happy new year!

one little teeny tiny post before 2009 bows out.
and while I get ready to hit town.
boohoo, it was a good year, a much better friend to me than some of the other double Os.
and bloody hell, I feel like I've grown a lot too.
so, to all of you, A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR my lovelies!
have a splendid night whatever you do and most of all enjoy it without ridiculous expectations.

I'd also like to send new years vibes and cuddles to my dearest abby. christmas has been mad and it's been hard to find the time to catch up with her, so darling, have a fantastic one whatever you're doing. champagne in the bath again, perhaps? here's to 2010, I haven't told you this yet, but this time in around 3 months, I think I'll be by your side!

and now a little something for the rest of you, some wise words, these were from my chinese fortune cookie last New Years and I've had it blutacked to my bathroom wall since so I may mull it through my head while I brush my teeth: 'don't give up. don't lose hope. don't sell out.'

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Happy New Year from I Blog Fashion!

To all my I Blog Fashion readers,

Happy New Year! Hope 2010 brings you a heap of recession-unfriendly goodies to accumulate in your wardrobe. May you drip in diamonds and smother under the weight of a million fur stoles (in a good way). I look forward to hearing from you all again in the new year and reading of your fabulous fashion exploits. Pop a cork my lovelies and get partying!

Lots of love,

I Blog Fashion (a.k.a. Annmarie) xx

Holiday Roundup

Happy holidays fellow style-philes. Apologies for the glitch in communication but hey - 'tis the silly season and all that. I won't bore you with details of my shenanigans but suffice to say, some fashion was had. Let's start with what Santa bought:
1) Armand Basi One harem pants - a wool/cashmere mix with volume at the ankles which renders them Genie Pants - a.k.a. - SS10 on trend. Love it when a fad becomes fabulous...
2) JoyNatura bag made from rabbit fur and cowhide, with solid silver, agate stone and deer horn detail. Rumour has it Santa bought it in I Love Vintage (Clifden, Galway).
3) Vivienne Westwood armour ring - or rather a fake. Not that Santa would buy a fake but yours truly got well and truly duped on eBay; so much so that said 'designer' shed its gold sheen once I put it on my finger. Sigh. (Insert 'loser' sign here.)
4) Harvey Nichols champagne - amongst other bottles. Notice the box is empty. Note to self: sort out the bottle recycling bin pronto. At least the bubbles made up for the bogus jewellery.

Oh...there may be a fabulous and highly discounted Richard Nicoll dress in the post. Just maybe...

up north

i'm going to be spending a couple of days in the lakes with my dad and his dysfunctional side of the family. this should be interesting...

rather looking forward to the train journey up though; 5 hours of eating sandwiches parcels (turkey, gherkin and mayo, undefeated best combination), listening to the mix cds I received for christmas, finishing my book and starting the next one and watching the countryside whiz by.

back in a couple of days!

wow

i think lara stone has competition in the brigitte bardot lookalike stakes..
toni garn as the kitten in germany vogue jan 2010

images, fashionising.com

shortcuts

julianne moore in robert altman's 'shortcuts'

merry christmas!

Naartjie Kids Winter Clearance - up to 40% off

Naarjite Kids announced their holiday and winter sale with up to 40% off on girls and boys clothing sizes 0-10.

Founded in 1989 in Cape Town, South Africa, Naartjie has always had a unique look with fresh colors, original prints and current fashion styling.

Everything But The Princess Winter Clearance up to 70% Off

Everything But The Princess has marked down nearly everything by to 70% to make room for spring arrivals. Find super savings on holiday gifts plus express shipping is available at checkout.

Pre-Order Spring 2010 items by Jottum, Cakewalk, Lemon Loves Lime, Paper Wings & More.

Marie Chantal - 20% off Selected Girls Items

Marie-Chantal's latest enchanting collection, with the emphasis on superior quality fabrics, captures the loveliness and innocence of childhood while adding fashion forward flair.

Get 20% off selected girl’s items including these adorable holiday dresses.

advent season: day twenty three: girl crushes

Special Holiday Offer From B. Couture Kids

California based B. Couture Kids is a lifestyle children's clothing boutique specializing in designer & renowned children's clothing & accessories. They're committed to courteous, personal service, customer satisfaction & they ship worldwide!

