OffShoot

Out Of Date

2011-06-06T22:18:00.009+01:00

I cannot believe I only found this now. I did this for Anna Kealey's Puking Rainbows zine two summers ago but never actually saw the finished product. Until today that is. Jamie Saunders blog is exceptional, and not just because of this. Find out a little more about the project here.

-Catherine

I came home to find this in my kitchen

2011-04-26T19:35:00.002+01:00

And I am very happy about it.

-Catherine

Wish List

2011-04-24T14:07:00.001+01:00

From John Lewis.

-Catherine

The Reason I Don't Blog About Fashion Anymore

2011-04-23T19:18:00.010+01:00

I have discovered homewares.
My Wild & Wolf 1970's replica phone from John Lewis.

One of my two tea sets. I don't use them enough but they look lovely. Bought at Chatsworth Road market.

I am a very enthusiastic Ikea customer. I love the home assembly and I love the Swedish meatballs.

My old lady arm chair. Neil haggled for that blanket and I hand sewed the little green cushions. I got the fabric at Our Patterned Hand on Broadway Market. Gorgeous shop, lovely staff.

This is a tea towel that some lovely friends of ours gave us. It was so nice I put it on the wall. From The Cake Cafe.

-Catherine

Joanne Hynes Online

2011-04-19T19:58:00.003+01:00

Joanne has just released her collection of accessories for Spring Summer 2011 which are also very conveniently available through her online store. I am a huge fan of her oversized crystal necklaces of which there are plently to choose from. The one in the picture is my favourite, I love the blue details and at €220 they're reasonably priced too.

-Catherine

Lovely Lingerie

2011-04-19T19:34:00.005+01:00

I'm not sure how many of your read The Cherry Blossom Girl but in case you don't, she is launching a lingerie collection with french label Etam and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I'm don't know about in Dublin but in the UK you can buy online from etam.co.uk from April 22nd.

-Catherine

Les Guerriers

2011-03-01T21:11:00.008Z

I had the amazing opportunity of working at the Joanne Hynes/Helen Steele show at London Fashion Week and I wanted to share it with you all here. Joanne, Helen and Annmarie and all great people to work with and congratulations to them all, you did an amazing job! All photographs by Brian O'Sullivan.

You can see a video of the show on Arkle Sparkle or Annmarie's blog I Blog Fashion.

I also did a piece in The Examiner last Saturday, and although I haven't had a chance to see it yet, hopefully some of you might have enjoyed it. And if you didn't see it either, one tip for A/W 11 Berry is big.

-Catherine

Not Just Pretty Pictures

2011-01-23T17:40:00.004Z

LILLIAN! I'm back! As she knows but maybe some of you don't I moved to London in August and have only just got a handle on my free time.

During some of this free time recently I went with a friend to the The Design Museum's Drawing Fashion exhibition which runs until March 6th. It is absolutely gorgeous, although it seems a shame that such beautiful illustrations are no longer used in fashion magazines. I always had a thing for fashion illustration and during a summer course in the Grafton Academy a few years ago I turned my hand to it. Not surprisingly it didn't work out but luckily my sewing skills improved dramatically. It was opened in November by one of my first fashion loves, Colin McDowell whose column for the Sunday Times Style magazine Fashion Moments was what encouraged me to start collecting the magazine all those years ago. McDowell spent ten years as a fashion designer and illustrator himself before becoming a journalist.

Perfect for a Friday afternoon, especially if you make it to Borough market for lunch. Nom.

-Catherine

Dolls

2010-10-03T13:14:00.005+01:00

Now that Catherine has pissed off to London we don't really get to see each other all that often. All attempts at ringing each other have failed miserably and our emails have been pretty lame,and along the lines of 'no news today, just working,uggh I hate Dublin'. Things must change Catherine. I'm proposing that we use this fairly neglected blog as a place to swap our news, yeah?

Diversion over, I went for brunch a couple weeks ago with Cillian (actually he's written about this already and does a much better job than I will). We headed to Dolls on Emorville road, just off South Circular. 'Hmm Dolls that's a boutique right?', you're not wrong but the newer of the two Dolls boutiques also has a lovely cafe attached. 'South Circular Road that's a bit out of way?', again you're not wrong, but when you're not wrong you're only sometimes right. The location is fairly brilliant, out of the way of noisy town, filled with tourists, the residential setting makes the busy cafe seem really relaxed. Cillian likened it to Hackney, which is where you live Catherine, that's great isn't it?

I very stupidly left my camera on in my bag so the battery was dead by the time I remembered to take any pictures. You'll have to take my word for it that the eggs Benedict looked lovely and was delicious.

Really oddly, a friend of mine once lived in Dolls. Obviously before it was a boutique, back in the days when it was a ridiculously dodgy student flat with a door that couldn't lock. Sitting in the cafe downstairs was pretty funny, when I remember a drunken night trying to boil water for tea on the hob when the nob fell off and the place filled with gas.

This place is first on the list for chats and coffee when you come back for a visit.

Think Pink

2010-07-27T16:16:00.007+01:00

I love this clip from Audrey Hepburn's 1957 film Funny Face, it came to mind as I recently received a gift of Clarins Rouge Prodige Miami Pink lipstick. A very Barbi doll colour that I never would have thought to buy for myself but is actually really nice on.

-Catherine

Blog Friendly

2010-07-27T16:06:00.002+01:00

Stephen from Stitches/Fabric/and Soul stopped me recently in town for this picture. Really nice guy and nice blog too.

-Catherine

Irish Examiner Millinery Shoot

2010-07-27T15:37:00.011+01:00

These are the pictures from the shoot that I recently had the pleasure of assisting Annmarie with.

All jewellery by Boodles, hats by Philip Treacy, Edel Ramburg, Tootsie Royale, Linda McKay, Sarah Mc Gahon and Brett O'Mahony from Covet, lace headpiece from A Rubanesque, shoes by Nini DiVito, Mahnolo Blahnik and Miu Miu, gloves from glovedup.com and Jenny Vander, red silk wrap and black organza bolero both worn as collars by Bonzie Crotty.

Styling: Annmarie O'Connor
Photography: Miki Barlok
Hair: Susan Corcoran @ John Geaney for Hair
Make-up: Kate O'Reilly
Location: The Westbury Hotel

-Catherine

Poster Girl

2010-07-01T15:34:00.005+01:00

I'm probably a bit late with this one, but after a trip down to Kildare Village with my mom last week I have fallen in love with the Bernard Villemot prints for Bally. Bernard Villemot did the Bally advertising campaigns back in the 80's, and created 'The Bally Blonde' that you see in the first picture. Now, I might be wrong but as far as I can tell the collection came out this time last year and included a range of bags, shoes and scarves all with 'The Bally Blonde'. It was one of the bowling bags that I spotted in the shop in Kildare Village. The print is so colourful and the patent leather edging makes a nice contrast. It's also, at 50% off, ridiculously good value.

