Lindsay Lohan: All About The Sex?

Over the past few years, Lindsay’s career has gone from teen-queen to wannabe lesbian to “oh, that fool”. Despite this, I like Lindsay, and I usually don’t like train wrecks; I think they’re sad and pathetic. But, I’d love to see Lindsay admit her problems, seek help (sticking with the treatment this time) and make a Britney Spears worthy comeback. However, judging from one of her new flicks, Lindsay is still going out of her way to demonise herself in Hollywood.

Inferno: A Linda Lovelace Story (a film by Matthew Wilder) is about the first pornographic actress to earn mainstream recognition. Parts of the script were leaked to some publication in America and apparently the script is “downright harrowing”.

“As you might expect, the story is full of sex and filthy language — but there’s also shocking violence. You’ll find child abuse, three orgasms, two beatings, intense humiliation and a bloody car crash — all in the first 32 pages alone.”

Like, does Lindsay honestly think this is the type of movie that will launch her back into the public’s good graces? It sounds terrible, not because of the script, I imagine it’s going to be a very emotional and difficult film to watch, but because it’s dirty, cheap and sleazy. Yes, we know there are situations like that the world over, but we don’t want to see America’s (once upon a time) Sweetheart playing the lead, and we certainly don’t want to see a low budget movie about a glorified prostitute!

“The first disturbing scene involves a young Linda being smacked in the face by her mother, who also burns her daughter’s hand with a Bic lighter. This is page 10 —- in other words, within the first 10 minutes of the film.”

I won’t be surprised if the film goes straight to DVD or is one of those artsy, independent films that no-one hears about. Whatever the case, Inferno: A Linda Lovelace Story is not for the faint hearted or those of us who have happy family situations.

Proenza Schouler Jeans: Worth The $550 Price Tag?

I wrote about the Proenza Schouler/J Brand collaboration jeans in the first edition of The News: Fashion Buzz. Well, they’re here. Well, not here in Ireland exactly, but on sale.

The graffiti’ed skinny jeans come with the (ridiculous?) price tag of $550 and specific care instructions such as, carefully hand wash and never iron. A lot of work for just a pair of jeans, right? Well, number one – they’re Proenza Schouler (the IT designer of the last decade and quite possible the next one) and two – the design is hand painted. Begging the question:

Are these scarily over-priced jeans or an extremely affordable work of art?

Decide for yourself at www.proenzaschouler.com.

Review Of Machete: “Lindsay [Lohan] Is Nude The Whole Time!”

By now, I’m sure most of you have seen the infamous snap shot from Lindsay’s other new movie Machete, where she’s dressed in a nun’s costume holding up (presumably) a machete.

Well, according to Jezebel.com, an anonymous tipster saw Robert Rodriguez’s Machete and has this to say about it:

“I saw Machete… but Lindsay is barely in it. She’s nude almost the whole time and she has a videotaped ménage-à-trois with her mother and Danny Trejo in a pool. Her father pulls her out of a drug den type situation and confesses [to a priest] lustful thoughts about his daughter. I don’t know if the small role was tailored to her.”

Like the movie about the prostitute, eh, I mean ‘porn star’, this movie probably won’t be Lindsay’s ticket out of social Siberia when it comes to Hollywood.

Like, is she blind or what? Does she honestly not see that these type of film aren’t going to endear her towards anyone other than pimple teenage boys, serial killers and incestuous families from God only knows where?

Lindsay: Cop On! The public really want to like you again but you’re making it impossible for us to take you seriously!

And Finally, A Little Taste Of Taylor Heaven

Taylor Momsen (GOD!!!) returned to the set of Gossip Girl last week to begin filming for the grand return of Jenny Humphrey to Manhattan’s Upper East Side half way through the show’s fourth season. It’s about time!

I honestly don’t know if I’m going to be able to sit through that looser Serena whine and moan at Blair (who I now hate for being such a bitch to Jenny in the season three finale) about her endless love troubles and ‘daddy issues’, while Dan raises his love child with Satan (Georgina Sparks) and Chuck and Nate have it off with every high end call girl in Chuck’s little black book without Jenny right there to dilute it all and add a touch of normalcy to the whole thing. She’s the only one who isn’t a raving sociopath!

