They’ve taken hip hop stylin’ to a new and wondrous place. They’ve reappropriated the traditional uniform of hip hop – excess, bling, volume – and instilled some high-end fashion sensibilities – tweed, studding, fur, tailoring…

The show is going to be an aesthetic feast.  I’ve a lotta respect.
Question is, what will you be working?

Nicole Crowley.

Valentino Couture SS12-4

Madewell

River Island

And for our first trick….Nicole Crowley takes a putshot at Miami Vice Overkill

Miami Vibe Trend: Not So Much!!

Spring/Summer trends have hit the stores nationwide and while most of them are cool, colourful and fun…some are just wrong! Yes people, I am talking about the Miami Vibe trend that has sailed into high street stores all over Ireland. While I do love prints, especially for the summer, there is just something about this trend that screams Way Too Much!! The trend seems like a Versace knockoff.  The Miami Vibe was a main feature of the D&G show and the Versace for H&M Collection and while I did love the trend for Versace (they embraced it elegantly and in small doses) – the trend is just a tad tacky. No store is to blame, per se, as they are simply embracing a catwalk look, but it’s just everywhere. I’d say if it the look was a bit more discreet on the high street, it would be acceptable. But the Miami print is popping up on every item of clothing and is actually taking over the stores!

D&G Spring-Summer-2012-MFW

River-Island-SS12

Guest Post: Nicole Crowley

You know…the clothes that no longer fit or work for you, the pieces that are so out of fashion that a revival is somewhat unlikely (anyone really think suede cowboy chaps are coming back in at any point? Although, I really didn’t predict a dungaree revolution either…) I’ve got mountains of clothes toppling out of every conceivable nook and cranny and shoe piles more precarious than Everest.

It’s time to be ruthless.

So how do you go about choosing? It’s not easy, especially when you’re emotionally attached to certain items (that fringed bikini top for example…reminds me of carefree days when (a) I could fit into a fringed bikini top and (b) when it was acceptable to wear one)  – either you chose it, or someone gave it to you, so editing and curating can be a difficult, emotional process. It’s not like a piece of sentimental jewellery – 77diamonds – that you’ll keep for years – clothes are so unforgivingly trend driven, a cherished piece can become unacceptable in a matter of weeks.

The harem pants, the shoulder-pad jackets from the eighties (the mini revival is coming to an end) that scarf you thought was brilliant but actually makes you look like Jack Sparrow on a bender – get rid of them! If they’re ugly and just taking up space, then you don’t need them. That’s one section of your wardrobe done – what’s next?

Clothes that don’t fit, that’s what. Anything that’s lost shape or elasticity – bin it. The holes, the missing buttons, the broken zips, the fallen hems…be honest with yourself – searingly honest. Are you really going to fix ‘em up?  Ditto for the “in case you need it” pile. You don’t need that aquamarine sleeveless puffa…you bought it for that one time you went skiing, 5 years ago…that time you broke your ankle and swore you’d never be going on a ski holiday again…

Do a stealthy drop off at your local charity shop or recycling drop and let those feelings of altruism wash all over you.  What next? To the shops, obviously.  It’s time to replenish!

Take that, cold.

So my BF, also my roomie, is a compulsive shopper. The term shopoholic was designed with her in mind, she makes the WWIWT gals look like clothing conservatives. She literally has shopping blackouts where she cant remember what she bought on the return home…sweating, shaking, night terrors – the lot!

Me being sensible Sarah, I’m always trying to make her more money conscious, remind her about the “Big R”, and informing her that if you have bought more than five pairs of winter boots, in the last two weeks, coming into spring,  you really don’t need another (true story).

Payday rolls around again and BOOM, BF arrives in the door under a sea of shopping bags. Old tactic – get them into the room as fast as possible while removing price tags. NEW tactic – buying me a shiny new present that easily distracts me from the mountain of new (un-needed) clothes, YAY!

Gold spectacles and moustache necklace – love it.

Brogues- the shoe that goes with anything

Michael Kors Leopard print shorts!

Tights and brogues for spring. Sun-kissed legs and sandals for summer.

CURRENT/ELLIOTT shorts

Alexander Wang sweater-breaking the bank

And of course, nothing says spring practical like a denim jacket!

Click here to view the embedded video.

http://twotube.ie/2012/01/cycling-in-the-city-style/

Happy New Year guapas! I’m already in Jaysus-I-Need-A-New-Wardrobe mode. This video doesn’t help. Above is an outfit I chose last year when RTE asked myself Jennie and Sarah to come up with something for Two Tube‘s Today I’m Wearing. I think I mention how snakeprint isn’t something you usually see, and cowl necks are having a moment thanks to Pippa Middleton. I feel it necessary to mention this was shortly after the royal wedding last year, when snakeprint was cutting through… Clearly it’s been big news for months. Just felt I had to say this was filmed last year and I’m not horrifically behind the times!

