MC Style-eeeee

MC Annmarie? No, I haven't taken to busting out rhymes. I know my strengths. I have however taken to emceeing a few events over the month of April. Professional talker - that's me. Check out the event guide below and come along if you can.

Saturday, April 3rd: Style @ Set
Tickets on sale now for 'Absolut Style at Set' - a vintage fashion, film and furniture fair designed to showcase the new SET theatre at Langton's House Hotel. Check out the dedicated 'Style at Set' Saturday with my 'Capsule Wardrobe' workshop @ 2pm and TV3's Laura Cunningham's 'Dress Your Body Shape' @ 4.30pm. Book now @ www.set.ie.

Saturday, April 17th: Joanne Hynes @ Brown Thomas, Cork
Visit designer Joanne Hynes at her sophomore Brown Thomas trunk show. I'll be hosting the session with Joanne as she introduces her SS/10 collection and takes one-to-one questions with her customers. Hourly sessions: 12pm-4pm. Info: 021 480 5555; www.brownthomas.com.

Tuesday, April 20th: Hennessy X.O Literary Awards @ TCD
Although not fashion per say, my Master's is in literature and I'm delighted to be emcee at this prestigious awards ceremony. Details to follow...

Wonderland Magazine

Check out the new issue of Wonderland Magazine featuring über-rad pixie cropped actress Carey Mulligan. How she reminds me of Edie Sedgwick. Nice reading of a Thursday evening. Quite. Now where's my cuppa...

Servane Barrau Designs 2010 Voyage Line - A Retro Chic Cruise Collection!

When it comes to cruise collections (also known as "resort," because back in the day, they were designed for fancy clients to take on vacation), nobody gets more in the spirit than Servane Barrau Designs.

There's no place like sizzling My-Ami-Beach, and Servane Barrau Designs thought the Zdziarski studio would be the perfect setting for her latest Voyage collection.
She was right. A lifeguard oversaw the posh audience, including Servane Barrau Designs muse Miss Ely and cutie fashionista Miss Chloé, as well as the fashion elite.

And just in case there was any funny business, Servane Barrau Designs logo life preservers were bobbing about.

For Servane, this new collection is "all about proportions, atmosphere, geometric style. There is not one line that is taken all through the collection. For cruise, you don't do that. There are many looks and an attitude."

Oh, and the attitude; it was chipper amongst the synchronized sunset and fierce amongst the models.

The clothes are retro, chic, and also so Frenchy. Navy and white made a cameo as well as turquoise and red - the sparkling knit is superb.

The quirky accessories added humor and classic touches added a slick element.

Inspired by Brigitte Bardot, the eclectic Katharine Hepburn and a dash of rockabilly dust...fashion and irony, brilliant!

thus far

1. Brooklyn Bridge. 2. Prospect Park. 3. Outside our Couchsurfing abode on South 9th Street.
4. We got invited to some random's Mexican themed party in Philly. It was OK. 5. Most of our time in Philly was spent on this front step with Gabe and co. 6. Greyhound blues. 19 hours spent on the road and in 5 different stations means lots of time to contemplate the meaning of life and lots of sugary vending machine snacks to sample.

And Another One...

"The fashion circus rolls on for another day, with two of Britain's best loved designers showcasing their collections for Autumn/Winter 09. Annmarie O'Connor takes us through the key trends from Nicole Farhi and Luella."

From the Archives - Oh Dear

Just came across these vids on youtube from my earlier presenting days. Thankfully my hair and ability have come along since then! :)

"Annmarie O'Connor hosts the must-see collection of AW/09 from British fashion royalty, Vivienne Westwood. Featuring interviews with Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud and international supermodel Alice Dellal. "

checking in

The time has come to check back in with the blog. (Boo, I'm missing it so much) Joanna and I are currently in Philly and relishing the heat and sunshine which has perfectly coincided with our stay. I hadn't been sure of what to expect from this city, but (and the weather helps) everyone seems so laid back, riding bikes around and hanging out in Ritten House Park. We wandered down to the Museum of Art yesterday, and gritted our teeth while paying the price for admission to the Picasso exhibition. Worth every penny (or cent) though and if anyone is passing through I highly recommend it (it's on until April 25th). Today we'll take a stroll through the old city and ask the Amish people at the market if we can add them on Facebook. (I kid, I kid..)