Seriously, will the first half of season four be worth my time if the only characters left that I like are Rufus and Lilly, and little Eric, of course (except when he said mean things about Jenny to Rufus)?

Uh, I don’t know.

The new season kicks off in Paris, after which Blair finds it hard to settle in in Columbia University and Dan struggles to play daddy, all the while, not telling his own daddy about baby.

‘Ooh, how original and creative.’

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Paris Hilton’s Drug Bust; Last Hoo-Haa Before Turning Thirty?

Paris really hasn’t been in the media much over the past few years.  Her reality TV show Paris Hilton’s Best Friend wasn’t great and the British version was an out-right joke.  The 29 year old heiress is currently facing charges of cocaine possession after the Las Vegas police allegedly found the drug in her purse after a traffic stop last Friday.  Paris has since been released on bail and says that the purse was on loan from a friend.  Yeah, right!

Paris’s lawyer, David Chesnoff, thinks that the public shouldn’t jump to conclusions.  “This matter will be dealt with in the courts, not in the media, and I encourage people not to rush to judgment until all of the facts have been dealt with in a court of law.”

Paris is an infamous self publicist and perhaps one of the best in the business, never missing an opportunity for a photo-op.  For her latest mug shot, the Hilton hotel heiress struck a stylish pose, flashing a demure smile for the police camera and had her Jennifer Aniston style hair cascading over bare shoulders.  Much sexier than the shot for her drink-driving charge three years ago.

According to People Magazine, there is no longer probation time on her drink-driving case so Paris won’t face any additional charges for the cocaine arrest.

In July just gone, Paris was questioned by the South African police at the World Cup for allegedly smoking marijuana and was later held by police in Corsica after (once again) allegedly being caught with a small amount of pot in her purse.  In both cases, Paris was released without charges.

Fergie: Blonde Bomb-Shell?

The hottest member of the Black Eyed Peas has dyed her hair blonde for her new role as Avon’s hair care brand Advanced Techniques spokesperson, according to InStyle Magazine.  Fergie recently launched her new perfume, Outspoken, with the Avon label and last weekend was filming for guitarist Slash’s new music video Beautiful Dangerous, which the two performed together at the third annual Sunset Strip Music Festival.

Alexander McQueen Skull-Print Laptop Case

Net-A-Porter is a fabulous website for all things fashion.  You can pick up everything from a to-die-for pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos to Stella McCartney pretend-leather handbags.  Currently for sale on the site is this amazing Alexander McQueen skull print laptop case, built for a fifteen inch computer.

I’m not really a fan of McQueen’s label, I always thought it was very generic, but I’m loving this bag.  It’s the perfect blend of personal style with a splash of high-end designer.  This is the kind of bag you’d expect (my personal Goddess) Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen to have.  The case is priced at $395 and while quite expensive, it is the type of bag you’d use for years to come.

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The past week in the world of fashion, celebs and all things publication worthy has been somewhat unusual. There aren’t any really juicy new scandals, no adoptions, no deaths – not that I hope for deaths – but things are kind of slow.

But, before I rant and bitch about how boring our celebs have been over the past seven days, a little old news.

Versace Couture

Everyone knows I adore Versace. I worship Donatella Versace and pray each night that I’ll wake up to discover that my life is nothing but a sad dream and that I’m actually Donatella’s second son. Needless to say, I’m still praying.

When Donatella presented the Spring/Summer 2010 Atelier Versace collection during haute couture week (the end of January), Hamish Bowles (European Editor-at-Large for Vogue) spoke about metallic gowns adorned with “chunks of Swarovski crystal, swags of fine silvery chains and hologram discs to give a Paco Rabanne-esque edge.” The collection, modelled by Polish model Kasia Struss, is a masterpiece. The phenomenal dresses are viewable by appointment only but you can see pictures of the heavenly dresses at Fashionologie.com.

Katie’s Cup Cakes

Katie Holmes (the better half of Tom-Kat) is currently working on her newest flick, The Kennedys, a History Channel production where Katie plays Jacqueline Kennedy. The thirty-one year old actress is apparently a fan of Isabelle’s Curly Cakes, as she had the Red Velvet and Grasshopper flavoured cakes delivered to her at the Toronto set.

