indecision...

I sometimes find Saturday difficult to dress for. Technically it is no different to any other day since I am in college. All that changes is that I do my college work from home (ugh business plan). So why do I feel the need to make a differentiation from this day to all the rest? Am I that desperate for a weekend? I often try to think of really casual outfits to prove that this is indeed my day off. But then I just feel lazy, so I put on heels. I think until I actually have a full time job I will suffer with this conundrum.

On a different matter, I threw on this jacket and scarf to take these photos. But I think when I head out later I will have to wear a much heavier coat. As gorgeous as this jacket is, it ain't keeping me as warm as I'd like.

Jacket: Vintage

Scarf: Prague (Jewish Quarter)

Blouse/Jeans: New Look

Loafers: Office

Anchor Brooch: Shutterbug

clinging on...

After shoes, bags are my favourite things in this world of fashion (I probably say that about a lot of things though.) I love all kinds of bags: old bags, new bags, big bags, small bags... The list is genuinely endless. I just think they finish off an outfit perfectly. But my favourite type is the clutch bag. For me they are the divas of the bag world. Can be tiny, can be big but always demand attention. There is something more elegant about having to hold your bag in your hand. Oh I just love them!

Just like your shoes, your bag should make a statement. It should talk to people, tell them all about you. Allow people to see a glimpse of your personality...

And of course it should be able to hold your whole world.

Here are the bags I wanna be rockin' this winter...

apples...

This outfit was most definitely inspired by A Beautiful Mess... I just love how she injects colour into her outfits without it being harsh, I love the cute patterns she parades around in and the dotey buckle shoes that just scream vintage. There is something so feminine and quirky about it all... (As I have already told you.)

So I really wanted to get that feel into an outfit of my own. I wore this outfit on Saturday and actually loved it so much that I decided to wear it again today. I never thought of this dress as appropriate for winter, I bought in the summer time so I naturally assumed for summer it should be. But (and I could be wrong) I think it kinda works, Quirky, offbeat and light enough that I can pile on layers. The pattern is simply the cutest in my opinion but everyone thinks they're snowmen and not apples, which is understandable since they are white (also appropriate given the season) but it still bothers me. Grr!

Dress/ Shoes: New Look

Cardigan: My mums

Ring: Etsy

first date...

                                   

Carlow Fashion Blogger Rhona Nolan Talks Perfect First Date Attire from REDradar on Vimeo.

So I was asked to do a little video for the TwoTube website about what I would wear on a first date... It was so much fun to do, rambling in front of a camera is a lot easier than I was expecting it to be. But the people who know me will know that really isn't saying much. The hard part is shutting me up...

Oddly enough I didn't think I sounded like that.

Anyway watch, enjoy, laugh...

graphic monday...

How darling is this poster... How awesome is this poster! It was designed by Boris Pelcer for "The Roaring Twenties" themed 20th Annual Montessori de Terra Linda Auction, established with the intent of raising crucial funds for M.d.T.L. independent school in San Rafael in California. 

I just love everything about it... The colour scheme is striking with that punch of red but still understated. The illustration is simply a work of art, even in the close up. And normally I wouldn't choose a hugely stylized font like that Art Deco one because I feel it just has to be used appropriately. But thankfully he didn't over used it and paired it with that really quirky typeface. And, of course, it has a vintage feel while still staying modern.

Overall I love it! Hope you do to...

images via Behance.net

blog inspiration...

My latest blog addiction is this cutey pie of a blog called A Beautiful Mess... And what a beautiful mess it is! It is a serious feast for the eyes. Full to the brim with gorgeous outfits, delicious looking recipes and quirky DIYs, you will not know where to start with this blog and you will not want to stop. The blog belongs to the dotey Elsie Larson, co-owner of Red Velvet, an amazing shop so get looking. She has friends that contribute beautiful things to her blog, such as recipes, how to hairstyle posts and random (yet gorgeous) DIY projects. Honestly, there is something for everyone.

I want her home, I want her entire wardrobe, I want her hair, I want her bike and I wanna get baking after reading this blog. It is so colourful, fussy, fun and down right fabulous. It has elements of a vintage lifestyle but with loads of modern twists, this girl is not afraid to have fun with fashion, with food or with life. Definite inspiration to beat those winter blues!

atelier...

H&M launched their Versace collection in Ireland this week but I have been drooling over the Versace Atelier autumn/winter 2011 collection instead. The elegance and extravagance of it all! It has the essence of the original Versace style (the bold patterns, the vibrant, punchy colours) but I also feel it is very grown up, very demure, very alluring, very luxurious. And of course very quirky! Which is always a good thing. Elegance and quirkiness always make beautiful babies together. 

They should carry on making babies...

Every piece from this collection is like a work of art. Exquisite and divine. Stunning from every angle. I especially love the amazing pink number. Talk about eye catching! Why weren't these in H&M?

preppy...

Gary getting in on the action...

It has taken me since Tuesday to upload these pictures! How wrong is that?! Anyway when I did wear this outfit I was feeling quite preppy. All I was missing was a mocha (which I had later), a pile of books and a blazer. The stripes, the teeny collar, the tasseled heels. It's all so very Harvard! 

If only I was remotely intelligent... If only... 

But I can make a pretty picture.

Moving along, look how colourful my outfit is? Red, navy, yellowy-green, taupe? I'm like frickin' rainbow! Who'd have thought I wouldn't wear black at all! I don't remember the last time that happened. Really don't think it'll last, winter months really bring out the darker shades in me. Colour is for the days of warmth and sunshine. In my books anyway.

Cardigan: Penneys

Top: Dunnes

Jeans/Heels: New Look

Ring: Lulu's Vintage Closet (Etsy)

luck be a lady...

