Dress Alert!

O.K. Swoontastic! Am uber-hearting this couture-inspired dress. Slip it on and I bet you could channel the spirit of Holly Golightly. The only problem is, after spying this beauty at a certain press day, I am loathe to spill the cool beans. It's too pretty to share with the world...and I want first dibs when it hits the racks in November. You can hazard a guess though. Any ideas?

Fashion First Lunch Later

A blog after my own heart - fashion and food. Sigh! Fashion First Lunch Later is the brainchild of New York blogger Rebecca Walsh who has crated the ultimate hybrid of the Big Apple's two favourite passions. Honey, ain't no good knowing where to eat, if you don't know what to wear! Haven't you seen the effort that just goes into a hangover brunch on Sex and the City? BTW-Karen Walker sunglasses are de rigeur for any post-party pancakes. So if you fancy a fiercer version of Time Out...with shoes check out the FFLL tip and tell them I Blog sent ya!

Concern Fashion Fundraiser

A fashion fundraiser in aid of Concern is taking place on Sunday, August 24th in the Stillorgan Park Hotel. S.A.L.E (Save A Life in Ethiopia). The event has been organised by Tara Corristine, who was born in Ethiopia 30 odd years ago when her parents, a doctor and nurse, were volunteering with Concern. Having worked in wholesale & retail for the past 7 years, Tara has used all her contacts, persuading leading boutiques and wholesalers to donate stock and samples to this excellent cause. Clothes, bags, shoes and accessories from the likes of Dolls, Costume, Tulle, Shabby Chic, Sofina, Indigo and Cloth will be sold at sample prices with leading international brands like Regine, Kate Cooper, Sonia Fortuna & Bandolera. Everyone who attends will receive their own goody bag with yummy treats from Clarins. Please do come along and show your support!

Counter Propaganda

It seems to be in the air. Today a man obsessed with UFO conspiracies was arrested for hacking into FBI files; tonight Mulder and Scully work the red carpet for the new X files movie and August 14th sees the launch of Irish streetwear label Counter Propoganda's colection 'Kill or Create'. Inspired by the first album of Irish hip-hop band The Infomatics, the line drops in BT2 where the band will be playing a live set in the Grafton Street window. Following a random meeting at a house party the band and designers have been pretty inseparable. When The Infomatics plat live showsWhen The Infomatics play live shows, they wear Counter Propaganda - when Counter Propaganda do an event or tradeshow, The Infomatics are the soundtrack. As Steo from the The Infomatics says ‘Hip hop has always had a political edge to it, from NWA to Public Enemy right through to the Dead Prez but Counter Propaganda were the first clothing brand we saw who were willing to get into that area. Their clothes are cool and the brand has a different kind of personality to anything else we’ve seen’. Well, don't believe the hype. Go see it for yourself @ BT2.

BT2, August 14th; 5-7pm

A Gorgeous Find!

Wow! It's only Tuesday and we've been getting loads of groovy news here at I Blog. The skinny latte is that we're "this week's gorgeous find" at My Beautiful Boutique. If the good karma keeps coming then Friday should shape up to be a good excuse for a glass of bubbly. As if we needed one! Thanks MBB!

Mini Me

I miss having dolls to dress up which is why I'm careful not to confuse said longing with a maternal instinct. Could be messy. Having said that, being an auntie or friend to a yummy mummy is the next best thing. You can play fashion fairy godmother to the ankle-biting masses with complete abandon. Case in point: I was at a christening/1st birthday party this weekend and scored style snaps with my fashion-forward present: this super cute fuchsia ra-ra skirt from Topshop. What's more I accessorised it with a pair of white 50's style sunglasses and wrapped it all up in a Fendi beach bag. As the trendy tot is off on her holliers anon, she'll look peachy on the beach. Am I good, or am I good? Loving my work!

