New Shop, New Season, New Look

Hey Readers,

So it’s official. Henry Street, Dublin, is getting not one but two new fashion stores this autumn.

I heard on the grapevine, last month, that Forever 21 is on the way to Dublin. Well, I also just found out that New Look are definitely on the way too. There was a rumour that they were going to open their first city centre store but it seemed to fall by the wayside after F21 was confirmed as moving in. But ’tis true, New Look are opening on Henry St. in September.

On top of that I was just looking at their new AW10 collection and, as well as these amazing Jacquard-print trousers, (they will be mine) I genuinely crave their Limited Edition collection. It’s  kind of New Look’s “premium” collection, using richer fabrics and great finishes and details; the price points are (a little bit) higher because of that, but still well within budget.

I love the all the pale tones; white, cream, ivory and silvers are featured heavily:

White Crushed velvet leggings, should totes be thigh-horror but I am crushing hard on these!

Loving the looseness of the top of this dress, teamed with the shortness of the skirt and lack of sleeves, it makes it chic-sexy.

The darker tones in the Limited collection are also quite yum:

Sheer, Kingfisher-print blouse and faux-leather shorts, yes please.

Mental note: This Autumn / Winter think pretty chiffon dresses and velvet boots.

Someone recently picked my up on my etiquette; I said that I wanted something or other and, you know when people go, “I WANT?!” all indignant like, and try to make you feel like a 7 year old being admonished, they did that.

I would just like to confirm, if she’s doing the buying; what Whisty wants, Whisty gets! See you in September New Look… save those Jacquard print trews for me!

Xx

 

Win the contents of the Style Bloggers Suitcase.

OR: Left Luggage.

Hey Readers,

You might remember a month or so ago I was asked to take part in a really cool project using a few European fashion bloggers. A different blogger from a number of cities were asked to choose an item to represent the style or fashion of their country. Whisty was chosen for Ireland, and not being one to take the blame stand alone, I felt it only right to share said responsibility; by asking NYFDA attendees to choose one of three items I picked out.

So the Helen McAlinden tweed jacket was voted the winner and was packed into the suitcase and onto the next blogger, Spain’s masdemoda.com. That was the last I had heard of the suitcase, until today. It has finished it’s journey and ended up back at Nokia HQ having travelled to, Spain, Italy, Ireland (woo), Finland, Sweden, Belgium and France.

To be in with a chance to win the contents of the suitcase, all you have to do, is click HERE and comment.

These are the bloggers and what pieces they chose to represent their countries:

Spain – Masdemoda.com – David Delfin sunglasses.

Ireland – Whisty.com – Helen McAlinden jacket.

Finland – Olivialehti.fi – gTIE Knot ‘n’ Roll necklace.

Sweden – Radarzine.com – Acne Studios wallet.

Belgium – belmodo.tv – Marcel singlet, Kipling bag and Hermanos Inglesos: The Wander of You.

Italy – lostinfashion.it – Massimiliamo Adami Cheap Murano plastic glasses.

and France – mademoiselleaparis.com – Owen & Savary Julia bracelet.

Bonne Chance!

Xx

A Funny Old Game

Hey Readers,

Nope, not football (though that is odd), it’s blogging I’m on about. Or the lonely ‘profession’ of, with its virtual friends and colleagues.

So, those of you who are on Facebook may have seen that fellow Blogger, d’Irelande, the inimitable Ms. Blau von T of Blaubushka had a little jaunt up to the Pale this week. At the merest hint that she may be on her way, I was like, I gotta meet this vixen!

So I did and we had a raucous afternoon spent window shopping, making friends and generally having a ball. Blau is defo the most prolific blog-commenter in the country and it was an honour to spend a few hours in her exceptional company.

Not to mention, she was the bad influence I hopped she would be; we bought hip flasks in Urban Outfitters and went boozing…

Of course, what happens on the Blau tour stays on the Blau tour but I got a few pics: Top left, Me & The von T, (ain’t she something else!) Below, Blau as my muse!

The rest of the pics are of me in St. Stephen’s Green in a ‘captain’s’ hat. It draws a proper amount of remarks; my favourite by far was being serenaded in Meeting House Sq. Temple Bar, by 5, how-can-I-say-this, inebriated yet jovial persons of no fixed abode. I’ve always liked a bit of Rod Stewart, though, “We are Sailing.” was never high on the list. Besides which, “We are SOILing”, may have been a more appropriate song for them to sing. Well it was p*** -your-pants funny.

Wearing the Man’s T-Shirt I modified earlier in the week.

Sneaky, white-leather-covered hip flask. It looks like bit of a sneaky grin on my mush too, if you ask me.

