My Republic of Fashion

MSGM Print Loving

2013-05-23T18:09:00.002+01:00

Currently loving: MSGM prints.

Good looking on the screen, even better in real life.

Who likes shorts?

Add a top, mix or match and say hello to Summer.

Now all we need is the sun.

The 'Panther/Monkey' silk top and Aztec printed shorts are by far my favourite combination.

Just watch out for those Panthers . . . and Monkeys!

Although, I wouldn't say no to any of them. Would you?

TUBED FLORAL LONG SLEEVED TOP // FLORAL PRINTED TWEED SHORTS - BOTH MYWARDROBE

PANTHER MONKEY SILK TOP - SHOPBOP // PRINT AZTEC/JACQUARD SHORTS - MYTHERESA

GIRAFFE PRINT COTTON TOP - L'INDE LE PALAIS // TRIBAL GEOMETRIC PRINTED SHORTS - FARFETCH

MSGM

Magazine(s) Of the Month: Vogue vs. Miss Vogue

2013-05-20T17:08:00.001+01:00

Enjoying Miss Vogue like a fifteen year old teenager (again!). Add ten years & a well leafed through Miss Vogue and I go for Miss Vogue's older sister, Vogue, with Kate Moss on the cover.

Then back again to Miss Vogue . . .

It's back to the future with Vogue and Miss Vogue for June.

My favourite Vogue feature: 'How We Dress Now'.

My favourite Miss Vogue feature: 'Saturday Night Fever'.

What's your favourite magazine/magazines this month?

Designer Spotlight: Charlotte Olympia

2013-04-27T20:07:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Charlotte's Web . . .

Charlotte Olympia Facts: First full shoe collection launched in 2008 by designer & owner Charlotte Dellal.

Prices range from €345 (to an eye-watering) upwards +++. This is a luxury designer brand, with designer prices - investment pieces. (More's the pity for my non designer friendly funds.)

The shoes sometimes have a feline look, but both shoes & now accessories are always guaranteed feminine with an added touch of ooh-la-la.

From the designer's mouth: 'The higher the heel, the better you feel'.

The Cherry Blossom Girl loves her velvet Charlotte Olympia wedges. So do I.

Image via thecherryblossomgirl.com

Are you a Horoscope lover? I don't know about you, but I certainly am. These Horoscope shoes from the Cosmic collection are most definitely on my in-your-dreams wish list. I'm Scorpio, but given that it's Taurus' time to shine, here is a very specific Horoscope written by me to all you Taurean's.

Had a tough week? Don't even think of staying in this weekend, pick out an outfit - put on a pair of lucky shoes - the Taurus shoe, go dancing and have fun. You might have a lot of fashion conscious admirers who - strangely enough - are looking at your feet. A foot fetish, perhaps? No. A Charlotte Olympia fetish. Just go with it, Taurus - you cosmic chick!

Image via Bergdorf Goodman Blog

Collaboration from Charlotte Olympia x Olympia Le-Tan (Fashion's Night Out, September 2012). Remember to never judge a book by its cover. Unless it's an embroidered book cover clutch from Charlotte Olympia x Olympia Le-Tan. Go forth and exclaim 'Charlotte 'Olympia' Dellal is a crafty one'.

Image via elle.com

Designer collaborations are launching left, right & centre in the Fashion Industry at the moment, which can sometimes make them seem less exciting, however, the feeling for this new Charlotte Olympia x Tom Binns collaboration is pure love. Funky cat shoes with safety pin piercings, include some of the pieces in this collab collection.

A collaboration worth its weight in neon . . . and safety pins.

Available on the 2nd of May.

Image via vogue.it

Fancy a virtual, footprint friendly holiday? As the 'Toucan' flies, Charlotte Olympia Dot Com is a mere finger click away. Go on - go have a lust session.

Just don't forget to pack your sandals & pair of heels . . .

All images/products, unless stated otherwise via net-a-porter.com & matchesfashion.com.

Mini Or Midi

2013-04-10T17:42:00.000+01:00

Bloglovin': Lee Oliveira & Tuula Vintage. Two Bloggers who are passionate about taking gorgeous pictures and showcasing even more gorgeous Fashion.

Jessica Stein has an amazing sense of style and she loves Asos - even better. These two dresses, one Mini in scarf print & one vertical striped Midi - which are still for sale in a multitude of sizes - are right up my Fashion Street.

