Sam Edelman - the Shoemeister

It was like Christmas all over again today. The doorbell rang and there the UPS man stood with my box of Sam Edelman shoe boots. "Is this the fashion boutique?" he enquired without as much as a sniff of irony. "Yes," I replied blithely while the word RECESSION flashed in fairy dust before my eyes. Not that I should be worried. These butter-soft beauties only cost €126 avec p&p. Not bad, eh? What's more they look the biz with my Veronique Branchino boyfriend blazer and even sport a nifty map of New York on the sole. How clever! Next time I'm lost in the East Village (a common occurence), I'll just have to gaze at my shoes. Sam - you're a peach!

Catwalk Fever!

I blame Trinny. Ever since Ms. Woodall decided to out me as big arsed at Style in the City, I've felt nothing but reproach towards my pear shape. With London and Paris Fashion Week now fast approaching, it seems I have choice but to take some action. Given the sum total of time I spent at Carlisle Fitness last year (12 - half were just to use the sauna), there seems little point in mounting a treadmill. Luckily, I was asked by Slendertone to try their System-Abs and System-Mini to get my tum and bum in svelte shape. What's involved? Why just slipping on a band with clever muscle-toning electrodes five day a week for 30 minutes. As it's a six-week trial and catwalk season starts in three, I've decided to treble up on my sessions. I'm promised that I'll lose 1.4 inches off my waist and will have a derriere you can bounce a quarter off. Will keep you posted...

Suecomme Bonnie Sale at Alila

I feel like Crazy Eddie. Remember him? The guy who kept shouting about his prices being INSANE! And then he died of a heart attack. No joke. Well God rest his soul and give me succour because I may just bust a major artery myself. Word on the street is Alila boutique is having a Suecomma Bonnie shoe sale on Thursday, January 29th. Just check out these tela satin Swarovski studded babies to my right. Wouldn't they just make you weep? And the price? WAS: €480 NOW: €360! Swoon. Collapse. Ambulance! Please!

Covert Candy

If you're a fan of swap shopping, you'll be glad to hear about 'Covert Candy' - an online fashion exchange due to inject some elan into tired wardrobes. The premise is simple. For each item of unwanted clothing you wish to 'sell', upload a pic and receive a set of points. The more you 'sell', the more virtual cash you accrue which can be used to 'buy' an item on your wishlist. There's not a of choice at the mo but with an estimated 11 million people intending to use swap sites in 2009 (ICM poll for TalkTalk), this could well change. Worth having a goo...

Fashion at JDIFF

The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival was launched last night to a teeming Monday night crowd in the Odeon. Maybe it was all those whiskey and ginger cocktails (yum) but I'm feeling some serious snooze time is in order soon. That aside, there are some plum fashion flicks worth seeing this year including Confessions of a Shopaholic and Valentino: The Last Emperor. Both films are being screened at Movies @ Dundrum where they have their own VIP seating area. Book your seats now and a free glass of wine with your cinema ticket. How fabulous!

Current/Elliott

Psst! Rumour has it BT2 is set to stock America's most exclusive denim label Current/ Elliot. "Hurrah!" I hear you squeal. Yes, that's right. Now we'll all get to size up those customised vintage denims as loved by Hollywood A-listers. Rachel Bilson roll ups anyone? Ripped Nicole Richies? How about some high-waisted Katie Holmes flares? No in-store date has been given yet but being the dutiful blogger that I am, I'll keep you posted. I myself am living in hope they'll be in before I hit London and Paris fashion weeks. Gotta represent!

Osis Dust It

Laziness gets a bad rap. Some of my niftiest ideas come from my armchair / remote control combo or when suffocating my alarm clock at 7 a.m. My most recent ruse for snooze has to be Osis Dust It. This lightweight mattifying powder is the biz for late mornings when your less-than-fresh barnet needs that extra day. Alternatively, use it to mess your tresses and get that sexy bedhead look. You see, sloth has its own merits. Don't knock it.

