Arkle Sparkle

Straight to Hell .....

2012-02-21T15:23:00.001-08:00

There's a new "It" platform boot that will kick the Jeffrey Campbell Lita's right back to last season. They are called the Hellbound by badgirl label UNIF. Made in black and brown and coming with three different pairs of laces, colours being black (obviously), white for a punky look and by far my favourite the tie dye rainbow ones. And don't worry about doing a "Naomi" in them apparantly they are very stable. They can be purchased on SoleStruck.
photos by christeric.com

RIP Whitney.....

2012-02-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

Vera Meat French Bulldog Ring.....

2012-02-12T13:11:00.001-08:00

This ring is just perfect for French bulldog owners or fanatics! VeraMeat jewellery is NewYork based and was started by ex Ukrainian model Vera Balyura. Her beautiful trinkets include anything from dinosaur necklaces to vampire, brain, pidgeon rings and loads of other random references such as a dinosaur eating chicken rings or loughness monster necklaces! For some jewellery that's a little bit different look no further. You can buy items either in brass metals which are a little cheaper or you can get them in gold or silver also.
VERAMEAT

DavidElfin S/S'12

2012-02-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Jesus, I really love this collection by the Madrid based label DavidElfin. David Elfin started in 2001 and is a collective of Spanish designers including David Elfin, Bimba Bosé, Deborah Postigo, Gorka Postigo and Diego Postigo.This Spring/ Summer collection '12 is called "Katharsis". It comes from the Greek word meaning "pure" or "clean" and this is exactly what comes to mind with this collection. They have managed to combine a rainbow of colour in the cleanest way. I love the panels of colour and the different geometries of how they are used all against a background of white. The accessories were pretty cool too with colour panel clutches and Mawi jewellery.This is defo one label to watch. Beautiful...

DAVIDELFIN

Sexual Napalm....

2012-02-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

Really had to laugh out loud when a friend linked this business to me. How many shite shirts have you seen in your life. Plenty I'm sure! Well this company has made a business out of it. It's called exactly that ShiteShirts! They even print the name on the shirt. With over 130,000 followers on facebook they have become a practical joke for guys who have a bit of clown about them and like to convey this clownishness through their ShiteShirt.One thing about the ShiteShirt wearer that you will be able to tell straight away is that they don't give a hoot about fashion and they definately don't take themselves too seriously. How refreshing. What a great frickin idea..
Here is a link to their FB page ShiteShirts There is now an Irish branch of ShiteShirts based in Swords so buy off them if your gonna. Shirts are Euro 35 and 10% discount if you buy more than 5
ShiteShirtsIreland
Here are some of my favourite pics that some ShiteShirt customers have posted of themselves!!!!
xx

Jessica Hart x Pencey Standard S/S 2012.....

2012-01-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

I came across this image of Aussie model Jessica Hart (whom you may remember from The City) and just thought BOOM! This look just ticks all the boxes. Cool topknot and bang on trend tailored summer florals put together perfectly. She is wearing a floral shirt and pants from the collaboration she is doing this Spring / Summer for Pencey Standard NYC. Jessica has her own label too called Neon Hart. Great play on her name. You can buy her label Here. You can also buy the lovely floral pieces she is wearing soon on ShopBop. She wore this lovely ensemble for the collections Press day with a black Prada sweater and Salvatore Ferragamo black heels. If you like Jessica's gappy grin and quirky style you can follow her about the world on her tumblr Here .....
image from zimbio.com

Gotye and Kimbra Somebody I Used to Know..

2012-01-23T05:44:00.001-08:00

This is one of those songs that kind of stays with you and I love a good duet. Kimbra is a breakout singer from New Zealand. She reminds me a little of Katie Perry. She has her own album called Settle Down and Gotye is a Belgian / Aussie musican. The video is so simple but raw just like the song.
Enjoyeee...

From Canvas to Fabric Van Gogh Inspires ...

2012-01-11T11:04:00.001-08:00

My Favourite dress from Rodarte's S/S '12 collection inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone below.

I remember my first impression of Van Gogh's paintings was that he was capturing something beautiful, be it a scene or object, but that his interpretation always gave it a melancholic feel. Like "Sunflowers" or Starry Night" you could really see through Van Gogh's eyes that he looked at these beautiful things with a dark perspective. The Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte have always been more like like artists than designers to me in many ways. Their collections whilst always on first impression are beautiful and romantic, always have a dark undertone, that unless you explore their themes can often go unnoticed. This duplicity is what has always drawn me to them as designers. I found it interesting that they used Van Gogh's paintings as inspiration for their S/S'12 collection. They quite literally use prints from paintings such as "starry night" and "Sunflowers" as well as Van Gogh's rich palette of abstract colour. To quote Laura Mulleavy in her interveiw about the collection in Dazed Digital

It’s like when I look at Van Gogh’s paintings - I see a melancholy within the dead sunflowers in the vase. There’s something very vibrant and there’s also a melancholy. And that’s the fascinating thing about it.

Mind you, Rodarte are the not the first to use Van Gogh's painting as inspiration. YSl Haute Couture Spring Summer collection of 1988 included lots of jackets using themes from his paintings such as "Sunflowers"

The dress Maggie Gylenhall wore to the 2010 Oscars by Dries was thought to be Van Gogh inspired.

If you fancy a little Van Gogh inspired fashion for yourself try these Starry Night painted Toms from Etsy here

Bonzie Interview...

2012-01-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

In these truly difficult times in Ireland, most of our young designer talent has left our emerald shores for the bright lights of London. It is so great to see an indigenous Irish artisan label like Bonzie Designs basing themselves in Ireland and thriving. Bonzie Designs was created by designer duo Bonzie Crotty and her Aunt Ger. Bonzie's design studio is based in their hometown of Waterford city where they also have a shopfront selling their amazing neo Victorian designs. They create bespoke pieces, bridal wear and fabulous accessories like hats and shrugs and neckpieces.They have many Irish clients but have a huge following in the US too with Courtney Love being a huge fan. Their romantic Victorian design aesthetic is proving to set them apart. Originally selling online on their Etsy shop they now have an amazing website and online shop Bonzie Designs
Here is little interview I did with Bonzie xx

Were you were always creative ?

Very much so, I was the kid who got crayon's for Christmas! Storybooks and art supplies. I never played with dolls, although I used to create ball gowns for my sisters dolls out of old curtains, so I guess it was a sign of things to come!

Who inspired you and led to you studying fashion design?(a person, a designer etc)
I always wanted to go to art college from a very young age. My father was an artist and I was always following in his footsteps. It wasn't until I went to NCAD and discovered the fashion department that I really felt a clear direction and affinity with textiles and design. I was hooked from day one! Ger, my fabulous business partner ( and Auntie, but the least said about that the better!) was also a very hands on crafty child also. I can remember visiting my Nan's as a child and Ger showing me all sorts of quirky craft projects to keep me entertained. We both went in the same direction in our careers and combined our skills in 2008 to form the label known today as Bonzie Designs

You have a very particular design aesthetic, did you always design this way or did you ever experiment with other styles?

I think we were always inspired by days gone by and the passage of time. That nostalgic romance in clothing and design. We are both very keen on the Victorian period and it heavily influences our work today.

Who is your perfect client?