I don't think I have ever wanted to make an online purchase/s so badly, which is a good complaint! If I had to choose, I would go for the scarf print mini, and you?

Picture of Jessica Stein in midi dress via leeoliveira.com, all others via tuulavintage.com & asos.com

Reading Marie Claire

2013-04-08T20:51:00.000+01:00

Marie Claire is nothing new - it's been around since 1937, yet I can't even remember the last time I bought an issue - until now. This months Marie Claire (UK) is packed full of interesting content - my favourite fashion feature: The Denim Edit.

Buying Fashion Magazines are a bit of a treat for me nowadays, so when I pay €5-€6 for one magazine, I expect my money's worth. The front cover of a magazine may look amazing, but it's the inside that counts. (The freebies are of course, an added bonus.) After all, why buy when you can surf for free?

I am definitely going to buy next months Issue. But for now, I am going to appreciate this Issue and read about the New Rules Of Online Dating - God knows, I could do with some tips!

What magazine/s do you prefer to read?

Kurt (Sexy) Geiger

2013-04-04T20:03:00.000+01:00

I'm not usually a fan of high heels, in fact - I am quite terrified of them. But these Kurt Geiger's with their pointed toes and metal Cigarette heels are just too gorgeous to resist lusting over.

My favourite pair are the leopard print co(K)urts, but then again, I wouldn't say no to any of them. Would you?

Kurt Geiger

Big Hair

2013-04-02T15:04:00.001+01:00

Hair Today . . . What Tomorrow. The majority of us have hair - on our heads (and in other not so desirable places). Bad hair day, good hair day, I want-to-shave-it-all-off hair day, longing for sleeker, shinier, bigger hair day - we complain about and love our hair in equal measures - sometimes the conflicting feelings for our hair happens together in the space of one hour.

9.00am: Aghhh, my hair . . .

*Period of reflection*

9.40am: Do you know what? My hair is GRAND!

I have written several blog posts about hair. Hair that I would like, for example here. I also wrote about that time when I cut my hair and proclaimed that "it was the best decision I have made in quite some time", read here.

Haha, how wrong was I? The hairdresser was right and my hair exploded outwards once washed after the expert blow-dry. Turns out short-ish frizzy and thick hair doesn't really work unless you put the work into it. I didn't.

So, I let my hair grow and ditched the hair straightener* - well it ditched me by breaking down. Don't get me wrong, I still use a curling iron. As said before, my hair is of the frizzy variety, so it is neither really curly nor straight. In between hair - which is much easier to define with the curling iron than trying to straighten those kinks and tangles.

Here's to (long) big hair! I am going to appreciate my hair and never* complain about it again.

* Of course, sometimes I do get a longing now and then to straighten my hair, so I borrow a straightener.

* Never say never.

Images (from top-bottom):

Marie Claire Turkey via Fashion Gone Rogue

Free People via Fashion Gone Rogue

Mon Pompadour Tumblr Here

Pinterest Here via Absolutely Lady Like

Carrie Bradshaw via Pinterest via ashleeslove.com

Marc Jacobs SS11 via Vogue UK

Because I'm Addicted

Street Style via Refinery 29

Haleigh Making Magique

Marc By Marc Jacobs AW13 via Vogue UK

Travelling With ZARA

2013-03-23T11:05:00.000+00:00

A couple of things this week have reminded me of last Summer when I went travelling around parts of South East Asia. Tasting Vita Coco for the first time (as mentioned on my twitter page) being one of them - nice as the drink was, there is no comparison with the real deal on the real deal - coconut water on a nice sandy beach - sun & heat present.

Then yesterday I spotted the ZARA lookbook for April; unsurprisingly after a very Eastern influenced SS13 some of the looks had an oriental feel about them, which further heightened my longing for . . . last Summer's holiday, one that I am only appreciating now - typical.

A little bit of Heaven . . .

If I had to pick one brand I could only wear for one year, I would definitely choose ZARA. I should be so lucky! From basics to their more extravagant and embellished pieces, they really do cater for what I want the inside of my wardrobe to look like.

