Dressing the Tree

I'm watching Ab Fab, eating Betty Crocker icing from the jar and wondering what the hell went wrong. Lest you think I'm experiencing a premature midlife crisus; I'm actually decorating the Christmas tree. A lot more challenging than dressing models I can assure you. The waxy fronds on Chez I Blog's kitchen palm tree are not made of the same mettle as a sturdy pine. Hence, after 20 minutes of struggling with sliding fairy lights, I relented and covered the f@ck*r in candy canes. Ho ho flipping ho.

current staple

that this blog isn't more outfit post rich is something that niggles at the back of my mind. and seeing as over the past few days I've been getting such a lot of enjoyment out of new items in my wardrobe, it made sense to share. armed with my stepdad's camera (cheers andy) I spent this evening playing dress up and listening to echoes by pink floyd, that is until combined with the eery howling of wind outside it sent shivers down my spine. and I switched to human league.

this outfit is a bit of a staple at the moment. the shoes and jumper, I picked up yesterday as part of my 'uniform' (ah, the perks of working at Topshop) and the little brown skirt, as mentioned yesterday was from a charity shop. and to anybody in search of a lovely pair of brogues, I cannot recommend these enough, they're perfectly sturdy and simple, and all in all a bit of a health hazard (as you walk, you'll be looking at your feet instead of keeping an eye out for lampposts..)

'Tis the Season

...to fret over festive frocks. Oh yes indeedy. And it all seems to start this week. Drinks in the Westbury on Tuesday, the Fashion Bloggers' Xmas Bash @ miniZine on Thursday; and let's not even talk about next week. It's beginning to feel like Formula One fashion - dress up, strip off, redress. So far I've got Armand Basi, Complex Geometries and some vintage finds lined up with my RSI-inducing 40 mm pearl cocktail ring to jazz things up a bit. I did learn a thing or three however about 'owning the room' from an expert. Want to find out? Check out The Sunday Times Style magazine on Sunday, December 6th. Armed with my top tips, I've no excuses. Party time here we come! x

Guilt-Free Shopping

I'm such a good Catholic sometimes. Ain't no way in hell (excuse the pun) I'll ever shift my guilt complex - however lapsed I may become. Case in point - I've been lusting over this Armand Basi asymmetric sweater dress for a while now. Given my size zero bank balance, I've been loathe to splurge lest I incur the wrath of my bank manager. Being the clever clogs that I am, I've been flogging my clobber on eBay - most of it only worn once or twice - and vowing to rethink my shopping habits. Having the added liquidity to facilitate bigger buys means I don't have to addle my brain with complex swag math (1 dress = 4 nights out; or 4 month Butler's coffee habit). That my friends is the true definition of a 'win win' situation.

Crimbo Styling

I made a start on decorating the house last night - a task which lasted 20 munutes. One bijou tree, two pots of gold ornaments and a Santa bear later - done and done. I was slightly morto at my slipshod effort. I dedicate so much time to finding the right Xmas party clobber and so little to styling up the 'aul gaff. If my house could speak, she'd be ignoring me right now for dressing her in hand-me-downs. I tried redeeming myself by investing in some cinnamon pinecones last night. She's still not happy. Need to pony up and get some wreaths, bunting and maybe some solar powered fairy lights for the kitchen palm tree. I've even vowed to play some Slade tunes and make eggnog. Jeez - before you know it I'll have 'Santa Stop Here!' emblazoned across the window in neon lights. This can only end in tears...

I Smell French

My quest for Gallic nous continues. Not only have I adopted an all black palette; but I've also mastered the elusive art of digestible torpor. (Trust me ennui is a lot more complex than it suggests.) Now that I've got the look down, my quest has gone multi-sensory with smell next on my list. With that in mind, I've swapped the American crispness of Calvin Klein Truth for the more complex topnotes of Thierry Mugler's Alien. This transition was not without its teething problems. Used to spraying myself liberally, I've learned to hold back and use but a soupcon of this heady scent. The trick is all about subtlety, suggestion and not giving it all away. "What's that you're wearing?" should be the question on people's lips. The reply? "Something French (insert look of fabulous disinterest here)."

Alien by Thierry Mugler - €34 for 30m; €55 for 60ml.

night leopard

and a couple of other recent charity shop purchases:

sheer leopard top
brown suede mini skirt
worn with 120 denier tights and justin boots for a (dare I say?) vaguely simple sixties inspired look.

now, after a couple of ciders with some friends in town I'm grabbing myself a bowl of granola and hitting the sack before work tomorrow.

ps, in hindsight, this post ought to come with some kind of warning or apology for the awful photo quality. what can I say, I am neither a cobrasnake muse nor the owner of a digital camera. disposables or computer cam must suffice..

an ode to the charity shop

just picked these shoes up for a not too shabby £2.95 on a successful trip to the charity shops.
the last couple of weeks I've been suffering from loss of style mojo. bizarrely, inspired and sure of how I wanted to look (ie, a handful of boyish a handful of french) but unable to translate that using my own clothes.

