Liebster

The lovely Gráinne of Trés-Belle Blog recently nominated me for a Liebster Award. These are awards for and from bloggers, allowing them to get to know each other and to let their readers get to know them a little better and to maybe allow people to find new blogs to read.

Each blogger answers 11 questions as asked by the person who nominated them, shares 11 facts about themselves and nominates 5-11 other bloggers.

So, here goes.

Random Facts about Colette:

- I'm actually Colette Fitzpatrick III. I was named after my father's mother and his sister was also given her name.

- It might be no surprise to regulars here, but I love anime and manga. My favourites are Skip Beat, Akatsuki no Yona, Saiunkoku Monogatari and Hanasakeru Seishonen.

- I have a rather worrying obsession with ankle boots.

- I'm a serious Joss Whedon nerd. Especially Buffy. So much so that I watched episodes and read fic (I know) instead of studying for my Leaving Cert (final exams of secondary school in Ireland) and even now if Whedon's name is mentioned at home, my dad gets really annoyed.

- I have little interaction with traditional media and consume pretty much all of my entertainment online.

- My mother used to call me Tweety as a baby because my eyes were so big.

- I love poetry. Particularly the Romance poets and Poe (I'm a hideous cliché, I'm aware).

-The first interview I ever did was with 30 Seconds to Mars. I've never been a massive fan but it was really difficult to stay composed as an eighteen year-old doing her first interview...

- I'm a ridiculous romantic. My parents and grandparents all have the most perfect love stories and it kinda ruined me for anything else.

- Tea makes me sigh in the most inappropriate of ways but I love it SO MUCH.

- I'm clumsy in a really not-cute, falls-up-stairs, trips-over-own-feet, burns-self-constantly kind of way.

- My favourite historical period of fashion is Regency but specifically the ideal of Regency style that was actually rarely a reality. I'm talking seriously pure, clean neo-classical gowns.

Madame Raymond de Verninac by David

Les Questions:

1. What is your favourite thing to blog about?

Fashion that has me so excited I want to run around screaming. I'm pretty passionate about the things I like and express that enthusiastically. So, any time something has me giddy - shows, collections, collaborations, shoots, debates - I can't wait to share that with other people.

2. Where do you get your inspiration to blog?

Art, books, films, music, exhibitions, light, beautiful vistas, articles, street style - basically, I see my blog as a creative outlet responding to those of others. Anything that opens up a discourse has me running to my laptop.

3. What is your special talent?

I'd like to think I have a few talents but I would say that my special one is seeing beauty where others may not.

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Still doing this, always having blogging as my self-directed passion project. But with an established career as a writer in Ireland. 

5. What is your middle name?

I have two - Breda (for my other granny) and Acushla (for my sister).

6. If you were a superhero what superpowers would you have?

Probably being able to teleport or fly so I could travel for free and never have to worry about commuting. As I think about others I can't help but feel many would come with intense pressure and responsibility. I think it would be pretty cool to be like Ditto or Rogue and be able to take on other skills from people when you're envious of them.

7. Would you ever go on Big Brother?

Good God, no. That seems like a very particular form of torture. Everything you do being televised? Being trapped with strangers 24/7? No, thank you.

8. Do you like reality t.v.?

Not especially. I like some fashion ones because they give insight into aspects of the industry but the drama, especially when forced, just stresses me out. If I'm going for reality, I'd prefer a documentary.

9. What really grinds your gears?

I don't like people letting me down or failing to fulfil promises. Teenagers in groups that are up to no good irritate me as I'm secretly ninety years-old. Internet or computer issues make me want to scream in rage. And I hate unnecessary drama - a lack of turmoil, a boring life does not make. 

10. What is your beauty must-have?

All of my skincare. Over my make-up. Any day. All day....Seriously, I love skincare.

11. What's your favourite season and why?

Summer, hands down. My skin and hair LOVE the sun and I feel so much happier with the Vitamin D intake. I also like, as an adult, that the day is longer so there's time after work to hang out with your friends in the sun.

My Questions:

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. Why do you continue to do so?