Thank you so much to everybody for the recommendations for the different US cities, I'm sure they'll be invaluable! Unsurprisingly our route is being edited along the way so next stop is Charleston, SC though we'll stop by DC in the evening and wrestle White House security to the floor in order to have supper with Michelle and O. I'll get some photographs of everything up as soon as I can!

Poorlydressed.com

Fashion gaydar is most acute in San Fransisco these days. That's because our Neil is temporarily domiciled in the foggy Californian city while seconded on work. Ever the style-phile, Neil has managed to fulfill his sartorial duties by keeping the Irish fashion fraternity in fun finds. Remember - he was the one to discover People of Walmart and now its kissing cousin Poorlydressed.com. This is why he gets his own section. I cannot lay any claim to this content - it would be tantamount to intellectual property theft. Neil - you're so next season. Touché!

The gmail reads:

New site to waste time over:

http://poorlydressed.com/2010/03/10/fashion-fail-optical-illusion-fail/

And here...

http://poorlydressed.com/2010/03/08/fashion-fail-tight-end/

And here...

http://poorlydressed.com/2010/03/06/fashion-fail-beautiful-day-for-a-bike-ride/

Actually, that last guy is kinda famous in Hollywood, he cycles around sans knickers.

And am ordering this for the next cold snap:

http://poorlydressed.com/2010/02/08/fashion-fail-back-away-slowly/

Oh and here:

http://poorlydressed.com/2010/01/02/these-boots-are-made-for-standing-around-by-the-trash-can/

And lastly here...I vote for the polka dot.

http://poorlydressed.com/2009/12/30/jes%E2%80%A6jes-one-more-cinnamontini-kay-guyss/

Face Hunter does Dublin

Swiss street style blogger Yvan Rodic - a.k.a. Face Hunter - hits Dublin next week to join the Nokia Young Designer of the Year judging panel and to sign copies of his new book. If eye candy is what you crave, you'll be in diabetic shock after feasting your clappers on over 300 images from one of the net's nattiest blogs. Be sure to get your signed copy of Face Hunter at Noble & Beggarman Books, South William Street, Dublin on Thursday 25th March 6-8pm.

Image courtesy of Thames & Hudson.

I Blog Fashion and The Style Scout

It was the last day of LFW. Suffice to say I was knackered (see: coffee cup). Sore feet, back-to-back deadlines and a runny eye from the cold made me look a bit wilted. Despite this, a lovely man known as The Style Scout kindly asked if could he take my pic for his blog. He liked my rockabilly hair. I liked the fact he didn't notice said wilting. For the record I'm wearing an Oasis biker jacket, Italian cashmere scarf, Armand Basi One genie pants, Vivienne Westwood bowling bag, D.I.Y cut-off gloves and ribbon brogues - both from Topshop; rings from A|wear and H&M and Ellenet hairspray. Sleepy stare - model's own.

Image compliments of The Style Scout. Thanks Mr. Scout. x

Soft Stylishly Green Baby Clothing by Yee Wong

Soft Stylishly Green Baby Clothing by Yee Wong is a new line of high-quality and beautifully designed baby basic clothes, made of 100% organic cotton. The line is prized for their comfort, cuteness and easy wearability.

Ethically made in China, the SOFT collection includes layette, long and short onesies and adorable blankets.

Hanna Andersson's Pre-Season Dress & Swim Sale

New Summer Hannas are here!

Save big during Hanna Andersson's pre-season Dress & Swim Sale now through April 4th.

Shop for summer dresses starting at just $19, plus boatloads of new swimwear for the entire family!

Maison Martin Margiela '20'- The Exhibition

This summer, Somerset House will play host to Maison Martin Margiela ’20’ The Exhibition - celebrating 20 years of one of contemporary fashion’s most influential and conceptual designers.

Conceived in close collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela and curated by the Mode Museum, Antwerp, theshow makes its London debut where it will be specially reconfigured for the Embankment Galleries, following critical acclaim at the MoMu, Antwerp and Haus der Kunst, Munich last year. Expect a multi-layered presentation incorporating installations, photography, video and film - an aproach which lends itself to a visual examination of the deconstructivist and subversive themes which underpin the essence of the avant-garde fashion house. Various iconic pieces from both the women and menswear collections will be on display, such as the highly replicated ‘Tabi’ boots, as well as specially recreated garments for the exhibition. Too good to miss - as are the limited edition items on sale for the duration of the exhibition. Be there...