Wild Child = Total Style Snaps

I must admit. I'm not a fully-fledged vintage queen. For as much as I love a quirky look, I simply am not able to carry it off. My six foot frame just doesn't mesh with sizes of yore with the result being rather deranged, as if I got dressed on crack. When I passed Wild Child in Temple Bar last week and saw this Prada-inspired delight, I had to have it. It is simply impeccable on and saw me through a raft of big ticket press days. The Italians from Fendi wanted to take a polaroid of it to show Miuccia herself and Ben de Lisi clocked it in a New York minute. I've been having a total 'fashion moment' from the minute I put it on. Sigh. It must be love!

Business Card Blues

Rookie mistake. I obliviously left the house without my business cards yesterday. Wouldn't have been so bad had I not been interviewing Ben de Lisi. The New York-born, London-domiciled designer was over in Dublin for the Swarovski lifestyle event and I managed to get a half hour face time with him. We talked fashion, plans for the future, Project Catwalk and New York. Winds up we're from the same area. Total bonding! After I shook his hand, I rummaged in my bag for a card, only to find my Louboutin-clad beauties were in Kimmage. Nice. If I were in 3rd grade, I would have made myself write out 'I will not let a fashion opportunity slip through my hands again' 100 times AND I would have sent a note home to my mother telling her that her daughter came to style school unprepared. Totally unacceptable behaviour Miss O'Connor!

Snap Happy

Ain't nothing like a good party. Fact. And when you're subject to multiple-deadline syndrome, a Cosmo or three on a Thursday night isn't exactly the equivalent of social assault and battery. It would appear however that the power of media can indeed make one look a bit 'Montag' (that's fashion speak for gratuitous camera whoring; See: The Hills). Karina Corbett, editor of Solo Magazine and I were having an innocent drink at Residence for The Dubliner 'Best Of' launch when we appeared in The Evening Herald, Social Dublin and a couple of other picture diaries. Now we're getting the 'ah lookit lads, what are ye at?' from our friends. I'd like to issue a public statement on our behalf - us hardworking editors deserve a cocktail once in a while. Roll on Friday!

Interview of the Week - Katie Rogers

The ever fabulous Katie Rogers, star of the comic strip 'The Trouble with Katie Rogers' and soon to be novel, talks shoes, style and undressing Matthew McConaughey in our interview of the week. Hop in the cab. Hope you're going Midtown!

Click here for more Katie fun!

Jimmy Choo AW 08

What an afternoon of shoe perving it has been. I think I need a nap. Maybe a cigarette. A cuddle? Jimmy Choo certainly knows how to press a girl's buttons. The AW08 collection is sensory heaven. Think Studio54-inspired ultra-luxe slouchy bags, sky high-thigh boots and strappy anaconda sandals. Hard and soft get it on with furlined patent biker boots and studded ballet flats figuring strongly. You won't know whether to dominate or be subdued. Word on the street is JC's got a fragrance in the pipeline for April 09. You know where you heard it first.
Right: My cute little JC press compact. Too cute. We like!

Connector and the Conman

All hail to the Connector - the latest Irish blog to have crossed over into the rarified world of television. Connector is the brainchild of Conor Lynch a.k.a. the Conman whose t-shirt line of Haughey flipping the bird bagged him 15 seconds airtime on The Panel. He's also done some cute web fashion promos you should be checking out. Keep your eyes peeled, this fella's got a lot up his sleeve!

Hermes AW 08

I braved the torrential 'showers' today to preview the Hermes AW08 collection at the Shelbourne. I'm not going to give too much away but what I can tell you is you'll be in knots. The coming season is all about scarves; a theme which Hermes has parlayed beautifully into belts, bags and jackets. Prints come in equestrian and Indian themes. Expect bright pinks and oranges or burnt autumnal hues. They even gave me a knotting 101! Need a makeshift bag? Two knots with a Hermes scarf and hey presto! Total recession chic. What's more, they even popped in some 'carter a nouer' (knotting cards) to demonstrate how to shift from cravat to a turban to an asymmetric tank top in jig time. I never did like poker. This is much more fun!