See, I wasn’t joking. Slow. Who cares if Katie Holmes likes cup cakes?! Seriously. Why do the American media report such boring crap?! My guess: Tom lets Katie eat something that isn’t designed, manufactured and endorsed by the International Association of Scientologists.

Too Cool For Schouler

Proenza Schouler’s label creators and design team, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, opened their Autumn/Winter 2010 show with eccentric, graffiti covered jeans, which are the product of a design collaboration with high end denim label J Brand. The jeans come in black or blue, are high waisted and of the skinny variety, appealing to Proenza Schouler’s already young demographic, and cost $550 from New York high end department store Bergdorf Goodman (which is constantly references in the CW’s hit show, Gossip Girl).

Fun fact about Proenza Schouler: the name for the label, launched in 2002, came from the maiden names of the creators, Hernandez and McCollough. It’s always nice to see people who care so much about their mothers, especially when in almost every American TV show, the characters loathe their mothers and dread their visits.

LiLo: Dancing Her Way Back To Stardom?

Carrie Ann Inaba, judge on the American version of reality show Dancing With The Stars, would like to see Lindsay Lohan dance her way back into Hollywood’s good graces.

Carrie Ann was at the Dizzy Feet Foundation’s celebration of National Dance Day in L.A. on August 1st when she told People magazine, “Lindsay is my number one pick [for next season]… I want her so bad.”

The reality show judge proceeded to fall to her knees and clasp her hands in prayer and pleaded, “Please, Lindsay Lohan, come on our show!”

I’m thinking someone is a little desperate, or a serious attention seeker.

Carrie Ann continued to explain, “I think it would be great for her. She’s so adorable. I think she needs a second chance and it would be a wonderful way to show the world she can pull it together.”

Uh. Americans and their second chances. I do feel quite sorry for Lindsay, being in prison and all, but honestly, is she ever going to cop on to herself? She’s so young and it’s such a shame that she’s such a car crash.

Apparently, judge Inaba hadn’t heard the rumour about Mel Gibson’s estranged ‘baby mama’, Oksana Grigorieve, trying to get on Dancing With The Stars.

People magazine concluded their piece by saying, “Perhaps it’s time for a DWTS spinoff. Let’s just call it Dancing With the Trainwrecks.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Spotted – In True Gossip Girl Fashion

This made me sick. This is the type of stuff that you hear about people eating up but don’t actually believe that anyone really cares about.

Gossip Girl star Blake Lively was spotted enjoying dinner last night with her long term boyfriend, fellow Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley, at the Market Table restaurant in Greenwich Village in NYC.

Aren’t they supposed to be a ‘happy couple’? Like, why would you go out to a restaurant notorious for paparazzi with your lover when the two of you look like a pair of sour grapes? That’s just asking for gossip. You’d think Blake and Penn would have had enough drama while filming the fourth season of the hit CW show. By the looks of things, I’m thinking these young starlets are either on the verge of breaking up or their relationship is all for publicity. They never look happy when they’re spotted together. If I liked Blake or Penn, I’d care. Turns out, I despise Serena and actually get angry when Dan takes up valuable Blair time on the show.

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So, I’ve had a very busy few weeks. Daddy’s been fundraising for his charity, Maintain Hope, (benefiting primary education is Kenya), Mummy’s busy running her newest charity, Care And Repair (helping older people lead more independent lives) while squeezing in her all important lunches and social do’s and I’ve been left to my own devices in my Dublin apartment. After a number of disastrous dates and many, many nights in with my friends (bitching and smoking), I’ve finally lifted the rock off my head and stuck my nose back into the fashion world. Oh, how I’ve missed it.

Taylor Momsen is Madonna’s Material Girl

My first piece of goss is that Gossip Girl star, New Look model, phenomenal singer and my personal Goddess, Taylor Momsen, is set to be the new face of Madonna’s first ever clothing line, Material Girl. Material Girl is a collaboration with Madonna’s daughter, Lordes, and is aimed at the tweens of the world. Unfortunately, the line will only be available at American department store, Macy’s, from August 3rd onwards. If you want to get the sex-grunge look that Taylor is infamous for, I’m sure after a month or two pieces from the collection will appear on E-Bay. On the other hand, you could always ask an American relative to pick up a few pieces for you and mail them across the Atlantic.