Ticket deets below

Dates: 3 June – 5 September 2010
Place: Somerset House Embankment Galleries, Stand, London, WC2R 1LA
Hours: open daily 10.00 to 18.00; Thurs until 20.00
Tickets: Adult £6, Concessions £5, Under 12s Free
Info: +44 (0)20 7845 4600; www.somersethouse.org.uk

Bullets & Spikes & All Things Nice...

With vamps, goths and werewolves so now, the underside of fashion is experiencing a timely resurgence and if we're lucky, might even scare off the pointless springtime flounce knocking about. Take Lisbet in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - the spike collar has already been parlayed into the Ashish for Topshop line; not to mention Louise Goldin's more court shoes that could well impale you with a kick up the arse. For a more polished look, why not try Dominic Jones' claw ring from Harvey Nichols or Boodles' diamond-encrusted bullet baubles - perfect for the gal who means business. Florals be warned. You've had your day...

Eternal Creation Launches Winter 2010 Children's Collection

Lovingly crafted and ethically produced in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas Eternal Creation, has launched their adorable new Winter 2010 collection.

Get Free express worldwide shipping on full-priced winter items with code: DFWSHIP. Offer expires on March 31, 2010.

Monster Baby Says - Get Off Facebook & Feed Me!

Know a few new parents who can’t seem to refrain from updating their social networking site? A new print from alternative baby clothing label Monster Baby may be the perfect gift!

Boldly stating Get Off Facebook & Feed Me, the new pint-sized print pokes fun at parents swept up by the current social networking phenomenon in true tongue-in-cheek fashion.

Naag.com

I'm sure you've heard the chit chat around the water coolers about Naag.com. No? I bet you're kicking yourself you've been stepping out to Starbucks then. On the not-so-QT, Naag is an online fashion mag due to launch around April/May with a bi-coastal vibe about what's new, crushable and worth obsessing about. Look out for killer vids, slick shoots and editorial bought to you by best mates and co-founders Fiona Byrne and Agyness Deyn. Also look out for a wee accessory shoot styled by me. Very excited. Very excited indeed.

Image: Wise Girls Whispering

Servane Barrau Designs Epitomizes Trendy Girls' Wear

Servane Barrau Designs epitomizes trendy girls' wear - irresistible and adorable with whimsical dresses and teeny-tiny funky bottoms.

Designed by a Mom, Servane Barrau clothing is functional & fashionable, with a focus on quality fabrics.

Each piece may be mix-matched to any other item and with some pieces you can choose between colorful fabrics.

Kaiya Eve Ballet Tee and Pettiskirt by designer Kandi Lightner

Everything But The Princess Boutique has got Spring Fever - new designer collections are arriving daily.

Take for example this adorable Kaiya Eve Ballet Tee and Pettiskirt by designer Kandi Lightner who always has something up her sleeve...

What little ballerina wouldn't die for this outfit?!

D&G Junior's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

D&G Junior's Spring/Summer 2010 collection has arrived offering a genuine marine style for babies, boys and girls.

D&G Junior's Spring/Summer 2010 collection features classic colors of white, blue and a touch of red in heart shapes for girls.

Shop D&G Junior Spring/Summer 2010 collection at Childrensalon.

Nun the Wiser

I was in Harvey Nicks today doing a spot of styling when I had a rather curious experience. While at the till pulling sunglasses, I looked to my right to spot a nun - a lovely wee bespestacled nun wearing comfy shoes and tan tights. Not a particularly odd sight -although admittedly one often doesn't see a bride of Christ in the accessories department - until I panned down to see her carrying three Juicy Couture purses. And then she spoke. "Do you have any of these in blue?" she asked the sales girl. It made me wonder if there was a velour tracksuit under that habit. Jeez - you just never know these days. :)

No 6 clogs

Gold clogs: tell me that doesn't work for you.

No 6 New York have a flawless Spring/Summer line of clogs and sandals. From modest wooden sandals to stacked clog heels in olive green, pink suede and Wizard of Oz Red.