Oh and my hair is red now. I loved my old Gwen Stefani colour but it doesn’t come out very well against white, wha?

(BTW – keep an eye out for Jennie and Sarah’s versions due to be out this week)

So, while everyone else panic-buys little-black dresses and customizes outfits with glitter and baubles, I’d like to discuss the options for the (small) section of the Irish public that are not party-bound this season.

Instead of buying a frou-frou dress (that’s going to be destroyed with one sweeping glass of champagne), why not buy an Electronic Sheep red bobbled hat? That’ll keep you warm as you stand outside in the ice-cold wind, watching forlornly as party revellers kiss underneath the mistletoe. Or why not treat yourself to some of Eilis Boyle’s cashmere arm-warmers? They will lend gravitas as you gesticulate wildly at the unfairness of it all. You could pull a really brilliant passive-aggressive move and don a Merle O’Grady dagger pendant; throwing metaphorical daggers at all the other party-invitees. Or, in a purely Machiavellian move, get yourself a Louloubelle leather Antler clutch, stuff it full of dollars (don’t you know the Euro is about to collapse?) and bribe your way into someone else’s New Year’s Eve party. Gate-crashing is so hot right now. At the very least, you can curl up in all your finest and conduct your own countdown…you, the cast of Eastenders and some party-poppers. You might not get to make full-use of the mistletoe, but at least you’ll have your stilettos and dignity intact.

I know Christmas is much more than the commercial, saccharine, tinsel-filled, hyperactive extravaganza it has now become, but there is one element of this I hold dear to my heart. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than buying people presents. I am definitely more of the giving than receiving strain; I relish all those hours spent perusing and examining and researching potential gifts for people. And the pleasure of giving someone a present they actually want! Tugs at my heart-strings every time.

However I must confess, I have, in the main been converted to online shopping. I’m still all about buying local and supporting Irish business, but I do find the variety of choice and the ease of purchasing so much more practical. I hate the queues and the panic and the confusion of pacing the city streets in the run-up to Christmas. But I do have a soft-spot for Kildare Village; that American-mall emporium of outlet shopping. And let me tell you why. For as much as I love (love LOVE) buying people presents, I truly love a bargain. The thrills and spills of thinking you have cracked the code, pulling the wool over big brands eyes, victory for the little man. And Kildare Village is all about that. Get your sports-gear in Nike for the year, sort out your business attire in Reiss and Jaeger, maybe find a wedding outfit in Karen Millen, some edgy layered daywear in All Saints, your Mum’s birthday present in Molton and Brown, a housewarming gift in Le Creuset…and all for a fraction of the price. And there is something innately calming about the layout of Kildare Village. Wide, open spaces, boulevards, trees and greenery. And eateries! Eateries staggered conveniently to assist you with the requisite fuel in your shopping mission.

Kildare Village are also doing an online Festive Secrets campaign with swag from Cath Kidson, Molton Brown, Anya Hindmarch and Designers Guild, as well as prizes of shopping weekends and days out.

So if you are of the lastminute.com strain, get involved with the online campaign and be in with a chance to sort out your Christmas wish list with the guys at Kildare Village.

Check out their Facebook page for more details here

Sponsored Post

Viral video by ebuzzing

So, you can win yourself one of these awesome beauties by telling us a story about your favourite bag ever. Best answer wins! Why did you love it? Where is it from? Did it go on any adventures?

Leave a comment below or email whatwilliweartoday@gmail.com and make sure to like the Atto bag Facebook page.

Results posted on Friday!

I digress. So some of us might like to hop aboard the fitness train in advance. Some of us want a little incentive to get moving and active in the New Year. I myself, am thinking of retiring permanently from professional fitness after the horrendous 5 mile Aware run the weekend just gone. What in God’s blazes possessed me to run around an icy, sub-zero Pheonix Park on my lonesome on a Saturday morning? It’s 4 days after the event and I’m still considering a hip replacement.

Another digression, excuse me. My point is though, you can be seduced into almost anything if you have the right clobber. Including sport. Step away from the natty black sports bra and faded string vest and feast your eyes on these babies. Forever 21 has launched a collection of gym-gear that embraces all things neon, pop and tie-dye. Whack one of these babies on and there’ll be no mountain too high, no valley too deep. And, as per, everything is cheap as chips, Forever21 style.

