealth shoppers! We love the Chic-ononmics of it all. Swoon!
Not dissimilar to Wunderkind was Russian designer Alena Akhmadullina's equine theme. Combining the symbolism of the horse tails with references from the tales of A.S. Pushkin, Akmadullina created a cleverly avant-garde collection. Models demonstrated the power of warrior women in their stallion manes and runway canter; not to mention the horse hair which decorated shoulder epaulettes, engorged dresses and acted as tails on trousers (see: right). It kind of reminds me of SS09 Margiela - only less sinister! In keeping with last season's Eastern folk trend, folkloric printed shifts (very Mary Katarantzou) and loose crescent-shouldered coats bound by leather warrior cuffs curried favour to the past. Peacocks also made a sophomore appearance to that of Giambattista Valli in prints and necklaces; with colours running a similar gamut to Dries Van Noten in cherry brown, mustard and dark blue. Definitely another one for the 'one to watch' list.
The best Paris Fashion Week memories are always the unexpected ones. As I was daydreaming today (erm...working), I couldn't help but think back on Wunderkind's RTW collection. The German label treated its audience to a pret-a-porter of naturalism and abstract art. Oversized dressage hats paired with fitted riding coats anchored the collection with geometric jockey squares and animal screenprints clinching the equestrian pastoral look. Square shaped tunics, pinched shoulders, cone jodphurs and rectangular box pleats kept true to abstract art inspiration while backwards-wrapped obi coats, exaggerated skirts and structural use of draping showed real design prowess. Although I failed to earwig on thoughts from Vogue fashion features editor Harriet Quick who was seated beside me, I'm sure her presence speaks volumes of the label's growing potential.
Given the economic times in which we live, it's not prudent to look a gift horse in the mouth. I would therefore urge you to enter the I Blog beauty comp for your chance to win a Benefit Coralista Blusher and Bentint goody bag. Just follow the deets....
Q: What colour is Coralista blusher?
Email your answer along with your name and postal address toiblogfashion (at) gmail.com before Friday, April 17th to be in with a chance of winning.
Shove the recession up your arse and hug me b*tch! I'm sooo over this doom and gloom. Luckily I'm not alone. Some like-minded sartorialists called Generation Love have come up with a clever plan to spread the hugs with some groovy tees. From John Lennon's "All You Need Is Hugs" to Obama's "Yes We Can Hug", you're bound to generate some positive vibes, if not some additional perks. Ahem.
It's with great regret that I write this post. Last year I Blog went on a bit of a rant about the general nafness of harem pants. "MC Hammer dhoti style nappies" and "walking crotch" were just two of the epithets I bandied about, eager to quash this trend monster before it enslaved the masses. Remorsefully I've found a pair that look quite good and upend my whole argument. Exhibit A comes courtesy of Warehouse (€60). Note the gentle draping around the thigh and clever ruching at the ankle. No instant man bits and no looking like you walked off the set of a Carry On film. Harem-lite if you will. Case dismissed.
I Blog's latest online love has to be Refinery29. The indie international fashion mag is more than just a slice-of-sartorial-life; it's pure zeitgeist. Crushes include the ticker headlines - "Rad or bad? a shredded fave makes a comeback"; daily eBay obsesh - vintage denim dresses anyone?; and philosophical Tweets - "In the beautiful people party gift bag: (what else?) a tshirt that says 'I am a beautiful person.' should we wear this shirt?3 days ago . The one place you can while away four hours and still be 'in the moment'. Who else can say that?
Let's play a guessing game. Observe the edgy embellished waistcoat to my right. Can you guess the label? All Saints? Kate Moss for Topshop? Not even close. The highstreet purveyor in question isn't really known for its studs - unless you count the ampersand that tehters its two names. If that still doesn't give it away, you may want to get out a bit more...please.
Circus - Dublin's fave avant-garde ateliers - have come up trumps with another Irish art installation. This time artist Joe Coveney has integrated some rather playful geometric sculptures into the boutique space. The installation will run for the month of May, and will be accompanied by a limited selection of prints for sale, ranging from €50-€75. Come see for yourself at the official launch party on April 30th from 6pm-8pm.
Stylist, blogger, journo and Stylenation.ie presenter Angela Scanlon dishes on style commandments, sequins and sharing a loo with Matthew McConaughey.
1. What's your definition of style? For me fashion needs to be easy, effortless and comfortable. “If I was in a mad dash out the door would I pull it out of the wardrobe?” If the answer is no, I walk away-sometimes crying!
2. Who would you kill to (un)dress? Oh, Matthew Mc Conaughey. I often picture myself as his Kate Hudson in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” - that bathroom scene gets me every time. I would also happily undress Mary Kate Olsen (for very different reasons)-in true Robin Hood style I’d see myself robbing from the rich (MK), to give to the poor (Moi).
3. What fashion faux pas is most unforgiving? Be ruthless! Leggings! I know, people love them and are wearing them to death but as far as I’m concerned leggings belong in the gym. And even there; some people should just step away.