-Catherine

Addicted To Little Luxuries

2010-07-01T15:00:00.003+01:00

So here we are again, another Chanel nail varnish. This one is part of the summer collection of pop colours which include Riviera, a perfect summer pink, and Mistral, a candyfloss colour with a tiny bit of sparkle. I am new to high fashion beauty products. I only wear make up that you would find in your local supermarket and I still buy my shampoo in the pound shop. However, I have recently fallen victim to an excellent marketing strategy-limited availability. There is something about the exclusivity of these colours that gets me. It's not as if I couldn't get my hands on an identical version in Urban Outfitters or American Apparel (both shops do great selections of coloured varnish), but I don't want the imitation, I want the Chanel. I know this is a very common strategy for most high-end products, one of the building blocks of luxury brands is that they are exclusive, but I can only participate at this level. My dress might be from Penney's, but my nails are always Chanel.

-Catherine

Things we learnt in Barcelona

2010-06-02T13:15:00.005+01:00

1. Our first trip to Barcelona was five years ago. Five years ago we loved vintage clothes and so when we happened upon Carrer de la Riera Baixa, it was kinda like we had found heaven. I have no idea how much money I spent on that road during that trip. It was literally vintage shop after vintage shop. Le Swing in particular was incredible. So when we were heading back to Barcelona for Primavera I checked up to make sure our favourite shop was still around. Turned out there were two of them now, oh Lord were we excited. We spent a whole day wandering around looking for the mysterious street (were not very good with maps), that's hours of tired leg syndrome, only to find that what was once a vintage haven has turned into an entire street of tat. There was absolutely no selection process on behalf of the shops and the prices were outrageous. There was only one exception, Motel. A shop not filled with crap and very reasonably priced, the only reason to bother to go back down that street.

2. The second thing I learned in Barcelona is something that I've suspected for quite some time. I hate festival fashion. Can we all not remember a time when going to festivals was about going to see bands you like not posing in outfits you spent hours thinking about. It was quite depressing looking about and generally seeing a uniform of bare legs and stripes . It got pretty cold out there, why weren't these girls wearing pants or a jumper? I don't understand at all.
I can't claim I've not become more concerned with how I look at a festival in recent years. Back in the days of Witness I spent the weekend without make up and always caked in mud and there was the glorious week long camping trip to Glastonbury without showers (that's more disgusting than anything else and I really wish I could have showered but its a bit difficult when you cant be bothered to queue for hours in the rain to feel clean for about ten minutes).

RealDublinStreets.blogspot.com
have great pictures of the hipsters of Primavera

-Lil

Style Crush

2010-05-19T19:54:00.015+01:00

I won't lie to you, it's not just a style crush - I think I am in love with Carey Mulligan.

First, she was in Pride and Prejudice, which i love.

And then she was in An Education which is not only a great film but also full of wonderful outfits, like this one.

Then she continued to turn up to events wearing some fabulous dresses, like this one she wore to the Directors Guild Awards.

And this one to the Oscars. The embellishments are little knives and scissors.

And this one to the BAFTAS.

Then she did leather for the Independent Spirit Awards.

Then she did this shoot for Wonderland magazine. Which is AMAZING.

And now i want to look just like her.

-Catherine

Fashion Celebrities

2010-05-03T22:32:00.004+01:00

Can't believe I never mentioned that Lillian and I went along to the Face Hunter book signing in Noble & Beggarman on South William Street and totally met THE Alan Taylor who signed my book - AMAZING. Yvan was pretty nice too.

-Catherine

FAVOURITE

2010-05-03T22:22:00.001+01:00

I want to meet this guy. He must have a great sense of humour. Photo from Jak & Jil.

-Catherine

Paris, je t'aime

2010-04-22T13:10:00.004+01:00

Our lovely room

The breakfast room

I meant to post about the hotel I stayed in when I was in Paris back in February but of course it slipped my mind. Better late than never I suppose. Hotel Arvor is the first hotel i've stayed in in Paris because generally when I visit I stay with friends but I cannot recommend this place highly enough. It is not only very good value but it's in a great location and is also wonderfully stylish. Breakfast is not included and is pricey enough at €11 but considering we only paid €400 for four nights it certainly wouldn't break the bank. It's properly cool too, We Have Band were being interviewed in the lobby when we arrived and Marina of Marina and the Diamonds was checking in as we were leaving.

-Catherine

Catherine Recommends

2010-04-22T12:48:00.002+01:00

Ziaga Natural Skincare Range. A colleague of mine gave me a gift of a selection of Polish beauty products for Christmas. Now, I was never too bothered about what kind of shower gel or moisturiser I used until I started using this stuff. It's incredible and it smells amazing. I have the shower gel, body balm and hand cream from the cocoa butter range and you can get it from all good chemists and it's usually between €3 and €5.

-Catherine

We Have Friends In Design

2010-04-22T12:37:00.003+01:00

Our friend Anna (I am all about plugging friends projects this week) is a graphic design graduate and has a blog called Puking Rainbows where she does some very amusing design criticism that i'm sure you'll all love.

-Catherine

We Have Friends In Fashion

2010-04-20T15:44:00.004+01:00

Picture from Avedon Fashion

Some of our friends have decided to start a little fashion blog over here. I know they're our friends but we really like it and think you will too.

-Catherine

Shameless Self Promotion

2010-04-07T22:36:00.002+01:00

Myself and Neil have entered the Ultimate Job in Ireland competition and we'd be really happy if you could vote for us. Here's the link. Thanks in advance.

-Catherine

Things to be excited about this week:

2010-03-25T13:13:00.004Z

1) Two days off from work - IN A ROW

2) Face Hunter book signing tonight in Noble and Beggarman books on South William Street from 6-8pm

3) Nokia Young Fashion Designer exhibition in the Powerscourt Centre until the 28th

-Catherine

This week, can't stop thinking about...

2010-03-18T12:44:00.002Z

Rado True. Yes please.

-Catherine

A Very Chanel Birthday

2010-03-05T12:38:00.003Z

Yves Saint Laurent bangle

House of Holland tights
And then the American Apparel jazz shoes

-Catherine

And, and and...

2010 A Space Odyssey

2010-03-02T14:34:00.002Z

Rodarte scored by No Age directed by Todd Cole and set in a jet lab owned by the guy that founded Paypal.

Lil

Aha!

2010-02-28T21:34:00.004Z

Just a quick post to boast about my new purchase. For the last month i've been on a waiting list for the new Chanel Particuliere nail varnish. That's right, a bloody waiting list. So when I was in Paris over the weekend i popped into BHV, straight to the Chanel counter where I had to wait about four minutes for the lovely shop assistant to have it all bagged up for me and ready to go. It might seem silly to some, but that made my day.

-Catherine

Good Morning

2010-02-22T21:59:00.005Z

I woke up this morning to a text message from Lil telling me we'd been nominated for the Irish Blog Awards. As you can imagine I was in a great mood all day. We are very excited.

-Catherine

Oh, and silly me, thanks to the lovely people who nominated us.