A little closer to home, Taylor Momsen’s look can be purchased at high street retailer, New Look, under the name Idol.

The video for Taylor’s new song, Miss Nothing, is out now on YouTube, and it’s really worth checking out.

Angelina at Salt in Versace

In other fashion news: my future wife, Angelina Jolie, attended the Russian premier of new movie, Salt, in a red hot Versace gown on Sunday 25th. Ange helped earn Salt a number two position at the box office this weekend (behind DiCaprio’s Inception), raking in $36.5 million, making the movie gross more than Tom Cruise’s Knight And Day and Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood.

In the Alias meets Tomb Raider movie, Angelina plays an American agent who is told by a member Russian secret service that she’s a plant and will kill the president of America. I really hate the way Americans go out of their way to demonize Russia (THE COLD WAR IS OVER!!) but I love Angelina, so I’ll definitely be making a trip to the cinema soon.

We can clearly see, from the pictures of her, that Angelina has put on a bit of weight and is looking much healthier than she did a few months ago. I’m glad. I love Angelina Jolie and I cannot wait to see her new film!

V.I.Prisoner? LiLo’s Getting Special Treatment

It seems that Lindsay Lohan is not very welcome in prison. LiLo is eating the same meals as everyone else in the Century Regional Detention Facility but according to Maria Medina, a relative of one of the other inmates, every time LiLo moves the whole place goes into lock down.

“She’s not treated like if it was anyone else going to jail. Like, if they even want to bring her new clothes or bring her anything, they put the whole facility on lockdown. It happens all the time. For example, just yesterday [Friday 23rd], Lindsay had to go to the mini-clinic and the whole place was on lockdown again.”

Los Angeles Sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore, denies Maria’s claims. He told People magazine, “It’s business as usual. Lindsay’s getting no special treatment.” He also said there is no such thing as ‘lockdowns’.

I don’t know anything about prison but I’ve seen stuff on TV and I feel very sorry for Lindsay. She broke the law and should be punished but I imagine, after Paris Hilton’s prison ordeal, that the criminals of California are getting quite sick of having celebrities for cell mates.

Miranda’s Mummy Loves Orlando

The super under-the-radar couple, that is actor Orlando Bloom and model Miranda Kerr, tied the knot last week. Now Therese Kerr, Miranda’s mother, has sung Orlando’s praises to People magazine.

“All we have ever wanted is for our children to be healthy and happy and we have never seen Miranda healthier and happier than she is right now.” Therese says that Orlando is a true gentleman and followed tradition by asking for Miranda’s hand in marriage. “We had no hesitation; they truly are a gorgeous couple, are very much in love and bring out the best in each other.”

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The large mob of people standing in the blazing early evening sun in Paris extended to the curb, providing a model sized walk through for the guests of the Valentino haute couture show to enter the Place Vendome. The crowd was desperate to catch a glimpse of Liz Hurley (in a fuchsia slip dress) and other young socialites who were inside.

The collection designed by Valentino designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, was mainly based on an ultra short trapeze dress (or stunning coat) in organza, gazar or wool crepe. Adding to the designs were bows and feminine flounces. The models had their hair styled in dome-shaped buns and wore mules with more bows and tiny flowers tied to the tips, making them look lighter than feathers that might suddenly blow away. Fragile was the word du jour, though the look only suits certain body types (such as Calista Flockhart’s and the waif thin models used). The collection is comprised of high hem lines, patterns from the mind of a little girl and flimsy shapes. Even the beautiful Elizabeth Hurly would have a hard time making the collection work on her immaculate figure.

Despite the delicate cuts, the collection is easily the most impressive shown by Chiuri and Picciolli since taking over design at Valentino. The heart of the house was shown in the pale yellows and greens, the infamous Valentino seductive red and splashes of pink. The wool crepe suits with vented sleeves tied with tiny bows and precise to-date mix of feminine airy fabrics and structured cuts are signature Valentino, reminding us that heaven can be achieved on earth. Valentine himself is a fan of excess, as can be seen throughout the collection and in his previous couture shows.

One might say that Chiuri and Piccioli have not really experimented with classic Valentino standards, nor raised them. We want to see young clothes, as do the designers themselves (should their clientele die from old age and sales die out faster than Lindsay Lohan’s acting career), but perhaps the previous designs are immature and inexperienced?

