What I love about Vintage is that you are wearing a piece of clothing that has a story behind it, perhaps someone was proposed to, got a promotion, or fell in love in the clothing you are wearing… and maybe that piece of clothing can bring you some luck too!

Well I was lucky enough to be asked to style and co-ordinate the fashion shows and Xpose feature for the Vintage Fashion and Antiques Fair held in Dun Laoghaire last weekend.  The day was a huge success for all involved and I have an even bigger new found love for all things vintage… I even got myself a stunning 1970′s blue Maxi dress.

For those of you who didn’t make it… have no fear the Vintage Fair is heading all around Ireland this year… next stop is Galway on July 18th and will be held in Galway Bay Hotel.  Just one week before the Galway Races, so it’s perfect timing to get something special for Ladies Day!

So, what to expect?  Tons of exhibitors from around Ireland and the UK selling unique vintage pieces, a fashion show with some of the best picks from the stalls, dance performances, professional hair and makeup teams to give makeovers, collectibles, vintage jewellery, and lots lots more.

So if you are a fan of Nicole Richie or Rachel Zoe’s style, why not go find a real piece of the past with a 70′s Maxi dress!  One of my favourites was this turquoise blue dress from Shotsy Vintage, which retails at €55.  I’d say this one has been snapped up by now, but Shotsy have a huge selection and sell at many fairs such as the crafty market and Dublin Flea Market, to find out where they are next just go to www.facebook.com/ShotsyVintage.

Those of you that are fans of the popular American series ‘Mad Men’ can get your very own Betty Draper (above) look in a dress like this black and white dress from ‘After Sybil’ Vintage Boutique.  The shop is based in Co.Louth and was another of my favourite exhibitors at the fair with a huge selection of Vintage dreams – www.aftersybil.com

For those of you Sex and The City fans, the Vintage fair and its exhibitors should be your next port of call to keep you ahead of the style game for when ‘Sex and The City 2’ hits cinemas.

Carrie wears a lot of Halston designs throughout the movie, who was a big designer back in the 70s and known for his casual jersey style, a lot of which you can find similar at the fair and perhaps you could even find a real piece of vintage Halston? Also you may cringe now… but there is a huge selection of Turbans available at the fair… and if the movie trailer is anything to go by then Turbans are THE next big thing!

For more information on exhibitors and the fair visit www.vintageireland.eu.

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Every year for my Birthday I make a point of splashing out on a new dress, and with it fast approaching I have been keeping my eyes peeled for this years special buy!  Well, walking by the window of Neola boutique in Malahide last week I was stopped in my tracks… there in the window was my dream dress (2 weeks early though).

The label is Aqua Couture and Neola is the first boutique in Ireland to stock the label, which is one of my favourite UK brands available on Asos!  I was even happier to discover that it is even more reasonably priced in Neola too.

The dress comes in black or cream, I got the cream because it seems more summery and is much softer against Irish skin than black is (so no need to pile on a load of tan!).  The fabric is a stretch cotton but it is quite heavy and the reinforced seams help to suck you in.

Like a lot of Aqua Couture deisgns the style is slightly unusual with sharp shoulder and fitted peplum style hip design with a very low back.

Neola has more than that to choose from with another structural one shoulder dress, and two dresses with mesh detailing all starting at €100… Neola is based in Malahide and Dundalk, but lucky for those of you too far away she also sells online at www.neola.ie.  But if you are looking for an even bigger selection see the Aqua Couture website www.aquabyaqua.com, also with shops in Leeds and London.

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You have heard me rant and rave about this before so I will continue to do so until someone takes note…

I have no problem against people like Whitney Port or Lauren Conrad or even Rachel Zoe etc. launching fashion lines.  I am even a huge fan of model turned designer Erin Wasson’s jewellery and clothing lines and Nicole Ritchie too.

If I am going to buy a celebrity clothing line it needs to have some sort of justification behind it… even Sienna Miller‘s line I can understand because she has been hailed a style icon, and her sister is an actual fashion designer.  Even Victoria Beckham’s collection won me over with her new found more casual style and the small intimate collections she has created.

But, when two singers like Pixie Lott who’s been on the scene for what, all of ten minutes, launches her own collaboration line with ‘LIPSY’ and, Lily Allen reportedly signed a deal with Channel 4 to host a new fashion related show happens it just makes my stomach churn.