I think bonzie clients are courageous, brave and individual. Someone who likes to inject a bit of theatre into their wardrobe. We love a bit of eccentricity in our clients, it's what we are all about!

Do you find your veering more towards specialising in bridal wear, your bridal designs seem very popular?

We initially set up our label online and our largest client base was in the US. We had no idea that there was such a big bridal market online and it just happened organically that we became quite well known for our signature Victorian inspired silk boleros and wraps. It's the main stay of our online business to date however since then we have broadened our horizons into a number of other avenues and it all helps to keep the label well rounded. We are currently working on an exciting new range of ready to wear and this is a nice departure from the bolero/bridal work. We found that as our fan base grew we didn't have much to offer the gals who were not heading down the aisle per say so the new collection is a direct response tot he demand of our customers.

What's on your agenda for the coming year?

We are heading to the RDS in Jan 2012 to launch our first ready to wear collection. Incredible combo of ruffled tunics, lace pantaloons, tattered corsetry and statement necklaces all in our signature time worn aesthetic. It's a feast of lace, linen, beading, appliques, vintage trims etc. We are very excited about it. We have also recently begun a new partnership with a US mail order catalogue called Victorian Trading Co. A stunning brand that offer quirky Victorian and vintage inspired work around the US. It's our biggest contract to date and we are really chuffed to be working with them and sending our work abroad.

What do you hope to achieve in your career?

I personally feel that design and fashion is an incredibly difficult industry to break into and also a tough environment to make a living, unless you are at the top of the food chain. It's our aspiration that Bonzie will become an artisan producer of quirky vintage inspired clothing and accessories both here and abroad and both Ger and I will continue to work in our dream job and develop the brand.We have just recently moved into our new studio in the heart of the Viking Triangle development here in Waterford City so it's been a really exciting year with lots of opportunities in the near future. We are both very positive individuals so the current economic climate has really forced us to explore every opportunity and way forward that we can possibly find.

Agyness Deyn's Apartment ....

2012-01-03T16:17:00.001-08:00

Agyness Deyn's Williamsburg loft apartment is up for sale for a whopping 2.5 milly. The decor is really not what I expected from the punk princess. The loft features a beautiful under the sea themed bedroom complete with art deco shell chairs, lot's of flowery wallpaper and overall it looks very soft and ultra feminine. Really beautiful but again not what I expected. I look at you in new light Aggy....

images from holymoly.com

Colourful Crochet .....

2012-01-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

Cape: 70's Vintage
Hat: Asos
Trousers: Leather Topshop
Shoes: Chloe
Shirt: Acne

I am really loving colourful crochet at the moment. I found this really rare 70's Crochet cape in a New York vintage shop and dug it out this winter with a little inspiration from House of Holland. It has two little pom poms at the end of the strings on the front and I love the multi colours in each patch. It instantly makes me happy. Crochet print featured heavily in House of Holland's A/W'11 collection. Dresses in the collection were digitally printed with a crochet image so they were light and fluid and accessories like scarfs were made with real wool crochet. A 70's favourite, crochet was used at the time in everything from dresses, waistcoats, handbags and tops. You name it and it was crocheted! The DIY feel of crochet makes everything look more bohemian and that's what 70's fashion was all about.
If you cannot get your hands on any H of H crochet pieces and instead want to experiment with a vintage piece try add some more updated modern pieces to make the look less dated.

Henry Holland Tights

Henry Holland A/W'11 Catwalk

images from house-of-holland.blogspot.com and weheartit.com

Granny Takes A Trip....

2011-12-27T12:14:00.001-08:00

Jeez sometimes I really feel like I should have been born in another era. Preferably the 50's. Preferably London. Just so I could have been a teenager in the 60's and experienced this amazing time firsthand. Here's a look a some of the most famous 6o's London stores. Hung on You and Granny Takes a Trip being two of the best known.

Dear Santa......

2011-12-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

Sumeia has been very good this year! She would treasure any of the following...

Either Balinese Girl or Mrs. Wong print by 60's artist Tretchikoff

Spotted this satchel company in Liberty's London. They are called zatchels and make cute
satchels in cool colours like this metallic blue for under Euro 100

Hermes scarf designed by French graffiti artist Congo. This will be a present to myself ....

Lilac and Dries .....

2011-12-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

Jumper: H&M
Shirt: Acne
Pleggings: Topshop
Shoes: Dries Van Noten
Bracelets: Wanderlust & Co.

Lilac is my new favourite colour. It's soft but interesting. Funnily enough lilac flowers are also my favourite scent. Shades of lavender and lilac are being seen in a lot of collections recently with one of Chanel's Cruise line for '12 main colours being lavender. Purple power! I picked up this cute little jumper in H&M for 14 pounds while I was visiting my sis in London and I can't stop wearing it. It's got a little silver thread going through it that gives a nice glittery effect. It's teamed with my pleggings (plastic leather leggings)that are really comfortable and really warm along with my favourite shoes by Dries Van Noten. The are shimmery silver metallic with beige slingbacks. Another BT bargain! And my studded bracelets from Wanderlust & Co. an Australian website. They make really great "arm Party" material, the phrase coined by the Man Repeller blogger to describe multiple bracelets of different styles stacked high. Photos's taken on the window sill in my living room. I live in a rennovated convent. I love my apartment as it has such character. The part I live in is what used to be the Chapel so my living room window is a chapel window. And, I have a real cherub casting on the wall in my kitchen. How cool is that. We found the place by chance and fell in love. Definately the best place I have ever lived in in Dublin......

Lovely Dries shoes and Wanderlust bracelets

Alexa at the Mulberry A/W '11 show wearing Mulberry

Joanne Hynes Emerald Collar..

2011-12-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

What a perfect accessory. Such intricate detail, a beautiful colour and such a statement piece. This just needs to be paired with a really sleek maxi and killer heels and ta da your dressed.
Coming in at a cool E395 it's selling in The Marvel Room in BT's.

Trippy Book Shelves...

2011-11-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

I would like to store my books on these triptastic bookshelves. They would kinda give a room that dishevelled Alice in Wonderland feel. I think these could be made or is that a bit ambitous? They seem to have grooves that hold the books. I'll get the boyfriend to have a go!

So many things I love about this picture..

2011-11-23T18:09:00.001-08:00

Anjelica Huston, Manolo Blahnik, David Bailey. Photography in 1974 for Vogue by Helmut Newton. Captures an era in Fashion.....

Le Smoking with Flowers....

2011-11-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

Jacket: Mary Gregory
Jumpsuit: Vintawj
Bag: Chanel
Shoes: YSL Tributes
Socks: AA
Photo: By Julia Ptak Photography

Bit of a strange combination but it kinda works for some reason. Black jumpsuit I picked up in Berlin dotted with poppies and daisies. As I am quite curvy I NEVER dared do a jumpsuit. They never really worked for me but this one is perfect. When I picked it up in the vintage warehouse I thought it was a dress and stuck my two legs into one leg. If that makes sense. Anyways, I figured it out and fell in love. Super comfy and only cost a tenner. Score. The tuxedo style jacket is one of my most treasured clothing items. It's cut razor sharp and made from cupro silk super high quality silk which apparantly is the best kinda silk there is. I was given it very kindly by a designer called Mary Gregory from her 90's archives. I love that it's quite long and has two big pockets that fit loads for nights out and the buttons are designed like old coins. The shoes are my super duper bargain from BT's. I hummed and hawed about these forever. Are they too slutty, tacky I pondered! They are tributes by YSL in dark denim. They cost me Euro 99 reduced from Euro 695. Sometimes working in retail has an upside(friends who tell you about the bargains)! Now, don't go thinking I indulge in expensive shoes all the time but I do treat myself every so often for working like a trojan. Anyways you would be a fool to turn down a designer bargain like that! OK. I admit it I have been working with expensive clothes for two long and now have disillusions that I too can afford these clothes. Add cute sparkley socks and pair with non slutty clothing and they then become non slutty. You actually can't really see them here. Sorry. Anyways I love them.