I present to you the Atto Ludwig multi-bag. For that is how it is: it is a piece of handbag technology that must be presented.
Multitasking par excellence…the Ludwig bag isn’t just a bag. No, it is a backpack, a man-bag and a handbag all in one beautifully presented, black leather framework.The bag folds over, opens up, hangs and clings in a myriad of ways and the simple design offers an understated edginess. It also retails at €360, which I would originally have balked at, but hear me out…

I am not a fan of spending large volumes on handbags. And let me tell you why – I have a number of handbags…clutches, shoppers, totes, envelope purses, satchels, briefcases, backpacks – and perhaps the reason why I have such a variety of handbags is because none of these bags are exactly right. This one won’t work well in the rain, that one won’t work well on my bike, this one clashes with my hair, that one doesn’t fit the kitchen sink…

The handbag has confounded us for aeons. It’s unique selling point is that it is a vehicle of stuff. Your stuff to be precise – it is a receptacle of all that is you; it carries, minds and stores your life, and all in an aesthetically pleasing package. But it doesn’t always deliver on it’s promise. The handbag is supposed to make our lives easier, faster, stronger and more portable. However, the bag has been subject to gross misconduct…too big, too small, too many pockets, not enough pockets, straps that dig, zips that break, and random bits that just fall off.

And then, BAM, you come across the Atto Ludwig bag and you realise that this bag may not solve World Peace, but by God, it will bloody well do everything but. I mean, did you ever conceive a possibility in which you could share your bag with your boyfriend?

Check out the Atto Hero Weekend gym bag here. AND stay tuned, for an Actual Ludwig Bag Giveaway!

Details to follow.

Thing is though, I can’t get the bleedin’ hang of it. I’ve tried pencil, liquid, gel, powder…every conceivable ‘miracle’ wonder-prouduct advertisers have deigned to throw my way. I’ve watched tutorials, I’ve taken my time, I’ve gone slowly and surely. But the end result is always the same – SMUDGE BLOB WALLOP – one line too thick, the other too thin. Did you know it was possible to make your eyes look like two totally different shapes? One round and cartoon-like, the other almond? Bananas.

What is the answer people? WHAT IS THE ANSWER?

Image courtesy of Another magazine.

I know we’re like a fashion blog n’all, and sposed to be making like lists of hyper-inflated fashion garments and unethical jewels ‘n stuff, but I’m just not diggin’ that vibe this Christmas. Lordy, what’s wrong with me, but all I want for Christmas are ridiculous, kitschy, naff and over-priced kitchen appliances. Rubik’s Cubes salt ‘n peppa shakers anyone? CANDYFLOSS MACHINE (I hate candyfloss, but irrelevant)! Russian doll measuring cups! Mustache muffin decorations! Conical spice flasks! Pacman chopping board! Lego lunchboxes!

Is it hormones you reckon? Or perhaps because I’ve moved into a new apartment? Or maybe the relentless machinations of the aggressively corporate fashion industry and the subsequent manipulation of female imagery and the exploitation of labour and the unethical sourcing of materials is getting a little tiresome? Stop thinking – to the Candy Floss machine with you!
All retro-nostalgic goods available from http://www.firebox.com

Or perhaps you might sport a pair of these; the most unforgivably ugly footwear this world has ever known?

I might just vomit up the Christmas Tree.

Ah, the jumper. Me ‘aul mucker. Similar to a cup of tea, in terms of it’s warm embrace, reliability and timelessness, you can’t beat a good, solid geansai. A little ‘ol fashioned, a little staid perhaps, but the jumper has been knocking around for some time now. Thankfully there’s been a ferocious renewal of interest for this Winter (and for the Irish…the upcoming Spring and Summer). The cool kids on the street have taken ownership and revived the naff, woolly, shoulder-padded 80′s jumpers.  The ironic media set are championing the so-uncool-it’s-cool Christmas jumper. And the fashpack have fallen for the sleek minimalism of Cos and Zara versions. Oh the jumper!
Take a plunge into grunge with a billowing maxi and oversized bobble knit, cinched in with a belt of your choice; create some rips for added authenticity. Add some high drama by pairing a cotton university style or a man’s merle knit with some sequinned shorts – day to night or night to day. Layer with a buttoned up shirt, a sleeveless blazer, some tailored trews (perhaps a fedora?) – and bob’s your uncle…Miranda Kerr off-duty super-chic. Aside from all these fashionable strides, don’t you just LOVE it when fashion and practicality come together?! Warmth, cosiness, insouciance…all wrapped up in fashion forward fabulousness. Only thing, if you’re grappling with something woolly…try not to move too fast…wool + heat + perspiration + flustered anxiety at sudden arrival of perspiration = distinctively unpleasant smell that only copious amounts of Chanel no 5 can cover…
But aside from the reinstatement of the simple jumper, this year, jumpers have gone MAD. Plain mad. We got studding and spikes, we have rips and shreds, mixed textures and patterns (in the one garment – I kid you not!), we have pictures of fries, prints of 80’s icons, sequinned poodles, roaring Rottweilers. A smorgasbord of barking jumper brilliance. I’m thinking about getting one with my face printed on one. Too much? Not enough!
And should I get an unexpected visit from the Tooth Fairy, I’m all over this decadent cashmere and silk sweater from Irish designer Sian Jacobs over at Style Tonic. Some leather skinnies and a studded collar and it’s lux-grunge-maximus.