Dressing the Tree

I'm watching Ab Fab, eating Betty Crocker icing from the jar and wondering what the hell went wrong. Lest you think I'm experiencing a premature midlife crisus; I'm actually decorating the Christmas tree. A lot more challenging than dressing models I can assure you. The waxy fronds on Chez I Blog's kitchen palm tree are not made of the same mettle as a sturdy pine. Hence, after 20 minutes of struggling with sliding fairy lights, I relented and covered the f@ck*r in candy canes. Ho ho flipping ho.

'Tis the Season

...to fret over festive frocks. Oh yes indeedy. And it all seems to start this week. Drinks in the Westbury on Tuesday, the Fashion Bloggers' Xmas Bash @ miniZine on Thursday; and let's not even talk about next week. It's beginning to feel like Formula One fashion - dress up, strip off, redress. So far I've got Armand Basi, Complex Geometries and some vintage finds lined up with my RSI-inducing 40 mm pearl cocktail ring to jazz things up a bit. I did learn a thing or three however about 'owning the room' from an expert. Want to find out? Check out The Sunday Times Style magazine on Sunday, December 6th. Armed with my top tips, I've no excuses. Party time here we come! x

Guilt-Free Shopping

I'm such a good Catholic sometimes. Ain't no way in hell (excuse the pun) I'll ever shift my guilt complex - however lapsed I may become. Case in point - I've been lusting over this Armand Basi asymmetric sweater dress for a while now. Given my size zero bank balance, I've been loathe to splurge lest I incur the wrath of my bank manager. Being the clever clogs that I am, I've been flogging my clobber on eBay - most of it only worn once or twice - and vowing to rethink my shopping habits. Having the added liquidity to facilitate bigger buys means I don't have to addle my brain with complex swag math (1 dress = 4 nights out; or 4 month Butler's coffee habit). That my friends is the true definition of a 'win win' situation.

Crimbo Styling

I made a start on decorating the house last night - a task which lasted 20 munutes. One bijou tree, two pots of gold ornaments and a Santa bear later - done and done. I was slightly morto at my slipshod effort. I dedicate so much time to finding the right Xmas party clobber and so little to styling up the 'aul gaff. If my house could speak, she'd be ignoring me right now for dressing her in hand-me-downs. I tried redeeming myself by investing in some cinnamon pinecones last night. She's still not happy. Need to pony up and get some wreaths, bunting and maybe some solar powered fairy lights for the kitchen palm tree. I've even vowed to play some Slade tunes and make eggnog. Jeez - before you know it I'll have 'Santa Stop Here!' emblazoned across the window in neon lights. This can only end in tears...

I Smell French

My quest for Gallic nous continues. Not only have I adopted an all black palette; but I've also mastered the elusive art of digestible torpor. (Trust me ennui is a lot more complex than it suggests.) Now that I've got the look down, my quest has gone multi-sensory with smell next on my list. With that in mind, I've swapped the American crispness of Calvin Klein Truth for the more complex topnotes of Thierry Mugler's Alien. This transition was not without its teething problems. Used to spraying myself liberally, I've learned to hold back and use but a soupcon of this heady scent. The trick is all about subtlety, suggestion and not giving it all away. "What's that you're wearing?" should be the question on people's lips. The reply? "Something French (insert look of fabulous disinterest here)."

Alien by Thierry Mugler - €34 for 30m; €55 for 60ml.

Veda - Stars Edge

The Irish music scene is starting to excite me again. Not only do we have the electro-poptastic Bitches With Wolves; but drag legend Veda Beaux Reves has just released her eargasmic album - Stars Edge! The tracklist will make you want to girate around your handbag in a pair of Pigalle stilettos while knocking back shots of Patron with nothing but a hot man holding your wrists. No mean feat; neither is this record. Buy it or be left sitting at home watching I'm a Celebrity...

P.S. - my bet is on 'Miss You Much (Just a Tad)' hitting the airwaves first.

Gonna Need a Bigger Boat

It's been a bad news week folks. Apart entirely from strikes, budget cuts and football fouls, the recent horrific flood damage warrants a serious pick-me-up; or maybe just an Ark°. Ark° is a new ethical Irish clothing brand pioneering positive social action through fashion. Standing for Acts of Random Kindness, the idea is that you perform one ARK every time you wear the clothing. Not only is Ark° the first clothing range in the world to allow people to look good while doing good, it also has a purpose other than profit. Instead of profits going toward personal gain, they are reinvestment back into projects organised in Zambia, Nepal, the Phillipines, Melbourne, and even Connemara. If you're stuck for a Crimbo gift, why not give an Ark°. Heck, go the whole Noah and hug it out with Thierry Henry! Get yours @ ArkHQ.com.

Bijoux by Barbara Bui

Parisian rock chick Barbara Bui launches her new silver jewellery line on November 26th. Exclusively dedicated to chains, the collection is simple and modern, playing with Bui's signature androgynous femininity. If her AW09 RTW collection was anything to go by, this bijoux will make you want to jump on the back of Harley and take a roadtrip from L.A. to Vegas. Très rue!