The cure was a ruthless clearing out of my closet (37 pieces discarded with no hard feelings) and a few trips to charity shops with a mental wishlist.

I can't recommend this method enough having a mental wishlist before shopping really helps; sussing out where the gaps in your wardrobe are works wonders. For me, this means if I come across a jacket or skirt I really like, I know I can go for it as it'll be filling a void.

But back to the shoes. I really really love them. Because the heels are quite sturdy, they're that perfect mix of feeling fuss free but also quite unique (the colour! the suede! the snakeskin!)

Worn with the little brown suede mini skirt I also bought, simply mid-parted hair worn down and a casual little top they make me feel a little Anouck Lepere (stylewise at least) and I think you'll all agree that's quite a feat for under £10!

lions and birdies on your chest

It's one of those unfortunate facts of life that just as a new season is in full swing and the last leaves are falling from the trees, you stumble across arrays of climatically inappropriate attire.



Case in point is 'We Are Handsome', an Aussie brand. With hands down, the coolest graphic printed designs ever, these swimsuits are the perfect antidote to itsy bitsy bikinis. If you have ever found yourself muttering in frustration at the lack of coverage available in the high street swimwear departments, these shall have you throwing your hands in the air in praise.

Sorry fellow inhabitants of the Northern Hemisphere, I know that the beach is all but a distant memory, and I hate to rub salt in your wounds, but perhaps this will do for next summer? I suppose in a slightly obsessive compulsive 'things your Mother tells you' way it makes sense to buy swimwear out of season anyway?

We Are Handsome
EDIT: the We Are Handsome website currently appears to be down. I'd keep your eyes peeled though.

stella mccartney spring 2010

What do you get when you mix together:

-a perfectly dreamy song, loved by all (girls by death in vegas)
-a breathtakingly pretty face (anouck lepere)
-a closet full of wonderfully cut, occaisonally sparkly, feminine loveliness (stella mccartney spring 2010)

Why, a mouthwatering lookbook video that will have you wanting to play dress up on the stairs in your very own Stella McCartney gowns. Splendid.

Special Holiday Present from Izzie n Friends - 20% Off All Dresses + Free Shipping

Izzie n Friends offers fine quality hand-smocked dresses and hand-painted Malaysian batik garments fit for little girls from age 18 months - 5 years.

Based in Malaysia, all Izzie n Friends dresses are adorned with a personal touch - from the designs, to the intricate hand-smock in their smocking dresses and exclusive hand-painted floral motif on the batik tops.

Izzie n Friends dresses are made from 100% cotton to ensure a nice fit and absolute comfort while the hand-made details ensure a style, quality workmanship and originality that you won't find elsewhere.

Izzie n Friends, has a Special Holiday Present for you....get 20% off all dresses from now until December 31st, 2009!

Plus get FREE SHIPPING for orders in US and Canada, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region including Australia and New Zealand.

marcus constable

images, glamour uk

Veda - Stars Edge

The Irish music scene is starting to excite me again. Not only do we have the electro-poptastic Bitches With Wolves; but drag legend Veda Beaux Reves has just released her eargasmic album - Stars Edge! The tracklist will make you want to girate around your handbag in a pair of Pigalle stilettos while knocking back shots of Patron with nothing but a hot man holding your wrists. No mean feat; neither is this record. Buy it or be left sitting at home watching I'm a Celebrity...

P.S. - my bet is on 'Miss You Much (Just a Tad)' hitting the airwaves first.

Gonna Need a Bigger Boat

It's been a bad news week folks. Apart entirely from strikes, budget cuts and football fouls, the recent horrific flood damage warrants a serious pick-me-up; or maybe just an Ark°. Ark° is a new ethical Irish clothing brand pioneering positive social action through fashion. Standing for Acts of Random Kindness, the idea is that you perform one ARK every time you wear the clothing. Not only is Ark° the first clothing range in the world to allow people to look good while doing good, it also has a purpose other than profit. Instead of profits going toward personal gain, they are reinvestment back into projects organised in Zambia, Nepal, the Phillipines, Melbourne, and even Connemara. If you're stuck for a Crimbo gift, why not give an Ark°. Heck, go the whole Noah and hug it out with Thierry Henry! Get yours @ ArkHQ.com.