Seriously, let me get this straight… I am meant to take fashion and style advice from somebody who not only has absolutely no qualifications in fashion but has also landed on every worst dressed list available.  Lily Allen actually has no sense of personal style, even when she looks good it isn’t her style, one moment she is channeling Betty Draper in a waist cinching pink floral dress, the next she is on stage channeling Lady Gaga with bizarre makeup and barely there outfits.  When angling for the Chanel campaign she walked around head to toe in the designer clobber looking ever so French Chic, and there were her earlier days when the self-confessed chav would wear prom dresses with runners!  Sometimes a stylists does her right and she can look, dare I say, glamorous but that doesn’t delete the fact that she is one of the notorious pyjama girl gang and could even be mistaken as Liz MacDonald from Corrie with a ripped mini skirt and leopard print top!

She has had more style reinventions than Madonna… but without the years or career to back it up she just can’t get away with doing it like Madge can.

Pixie Lott’s new line should be hitting LIPSY stores tomorrow… there is nothing new or original in the mix… they have all been seen before, but I am not completely unimpressed!  I just think it’s a little hilarious that she has her own line and I feel for the struggling designers who work around the clock to try and get their clothing and designs seen, when this pop princess gets handed it on a platter!

I also have serious doubts to whether she actually was hands on in the design process or if it’s just her name being used to sell more clothes!

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A|wear joins GOSH cosmetics…

You’ve heard me rave on about A|wear as the best Irish Highstreet store before, well the lovely ladies that bring us those great affordable and stylish clothes have just launched a new competition where YOU get to star in your very own photoshoot in U Magazine.

This is to celebrate the launch of GOSH cosmetics across 21 A|wear stores this month.  Gosh cosmetics is one of my favourite brands for colour selections… they have a huge range of eye shadows and nail varnishes… but more importantly their liquid eyeliners and iridescent shimmers rival the likes of MAC and Benefit.

So what’s stopping you…. You only have 3 weeks until the closing date!

Your prize will include:

1. A make up session with make-up artist to the stars Natalie Kinsella. (Natalie has worked on celebs such as Christina Aguilera, Stella McCartney as well as catwalk shows for Chloe & Vogue)

2. A makeover session with A|wear’s Press Stylist Lia Tallon. Lia will take you through all of spring’s hottest trends from A|wear & you’ll get to leave with a whole new wardrobe to the value of €500!

3. Becoming the star of your very own U Magazine photoshoot… once your fab new look is complete; your very own photographer will arrive to take lots of pic’s. Watch out for the next edition of U out on April 5th when you’ll star on a whole page!

4. Five runner-ups will also win a makeover with Natalie at the GOSH counter in A|wear Grafton St on Saturday, April 10th!

To be in with a chance to win, simply email gosh@awear.ie with a fab photo of you using your must have GOSH product or in your favourite A|wear outfit & tell them in one sentence why you deserve to win.

It’s really that simple!

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Fashion is usually incredibly fickle, one minute flared jeans are in and the next minute it’s the skinnies that are all the rage.  So understandably it can be very frustrating when trends come and go, and just as you start adjusting to one look… it’s gone and along comes a new trend that you really just can’t see yourself wearing!!!  Just as well there is the old reliable… leather jackets… every season there seems to be a re-invention of this wardrobe staple, be it bomber-style, tailored, sleeveless, studded, zips, hooded… every season you are guaranteed to be “on trend” in a leather jacket.

Iconic in popular culture, leather jackets worn by such stars as Marlon Brando and Kurt Cobain, punk rockers The Ramones and The Libertines, more recently fashionistas like the Olsen twins and Alexa Chung and therefore becoming the epitome of cool!

The catwalks for Spring/Summer 2010 were awash with leathers in all forms… no longer just a Winter warmer, now leathers can be worn all year long.  Hermes had a full aviation-inspired leather jumpsuit, while Philip Lim (above left) channeled his leathers into light t-shirts and shorts.  Celine (above right) and Chloe also featured leather in their Spring/Summer collections this season… showing how leathers can now come in all shapes and styles, with t-shirts, skirts, dresses and even shorts!

Spring leathers have gone light both in texture and colour, the fabric (even when not real leather) is softer to touch than its counterpart the Winter leather jacket.  The colour palettes are an infusion of pastels, with light pinks, yellows, creams and even mint greens on offer.

Gone are last season’s heavy metal, rocker-studded jackets and body-con leather dresses… no longer do you have to be envious of Angelina Jolie’s vamp image.  Yes, leather is here to stay… but this season it’s a lot more wearable!