Versace PowerHouse ....

2011-11-15T13:52:00.001-08:00

This vid is from Versace x H&M collaberation launch in New York last week. Spot Prince, Uma Thurman and Helena Christensen in the audience. This collection will see the 80's powerhouse connect with younger fashionistas.
Since Gianni's sad departure the brand has slowly become more and more dated. This collection should give Versace a much needed injection of youth. Sorry the same cannot be said for Donatella ( cheap laugh I know). The womenswear has lots of gems. I especially love the long red dress, palm print skirt and jaguar necklace, the leather headbands and studded leather jackets. On the whole there are some very unwearable pieces i.e the silver and gold super mini crotch grazing dresses. Wearable only if you are a 7ft amazonian model! The menswear is really interesting. Loving the zebra printed pieces and again the studded leather ones.
The show music packs a punch and makes me wanna dance.
My House My Rules My Pleasure bam bam My House My Rules My Pleasure bam bam

Velvet Burnout Robe....

2011-11-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Velvet Burnout Robe : Vintage
Dress Underneath: Alexander Wang Jersey Dress
Boots: Nine West
Clutch: Vintage Faux Alligator
Watch and Ring: Chanel

This is one of my favourite items. It's a 90's velvet burnout grungy robe jacket that I have in burgundy with torqouise patches and sheer in the burnout part. It looks kinda tie dye. I love to throw it on over a tee and jeans if I'm feeling lazy going out or if I want to make more effort it can be worn with a leather mini and soft jersy vest underneath. Luxe hippy at it's best and really effortless .....

this picture is from hautepursuit.com

Superheroe Shoes..........

2011-11-12T07:21:00.002-08:00

Wang makes superheroes out of his shoes this season by adding little capes at the back of them. I love the fluffy pom poms on this version too. They remind me of those satin fluffy mules Hollywood starlets would wear in the 40's. Shoe porn at it's best....

images from notmybedtime.tumblr.com and chicmuse.com

Stella's Tropical Stripes.........

2011-11-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Models played croquet and ping pong and frolicked around the gardens, while magazine editors mingled with celebrities such as Liv Tyler and Naomi Watts. Stella's launch party for her resort collection held in St. Luke's in the West Village was very fun and informal mirroring her new collection. The idea of Resort collections originally came about for rich clients holidaying at Christmas and New year in sunny climes and so it was to service their wardrobes for this lifestyle. Now designer clothes are accessible to all, many young designers resort collections are less about old rules and are more about experimenting with fun design ideas. They are collections that are inter season and versatile.
Stella's collection was made up of pieces that could easily be bought as separates and worked into your own wardrobe if you could not afford a whole look. I absolutely adore the digital Hawaiian prints mixed with colour striped tops and the black pant and tee suit with the amazing Hawaiian print was definitely my favourite. If you look at the whole collection there is also some hounds tooth pants and skirts mixed with little Hawaiian print tees, sweaters as well as crombie and blazer jackets. It really is a beautiful, fun, poppy collection.
For us mere mortals who won't be holidaying in St. Tropez this January this collection makes it possible to pick and mix some really cool printed pieces and add those pieces to our winter wardrobes. And if we can't pick and mix from this it will certainly leave us craving tropical Hawaiian prints. J'adore.......

Bree Bennett Customised Vintage....

2011-11-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Bree in one of her own designs

100 Squared is a unique retail concept based in Westfield, Sydney, Australia that took 100 square metres of space and turned it into a store that houses only emerging designers. I really support these ventures. We need to give our young designers more outlets to sell their wares. I think Atelier 27 in Dublin has been great for this.
100 Squared stocks gems of young Aussie designers, one of which is Bree Bennett. I love what Bree is doing. She hunts down unique vintage pieces and tears them apart, hacking off sleeves or adding leatherpieces or different fabrics to create a new modern garment. I have been a vintage collector for years now and have collected some beautiful, unique pieces my time. What you learn about vintage is that you really have to pair it with new modern pieces to stop your look being too dated. I have found myself customising vintage finds by shortening lengths or taking the sleeves off but I love how Bree is taking pieces and putting a totally new spin on them. Her collections have been so successful she is now expanding her space in 100 Squared this year. I really hope she will start selling online soon so us fashion lovers abroad can purchase some of those lovely upcycled clothes. Support Bree by liking her facebook page. See an interview with Bree here

StreetStyle Sydney (A Bree Jacket)

little-ladylove.blogspot.com wearing Bree tee

Bree's Shop in 100 squared

Gucci Galore....

2011-11-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

These shots are from November's edition of Vogue Spain. The editorial was shot in Venice featuring all Gucci A/W ' 11. It's guest edited by the Natasha Poly. Doesn't she look like a sexy 70's spy girl.

via fashiongonerogue.com

Snakebite.............

2011-10-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Shirt: StyleStalker
Jeans: Topshop Kirsten
Boots: Nine West
Brooch: Chanel

Stella McCartney's very successful experiment with snakeskin has led to an explosion of the print on the highstreet and has also seen other designers carrying on the trend this season with Chloe using a lot in their A/W'11 collection. You can find snakeskin print absolutely everywhere on the highstreet at the moment from shoes to leggings, dresses and bags etc. Needless to say with any print less is more. The aim is to have a little of the print mixed with neutrals or block colour. So if your wearing snakeskin shoes don't overload with a bag and if your wearing pants don't wear a snakey top too. My snakeskin shirt from StyleStalker is so easy to wear. I love that it's slightly sheer and that it's shorter at the front than the back (fishtail), which is great when you wear it with a leather mini.

Chloe A/W '11 & Snakeskin shoes from LoveAesthetic Blog

Happy Birthday Loubies......

2011-10-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that it's Louboutin's 20 year anniversary! To celebrate this the display team in Barney's New York put together this amazing installation. Pretty cool isn't it?

Christian Louboutin: Celebrating 20 Years and the Launch of the Book from BARNEY'S NY/ Michelle Chu on Vimeo.

Grungy Jumper Love ...

2011-10-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of James Long quite a while now. Another Fashion East protege he concentrated on Menswear until he debuted his first Womenswear collection about 6 months ago for A/W '11. It certainly didn't disappoint. His strengths lie in grungy luxe knitwear. Keeping it more a muted on the catwalk James seems to really indulge in colour for his Asos collections. This is my favourite jumper that he did for his last collaboration with Asos. I call it my happy jumper. When I put it on I can't help but feel comfortable. I love it's blend of different coloured and textured wools, it's grungy holey look and how it looks like I could have knitted it myself.