This collection is easier on the eyes and the message is easier to read. High end, eccentric fashion is not just for Upper East Side queens, but is for women of all ages. Simplistic femininity is a timeless look. Bows, transparency, floral cuts – these are feminine, and femininity is innate to all women. Embrace it.

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Jean Paul Gaultier’s haute couture collection for this fall/winter can be described in three words: hot, whoreish and hilarious. As is the nature of haute couture, some of the designs were a bit way-out and over-the-top. Jean Paul is famous for his impressive and innovative style and design talents. This collection is classic Gaultier in every respect.

Guests to the show included French actress Catherine Deneuve, French Minister for Culture Frederic Mitterrand and fashion photographer Mario Testino. Gothic burlesque queen Dita von Teese also attended the show – as a model, walking the runway at number thirty-two dressed as a vampire in a floor length black satin number. The dress incorporated the big shoulders of the 1980s and the toga of ancient Greece and Rome. I love it.

The models came out holding cigarettes and wearing high twisted turbans so as to portray the Parisian brothel crossed with Arabian chic inspiration for the collection.

Gaultier also took inspiration from under the sea with a series of scuba style designs in neoprene-leather, backed with the same type of foam usually found in a padded bra. Scuba style jackets and dresses, in silver and black, were embroidered with articulated joints at the shoulder, elbow and hip, or else worn with mink fins along the sleeves.

The couture bridal piece came in the form of Elena Lazic walking the runway in a white satin trench coat playing the Wedding March on a white violin. Très eccentric.

The show wound up with Dita von Teese walking again wearing rather plain lingerie with what looks like moulded glittery black wax hugging her bone structure. Not exactly my taste, but haute couture is all about the innovative and the inspirational.

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The well established British luxury department store Debenhams was founded in 1778 as a single London store. Debenhams has since expanded to over one hundred and sixty stores throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark and has over twenty four-thousand employees. Debenhams is perhaps best known for its discount designer fashion lines, contributed to by high end designers, such as Mathew Williamson, John Rocha and Jasper Conran. The home collections are magnificent, and while they may be a bit pricey, you’ll be using the same cutlery and sleeping under the same duvets for decades to come.

I love Debenhams. I was in the Tallaght store last March when a fabulous black Jasper Conran coat caught my eye. It was reduced from €230 to €130, as it was a winter coat and winter was well over at that stage. I instantly fell in love with it and bought it on the spot. The friend I was with (a Tallaght native) went uncharacteristically quiet when she saw the price tag. I told her, “Like all things from Debenhams, it’s a really good investment.” She remained green-eyed and silent for the duration of the taxi ride home. Of course, I still haven’t had a chance to wear my amazing coat, as the weather hasn’t been cold enough. So, I’ve been praying that summer would be freezing this year – no such luck.

Another thing I adore about Debenhams are the perfumes and cosmetics. In Chanel, in the Newbridge branch, the staff know me by name. The entire lay out of the cosmetics floor is very similar to that in Brown Thomas; thankfully the products are noticeably cheaper.

I think the best thing about Debenhams is undoubtedly the discount fashions by the high end designers. I simply love strolling through John Rocha and having a quick browse in Mathew Williamson before buying myself a new pair of Jasper Conran trousers, with mother’s money, of course.

The first outfit I’ll be showing all you WOW.ie followers today is a beautifully structured ensemble by Irish born designer John Rocha. From the Rocha line is the White 78 Linen Trousers (€62) teamed with the White Ruffle Top (€70) and finished off with the Drape Jacket With Zip Front (€62). This look is worn here with a pair of tan platform leather sandals and a masculine deep maroon skinny belt. This look is very relaxed-day-out-shopping. The colours are right for the season and you’ll look effortlessly sophisticated traipsing down Grafton Street with Rocha on your back.

British fashion designer Mathew Williamson is a big fan of colour and his pieces are reflective of the time he spent working in India for high street clothing chain Monsoon. From Butterfly by Mathew Williamson are the Voile Embellished Top (€59) and Abstract Butterfly Skirt (€54). The aquatic coral colours on the skirt are very Versace while this season’s warrior trend is in play with the embroidery in the Grecian style top. The look is completed with chunky coral coloured bangles and works beautifully.