I’ve found some of the best options on the Highstreet…

Karen Millen’s new leather gilet… pretty neutral colour that goes with everything. To be worn with denim shorts and cool t-shirts for that festival look, or can also be worn over office wear for a soft tailored look! In fact, consider this an investment piece as I can see it working with pretty much everything in your wardrobe…and even next season it’ll be perfect with layering.

Topshop’s leather tunic dress comes in black and white…although the creamy white is perfect for Spring and doesn’t look like leather so it’s a little more wearable than the black. Team with statement heels and waist belt for a night on the tiles, or dress down with a boyfriend cardi and flat boots for daytime look.

For an amazing copy of the Philip Lim leather t-shirts, look no further than Wallis… not usually associated with ‘cool’, on-trend looks, Wallis‘ Summer collection really comes up trumps.

And finally look no further than River Island for a large selection of pastel leather jackets, including baby pink and yellow biker cropped numbers.  They are also doing cute little leather shorts… which are sure to outsell the denim ones this Summer.

So this season earn yourself extra cool kudos in a fresh Spring leather palette.  Leave Winter for the dark tan, greys and studded blacks… Spring is all about the softness and pastels.  But if you want to get the most out of your Winter leather jacket, then team a pretty ruffle/Summer dress for an A-list look!  It’s a pretty take on a tough look and by far one of my favourite looks for this season.

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It is the most stylish event on the Irish Fashion Calendar and the socialites and stars did not disappoint!

Taking their cue from Hollywood… the stars that got it right on the night kept the dresses simple and elegant, accessories to a minimum and barely there makeup.

You’ll remember from The Oscars, that bangles and chandelier earrings were the must-haves for jewellery, while statement necklaces were nowhere to be seen, gold and neutral hues ruled the red carpet and hair and makeup was minimalist.  Well, the VIP Style Awards certainly followed suit.

Total Xposure contestant and Assets model Ruth O’Neill looked beautiful (it’d be hard for her not to!), the dress reminded me of the paired back subtlety of Kate Winslets’ Yves Saint Laurent dress at The Oscars. It was simple and classic… if a little bit old for her.  Although it could have done with a bit of an iron before she left her house!

And can we say va-va voom… Glenda Gilson is certainly no wallflower, and with her private life recently being splashed all over the press it was great to see her basically stick two fingers up to the world and dress to kill!  She looked sensational in a bejeweled red dress with cut-out detailing and won the most stylish award!  Refreshingly she really sticks to her own rock-chic style while presenting on Xpose, wearing jeans, boots, rocker t-shirts, leather jackets etc.  She is true to her own style which makes her deservedly most stylish of the year in my eyes too.

There was one big trend that a few stars picked up on, which is the underwear/outerwear trend that is everywhere on the catwalk and high-street this season!

Sinead Desmond kept the lace overlay quite subtle and feminine, which is why she pulled it off superbly, and with a daring neckline the dress was made more exciting and reminiscent of a corset vibe.

But other guests who attempted the lace look weren’t so successful, the lace was either too dark, too much, or too heavy and they ended up looking more like they had been caught up in Spiderman’s web, than his love interest, heroine Mary Jane.

Yes, there are always a few misses at these events too and unfortunately the beautiful Rachel Kavanagh was another guest who got it wrong.  It firstly was something I would expect to see on a mother of the bride, or at least someone forty+ years Rachel’s senior.  The kimono style print and matching wrap-over was reminiscent of a 60’s housewife’s nightwear, and for someone so young and pretty it was a pity to see her drown herself in this outfit.

Anna Daly looked sensational… talk about hitting all the trends in one!  Ruffles down the train (but subtle), the gold hue ivory worked perfectly against her skin tone, and the unique butterfly/waistcoat effect on the bodice of the dress as well as the open back with jeweled spaghetti strap details, made it a statement number!  With the dress having enough detail she kept jewellery to a minimum with just one big bangle.  According to one Irish paper she had actually recycled her wedding dress for the event… well talk about recession proof and being ahead of the times!  Top marks.

But the star that stole the show in the style stakes was adopted Irish star, Michelle Heaton… a dress stunning enough to be seen on The Oscars red carpet.  (In fact it was nicer than most of The Oscar dresses we saw!)

The dress flowed in a teal blue chiffon with crystal cap sleeves and small crystal belt detail, she kept the accessories to a minimum and let the dress do the talking!  Her hairstyle was inspired by old Hollywood glamour, with sweeping waves and a side parting, and she also kept her makeup very natural and let her true beauty shine.  Although she arrived with her friend Katie Price, who was hounded by the paparazzi, it was Michelle’s timeless look that stole the show!