Im all edge

2010-02-21T23:40:00.003Z

I think I'm taking this whole lux grunge thing a bit too far but with the spring summer collections taking over the shops I've very little time left before I'll be expected to wear nudes and florals SO I'm making the best of grey and black and studs while it's still acceptable and before I look like an annoying angsty teenager. Saying that, if I did have a couple hundred quid to splash out on a pair of shoes I'd most certainly be buying these, sure they're mens shoes I dont think I care.
Lil

These New Puritans

2010-02-12T14:54:00.002Z

I spend a lot of time going to see bands and really its not their outfits that I'm paying attention to but it is nice when a band are very good as well as being very stylish. Not the Marine and the Diamonds'over the top I'm trying too hard stylish' but just naturally immensely cool. These New Puritans are just that sort of band. After seeing them play Electric Picnic a couple of years ago I was well impressed. Can you imagine wearing that chain top thing at a festival?Well done sir
Of course other people have noticed their brilliance, Hedi Slimane to be exact. They've written music for his Dior Homme shows. Watch this video its really very good.

Lil

Christmas Presents

2010-02-09T15:18:00.006Z

Sonja Rykiel for H&M body.

Chanel Vendetta nail varnish.

Smythson Panama diary.

Lauduree Macaroons. Yummers.

-Catherine

Circus Master

2010-02-09T14:40:00.010Z

So this is what i got when i went down to the Circus closing down sale last week. Sad time for them, great bargains for me. Green silk draped back Marjan Pejoski dress for €50 and i got this sweet little wooden doll pendent for €25.

I would have put up a picture of me in this dress but it's very cold at home today so i'm keeping my dressing gown on.

-Catherine

New Discoveries

2010-02-09T13:03:00.011Z

Now it's not exactly new anymore because I came across it before Christmas but I haven't gotten around to writing about it. It being Kling, a newish shop in the 'Italian Quarter' at lower Ormond Quay. When i popped my head in I got talking to Barry who runs the shop. The whole idea is that they don't do a very big range of sizes, most of the stuff is a free size, so that keeps the prices down. And it is very well priced, really cute little dresses for less that €50 and gorgeous little scarves for a fiver. You can shop online here, but it's a really lovely shop so i suggest you drop by and say hello.

-Catherine

Pretty Pictures

2010-02-09T12:41:00.007Z

Facebook is great sometimes, like earlier when it suggested I become a fan of the Ballerina Project. Facebook seems to know me pretty well because I absolutely love this! It's a collaborative work of dance, fashion and photography. They have a book that you can buy here and you can also buy the prints here.

-Catherine

Pre-sleep post

2010-01-27T22:53:00.006Z

Just two quick things before i go off to bed. Firstly, we were very disappointed to hear today that Circus in Powerscourt Shopping Centre is closing down. It's an awful pity because they're lovely people (they very kindly let us borrow a few pieces for our college fashion shoot last year) and it was a great shop. They'll be having a closing down sale from February 1st till 7th. I got a fabulous pair of Life with Bird wedges there a few months ago so I will definitely be heading down on Monday.

And secondly, i'm considering putting my name down on the waiting list for the Chanel temporary tattoos. Only thing is, if they weren't Chanel and there wasn't a waiting list i'm pretty sure i wouldn't be that interested. But they do look pretty...

-Catherine

Good combinations

2010-01-19T13:03:00.002Z

Tom Ford co-writing and directing a film also starring Colin Firth. Swoon. I am counting down the days till February 12th.

-Catherine

Better late than never

2010-01-19T13:01:00.002Z

It's taken a while for us to get back up and running this year but bear with us.

Happy New Year everyone.

-Catherine

Some girls love Gucci

2009-12-29T20:52:00.004Z

I don't normally like it, but some of the jewellery really surprised me.

Pink sapphires, yes please.

This is a terrible picture, the necklace is much nicer in real life, i am quite attached to it in work, if only i didn't have to leave it behind me when i go. And it's a lovely warm yellow as well.

We had this ring in amethyst too and it's even nicer than this yellow quartz. Lovely.

They also used to do a collection of coloured stones as little insects - there is a picture here from a piece on sale on ebay, that was amazing but as far as i know it's been discontinued. What a pity.

-Catherine

Amazing Undies

2009-12-07T20:22:00.006Z

On Saturday, the not-very-widely-publicised Sonia Rykiel for H&M underwear went on sale. And I went a bit mad. I had only had a brief look on the website beforehand and thought the stuff was ok but when i actually went in, the fabric and quality were really impressive. This is what I got.

The body goes fabulously well with my bargain find of the year (thanks to Lillian) Lanvin pants from Oxfam on George's St that I got for only €40. Wow.

-Catherine

Homemade Treats

2009-11-17T11:58:00.003Z

A very good friend of mine is working on a project that I am very excited about. It's a food and home magazine called Homemade by Clodagh that will be published by celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna. The first edition will be out December 9th. From the looks of this picture I am going to absolutely adore reading this on my mornings off with a nice cup of tea.

-Catherine

A Passion for FASHION

2009-11-12T22:40:00.012Z

The December issue of Stellar is out today and guess who's in it? Me! And lots of other lovely fashion bloggers too.

Please excuse the pictures, my camera isn't the best.

-Catherine

Calendar Planning

2009-11-10T19:20:00.008Z

For those of you who have been spending a little too much time at home in front of the telly or in work, I have a nice little list of things you could be doing that are way more fun.

1 First off is the exhibition of CHANEL fine jewellery in Brown Thomas that is running from tomorrow until the 15th. As I have a bit of a weakness for jewellery and all things Chanel I will be there first thing.

2 When you're done browsing in Brown Thomas, you can head to the new Re-dress event, Re-connect in the Stag's Head from 7-9pm to learn a little bit about ecological fashion. Kellie Dalton will be giving a talk 'Fashion Evolution - A Revolution of Consciousness' which is guaranteed to be both stylish and interesting.

3 Last night I was at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Screen cinema. To celebrate their anniversary, and their switch over to digital, they are screening classic musicals that you wouldn't otherwise get the chance to see on the big screen. Last nights showing was Singin' in the Rain but future screenings include The Wizard of Oz, An American in Paris and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

4 And lastly, another Re-dress event that I am really looking forward to is the French Frillies Workshop on November 24th from 7-9pm in Pygmalion. Tickets for the event are €20 but this includes cocktails and all materials needed for your fabulous new knickers. For those of you who can't come along but are lusting after some pretty new smalls, Lady Jane's Lingerie from Etsy are homemade but without the hassle of doing it all yourself.

-Catherine

Could it be true?Is Dublin Cool now?

2009-11-03T19:18:00.005Z

I was hoping that the recession would up our cool levels. I mean there are bloody loads of graduates that can't get jobs doing boring things that suck all the fun out of them, instead everyone's on the dole and so have plenty of time to think of deadly things to do with all that free time. Turns out I wasn't completely wrong and of late Dublin has been convincing me that it's not such an awful place to live. First up was the opening of the Exchange, officially open for just over a week it's already put on plenty of excellent events. We headed down to watch a great documentary We Fun about the Atlanta music scene and I was back again a few days later to catch No Age play a very loud Sunday afternoon set.
If it wasn't for the exchange I'd think Dublin wasn't really getting deadlier just that we're very good at celebrating Halloween. My local park had a haunted walk through the forest followed by a firework display

Then we headed to town for the latest Young Hearts Run Free event. An odd basement in Clarendon street was perfect lots of odd tunnels to even odder rooms, bands, couches, a film room and djs oh wait and it was all for charity even better.

