The Great Speedo Debate

Today on The Tubridy Show we debated whether Irish lads showed any sartorial promise poolside. GAA jersies, sock/sandal combos and speedos were discussed; the latter which sparked my fascination into what the Aussie's term the budgie smuggler. Allegedly, the unforgiving swimwear garment is making a comeback, and if you can believe some hack in The Guardian - it's hem rise is index-linked to an uplift in the economy. I'm more fascinated by the following pointless facts:

• Alton Towers banned the banana hammock last summer for being 'not appropriate for a family venue'.
• There's been a 400% increase in searches for the word "Speedo" in the past six months, compared with the same time last year.
• Aussies and Slavics are grand with the 'aul lolly bags; our American counterparts are less forgiving however (with the exception of Mark Spitz and Magnum PI).
• Cristiano Ronaldo looks good in one.

Still not convinced? Blame Brazil. The most divisive beach fashion stems from Ipanema - home to the first male crochet g-string. Don't believe me? Check out the episode where The Simpsons go to Rio; even Homer is wearing one!

Seriously?

I know rain is a given on our sodden isle but the recent sunshine is most certainly responsible for lowering my guard (and umbrella). Exhibit A: I wore my floral palazzos and suede brogues to The Ryan Tubridy Show this morning in conditions both sunny and dry. I swished in my new trousers - peachy pleased with their elegant silhouette. Cut to the city centre in conditions both dark and wet. I squelched in my shoes, holding up the ends of my trousers like a poor manna offering to the sky. "Look what you've done to my prize pants oh Nimbus - thou harsh taskmaster!" That'll teach me for not listening to Martin King.

Linda the Super

In a bid to ease myself into post-holiday work mode, I popped out for a coffee and Vogue break; as one does. Flicking through the July issue I came across 'The History of the Supermodel' - with an icnonic 1991 shoot of Linda Evangelista draped in Dior. I squealed...and may have spilled some coffee. I remember seeing this shot for the first time so many years ago - that red pixie cut, those gold boots, the sculpted bars on the lamé fishtail skirt; and man, can she work a turtleneck! Those elevated poised arms and peek-a-boo eyes said 'you want this' and I did. Ever since, I've used this silhouette as my sartorial archetype. Most recently I found a pair of gold lamé capri pants for €20 in Lucy's Lounge and bought them as an homage. I spied Erin O'Connor at LFW in a similar pair of gold Marc Jacobs boots and coveted them lascivously. Similarly, I found a website that makes fishtail skirts - albeit in black - and declared this to be the AW10/11 sequel to summer's tubular maxi. If one shot could capture the imagination of the public for so long, there's a damn good reason Linda & Co. were dubbed 'super'.

Frigiliana Finds

Even in a remote Andalusian village, I Blog Fashion still manages to get her shop on. Check out these gorge finds including an industrial neckpiece (€14), coral (€4) and turquoise (€10) finger bling. I would have pummeled the shopping depths of Frigiliana further had my suitcase not weighed a bloated 23.5 kilos. The irony? 4.5 kilos of that was already jewellery!

Lady GaGa in Hussein Chalayan

Back off Sheika! The Lady of the Fashion Manor is back rockin' some insane Hussein Chalayan! So it's AW/09 - big deal - the black leather 'Perfecto' jacket in GaGa's 'Alejandro' vid is still sick. Needs nothing but a pair of knickers and some glam rock boots. As you do...

China Pink Closing Down Sale

Arse. Another great Irish business closes its doors this week. Ranelagh’s China Pink jewellery boutique is bidding adieu to its Dunville Avenue residence but not before slashing prices by 50% on names like Phillipe Ferandis, Tatty Devine and MoMuse. Think wedding season, summer parties, birthday presents, holiday accessories and for you hyper-organised folk...Christmas presents. Don't shoot me, it was just a suggestion. Pay a visit and your respects from 10-6 Thurs and Fri; and 11-6 on Sat. Bon chance mes amis! xx
Contact: 085 144 3623; www.chinapink.ie

Sheika Chic

A few weeks ago I Blog alerted you all to the outre sauvage-ness of Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned of Quatar and her tone-on-tone maxi dresses. Rihanna must have gotten wind of Sheikha's megawatt style and decided she wanted a piece of this here fashion monarchy. Fancy a it yourself? Check out Asos.com. Turbans not included...

BOOMER|STENBERG

Hot hybrid label BOOMER|STENBERG has finally hit our shores. Created by Irish designer Zoe Boomer and Madonna's 'Filth & Wisdom' stylist Stenberg, the result is an interchangeable collection of basics for men and women with a signature rugged elegance. BOOMER|STENBERG is exclusively stocked at 99b, Rathgar (087 290 5402). Go check out the duo's new cashmere collection in store now!

Barbara Rihl - Paris Store Launch

Accessories designer Barbara Rihl launches her flagship store in Paris' 1st arrondissement this week. Rihl, former Kenzo artistic director and student of both Karl Lagerfeld and Jill Sander has drawn on her vast experience to create a line of affordable yet aspirational handbags, scarves and tees. This - her first eponymous boutique - reflects the playfulness of the brand in its chic whimsical demeanour as designed by Belgian architect Olivier Lempereur. If you find yourself in the Tuileries, pop in and have a browse!

Brown Thomas Menswear Workshops

Pop along to Brown Thomas, Dublin this Saturday, June 5th where I'll be styling and hosting a series of summer menswear workshops. Get tips on how to work the latest catwalk trends whether at the beach or boardwalk; rain or shine. Shows run on the hour from 1pm-5pm. See you all there!

BT2 - Fashion Fix

Got some late night shopping planned this week? Why not pop along to BT2 Blanchardstown on Thursday for a summer Fashion Fix. I'll be hosting regular in store presentations from 5.30p.m. on the season's style musts, so come along and say 'hi'!

BT2: 180-181 The Red Mall, The Blanchardstown Centre, D15
01 860 6540; info@bt2.ie