Man Flu Musings

I've been struck down with a serious case of Man Flu. The much derided and seemingly apocryphal ailment germane to the Y chromosome has infiltrated my world. Think raw nose, battery sneezing and enough antibacterial gel to sterilize a Jersey Shore smush room. (Sorry Snooki...) In fact, I'm feeling so sorry for myself, I could probably write a Country and Western song. Instead, I raided the guest room where I keep my second wardrobe and started creating new looks for 2011. I'm thinking of those Grace Jones razor edges for some East Coast preppy. Could this be the psychoactive delusions of a Lempsip and Ibuprofen cocktail? Give it another 48 hours and we'll see...

Cos top, Aquascutum shirt, River Island skirt, Dries Van Noten shoes

Wildchild Vintage tartan wool skirt and Joanne Hynes belt

I Blog Fashion's Fashion Wrap Up

It's been an eventful year at I Blog Fashion; such that I've had little time to actually blog. Let's take a bit of a look back on the year that was. Wishing you all an amazing 2011 filled with good weather and absent of any water restrictions, cancelled flights or thermal 'fashion'. Here's to the new year. A xx

January

The month that gave Ireland its first installment of the Big Freeze. Unaccustomed to dressing for Baltic temperatures, I Blog Fashion spent a lot of time wearing her sister's climbing boots. Who would have guessed they'd be reprised later that autumn as footwear fashion must-haves. Good call. ;)

February
I Blog Fashion had the pleasure of joining Philip Treacy on the judging panel for the Hennessy Best Dressed Competition at Leopardstown and interviewing David Koma, Merle O'Grady and Matthew Williamson at LFW. The Matthew interview was a bit of a 'robbery' as they'd say on Jersey Shore. I snuck back stage through the back door when the bouncer wasn't looking. Jesus, I can't believe I just quoted The Situation....

March
Slow news month. Face Hunter came to Dublin. I prepared for a busy April.

 April

 I Blog Fashion took the mic on a number of awesome shows, workshops and judging panels. Starting with a capsule wardrobe workshop at 'Absolut Style at Set' organised by the lovely Blanaid Hennessy from Blanaid.com. Next Joanne Hynes and I held at trunk show at Brown Thomas Cork to introduce her s/s 10 collection. I then got my glad rags on to host the Hennessy X.O Literary Awards at Trinity College Dublin and was kindly asked to join the judging panel at Cork Fashion Week's Young Designer Awards and SaySo.ie. This was also the month that kickstarted a summer of Brown Thomas and BT2 style masterclasses and my weekly In Style column in The Dubliner.

May
My birthday, a month of Brown Thomas style masterclasses and a fun interview with Henry Holland.This was also the month that gave us 'The Plume'.

June

'Holiday! Celebrate! Just one day out of life...' And not a moment too soon. Neil (I Blog Fashion's Gaydar contributor), Joanne and I headed off to Frigliana, Spain for a week of sun, wine and poolside lounging. I managed to bring and further amass over 4kgs of jewellery which tipped my 20kg allowance at Malaga airport. Cringe!

July
More styling fun, this time a beautiful millinery shoot for The Irish Examiner shot by the very talented Miki Barlok.

August
More shoots and new people to work with -a  front cover fashion spread for The Dubliner and another front cover feature for The Irish Examiner - this time with Daithi O'Se. A major thank you to my erstwhile assistant Catherine Glasheen who was a tremendous help on all of these shoots. Dublin's loss is London's gain! Also a big hello to Maurice Flynn and Beta Bajgartova who I Blog got to work with again during the year.

September
And the madness steps up a notch...or three. Front cover a/w trend report for the The Irish Examiner, London Fashion Week which saw Joanne Hynes leather armour jacket becoming engendering a pap frenzy including Vogue Nippon, WGSN and Browns Focus. Also shot the Oxfam tee for the amazing Eilis Boyle.

October

Joanne Hynes and I team up for two more catwalk shows including The Irish Tatler Designer Showcase in Shanghai and a crazy successful trunk show at Brown Thomas with Big Brother's Caoive Guilfoyle and actress/author Amy Huberman in attendance. Also had the pleasure of styling two showcases for Image magazine at BT2.

November

Another great shoot for The Sunday Times Style (out this Feb) shot by Andreas Pettersson. I Blog Fashion also had the opportunity to host a style workshop for the Women in Business and Finance. Speakers' fees tradtionally go to a chosen charity; with mine donated to Focus Ireland. A big thanks to the gorgeous Louise O'Reilly who offered her modelling services on the day.