Picture Perfect

2009-11-02T17:34:00.007Z

Last Saturday I took part in a very exciting shoot for Stellar magazine on fashion bloggers. Fashion editor Corina Gaffney organised it all and the pictures were shot by Lili Forberg.

It was a very nice way to spend a Saturday morning and we got to meet lots of other lovely fashion bloggers; Jessica from Get Your Frocks, Arsheen from Fashion Filosofy, Zohra from Ophelia Ford, Blanaid and Laura from The Style Bitches, Laura from Whisty and Leonn from Cosmo Sparkle.

The feature will appear in the December issue of the magazine so you should definitely go out and buy a copy.

-Catherine

Happy Our Birthday

2009-10-20T17:37:00.004+01:00

When Lillian and I were at the Blogger's Brunch in BT2 on Saturday and we were chatting to some new blogger's we realised that it was Offshoots 1st Birthday. To think it almost passed us by. So well done us and thanks to you lovely people for reading.

-Lillian and Catherine

(picture from icanhascheezburger, nothing to do with fashion whatsoever, but very very cute)

New buys and NY finds

2009-10-20T16:57:00.009+01:00

NY Finds:

1) Skirt AA and cardi UO.
2) Dress AA, shoes Buffalo Exchange, East Village.
3) Jacket UO.
I especially love the studs on the pockets.
4) Dress Beacon's Closet, Brooklyn and belt (worn as necklace) Amacord.
New Buys:

1) Old Navy trench Wa Wa Dundrum.
I got this trench for only €20, bargain! And it has lovely baby blue lining.
2) Dunnes tights Wa Wa Dundrum.
I think these are great. Original packaging and everything, but you miss the lycra.
3) Jacket A/Wear.
I got a great black blazer with structured shoulders in A/Wear the other week but it's in work at the moment so i will have to get back to you with some pictures.

-Catherine

So so cold

2009-10-14T22:08:00.002+01:00

The worst thing about being back in Dublin is how bloody cold I am all the time. Even at home with the heating on I still end up wearing a jumper and under a blanket before I feel warm. Thats why this scarf I bought in Darjeeling is quite possibly the best buy ever. For only 2 quid, is it a blanket is it a scarf? It's both. We've already had the jegging and a bunch of other stupid combinations but I have a feeling this one is a winner.
While away in India I also discovered a brilliant knew way of wearing scarves. I actually so a guy in a bar in Antwerp wearing a scarf like this but thought it would be way to nerdy to ask him how he did it. So I give you an instructional pictorial.
First double the scarf over.

After sticking it round your neck put one of the loose ends through the loop like so.

Now get the other bit of the scarf and bring it through the bottom part of the loop.
If I was better with computers I could have made a gif for you but I'm not so I'm afraid this is all you get. Writing instructions is more difficult than I thought.

Thanks Nannny

2009-10-14T21:52:00.003+01:00

Like all good old people my nanny lives in a bungalow which means her attic is huge but frankly I've always been too lazy and far too scared to go up there. Which was silly of me because it always seemed like all her best old clothes were up there. I only found that out when someone less lazy than me went up to investigate. I was well happy when I popped in for tea one afternoon to find a pile of clothes with my name on it. Of course it was all the crazy clothes my relatives knew I would like I'll post more of my great finds soon but first for my new favourite bag. A mixture of holiday/old lady tac I've been running around with this bag for the last few weeks as proud as punch that it was my nanny's bag she got when she was off on a pilgrimage to the holy land. The bubble burst when my lovely friend Saoirse asked me if I got it in Urban Outfitters ' No Nanny brought this back from the Holy Land'. If UO have stolen this design I'm very displeased. Can any one else cooberate Saoirse's story about UO selling these? cos if not I'm going to assume shes saying this to annoy me.

Run Forest Run

2009-10-09T20:26:00.003+01:00

Runners are a bit of a sore point for me. I very rarely want to spend any money on such terrible foot wear but I feel like I should keep a pair around just in case I decide to go for a run or way more likely that I'm off to the country and don't want to wreck any of my nice shoes. I threw out my last pair of runners because I didn't want them taking up all that space in my bag on the way home from India, that and the sole had properly fallen right off (I don't expect much better from four quid penney's runners). So I'm thinking I might have to buy a new pair just to have in case I decide maybe to do some exercise. Thankfully the brillers band No Age have designed new runners for Emerica. Now I know they're fairly plain and grey but to be honest thats exactly what I want from a pair of runners something really non offensive (this excludes the crazy Marty McFly runners I bought a few years back they were great), also theres the cool points involved in owning No Age runners. They're also playing both Whelans and the Exchange on the 24th of October although these probably won't be on the merch stand.

Fashion Palpitations

2009-10-06T22:35:00.015+01:00

We're not really into posting pictures from the shows on here mostly because you can get better information and more importantly, pictures, elsewhere. But there are times when I am so overtaken by a show that i cannot resist. And, i think the Victor & Rolf ss 10 show at Paris Fashion Week is maybe the best collection i have ever seen. The cut-out dresses, the colour palette, the baggy trousers and the perfect little jackets. I just LOVE it all.

All pictures from style.com

-Catherine

Hello

2009-10-02T13:04:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone, I've finally returned from India and I picked up some great news during my first night out since I got home. Word on the street is that the sartorialist will be in Dublin next weekend most definitely for a book signing and possibly taking some photees. As I said this news was picked up while chatting to his assistant in the smoking garden of a club so I don't know all the details for sure but I'll most certainly get back to you if I find anything else out. In the meantime start planning your outfits so you can appear effortlessly stylish and chic in case you run in to him over the weekend.
I apologise that my first post back was so short and very very vague.

Autumn Colours

2009-09-28T18:34:00.005+01:00

I bought a whole pile of great fabric back in July but haven't had the chance to do anything with it till today when I made a lovely new scood out of the Missoni fabric. Tah dah. I think it is a particularly good mix of colours for this lovely autumn weather we are having.

-Catherine

Friends in High Places

2009-09-26T20:43:00.007+01:00

A very good friend of the blog and my favourite fashion person, Alan Taylor, has been photographed by Hedi Slimane. That's right, Hedi Slimane of Dior Homme fame-fashion swoon. Not only is Alan a good friend but he was also the model that I used back for our college shoot in November last year, which you can see here.

Photos by Hedi Slimane from hedislimane.com.

-Catherine

Love

2009-09-26T16:55:00.008+01:00

This House of Fraser pearl cuff, very Chanel-esque. This one is Mimco and it's £60 but there's another version mentioned in The Irish Times Essence magazine this week that's only €14. Bargain.