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It was one of the most cringe worthy fashion moments of the 90’s when Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake turned up on the red carpet in matching denim outfits.  But who was to know that they would become the muses and inspiration behind the top design houses for Spring/Summer 2010… Double denim is back with a bang, yes, wearing head to toe denim is now actually acceptable.  Attempted originally in the 80’s, where permed hair was also acceptable, then reprised by the aforementioned tween pop stars and now finally hitting the catwalk and every magazine as the hottest trend of the season!

D&G, House of Holland, Chloe, Ralph Lauren, Jeremy Scott, all have the denim-on-denim done to perfection!  Denim jackets teamed with jeans, skirts, dresses and even hats.  But the best part of this trend is the re-invention of this classic all-American original was denim into jumpsuits, dresses and even suits.

House of Holland took denim to a new level with looks inspired by bondage and suiting, while Chloe attempted a daring dolly look with denim patchwork.  Chambray seemed to be the denim colour of the season which is a lighter than light denim-wash… this was seen on the Jeremy Scott models, while Ralph Lauren and D&G kept it retro classic with almost cowboy country inspired looks.  Lauren kept his American cool vibe he has every season, while D&G spiced up the generally casual fabric with detailing like ruffles on denim dresses and skirts and showing flashes of skin.

So how can we get away with this tricky trend off the catwalk?  Well, if wearing the same tone denims in one outfit like Jeremy Scott, then break it up with colourful or tan accessories, like a belt or jewellery.  Another way to wear this look is to mix up the denims with different washes, dark, light, chambray etc.

And if you are still unsure about this look, why not opt for the safer version and wear coloured denim jeans like white or peach, and team with a plain denim jacket!  At least that way it isn’t as obvious and you are easing your way into the trend.

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The last time I wore a bum-bag was actually only last year… as part of a Tomb Raider Halloween costume, I had a leather bum-bag to give the look of a utility vibe.  And it was actually the best thing ever… it reminded me how annoying handbags, clutches and purses are.  I didn’t have to worry about losing my phone, money, make-up or keys… all were compactly and safely secured to my body!  It left my hands and arms free to dance (badly) throughout the night.

So why is there such a faux-pas stigma against these little gems?  Well for years now, they have always been associated with naff tourists on holidays, in grotesque prints and overly neon-bright colours.  I have flashbacks of my Mum having a bright yellow one with black exposed zips and my sister with an luminous Simpson’s version.

No longer just made in tacky polyester… designers have given the bum-bag a whole new sophisticated chic.  Over at Louis Vuitton, designed by Marc Jacobs, the bum bag has taken a luxe turn (above).  In embossed leather complete with tassels and fur trimmings… even uber cool fashion follower Rihanna has been seen sporting this design out!  Brit bag designer Angel Jackson, who has her bags for sale on fashion website ASOS, has brought out a gorgeous python skin bum-bag, which surprisingly enough I am lusting after (top)!  And newcomer to the design world Ashish sent his models down the catwalk at London Fashion Week with his sexier bum-bag versions, with studded detailing teamed with cut-away body-con dresses (below).

Surprisingly enough, the High Street has taken this trend on… and there are cool versions popping up everywhere. Marks & Spencer will launch a studded leather-effect version in May, while American Apparel offers extreme ‘80s’ shiny gold and blue versions.  River Island has the most wearable version, in my opinion, with grungy black leather adorned with triangular-shaped studs coming into stores this Spring, while Penneys currently have their versions in stock… actually ahead of the fashion pack for once, in leather-look black and white options.

Well this ‘90s’ icon has come back with a bang this season, and although there was a mini-revival of the bum-bag by Louis Vuitton a few years back, it never really caught on despite SATC’s ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ endorsing it.  It proves that not everything she touches turns to gold, which leads me to think that this new revival may also be short-lived.  Above French Connection, below Urban Outfitters.

I cannot deny their convenience and I may even invest in a cheap one for the festivals this summer – it’s certainly here for the short term on a crazy fashion whim so why not indulge this spring and make like Mr. Motivator.

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Nude Notes…

The Irish females shone the fashion flag last night at the IFTAS… taking inspiration from our US counterparts, the best dressed of the night were those that stuck with the top trend of Spring/Summer 2010 in nude and neutral colours. Notoriously hard for Irish skin-tones to pull off, but subtle glows of tan made this trend more wearable, and even those that stayed natural managed to find a tone that complimented their paler skin.