From Star by Julien MacDonald is the Multi Coloured Embellished One Shoulder Dress (€93). This is the ultimate party dress for the summer. The sheer black left shoulder sleeve beautifully offsets the deep aquatic colours in the body of the dress, which are also accentuated by the beading detail on the left side. The dress reminds me of Versace for this summer and is a timeless piece you can wear summer after summer.

From Den de Lisi’s BDL line comes the Marble Print Dress (€232), which is ideal for any debutant ball or charity gala dinner. This dress is one of the best I’ve seen all season. I’m a big fan of marble prints and on this dress it’s so subtle that it looks like the inside of a live volcano. Whatever about the price tag, this dress can easily be worn many times throughout the year and is one you’ll have for the rest of your life. This Marble Print Dress is my Lifetime Investment Piece for spring/summer 2010.

Finally, by Pearce II Fionda, I give you the Full Length Floral Sequin Dress (€620). The price may not be right but the shape certainly is. This dress will cling to your curves and promote your feminine figure, creating a whole new you. The sequins give the dress the glamour element while the free flowing hemline will show off whatever pair of fabulous shoes you’ve picked out to go with the dress (my opinion – silver stilettos, they’ll reflect the dress while giving you that extra bit of height).

So, there you have it: five of the best pieces for the season on offer by Debenhams.

Debenhams will always be a few steps above high street stores in terms of fashion value, quality and clientele. Thankfully, the prices aren’t as high as those in Brown Thomas but the fashionable clothes are just as timeless. Debenhams is always my first port of call for all things fashion as never fails to meet my expectations. Make Debenhams your spouse this season and, mark my words, you’ll never even flirt with another store as long as you live.

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When the recession hit in 2008, I initially thought “Ah, whatever. It’ll be grand.” It wasn’t grand. My parents started ‘tightening their belts’, starting with my allowance, which was decreased to €120 per week (sound familiar?). The second term of college was hell. I, like most other nineteen year olds who enjoyed the spoils of the ‘good years’, had become accustomed to a certain lifestyle. I shopped in Arnotts religiously, lunched in Brown Thomas twice a week and enjoyed a good gossip over an overpriced cocktail in the Westbury every Thursday.

Not anymore.

However, the economic downturn may actually have been the best thing that could have happened to us young fashionistas. Henry Street store prices fell quicker than the snow of last winter, expensive restaurants began serving specials and the Hard Rock Cafe started offering cocktails at €5.

Baring all that in mind, I modified my spending. I had to budget, with very little to work with. Thankfully, my mother owns the apartment I live in alone so I don’t have to pay rent, which was a huge bonus. I do, however, have to pay my own bills, buy my own cigarettes and save for my cherished colognes.

Two weeks ago, I came across this great website. Guccinc.com. (Don’t ask me how I found it, I honestly can’t remember). Guccinc.com sells authentic Gucci shoes and accessories at factory prices, catering for men and women. A huge range of bags (everything from tote to messenger to laptop) at €70, shoes for the same price and belts for less than €50. Halleluiah, there is a God. Naturally, I couldn’t help myself. I immediately registered my details and bought myself a pair of runners.

Last week, I decided that I deserved a treat. I’d finished college for the Summer with impressive results after the most gruelling term ever. I had a browse around Facebook looking for a good club. After saying “oh, hell no” in my head to everything I came across, I got a message from Apprentice star Aoiffe Madden inviting me to the Sex and the City Cocktail Party at the Good Bits on Store Street. €5 custom cocktails named after the SATC girls, Chanel goody bags, Aoiffe Madden – I’d found my night out. I rang up a cousin of mine and told her about it. She was more excited about seeing Aoiffe Madden than I was. We arrived at the bar and restaurant dressed-to-the-nines. Me in a pale blue Ralph Lauren shirt, dark indigo Calvin Klein jeans and a pair of Clarks black shoes (bought at the Kildare Village Shopping outlet – designer brands at discount prices – one of the best malls in the country). My cousin wore a dress from Sugarbabe on Henry Street (the one worn by AnnaLynne McCord above for the 90210 promotional photos – €40) and a pair of silver River Island stilettos. She looked very on trend, as the black strapless mini-dress is embroidered with white frills, which is ultra feminine and very L.A. chic. The night was a huge success, for us and the Good Bits – everyone was there. I spent the night networking, chatting to everyone and treated myself to the four custom cocktails (the Samantha was my favourite). Everyone at the party was dressed to impress and the Good Bits was THE place to be seen at that night.