-Catherine

Making Do

2009-09-14T19:44:00.004+01:00

Remember this:

Well, as it's not out till October, I picked up a very similar colour in Urban Outfitter's when i was in New York for only €5. Lovely.

-Catherine

All About Avedon

2009-09-14T18:56:00.005+01:00

Trying to get away from the wind and rain on Saturday, we popped into the International Center of Photography. To my absolute delight there was a Richard Avedon exhibition on, showing just some of his fashion photography for Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and The New Yorker from 1944-2000.

If you are in New York this month, the exhibition runs until September 20th. There is also a book that has been produced especially for the exhibition that is available from the ICP website and from Amazon. I just purchased mine and am eagerly awaiting its arrival.

-Catherine

SartoriaLUST

2009-09-14T18:26:00.008+01:00

A very exciting addition to my bookshelf, Scott Schuman's new book which is 500 pages of his fabulous street photography. He also includes a few little snippets of information about some of his favourite subjects (and mine, there is a whole section on Carine!). I think it's a wonderful idea to make something like this into a book. I have folders on my laptop filled with just some of my favourite Sartorialist pictures but sitting down at a computer cannot compare to grabbing a cup of coffee and perusing the pages of this great little book. I got mine at the International Center of Photography but you can get this edition and the Bespoke Edition on Amazon.

-Catherine

Post - NYC Breakfast

2009-09-14T17:45:00.004+01:00

So after getting back from New York yesterday and enjoying an amazing 14 hours sleep last night, this afternoon I got up to enjoy coffee from my new mug and have a good read of the September Issue. Although I am often disappointed by Vogue I can't seem to stop myself from buying it. The release of the film earlier this month has made it so much more intriguing, and as it was Fashion Week it seemed a necessary purchase.

I have plenty more NY stuff to come but I am quite disorganised today so just bear with me.

-Catherine

"Oh my God Anna is like Madonna"

2009-08-26T16:04:00.006+01:00

So, on Monday evening Neil took me to see The September Issue in the IFI and as I expected it was AMAZING. It's interesting and funny and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

It will be running at the IFI Eustace Street from September 11th - 24th.

-Catherine

Lunch Break Fashion

2009-08-21T17:59:00.004+01:00

As much as being employed in not something to complain about, I do miss the days when I could spend all day brunching with the Fashion Blogger lot. But now I have to run from work to pack in as much in the hour as I possibly can. So last Sunday I popped into Harvey Nichols on my lunch break to celebrate the 1st Birthday of the Fashion Blogger's Brunch. I must admit champagne bellini's and amouse bouches are a perfect mid-work treat. Yummers.

From left to right: Eat Yourself Beautiful Collagen Marshmallow's, Nars Sheer Glow and Sheer Matt foundation, Benefit Thrrrob Blusher, Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, James Brown Heat Protect Spray and Liz Earle Sun Kit.

Congratulations to Annmarie on the 1 Year Anniversary and thanks to Harvey Nichols for having us.

-Catherine

Things to do

2009-08-18T21:30:00.005+01:00

If I wasn't working all week I would be at fun fashion stuff.

Like this:

Love love love love love Lisa Shawgi's knitwear. There are lots of other great Irish designers involved as well so have a look on the website and drop into the pop-up shop at 4 Pudding Row, Cow's Lane.

And this:

The launch of Laura Whitmore's capsule sollection for A/Wear at the Royal Hibernian Academy tomorrow evening. It's not my style (this little jumpsuit is great though) but it's nice to see A/Wear branching out a bit.

-Catherine

Old friends, New hobbies

2009-08-14T17:41:00.005+01:00

My oldest friend came to me last week with a request to have some sewing done. Nothing unusual there. That was until she told me that she needed it for a competition she was entering-Ireland's Next Top Burlesque Star. She is a very brave woman, and her bravery paid off when she scooped third place for her solo act at the Morrison Hotel last Saturday. Congratulations Binne.

-Catherine

The most important 'how to' guide you'll ever read

2009-08-14T13:39:00.008+01:00

Refinery 29's guide to getting shot by The Sartorialist. If you want to be one of the chosen one's you can have a look at it over here.

-Catherine

New Favourites

2009-08-13T15:25:00.006+01:00

Lately I am all about new favourites-new favourite people, music, pubs and as of yesterday my new favourite jeweller. I was down in Kilkenny visiting a friend and popped into the Castlecomer Craft Centre just outside the city. It's a really nice little place where the workshops are combined with a small front of house shop where you can have a browse but chat away to the different jewellers while they are making their pieces.

There was one in particular that really stood out. I have a weakness for pearls, i find them endlessly fascinating and pretty so when i saw that Carl Parker specialises in tahitian (black) pearls i got very excited indeed. He has one a number of competitions, one of which being the Tahitian Pearl Trophy by Perles de Tahiti in 2006 and 2008. His style is quite modern while also maintaining a classical edge, so it's just modern enough. Many of the pieces are also very affordable as he uses 9ct gold to keep the price down.

-Catherine

Keeping up Appearances

2009-08-13T13:35:00.004+01:00

For those of you who read the Irish Times you might have seen some of us blogger's in last Saturday's magazine. Very exciting stuff altogether. It was an article about networking online and as Annmarie from iblogfashion had been interviewed for the piece they came along to our monthly Fashion Blogger's Brunch in Marks & Spencer last month (which was yummers) and took some pictures. You can read the article here if you so wish.

-Catherine

This Model Life

2009-08-13T13:06:00.011+01:00

A very good friend of mine (the lovely Anna seen messing in some of these pictures) is currently working on a graphic design zine called Puking Rainbows that you can all look forward to reading in September. As well as some interesting graphic design articles they are also including a bit of fashion and as a favour, i agreed to be one of the models for the shoot. The concept is really deadly but i don't want to give away too much here so you'll have to wait until it comes out to find out more. Here are just a few of my favourite shots.

Photography by Jaime Saunders.

-Catherine

Fabric Fun

2009-07-31T15:48:00.005+01:00

Late yesterday evening I got a text message from my (very thoughtful) Mom telling me to go straight to Murphy Sheehy in the morning and have a look at the new designer fabric they were getting in. And I must say I was very impressed. Prada, Armani, Missoni and Roberto Cavalli fabrics for as little as €15 per metre.

Missoni coat fabric.

Armani.

Left: Missoni €22 per metre and Right: Prada €15 per metre.

These are the two I went for in the end. I have no idea what I am going to do with them yet but I couldn't just leave them there so I'm sure ill think of something.

-Catherine

Dress Disaster

2009-07-31T12:13:00.001+01:00

Last week I went to the Dubliner of the Year party in the Merrion, but for some reason i had a bout of outfit anxiety. I don't think i have ever been so worried about what i was going to wear to an event, i found it easier to decide what to wear to my debs than i have for this occasion. And, it is not for lack of planning. The previous week i headed into town and bought some lovely silk in Murphy Sheehy to make a dress that was going very well until two days before when i had to admit defeat and start looking for something else to wear. Although the dress i was making looked lovely on my dress makers mannequin, it somehow managed to look absolutely crap on me.