B. Couture Kids carries fine quality boutique brands including: Jottum, Catimini, IKKS, Belle Ame, Ashley Anne Accessories, Hannah Banana and Custo Growing - a new collection by Custo Barcelona arriving in early 2010 that includes beautiful printed tunics & tops for girls and awesome graphic tees & polos for boys!

B. Couture Kids has a holiday promotion until January 31, 2010...get 10% off purchases $150.00+ and receive free gift wrapping. Just mention code: GW at checkout.

B. Couture Kids is also offering 25% off their Hannah Banana Collection with its perfect mix of sensible fashion and up to the minute style and funky fabulosity!

Be sure to subscribe to the B. Couture Kids newsletter and receive up to date tips, promotions and sales!

advent season: day twenty two: admitting defeat

I think it's high time I admit that this years 'advent calendar' didn't quite go according to plan.
yes, working a stupid amount (topshop is exceedingly busy over christmas, don't you know) combined with bro daycare has taken it's toll and as a result all of those fabulous seasonal posts I had on my mind didn't quite come to fruition.

ever wish you had a hermione granger style multitasking machine? my to-do lists are never completed, no matter how hard I try! I know everybody is in the same boat, things get mad in the run up to christmas so this post is partly me talking aloud to myself and partly a reminder to all of you that people work themselves too hard these days. we can't do everything, so put some things on the backburner this christmas and give yourself a chance to really relax. properly relax-turn off the computer. sit, lie, think, clear your brain, stop stimulating it.
'ommmm'.
lecture over.

Childrensalon Winter Sale - up to 70% off on Designer Kids Clothes

Childrensalon's Winter Sale has begun!

Get up to 70% off on luxury designer baby clothes, girls fashion and boys clothes from around the globe.

Some of the brands you'll find include: ALBERTA FERRETTI, ANTIK BATIK, ARMANI, BABY GRAZIELLA, BURBERRY, CHLOÉ, DIOR, DOLCE & GABBANA, ESCADA, I PINCO PALLINO, JOHN GALLIANO, JOTTUM, KENZO, MISS GRANT and many more!!

Top Secret

In the current climate, it's important to protect your assets. Avoid any impromptu weather reports with Top Secret (€45 - €57) - a range of sexy new bra tops from Alila boutique (01 679 9547; www.alila.ie). Available in sequin, animal print, lace and satin, these are perfect for under a plunge top, sheer top; or on their own under a jacket.

Fall from Grace

I'm convinced the Fashion Gods are having their wicked way with me. Only shortly after I purchased these Louboutin tributes in Penneys (€21), I made a trip to H&M - literally. While browsing (ever so smug) in the accessories department, I felt the straps on my booties interlock. Then came the wobble and in a moment I calibrated the mortification that was to befall me. Determined to collapse gracefully and thus mitigate any potential 'scene', I took the brunt of the impact on my knees. What's worse, I had to spread out to unhook the offending fakies and shuffle to my six foot vertical frame again. It's as if they were saying 'and you thought €900 was too much to pay for footwear!' Instead of scuffling away in shame, I continued to browse as if nothing happened; determined not to be one of those people who looks at the floor in disgust as if it has pre-mediatated the whole incident. The next day I was on The Afternoon Show wearing a pencil skirt. Something dropped. Needless to say, it stayed there. Swelling, brusing, cuts. Carrie Bradshaw may have fallen in Dior but then again, she was wearing Dior. Sigh...

Hanna Andersson's Deck The Halls Dress

Hanna Andersson's Deck The Halls Dress is picture perfect! This woven plaid dress is beautifully crafted with classic front smocking that’s richly embroidered with rows of petite flowers, then trimmed with elegant velveteen.

Dressmaker details include a lined peter pan collar, comfy lined bodice, pretty back tie, and velveteen-layered hem.

Holiday Sale 60% off on Nautica Kids

Nautica has some great last minute holiday deals....

Get 60% off at their Holiday Sale section....plus get free second day shipping on orders $125+ until Dec. 21st.

And don't forget Dad, get %25 off on mens gifts over $100!

Saks Fifth Avenue Designer Kids Clothing Sale

Saks has taken up to 30% off all of their designer kids clothing.

Plus get FREE SHIPPING on any order with UPGRADE for delivery by 12/24 with code: HOLIDAY9. Don't forget to request their Free GIFT BOX WITH RED RIBBON at checkout.

