Still in love with that coral sunset...

Outfit posts are slim on the ground due to my internship, I will do better. Anyway here are some recent purchases that I am still swooning over. Both coral and both oh so cool. It is my colour of choice at the moment, along with black. At least it is a summery colour, unlike black.

I love the structure of this bag: simple, boxy and sleek. It has a long handle, which is something that I'm not hugely used to though. To be honest I was half tempted to leave it there because of the handle, but the colour made me pick it up. It also fits a good bit in it, surprisingly. And I now love the handle!

The lippy was a teeny (huge) bit of an impulse buy, I saw it while working on a previous post and I went weak at the knees. It is called Vegas Volt (isn't that a brilliant name?!) I just loved that colour and my last coral lipstick was too waxy and difficult to wear. So I was delirah when I tried it on and it was perfect. One layer does the job perfectly, otherwise it would be way too bright for me to wear on a day-to-day basis.

I love both and shall be wearing both this coming Sunday when I'm out with my gang, yes I have a gang... we even click our fingers he he!

Bag: Penneys

Lipstick: MAC (Vegas Volt)

Summer Prints...

Summer is well and truly upon us, well it's suppose to be. And I think we should all take a leaf out of Whisty's book and brighten up a little with some good old prints. I'm not saying its ground-breaking for summer, it isn't some new amazing fad, it's just pretty... and every girl likes to feel pretty. And there ain't nothing wrong with that. 

Prints are a great way to brighten up ones wardrobe. Even if there ain't much colour in it, the bold shapes and styles just add a bit of life to an outfit, a spring in its step. Plus with the right print you can portray a certain type of image. Tribal/ethnic has a sort of cool, coffee-loving, relaxed attitude whereas florals are very feminine, delicate and cute (especially when you skip).

All these beauties are from Warehouse, and there is a lot more where they came from. I found them while I was doing some online window shopping. There are loads in Warehouse, they've gone print crazy. They've got forals, tribal, oriental-ish. All so very beautiful though, if I only had the cash... Sigh. 

My uniform...

I realised I never told you guys that I landed an internship in an amazing art print studio, Graphic Studio Dublin. Three days a week until the end of July I am there doing my thang, and learning loads! Very happy indeed!

But obviously an art print studio is full of ink and other messy things and I'm doing a lot of standing and heavy lifting so I've been kind of living in these two items of clothing. My denim shirt and my converse (would you believe I've only had them a week, I'm good a get things filthy.) It is the perfect uniform for this job really, loose, comfortable but still kind of cool (bonus!) I just throw on various trousers, shorts, skirts underneath them everyday. I was thinking of wandering into Penneys and getting another denim shirt (just so I'm not in that one all day everyday.) Maybe a more fitted one... love fitted denim shirts.

Also I am in love with my new cons, I wear them nearly everyday, even when I'm not working. I've been wanting a lo-top pair for awhile now. Didn't really know what colour to get, then I saw a girl in my college wearing these ones with skinny jeans and I was convinced. White was the way to go, tis old school after all.

Shirt: Penneys

Converse: Littlewoods

Floral Breeze...

I felt like being a bit girly and cute today. And what better way to do it than with a floral dress and t-bars. I have both this dress and these shoes for a few years now. The dress I bought on sale in Dorothy Perkins and the shoes are good auld Penneys. I wish this dress was just every that little bit longer, I feel it would be far more flattering if it came to the knee. But nonetheless I still love it. A great thing about it is all the colours that are in it: green, yellow, purple, brown, pink, red and white. I can match it with so many other items of clothing, tis wonderful! Later when it gets a tad more nippy I'll put on my baby pink cardigan... I'll be super cute then ha ha!

You'll notice that I've two empty frames in the photographs. I have recently redecorated my room a little and got a bunch of gorgeous frames. I want to put my two best friends in one and my boyfriend in the other. I'm just searching for the right photos.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes/Belt: Penneys

Watch: Gift

Lipstick: Rimmel (Vintage Pink)

I! am the powerful, the pleasurable, the indestructible Mushu!

