Dries Van Noten - on the Right Foot for 2011

I've been hankering after these Dries Van Noten shoes for quite some time now. Having used similar pairs in shoots and shows, I eschewed temptation; partially paralysed by IMF guilt. That all changed yesterday. Ringing out 2010 with a visit to Smock, I purchased the last pair in a size 7.5. and danced about like Dionysus on the tear. It's true what they say about delayed gratification - so beautifully sweet....on my feet.

Inside Style - Feet

Inside Style by Annmarie O'Connor - as featured in The Dubliner magazine – September 30th

Life’s little ironies; don’t you just love ‘em? When I was young, I was alleged to have thrown the mother of all tantrums when taken to get new shoes. Look at me now, ma! Pan to: disturbingly large footwear collection.

According to family lore, I would be teased ruthlessly by my sisters; made to eat their peas while my mother’s back was turned and I wouldn’t as much as flinch - not a whine, not a whimper, not a twitch. Come retrieve thy paltry poker face Lady GaGa. I’ll have none of it!

Somehow this stoicism didn’t quite translate when hitting up Long Island’s Start Rite in the seventies. I would throw myself prostrate on the floor like Maria Callas in a rendition of Tosca as my mortified mother attempted to retrieve my flailing body.  Tears, nashed teeth and pulled hair later, I would succumb to the ignominy of having my feet tampered with by a stranger with a “Hi, can I help you?” badge.

Proceedings reached a perilous crescendo when I hurled a winter boot at my unwitting aunt who deigned to call such instruments of torture ‘pretty’. Melodramatic, moi? Indeed. Some things don’t change. But alas those which do leave us to wonder why life can be oh so cruel.

Since maturing (and acquiring a borderline unhealthy obsession with heels), I’ve had to cope with watching my foot grow to an ungainly size eight, thus putting a halt to my ill-shod gallop. Take my recent brush with a pair of almond-toed, vintage-wedged Dries Van Noten courts – hyphenates to make one hyperventilate. Money in my pocket (for once) and a smile on my face, I presented my shoe like Prince Charming to a comely sales assistant. “We don’t have your size,” she grimaced. “O.K.” I replied. “Could I order them in please?” I enquired hopefully. “Sorry, we never got them in that size to begin with...and won’t.”

Gutted. In a split second I assessed my options. I could throw myself onto the soft pile carpet and sing a refrain of ‘Vedi, Ecco, Vedi’, fling said shoe at my unsuspecting victim, or exit stage left. I took the escalator. Bottom lip aquiver I thought to myself “This kind of thing wouldn’t have happened in Start Rite!” Then again, methinks the Belgians sort of knew their market. Fate thou art a fickle mistress.

Irish Examiner Millinery Photoshoot

CROWNING GLORY
Bijou garden parties, whimsical weddings, champagne galas or race meets – wherever you go this summer, you need little else but a hat to make an entrance. Make sure yours gets them talking!

Shot 1 – Gatsby Girl
Frieda
Lace and Swarovski crystal hat, Edel Ramberg €POA
Waterfall diamond earrings, Boodles €7,150
Blossom pink gold and diamond long necklace, Boodles €9,900
Gloves, stylist’s own
‘Becca’ shoes, Nina Divito €585

Shot 2 – Tea for Two
Anya
Vintage mink and lace hat, Edel Ramberg €385
Vintage sable stole, stylist’s own
Yellow beryl and diamond earrings, Boodles €7,980
Yellow beryl ring, Boodles €6,400
Fingerless lace gloves, Glovedup.com £45
Inta
Philip Treacy hat, Design Centre €1,239
Raindance long strand earrings, Boodles €19,800
Double row Raindance collar, Boodles €POA
Large Raindance ring, Boodles €35,000
Vintage lace gloves, Jenny Vander €28
Manolo Blahnik shoes, Brown Thomas €495

Shot 3 – Travelling in Style
Anya
Swarovski crystal heart hat, Tootsie Royale €POA
Amethyst and diamond Tonneau earrings, Boodles €3,800
Amethyst and diamond Tonneau pendant, Boodles €2,750
Amethyst and diamond Tonneau ring, Boodles €2,850
Gauntlet gloves, Glovedup.com £75
Miu Miu bejewelled patent peep toe shoes, Covet €80 to borrow for 3 days
Frieda
Leopard print pill box hat. Tootsie Royale €110
Raindance large loop necklace, Boodles €POA
Raindance droplet earrings, Boodles €6,800
Gauntlet gloves, Glovedup.com £75
Mary Francis bag, Alila €195

Shot 4 – Dressage
Frieda
Riding hat, Linda McKay €490
Firefly earrings, Boodles €16,000
Black organza bolero (worn as a neckpiece), Bonzie Crotty €145
Cotton grosgrain ribbon (worn as bow), A. Rubanesque €2.50 per metre
Glitterati stud earrings worn on bow, Boodles €6,600
Gloves, stylist’s own
Manolo Blahnik ‘Napoleana’ boots, Brown Thomas €960