December

With The Big Freeze; Part Deux firmly ensconsed in Dublin, I Blog Fashion bucked the 'stay at home' trend and held a Christmas-themed shoot on the roof of The Clarence hotel. -7 degrees, snow and Christmas songs blasting from the radio. Thanks to the superlative John Geaney and Kate O'Reilly whose hair and make-up skills erased all traces of frostbite. I Blog Fashion also made the shortlist on Faye Dinsmore's 'Most Influential' list in the blog category. Many thanks missus. I Blog is currently working on a lovely project for Louis Vuitton with some exciting secrets to be revealed in 2011. Watch this space....

Irish Examiner Christmas Photoshoot

Celebrate Christmas in style with our selection of dramatic dresses, outré knits, jaunty capes and snugly furs to keep you fashionably festive.

Up on the Rooftop

 

Tim Ryan fringe bolero, Bow Boutique €1,650
Tim Ryan lurex fringe dress, Bow Boutique €895
Turquoise wedges, River Island €121
Tights, Annmarie’s own

Surprise!

 Mia O’Connell silk velvet opera coat (with detachable Tissavel fur collar), made-to-order from The Design Centre €499
1950s fur collar cardigan, Dirty Fabulous €190
Jean Cronin 1960s vintage shift, The Loft Market €98
Alcazer red rectangle ring, Rebecca Davis €260
Dries Van Noten gold shoes, Smock €415
1950s antique crocodile bag, Horse & June €320
Tights, Annmarie’s own

Christmas Cheer

Emma Manley leather floral dress, Bow Boutique €1,200
Octagon’s ‘Berry Christmas Everyone’ cocktail, The Clarence Hotel €7

Snow Queen

Small wool cape, Emé Vandal €760

Leather dress, Amanda Grogan €POA
Dries Van Noten white boots, Smock €491
Tights, Annmarie’s own

Mince Pie Thief

Eilis Boyle cashmere and tulle cardigan, Bow Boutique €450
Eilis Boyle black dress and cream sash, Bow Boutique €420; €50
MoMuse black and white mop cuff, Bow Boutique €85
Vintage sheer gloves, Bow Boutique €30
Rhinestone brooch (on mince pie), Dirty Fabulous €140
Organza ribbons, A. Rubanesque €3.75 per metre
Tights, shoes and ring, Annmarie’s own

Dear Santa...

Fur hat, Edel Ramberg Designs €300
Wool cape, Emé Vandal €780
John Rocha black and cream band dress, The Design Centre €699
1940s crochet gloves, Dirty Fabulous €30
Alcazer black oval ring, Rebecca Davis €155
Dries Van Noten ponyskin shoes, Smock €450

Silent Night

Silk chiffon top, Matt Doody €150
Silk chiffon gown with satin underling, Matt Doody €1,100
Ring, River Island €20

 

Yuletide Dreaming

Mia O’Connell silk chiffon pom pom mohawk, Etsy.com/shop/miaoconnelldesign £64.10 / €75.76

Mia O’Connell red dress, The Design Centre €595
Ring, Annmarie’s own

Angel Wings

Tim Ryan fringe cardigan, Bow Boutique €2,650
VSL cuff, Matt Doody Atelier €500

Credits
Special Thanks to The Clarence Hotel:
Christmas room rate special of €159 includes b’fast, taxes & festive cocktail at the hotel’s award-winning Octagon Bar. Pre-paid January room special of €109 includes full Irish b’fast, complimentary valet car parking & taxes. Prices subject to availability. Info@ +353 1 407 0800; reservations@theclarence.ie.
Stylist, Model and Shoot Producer: Annmarie O'Connor - iblogfashion@gmail.com; 087 976 4920
Photography: Miki Barlok - www.barlokphoto.com; 086 223 7081
Hair: John Geaney @ John Geaney for Hair - www.johngeaney.ie; 021 450 3788
Make-up: Kate O’Reilly using MAC Make-up- www.kateoreillymakeup.com; 087 298 5809
Shoot Assistants: Ellen Quinn-Banville and Cillian O’Connor