4. What is your fashion weakness? Scarves, sequins and cocktail rings - the more the better. I hang my favourite sequined jackets (yes, there are multiples) around my apartment. They’re as fabulous to look at as they are to wear!
5. How many models does it take to change a lightbulb? None, they’ve got “people” to do that crap! Most don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 don’t you know?
Ned - he's back. Innocuous by moniker; evil by nature, the pot has made my belly its happy home yet again. Granted, I sort of led him on. That skiing trip in Morzine was like 5-day foreplay: cheese and potato Tartiflette, goats cheese omelettes, fondu, sausages, crepes and lots of red wine. No wonder why he decided to stay. I'm hoping the little interloper will realise there's no fromage around Chez I Blog. But there is a Slendertone that will shock 90 jolts of hard-abbed volts up his adipose tissue. Be gone Ned! Be gone I say!
Vintage vultures get your claws out - the Dirty Fabulous sale is ON this Sunday the 5th of April from 12 to 6! There are serious bargains to be had from Prada skirts, to 50s day dresses and (my personal fave) 70s maxi dresses (swoon!). Prices start as low as €5 with 10% off DF's main vintage occasionwear and accessory collection. Click here for a sneaky peek at some of the retro gems.
The Deets What: Dirty Fabulous' open day sale Where: 97 Lwr. Baggot Street, Dublin 2 When: April 5th; 12-6pm How: info@dirtyfabulous.com; 01 662 4249
Whoever said fashion folk don't eat has clearly never had been to a Prêt-à-Portea. Popularised by London's Berkley Hotel, this stylish take on afternoon tea, has won over the likes of Gwennie, Madge, Kate and Naomi and is set to make its Irish debut this month at Harvey Nicks.
Lest you think only the famous surnameless need apply, think again. The Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea will be served daily from 3-5pm in the First Floor Restaurant from Tuesday 28 April until Saturday 2 May 2009, priced at €30 per person or €40 per person with a glass of Harvey Nichols Brut Champagne. Pas mal, non?
What's more, you get to scoff your face with mini cakes and pastries like Lanvin-inspired blueberry and lemon mousse, a Michael Kors Regatta dress reinterpreted in chocolate sponge and Christopher Kanes’ signature over-sized chiffon circles in clementine bavaroise with blood orange pâte de fruit.
If there were ever two gal pals to have on speed dial, it would have to be the Benefit twins - Jean and Jane Ford. Known for creating every girl's best loved beauty brand, the twosome will be hosting a special PA at Brown Thomas (April 17th) where they'll talk you through their yummy products and new lines for SS09. Whether you heart That Gal, swear by Eye-Con or can't live without your Boi-ing concealer, make sure you book your place now. Reservations are €40 redeemable against products on the day and time slots are limited to 14 people each.
The Deets Who: Benefit PA with Jean and Jane Ford Where: Brown Thomas, Dublin; Benefit counter When: Friday 17th April ; 11.30am-12pm; 12-12.30pm; 12.30-1pm How: Call the Benefit counter at Brown Thomas on 01 617 1139
To celebrate friends with Benefit, I Blog Fashion is giving away 10 goody bags - each containing Benetint and Coralista. To win your swag bag, just answer the following question:
Q: What colour is Coralista blusher?
Email your answer along with your name and postal address toiblogfashion (at) gmail.com before Friday, April 17th to be in with a chance of winning.
I had a convo with a fellow shoe perv last month regarding the merits of Manolos. "They're a bit safe, don't you think?"she asked; adding "If it were a toss up between Louboutin and Blahnik, who would you pick?" The clever clogs new my weakness and I conceded the argument to her. Fate is a fickle aul bitch though and as luck would have it, she cracked a smile for me today. Just looky look what I found at the MB boutique - navy suede gold-lined gladiator boots. (Insert audible gasp here) Dull? Pah! These puppies are beyond bitchin'. Lovin' your work Mr. B!
The grand aul capital is currently in the throes of Motorola Dublin Fashion Week. Unfortunately, my schedule only allows for me to take part in a day's worth of national style nous. Luckily, I hit the sartorial jackpot today. The day kicked off with elevenses at The Westbury where fellow journos Jessie Collins and Angela Scanlon joined me in viewing The Collective Show. Highlights from 8 AW09 collection included Paul Costelloe's mulberry mohair babydoll dress, Sinead Doyle's easy-to-wear tailored harems and some bitchin' biker jackets from Joanne Hynes. Swifter than Colleen McLoughlin's black Amex, we headed to Saaba for a most yummy Moet & Chandon CRC Charity Luncheon followed some SS09 runway offerings from the Design Centre. Fashion perving doesn't get much better than John Rocha dresses and Philip Treacy hats. So good, I skipped dessert.
Celebrate Farrell & Brown's 1st birthday with up to 30% off the new spring/summer 09 collection at all outlets nationwide. Irish design duo - Emma Wilson and Paula Hanley - cut their style chops at Marc Jacobs, Sharon Wauchob and Abercrombie so you're in good hands. Also, if you're in Dublin, check out the Dawson Street flagship store for live DJ choons! Happy Shopping! www.farrellandbrown.com