Shot 5 – Vanity Fair
Frieda
Philip Treacy pink floral spray, Design Centre €989
Morganite spaghetti earrings, Boodles €7,370
Kunzite and diamond cocktail ring, Boodles €8,650
Scarf, stylist’s own
Inta
Silver embellished disc detail headpiece by Sarah Mc Gahon, Covet €75 to borrow for 3 days
Glitterati diamond earrings, Boodles €6,600
Blossom white gold and diamond long necklace, Boodles €9,900
Large Roulette diamond bracelet, Boodles €17,000
‘Livi’ shoes, Nina Divito €585

Anya
Bejewelled combed headpiece by Brett O' Mahony, Covet €80 to borrow for 3 days
Ribbon, stylist’s own
Lace ribbon (worn as bra), A. Rubanesque €28 per metre
Cuff, Bonzie Crotty €67

Shot 6 – Brideshead Revisited
Frieda
Lace ribbon (worn as headband), A Rubanesque €28 per metre
Pearl necklace, stylist’s own

Shot 7 – Portrait of a Lady
Anya
Vintage lace pillbox hat, Linda McKay €390
Diamond Lagoon earrings, Boodles €17,600
Red silk wrap (worn as neckpiece), Bonzie Crotty €48

Credits
Stylist and Shoot Producer: Annmarie O'Connor @ iblogfashion@gmail.com; 087 976 4920
Stylist’s Assistant: Catherine Glasheen
Hair: Susan Corcoran @ John Geaney for Hair - www.johngeaney.ie; 021 450 3788
Make-up: Kate O’Reilly using MAC Make-up- info@kateoreillymakeup.com;
Models: Anya, Frieda and Inta @ 1st Option www.1stoption.ie; 01 670 5233
Photography: Miki Barlok - www.barlokphoto.com; 086 223 7081
Location: The Westbury Hotel – www.doylecollection.com; 01 679 1122


Special thanks to The Westbury:
The Westbury Hotel, part of the Doyle Collection www.doylecollection.com.

Seriously?

I know rain is a given on our sodden isle but the recent sunshine is most certainly responsible for lowering my guard (and umbrella). Exhibit A: I wore my floral palazzos and suede brogues to The Ryan Tubridy Show this morning in conditions both sunny and dry. I swished in my new trousers - peachy pleased with their elegant silhouette. Cut to the city centre in conditions both dark and wet. I squelched in my shoes, holding up the ends of my trousers like a poor manna offering to the sky. "Look what you've done to my prize pants oh Nimbus - thou harsh taskmaster!" That'll teach me for not listening to Martin King.

Toe Woes

I hate my toes. Fact. I spent many a year pretending to be a size 7 when really I'm an 8. Yet another fact. Given my unfortunate digital inheritance and years of denial, I am not privy to use of the term 'flip flop'. This is a source of great anxiety for me every summer. A few years ago I went to Greece and was told by a complete stranger that something could be done about my toes. She went so far as to recommend Harley Street. I spent the rest of that holiday knee-deep in sand. With my Spanish break a mere three weeks away, I've been desperate to find sandals that can double up as a cunning toe disguise. Thus far, I found a sequin panelled pair in Zara for €49.95 and this little beauty to my right on Asos.com for €43.75. They haven't arrived yet so I'm still dubious as to whether the fringe is long enough to disguise the offending piggies. I fear I may have to resort to some D.I.Y. tactics - a sandal brooch perhaps?

Alila - Blitz Sale!

AGH!!!!!!!!!!! Mega mega sale kicks off at Dublin's Alila boutique this Friday @ 10 am! Owner Ali Murray says, "It is a massive clearout. Everything must go to make room for our fab new collections." You heard the woman. Now get down there. Sale ends Sunday so make sure you nab one of the following discounts:

All Antik Denim €50 reduced from over €300

All Strutt Shoes €50 reduced from €340! (Shoe boots Jolene €425 down to €150 65% off, Katie Boots €560 down to €199 65% off - pictured left)

Otazu Jewellery all 30% off

Evening gowns reduced from €600 to €99

T-shirts from €15, dresses from €39.99

All evening dresses €99

I Perv Shoes

I hate perving on things I can't afford. It's soooo frustrating. I will however make an exception for these Aticoma wedge ankle boots from Acne. Alexa Chung has already been seen sporting a pair (but of course) as has the unlikely style-phile Herman Munster. Jaysus that fella was on the ball! How gorge would these be with an asymmetric LBD. Lushness.

Get your pair now @ My-wardrobe.com or direct @ Acnestudios.com.

I Blog Fashion Does Sales

Loving my new shoes. Only €30 in the Topshop sale and utterly SS10-worthy. Flat sole - tick. Brogue style - tick. Nude - kinda sorta? O.K. maybe copper metallic isn't quite the hue du jour but I think I can get away with it - especially with my roll up jeans. After all, pale isn't always that interesting. I'll keep schtum if you do...