Your Fashion Zip File

The end of January may feel as sexy as a wet tube sock; but it's not all 'boo hiss, when the hell is it going to be spring already?' I can assure you there are a few things to look out for, such as:

1) My menswear special in today's Irish Examiner featuring The Spikes and some nifty finds from Indigo & Cloth and Ciaran Sweeney.
2) Some groovy hair styles for SS09 as previewed from Schwarzkopf. Deets to follow. In the meantime, process the following style cues: Edie Segdewick, Dorothy Hamill and Britt Eckland.
3) Maser's latest Dublin docks graffitti featuring Gary Coleman. It's pink. It's cheery. It's killer 70s nostalgia. (We'll try and ignore the set of lungs to the left.)

Sales Love!

Gush. Flutter. Swoon. No, it's not a George Clooney sighting but rather a case of major sales love. No cluttered racks and sweaty clamouring masses here. I'm referring to some of the coolest mark downs from haunts such as Smock and Indigo & Cloth. I only popped out to meet my sis for a coffee and the two of us manage to bag some serious swag. I am now the proud recipient of a Veronique Branchino boyfriend blazer (Smock) slashed from €915 to €268.50. My sibling - an equally pleased punter with a half price Rick Owens dress (Smock) and Matt & Nic bag (Indigo & Cloth). There's only a week left, so get your shop on while the getting's good!

Sovereign Beck

I love New York for many reasons. Number one - I was born and raised there. Number two - I have a phenomenal amount of New York readers (thanks guys!). Number three - the shopping rocks. From that seamless segue I'd like to introduce Soverign Beck - both readers of I Blog and purveyors of fine ties. The duo made up of Ryan Sovereign and William Beck, make up the small Brooklyn, New York based men's accessories design company which produce quirky neck ties, bow ties and pocket squares. Working on their sixth collection, it's obvious that the pair know their threads. I love the radial symmetry of the 'crystalize' tie, the 2D relief of the 'scatter pink' and their utterly original campaign shots. What's more, the limited prints ensure you fellas aren't rocking the same neck candy as your brethern. We likey? You betcha! Click here to get your shop on.

Hotshots 2009

Pick up a copy of IMAGE today for a look at the Hotshots 2009 feature. Nestled between the Obamas, uber-cool actress Jade Yourell and must-have Dior heels is little old me (p.49). I'm very pleased and honoured and all sorts of excited about the whole thing. Thanks again to IMAGE for thinking of me and for reading I Blog Fashion. xxx

SS09 Trend Alert - Xpose

Fancy a sneaky peek at some SS09 trends? Tune into TV3's Xpose tomorrow at 6pm where I'll be sharing tips with the lovely Aisling O'Loughlin on what's big for the season ahead. Miss it and be left thinking plaid, studs and prom dresses still count. Now you don't want to do that, do you? CLICK HERE to tune in online.

Fancy Being a Fashion Journo?

If one of your New Year's ressies included front rowing it at London Fashion Week then you've either got some serious blag skills to perfect or a press pass to acquire. If the latter appeals, why not book yourself a 48-hour swotting sesh? Georgina Heffernan's Fashion Journalism course takes place on January 31st at Bewley's Hotel and promises a super juggernaut intro into the world of style writing, along with trade secrets from guest speakers like me! CLICK HERE for booking info.

Pat Butcher - Style Icon

Dangly earrings, bitchin' furs and uber fierce coral lippie. It can only be one woman. That's right. Pat Butcher is rapdily puffing her way through fashion's rank and file with the strength of a 2-sugar builder's cuppa. She's the bitch with kitsch and we love her. Sure, Marc Jacobs and Balmain may have you believing SS09's 'new eclectic' is just that but it's roots are in Walford, love. So, if you're looking for some sartorial edge, best rock it East End style. G&T and fag ash optional.

70% Sale at Smock!

Dontcha love January - especially those last few days where you get to play magic tricks with your money. I'm a big fan of the 'let's see if I can buy shoes while still having enough money to eat' game. That one's always a winner, particularly when there are still major sales on like the 70% humdinger at Smock. Kicking off on Friday January 23rd for one week, Karen and Jennifer will be practically giving away their AW08 wares to make room for SS09 goodies. We're talking uber hip labels like Maison Martin Margiela, Acne, Rue de Mail and A.P.C. to name but a few. Get down and show some love.

