Day 4 Style Post – 5 days, 5 posts, 5 outfits

Hey All,

Here’s my fourth style post, 7 days & 4 posts down, 0 days & 1 posts to go… (Oh well)

Distracted as I am by snow and such, it seems that I have failed to step up to the challenge that I set myself. I am a day (or two) behind but hey, seriously does anyone really give a you-know-what?! Another distraction was the long-awaited visit from the minx that is Blau von T, of Blaubushka.com. We had a midnight frolic last night before freezing our bits off and going inside for an old man’s hot whiskey.

Whisty: Coat & bag – vintage, Dress – Dandelion Daydreamer Vintage, Henry Holland mock-stockings – legslove.ie, Shoes - Butterfly by Matthew Williamson for Debenhams.

Blau von T: Cape – Topshop, Hat & dress – Urban Outfitters, Bag – AWear, Jeans – French Connection, Boots – Bertie

Whisty

Xx

Style Post Intermission – Vintage Shopping

OR: Dandelion Daydreamer Vintage Pop-Up and Interview

Hey All,

In case your horribly bored of looking at my wardrobe, I thought I’d better post about some of the clothes that I wish I had in my wardrobe.

Imagine spending your summers by the beach, shopping in markets and boutiques in the South of France; hanging out with beautiful friends and your boyfriend; who happens to be a bit of a dab-hand, dans la cuisine. It may sound too good to be true but is the real-life of Sorcha Gillett, owner of Dandelion Daydreamer Vintage clothing and interviewee on Whisty.

Back from France for the winter and armed with her vintage collection, Sorcha invited me along to try her wares this weekend. We drank mulled wine, ate mince pies and chatted as I shopped…

Whisty: So you live in the South of France most of the year but have come back to Dublin for the winter? How Come?

Sorcha: I have lived there for 2 years now; about 2 hours south of Bordeaux on the coast in a surfer’s paradise. It is a seasonal lifestyle so while it is quiet there in the winter I have chosen to return home to launch Dandelion Daydreamer Vintage in Ireland; also to enjoy living the city life for a little while!

Whisty: Where do you get all your pieces? Can you give us any insider tips on how / where to hunt for vintage bargains?

Sorcha: When I’m in France I travel the country to markets, and as my French has improved, private vintage sellers. For anybody who is visiting France – Paris in particular – look for “friperies“. These French vintage shops selections can vary but generally treasures can be found. When I find a good shop I always ask the staff for local recommendations. When I lived in Dublin I remember trekking along Georges St up to the top of Camden St. in search of charity shop bargains. I have heard wonderful things about the Dublin Flea market and am looking forward to checking that out this winter… if the snow permits!

Whisty: Where are your favourite places to shop?

Sorcha: New York, New York! The Big Apple has such a diverse choice of vintage to choose from. Whether I’m rummaging through vintage boutiques in the East Village or warehouses in Williamsbourg, I will always have a huge smile plastered across my face! San Francisco is another vintage goldmine, particularly around Haight Street where you will find almost 20 vintage boutiques lined up in a tantalising row. If you have the patience, there are some huge charity shops in America where you can find bargains a plenty but often time is of the essence and it’s better to go somewhere with quality not quantity! France is my number one spot for vintage handbags, belts and shoes. I have recently posted a little guide to vintage shopping, eating and sleeping in Paris on my blog with some tips for any potential visitors.

Whisty: So you spend your life shopping! I’m so jealous, is it really as good as it sounds?

Sorcha: In a word, yes! It is a huge excuse to travel and when you are passionate about what you do it never feels like work anyway! The only drawback is that I literally find it impossible to pass a vintage shop/market without popping my head in. It can make for a very frustrated boyfriend sometimes!

Whisty: How do you convince yourself to sell all the stuff you buy, and not keep it all for your own wardrobe!?

Sorcha: If I am lucky all the beautiful pieces will be too large or small for me, then the decision is already made! I do find it very hard to part with items sometimes, that’s when I have to remind myself this is a job not a personal shopping trip!

Whisty: What is your favourite vintage era?

Sorcha: Hands down it’s the 1950s, give me Betty Draper in romantic florals and nipped in waist day dresses over 1980s bling any day!

Whisty: When is the next Dandelion Daydreamer Vintage pop-up shop please!!

Sorcha: We are currently open all week up until Christmas Eve and I am already working on the next pop up shop! I will be sure to let you know as soon as the preparations are finalised! For any Dublin ladies who wish to visit our showroom for a private viewing just drop us a line to book an appointment. (sorcha.gillett (@)gmail.com) tel : 0861283472

The coat I should’ve bought…

I think I need a bit more lemon yellow in my life… Hello pretty vintage 60′s dress. Now mine.

Dandelion Daydreamer on Facebook HERE

Dandelion Daydreamer Blog HERE shop HERE:

Whisty

Xx

Day 3 Style Post – 5 days, 5 posts, 5 outfits

Hey All,

Here’s my third post, 5 days & 3 posts down, 2 days & 2 posts to go… (Oh flip)

Drinks with Alice.