Jumper - James Long for Asos
Ring - Metal Pointu's, Paris
Neon Friendship Bracelet - Berlin
Jeans - Leigh Topshop Skinnies.
Boots - Nine West
Lipstick - Colour Marilyn, Chanel
Picture - By Julia Ptak Photography

This is the Asos one I am lusting after now!
A/W'11 backstage via dazeddigital.com

WeWood Eco Watches ......

2011-10-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

I am just mad about this new Italian watch company called WeWood. Made from 100% wood these watches are Eco friendly and are a perfect marriage between design and nature. The companies motto is " One Watch One Tree One Planet " and they promise to plant a tree for every timepiece sold. WeWood is partnered with American Forests which is one of the oldest non profit conservation organisations who this year alone will plant 4.8 million trees in 43 projects across 10 countries. The price point for these watches is between Euro 90 and Euro 100, there are 11 pieces in the collection and they are available in date or chrono and a range of wood colours from beige to black. I think they would make the perfect Christmas gift for a significant other. Friends of mine Ida and Aurthur are now the Irish distributors for this cool brand, so I will keep you posted on where they will soon be available to purchase in Ireland. I can't wait. xxxx

Fierce Like a Panther...........

2011-10-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ricardo Tisci really knows how to dress a woman. In today's World women are required to be fierce to survive. Our clothes are sometimes worn like armour. Although we try hard to look fierce sometimes we want to just look cute too. This look from Givenchy really sums up how every woman wants to dress. Beautiful but fierce. Just like a panther............. Grrrrrr!

To recreate this look you could try and find a panther tee like this one below from Ebay and a satin skirt this the one below from Oasis. xx

+

DIY Love .....

2011-09-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

Ivania Carpio is one of my favourite bloggers. Her blog called LOVE AESTHETICS demonstrates her fabulous minimalistic, futuristic style but my favourite thing about her blog are her DIY posts. Here she takes a burgundy shirt (burgundy is so hot right now!) and makes cut two cutouts from the collar down to just about the bust. It looks so easy but it totally transforms this simple shirt into a really edgy piece. I'm off to get a vintage silk shirt to have a go myself...........

Pleez don't make me sit beside Her!

2011-09-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

Anna Wintour and Nicki Menaj looking uncomfortably seated next to each other at Carolina Herrera's show for NYC fashion week! Oh and look Anna's dress and Nicki's gross shoes totally match. Hilarious!

Kinder Love.......

2011-09-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Kinder Aggugini is a Milan born, London based designer who has previously worked for household names such as Versace, Galliano and Vivienne Westwood. He is slowy becoming a household name himself, being the first to sign up for Macy's Impulse line last February, which is something similar to what Target has previously done with Rodarte. It has given him a presence in the US when he was previously totally unknown. He describes his signiture design style as Coco Chanel marries Sid Vicous. What an awesome combination.....
Some pics from his A/W '11 collection courtesy of style.com

Ciao Venice....

2011-09-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

This dreamy shoot starring model Marloes Horst for the brand Free People's August catalogue really hits the right notes for this coming winter. Berry hues, warm knits, chiffon and gothic jewellery,and of course some navajo print to boot. Relaxed and Beautiful.
images from fashiongonerogue.com

Louboutin and Creative Ownership.......

2011-09-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

I was really sad to hear of Christian Louboutin losing his injunction against YSL for the use of his trademark sole in their Spring '11 Pallais collection. I have seen and read a few Christian Louboutin interviews and he always comes across as such a genuine person unaffected by his fame, which is rare. He is now preparing to fight his biggest battle and many feel he may loose with the Manhattan Federal Judge Victor Marrero stating:

“The court finds that Louboutin is unlikely to be able to prove that its red out sole brand is entitled to trademark protection, even if it has gained enough public recognition in the market to have acquired secondary meaning.”

The French are known for being fiercely protective of their intellectual property. So much so, that they even trademark their grapes with a system called Appellation. Now, Christian finds himself fighting to trademark the colour Pantone 18 Chinese Red, the colour he chose because he wanted people to see the red sole and identify his shoes.
The case has raised a very interesting issue and it will go down in history as, it will now change the landscape in fashion design. Many brands have an identifiable colour, examples being Tiffanie's who use Pantone 1837 Tiffany Blue, a colour trademarked by them. The difference between the case of Louboutin red and Tiffanie's blue, is that whilst Louboutin chose his colour from an existing palette, Tiffanie's made this colour and then trademarked it. And by doing so no-one else can use this particular shade. What Louboutin is fighting for is to trademark the Pantone colour, but also the exclusive use of red soles. By doing this he is trying to stop other designers using red soles and this brings us to the argument of colour depletion. As in - if every designer trademarked a colour, then there would be no colours to use. And after all, everyone is working from the same limited colour palette.

I do believe that a company should have ownership on visual creative ideas and that YSL should not have used the red sole on this basis. Fashion needs fresh ideas not copied successful ones. I feel it sheds bad light on YSL's integrity. There should be some unwritten design rules. Legally though they cannot be stopped. I look forward to hearing the outcome... Apparently, Chloe Green is now designing a Topshop shoe collection with green soles (a play on the family name). Can't wait to see those....

Label Love in Berlin....

2011-09-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

While browsing the amazing Mauer Park flea market in Berlin last Sunday, a girl's bag caught my eye amongst the many hip and cool young peeps that were there that day. It was a cloth bag covered in squares of amazing holographic, sequined and colourful fabric. I asked her where she got it and she directed me to a store called StarStyling on Mulackstrasee 4 in the Mitte district of Berlin. Mitte is the fashion district in Berlin and there are so many little streets with cool stores it's easy to miss one unless your in the know. Kai Seifreid (who owns the store with his partner in love and business Katja Shlegel ) was there with a warm greeting and stories of his love of the West of Ireland. The store I have to say blew me away. It's contemporary fashion for someone who wants something unique and doesn't take themselves too seriously. Everything in the store is of their own design with Katja designing the collections and Kai looking after the business side. I got my bag which I am really happy about and will definately be back for more...
P.S Berlin is frikin A.M.A.Z.I.N.G nice weather, cool people, great fashion, lifestyle, music... OK you get it!
Have a look at their webshop and blog @ StarStyling

Here is my Mosiac bag each one is unique and handmade.

The piece I am lusting after at StarStyling is their holographic kaftan mmmmm...

Chanel's Harrod's Pop Up...

2011-09-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Outside Harrod's the Chanel flags are flying proud. Congratulations to my colleagues in the Chanel Visual Display Team who have put so much hard work into creating the amazing new Chanel Pop Up store called 'Une Promenade' in Harrod's, Knightsbridge. The installation is arranged in several sections, based around some of Chanel’s famous numbers. The main room is a garden scene based on the SS'11 show decor inspired by the gardens of Versailles that then seperates into different sections: 2.55 for the bag where you can watch a video installation that takes you through the history of this iconic and coveted bag, The 31 stands for the address 31, Rue Cambon, which was the first Chanel store in Paris. This room is devoted to Chanel Haute couture. The 54 room stands for the legendary Chanel tweed jacket, 5 stands for the Nº5 perfume. There is a beauty parlour with limited edition products designed by Peter Phillips Chanel's make up creative director , photobooths, Karl's library and many exlusive Chanel pieces designed in Harrod's signature colour green, such as the new Liberty Bag and cocoon boots. Really a feast for any Chanel lover, the store is only open for 3 week until 24th September. An experience not to be missed, if you are visiting London town make sure to go .......