Smock, 31 Drury Street, Dublin 2
01 613 9000; www.smock.ie

Poll Results: Harem Scare-em

Oh dear. Looks like there will never be another Hammer time. According to I Blog's latest poll results, a resounding 67% aren't feeling the SS09's harem trend. I'm reluctantly inclined to agree. Having bought these tailored versions to my right, I'm still bemused as to how they are worn sans nappy effect. I was hoping for some uber-sass as demonstrated by Ms. Leggy Model. Instead, I am a walking crotch. And my sale rail prediction is...

The Sixth Fashion Bloggers' Brunch

There's something quite comforting about a feed of pancakes topped off with bread and butter pudding on a Sunday. Throw in some stylish surroundings with two dozen trend hunters and hey presto...you've got a recipe for the sixth Fashion Bloggers' Brunch. Thanks to The Dylan Hotel for hosting our increasing numbers into their fabulously refurbed restaurant. A special shout out to 'Joey the Lips' and his groovy sax tunes. Check out the pics below...

Clariol Lasting Colour...Literally

It's that time of month - the time when those pesky greys begin to appear. Sure, I can rival Andrea Corr's raven locks on a good day but today required some artistry. Armed with my Clairol Lasting Colour touch up, I provided the smoke to my mirror. Fifteen minutes later and less of a badger, I washed and dried my hair to come downstairs and find my sister scrubbing the kitchen cabinets. By some freak accident, I managed to splay the entire unit in indelible black. "Kitchen Power!" I kept screaming like a crazed clean freak. "Get Kitchen Power!" My sibling, unaware of the magical properties of said cleaning product continued to scrub away the offending evidence until virtual scars were left on the laminate. My guilt however has not been so easy to assuage. I feel like I've graffitied all of her hard work in our house. Since, I have taken an active interest in wood polish and oil and have vowed to never...ever...attempt a DIY beauty job again.

Willpower...Where Art Thou Willpower?

Arse. Not even a fortnight into the new year and I've broken one of my resolutions...twice. Looks like the 'thou shalt not buy another vintage dress until you've saved enough for a pair of Louey B's' rule has fallen foul of my love for the oldies. My first indiscretion happened only two days into 2009 with my second and most luscious cheat occuring online early this morning. It was a maxi dress. Long - 59" to be precise - and brown....very brown. Although it was a lot older than me (a 1960s original), I was unperturbed by public perception. I clicked urgently again and again until it was lodged safely in my cart. Sigh... Paired with my vintage sunnies and platforms I could channel Kate Jackson in a New York minute. Was it worth it? Always. Would I do it again? My cart always has room for a good vintage.

Dress: Perk Up Vintage

Poll Results - 2008's Most Stylish Chick

It seems that 2008 bought out the sass in the lass known as Emma Watson - joint winner with Roisin Murphy in I Blog's 'most stylish' poll. Harry Potter's former alumna has certainly worked her magic on the style set - managing to grace the pages of Vogue Italia and front rows at international catwalks. This month's British Vogue gushes over this mini style icon's sartorial potential. Definitely the one to watch. My only question is, what the heck happened to Suri Cruise? Hollywood's most popular toddler garnered zilcho votes. Is there a Scientologist in the house?

Image: courtesy of Emmawatsonzone.com

Lemon Drizzle and Thoreau

After finishing a photoshoot on Wednesday, I popped into Metro Café for a sugar and caffeine combo. As I draped my garment bags over the chair, I looked up to find one of the the most special specials boards in Dublin. It read:

'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the live you imagined.' - Thoreau

'Try our Cakes!' they also encouraged from the lofty chalk board. 'Don't mind if I do,' I thought and reflected on the sublimity of philosophy and Lemon Drizzle cake.

Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector

There's nothing worse than January skin. It's like having the sins of December's glut fest written across your face. Pasty, blotchy and straining at the edges without as much as a rosy hue to be seen. Attractive, no? Fear not. Clarins has come up with a nifty little product called Instant Light Complexion Perfector which hot wires your skin into believing it's spent the last 4 weeks in a Nepalese yoga retreat rather than the pub. It's light enough not to clog your skin but with enough coverage to mask those pesky imperfections. Throw in some light reflective shimmer and you've got yourself a bargain at €27.12. Nice work.