Interview of the Week - Alex La Marsh

This week makeup artist and J'Adore beauty editor Alex La Marsh shares her style secrets with I Blog Fashion. We lovey this girl. Not only is she a fierce 6" 2' but she's got super duper fashion creds that make I Blog blush. Read it and worship folks!

1. What's your definition of style?
I think style is relative to the person & their social circle. Style to me is not what you wear but how you wear it. You can see the hottest girl in the hottest outfit straight from the runway but, if she looks uncomfortable or uneasy wearing it the effect is ruined. Every day living in Los Angeles I see people with style, rockin their outfits, looking fierce in clothes I would never even think of wearing. They have their own style that goes with their personality & that's whats hot. Doing things your way, knowing whats right for your body & being comfortable with it, that's style.

2. Who would you kill to (un)dress?

My husband. He is the sexiest man I know hands down & he has the best sense of style.

3. What fashion faux pas is most unforgiving. Be ruthless?

I HATE Juicy Couture velour tracksuits. F'ing hate them. Hate. Hate. Hate. I have no idea if they are a faux pas or not but I think they are the tackiest, ugliest things ever & women all over L.A. wear them.

4. What is your fashion weakness?

Shoes. I love shoes. Let me count the ways...

5.How many models does it take to change a lightbulb?

Depends on the model. The real question is how many photographers does it take?

Image credit: Ville Kansanen www.vikaphoto.com

Click on any of the links below to check our the work of the lovely Lady La Marsh:
http://www.alexlamarsh.com
http://www.jadoremag.com
http://www.allmakeupartists.com
http://www.myspace.com/alexlamarsh

My Beautiful Boutique

There's nothing I like better then pouring over fashion mags and shortlisting bijoux boutiques. The only problem is, by the time I've set aside a Saturday to go on a fashion hunt, I've invariably misplaced my scrap of paper. Cue: yeti-like scream for an digital fashion directory. Alas, it seems that providence has heard my style-starved cries (along with most of Dublin 12) as Mybeautifulboutique has arrived. If you're looking for a directory of boutiques in Ireland or London, free updates on your fave haunts and a listing of 'gorgeous finds', you've come to the right place. What's more, they're sponsoring the catwalk at Dublin's Style in the City this September, so be sure to pop along and say hello.

Make Up Queens Needed

I'm writing an article at the moment for which I need some make-up junkie contributors. Can you dish on just how much makeup you own; how much you spend on products; how long it takes you to get ready? If you're prepared to let the slap out of the bag, please email me at iblogfashion(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll send you the questionnaire. Cheers! xx

Marchesa Magpies

Warning! Total shock alert. Just clicked onto Net-a-Porter to check my fave Marchesa shift dress and....GASP....it's gone! The sale magpies nixed me. Not only that but the two-toned black and white Louboutin shoots have been pecked at as well. Geez Louise! I step away to make a cup of tea for ONE minute! And puh-lease don't even get me started on the colour-coded irony. (Cue: she curls up on the sofa with her cup of Earl Grey and sobs gently.)

Haute Haute Haute

When I was a tot, I used to love rummaging through my mum's wardrobe. It was a tactile paradise with all of its furs, leathers, suedes and beaded silks. Even at the age of 5, I was a total fashion perv. Thirty years later and not a heck of a lot has changed. I'm still the chick who tries to cop a sneaky grope at press days and as a result can never seem to perfect the 'seen it all before' look required of fashion-y folk. I nearly licked a shoe at the last SS08 viewing (names shall be withheld to protect the innocent) and had the audacity to ask for a private moment with a McQueen Elvie. Next week sees a luxe press marathon with Jimmy Choo, Hermes and Louis Vuitton on the roster, and Fendi as the finale. I am now torn between feelings of lust and fear as I'm sure the fashion police have got me profiled. I'm just surprised there hasn't been a restraining order issued yet. Safe...for now.