More outfit photos and all details at HerApparel.
Xx

T-Shirt Weather.

Hey Readers,

It was holiday-hot today. Amazing. Definite T-Shirt weather. In fact T-Shirts might’ve even been to warm today. The one I pulled out of the drawer definitely was.

Okay, let me just go on a little tangent very briefly for a sec…

Band T-Shirts right? The cool ones all used to be men’s sizes, usually black and used the kind of dodgy print technique that would fade after a couple of washes. (Which kinda gave them that – oh yeah, these dudes, “casual nod towards own  chest*, Oh I’ve been into them from the beginning – look about them).

Then, the T-Shirt people realised that some girls like cool bands too. So they decided to make smaller ones. Unfortunately, the next thing that happened was that the aforementioned T-Shirt people, decided that not only should they make smaller ones for “chicks” (that’s what I’m imagining they said, it was prob worse). But how about we make them pink… and I know, put little glittery diamantés all over them and make them really girly, cause that’s what all girls want…

You understand that pink and girly is something that I get; summer dresses and tea parties esp; will wear to an extent and would never ridicule in the most part. BUT if I choose to wear Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The S€x Pistols, The Jam or some other band that I happen to be crushing on at the time, across my chest; I don’t want to do it in diamanté pink thanks.

So man tees it is. I’ll favour the faded print, faded black, too big to look cute type instead. Especially if I’m in close proximity to a pair of scissors…. Like I was today…

I cut the sleeves off, just past the seam and cut the neck wider; (leaving about 3.5 inches (9cm’s) on each shoulder).

It was still a bit roomy so I got some sleeve holders and clipped them to the back to pull in the sides, et voila. Bring on the cut-off denim shorts and more sunshine please.

Sleeve holders in more detail. I got them in Oxfam Vintage on Georges St for €1.

Customised Tee in action.

Xx

The Dubliner Article and Style Competition.

Hey Readers,

So, I’m all set for a great weekend. Going to be fun!

I got interviewed for The Dubliner recently and the article was featured in today’s copy, that came with the Evening Herald.

I’ve always read The Dubliner, even when you had to actually buy it separately. I think it’s pretty darn cool, (without being too cool for skool). It also has some great writers and articles on a decent variety of  wicked Dublin-based stuff.

Therefore, I was really stoked to be asked to be in it. I was like yeah! when do you want me?! The interview was really chilled and a bit of a laugh actually (thanks Fiona) and the photoshoot was pretty much a few snaps outside in the sunshine (hence the frowning?). And job done. They don’t mess about at The Dubliner!

Anyway, I was delighted to be in it, innit!

On a different and probs more interesting note; starting today and running for the next 8 weeks, Dublin City Business Association and the Dubliner Magazine have created the Dublin City Street Style Award.

Send a photo of yourself looking hot, cool, stylish… whatevs, as long as it’s you, to info@thedubliner.ie or go to thisismydublin.com for more info. The winner will walk away with €1000 of Dublin city gift cards; two runners-up will each get €500 gift cards. That’s not too shabby for getting dressed in the morning.

Xx

NCAD Graduate Show – Updated

Dear Readers,

This exhibition is definitely worth a look. I dropped into the Harry Clarke lecture hall at NCAD, Thomas Street today for a quick look at the ten graduate pieces. I ended up staying for over an hour, trying things on and chatting to Amanda Grogan. One of the ten designers showcasing her collection in the exhibition.

See that’s the thing that kept me. Last years graduate show was a simple showcase of 23 pieces from 23 textile and fashion graduates. This year’s show is about each fashion graduates collection, as a whole. There is also footage of the graduate fashion show on loop and plenty of information about each graduate and the inspiration behind their collections.

This year’s graduate collection as a whole is called 10/10. As in ten students for 2010, and it’s an amazing showcase for the fresh talent that is coming out of this country. Above L-R; Charlotte Gallagher, Olivia Malloy, Silé Ó Shea (River Island Bursary Winner) and Amanda Grogan.

Above L-R; Vraja Lílá, Alan Taylor, Julia Doherty and Charlotte Gallagher.

L-R; Averil Blakely, Emmy Slattery (NYFDA Winner) and Shelly Voom. (sorry about the dodgy, blurry photo).

Above; Pieces from Amanda Grogan’s “Cut, Sealed and Cauterized” and Averil Blakely’s, “Hydrophilic” collections in more detail.

On a really exciting note, Amanda was telling me that her and fellow graduate Averil Blakely had entered an international competition that will be held in Madrid in July. Mittel Moda, “is one of the most sought-after and well-known fashion competitions at an international level“. It is working with 620 schools of fashion design in 66 countries, promoting the exchange and comparison of international creativity. These two graduates will be judged, along with 21 other finalists, on July 1st; the winner will show in the Milan Fashion Week (!).