Last night, I was in feeling quite sick. I had been replaying my dating history in my head. (Who wouldn’t be feeling physically ill?). I went to bed around 11pm, which is extremely early for me, and fell into an uneasy sleep. The doorbell went off at 9am. Well, I must have looked like an Olympic gymnast as I jumped out of bed, tripped up over my collection of white runners, banged my face off the bedroom door and quickly stumbled out into the hall. It was the postman. Despite my tiredness, I signed for my package, already knowing what it was and sat myself down on the couch trying to open it with my eyes still sealed shut. My heart almost stopped when I lifted the lid. There they were. My first pair of Gucci shoes. Well, runners. They are magnificent. Yeah, mainly because they’re Gucci but still, they do look great.

Unfortunately, today I got my new ESB bill. Mum is going to have to go halves on it with me. If not, I’ll have to do without food this week and I already weigh less than Nicole Richie, so if I lose any weight I’ll probably die.

(Manipulation is key for getting what you want from your parents. Remember, your parents love you and would do anything for you. You probably already know their weakness. For me, it’s their fear that I’ll develop an eating disorder and wither away before their eyes. They know that I will always buy cigarettes before food. Once you figure out your parents’ fears, you can exploit them to your own advantage, but be sure to moderate. They may become desensitised over time. If used carefully, parents are a great way to treat yourself without breaking the bank. You may, however, break their bank.)

My best tip for saving money: if you live away from home but near to home, don’t buy food unless absolutely necessary. Visit your parents more often and bring half their fridge back with you. The last time I bought food for my own fridge was late 2008. Thanks to this (if I don’t have a night out during the week) out of my €120, I usually have €40 or so left over by Sunday evening. The other €80 goes on ciggys, lunch and clothes. If I (clinical shopaholic) can save that much, think of how much you could save due to the simple act of not buying food.

Until next week.

-R

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The CW’s Gossip Girl is one of my favourite shows. The Upper East Side, luxurious penthouses, fabulous wealth and torrid scandals make it one of the highest rated shows on American television, not forgetting the ridiculously good looking cast, of course.

With Taylor Momsen’s style on sale right now in New Look, you can mimic Jenny without a bother. But, what about Blair, Serena and Vanessa? Their looks can be found at the CW Gossip Girl Store.

Blair Waldorf’s Jet Faux Pearl Necklace ($18) is as refined as Blair herself. Nothing could be more elegant than a string of pearls. While Blair may have ditched the headbands (until she attends Columbia next season, that is), she will never ditch her pearls. After all, elitism, snobbery – that’s is what Blair’s all about.

Also from the Blair collection is the Emily Sisal Cloche Hat in Raspberry by Louise Green ($245). Who could ever forget the magnificent outfit worn by Queen B herself at the van der Bilt’s polo match at the beginning of the third season? While the cloche hat may be a bit pricey, bear in mind that it is designer and if it’s good enough for Blair, it’s good enough for us all.

Jenny Humphrey wore the one hundred per cent silk Emma Long maxi tube dress ($126 – 40% off) to Rufus and Lily’s wedding. Jenny’s style is rocker with a slash of sex (which is highly inappropriate, seen as she’s only sixteen years old) and this dress IS rocker formal. The grey tones are punk enough for Jenny, while the lavender gives the piece its formality and elegance.

Jenny also most recently wore these Ray Ban’s Classic Aviator Sunglasses ($129) in the episode How To Succeed In Bassness. You too can get Jenny’s ‘too-cool-for-school’ look with these designer shades. however, if you’re like me and refuse to spend that much on sunglasses (losing three pairs of designer sunglasses will prompt you never to buy real ones again), then you’re sure to find a close knock-off in New Look stores nationwide for a fraction of the price.

Serena van der Woodsen (former Queen Bee) wore the Ben-Amun Strand Spike Necklace ($160) in the second episode of the third season. While I may loathe Serena, the necklace is fabulous and can also be worn if you’re more of a Jenny. This seventeen inch necklace features rhodium plated pewter spikes dangling from a rolo chain. A second strand of spiked plunges down for a dramatic look and fastens with a lobster claw clasp.