Go forth, gawp and swoon!
View the No 6 lookbook here

Style @ Set

Experience 'Absolut Style at Set' this spring bank holiday weekend (April 2nd - 4th) with three days of fashion, film, furniture and funky tunes. Organised by the fab Blanaid Hennessy of Style Bitches fame, the fair is designed to showcase the new SET theatre at Langton's House Hotel. Saturday and Sunday are the dedicated 'Style at Set' days, with style talks from TV3's Laura Cunningham and me good 'aul self, along with the DJ set to end all - 'The Stylebitches Night Out'. Expect a 'demented' dress code, alcoholic cupcakes, cocktails and more. I could blather on or you can check out www.set.ie for details and more importantly - to book your tickets. See you there! x

Nails @ Dylan Bradshaw

I had a big meeting on Thursday. Given said meeting, I did my own manicure the night before. By that I mean, I slapped on two coats of Rimmel '60 seconds' and tried making a cup of tea. Needless to say there were some technical difficulties. Don't get me started on the sheet marks. Anyhoo, between the jigs and the reels, I was running about Dublin trying to find a manicurist that could desmudge me on the fly. I thought all was lost until I hit up Dylan Bradshaw's new funky sci-fi palace on South William Street. Lauren sorted my talons out with a Leighton Denny express manicure (€25 for 20 minutes) which included a file, polish and much-needed cuticle work. Given the drama-rama I had with a certain Dublin manicurist back in November, I was overjoyed with my results. I'm surprised I actually got through the meeting as I kept gawking at my fabulous new fingers. What's more, the salon offers a loyalty card where you get your 5th treatment free. I'll definitely be back - this time for the three-week manicure (€70) and to purchase a bottle of the new Leighton Denny beige polish (out April 11th). In the meantime, I'll be waving, holding up placards, making Lady Gaga V gestures and generally brandishing my enhanced digits. Heck, I might even flip someone the bird.



56 sth William Street, Dublin 2
www.dylanbradshaw.com

The Story of Oilily - Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dutch Fashion Designer Oilily

Looking for a new good read? Well if your an Oilily fan you should definately check out the Story of Oilily.

Find out what drove the founders to start Oilily. How a little Dutch label pull it off to become an internationally acclaimed brand.

Author Jos Arts unravels the mystery and tell everything you always wanted to know about Oilily.

cats out of the bag

A little cloud of guilt has been hanging over me. And when I say little, I mean little because it's sort of an inverted cloud. A cloud completely silver lined (coloured in with the stuff) and simply lined with a little guilty dark edging, if you will.

The source of this supposed guilt is that I have failed to properly tell all of you about my traveling plans. I've uttered murmurs over the past year and a half about my plans to explore the USA in my gap year and after months and months of saving the time has finally come to pack up and be off. Along with my friend Joanna (you may have seen her craftily smoking out of the window and preparing our meals in the Paris photos further down..) I'll be spending just under 7 weeks on the other side of the pond.

We're going to be using Couchsurfing.org (which has raised eyebrows and vague concerned of chopped up bodies amongst many people when I've told them) as a way of meeting lots of interesting people in various cities who will kindly host us for free and with luck be game to interesting conversations. It's also a great way of penniless younguns like ourselves to experience more. The whole ethos of the site is really interesting and such a refreshing concept, a kind of back to basics community approach which (while of course having your head screwed on and applying common sense) champions actually having some faith in strangers.

I digress..this is what our itinery is like so far..

Arriving in New York on Monday and spending just under two weeks there.
Moving onto Philadelphia
Annapolis
Washington DC
Charleston, SC,
Savannah, GA
Down through Florida to Miami
and long trek back to the Deep South
Atlanta, GA
through Alabama
to Tennessee
and through Mississippi onto New Orleans
a move towards California (via god knows where. Texas somewhere..)
San Diego
LA
Coachella Festival
and a final stay in San Fransisco before flying back to London.

It's ambitious for 7 weeks but hopefully doable and please, please do leave suggestions if you have any recommendations or must see places. Our general attitude favours meeting a variety of people and getting a real feel for places rather than just sticking to hotfooting it between various tourist spots. Think lots of exploring, photograph taking and culinary experiences punctuated with long journeys on the Greyhound and much time getting through the thick piles of American Literature we're taking with us (I'll be studying American Studies at Manchester University come September-I've just accepted my place! And Joanna is ridiculously smart and well read so it's a neccessity for us both.)

As far as the blog goes, I'll be visiting an internet cafe once a week anyway purely to keep up with my finances and shoot my Mum 'hey, I'm alive' emails and intend to chart my progress here while I do. I've also prepared some posts which will automatically post because I am super, super cool.

Packing for 7 weeks is so bloody tricky, I've settled on taking about three outfits as I'm dreaming of the prospect of cheapy thrift stores to make the most of. (On that note, if any of you have dirt cheap thrift store references, please spill, I promise I won't tell anyone..)