So I ended up doing a mad dash around town on the day trying to find something and in the end i picked up this lovely pink dress in Zara for only €14.99. I haven't worn pink in years but I think I am coming around to it again. I wore my studded belt that I had from when I was younger and wore baggy jeans just to take away from the prettiness of the pink a bit and my white shoes are from Bershka ages ago.

Me looking a little bit uncomfortable, photo by Leon Farrell, more of those here.

-Catherine

Finally...

2009-07-29T18:14:00.006+01:00

American Apparel's first store in Dublin will open it's doors at 10am tomorrow morning. It is the world's biggest AA and will stock all the usual as well as some of their California select vintage. After my first trip to Ikea earlier today i am really looking forward to popping in tomorrow and topping off my exciting retail week (i got a lovely new chair in Ikea for only 20 notes-home decoration swoon). I am particularly excited about trying on all the new micro-mesh stuff.

I also cannot help but be very curious about who will be working there, and if they can get me a discount.

-Catherine

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2009-07-24T21:16:00.000+01:00

Things have been a bit slow on the blog front for the last while i have been coming to terms with going solo. Lillian has packed up and headed off to India for the Summer and has left me to look after things all by myself. I have been in the process of organising a bit of a re-design for the blog which with a bit of luck i will be able to unveil at the beginning of August. Exciting stuff.

-Catherine

Bright Lights, Big City

2009-07-24T18:18:00.006+01:00

Photo of H&H Bagels from the New York Times.

I am off to New York for a few days in September and as it's my first time i welcome any suggestions on places to shop, eat (i am so excited about the food, loads of bagels and pancakes-yum yum) and hang out. I'm not too bothered about the usual stuff like the Empire State Building, but if any you guys have any suggestions for things to do that are a little bit different, it would be much appreciated.

-Catherine

Life before fashion

2009-07-16T19:02:00.010+01:00

Top, Gabrielle in 1909 and bottom, in 1935.

I was lucky enough to get a chance to go and see Coco avant Chanel on Tuesday morning (thanks Neil) before it is released here on July 31st. I really was ridiculously excited about this film and i think that's the reason why i was a little bit disappointed by it. In saying that, it is a great biopic and Audrey Tautou really is wonderful as Coco. I was so intrigued by Chanel's life that i headed off to the library yesterday and picked up The World of Coco Chanel by Edmonde-Charles Roux.

In other exciting Chanel news, this new colour will be launched in October.

-Catherine

Public Image

2009-07-09T21:48:00.001+01:00

When i think of Clarks, i think of those great little devices they used to use to measure my feet whenever i needed a new pair of patent Mary Janes when i was little. But unfortunately i haven't owned a pair of those Mary Janes since my mom stopped buying all my clothes. Clarks was just one of those shops that seemed a bit old-fashioned and boring. That was until there image revamp in 2001. Nice (comfortable) shoes and a good advertising campaign have allowed the company to maintain there position, along with Reebok and Nike, as one of the biggest shoe brands in the world.

As i have recently started back in a job that requires me to stand for long periods of time, i needed a pair of shoes that were comfortable and pretty. And hey presto, for only €27.50 (reduced from €70) my lovely new Clarks Mary Janes. They really are the most comfortable shoes i have ever owned.

-Catherine

Bags of deliciousness

2009-07-09T21:16:00.000+01:00

I received the Ben & Jerry's canvas bag in the post last week from the lovely Matt (thank you) and thought i would pop it up here for you all to see. The gorgeous Sarah McCall designed my particular bag but illustrator Chris Judge and photographer Richard Gilligan are also involved. The bags were designed for the launch of Ben and Jerry's new fair trade Chocolate Macadamia-yummers. They are available at BT2, Urban Outfitters and Circus store and gallery. You can also have a gander over on their facebook page here.

-Catherine

Fashion games

2009-07-09T20:25:00.000+01:00

Every once in a while eBay send me an email with a lovely list of new items from my favourite sellers. And every time the email arrives i am amazed by the pieces offered by Playground Vintage. It is clear this girl has a very keen eye, as well as sewing ability because many of the items are great 80's prom dresses that have been adjusted to a more modern length. It's a little more pricey than what most people are used to on ebay, these dresses are at €23 and €29 respectively, but for what you're getting i think it's probably worth it.

-Catherine

Beauty Bargains? Yes please.

2009-07-09T18:17:00.004+01:00

I was out in Liffey Valley the other day getting lenses for my lovely glasses and came across a great new shop that had just opened called Inglot. Apparently it is part of a cosmetics chain that has branches in Canada and Australia and has recently started to expand their business. I was so impressed by the range of colours, it's like being in MAC but actually being able to afford to buy more than just one eye shadow. I would highly recommend making the trip out to Liffey Valley just for this.

-Catherine

OMG

2009-07-09T14:37:00.002+01:00

So super excited about this:

-Catherine

New Hair, Old Style

2009-07-02T21:53:00.008+01:00

When it comes to women i admire, i was never quite able to separate great women from their great hairstyles, and that's why Mary Quant and Isabella Blow have always been style idols of mine. These are two women whose hairstyles i have been replicating for years, from Sassoon's cocoon style to a more classic bob.

Apparently Quant's cut was so precise that it took a simple shake of her head after a shower for the hair to fall into place.

Mary Quant and Vidal Sassoon

And the late Isabella Blow

Then there's me, and my first precision haircut. Photo taken by Dan Dennison way back in 2007.

And then the very poor quality webcam shot of today's new haircut.

The lovely Marina at Styleclub on South William Street cuts my hair and she is amazing.

-Catherine

Starck

2009-06-21T16:33:00.003+01:00

I thought once I was done with college I'd have plenty of time for making clothes and telling you lovely people all about it. Clearly I was wrong, all my time of late has been spent trying to squeeze in all the time I can get with my friends before I head off for the summer, who knows when I'll see them again. Soon enough Catherine and me are going to have to say goodbye and probably won't be seeing each other again till Christmas (that may not seem like a lot of time to some people but we generally don't go more than a few days without seeing each other so it's going to be a bit of a shock).So recently we planned a brilliant day of reading the papers over a few pints in our new favourite pub,followed by cinema scoops ( I don't know how anyone has managed to watch angels and demons without being drunk. So anyway the Guardian kindly informed me that design legend Philippe Starck would soon be designing a range of clothes with the Scottish brand Ballantyne. He has designed clothes before, not too long ago with Adidas however this range will be a little different, this is not fashion, no ,no this is a range of responsible clothes that will outlast the fads of fashion. If there's one thing I love it's pretension something Mr Starck is not lacking. It seems it may take us a few years to understand his designs but eventually intelligent people will understand. I've only been able to find this picture, its quite difficult to comment on really, it looks like a hood thats just a little too pointy to me but Philippe Starck probably knows what he's talking about, he's not been wrong yet.