I've been feeling all lady like the past few days, haven't been dressing like a lady but most certainly wishing I could purchase a few dainty dresses, or like the whole plus size collection in Modcloth. I was so delighted to see that Modcloth are now doing my size. I am always drooling over their vintage style designs and now I am one step closer to owning something from this beautiful shop. Their dresses are just so amazing, girly and quirky. There is something so different about them, feminine yet eye-catching. Safe to say that I want them all! Just gotta start saving those pennies....

The only problem is these dresses don't really suit college life. One does not have the time to get dolled up to nines when you are rushing into a nine o'clock. Life would be so much simpler if I had the time to be a lady. Am looking forward to being able to dress all pretty and proper everyday of the week when I'm out in the big bad world. No suits for me! No sir!

silver factory...

So Wednesday night was the launch of the Silver Factory's new autumn/winter collection... I was delighted to have been invited but was devastated that college had to come first (boo fourth year!) Anyway... since the collection was launched I thought I'd have a little mosey on over to the website to see how the brand spanking new collection looked. And, of course, it was all gorgeous (no surprise there). The tshirts he creates are just so... well, perfect (for want of a better word). They work brilliantly on both genders, the designs are works of art, they aren't too expensive (discount on their facebook page) that you fear ripping them to make them work for you, and they are monochrome! (Who doesn't love monochrome?!) What more could ask for?

But I think the best thing about them is their practicality, a horrible word I agree. But think about it, anyone of these tshirts would make any humdrum skinnys suddenly hip. Living in the busy world that is  college life (with projects and thesis and all that other shtuff!) these tshirts are simply a god send to the fashion conscious student that has slept in... yet again!

My favourite? Well it would have to be the The End one, oh how I want it!

Young master Cavaliere you've done it again, here's hoping that many more seasons will follow...

simply dotty...

Ever since I saw this picture on the Topshop facebook page I have been obsessed with polka dots. I mean come on, they are sooo cute! There is something so feminine and youthful about them, even in the darker colours.  For me, it's the pattern of the innocent, of the daring, of the weird and wonderful, of the outcasts and the cutey-pies. Such an iconic pattern indeed... Just think of Gwen Stefani in the Don't Speak video, how beautiful was she in that? Or the Licntenstein Woman, also a spotty stunner. Or even Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, true dotty elegance. You know, I could on...

I want all these items... If I had the money my wardrobe would be polka dot crazy (it would also be tartan crazy but that is not the point.) What I love about this pattern is that it fits so well into anyones style, that it works on a pair of shoes, on a dress, on a purse and that it looks great in any colour. Truly one of the most adaptable patterns...

Whether it be big spots or teeny dots, there is a polka for every girl.

graphic monday...

The illustrations are simply awesome! They are custom designs that were created for the skimboard producer SkimBeam by Fuse Collective. They wanted to embody summer in their designs. I think they did a damn good job too! Even though I have no idea how to "skim" I still want one, really badly. I think they would look awesome as wall art. Don't you think...

Images via Behance Network

wish I was wearing #5

Tis a brisk chilly morning... Perfect for heeled brogues and opaque tights. I feel like being pretty today,  but not heavily girly. A dark palette with a feminine flare. Pleats shown off with rougher fabrics in the belt and shoes. An autumnal warmth on a winters day.

I think this dress and these brogues are simply stunning. That dress would be on my wish list if it were in my size... sadly out of stock though. The brogues however are still in my size so are still within my grasp, just need to do a bit of saving, unless someone wishes to buy me a very early Christmas present...

No? Oh well

I'll keep wishing.

lusting... yet again!

Apologies for the lack of content in this post, just sharing my latest shoe NEED... It is really quite sad I much I love shoes, especially these shoes! I don't know if I've ever told you but I have a serious love for pony hair... serious love indeed. Every since I borrowed my sisters pony hair heels, sigh.. Anyway these beauties are of course from Topshop. I could be making a massive over statement but I feel these would go with everything. 

Ok... maybe not everything, but quite a good bit. Just picture it, Baggy wool jumper and some heavy leggings and these boots. A black maxi skirt and sequined scalloped top and these boots. A fitted shirt tucked into high waisted shorts, a blazer and these boots! Need I go on?

Booties, see you in my dreams...

ahoy!

I thought I'd post it before it got too far away from Halloween... Last week was my course's Halloween party and in true Rose Tinted Uncertainty fashion I went as a 1940s pin up sailor. I really wish I had a good picture of the whole dress because it is indeed my favourite dress. I'm sure I will make an excuse to wear it again and then there will be photos, I promise.

Anyway I thought you'd all be interested in my attempt at victory rolls. Tricky little buggers indeed! Mountains of hairspray and patience were used. I was happy with the results though and I am planning on mastering the art so I can wear my hair like this more often (without the teeny sailor hat of course). I also had little white gloves as well... I looked awfully cute!

Hat: Made myself

Dress: Vivien of Holloway

Lipstick: Rimmel Alarm

scholar...

Felt all studious today walking into college with my satchel. Isn't it so pretty! My mum treated me to this a couple of months ago but I only received it last Thursday (they had a serious backlog). I know, she spoils me so. I've wanted one for so long so I was beside myself when it arrived. I'm seriously hoping this satchel will last me a very long time. I got one with a handle so I use it as a briefcase (a really odd and colourful briefcase) for when I am all grown up and in the big bad world.

The only problem is that I'm really precious with the satchel because it's so new, shiney and awesome. I've a fear that I'll get it scratched... Its a terrible fear indeed. I keep smelling it too, odd I know but I do love the smell of leather (don't lie, you do too). The colour is just gorgeous as well, a wonderful way to add a punch of colour during these winter months. 

Scarf: Forever 21

Top: Awear

Skirt: Next

Boots: Dunnes

Satchel: Cambridge Satchel Co.