3. Who inspires you? Bloggers or otherwise?

4. What five things can't you live without?

5. What's your biggest dream(s)?

6. You win a ridiculous amount of money - first thing you do?

7. Favourite thing about the internet?

8. Least favourite?

9. Philosophy or guiding principle you live your life by?

10. Guilty pleasure?

11. Meaning of life?

My Nominees:

Josie from Dresses and Divilment

Ciara from Ciara Allen Makeup Artist

Niamh from Remember Rayne

Teddy and Alex from Teddy & Alex

Lauren from Girl About Town

The Gang at Nine Crows on their blog

Thanks again to Gráinne. Peace out.

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ID15: Resonate at the Gallery of Photography, Dublin

For just two more days the Resonate exhibition will be at the Gallery of Photography in Temple Bar, Dublin - so little time left, in fact, that staff were already talking about the hang of the next exhibition while I was there yesterday! The exhibition, organised in conjunction with Irish Design 2015 and co-curated by the very gifted Daragh Shanahan (of the gallery) and Aisling Farinella (the ID2015 Fashion and Textiles advisor), showcases the work of 23 Irish fashion photographers young and less young, emerging and established.

The first space of the exhibition presents the images with the author's name alongside them. Upstairs is a reading room to ponder them further.

Which you should.

Fashion photography is often flipped past in magazines or merely seen as a commercial means to an end. But its photographers are some of the most gifted in the world, working in conjunction with many other creatives to produce the end product. It is a highly collaborative art-form. Editorials may be freer of commercial bonds but even advertisements fail to belie the amount of artistry, imagination and creativity involved.

This exhibitions presents the images for individual analysis and consideration - giving us pause to look at them for longer and more closely than we might normally.

It's one of those exhibitions that's a breath of fresh air and had me all chipper for the evening afterwards.

Pop in for a wander, then go for a tea or coffee. Or, better yet, a movie in the IFI...Would there be a more ideal way to pass an afternoon over the course of the weekend?

Resonate is in the Gallery of Photography and closes on the 29th of March 2015.

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10 Amazing Independent Stores in Dublin

As today is #FIday, or Fashion Independents' Day, and I'm a big supporter/fan of Irish design and businesses, I thought I pull together a list of just ten of my favourite independent stores in Dublin. I have a semi-regular series on here called Little Gems and most of these places have popped up here on the blog in that capacity already but now they'll be in one handy place for y'all! Aren't I just a doll?

But, seriously though, support your independents today. Pop in, say hello and maybe stay a while.

In no particular order...

Bow & Pearl.

Located in Ranelagh, Bow & Pearl is an absolutely adorable little boutique that is carefully and artfully curated to make for the most dreamy Zooey Deschanel vibes. The clothes and the decor will charm the pants right off you - and into a new pair, I used to live pretty much across the road which meant almost daily perving in the windows or browses. And it never failed to impress.

The 3rd Policeman.

Another store located in a Dublin suburb, this vintage shop is right on Rathmines Road. It's one of those places you may have gone past on the bus a million times before and maybe have always intended to visit. Well, do, it's very much worth it. There's a great range of vintage clothing, homewares, accessories and jewellery. And always some amazing music playing in the background.

NINE CROWS.

The most achingly hip of the stores thus far discussed, NINE CROWS (formerly 9 Crow Street) is another primarily vintage store located on Ormond Quay and selling much of their stock online as well. They also sell reworked items and pieces from young Irish brands. Plus they produce some seriously cool lookbooks. If you're looking for help on how to shake up your image, these are your guys.

Om Diva and Atelier 27.

Downstairs and in the basement is Om Diva, a mixture of new and vintage and upstairs is Atelier 27, the place to find a whole range of Irish labels. It's kind of a magical place. And a serious stalwart of Dublin style. It's one of the places I always used to visit on trips to Dublin as a teen.

Castle & Drury.

Only recently was this a Little Gem. The first on this list that's exclusively for the mens, this store, located a stone's throw from Om Diva at No. 6 Castle Market, is a purveyor of cool labels found nowhere else in the land. But seriously though, here's where men can finally up the style stakes in Dublin. Surely that's sold it to you?