From their April lookbook, I have my eye on a few items, including that oriental print shirt and red jumpsuit - both above. There is something so appealing about roomy and loose fitting clothing with oversized sleeves and the deep pockets in the jumpsuit are an added bonus - perfect for that humid Thai weather.

Talking of which, I also have my eye on flights to that part of the World again . . .

I have a feeling that travelling to ZARA instead of travelling with ZARA will be the more viable, if slightly less exotic option this year. However, judging by their current collection, maybe a shopping trip would be exotic enough!

Are you longing for something - anything, which seems so close, yet so far away at the same time?

zara.com

Pretty In Pink (Beauty ~ Part Two)

2013-03-20T19:39:00.002+00:00

Lipstick is definitely a non essential item in my make-up bag. Unlike foundation and spot covering concealers, I could live without lipstick. Could - but don't - well sometimes. Some days Vaseline or Carmex do the trick. Other days a lip butter, lipstick or lip balm might tickle my fancy. As always, it just depends on what kind of (lippie) mood I'm in at the time.

When I indulge in something far fancier than Carmex, but still want moisturised lips - I usually go for these two products:

Clinique - 'Pink-A-Boo' (Butter shine lipstick)

Revlon - 'Raspberry Pie' (ColourBurst lip butter)

Sometimes it's nice to have Pretty In Pink lips, especially in Spring - keeping a memento of these gorgeous colours in 'kiss print' is also quite nice and very acceptable! Right?

(Not So) Mellow Yellow

2013-03-15T10:14:00.001+00:00

Nothing says Spring more than bright yellow Daffodils. Yellow - apparently one of this Season's major colours. Yellow for this Season only? Yellow forever!

Who Wears Yellow:

Angela Scanlon in Topshop Unique, Laura Whitmore in Fyodor Golan for the ELLE Style Awards, Taylor Tomasi-Hill wearing a Pedro Lourenco wool dress.

Buy Yellow:

So, if you are into (not so) mellow Yellow - get clicking.

If I could make one recommendation; buy mint Carmex - your lips will feel tingly, tasty and fresh!

TOP LEFT - RIGHT: PRIMARK yellow neon spike necklace (in stores) - ZARA multicoloured printed scarf. If you like studs, go for this yellow leather gilet from RIVER ISLAND Big Yellow Taxi nail polish by CIATÉ.
Classic yellow VANS.

MIDDLE, LEFT - RIGHT: MALENE BIRGER silk cotton trousers. TOM BINNS multicoloured earrings. ASOS gem stud earrings with neon detailing. FRENCH CONNECTION skinny waist belt. Neon embroidered dress by SIMONE ROCHA . Black Nite embellished Crystal Collar in Yellow & gold by JOANNE HYNES.
LULU GUINNESS acid yellow perspex lips clutch.

BOTTOM, LEFT - RIGHT: ZARA Home Loro cushion. Embellished detail yellow shell top by TOPSHOP . ACNE yellow suede boots. COMPANY (UK) magazine, April edition (in stores). CARMEX mint moisturising lip balm.

If money was no object, I would go for the Simone Rocha dress and that Joanne Hynes collar. As it is, I'll probably just use my mint Carmex as a yellow accessory - for the time being, of course - until I win the lotto...

Tell me, what do you think about the colour yellow?

Minimal Wrists

2013-03-08T12:52:00.001+00:00

In my previous post I stated the fact that making a bold statement with fashion is always nice, which is true. I then went on to showcase some of Lanvin's AW13 amazingly bold, fabulously in-your-face jewellery. I am a big lover of 'mad' necklaces, as my mother likes to call them, for example Bug Bling. I would wear Bug Bling any time, any day.

GUESS watch, Alex and Ani bangle, bracelet from Lanzarote.

For my arms, however, I like more minimal jewellery, as opposed to big statement pieces. I love the idea of having loads of bracelets, bangles and jangly items stacked on, but it is just not me and I genuinely wouldn't have the patience to stack every single day. When I remember to adorn my wrists, albeit very minimally; the two bracelets above do the job - for the time being.

It would be nice to expand this very minimalistic jewellery range, though. Maybe include a bit of colour, a bit of bling - let's go completely wild! Here are my favourites, including BijouxBar's aquamarine bracelet especially designed for Boticca.com for International Women's Day to raise money for the WIW organisation. A good cause and you can check it out here.