Bittersweets NY

If you like the idea of fine jewellery but would rather choke on an Elsa Peretti bean than wear one, best pay attention. Bittersweets NY is a Brooklyn-based collective that peddles fierce yet fancy bling. From silver earthworm bracelets to gold fang necklaces; not to mention bronze mokey paw keyrings and human heart cufflinks, there's an offbeat offering for everyone. Loving the maggot charms - how very metaphysical! Take a bite at BittersweetsNY.com.

Skirt-ing the Issue

I've got a 28" waist. Not bad for a 36 year old gal. And to be frank I'd like to keep it that way. Rather than suffer the ignominy of Spanx, or indeed the gym; I've opted for a pencil skirt. This IsabellaOliver.com beauty not only screams 'hot'; it's stretches gently around your bottom and thighs without making you look like a stuffed haggis. What's more, the silhouette is so sexy, you'll want to lounge with a cocktail rather than tuck into a party-size bag of Pringles. Ya see, am I clever or what? Get yours online at IsabellaOliver.com for €125. But keep your paws of the gorgeous lace top - that baby is mine! ;) x

Terry de Havilland Boots for Sale

These boots were made for me back in 2003 by Terry de Havilland himself. My calf was even measured so that the leather would mould against it. They are very 'sexy secretary' / Victoriana and utterly beautiful. I never wear them though. I believe I wore them three times and have stored them away since. I just don't seem to have the opportunities to wear them and would like to pass them on to a good home.

If you like shoes - these are a definite COLLECTOR'S ITEM! These would retail at around €600 but I am selling them for €120 on eBay. CLICK HERE.

Details below but feel free to email me with any questions.

Size: UK 8
Wear: Worn three times
Condition: Very good. I wore them so rarely that I they are almost brand new
Material: Leather on the outside: ocelot fur on the inside
Height: to the knee
Detail: front lace-up with 5 eyelets and 15 hooks

I Blog Fashion Digest

It's been a long week. Preparing for photoshoots, meeting long lost friends, ditching the diet and surviving dodgy manicures. Read on:

1. Decidedly underwhelmed at the Jimmy Choo for H&M range. Tried on the blue suede shift dress. Verdict? Sack-like. The black suede tassel dress rated slightly better. Could have done with no fringing at the neck. Felt like I could have been going to a fashion-y barn dance. The returns policy? A painfully thin 5 days.

2. Neil is back from India. Yay! Bought me a Tibetan necklace, pashmina and the Diana Vreeland book he's been meaning to give to me. Had a fab catch up in Fallon & Byrne complete with cheese, meats and wine - the second time this week I blew my pre-photoshoot diet.

3. Sunday Times Style shoot this Wednesday. Can't look too bloated. I wonder if Satturday night's X Factor goodies and vino sesh with sis will be cancelled out if I drink some of that herbal detox tea I bought? May have to drink the box I reckon.

4. Found out I have carpel tunnel in both hands due to maxing out my laptop and carrying heavy bags. Am forced to wear 'sports' bandages on hands to bed and while typing. Not v. attractive. Am thinking of investing in some leather fingerless gloves to cover the offending articles. Wooly ones would be cute too. Not while sleeping of course...

5. Recession ending? I'm thinking - not so fast yon economy seers. Paid a visit to chq to pull clothes for a shoot only to find my fave boutiques - Kohl and The Pink Rooms - have vacated the premises. Yikes!

6. Furthermore, my bank balance is fast resembling an Eastern European supermodel - skinny and surly looking. If I withdraw any more money from the ATM - it might just spit my card back out at me. Hence my reticence to pony up for fancy 'shapewear' undies. I've discovered that M&S tights do the same job. Got some gorgeous leopard print beauties (€8) with a built-in tummy eliminator. Feel as svelte as a young springbok!

7. A.N. Other thing - what's with the dodgy craftsmanship on the highstreet these days? First my Carvela loafers, then my Zara trousers, now the lining in my new All Saints coat? Only bought it this week. Not impressed.

8. While I'm on a rant - had a rather questionable manicure the other day. After the lady painted my nails, was asked to pay while they were drying as she had to go on her lunchbreak. She even offered to go into my wallet and take out the money and put it back in my bag. A bit of 'here's your hat and what's your hurry?' End result? Nails smudged. Came back and asked them to fix the offending digits. Still looks tacky and horrid. And another thing - where was my tea? Everyone else got offered a cup. Consistency folks - get familiar!

9. On a happy note, I'm looking forward to wearing my Isabella Oliver pencil skirt on The Afternoon Show this Tuesday. It's magically subtracted about 5 inches from my waist and makes me feel like Jane Russell and Lana Turner rolled into one hyper sex goddess. Love it! Love it! Love it!