New Mod ....

2011-09-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Karolina Zmarlak LookBook Spring 2012

Karolina Zmarlak Spring 2012 lookbook's images really encapsulate the new mod look that has begun to emerge. It takes the sleek tailoring that has dominated the catwalks by designers such as Celine and mixes it with a some mod 60s's A Line silhouettes and colour. Hey presto we get the new mod. The colour orange a signiture 60's colour has been mixed with a lot of leather, a perfect example being seen in Acne's prefall '11 collection.
The new mod look we will be trying to achieve has whispers of the 60's in clean colour and shape but mixed with modern shoes, easy hair and make-up to give a modern feel.

Tali Lennox in Acne Prefalls Lookbook

McQueens Savage Beauty Will Return To London..

2011-08-30T15:58:00.001-07:00

After much petitioning from fashionistas at this side of the Atlantic, it seems very likely now that the McQueen retrospective entitled "Savage Beauty" will return to London. With nothing confirmed yet but 2013 as the year, The McQueen team seem to be as eager to have the collection back in London, the city in which Alexander was born , raised and inspired by. It will be approximately 20 years since McQueen debuted with his graduate collection from Central St. Martins Martins named "Jack The Ripper Stalks His Victims". I wait for confirmed dates and venue with bated breath....

Lanvin Fall 2011....

2011-08-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

This video was directed by Steven Meisel for Lanvin's F/W 2011/2012 campaign. Starring Raquel Zimmerman and Karen Elson and Alber Elbaz himself having a little boogy. See models are real people too! It's nice to see Alber inject some humour into the luxury fashion business, which often takes itself a little too seriously! A fun way to show the collection....

LoveTits................

2011-08-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

I just love when I stumble across clothes that make me smile. I came across these tops designed by two sisters who study at Saint Martins. Molly is 22 and studies knitwear, while Alice Goddard aged 19 studies fashion print. Alice also blogs for POP magazine and models a bit too (she is modelling the tees on the site see my pics). On the side they have their own brand and website called LOVETITS selling their amazing mesh tops with in their own words "things covering boobies". These trendy little Londonites boast Bip Ling as a fan of their label. Worn alone it may be a little risque but layered up with a plain tee underneath it becomes very tongue in cheek. You can buy them here.

Baby Face......

2011-08-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

There has been uproar in the media and blogosphere in the last few days, the reason being: an editorial in French Vogue using a 10 year old French model called Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau in "provocative" and "sexualised" images. Said images were felt to be inappropriate. I am a little torn on this, while considering the facts - 10 year old girl wearing lipstick, heels and a slashed dress? I say Yes, this is completely wrong. But I have to admit before thinking about all these facts, on first glance I saw a cute little girl, dressed in high end fashion clothes, pretending to be a grown model. One could say that using Thylane lena-rose Blondeau for the shoot was intentional, in some respects. It has certainly grabbed a lot of headlines. The editors of French Vogue obviously knew that using a 10 year old would be controversial. People who buy fashion magazines are not buying them with the intention of seeing sexualised images of children, but more for the beautifully shot editorials with fabulous clothes. Do you think it is wrong or okay? I think I'm veering towards wrong. While she is certainly an equisitely beautiful child (emphasis on child) maybe she should be given a few more years ........................

T by Wang Resort......

2011-07-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Love this green and yellow combination. Harden the look with some black killer ass shoes........

Multi Scarves..............

2011-07-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Commes Des Garcons Fall Winter ' 11

Here's an idea. Get all those vintage silk scarves you've got hiding away in your closet. Tie them together and make something like this. It's kinda got that Hermes vibe of tying scarves together thing going on! See the Commes des Garcons scarf dress A/W' 11 above.Image via Streetpeeper from Tokyo

Christopher Kane Clutch...........

2011-07-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

How cool is this new clutch for A/W11 Christopher Kane. Inspired by Lava lamps and plastic pencil cases he had as a kid (reminds me of those too), the liquid inside is made from an oil glyerin mix. They come in pink and orange or blue and green. Prices start at around Euro350 which I suppose is a lot for what is essentially a piece of plastic. Hopefully their will be some high street copies to boot......

Mary Gregory Designer Sale.............

2011-07-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know the very talented Irish designer Mary Gregory from the Design Centre in Powerscourt, Dublin 2 where her collections sat amongst Louise Kennedy, Lainey Keogh, Marian Whisker and all the Irish design greats. Her design style is clean cut classics with amazing attention to detail, using luscious and innovative fabrics with a Japanese design silhouette. In advance of her eagerly awaited coming A/W 2012 collection, Mary is having a blitz designer sale of her stunning pieces with up to 90% off this Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd July from 10am to 8pm in the President's room at the RDS. All profits will go to Chernobyl Children International, which is a great cause. Mary kindly gifted me with a really beautiful piece from the collection which she will be selling this Friday and Saturday. I will treasure it forever. Made of silk organza and hand painted with the beautiful words from a Yeats poem called "Tread Softly".
HAD I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet,
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams

W.B. Yeats

NCAD Jewellery Making & Metalwork......

2011-07-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of this year I have been threatening to do an evening course of some kind, something related to fashion or art. After a little research, I found some great one week summer courses by CEAD that were held in NCAD. Toying between
photography and metalwork jewellery making I bit the bullet and chose the metalwork class. Just for the fact that I wanted to learn something crafty and stimulate my creativity a little. Heading in on my first day I wondered what exactly this class would be about having no experience in jewellery making. Into the metalwork rooms I entered, along with about 15 others and so our week began. Trevor the course leader and master craftsman (whom we all would follow around the entire week like little kids asking for help with our projects) began by introducing us to the tools we would be using and began by showing us how to make a simple
twisted pendant piece. Of course he made it look so easy! We traipsed back to the little work benches that would become ours for the week and began our attempt at making this first little piece. Our tools - a metal saw (on which at least 30 blades were snapped on first botched attempts at cutting metal), a metal file, a point compass and sandpaper. We learned to use polishing machines, metal mills, soldering Bunsen burners, drills and lots of scary machinery! The first day I struggled a little but by the end of the week, I was flying it. Designing our own pieces, using different techniques to create effects on the metal, stone setting and melding pieces together. The class members who I got to know throughout the week were an amazing bunch, consisting of those like me trying this for the first time, others were home enthusiasts for years being miles ahead doing the class so as to use the machinery available (one man made an amazing intricate pair of art deco earrings for his wife), others had their own businesses on Etsy or were selling their own jewellery at fairs. Each person brought something to the table. People were experimenting a lot with one girl bringing lace and ran it through the metal mill over a piece of metal creating a really stunning effect of lace on the metal. Another girl taught me beading. All in all I had a really amazing week. And while I don't think I will be the next big jewellery designer, it has given me an appreciation of the time and skill and patience required for this craft and has interested me enough to consider taking it up as an evening course for winter. I loved meeting new creative people and doing it all day for one intense week really taught me more than I feel an evening class might have. It's really amazing how doing something completely different from your usual day to day really opens your senses. See my pics of pieces I was working on. They are not in running order I'm afraid! Just cannot get it right!