Left-Right: ALEX AND ANI ZODIAC CHARM BANGLE. RIVER ISLAND GREY FLURO BUNGEE CORD BRACELET. BIJOUXBAR AQUAMARINE BRACELET. NEON ORANGE DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN FRIENDSHIP BRACELET. CELEBRITY EVIL EYE BRACELET.

How about you, are you in to the whole 'arm party' phenomenon, or do you prefer a more minimalistic approach?

Lyrical Lanvin Jewellery

2013-03-04T17:08:00.000+00:00

It's always nice to make a bold statement with fashion. That statement can be made through clothes, hair, shoes, accessories or jewellery. The choice is yours. But for this post, the choice is jewellery. Statement-making, slogan-loving, chunky-costume jewellery Heaven.

Alber Elbaz brought drama and luxury to his new AW13 Lanvin collection. The jewellery is a delight to a statement-making lover's eyes. Including my own.

My favourites-with an added lyrical twist...

'Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress'-THE HOLLIES

'I can't help myself'-(THE) FOUR TOPS
♫♫♫ sugarpie, honeybunch.....dooo-doo-do ♫♫♫

'Hot Stuff'-DONNA SUMMER
'Sittin' here eatin' my heart out waitin' ♪ ♪

'Love Shack'-B52

'Don't Worry, Be Happy'-BOB MARLEY

♫ In every life we have some trouble,

when you worry you make it double-

don't worry, be happy ♫

Do you want to be a statement maker with Lanvin jewellery?

Pictures via style.com & vogue.co.uk

Pretty In Pink (Beauty)

2013-03-01T15:32:00.000+00:00

Nails are B.I.G news in the fashion/beauty World. B.I.G=Bold, Innovative and Glamorous. The more intricate the design on your nails, the absolute better!

Whenever I feel like making the effort of putting polish on my nails, I usually go for something quite simple - but I am nearly always attracted to dramatic colours - dark, bright, sometimes even garish colours. Coral, anyone? Subtle colours are few and far between. However, it was the week of Valentines day when I decided to go for something a bit prettier, with just an added touch of glam.

The pretty element is thanks to Essie. This is my one AND only bottle of Essie nail polish and because it is so old, the sticker came off, along with the name. It has quite a thin consistency, so in order to get a good colour, I painted four coats. The glam is a bit of purple sparkle. For this sparkly deliciousness, I used Sally Hansen's Gem Crush in Be-Jeweled, which I love!

The result: an alternative French manicure. Very easy to do. Sometimes, simple and Pretty In Pink (with a touch of sparkle) is just right.

ELLE s'appelle Victoria

2013-02-11T13:59:00.003+00:00

Love: ELLE UK's new magazine design. Fresh-Fashion.

Admire: Victoria Beckham. She is hard working and not to mention sleek, polished & tailored-just like her new collection for AW13, which you can see here, if you haven't already. She hasn't always been sleek or polished with the way she dresses, but I admire her even more because of that.
Confession: I have Victoria Beckham's autobiography; 'Learning to fly'. I loved reading it, circa a good few years ago. Have you ever read it?

A 'Try Hard' In Camouflage

2013-01-29T14:40:00.000+00:00

I can often get so sucked in to owning a 'must-have' that I can be labelled a 'try hard'. I remember at the age of 13, for Christmas, I wanted so badly a pair of Sketcher shoes and a Reebok tracksuit. Santa came, delivered and went; his sleigh lighter from baby pink apparel and sparkly footwear, as he made his way towards the West. The delight, the joy, the beginning of my 'try hard' era, which as you read on, has yet to come to an end. Just imagine my all pink ensemble complete with frizzy hair-I thought I was amazing.

Of course, looking back, I can now see that my baby pink fashion outfit was more 'what were you thinking', rather than 'wow, pretty in pink'. That's what growing up is all about, though. Finding your way. Figuring it all out. Not just with fashion, but life in general, too. I found myself in River Island one day where I spotted a pair of trousers-camouflage trousers. I knew immediately that I had to have them. So I got them. Easy.