Instant Holiday Cheer - Win $250 Gift Certificate at Giggle

Giggle is giving away a $250 e-gift certificate every day for a whole week -- just in time for the holidays!

Plus, each time you enter gives you another chance at to win their grand prize: a $1,000 giggle e-gift certificate!

30% off B nature Organic Children's Clothes

B nature designs 100% organic cotton line baby apparel, in order to offer you a unique, comfortable, durable and hip alternative in baby apparel.

B nature is offering 30% off this Holiday Season. Plus get FREE Shipping on order $75+.

Get up to 60% off on European Kids Clothes at Zazou.eu

Zazou.eu has started their winter sale where you'll find up to 60% off on European Brands: Nina City, Petit Louie, Sprout Kingdom, Kidz-Art, Kik*Kid, Kidscase, imps&elfs and much more!

25% off at Belle Pearl on Children's Jewelry

SAVE 25% at Belle Pearl

Bling in the Holidays and New Year with fabulous gemstone jewels from Belle Pearl - children's jewelry and woman's couture accessories. Shop online and save 25% on your entire purchase with code: DEC0925.

Enjoy even more savings with FREE SHIPPING on orders $50 or more! FREE signature Belle Pearl gift packaging included with each purchase!

Stylenation - Top Ten Noughties Trends - Part 2

advent season: day nineteen: velvet dress

So a few weeks back I found this velvet dress in one of my local charity shops.
It was floor length, but after a couple of snips and rounds at the sewing machine from my lovely Granny I now possess a matching minidress and skirt.

Working at Topshop I am accustomed to seeing body conscious Velvet dresses on a daily basis, and I've been kind of over the whole super-tight-super-sexy velvet look look, but the loose fit of this one is so very cosy and I like that it is quite Cranberries-esque in that simple, slightly baggy way. It's a great go-to outfit during this cold weather when paired with 120 denier tights (brr!) and a slouchy cardigan.

advent season: day eighteen: christmas do

here are some snaps from the Topshop Christmas Do a couple of weeks back.
I have to say, this party had nothing on last year's.
drama was restricted- no throwing of flower pots, no boss passed out on the sofa and being ever so elegantly carried out at the end (oh dear..)
I bowed out pretty early on and felt smug to be all curled up in bed just after midnight.
I hear that I missed the conga and some tears from one of the managers though.

Stylenation - Top Ten Noughties Trends - Part 1

Our top ten noughties trends @ Stylenation.ie. Click here to see more...

Irish Examiner Weekend - Fashion Shoot

Pick up your copy of The Irish Examiner today for our Festive Fashion Fantasy

Dear Santa,

I've been a very good girl this year. Please bring me oodles of Boodles diamonds, heavenly heels and a wardrobe full of fancy frocks.
I promise to leave out some warm milk and the good biscuits; and a carrot for Rudolph.
Lots of love,
xxx

Credits
Stylist: Annmarie O'Connor - iblogfashion@gmail.com; 087 976 4920
Hair: John Geaney @ John Geaney for Hair - www.johngeaney.ie; 021 450 3788
Make-up: Liz McCarthy - lizformakeup@hotmail.com; 087 980 4520
Models: Bella, Louise and Kate at Lockdown Models - www.lockdown.ie; 087 646 9184
Photography: Miki Barlok - www.barlokphoto.com; 086 223 7081
Jewellery: Boodles - www.boodles.com; 01 679 0203 - prices on enquiry

Special thanks to the Castlemartyr Resort:
The Five Star Castlemartyr Resort, part of the Dromoland Collection www.castlemartyrresort.ie 021 421 9000 (now booking two nights bed and breakfast, and one dinner for €224 pps).

IsaBooties Holiday Discount Today Only - Save $15 on Two Pairs

Happy Holidays from IsaBooties! IsaBooties soft-soled baby shoes are a unique, trend-setting combination of hip, fashionable style and practical baby shoe design. Crafted from soft, yet durable, Ultrasuede® fabric, IsaBooties™ soft-soled baby shoes combine hip colors with distinctive ribbon accents.

Now through Friday, use coupon code "perfectgift" to save $15 on orders of two or more pairs.

Cute Little Clothes Fall/Winter Sale

To help with your last minute Christmas shopping, Cute Little Clothes has gone over their entire inventory, adding new sale items including 20% off Daily Tea Fall 2009, and marking down further items already on sale.