Gaydar Wisdom

I met my friends Will and Joanne earlier this week for a quick drinky-poo and a catch up. I chose to channel Mary Tyler Moore in a 70's vintage frock and almond toe courts. Unfortunately I couldn't wangle a Grasshopper to complete the look. It seems they ceased production circa 1979 along with 8 track cassettes and lava lamps. Hmmm. Anyhoo, the convo by contrast proved incredibly progressive due to Will's well-tuned gaydar. Here are a few soundbytes:
1) Irish men need to invest in better glasses. John Lennon and James Joyce are about the only men who can forgivably wear teeny round specs. You can buy a pair of Prada frames for €50 in Italy. Will has four pairs. We love the pink!
2) Saturday, 11.50am at The National Gallery is the ideal time and place to pull a hot single man.
3) My Blackberry Storm is not the piece of shiz I've been accusing it to be. Will informs me it's Skype compatible which means...free long-distance phone calls! Hurrah!
4) Despite the new year having only started, there are disturbingly only 94 dating days left when you occlude birthdays, religious holidays, weddings and any other events that cut into your 'pull' time.
With this he left for his date with the Armenian, leaving Joanne and I with a renewed interest in the works of Louis Le Brocquy.

Hollywhirl

I hate secrets, mainly because I'm so crap at keeping them. Honesty prevents any cloak and dagger behaviour on my part - especially if the cloak in question is Ferragamo cashmere and cost only $449! So in the spirit of community, I feel morally obliged to share the deets on my latest must-click find - Hollywhirl. Hollywhirl is an online online boutique selling previously owned designer, couture and vintage pieces in mint condition. Grab yourself a pair of Louey B's for $199, a vintage Fendi bag for $89 or even a pair of Chanel earrings for $199. I've been clicking 'Add to Cart' for the past two hours and my finger is sore so I'm prepared to hand someone else the gauntlet. Hey, I'm just that kind of gal!

Turkish Delight

Add one part cubist art to one part Tatty Devine and what do you get? The latest jewellery sensation -Turkish designer Ceren Keyman. Keyman's sharp shots of colour and mathematical shapes have earned her an exhibition at the Istanbul Modern Arts museum in 2008 and the burgeoning kudos of the fashion world. CLICK HERE for a sneaky peek at her wares and her upcoming furniture and clothing lines.

Ravin' for Maven

Dublin's Aungier Street is quickly becoming the capitol's locus of cool. In the past month, I've spotted two new boutiques: Second Chance vintage and Maven - a groovy little space featuring Roisin Murphy's favourite NY labels and homegrown favourites like Sian Jacobs. Add to that a host of little boulangeries and coffee shops; not to mention its All Day Breakfast street sign, and we'll soon have ourselves the East Village in microcosm. Sweet!

Maven - 64 Aungier Street, Dublin 2 (01 478 9226)

Second Chances

Some things deserve second chances like Marmite, the Irish rugby team and as always ...vintage clothes. Despite having vowed not to buy any retro threads until I filled by Louboutin quota, I just couldn't resist. This 1970's beauty to my right comes courtesy of Dublin's newest vintage store - Second Chance. Nestled on the corner of Aungier Street, it boasts a pretty decent selection of clobber at killer prices. At only €19, I could be excused for indulging my little habit. Guess I'll have to give that new year resolution a second chance.

Second Chance vintage wardrobe, 3 Aungier Street, Dublin 2

Crystal Encrusted Resolve

I love New Year's Day. There's something exciting about its fresh possibilities; regardless of whether you're sitting in your PJs drinking wine and watching Eastenders. In my mini sloth, I resolved to change a few things:

1) My gym membership shall remain sooo last season. Renewing it will only bring up painful memories of treadmills, unnecessary sweat and potential fungal infections. Sorry Ben Dunne.

2) I'm starting a savings account. The Louey B fund will be a reminder that I actually can afford a €660 pair of Louboutins if only I'd curb my wanton vintage dress habit.

3) A proper holiday is in order. Fashion capitals don't count. That's strictly work. I want to plonk my pasty white body somewhere ridiculously hot with a long beach, long nights and even longer drinks - silly umbrellas optional.

4) Must learn how to apply makeup. Bar a lipstick/mascara combo, I don't have a rasher how to apply a proper polished look. My deep set eyes have been likened to fag burns or pee holes in the snow (nice!) and recede into insignificance with any sort of shadow. I know there's an expert somewhere with the smoke and mirrors. Make yourself known!

In the meantime, I'm heading back to see what scheming Janine is up to. My will power...it's unstoppable.