Making a spectacle of yourself

2009-06-12T16:10:00.001+01:00

Gok Wan - specs wearer extraordinaire

Now I know we've done a good few posts about specs recently but sure whats another one. And this one is important. Entries for the Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition close on June 30th so if you want to be in with a chance get your entries in here asap.

As style guru Gok Wan is one of the judges of this year's competition, I have a little request for all of our reader's. If you could ask Gok just one question what would it be? Drop us an email at meandmykorg@hotmail.com before June 30th and we might just get to ask Gok that question for you at the international final in October.

-Catherine

Sunshine sunshine, where did you go?

2009-06-11T17:23:00.005+01:00

Bit late on this one. No excuse except for sheer laziness. As you know us bloggers like to brunch and our last one was particularly good fun. It was the day after i finished college FOREVER and so i was in a very good mood. We trekked out to Milano's in Dun Laoighre for some delicious pizza and treats courtesy of Benefit. Cannot recommend enough the lemon aid which works a treat for covering up any blemishes or disguising nasty hangover eyes.

As usual thanks to Annmarie for such a lovely afternoon but also thanks to Ailbhe from Blue Birds are so Natura l for the very thoughtful presents she gave us.

Scarf i made from the material.

50's skirt courtesy of Ailbhe, yellow tights from George's Street Arcade and shoes from Guerrisol Paris.

-Catherine

The Graduate

2009-06-09T12:35:00.007+01:00

I've finally finished my exams, which menas I can now resume my regular life and no longer feel guilty if I'm more than five feet away from an economics book. I haven't even read the financial times in days. My last exam was on Wednesday, that freed my right up to enjoy the graduate exhibitions in IADT and NCAD. The buzz over in Dun Laoghaire was great, bbq, live band, booze and great design, a very good combo indeed. However a not so good combination of a trip to the dentist on Thursday morning followed by too much booze, a trip to the doctor for travel injections the next day and an evening in work left me feeling very queasy on Friday night. Probably best that I missed the opening of the NCAD exhibit, this way I had more time to mess with the clothes. There were three designers in particular that caught my eye, Demelza Buckley's pieces were perhaps my favouritist, the fabric was amazing, the pieces were wonderfully soft yet structured and there were lots of ruffles, they make me very happy.

I hope I picked up the right card and I'm right in saying that the next few pictures are of Joanne Power's work. Her jackets are fantastic, the tux jacket, oh how much do I want that jacket.I though it was inappropriate for me to try it on but I'm sure the fact that I probably couldn't move my arms because of the wonderful shoulder detail would be more than made up for by the slouchy pockets and generally great tailoring.

Clare Geraghty was right when she decided that Dubliners needed exciting rainwear for the many weeks of rain we endure throughout the year. I also really liked her necklaces that Sinead is wearing.

Eye Maxx

2009-05-30T13:21:00.005+01:00

After a good six months of searching for a new pair of glasses, on a shopping adventure to TK Maxx with my mam last Thursday I finally found them. I had no idea that TK Maxx sold frames and so it was a nice surprise when i spotted these Chloe frames amongst the sunglasses, but it was an even nicer surprise when I saw that they were marked down from €300 to just €70. BARGAIN.

-Catherine

Fashion Force

2009-05-26T15:48:00.003+01:00

I often see pictures of this very fierce group of people parading around Paris during fashion week and always wondered who they were. According to Jak & Jil, they are the team behind the online magazine MYKROMAG. Interesting content and great design. Well worth a look.

-Catherine

James Franco for Gucci

2009-05-26T14:46:00.005+01:00

I had high hopes for the new Gucci by Gucci campaign starring the gorgeous James Franco with Roisin Murphy covering Bryan Ferry's "Slave to Love". However, Franco just doesn't look as good as usual and the music just does not do it for me. Disappointing.

Gucci by Gucci pour Homme 2008

-Catherine

Eye Spy

2009-05-26T13:36:00.004+01:00

Our good friend Philip over at Fieldwork brought some very fabulous sunglasses to our attention recently. Oliver Peoples, the L.A. eye wear brand, has recruited the lovely Zooey Deschanel for their 2009 ad campaign. She might have been utterly useless in The Happening, but she does make a very good fashion icon.

Below is the ridiculously stylish ad directed by Autumn de Wilde and also starring the very handsome Matt Costa.

The collection is available online here. Id like to say they make a nice change from Ray Ban wayfarers but it just so happens that they look the exact same, hmm. Very nice selection of colours though it has to be said. But, for 250 quid im not entirely sure they're worth it.

- Catherine

This is not a post about fashion

2009-05-14T15:02:00.002+01:00

But i do think it will interest a lot of you anyway. lecool Dublin launches today and is guaranteed to make your social life better. Dublin is deadly.

“She’d be driving a 4×4 through streets jammed and narrow, crying croissants and muffins alive, alive o!”

Illustration by Keith Walsh

- Catherine

No 5 on film

2009-05-12T12:53:00.004+01:00

The new Chanel No 5 film, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring the lovely Audrey Taotou, can be watched here. It is not as amazing as i expected but i think the very attractive love interest makes up for it a little bit.

Cannot wait for Coco Avant Chanel to be released here. I havn't been this excited about a film in ages.

- Catherine

Shop Girl

2009-05-07T14:05:00.008+01:00

When im not busy being a student I am a girl who works in a shop. And a very nice shop at that. But the problem with working in a very nice shop, is lusting after a very large pile of wonderful clothes that I cannot afford. My favourite label at the moment has to be Rodebjer. Although Carin Rodebjer is Swedish she began designing in her apartment in New York and started being stocked in shops throughout the city after being spotted on the street wearing one of her pieces. This season's collection is very Parisian chic, which as you all i know, i absolutely love anything even mildly Parisian. Keeping on the Parisian theme, the lookbook was shot by the wonderful Yvan Rodic of Facehunter. Love love love.

Rodebjer Spring/Summer 2009 available at Indigo & Cloth, Basement 27, South William Street, Dublin 2.

- Catherine

A Gap in the market

2009-05-07T13:17:00.005+01:00

I don't know about you but I've been noticing an awful lot of Gap posters about the place lately, there are far too many smiling children staring at me from bus stops around the city. It seems they're all very happy about the new Gap store opening in Dundrum. I can't lie, I love Gap a little bit, I found the perfect pair of capri pants their not too long ago and if I ever need a basic classic then I head off to Arnott's. I'm off to India for the summer this year and the problem I always have when I'm travelling is that I really don't have anything thats appropriate. I spent last summer climbing in and out of trains in Russia wearing dresses or jeans that are far too hot. I knew this year I'd have to be sensible but look like crap. Until Catherine told me that I shouldn't give in so easy, she told me to try the whole foreign correspondent look. Which to me means an oxford blue shirt and some khakis. Where else would a girl go for khakis but the Gap of course. Thankfully the new collaboration with Alexander Wang out on 16th of July will most certainly do the job.