Michael Van der Ham F/W'11 ...

2011-07-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

I long to own a piece from this Dutch designer. He had his first solo show last season having been under the wing of LuLu Kennedy for Fashion East before that, this Central Saint Martins graudates's collections are going from strength to strength. His pieces are almost like a collage of beautiful
textiles. He also makes special comissioned costumes for Bjork and also has a collaberative collection for Topshop. See velvet shoes below.

By Taj....................

2011-07-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

By Taj is a jewellery line by 18 year old Brooklynite Taj Melendez. My favourite and his most featured is the panda brooch. (see Taj above wearing this) How cute is that!!!!!!!!!!! Check out the Panda brooch and all other fabulous pixelated pieces on Taj's site ByTaj

All That Glitters...............

2011-07-06T11:56:00.002-07:00

Just three clicks and these Miu Miu babies will take you home to shoe heaven. They yet again have created the most desirable, girly shoes for the coming season. When everything else has become about being edgy and rock n roll (which I love), Miu Miu always manages bring out your inner babydoll. The new campaign was shot by Bruce Weber and starred the young star Hailee Steinfeld. I love the ankle boots below especially. Shoe candy.

Miu Miu F/W

2011-07-06T11:56:00.001-07:00

Dolly Dare and Shop172....

2011-06-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

DOLLYDARE

They say a blog is like your own personal moodboard of inspiration and thats how I like to think of mine. It's definately become a space for me to share all the whacky and cool things I find through my internet browsing or travels. In the beginning I had many more ideas for this page and hopefully I will get around to some of them but for now my friends it's my wonderful finds be it shops, people or style.

"Dare to Dream" is Dolly Dare's catchphrase and that you certainly will at this fabulously original independant designer boutique. Stocking all their own designs of fabulously frothy dolly mixture dresses. In a world of depleting quality vintage and mass high street it's great to see some new designers setting up shop. Located in Spitafields, London, you cannot help but be drawn into it's ultra dolly femininity. It feels like your jumping into a huge strawberry cream cake! Their window displays are pretty cool too adding to the whole image with doll faced mannequins sporting masses of curly hair and doilys decorating the windows. Check em out here DOLLY DARE

SHOP172

Another East London favourite of mine is Shop172. It's located on Brick Lane and is another proud stockist of independant designers boasting 26 international independant labels including Yuko Yoshitake, Neurotica, Kapow!Wow! and Belle Sauvage all from countries such as Japan, Denmark and Israel. A feast for the creative eye, I found many amazing unique pieces here including some from this crazy designer called Riina Oun of Oun Design. Check out her toe shoes and two face bag!

Cool Huh!
They also have an amazing website where you can buy all their fabulous things
SHOP172 and a great little blogaroo keeping you up to date on their new finds and things they get up to on Brick Lane. So here is some shop love from me to you. I have been sporadic of late but I should have some more interesting posts in the coming weeks so turn on and tune in .............................

Larissa Hadijo.....

2011-06-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

As a water sign I am attracted to all things aquatic.. The originality of this Central Saint Martins graduate's work really grabbed me . This is her debut collection but already she has been name checked by fashion curator Diane Pernet and featured on the front page of Dazed Digital. Isn't this the dream of any fashion graduate? Her bags are carefully crafted from beautiful butter soft leathers using a three D pattern technique. In Larissa's own words "It's about wearing something that fit's your character rather than a bag that already speaks for itself". Right on girl. Not for the faint hearted these bags certainly make a statement and come in whale, crab and scaly fish shapes. Trust my favourite bloggers, the Beckermann sisters to be sporting the bags already, them being the early adopters of the new and whacky. Check out Larrisa's page

HERE and some images below of her fabulous designs!
Also a short video giving you a feel for the collection.

Broken Fab....

2011-06-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

My current obsession is a jewellery label called Broken Fab. Featuring heavily in editorials of late and also featuring in Grazia in May's issue the label by Fabienne Morel melds club culture and africa tribal design to create some pretty cool disco jewellery. I'm dying for these earrings see below and the prices start at around Euro 85. Check out their site they sell online

HERE

Rodarte Dresses...

2011-05-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

If your going to be Stateside and hanging near West Hollywood anytime before the 5th of June get yourself to the MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles. It shows all the beautiful dresses the talented Mulleavy sister's of Rodarte crafted for Black Swan. The aim was to display them removed from the body form and show them as sculptural pieces.

The Man Behind The Mask.......

2011-05-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Internationally renowned, Simon Costin is the the art director and set designer behind many of the great designers and photographers of today. Signed to CLM agency in New York he is a British born creative prodigy boasting three degrees in film making, theatre designing and history of art. He worked as McQueen's art director for 8 years with an initial meeting coming about when McQueen asked to borrow some of his art works for a show very early in his career. He has also worked creating the catwalk set designs for Gareth Pugh and designs sets for photographer Tim Walker. His creativity has many facets from designing jewellery to specialising in taxidermy, a hobby that started at a young age when he joined a natural history club. He has now begun a project all of his own called the Museum of British Folklore where he gathered money through charity in order for him to travel through Britain in a caravan painted in fairground scroll wearing a Gareth Pugh cape and Steve Jones hat to discover and celebrate British indigenous folklore traditions. A brilliant genius, here are some images of his work that I find inspirational. Enjoy...

I Love You Pat Cleveland..............

2011-05-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

with Halston in Studio 54

Part Irish/Black and Cherokee Pat Clevelands' unusual beauty was spotted by a Vogue Editor on the New York Subway on her way to LaGuardia Perfoming Arts School when she was just 14. She was launched into the 70's fashion world walking for all the big names at the time but becoming a house model for Halston. Pat was known for her unusual theatrical style walk on the runway and was often accompanyed by another male model called Sterling. She would bring an air of drama to the catwalk reminiscent of McQueen's shows in nearer times where models didn't just walk but moved and acted out a scene for the audience.
The vid below shows some of her famous moves.

Alicia Drake in the book The Beautiful Fall described Pat Cleveland’s arrival in Paris in the late 1970’s, saying, “[she came] with liquorice hair, legs like pipe-cleaners, and a Harlem shimmy dance-movement that recalled Josephine Baker…she [ate] up the catwalks with her shimmering sexiness and laughter, bringing a movement and dance to fashion that no one had ever seen before. ”
Pat lived the studio 54 lifestyle counting Karl Largerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent and Andy Warhol amongst her friends. She bowed out of modelling in the 80's to settle down with her husband with whom she has two kids one of which Anna is now a model herself. She paved the way for future black models and still remains totally unique today in how she modelled. Here PAt talks about her life in the 70's. She is still really beautiful.

Alexa Loves.................

2011-05-08T15:22:00.001-07:00

Alexa really loves her new ladybird Chanel bag.......

Bambi in Oyster Magazine....................

2011-05-08T15:00:00.001-07:00

A beautiful shoot from Oyster Magazine with my favourite model Bambi Northwood Blythe.
I adore the styling in this shoot. Styled by Imogene Barron, Oyster's fashion director whom is heavily influenced by streetstyle and prefers using indie designers. She accessorizes like somethin wicked. Photographed by Bec Parsons.