Last night I met the quirky White Rabbit blogger and milliner Alice Merlics; we went to an art show at Twisted Pepper, on Abbey Street where she was exhibiting her latest collection of hats. There were also exhibitions from other arty types, showing paintings and other pieces. I promise, I don’t for one second claim to be any kind of art critic, but I know what I like, and Barry Quinn and Lukasz Kaniecki’s works really blew me away.

Anyway, back to the post; this is what I wore, all monochrome. Must try harder with colours…

Post #02 of 5…

Cape, thirfted

Jodhpurs, New Look

Boots, Dorothy Perkins

Until tomorrow…

Whisty

Xx

Day 2 Style Post – 5 days, 5 posts, 5 outfits

Hey All,

Here’s my second post, 3 days & 2 posts down, 4 days & 3 posts to go…

I had to run a few errands at lunchtime, with the weather all meh, grey and drizzly, layers are still the thing. I love these boots though, not wellies but still warm and waterproof.

Post #02 of 5…

Hat ‘borrowed’; Jumper vintage Dior; DIY denim cut-offs; Socks & bag River Island; Jacket vintage Topshop; Boots thrifted.

Until tomorrow,

Whisty

Xx

New Blog Challenge – 5 days, 5 posts, 5 outfits – Day 1

Hi All,

I thought seeing as it’s nearly Christmas, and I have loads of shopping, writing and packing for home to do, I should stretch myself even farther. I’ve set myself a new blogging challenge for the end of 2010, by giving myself 1 week to post 5 outfit posts, over 5 days…

So here goes:

Post #01 of 5…

Leopard Print and Leaves.

Jodhpurs, loafers, blouse New Look

Leopard-Print Handwarmer, Vintage

Until tomorrow…

Whisty

Xx

 

 

 

Mullet Dresses – Yup you heard it right.

Hi All,

I’ve made no bones about the fact that I’m a fan of the maxi. Right now however I’m contemplating getting a pair of scissors to all the maxi’s in my wardrobe and make them into mullet dresses; short at the front and long at the back.

The trend has been pretty big over the last few seasons but AW10 and SS11 has seen the trend explode. And I want to get hit by a piece of that shrapnel.

AW2010

Blumarine

SS2011

Topshop Unique

Antonio Berardi

Affordable – ‘High Street’ Topshop & Asos.

Here’s one I tried earlier. Silk – Asos.

All runway images via style.com.

Whisty

Xx

Charity Begins with Brown Thomas Christmas Cards

Hey All,

I just saw these charity Christmas cards that Brown Thomas and some pretty huge design-houses have created. Tiffany & Co., Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli and Manolo Blahnik; as well as Lulu Guinness and erm… Victoria Beckham. I can’t decide between Manolo Blahnik (it does say Dublin 2010 after all) or Roberto Cavalli; hello leopard-print goodness. But then there’s the Lanvin one, all crazy and silly and festive. Oh I dunno, maybe I’ll get them all, it’s €10 for three anyway and all proceeds go to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children- I.S.P.C.C. They’re available from BT’s in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.

Lanvin

 

Lulu GuinnessManolo Blahnik

Roberto Cavalli

Tiffany & Co.

Victoria BeckhamI do know however, that this last one is about as festive as waking up on Christmas morning to find, after he’s consumed too many Sherry’s and mince pies, Santa has passed water all over your prezzies, before passing out under the tree.

Actually, come to think of it, that sounds a typical Chrismas in Whisty’s house…

I love a bit of charity, especially at Christmas, go on – you don’t have to give them away, just frame them and keep them for yourself!

Whisty

Xx

Snow Style – Black on White

Hey All,

Worst thing about wintry weather? The fact that style and practicality don’t go hand in hand. I mean, I love my Parka and Hunter wellies for keeping me so warm. But style-wise, I look like I should be heading to a festival or mucking out stables. Doc’s, leather jacket and layers, kept me kind of warm today; I went for a walk in this tiny park near my house; hardly anyone had been there so the snow was still perfect and white.

All outfit details on HerApparel.

Whisty

Xx

Gold by Giles Deacon & the New Look SS11 Preview

Hey All,

So it’s snowing, what better thing to post about than spring/summer 2011 collections? In Rathmines earlier I noticed, from Oxfam to the  Swan Centre, most of the snow had been moved, except outside the chemist… Just an observation but, cashing-in on snow-induced cuts and bruises are we Mr. Pharmacist? Hmmm. I have to say that walking along in the snow can’t possibly look cool can it? I’d say even Dr. Dre might look a bit of a twerp if he finds himself slipping about on the slush.

I digress, I’m posting a few snaps from last week’s New Look press day in London. Since it’s one of the newest stores in Dublin city centre, I thought it best to report back on what we might be buying for SS2011. New Look carry so many lines, I’ve just posted the ones I liked most.

First off, the new pieces from Gold by Giles Deacon.

New Look Limited Edition SS11

Soft, feminine, floral and perfectly embellished.

New Look Idol 7 Collection SS11

That maxi…

Edgy, sexy and inspiring.

The Accessories

I must have these suede boots.

The whole event was big and shiny and exciting, I got a bit lost wandering around the West End and had to ask a friendly postman where I was going. But when I got there, the  New Look offices are huge and really impressive. As were all the painfully stylish people who were inside (drinking Pimms). I was just as in awe of all that as I was the clothes…

Whisty

Xx