Topshop

Asos

SewSmashing: Etsy

     

I've been noticing this oriental vibe that seems to be doing the rounds. I like it, obviously in small doses. A trend like this can go horribly wrong in my opinion. I think it is all about subtleties, a hair clip behind your ear, a lipstick on a toned down face, a kimono jacket over skinnies. I don't think the all over geisha look is something we should strive for, at least I'm not going to. It is another trend that is having a revival but this time around it's much more relaxed, the kimono jacket being something that has interested many. It's loose, swishy and chilled... Perfect for the long summer nights that I'm hoping will return.

I am trying to conjure an outfit from my existing wardrobe (money is tight unfortunately) and I think I would keep it in the accessories. I've wedged oriental patterned shoes in a gorgeous turquoise and a white orchid comb. I think they'll work well for this trend. 

If unlike me you are not strapped for cash (lucky thing) here is what I would be spending my money on if you're into this trend. My favourite would have to be the dress from Topshop. Utterly divine! Also the people who made that origami stick have loads of beautiful things along the same lines on clips as well. So pretty in my opinion.

The lipstick names in order are: Lady Danger, Cyber (I actually do have this one) and Neon Orange. All from MAC.

LINKS Á LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP...

YOUR BLOGS PERFECT ACCESSORY: BRILLIANT PICTURES

Edited by Denimology

As I was selecting my posts for this weeks Links A La Mode, I realized how important it is to have attractive and original images in your posts. I noticed that I would open a post and close it promptly if the images looked rather….. what’s the word… meh.

Here is how to have your blog posts chosen by me [Denimology] for LALM:

• Images Are The Main Course — A great image will draw in your reader. The image might be beautiful, odd, heartwarming, instructive or just curiosity-provoking,  so long as it keeps the reader wanting to read your post.
• Don’t Forget To Use an Image — It’s better to use a generic image than no image at all but ultimately your image should represent what the subject of your post is about.
• High Quality Images Are Best — We’ve all heard the saying “Pictures speak  a thousand words”, but in the blogging world they speak even more.  Adding HQ pictures to a blog post will visually stimulate your readers and help them identify with you, the writer.
• Resize Your Images — While images can make your blog looked polished and professional, having images that hang over into the margins or that are cut off is sloppy blogging.

LINKS À LA MODE: MAY 19TH

• And She Loved: How to DIY more– list of resources for DIY projects and ideas
• Beautifully Invisible: 5 Things Jack Sparrow Taught Me About Fashion & Makeup
• bestofbklyn:  Summer getaway essentials
• Beyond Fabric: Incorporating ethnic pieces into your attire
• Chic ‘n Cheap Living: Wardrobe staple: Trouser jeans
• Denimology: Denimology’s 5th Anniversary ‘Free Jeans Every Day In May’ Denim Giveaway Want free jeans? We have Lots to give away!
• fashionablynumb: Angel Garcia The Label Whore. People who get carried away with labels and logos.
• For Those About to Shop: 10 great designer quotations
• ggfashionista: A tutorial in how to achieve a chic headband look with a scarf
• IFB: New IFB Feature — Twitter/Livestream Chat
• Kirstin Marie: A shopaholic’s tips
• Mary Jane Girl: Kristen Leotsakou Interior design: do’s, don’ts and must have items
• My Favorite Fashion: Victoria Vintage Vision: how & why vintage fashion has become so popular
• Rose tinted uncertainty: Rhona Nolan – Should we pick one look or reserve our right to be polystylish???
• Sample Sale Sites: Jeans Make A Difference – Denim Unites For Peace
• Speak2Ashley: Style lessons from French women, the French way
• StyleSizzle: How to build a better wardrobe
• Styling You: Why the colour navy is so Posh
• Stylish Thought: Are you a Savage Blogger?
• TheStylishButterfly: Confessions of a new blogger: High fashion vs. real fashion
• ThisIsAYes: Summer Ready? – from less Makeup to more Sailing, Mint Green Dresses, more Maxi Skirts and Round Sunglasses
• truequeen: 11 Ways to Revamp Your Dresser

This is the first time I have been selected for this and I am delighted! Thank you! Check out the other blogs...

That elusive signature style...