White Mischief........

2011-05-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

Agyness Deyn has a romantic return to Vogue for May 2011 in a shoot called White Mischief by photographer Tim Walker on location in Africa’s isolated Namib Desert styled by Kate Phelan. Tim Walker's shoots always make you feel like you are part of a beautiful fairytale. A different look for Agyness who is wearing beautiful soft blonde curls, a removal from her usual punky styling.

Teal & Tangerine.........

2011-05-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't the decor really beautiful in this room? The combination of teal and tangerine really works. The tree stencil is completed with tangerine birdies.
This room was shown as a master suite in the San Francisco Decorator Showcase. Now, just to recreate..........
image from casasugar.com

Life Is Too Short To Wear Boring Clothes....

2011-04-27T16:14:00.001-07:00

Check out Katie P a fashion writer from Poland's style on Lookbook.nu Here.

Life is too Short to wear boring clothes...

2011-04-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Check out Katie P on lookbook.noe here

Dip Dye........

2011-04-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

This new hair trend of dip dying or ombre is beeing seen EVERYWHERE at the moment from streetstyle to Jeremy Scotts models for S/S as well as Meadham Kirchoff. First dip dyed clothes and now hair grunge is here to stay.

Spaceman..............

2011-04-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Spaceman I always wanted you to come into spaceman!! These topshop Perrin shoes have totally sold out having been bandyed about the press for a while. They are totally rad! Keep checking the topshop site they may come back into stock. A factory in China is probably stitching away as we speak. Pretty OK price at Euro 100 for a statement shoe. For the not so daring they also come in black or tan!

The Row AW 11.......

2011-04-21T15:39:00.001-07:00

Those Olsen girls have created yet another fabulous collection staying true to their aesthetic. Really pure and beautiful. Apart from these black and white looks the collection included a lot of leopard and fox fur and Persian lamb.

Flowers in your hair ...........

2011-04-19T16:18:00.001-07:00

It's funny because after writing this post I realised I omitted what had inspired me to do it in the first place! I visited the amazing exhibition last week of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's works in the Museum of Modern Art, Dublin. Kahlo became synonymous for adorning her hair with flowers and ribbons. When rifling through the many books of her life at the exhibition you realise how distinct her style was. What a beautiful, fierce woman who managed to depict such sadness and love through her paintings. They left me feeling really moved.

Someone told me there's a girl out there with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair.

2011-04-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Someone told me there's a girl out there With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair.

Bite Plate ...................

2011-04-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

If you follow fashion blogs for inspiration like I do you start to see some serious homogenisation of style after a while. Certain things are trendy for a time so everyone is wearing them in style posts and after a time it get's kinda boring. Fashion is supposed to be about fun and expression. I found this blog and was happily surprised to find some girls doing something completely different. Caillianne, Samantha and Chloe Beckerman are from Toronto and have amazing, wacky fabulous style. They chronicle their adventures to fleas markets, the parties they attend, cool fashion friends they are visiting but the best thing about their blog is the style posts. Showing their eclectic mix of vintage pieces mixed with some very high end designer pieces all accessorized in the totally unique Beckerman way. You will see what I mean! If you are looking for a style blog with something a little different look no further.....Beckerman Bite Plate

Bill Cunningham New York....

2011-04-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a trailer from the new documentary by Richard Press which opened in New York last month. Press followed Bill on his rounds through the city on a rented adult tricycle with a backseat for the cinematographer. They were astounded by the energy of Bill and all his quirks as they followed him through fashion week and all the after hours parties. This man is 82 years old and he started documenting streetstyle photography almost 50 years ago working as a photgrapher for the New York Times. With such a resurged interest in the topic this documentary is a must see for anyone interested in fashion.

Anyone know the Irish release date?

Ursina Gysi.......

2011-04-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

Style Watch. This Swiss girl has definately got her own thing going on. She is listed as a stylist on the StyleCouncil. You can veiw some of her amazing work
HERE.
She also assists Camille Bidault Waddington (wife of Jarvis Cocker) stylist extradinaire who has consulted for Marc by Marc Jacobs and has styled and been contributing fashion editor to The Face, Self Service, Numero and Pop.
Ursina has been snapped a few times by the Sartorialist, Tommy Ton where her natural, quirky style has stood out amongst the wash of preened and perfect at Fashion weeks.

loving this romantical etheral look
lovvin the stripes and silhouette
love the 70's sailboat pants!
love the penguin jumper

Zara Colourful Looks.....

2011-04-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

If you want to get some great vivid colourful pieces for this summers colour pop /blocking trend Zara is going to be the one stop shop. During my visit this week I found a super cute emerald green skirt, lots of cute stripey tops that would great with either their fucshia trousers or the skirt. Its a rainbow in there at the moment. Go have a look for yourself!!!!

Boxing Kitten......

2011-04-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

This label from this Brooklyn, NY native Maya Amina Lake is bangin'. She uses a lot of African themed clashing prints using mainly cotton as a textile. A self taught designer and entrepreneur Maya Amina's pieces have been worn by fierce lady's such as Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu. You can shop online too which is great for us who don't live State side BoxingKitten. Here are are a few images from the new Lookbook. Delish....

NYC Downtown Gems ....

2011-03-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

And so my little trip to the Big Apple has concluded... I stayed in the best location right smack in the middle of fabulous Soho and spent the week exploring Soho, Nolita, Noho, East and West Village haunts. With no specific plan, armed with a map and a willing boyfriend we took side streets and wandered and wandered stumbling upon some amazing stores. All these neighbourhoods downtown have secret little gems of shops that will really inspire you. Each one unique in what they are doing.I love that really specialist places can exist here. These were a few of the most inspiring.

The Evolution Store

120 Spring Street, Soho
website:The Evolution Store

Right beside my apartment I found this store with a skeleton outside and a window display beckoning me to enter this weird and wonderful world. A cave of animal treasures this store would be ideal for natural history lovers. They had everything from jewellery made from insects (beetle wing earrings),anatomical models, skulls, taxidermy animals, shells and fossils and they even mount their own insects there (none endangered Species)in their entomology department. Now I am not a bit fan of creepy crawlies or stuffed animals but you can't but find a place as specialist as this inspiring. Seriously worth checking out.

storefront and taxidermy

framed butterflies and insect lollies yum yum!

Search and Destroy

25 St. Marks Place, East Village
Website: all in Japanese unreadable!

This is a great punk/ rock n roll style vintage shop with cute Japanese staff selling customised studded docs and motorcycle jackets, bondage gear, military gear, band tees and loads of accessories. Quite pricey with some studded jackets in the mid hundreds. Hanging around this area are lots of pockets of rebellious looking teens with multi - coloured hair and piercings.The decor of this store again makes it unique with scary clown faced mannequins and mannequins tied in bondage style hanging from the ceiling. Also seen were mannequins with sawn off body parts and faked to look mutilated. Kinda gross but again really creatively inspiring! Promise I will do a pretty place next......

GaGa's favourite studded jacket is from
Search & Destroy!