Vanessa Abrams is supposed to be poor, right? So, why is it that she can afford such expensive clothes? Ah. Who cares? She looks great. Get Vanessa’s Zipper Leggings by LnA ($105) for the liquid leg look. V’s tan boots go great with the look so pick yourself up a pair from House of Fraser or Harvey Nick’s online stores.

Vanessa’s other great piece is her Westwood Calf Hair Satchel in Leopard Print by Hammitt ($585). Once again, for a poor girl she really does have nice things, right? The bag is fabulous and screams Manhattan socialite. This satchel is a bust-buy for any Gossip Girl fashionista.

While some of the looks may be quite pricey, they’re worth every penny. How cool would it be to be able to say ‘I’m wearing Blair Waldorf’s hat’ or ‘This is Jenny Humphrey’s dress’? The wardrobe people at Gossip Girl have created four fashion icons over the past three seasons. Blair is refined elegance and very well bred, Jenny is nouveaux riche while in keeping with her true self, Serena dresses in earth tones and adds a splash of glamour with her jewellery and Vanessa dresses true to herself and always looks fantastic.

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River Island was founded in 1948, by Bernard Lewis. Since then the store experienced many name changes before finally becoming known as River Island in 1989. River Island operates over 250 stores worldwide so it’s only natural that the company has become a household name.

River Island has always been ahead of other high street stores and their collections are a tad more fashionable.

When Italian fashion giant Versace showed bright and airy white and dark, rich grey in their Summer collection the high street went wild. Whites and greys quickly began showing up in every single high street store across the world and River Island is no exception.

The Space Dye Cardigan (£26.99) teamed with the Ecru Scoop t-shirt (£12.99), Prince Red trousers (£29.99) and Block Stripe Trilby hat (£14.99) is quite possibly one of the oddest combination of garments I’ve seen all season (and I’ve seen this year’s Dior!). The whole ensemble looks kind of gay – which is fine. But, if you’re not looking to out a mating call to the same sex, swap the trousers for a pair of while linen or medium gray ones. I do love the Clock necklace (£12.99) and think I’ll get one for myself. It’s like a twenty-first century pocket-watch.

The Dandy Blue blazer (£59.99) works very well with the white-collar (LOVE!) Duran check shirt (£24.99). This look is very ‘country house in up-state New York or Connecticut’. (Trip van der Bilt from the CW’s Gossip Girl wore something very similar in the episode The Treasure of Serena Madre – and Trip was, after all, a van der Bilt). For a casual/semi-formal look, team these two with the Burn and Wash jeans (£34.99) and Rambo shoes (£54.99). If you want a formal feel, wear the blazer and shirt with a pair of dark navy trousers.

The Jenson check shirt (£24.99) worn with the Faschino trousers (£29.99) are very Polo Ralph Lauren. I take issue with the Tan Gladiator sandals (£24.99) but the brown Plaited belt (£16.99) is fine. I like this look, bar the sandals. Its very Summer casual meets house in the country. It works well and exudes an air of the old-money established families.

Wear the Seersucker check blazer (£44.99), Malbec shirt (£24.99) and Seersucker shorts (£24.99) for another Polo Ralph Lauren summer look. The Polka bowtie (£9.99) will add a spot of formality to the outfit, while the Zorza white brogues (£44.99), reminiscent of Gucci’s country look of two years ago, make for a light and airy Summer appearance.

For a formal look this Summer, wear the Petrol Fierce suit jacket (£89.99) with the Petrol Fierce trousers (£39.99) and Rosette shoes (£54.99). The fine stitching and rich material on the jacket is very luxuriant and will get you noticed when you walk into a room – in a good way. The White shirt (£19.99) is optional.

As I said, River Island has always been one notch up from other high street stores, and I think it’s quite clear why. Their looks almost mirror those seen at various fashion weeks throughout the year, their eveningwear is guaranteed to get you noticed when you walk into a room and their casual clothing is designed to fit every man, regardless of his shape or size. Whether you’re looking for a smart suit to wear to a formal function or just a simple day to day outfit there is no better place to start looking than River Island.

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