I shall leave this novella of a post here for now. I leave on Monday but will post tomorrow before the adventure begins. The prospect of being in limited touch with the internet is embarrassingly scary, I'm relying on all of you to keep my abreast with the goings on of the fashion world! Do feel free to fill my comments box with random references and new trends as they surface. 'ladies facial hair', random blog address, that kind of thing. Also depending on the price of using internet from my phone abroad I'll be tweeting along the way.

Phew, that's your update. Would be really lovely to meet some of you along the way if we're passing your hometown and you're legit and fancy a cuppa and a chat about anything from Chloe Sevigny to Sue Sylvester or Mad Men to Modern day Feminism?

Spruced Goose Launches French Dino e Lucia Collection - Worn By Malia & Sasha Obama

Spruced Goose Launches Dino e Lucia - Worn by President Obama's Daughters

Malia and Sasha Obama wore Dino e Lucia dresses for their first portrait sitting for photographer Annie Liebovitz and Vanity Fair Magazine
Manchester-based children's boutique Spruced Goose offering quirky, colorful and exclusive fashions for 0-12 year olds has launched the exclusive Dino e Lucia girls' collection recently worn by Malia and Sasha Obama in an official family portrait released by the White House.

Dino e Lucia, a French children's label designed by Sieglinde de Plas, is inspired by contemporary adult styling that provides a perfect palate for mini fashionistas.

While the shapes are smaller versions of chic adult wear, details and bright colors are carefully chosen to suit children's style.

The Spring/Summer 2010 collection of understated and elegant party dresses for 4-14 year olds captures the essence of 'boho chic'.

Floaty silk fabrics and high quality cottons finished off with beautiful beading, crystals and sequins handmade to the highest standard makes each piece unique.

Spruced Goose ships worldwide and offers free worldwide delivery for orders over £150!

good things in twos

image via vanessa jackman

lovely shirtdress, lovely song (never tire of a bit of Best Coast)

and may I doff my hat to the clever souls behind the unofficial Best Coast videos on Youtube, so artfully paired with clips of 60s races, french films and dance sequences. Worth a look.

seventies throwback

chocolate browns, fedoras, suede, short suits, a flash of mustard, trouser width, boyish jumpsuits.. thank you Salvatore Ferragamo for bringing some of my AW10 dreams to fruition.

KidCuteTure Chic Girls Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

KidCuteTure chic styles are inspired by European quality, Japanese curiosity with form & American sense of humor.

KidCuteTure girl's fashions are highly imaginative & versatile, yet comfortable & functional.

Discover KidCuteTure's Spring/Summer 2010 & Fall/Winter collections.

Shopcelebritykids.com - Designer Kid’s Clothing Worn Celebrity Kids

Shopcelebritykids.com offers designer kid’s clothing worn by your favorite celebrity kids.

Their ‘style spies’ have a keen eye for identifying the most current and upcoming fashion trends.

Celebrity Moms Tori Spelling, Brooke Mueller, Mel B, Samantha Harris, Stephanie Pratt & Audrina Patridge have all shopped at Shopcelebritykids.com.

Just for YOOX - Designer Kids Clothing Online

If you are looking for designer children's clothing from around the globe take a look at YOOX .

Established in Italy in 2000, YOOX has logistic centers and offices in Europe, the US and Japan and delivers to 67 countries worldwide.

dans paris

I didn't delve any further into that trip I took to Paris at the end of January, did I? I think I'll show you the snaps then.

Upon my arrival Joanna had prepared a lovely pasta dinner.
Afterwards I unpacked my map of the United States and we finalised some destinations for our trip.

The flat, owned by Joanna's family was typically Parisian in that slightly outdated yet cosy and full of interesting trinkets and crockery kind of way.

Jim Morrisson's grave.

Our eveningly ritual.

View from the flat window. You can't see it here but the peak of Sacre Coeur was also visible.

The famous Galerie des Glaces at Versailles.

It was beautifully sunny when we arrived.

But it turned bleak as we explored the grounds and The Hameau de la Reine

we met some french guys at a bar in the latin quarter and they wrote naughty phrases in my guidebook.

view from the pompidou

Joanna at the vintage store 'Come on Eileen' which we found to be most overpriced and disappointing.

atop the arc de triomphe.

joanna having a sneaky cig out the window.