On the second outing of wearing these trousers, I found myself on a train. With no room to sit down, I kept my head directed towards the floor and counted the stops until I was out. I spotted another pair of camouflage legs. There is something about camouflage that you can spot instantly amongst colour, and the dreary interior of a commuter train. These trousers were paired with woolly socks and hardened leather boots, as opposed to my studded flats and no socks. An army guy. I raised my head. He was looking at my camouflage trousers in wonder. Suddenly, my I-have-to-have-them-now camouflage trousers seemed wimpy and worse, they reeked of being a 'try hard'. There, only a few feet away was a guy who (I presume) works his camouflage clothed butt to the extreme for a living. And, I? I also work my camouflage clothed derrière to the extreme-all for fashion. Check(camouflage)mate.

Try hard? Yes, probably. I still love my camouflage trousers, though. My figuring it all out journey will also continue. So, who else is a 'try hard'?

Camouflage trousers: River Island

The Not So Original Padded Coat

2012-11-29T15:15:00.001+00:00

The padded coat. Layer on, layer on.

Don't let the cold get to you this year.

This coat is not original; call it a classic, if you like.

Go on, try one on.

Warm, comfortable, kind of unflattering (in a Michelin man way), no special fancy features, but just so...

Come on, what the puffa are your thoughts?

Padded yes, padded no, padded I really don't care, ho ho ho. Just let me know!

Padded coat-Dunnes Stores

Tart-Tartan

2012-11-08T19:47:00.001+00:00

I love tartan and you?

Tartan featured in my favourite Irish magazine, Stellar.

My birthday is coming up soon. To me, from me. Always the best way to do things!

I love these Topshop slipper shoes, how can you go wrong with tartan & studs? Oh, and this slipper shoe range from Topshop is very comfortable. I have two pairs already, see picture above this one. A third, tartan pair next?

TV presenter, journalist and super stylist & stylish, Angela Scanlon wearing tartan.

Pick 'n' Tartan Mix. I want that Burberry blush!

I just love this collection, it's probably one of my favourites from S/S 2013. Grungy, yet still feminine. I love the different use of textures in the third outfit.

Mugshot. Wearing a Penneys/Primark plaid shirt from the men's section. I like an oversized shirt.

Hairband from Accessorize.

No Doubt love tartan.

Dries Van Noten Images via style.com, Angela Scanlon Image via Company.co.uk, No Doubt Image via nodoubt.com, Nail polishes via Topshop.com, Vivienne Westwood wallet via viviennewestwood.co.uk, Tartan Romancing the Plaid book via amazon.com

Top Five Pointed Shoes From Spring Summer 2013

2012-10-12T14:29:00.000+01:00

Spring Summer 2013 brought many shoe options;

some were wedged, some had flatforms,

but the shoes I'm interested in are of the elegant, pointed variety.

Here are my top five:

Plaid mules by Dries Van Noten.

Rectangular small heeled court shoes with bows and extreme pointy toes by Louis Vuitton.

My favourite; strappy lucite heels with studs in a nude colour by Valentino.

Two toned, patent high heeled slingbacks from Miu Miu.

Colourful Sicily inspired printed kitten heels by Dolce & Gabbana.

Do you like this kind of shoe and what do you think of my choices?

All Images via style.com

Gilet Genius

2012-10-10T20:03:00.000+01:00

Olivia Palermo is the queen of gilets. A gilet is perfect for the in between October weather. Cold, but not freezing. Actually, who am I kidding? The weather is freezing. I'm taking inspiration from Palermo on how to layer with a gilet. She is, after all, a gilet genius!

Top Images via: GlamourUK, Look Magazine & GlamourUK

Middle Images via: Look Magazine, Style Star & GlamourUK

Bottom Images via: GlamourUK

Studs On Shoes/Textured Skirt

2012-09-28T14:00:00.000+01:00

Studs on shoes

and a textured skirt.

Wear with black deniers.
For fake tanners, slap on the Garnier.

Not bothered to bronze? Go Au naturel.

On top, keep things simple.

A leather jacket,
or a Camo would be just perfect, too.

Accessorise with a smile,

and the studded shoes & textured skirt

will always be on your side.

Sh*t! Six months, no blog posts. What can I say? A blogging blip.

(Anyone out there?)

Topshop slippers, H&M skirt

Sleek With A Twist

2012-03-13T21:36:00.001+00:00

Currently craving: sleek hair with a twist. A far cry from my mad hair at the moment. Deep condition, hair straighter & serum, anyone? No rain or mist allowed.