The Cat's Meow.

This is another Dublin vintage store that's all tucked away (74 Francis Street) but still an amazing find. I mean, look at that image, getting the Aladdin vibes? A mixture of vintage, Irish brands, home decor and clothing a accessories, there's lots to see. And another place where the music is seriously swinging. It's legit the cat's meow. 

Blue Boutique.

Blue Boutique on Main Street in Blackrock warrants placement on this list merely for stocking High, one of my favourite labels. But a visit will tell you that they're so much more. The clothes are carefully curated and the space is elegantly and thoughtfully appointed. 

De La Punc.

Dublin really is full of great stores you'd miss if you weren't paying attention. De La Punc on South William Street is full of cool accessories and garments that give of serious street style vibes with particular nods to trends going on in Asia. If you're interested in upping your streetstyle cred, this is where to head (oh, accidental rhyme). 

Cleo.

Cleo, on Kildare Street, has a long and fascinating history. Perhaps considered a shop for tourists by locals, it has drawn international attention for decades from magazine editors to artists to film stars. Stocking handmade Irish knits and weaves and much more, it's a particularly unique addition to this list. Plus, the pieces bought here will literally last lifetimes - major investments. 

The Central Dairy.

Lennon Courtney are an Irish label I've gushed over many a time here. They stock their own clothes and sometimes pieces from other designers in their gorgeous historic shop located on Stephen Street. Well worth a visit and sometimes you'll even get to chat to the lovely designers themselves!

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So, those are some of my favourite independent fashion stores in Dublin, do pop in and help celebrate #FIday, if any have caught your eye. It's good, in an increasingly generalised world controlled by giant companies, to celebrate the things that make our beautiful city unique.

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Armani Launches for SS15 with Thoa Tran - II - Tips and Tricks

When you're watching a make-up artist at work who expresses personal knowledge about the things that "Mr Armani" likes and dislikes, you pay attention not only to the products that she is showcasing, but the gems of wisdom she casually drops into conversation. When you see her transform an, admittedly very pretty, girl into someone who could easily blend into the Giorgio Armani SS15 runway line-up in less than half an hour, you realise just how good she is. So, here are some tips, tricks, trends and titbits that Thoa Tran let us in on at the new launches event a few weeks back.

1. Want to look like an Armani girl? Ditch the winged liner. I know, I know. A difficult thing to process. Seemingly impossible to let go of. But Mr Armani prefers a straight line. So, now you know.

2. Speaking of straight lines, that's the brow shape that's going to be all over the place. Apparently Victoria Beckham has been in the process of growing hers like that for years. And they're Armani-approved.

3. Now that we're on the topic of brows...want to enhance yours? When using powders or gels to fill in your brows, first apply the product against the growth. This way the hairs will pick up the product better and look fuller.

4. The further boost the look, apply concealer all around the edges of the brows, defining them clearly.

5. P.S. Thick brows are back and bigger than before.

6. Armani is all about the glowing look. To look sun-kissed, glamorous and like you fit right in with the old Italian stalwart of style, ditch the blush and put the emphasis on good contouring instead.

7. The new launch, the Eye Tint, is multi-use and gorgeous. It is primarily a shadow but can be used as eyeliner in an awesome range of shades if applied with an angled eyeliner brush. And, number 12, also makes a mighty fine highlighter.

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Well, just wanted to share these little gems instead of leaving them hanging out and useless in my notebook! Any you'd try yourself?

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Non-make-up handbag make-up essentials

The make-up bag that I carry on the daily has no real make-up in it. But I still consider the items my essentials for seeming put-together. They're basically the things for being caught out - having to go to an event without advance notice, appearance disasters, hygiene, weather. 

My Tatcha rice paper sheets are probably the closest thing to make-up. The idea is to have something that would serve to "powder my nose" if I'm wearing a full face and don't want to have to add layer upon layer of powder over the course of a long day. Or to merely blot out oiliness or shininess if I'm going without make-up but my skin's misbehaving. I've bought cheaper blotting paper in the past but never really saw any results - there's a reason these are considered the best.