Glam As You Can...yon

We love a bit of ingenuity at I Blog and no moreso when it comes to pimping us some groovy threads. Props then to one of our fave online stores DaWanda who have introduced street fashion blog Glamcanyon to their ever-expanding catalogue. Every day a new shot will be revealed online with recommended accessories from the DaWanda store to complement each look. We likey. Be sure to check it out!

The Dubliner...Best of 2008

It's been a busy week of deadlines, so needless to say it was a treat to relax at Residence last night for The Dubliner 'Best Of...' party. Grey Goose hooked us up with some yummy Cosmos and Martinis, a rather dishy DJ served up the tunes and we all discussed the issue with relish...i.e. got squiffy. Props to Residence of the marqueed garden area where we pretended it was actually summer. Not so much for the grilled outdoor stairs on which I snagged my heel. Fashion victims...there will always be one. May as well take one for the team.

The Loft Market Fashion Show

Fancing some cupackes and cocktails with a side of style? Best head on over to Powerscourt Town Centre this Thursday for The Loft Fashion Show. Showcasing the best in contemporary design, creative styling, music and art, the event promises some welcome respite from the inclement weather. Doors open at 5 and the proceedings kick off at 6 so don those gladrags and give two manicured fingers up to the rain.
The Loft Market: Top Floor, Powerscourt Town Centre, Dublin 2

Celebrity Weighing Scales

It seems that our celebrity-obsessed culture has taken a turn for the worse. As if it wasn't bad enough to step on scales at the gym or at the doctor's, now you can inflict limitless amounts of self-loathing with the Celebrity Weighing Scales. Having a thin day? You may just be a Scarlett Jo. Feeling a bit bloated? Let's not go there. The only marginally entertaining purpose this could serve would be to see if my handbag weighs more than Nicole Richie. Given the inordinate amount of crap it can hold on a given day, it would probably make interesting data for my chiropractor.

What (Not) to Wear

Never did I think I'd hear myself ask the question "What will I wear to my interview with Trinny & Susannah today?" But there's always a first and despite being giddy with excitement, I can't help but feel a little queasy. I'm torn between trendy and safe, wrap dress or prom dress, mac or tuxedo jacket. It's like walking through a field of fashion landmines in a pair of stilettoes. On top of that, I've got to make sure I'm wearing my best bra. I've heard rumours of groping which means the girls need to get dressed too. Nothing like a bit of pressure, eh? Still, it's Trinny and Susannah. This should be fun!

Britain's Missing Top Model

Just tuned into BBC3's Britain's Missing Top Model. The programme which features eight disabled models competing for a spread in Marie Claire, agency representation and a Rankin photoshoot looks likely to raise the bar for reality television(Amen). This isn't just another modelling competition but rather a fearless gauntlet thrown at industry views of 'perfection'. Necessary viewing.

Humidity...ugh

My freshly ubercropped 'Aggy' which I've proudly been sporting seems to have morphed like Ready Brek into a freakish wig. I feel like Carol Brady circa 1976. Hairdryers, straighteners, my trusty Sebastian shampoo...nothing is doing the trick. Why is it that I have about one good day in every four in this country? I really think we should be compensated by the government with a free blowdry once a fortnight to make up for the emotional trauma. I actually wore a hat (in July!) to go to the supermarket today. A hat! Seriously!

Lunchtime Debate

About time we had a bit of banter and jaw. It's not like it's going to stop raining, so forget about popping out for that Tuna Melt at O'Brien's and let's get down to some sartorial debate. If you had to pick an iconic fashion figure or duo from TV or cinema who would it be and why. A bit of Patsy and Edina (but of course!), Meryl Streep's best Anna Wintour impression in the Devil Wears Prada, the SATC gals (let's not forget Anthony and Stanford) or perhaps Alexis Carrington played by the fabulous Joan Collins (I quoted her as my 'hero' in an elementary school essay - aged 8!). Be creative. Dig deep!