Camilla Skovgaard

The 'big freeze' that has befallen our mild and misty isle is wrecking havoc with my wardrobe choices. Unused to such Baltic conditions, I've taken to wearing my sister's climbing boots to avoid slipping and breaking a leg in my leopard print booties which have no ice grips and are potentially lethal. But of course...
That's when I actually venture outside. New Year's Eve saw me pushing the cab out of a snow bank in 5-inch heels after it skidded off the road. Thankfully there were no witnesses. With this 'winter wonderland' due to hang about for while longer, it's made me consider better boots. I'm thinking these Camilla Skovgaard 'tread' beauties will do the job quite nicely: uber chic with a grip as tight as a gaggle of broads at a Balmain sample sale. Nice one.

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...

What I Want for Christmas

Santa time! Time for the man in the red suit to pony up. I'm looking for some major swag this year mister. OK, OK...I know he doesn't curry favour to greedy girls but ain't nothin' wrong with a fantasy fashionista list, starting with these beauties. Behold Marc Jacobs' metallic leather ankle boots. A quirky nod to gold lamé, these clogs are perfect paired with all-black and the perfect transitional toe-tapper into Spring/Summer 2010. €560 @ Net-a-Porter.com.

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

Tweeting about Treacy

Just when you thought our fella from Galway only made haute hats, he starts designing shoes. Gutted not to be at PFW this season but delighted the Irish flag is flying so fiercely. Good man!

womensweardaily Custom shoes by milliner Philip Treacy will be on the Valentino runway.18 minutes ago from HootSuite

Oliver Sweeney's Hedge Boot

Shoe porn alert! Boys make haste to the cash machine - Oliver Sweeney has launched a limited edition hedge boot for AW09. The Italian made, hand-finished Chelsea boot features a full leather, raw edged sole; complete with stacked heel to complement the iconic Anatomical Oliver Sweeney Last. This 50-pair limited edition offering is available in navy calf soft suede with a fierce pillar-box red gusset. Available to buy from October 7th for £260 at Oliver Sweeney's flagship Bond Street store and online www.oliversweeney.com.

New Schuhs

Liking my Lady Gaga-inspired ankle boots? Me too - only I can't quite decide what to wear them with. Go totally 80s on it with leopard print leggings, tee and man blazer or simple with a shift dress. Decisions decisions. There's always the sequin hotpant combo - inside the house methinks.

Shoe Perving

The shoe perv is back - this time with a studded peep toe shoot courtesy of Kurt Geiger. Standing a lofty 5 inches tall, these beauties take fetish footwear to undisclosed heights. I like to rock it out with a harem jumpsuit, heavy gold link chains and a cut-off denim jacket. The result - instant Springsteen / high fashion homage! How outre clever of me...

Neon & Birds

Gallic kicks specialist Feiyue have released 'part two' of their photo series - Neon & Birds. Shot by Chinese photographer Tan Xue, the images witness the reality of today’s Asian culture, where futuristic designs meet ancient forest and mythology merges with science. The blend of new and old is illustrated by the relationship between a modern girl and a ghost and their progress through the ever changing landscapes ofHong Kong – where extreme modernity and ancestral heritage (co)exist. Next season brings 'part three' - Paris - the city where the brand was brought back to life. In the meantime, discover the world of Neons & Birds and its criss-cross lovers’ chase.

Wood Wedge - Would Ya?

Wedges. I don't think people appreciate the merits of said footwear. Not only are they comfy to wear for long periods of time but they are the ideal sandal substitute for Irish 'summers'. Let's face it. How often can we wear those flat embellished foot thongs. Cute? Not so much when Armaggedon decides to rip from the heavens and soak your feet. Can you wear them to the office with a suit? Nah. We didn't think so. These little beauties to my right can do all that and more. Just check out the gentle slope in the arch. No sciatic nerve pain there and cute as all hell. Now for a bit of shoe stroking. Good shoe... Nice shoe... Prrrr....

FitFlops

My Slendertone now has a friend. Well, a pair actually. I am now the proud new owner of FitFlops - the flip flops with the gym built-in™. Known for my love of vertiginous heels, I've now been converted to wearing these babies on account of thier bum and thigh-toning microwobbleboard™ technology. (They've trademarked the shiz out of them, so they must be good.) If my sister's praise for the sandals are anything to go by, Klum-like perfection is but a power walk away. Top that Ben Dunne and your €250 gym membership renewal offer. I see you and raise you the FitFlop at €69. Ha!

Red By Wolves

Cool cobbler alert! If you like your shoes sexy and strong with a soupcon of androgyny then you'd best check out German designer Lena Lipp's label - Red By Wolves. The Cordwainer grad is an alum of bespoke shoe maker Paul Thomas and protegee of both Kelsey and McQueen design departments - so she knows her shiz. The third hand-crafted collection from RBW is a real homage to masc/femme fluidity and is bound to be win plaudits from both men and women. We likey already. Click here to check out the fancy footwork or to order your own made-to-measure pair.