Call me a sucker for the Grecian trend… but it is one of those evening dress styles that will just never go out of fashion. Xpose’s Karen Koster wore a stunning gold-blush dress that was cut at the empire line, and allowed the material to drape down beautifully. She co-ordinated her cute headband with the detailing on the dress straps but kept accessories to a minimum and allowed the dress to do all the talking.

Karen’s co-star Lisa Cannon also kept it neutral on the night, but it was far from boring in a curve-hugging, sparkly number with chiffon off–the-shoulder detail, and a small train down the back. With a matching sparkly box clutch, show-stopping earrings and a smile to match, she too was one of the most talked about red-carpet dresses on the night.

Also keeping with the Grecian trend was ‘No Frontiers’ presenter Kathryn Thomas, she looked effortlessly ethereal in a one-shouldered empire line dress. The chandelier earrings balanced the look perfectly, although if I were she I would have lost the skinny gold headband, as it was slightly overkill on an already gorgeous look.

Best actress nominee Charlene McKenna from hit Irish show ‘RAW’, looked sweet as pie in another one-shouldered number. The colour was absolutely stunning against her skin, however the dodgy flower strap and granny curtain print left much to be desired. Another star to keep accessories to a minimum with dainty pearl-drop earrings. If rumors are true we may be losing one of our best actresses to LA soon, and with her old Hollywood red carpet looks and the dash of red lippy she is sure to be a hit.

Grainne Seoige went strapless in this subtle tiered dress, a vast improvement from the dowdy ‘debutante’ dress she wore to last years show. It is young, fresh and elegant… showing us that a simple dress can be made more interesting with statement cuff bracelet and dazzling drop earrings.

Next up is the VIP style awards soon (see my comments here on last years)… fingers crossed the socialites and fashion darlings of Ireland take note from our Celtic Stars and do the red-carpet proud.

See our post on last years IFTAS here.

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The fashion world has lost it’s true visionary. News of Alexander McQueen’s sudden death on Thursday (11th Feb 2010) at his London home has sent shock-waves through the industry, as New York Fashion week began, instead of celebrating the new creative talents, we were mourning the loss of fashion’s Dark Prince. No doubt it will be a long time before someone of his innovative and creative ability steps into the limelight again.

Lee McQueen as he was known began his career in fashion at the early age of 16. He learned his craft as an apprentice in Savile Row and it was this early on that we got a glimpse of his twisted and naughty nature, when he revealed in an interview that he sewed ‘I am a cunt’ into the lining of a coat made for Prince Charles.

He then went on to graduate with a masters in fashion design from the prestigious Central Saint Martins College and revealed at his debut show his unique, raw vision that we know and love today. His designs caught the eye of Isabella Blow, an aristocratic British eccentric and former editor of British Tatler who became his mentor and bought his entire first collection.

His work evolved into that of a true artist, taking his inspiration from nature and death, using predatory birds and lethal snakes to influence his designs. His work, however extreme in design, was always skillfully crafted using his early tailoring experiences and managed to have a romantic softness even in their bizarreness. His families Scottish heritage also had an impact on his imaginative designs and he showed tartan, kilts and feathers in a whole new light in his work!

Lee was made the head designer for Givenchy in 1996 but, was then was poached by the Gucci group, which supported and developed his own label, Alexander McQueen. His label has gone from strength to strength and had even opened up his own stores in London, New York, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. He unsurprisingly won British Designer of Year four times throughout his career, and his fashion shows are the one spectacle that will be sorely missed on the fashion circuit as he was known for his extravagant displays of showmanship.

His most recent show for Spring/Summer 2010 was his most brilliant to date… a collaboration with friend Lady Gaga previewing her bad romance video while the models tottered down the catwalk in the now infamous mythological hoof-style shoes (see ‘extreme fashionistas’ article). The unique graphic-print designs from this collection were a combination of bug and beast influences, the bright colours remind me of when you would make those butterfly prints as a child where you would splodge paint on paper and then fold it to create a beautiful print. It is mesmerizing to watch what he puts down the catwalk every season, and it is deeply saddening to know there will be no more! No doubt his last ever collection will at some stage brace the catwalk in a final tribute to the influential designer.

Alexander McQueen was a designer like no other, he pushed the creative and artistic boundaries and truly made his mark in fashion history. RIP.

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