EDIT: News just in, Irish Times Monday July 5th: Amanda Grogan wins the coveted prize of €10k and the chance to show her collection at Milan Fashion Week at the Mittelmoda competition in Milan.

Image via Irish Times.com

The NCAD Graduate show and designer sale, is on at the Thomas Street venue until Monday June 20th. For all info and opening times go HERE. Or become a NCAD Gallery Facebook fan HERE.

Xx

My Festival Essential? – A Parka

Dear Readers,

Like something that’s meant to be – a few things came together today.

1. The wettest weekend music celebrations known to man; AKA the UK / Ireland festival season, started this weekend, with Download at Donington Park.

2. This prompted someone to ask me what my one, single festival essential was, for a magazine survey*.

3. I tried this frikkin amazing parka on in River Island this afternoon.

and 4. I just got back from watching the new Noel Clarke film, 4.3.2.1. In which Shannon, played by Ophelia Lovibond wears a similar parka.

*Naturally then, my answer was, “why, a Parka of course”. I have decided that I need one of these in my life; especially for hanging around, drinking and dancing in fields. Wearing it with Hunters, cut-offs and a few layers on top will do the job. The River Island one is lined with something to make it warmer and I’m thinking, if I manage to ‘loose’ my tent, this coat will easily double up as a sleeping bag. It’s huge too.

If you’re unconvinced by my converse / Parka combination, here’s a few looks for real inspiration:

The Sartorialist

Trendtastic-ny.com – (a bit short but loving the leather trousers / parka combo)

Kate Beckinsale

Rihanna – Teaming Aran knits with hers

The 4.3.2.1. Girls with Shannon in her Parka

The ultimate Parka – as worn by Jimmy in Quadrophenia

Xx

All images via google unless stated otherwise.

Two days, Two outfits, One hat.

Dear Readers,

I wore my Hunter wellies the last two days and I have to say I really liked it. Puddles pah! No match for my rubberised feet! I’ve had enough now though… Sunshine please come back!

So the bank holiday was fun, of course. I wore this Trilby a lot. I was surprised by how many outfits it goes with and how it changes an entire look. The hat’s the thing it seems.

I was watching the Buddy Holly story and I remembered this 50′s style, vintage (80′s) tea-dress that I asked my Mum to alter for me. The sleeves came off, there was a big bow in the front and some massive shoulder pads that were hastily removed, and it was about a foot longer originally. It’s thrifted and cost about €8, I added the belt to cinch in the waist to give it a bit more shape.

The bracelet on my left arm is actually a belt that I found in a charity shop. The sunglasses in the first pictures are my “Deirdre Barlows” from Dunnes.

More photos and full outfit details on HerApparel, here and here.

Xx

Models, Muscians and Chucks

OR: My Perfect Summer Shoes

Dear Readers,

Yesterday I explained my truancy. To be perfectly honest, I was off running about in my new shoes. I decided during our first week of hot weather that I wasn’t going to indulge in the usual flat gladiator sandals this summer. I wanted something a bit more classic.

So I bought these: Converse double tongue Chuck Taylors from Office.

This might also have a little something to do with why…

Music

Brian Jones (by Bent Rej)

Alice Glass (as credited)

Kurt Cobain

Hot Rod Circuit (by Jeremy & Claire Weiss)

The Bronx (by Jeremy & Claire Weiss)

Off Duty Models

and two seriously stylish actors

Natalie Portman

River Phoenix

Xx

All Images via google unless stated otherwise.

Vintage Inspired Pendants

Dear Readers,

Forgive my playing truant. I’ve spent a busy few days researching and getting inspired. I reckon it’s good to take time out now and again to re-establish what it is that influences you. However eclectic your style or taste is.

While doing a bit of on-line research I found Zara Taylor’s Jewellery. It’s a collection of quirky, pretty necklaces rings, earrings and bracelets with a cute and sometimes edgy vintage feel. Zara is based in the UK, her mother is originally from Co. Westmeath and she creates gorgeous little pieces like these.Silver love letter necklace, (with love letter inside), £17

Lost at Sea, Diving Marine Lamp Necklace, £18

Love me yes or no necklace, £16

Miniature Harmonica Pendant (soon to be mine!! I just ordered it) £20

Corpse Bride Pendant, £20

2010, Year of the Tiger Necklace, £17

Just to give you the heads up: Fearne Cotton has been seen wearing a few of her pieces including this mini magnifying glass pendant. So you might need to get in there quick. Prices range from £14, yes £14 for necklaces and delivery to Ireland is FREE!

Mini magnifying glass necklace, £20

Xx