Brown Thomas S/S `12 Bags

Check out a little vid I did for Brown Thomas showcasing this season's deliciously colourful selection of arm candy.

Dries Van Noten Shoes...again

I mentioned earlier that I'm a firm adherent of Feng Shui. The cornerstone of said philosophy involves shedding the old to make room for the new. That newness comes in the shape of a pair of Dries Van Noten heels. Granted, I may have been somewhat premature in enforcing the 'new' in my closet without having yet shed the 'old', but this is more than just a pair of shoes - it's an act of God -  and God my friends, likes to shop! Let me explain. In 2010, I bought a pair of pump-my-heart-I'm-about-to-faint Dries Van Noten ponyskin shoes in Smock's winter sale. I was lucky to have nabbed the last pair in my size-ish (I convinced myself I was a 7.5); unluckily however that I never bought the matte gold pair which I had my eye on as someone pipped me to the retail post. I mourned for the loss of these shoes; not least because it is a rarity to find a UK size 8 (shoes are bought in batches with usually about one size 8 per style). That said, I wore my ponyskin puppies to death and still do. So when I saw these bad boys at an absolutle knock-down end-of-sale price in a size 8, it was like hearing angels sing. There was a curious incident whereby in a fit of fanaticism, I licked the shoe before trying it on, but hey, that's another therapy session. I thought I'd share given that this was indeed a rare guilt-free indulgence. Everything else gets hidden in the back of my closet...

Celine Resort 2012

I've always respected but never quite lusted after the offerings of French luxury house - Celine; not in the same way that other fashion folk do. Although I admire Phoebe Philo's ascetic aesthetic (and her immeasurably immaculate cut), my deference has always been to the left of centre. That all changed once I clapped my peepers on the Resort 2012 collection. Call it a coming-of-age but I think I've seen the light. That being said, I think our Phoebes has met me half way. Just check out her use of print clashing (stripes and florals) and colour blocking (camel and cobalt), peppered with a very tongue-in-cheek monogram tee. The minimal silhouette still reigns, albeit with a soupcon of playfulness.

Tim Ryan Cardigan For Sale

As you may or may not know, I practice Feng Shui - at my desk, in my home and in particular, my wardrobe. The ancient Chinese practice has its roots in the less-than-esoteric issue of space. The reality is I have none - or at least, very little of it; and in order to have any affect of order, something's gotta give. This often results in clothing - worn, not worn, planning to be worn - the bottom line is: if it hasn't seen the light of day in six months, it gets a new home. Take this Tim Ryan fringe cardi for instance. Purchased in a sample sale last summer, it has since been occupying prime hanger property. Granted, the pastel fringing is deliciously outre, but it unfortunately looks out of place with my more ascetic tailored separates. Alas, it's time to bid adieu. The good news is, it's up for sale. The better news is, it usually retails upwards of €800 but I'm selling it for €200 (ex. postage). I've attached pics with measurements below. Should you wish to get in contact about the item, email me on iblogfashion (AT) gmail (DOT) com for Paypal and postage details. Prefer to go through eBay? CLICK HERE.

17 inches neck to hem
15.5 inch sleeve
Size: small but would fit up to a UK 10-12

Brown Thomas Spring Summer 12 Preview

Brown Thomas unveiled their spring summer 12 collection last week to an eager press gang. In marked contrast to last January when I viewed their spring summer 11 wares, I was at least able to shed the layers of leather, fur and thermals to embrace the season ahead. Hotly-tipped on the trend radar are sorbet shades, monochromes and diverse prints: photographic, aquatic, geometric. Florals continue their unfettered reign albeit with a twist: think tropical plants and vegetables redolent of a Sicilian village fete. The edit is clean, clear and precise with highlights from Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten and Victoria Beckham. New names to note? Victoria, Victoria Beckham - the little sister to VB's mainline collection offering darling dresses that embody the whimsy of the season at competitive price points. My favourite? Jay Ahr - Parisian label headed up by Belgian designer Jonathan Riss offering a fusion of contemporary styling and couture details in chic cream/black colourways. The tulle mille feuille dresses (maxi and mini) are perfect for any cool girl brides looking for an urban spin on the traditional wedding gown.Interested in more? Why not take a look for yourself? Video below...

Margaret Thatcher

Much noise has been made of late regarding Margaret Thatcher's style - or lack thereof. With the January 6th cinematic release of 'The Iron Lady', starring Meryl Streep, this furore has been further amplified with fashion critics eviscerating the Tory's lack of finesse in comparison to political figures such as Michelle Obama and Carla Sarkozy. A clothes horse Thatcher most certainly was not, but the political agenda behind her sartorial choices was indeed cut from a different cloth. The thought process behind her outward show is worthy of examination, as I've outlined in a recent article written for the Irish Examiner. Have a look and if fashion history interests you, the book Margaret Thatcher - A Life in Pictures (Ammonite Press) offers a unique visual chronology from her early years through to her third term in office.

New Year - New Rezzies

A week into 2012 and I'm already struggling with my well-intentioned resolutions. My proverbial path to disappointment has been surreptitiously trod on my by a defunkt willpower that refuses to acknowledge the concept of exercising more and eating less. I type this with a belly full of Pad Thai and new trainers on my feet. But hey, it's all about balance really. I digress. With regards to matters sartorial, I've vowed to introduce kaleidescope prints into my otherwise funereal black wardrobe; this in addition to showing off more leg once in a while. I've managed the leg bit but whilst  the sky is still greyer than a geriatrics convention, I've bought myself a bit of  leeway with regards to embracing Hawaiian and jungle flora. I just need to get my head around how to reconcile such levity with our two-day Irish summers. Might have to jack up the heating a bit; or a lot. Sigh.

Credits: Irish Examiner, December 31st
Wool cape, Public Beware €93; D&G black and gold dress, Brown Thomas €1,035; Heart courts, Topshop €88

Photo, Miki Barlok; styling, Annmarie O'Connor, assistant Bríd Ní Laochdha