For example:
Save 20% on Daily Tea Fall!
Save 20%-37% on Misha Lulu
Save 20%-50% on most Rabbit Moon
Save 25%-50% on Sophie Catalou

Cutesy Christmas Gift

O.K. Christmas gifts don't get any dinkier than a set of Tiffany's playing cards. These arrived today at I Blog Fashion HQ with resulting squeals of delight. Am very much looking forward to some festive Go Fish with a wee dram of Baileys to hand. Yes - I'm an old lady at heart. Can't be helped, Lady Gaga already has dibs on that poker face.

Mulberry Alexa Satchel

I'm still having palpitations over the new Mulberry satchel since its unveiling at the Brown Thomas SS10 preview. Cross-body and satchel styles are big news for the coming season; as is sunny yellow. It's kinda geeky yet gorgeous and impossibly chic - a bit how it must feel to be Alexa Chung. Sigh....

Mulberry Alexa satchel, Brown Thomas €800

ChiceKids Designer Children's Clothing - Get 10% off

ChiceKids offers unique designer clothing for babies and children from newborn to 6 years.

Designers include: Bonnie Baby, Emile et Rose, Hatley, Hucklebones, Kicokids, Ola & Olek and more!

Get 10% off all orders with code: DASH10.

Andrea's Beau Hair Accessories get 15% off

Andrea's Beau creates irresistibly pretty accessories, predominantly headbands and flower hairclips, for girls and women.

Get 15% off on orders of $30 or more until Dec. 25th with code: DashinFashion

Kouture Kids Holiday Sale on Designer Clothing for Girls & Boys

Kouture Kids is a unique children's boutique carrying a full line of designer clothing & accessories for girls and boys from sizes infant, toddler to child.

Find over 200 designer brands including Little Mass, Hannah Banana, Juicy Couture and more, plus they offer an everyday 20% or more savings!

Sasha and Malia Obama Wear Dino 3 Lucia in Family Portrait

Parisian childrenswear label, Dino e Lucia, received the ultimate accolade when its dresses from the A/W 09 collection were chosen to be worn by President Obama’s two daughters, Sasha and Malia.

This latest family portrait of the Obamas was taken by famed photographer Annie Liebovitz in the Green Room at the White House.

Shop Dino 3 Lucia collection at UK's Children's Retailer Step2wo.

Everything But The Princess Holiday Dresses up to 70% off

Everything But The Princess has some amazing Dresses for the Holiday Season. Plus get 30-50% off on all Fall & Winter apparel.

One of my favorites is Oopsy Daisy's Red Satin & Tulle Dress - with elegant gorgeous layers of tulle adorned with satin rosette neckline, ruffled hem and satin bodice.

baby star - 25% off with code: merry

baby star creates adorable products for the design-savvy parent and the texture-loving child. Conceived out of the desire to balance style, functionality and sustainability, baby star designs simple, modern essentials items.

Get 25% off baby star with code: merry25.

Mini Boden Winter Sale - up to 50% off

Mini Boden has started their Winter Sale where you'll find up to 50% off on their entire website.

What little one wouldn't love this Teddy Button Through - one of the most adorable items in the Mini Boden Baby collection

advent season: day seventeen: ink

i've never had myself down as much of a tattoo kind of person. I was always of the view that if something was important enough you shouldn't need it tattooed to your skin as a way of proving it's significance because it was part of you anyway. And I considered how tattoos must 'date'-how could you be sure that you wouldn't feel the same way about a tattoo as a haircut from ten years ago; that you loved the style so much at the time but in hindsight dislike the aesthetic? however, of late these little thoughts have become less important and I've been thinking about tattoos. nothing serious, but they've certainly been on my brain. one of my best friends is really into them and has religious iconography planned for her arms. she's also just settled on some Hole lyrics to have inked onto her as she's just split from her long term boyfriend. here are some of the tattoos that tickle my fancy. all small and minimal as the armful of ink look isn't very me. a simple line drawing of a deer, maybe an initial behind the ear or the nape of the neck, perhaps three words across the inside of the arm.

i've been fantasising with the idea of getting something teeny tiny inked onto me when I go to america next year. something on the road to signify an important year maybe.

when it comes to tattoos, what are your views?