Master and Commander

2009-05-01T22:53:00.004+01:00

It's officially the first day of summer, yay and we're having the first bbq of the season tomorrow. Along with the paddling pool, mojito's, pimm's and lemonade and of course the lovely food we'll need to be sorting out our eyewear. Not too long ago xpose (should I admit I watch it sometimes or is that uncool?) did a great segmnent on sunglasses for the upcoming season and ever since I've been trying to find an affordable version of the clubmaster by Rayban. I'm afraid Rayban are generally too expensive for me (I'm only a poor student) and I only have my Wayfarers because they were a pressie. I didn't have to look too long before I found a cheap version anyway. These guys from bleudame.com are on their way to my for a tenner, noice.

If you wanna be cool like this guy and wear the coloured glasses rather than the tortoise shell head over to lazyoaf.co.uk. they've got a good selection of colours

All Over American Apparel

2009-05-01T22:22:00.003+01:00

I know it's so over done, and what with the shop opening soon it's going to be just like when Skins vomited all over Dublin. But, in saying that, i was having a bit of a browse on the website earlier and was very impressed with some of the new stock.

A hooded swimsuit. Genius idea, and would look great with high waisted pants.

Another perfect super tight mini-dress. It kind of reminds me of what an ice skater might wear. Ill be Torvill and you can be Dean.

Bodysuits, they look amazing, but whatever you do, don't go drinking in one.

Cat

Craft hour

2009-05-01T22:13:00.004+01:00

I've finally finished all my essays for the year and with exams still a few weeks away I have some time for arts and crafts. Thankfully some jewelry designers have been fairly accommodating and have designed some pieces I can try out myself.

Maria Lau a graduate from London's Royal College of Art, uses semi-precious stones braided in nude stockings. That's definitely something I can do (except for the semi precious stones bit, I'll probably just use fake plastic ones) and a genius way to use up all of my ripped tights that I can't wear anymore.

Obviously not everyone enjoys arts and crafts so you can buy the necklaces here if you like

I also very much like Sabrina Dehoff's unification pieces. Also of the Royal College of Art, after stints at Guy Laroche and Lanvin shes now teaching us how to come together through jewelry. Thats nice of her.

Again you can buy most of her collection here if you'd prefer.

Matchy matchy

2009-05-01T19:41:00.008+01:00

On a recent trip to Penneys I picked up a fantastic new umbrella (fiver, bargain!) that matches my hat box perfectly. Cue trips to the seaside in Sinead's 2CV looking very 1930's.

I got this hatbox in a shop in Stockholm for only €35. It's amazing and even has a little mirror in the inside.

Cat

Bienvenue à la mode

2009-04-28T22:42:00.003+01:00

This weekend I welcomed my first pair of "fashion" shoes into my wardrobe. On a post-Fashion Blogger's Brunch wander around town with Lillian and Cillian of Male Mode we popped into Circus where I found these wonderful wedges.

Now, on a normal day I would try these on and leave disappointed that I couldn't buy everything I want. But on this particular day, these particular shoes were only €50. Not that I really have €50 to be spending on shoes but seeing as they were originally €265 and the fact that they are actually very comfortable, I couldn't leave without them. Also, the Sunday Times Style magazine had an entire page dedicated to "Bold Wedges" the next day. Exciting.

They are by an Australian brand that I was previously unfamiliar with called Life with Bird. It is the work of photographer and fashion stylist Bridget Mc Call and fashion design graduate Nicholas Van Messner who have been working together since 2002.

Thanks again to Annmarie and Saba for a wonderful lunch on Saturday and to the people from Yes to Carrots for keeping our skin nice and soft.

Cat

Rewind

2009-04-26T21:00:00.004+01:00

I got a very thoughtful present from someone last week that I absolutely love. It is a re-issue of the 1941 sewing handbook Sew and Save. That's right, a sewing handbook. It was published after WW2 to help women make the best of what they had, which at that time, was very little. I have always been a very big fan of sewing, making and altering things, but this book goes that little bit further. It has tips on how to store your clothes during the winter as well how to adjust hats and even how to make your own underwear. If you're at all into sewing you should get yourself to a library and pick up this charming little book.

Cat

Going Short

2009-04-19T21:24:00.006+01:00

I am all for short. Short skirts, short dresses, shorts. I am also very short person. Lillian and I know that our legs are probably never going to look this good again so we do our best to avoid covering them up in overly long dresses or skirts. I have a very boring black dress that i bought for work but havn't worn since, the reason being it's down to my knee and just makes me thing that it would make a nice funeral dress. But really, id much rather get some wear out of it than keep it for funerals. So basically im just gonna get the scissors out and cut the bottom off it.

Before: Boring length, too long sleeves, boring work dress.

After: I might have cut it a bit too short but sure at least now ill wear it.

FLASH aaahhh saviour of the universe

2009-04-18T10:37:00.003+01:00

A few posts ago I told you about the talk Ze Frank was giving in the Science Gallery well the talk was last night and it was brilliant, hilarious, moving and informative.Ze and Jonah Peretti were talking about how to make something viral on the internet and have given us a challenge that will show off just how sucessfully they can get a message to a huge amount of people but we can't let them win, this is our city and I won't have it. So the challenge is to create a flashmob tonight at eight o'clock outside the Stags Head everone we invite should draw a circle on their hand and everyone they invite will have to draw something else (I don't know what it is and I might not tell you even if I did cos yous might be messers and just stick that on your hand to get on Zes good side). I'm not sure what we'll have to do once we've gathered the mob but I'm sure they'll come up with something fun and if nothing else theres a bunch of pubs around there we can go drinking. So please come out tonight or if you can't tell your friends stick it on your blog I'd be ashamed if two American guys could get more people to a pub then us dubliners.

Essential scents

2009-04-17T13:32:00.012+01:00

Yesterday morning myself and Lillian dragged ourselves out of bed at the ridiculously early time of 7:30 to make it to the Merrion Hotel for the launch of Benefit's new fragrance line, Crescent Row. After a little bit of driving confusion, i am never exactly sure where Merrion Square is, we arrived and were escorted to breakfast by a very handsome man in an orange dickie bow. If i ever become ridiculously rich i will employ this gentleman to escort me to breakfast every morning, but anyway back to the breakfast. Suffice to say it was delicious, mini pancakes, mini bagels, juice cocktails and fantastic goodie bags. The best part of the breakfast however was getting to meet Jean and Jane, co-founders of Benefit and two of the deadliest people i have met in a long time. If i could choose to adopt two new aunts, these women would definitely be my first choice.

I must say we were both very impressed by the new product. There are three perfumes in the range, each representing three different women, Lee Lee, Sofia and Gina. When you open up the box you get a look inside the homes of each of the three characters. Another great thing is the fact that you can mix and match the three as they have been designed to be worn one on top of the other.

Jean's daughters came up with the idea for the range after a trip to Bath. I love the whole concept because it reminds me of period dramas and i adore period dramas.

Crescent Row, Bath

I also love the bottles. They are the perfect size to carry around in your handbag, and they were inspired by their grandmothers flask-"It's 12 o'clock somewhere." Tres cool.

Laugh with me Lee Lee.

Something about Sofia.

My place or yours Gina.

They will be available from Benefit stockists from July and cost €43 each.

Cat