Left to right, hair from Christian Dior, Valentino & Louis Vuitton.

All Images via style.com

My Big Fat McQueen Wedding

2012-03-08T08:53:00.002+00:00

I don't know about you, but I'm up for another Alexander McQueen wedding.

Where the very fashionable mother of the bride wears white McQueen. But don't worry, mother's tend not to upstage the bride. When asked who she is wearing, she smiles and says demurely 'Oh, this? Alexander McQueen.' It's a tough life.

Where the very fashionable friend of a friend wears McQueen. This friend of a friend is most definitely trying to upstage in her light blush pink feathered coat/dress. 'You-hoo, look at me.' I'm wearing Alexander McQueen.

Where the bridesmaid who was once unwilling to partake in any such wedding, but when told she could keep the dress, a smile was firmly fixed on her face. The smile was still plastered when she found out she was on 'helping-the-bride-with-her-dress-when-going-to-the-toilet-duty.' 'Alexander McQueen. Alexander McQueen. Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Beautiful dress. With feathers.' Bridesmaid mutters on and on.....

Where the bride disses the notion of a white dress. Or ivory, or even pale pink for that matter. Red. A red Alexander McQueen dress. Perfect, says bride. Just the thing. A dress so beautiful, even the upstager can't help but gasp with longing. Bride wins all the time. Especially in a tiered red Alexander McQueen dress. I do.

Such a gorgeous collection, perfect for make belief and real life alike. I love, and you?

All photos via style.com

Mary Says What?

2012-02-24T19:29:00.000+00:00

Hello!

Let's play a game of Mary says.

1. The way to stay warm in the depths of Winter? Mary says to go for an over sized chunky knit and a pair of coloured trousers. Why not go for yellow. Winter means grey skies & chilly air. The trick with wearing a pair of bright trousers on a dreary day is to focus your eyes on them and then look up at the sky. Yellow trousers.Cheerful.Grey Sky.Depressing.Yellow trousers.Sun.Grey Sky.Is that the Sun I see? Smart.

2. The peplum is currently doing the rounds. Mary says, to hang on to that peplum, 'cause it's still going to be pep-ular(!) come Winter time. Next Season the peplum is more exaggerated. Mary says, 'Just Do It'! I say, yes please.

3. Mary says, to always hang up your clothes. Too lazy? Think of your clothes as karma. Treat them bad, well, what goes around comes around. Wrinkles so deep in your favourite denim shirt, not even an iron can tame them. Mary says, you should have hung that one up. But fear not, buy this hanger dress and it will always remind you to show your clothes with respect. If you don't have the thousands to purchase, just buy some hangers. I always prefer the black felt ones, as seen on the dress. I say, great minds think alike, Mary.

4. Fashionably late? Not so fashionable, says Mary. Buy yourself a watch and you will find yourself counting the seconds until Mary Katrantzou Spring-Summer 2013. For the time being, let next Season's amazing prints take your breath away. Count one-two-three and breathe.

5.With this particular dress, Mary says two things. (1.) The colour crimson is a must. On everyone. (2.) Mary says to blog more. It doesn't matter if you've had a shitty day, it's better out than in, right? Obviously, I need to practice what 'Mary' preaches. This typewriter dress will be my inspiration. Thanks Mary Katrantzou for another cracking Season. See you next time!

All Images via Style.com

Round And Round We Go With Louis Vuitton

2012-02-07T21:25:00.002+00:00

Here we go round the Merry-Go-Round,

The Merry-Go-Round,

The Merry-Go-Round.

Here we go round the Merry-Go-Round.

On a decidedly lacklustre Tuesday Evening.

What Merry-Go-Round? Why, the Louis Vuitton one, of course. Lace collars and Broderie Anglaise dresses. Pastel colours and all the rest. Easy on the eye. Elle and Vogue show Louis Vuitton's designs at their best. Alexa Chung and Lana Del Rey. Pretty in Pastels and all the rest.

Love the covers of Vogue UK and Elle UK for March 2012. Yes/No for you?

Louis Vuitton Images via style.com

Trousers Of The Month

2012-02-05T16:01:00.000+00:00

Hi There!

It may be freezing out and dare I say it, snowing in some parts of the World, but Floral trousers (and the rest) are always welcome. What do you think?

Striped: Primark/Colour: Zara/Floral: H&M