I read an article recently in The Sunday Times Style magazine about Gwyneth Paltrow and the fact that she apparently cannot make up her mind about what style she wants to wear. Now I could understand this if she was "mixing genres" or the likes but they were too different outfits from two different events: a book launch and some red carpet deal-io. To highten my confusion I thought the outfits were quite similar. Now one was jeans and a sweater and one was a dress but both outfits were (in my opinion) minimalistic, fitted and sophisticated with muted tones. As far as I was concerned they were the same style, just different variations.

But thats beyond the point... If she wanted to wear two vastly different outfits isn't that her perogitive? If it is acceptable and she is working it let her be. Why does she need to choose?!? I mean, to me, fashion is one of those realms that allows you to be completely expressive and experimental and to just have fun.

I always thought style was your ability to create outfits that are more than just fashionable, that just work. Not a certain look you have created. Am I wrong? I do agree that each persons look should be individual to themselves, almost like their handwriting. But doesn't everyone mess around with their handwriting, seeing what looks nicer, what flows better. I know I have. I think people should have a certain style but that they are not restricted to one look, that they can experiment with new trends, adapt their look and add to their style.

The thing is that I also read somewhere that when it comes to fashion, your twenties is the time for experimenting. Do you agree? I agree in the sense that by the time you hit thirty you probably should know what suits you, your shape and all that jazz. But when it comes to experimenting with new trends and different looks is that only allowed for the people under thirty? That seems so bizarre. Most of the women we see as icons were more stylish post thirty, or is that because they are no longer experimenting?

It is a topic that has been bothering me for sometime, especially considering my "look" changes nearly everyday. I always joke and say my style is schizophrenic or a "playa". I couldn't choose just one look and run with it. I love so many and I enjoy playing around with them. But other times I feel I should cop on and grow up and work on one look and perfect it or something. You see some people working one look so well and they become known for it and others that are just stylish no matter what look they are working.

What are your thoughts?

Bathed in marl grey and the blackest of blacks...

This was my outfit yesterday... I'm seriously getting into these ripped neck tops. It started when I had a couple of band tees and the likes that had those ridiculously small neck holes (not flattering for the bigger chested lady at all). So off came the neck and now I look sloppy but isn't that the desired effect? I like it! It is a big contradiction being all alluring (probably not, but still) and showing some skin in a baggy tee.

Also I'm in love with my Morticia skirt even though it isn't actually on trend. I suppose thats the thing, wear what you like despite trends. They should only be guidelines. And I love this skirt, it ain't leaving my wardrobe or my life.

I am finding it hard to dress myself the past few days. Ever since the sun disappeared it has become a tad chilly but I refuse to put my legs back into tights. I mean its May for flip sake! I just won't do it. But I don't want to be wearing trousers all the time. I guess I'm just being stubborn. Hopefully Mr. Sun will come back and I can bask in shorts and sun dresses once more and not wear out all my pants.

Tee: Penneys (men section)

Skirt: Warehouse

Wishbone necklace: Accessorize

Watch: Gift

Cons: Gift

Lipstick: Rimmel (Coral in Gold)

Asos White Launches...

Asos White have just launched their Spring/Summer collection. This seems to be a gorgeous collection! As you can see this is their take on this massive colour block trend that is doing the rounds, as we all know. The collection is cool, chic and ever so sophisticated. The cuts/shapes of these items are what make them special, in my opinion anyway, they are simple shapes with something extra special added to them... like those sleeves! These certainly are staple pieces with a good auld kick!

These are the pieces that would be in my wardrobe if I wasn't a broke student. My two favourites are the dress and trousers. Gotta love those pants!

A running theme...

We heart it

It seems to be a recurring theme that most Irish bloggers will not be able to blog due to end of year exams and what not for a little while. I, unfortunately, am no different. I do not have exams (whoop) but I do have an end of year portfolio that is due next Monday. I can imagine it will be stressful, even though I've already made a good stab at it. I need to get loads done this week especially since I am going to an opera on Saturday (my boyfriend's father is in it) so I don't want to be all fried that night.

Next week, when I am finished, I will resume my normal blogging, hopefully with an outfit post of what I wear to opera (my first opera- excited!)

Good luck to all who have end of year college stuff to be doing, exams and the likes.