10. Camera on BlackBerry Storm (in a teacup) still kaputt! Counting down the days til Dec 9th when my contract ends and I can nestle in the warm fuzziness of a new iPhone. Sigh....
Image courtesy of Mikes4345 photostream

Irish Examiner Weekend - Fashion Shoot

Pick up a copy of the Irish Examiner today and check out my sophomore shoot for The Irish Examiner. The theme - Gallic Urban. The muse - Carine Roitfeld. The vibe - subtle sophistication mixed with a louche Left Bank edge. Oui s'il vous plait!

Credits
Stylist & creative director: Annmarie O'Connor - iblogfashion@gmail.com; 087 976 4920
Hair: John Geaney @ John Geaney for Hair - www.johngeaney.ie; 021 450 3788
Make-up: Liz McCarthy - lizformakeup@hotmail.com; 087 980 4520
Models: Linda O'Sullivan and Mairead O'Farrell at Lockdown Models - www.lockdown.ie; 087 646 9184
Photography: Miki Barlok - www.barlokphoto.com; 086 223 7081
Location: The Imperial Hotel, Cork - www.flynnhotels.com; 021 427 4040

Win Off The Rails - The Total Experience Tickets

Fancy shmoozing at Off the Rails - The Total Experience? I Blog Fashion has two pairs of tickets to give away for the live fashion extravaganza which runs from Fri, Nov 13th - Sun, Nov 15th @ the RDS. Expect guerilla style makeovers, live fashion shows and top tips from OTR's dapper duo.

To be in with a chance to win, answer the following question:
Q: Who presents Off the Rails?
Ping your answer to iblogfashion (at) gmail (dot) com before 1pm today and good luck!

Tickets for Off the Rails - The Total Experience are available now on ticketmaster.ie and from all good Ticketmaster outlets.

Absolut Rock

It's not everyday someone offers you a drink in a leather studded jacket - and I'm not talking about the waiter. Just look at this bad boy to my left. Absolut Rock is the latest limited edition vodka from those savvy Swedes. Clad in Natalia Brilli-designed hardware, having a Cosmo suddenly isn't so girlie as it looks. So go on fellas, indulge in those frou frou cocktails you've been dying to try. No one will challenge you...

Hot Press presents Absolut Rock at an invite-only bash tonight (Nov. 10th) in the Dublin Sugar Club featuring The Flaws, Talulah Does The Hula & Vengeance And The Panther Queen.

Smells Like Bruno Pieters

I love me a bit of avant-garde fashion - and none moreso than Belgian Bruno Peiters. When I viewed his AW09 collection at PFW, I had trouble mopping the drool from my lip. Models worked a funeral march in a palette of black, copper, brown and grey with nothing but berry slicked lips for contrast. Hoods and capelets were ominpresent - all box-shaped and pleated where possible; while outre 3-D bows on body con dresses and 3-D fur funnel sleeves raised the bar in sophisticated chic. Past meet present to the tune of an electro-opera falsetto.

Alas my size zero bank balance has no room for modernist Little Red Riding Hood tributes. Instead I'll have to resort to the limited edition amber and pepper scent of Pieters' Calming Park candle. If I can't wear it, I shall whiff it. Hey, where there's a will...and all that.

Available from: The Convenience Store - London, Maria Luisa - Paris, 10 Corso Como - Milano, Sien - Antwerp.

Pop 'til You Drop

Londinium gets a new resident - well, for three months anyhow. Check out - Baracuta - one of the latest shops to pop-up on the semi-permanent retail landscape.

F-f-f-freezing!

It is serious 'nad shrinking weather out there folks. From a deceivingly warm September and October, we've been bitchslapped with one nasty November. If this is any indication of the PMS we're due to experience in December and January, I for one am not taking any chances. That's why I've invested in one of these bad boys. Yep - it's trapper chic courtesy of Lucy's Lounge. At only €15, my faux furry little friend will be clapped on my noggin. So if you see me looking as if I've being assaulted by a beaver, it's not a Paul Bunyon tribute. Just me - ridiculous-looking but warm.

Happy Birthday Anna!

It's official. Vogue's Anna Wintour is 60 years young today. One might even say she's vintage. And like a good classic, she's incredibly well preserved with little evidence of time's wayward brushstrokes. Not that the hands of time would have the balls to muss up that forehead. Fair play to Anna - she's seen off that bad boy with a good fringe. Clever lady.

Fashion Roadkill

I'm feeling a bit like fashion roadkill today. Had a fabulous sophomore shoot in Cork yesterday with the Irish Examiner (out Nov 14th) and am prepping for Friday's slot on The Afternoon Show; all the while finishing two articles and starting a third before Thursday a.m. Add in some to-be-touched-up roots, a waning mani/pedi and some unruly brows and hey presto - carnage. Before you know it my blog will file for emancipation and start writing itself. Thank God I'm not wearing heels...

Image: courtesy of Zazzle.com