Bijoux by Barbara Bui

Parisian rock chick Barbara Bui launches her new silver jewellery line on November 26th. Exclusively dedicated to chains, the collection is simple and modern, playing with Bui's signature androgynous femininity. If her AW09 RTW collection was anything to go by, this bijoux will make you want to jump on the back of Harley and take a roadtrip from L.A. to Vegas. Très rue!

on my mind

yodelay

Raise your hand if you ever dreamt of being a chalet girl?
I know, the rose tinted notion of pottering around in a wooden clad ski-side cottage, preparing baked treats and arranging flowers is, I'm sure, very far from the reality. But let's make like Heather Marks in Italian ELLE, plait our hair and just pretend. Christmas is around the corner and it only seems right.



images, fashiongonerogue

Cutie and Patootie Hip Kids Boutique Get 10% off with code: POSH

Cutie and Patootie is an unique Infant and Toddler apparel boutique carrying the coolest items inluding these Black & White Silly Soles Baby Shoes.

Enjoy 10% off any purchase with code: POSH.

YOOX Fashion & Design - EXTRA 30% OFF Fall/Winter Collection Plus Free Delivery

YOOX, the virtual boutique for multi-brand Fashion & Design worldwide is offering up to an EXTRA 30% OFF on their Kids collection.

Introducing Snow Flower - Francoise Studio's Winter Mix & Match Collection

Francoise Studio has designed a wonderful new Winter Mix and Match Collection - Snow Flower made with colorful 100% cotton fabrics.

With a French and European flair to her designs, Francoise Limited Edition pieces are sure to please even the most discriminating of tastes.

Mon Petit European Holiday Looks - Free Shipping & 30% off Fall Items

Mon Petit European Children's Wear has created a look book for the holiday season including designers: Monnalisa, Val Max, Floriane, Miss Grant and more.

Enjoy free shipping on orders over $125.00 & 30% off on Fall items.

Everything But The Princess Holiday 09 Free Worldwide Shipping code: FREESSHIP

From dressy to casual, infants through tween, Everything But The Princess has something this Holiday Season for every girl and every budget.

Enjoy free worldwide shipping with code: FREESHIP.

Tiny Tot Dress Shop Enjoy 15% off with code: THANKS15

The latest enchanting collection from Tiny Tot Dress Shop offers a wonderful selection of exquisite Holiday dresses for your little princess.

She'll be a holiday hit in this Jade & Brown Flocked Holiday Dress.

Enjoy 15% off with code: THANKS15.

Green Bean New Zealand - Luxury Eco & Organic Baby Clothing

The latest enchanting collection from Green Bean Kids offers the finest quality organic cotton and bamboo clothing for babies and toddlers.

Green Bean's luxury eco & organic baby clothing is proudly and naturally made in New Zealand.

Marie-Chantal Collection Luxury, Beautiful & Classic Yet On-trend

Luxury, beautiful and classic but on-trend.

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

40-60% off Designer Kids Clothes at MyMiniModa

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Shop MyMiniModa for designer kids brands including:

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MyMiniModa is offering 40-60% off on their entire Fall & Winter Collection and 20% off on their Spring & Fall Collection.

chloe

this may be the Chloe spring summer 2010 collection, but I'd say you could and should easily adapt the looks into your winter wardrobe.

Bittersweets NY

If you like the idea of fine jewellery but would rather choke on an Elsa Peretti bean than wear one, best pay attention. Bittersweets NY is a Brooklyn-based collective that peddles fierce yet fancy bling. From silver earthworm bracelets to gold fang necklaces; not to mention bronze mokey paw keyrings and human heart cufflinks, there's an offbeat offering for everyone. Loving the maggot charms - how very metaphysical! Take a bite at BittersweetsNY.com.

Skirt-ing the Issue

I've got a 28" waist. Not bad for a 36 year old gal. And to be frank I'd like to keep it that way. Rather than suffer the ignominy of Spanx, or indeed the gym; I've opted for a pencil skirt. This IsabellaOliver.com beauty not only screams 'hot'; it's stretches gently around your bottom and thighs without making you look like a stuffed haggis. What's more, the silhouette is so sexy, you'll want to lounge with a cocktail rather than tuck into a party-size bag of Pringles. Ya see, am I clever or what? Get yours online at IsabellaOliver.com for €125. But keep your paws of the gorgeous lace top - that baby is mine! ;) x

numero tokyo

devon aoki by sebastian kim, december 2009

via fashiongonerogue

Terry de Havilland Boots for Sale

These boots were made for me back in 2003 by Terry de Havilland himself. My calf was even measured so that the leather would mould against it. They are very 'sexy secretary' / Victoriana and utterly beautiful. I never wear them though. I believe I wore them three times and have stored them away since. I just don't seem to have the opportunities to wear them and would like to pass them on to a good home.

If you like shoes - these are a definite COLLECTOR'S ITEM! These would retail at around €600 but I am selling them for €120 on eBay. CLICK HERE.

Details below but feel free to email me with any questions.

Size: UK 8
Wear: Worn three times
Condition: Very good. I wore them so rarely that I they are almost brand new
Material: Leather on the outside: ocelot fur on the inside
Height: to the knee
Detail: front lace-up with 5 eyelets and 15 hooks