Pilgrim NYC
70 Orchard Street, Lower East Side Website: Pilgrim NYC

Co-owned by Richard Ives and Brian Bennet this store is part boutique and part art gallery. They have a collection of amazing high end vintage from designers such as Lanvin, Oleg Cassini and and Cacharel among others as well as their own Pilgrim line designed by Richard. This is all against a back drop of beautiful pottery and art with some abstract paintings by Brian the co-owner. They are renowned for their high end vintage pieces all from top secret Parisian vendors. On my trip they had an amazing vintage Chanel window with loads of beautiful jewellery and handbags.

And Finally you just have to visit this one......

Patricia Field
302 Bowery Website: Patricia Field

This is one I had listed as wanting to visit but accidentally stumbled upon it on my travels. Always a bonus! The infamous store of the infamous Sex and The City stylist Patricia Field is just incredible. Encompassing two floors you are hit with a birage of leopard print, bondage gear, feather boas, mesh necklaces, multicoloured fur tail clips, and rhinestone hat creations. It is a mecca for the fashion lover. Carrying mainly Patricia's own off beat whacky label and also TomTom. Prices are not scary here. Downstairs is menswear aswell as hair and make-up. You can meet anyone in there on a Saturday afternoon from a 6 foot transvestite to a downtown hipster or even a celeb.

Atalanta Weller and Blanaid ...

2011-03-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

Loving the architectural shoes from this London based designer on the Asos marketplace site see here Atalanta Weller. This style is called "The Scottie". The Asos Marketplace is a new phenomenon with all sorts of sellers from vintage to independent designers. It is almost like a mini Etsy attached to Asos.
Also huge kudos to Blanaid Hennessy from Blanaid.com who now has her own little boutique up there called Blanaid. Her boutique really stands out with really creative styling and photography to show her pieces. This attention to detail is what makes her stand out.
See below are a few images from her shop. I think she must be the only Irish shop there?

Vintage Diane Collection...

2011-03-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

A pop up shop of the Diane collection, a collection of dresses, swimwear and accessories in reissued vintage prints of DVF's is now available in the accessories hall of Brown Thomas. Beautiful....

Japanese Spirit...

2011-03-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

As threats of radiation continue the people of Tokyo are keeping their spirits up with many popular stores like Garter and Spank two shops in the trendy neighborhood of Koenji tweeting and blogging that they are open for business. Popular Japanese blogger Mamy posted some images today showing how strong the Japanese people can be in the face of adversity.
Hirofumi Kurino creative director of United Arrows and regular photographed subject of The Sartorialist says the company is staying open. He emphaised the need for the continuance of normal life in a time like this.“Fashion, happiness, fantasy…is what helps people. After every night, there is a bright morning.”

Japanese Fashion People photographed around Tokyo...

Tops: HAIDER ACKERMANN hooded nosleeve Jacket

Inner: Givenchy dress Shirt with emblem.

Bottom: Rick Owens sarrouel pants

Shoes: Pierre Hardy

Name: Hiro Yamakawa

Age: 32

Occupation: PressManager

Tops: Ko-enji Bubble

Bottom: H&M

Bag: American Apparel

Badge: FALINE

Dress: nishe

accessory: SIRISIRI / BY BOE

Bag: PAUL&JOE

Shoes: EMIRU

Gloves: ASOS

Name: immi

Ocception: singer-songwriter/DJ

Tops: MACKDADDY

Inner: MACKDADDY

Bottom: MACKDADDY

Accessory: MACKDADDY

Name: FYSakaBINGO

Occupation: DJ/works at MACKDADDY
Check ot his blog. http://fysakabingo.blogspot.com

All images from Mamy's blog : http://mamy-wonderland.blogspot.com

Danielle Scutt Jewellery....

2011-03-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Frida Kahlo and Peggy Guggenheim Danielle certainly designed a collection with a difference. Bizarrely beautiful she connected lipsticks with teapots and even blonde hair. This Central Saint Martin's graduate who has shown twice with Fashion East and has collaberations with Topshop under her belt knows how to stand out with an affinity to fierce 80's style designs.

pictures via Trendland

Trending:Colourful fur

2011-03-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Prada Fur Stole from the S/S Collection.
Anna Dello Russo
See Alison Mosshart at the NME's
See my post Les Guerriers for lots of coloured fur inspiration.
xxx

Purrfect.......

2011-03-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Dellal is mainly known for her shoe brand Charlotte Olympia and being the sister of Alice. I have been following her cool hat collection . She makes her 50's style look ultra modern by mixing her retro pieces with current on trend designers. I love the Marie Mercie leopard cat hat and also her spider web hat which is part of her collaberation with milliner Victoria Grant.

Camel and Flouro....

2011-03-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Update your winter camel coat with hot pink flouro seperates. Really lifts the whole thing and makes it instantly Spring......

McQueen Retrospective....

2011-03-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

A retrospective of McQueen's work will be shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York from 4 May to the 31st July this year. Entitled "Savage Beauty" the exhibition will feature 100 pieces of work that spanned his 19 year career. A preview was presented by Anna Wintour and Samantha Cameron as part of London Fashion week.

Zombie Boy...

2011-03-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Rick Genest is the most talked about male model of the moment. The 25 year old tattooed boy in GaGas new video Born This Way was found by Nicola Formichetti (creative director of Thierry Mulger and brains behind GaGa's fashion inspirations) on the internet.Since appearing in GaGa's video he has also walked for Thierry Mulger in last weeks show and has become an overnight sensation aquiring 20,000 facebook fans at the same time. From Montreal, Canada Rick was well known in his native city having invested 7,000 dollars on his unique tattooing. He says he was always obsessed with zombies and horror movies as a kid and always wanted to look like one. His Mum has said that he comes from a conservative family but that he is the gentlest soul who always looks after his younger brothers and sisters and the family accept his uniqueness.
I think facial tattoos are always controversial but Rick's tattoos really do not offend me and I think he is quite hot actually. Does that make me wierd???!!

Yumiki Nagano....

2011-03-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

Yumiki Nagano is the beautiful singer from the Swedish electro soul band called Little Dragon. Her stage presence astounds me for the little pixie that she is and her wardrobe always delights me. She has a voice that would melt the hardest of hearts. Yumiki also features on the Gorillas album. This is one of my favourite tracks called "Fortune" from their album " Machine Dreams ".

Mountain of pearls to sooth the soul
gold and silver and silk to cover the old
clocks and rubies crushing these hard bones Im going blind from to many shiny stones
fortune cast a curse I knew It would
fortune bury you
I knew It would
sleep on ugly dreaming wave
vivid life turn into grey , no friends want to stay around
so moving on to a different part of town
fortune cast a curse I knew it would
fortune bury you I knew it would

Steve Mc Curry Photography exhibition

2011-03-04T13:23:00.001-08:00

A National Geographic photographer since the 80's Steve McCurry is known for his evocative use of colour photography. His career was launched when, disguised as a native he crossed the Pakistan border into rebel-controlled Afghanistan just before the Russian invasion. When he emerged, he had rolls of film sewn into his clothes of images that would be published around the world, the first to show the conflict there. His coverage won the Robert Capa Gold Medal for Best Photographic Reporting from Abroad. His images are truly beautiful and he allows you to travel back in time, to an exotic place, to that very second and learn the essence of his subject.
Please if you get a chance visit The Gallery Of Photography Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin where his work will be exhibited until the 24th April.