Stockists
A. Rubanesque – Powerscourt Town Centre 01 672 9243; www.arubanesque.ie
Amanda Grogan – garments made-to-order 085 786 0298; www.amandagrogan.com
Bow Boutique - Powerscourt Town Centre 01 604 0044; www.bowboutique.ie
Dirty Fabulous - Baggot Street 01 662 4249; www.dirtyfabulous.com
Edel Ramberg – by private appointment info@edelrambergdesigns.ie ;

www.edelrambergdesigns.ie; also Premoli Shoe Boutique 091 566 087 & Philip Yourell’s Hair Design 091 563 545
Emé Vandal – Dolls 01 672 9004 & Havana 01 260 2707, Dublin; www.emevandal.com
Horse & June – Drury Street 087 173 4272; http://horseandjune.wordpress.com
Matt Doody Atelier – Powerscourt Town Centre 087 232 2382; www.mattdoody.com
Mia O’Connell accessories – online at www.etsy.com/shop/miaoconnelldesign
Rebecca Davis – Westbury Mall 01 764 5694; www.rebeccadavis.com
River Island - Grafton Street  01 677  8257; and other branches
Smock - Drury Street 01 613 9000; www.smock.ie
The Design Centre - 01 679 5863 / 679 5718; www.thedesigncentre.ie
The Loft Market – 01 671 7000; http://theloftmarket.blogspot.com

 

Queen Mary and Dvora

Image courtesy of Dvora at Fashionistable

I'm a bit late posting this (er...very late!) but I just wanted to extend a 'thank you' to street style photographer Dvora who kindly stopped me to take my picture after the Nicole Farhi show at LFW. A shortlistee for Vogue's Photoblog Competition, Dvora has a real kinship with Ireland having spent lived in Belfast. She took a liking to my coiff and my Queen Mary necklace. Those who know me know that this piece is from Joanne Hynes' a/w 10 collection and is rarely seen off my neck! I'm always fascinated at what a photographer can see and their ability to capture a mood.When you consider the chaos that ensues outside of a show, I appear surprisingly pensive! Thanks again Dvora and pop in for a cuppa, next time you're in Ireland! Axx

Irish Tatler Designer Showcase - Shanghai

A few weeks ago Joanne Hynes and I styled up 6 signature looks from her collection to go to Shaghai for the Irish Tatler Designer Showcase. Here are some of the photos from the prestigious event. Enjoy!

LFW - Day 4 - The Oufit

This was taken outside of the Nicole Farhi show at the Royal Opera House. Check out fashion blogger You in Red Dress and street style photographer Dvora of Fashionistable for more pics.

Sunglasses - Ray Bans

Neckpiece - Joanne Hynes

Leather tunic - Joanne Hynes

Bag - Joanne Hynes
Ring - Merle O'Grady
Watch - Follie Folli

Shirt - Zara

Jeans - Topshop

Shoes - Kurt Geiger

LFW - Day 3 - The Outfit

This photo was taken outside the Margaret Howell show complements of our Gallic buddies L'Express.

Sunglasses - Ray Bans

Jacket - Joanne Hynes
Leather tunic - Joanne Hynes

Feather skirt - River Island
Bag - Vivienne Westwood
Ring - Merle O'Grady
Boots - River Island
Coiff - Model's own

PHOTO COURTESY OF L'EXPRESS

Photo courtesy of L'Express

LFW - Day 2 - The Outfit

The sophomore day of LFW - the day the fash pack fully awakens and descends in their droves. The cobbles were crowded, the tents packed and my threads black....as always. Check it out...

Jacket - Joanne Hynes
Scarf - Warehouse
Top - Acne
Bag - Joanne Hynes
Watch - Follie Folli
Ring - Pilgrim
Trousers - Acne
Shoes - Kurt Geiger

LFW - Day 1 - The Outfit

There's LOADS to post from today but let's start with what I wore. Today it was a body armour leather jacket, perforated leather dress, patent leather skull bib - all by the amazing Joanne Hynes. With that I included my trusty Vivienne Westwood bag, River Island wedges, Ray Bans, Follie Folli watch and gold rings by Pilgrim and Monica Vinader. Coiff? Model's own.... ;)

Brown Thomas Masters of Fashion

Join me again this weekend in Brown Thomas where I'll be hosting another style masterclass. This week? Tailoring and outerwear! See you there...

The Dubliner - A/W10 11 Trend Report

I've been a bit topsy turvy recently so please forgive the not-so-chronological positioning of my posts. That being said, this is a recent photoshoot I styled for The Dubliner magazine. The perfect weather to be thinking of winter woolies. It's getting brisky out there!

The Cape

Hooded cape coat, River Island €80.50
Aran sweater, River Island €47
Pleather shift dress, Zara €49.95
Brogue boots, Penneys €19

Aran bag, River Island €53.50

The Aviator Jacket

Acne aviator hat, Smock €298
Aviator jacket, Warehouse €84
Leopard print scarf, Warehouse €29
Pleated midi skirt, Zara €49.95
Clog boots, Office €130
Leather gloves, M&S €20

Lace

Pink cloche hat, Accessorize €44
Lace jacket, Oasis €94
Pearl necklace, Accessorize €37
Pleated dress, Warehouse €84
Black lace socks, Penneys €2
KG by Kurt Geiger court heels, BT2 €185
Pink feather purse, Accessorize €59

Military

 Fake fur stole, River Island €33.50 (worn as hat)
Military jacket, H&M €59.95 (buttons – Annmarie’s own)
Lace neckpiece, Annmarie’s own
Lace top, Urban Outfitters €42
Tweed midi skirt, Zara €49.95
Cream lace socks, Penneys €2
Penney loafers, Zara €119
Ring, Annmarie’s own

The Great Outdoors

 Wax jacket, Penneys €19
Lace dress, A|wear €55
Necklace, Accessorize €25.50
Leg warmers, H&M €5.95
Jeffrey Campbell clogs, Office €110

Lambswool and Leather

Wool train driver hat, Penneys €3
Belted lambswool jacket, Zara €69.95
Leather shorts, River Island €80.50
Bamboo jersey tights, American Apparel €25
Riding boots, River Island €121
Mustard briefcase bag, Urban Outfitters €51

Tailoring

Embellished headpiece, Edel Ramberg Designs €75
Debra jacket and wide legged trousers (100% wool), Sinead Doyle €280; €180
Sequin bib, River Island €53.50 (comes with tee)
Silver and black brogues, River Island €64.50

The Team:
Stylist: Annmarie O'Connor
Photography: Beta Bajgartova
Hair: Maurice Flynn
Make-up: Kate O’Reilly using MAC Make-up
Model: Laura K @ 1st Option
Stylist’s Assistant: Catherine Glasheen
Photographer’s Assistant: Gail Ryan
Location: No. 10 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

Irish Examiner A/W 10 11 Trend Report

Pick up a copy of The Irish Examiner today for the A/W 10 11 Trend Report!

Creative Team:

Photography: Miki Barlok - www.barlokphoto.com; 086 223 7081

Hair: Suzanne Malone @ John Geaney for Hair - www.johngeaney.ie; 021 450 3788

Make-up: Kate O’Reilly using MAC Make-up- www.kateoreillymakeup.com; info@kateoreillymakeup.com

Stylist, Model and Shoot Producer: Annmarie O'Connor - iblogfashion@gmail.com; 087 976 4920

Stylist’s Assistant: Catherine Glasheen

Location: The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel – www.radissonblu.ie/royalhotel-dublin; 01 898 29000

Military

Aviator sunglasses, Annmarie’s own
Femme by Michele Rossi military jacket, BT2 €440
Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair dress, Indigo & Cloth €150
Knuckle duster rings, Urban Outfitters €14 each
Suede ankle boots, Office €140

Aviator

Faux shearling gilet, River Island €60.50
Vince t-shirt, Harvey Nichols €65
Midi skirt, Zara €49.95
Loafers, Zara €119

Maxi

Pussy bow blouse, Warehouse €60
Carin Wester maxi skirt, Asos.com €172.06
Clog boots, River Island €100.50

Leather

Asos White leather egg dress, Asos.com €198.53
Leather gloves, M&S €20
KG by Kurt Geiger shoe boots, BT2 €185

Fur

Fake fur ‘Yeti’ coat, H&M €99
Jersey dress, H&M €29.95
DVF clutch, BT2 €250
Merle O’Grady meteor ring, Rebecca Davis €155
Tiger bracelet, Rebecca Davis €385
Kenneth Jay Lane bangles, Rebecca Davis €55 - €135
Carvela suede boots, BT2 €200

Leopard

Leopard print scarf, Warehouse €29
Ray Bans, Brown Thomas €189
Leopard print swing dress, Warehouse €52
Leather gloves, Annmarie’s own
KG by Kurt Geiger ‘Ellison’ ankle boots, BT2 €185

Simplicity

 Lanvin wool draped dress, Brown Thomas €1495
Crystal dome ring, Rebecca Davis €125
 Kenneth Jay Lane navy dotted bangle, Rebecca Davis €300

Lace

Lace hat, Edel Ramberg Designs €350
Lace dress, Coast €195
Rose stone rings, Oasis €15 each
KG by Kurt Geiger ‘Aristrocrat’ heels, BT2 €185

Heritage

Tweed coat, Zara €129
Alexander Wang tank top, Harvey Nichols €75
A-line skirt, Zara €49.95
Satchel bag, Urban Outfitters €55
Folli Follie watch, Brown Thomas €250
Cream gloves, M&S €20
Fur-lined clog boots, River Island €87