Winter was not kind to my hands this year and I'm still recovering so I pop my travel size Laura Mercier Hand Créme in Ambre Vanillé in my bag for moments of quiet. Commutes are a great time to moisturise your hands as you can sit there and let it soak in. This also smells amazing and perks me up after a long day.

Also for hands is my Hand Maid Cleansing Gel from Soap and Glory. I don't really believe in hand sanitiser as I try to keep my immune system strong but there's nothing worse than being in a situation where you can't wash your hands and feel the need to. I try to use it sparingly. Especially as I find the scent a wee bit over-powering.

I wear SPF on a daily basis and this little moisturiser from Sanctuary Spa is cheap, handy to pop in a bag as it's travel size and is super-lightweight - so while the SPF is low, you can top it up and add lots of layers without feeling sticky and gross.

I like to keep my travel size Avéne in my bag to set make-up and also to refresh myself over the course of longer days. It's seriously good stuff.

My trusty Eve Lom Kiss Mix always comes along. It is, without a doubt, my favourite lip balm. I swear by it and now realise it's well worth the extra spend.

Additionally, I keep some chewing gum and a sample of whatever perfume I'm currently wearing to ensure I never get stinky - something I worry about a lot. You can never be too careful.

So, what are your non-make-up essentials?

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SS15 - The Looks I'll be rocking.

Working in the industry, I do keep an eye on trends - you kind of have to stay informed. But I don't take them as gospel. I like to put my own spin on things, to dress for my lifestyle, to accentuate the things I like and minimise the things about myself I'm less fond of, to avoid trends I just really don't like. This is something everyone should try and do, in my opinion. Because there is nothing worse than someone who tries to shoehorn themselves into clothes that really don't work or that make them uncomfortable.

So, once again, I'm talking the trends or interpretations of trends that will be inspiring how I'll be dressing this season.

Fresh Flares:

I didn't think I liked flares. And then I reconsidered. Mad patterns and colour are never going to be my thing but a contemporary re-imagining is just the thing. They're super-flattering and balance out curvier figures. With a cute turtle neck knit, you get a seventies vibe with a much more sophisticated finish. Same applies for crop tops and little band tees for warmer weather.

Classic Rock:

Hedi's sexy vision of a hyper rock and roll seventies, is another variation of this trend that I can get behind. Gimme my moto, black skinnies and a massive hat any day. It's easy, endlessly cool and timeless. These pieces are investments and go with everything so you don't need to feel guilty spending a little bit more.

Purity:

This isn't real a particular trend for the SS15 season but rather a current through fashion in the past few years - a move towards simplicity, minimalism. A little normcore. But seriously easy to wear, requiring little to be done in the way of hair and make-up and very pretty. 

New Denim:

Denim is a staple, a classic. There isn't really a season that goes by where it's not on trend. However, there's a particular emphasis on it at the moment. I'm loving the slightly kookier and newer interpretations. Think smock dresses, shirtdresses, tees etc. Denim everything, please.

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ID2015: NATALIEBCOLEMAN SS15 - Be Still My Bleeding Heart

Natalie's SS15 collection is a singularly romantic, beautiful and emotive one. Entitled, "Be Still My Bleeding Heart," it commemorates her mother's twentieth anniversary and draws huge inspiration from the Sacred Heart motif which has been abstracted and reimagined.

Think florals, delicate structuring, elegant lengths, pretty geometric prints and a highly restrained palette. Really the only words are ones like "pretty" and "romantic". It's just so damn cute! It's beautiful and playful and takes the religious-tinged inspiration in wonderful new and highly unexpected directions. This is how you take such a clear vision and translate it into something wearable and covetable without venturing anywhere near the realm of costume.

Plus, can veils be a thing? Love.

Take a gander at the lookbook and become as entirely enamoured as I am.

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Review: Blink & Wink Salon

Blink & Wink are a new Eyelash and Eyebrow business based on 21 Dawson Street. And while they've not been open that long, they're building a great reputation - probably because everyone on board is very kind and professional. The salon offers eyebrow threading and tinting, eyelash tinting and extensions, waxing, facials, nails and make-up application but they pride themselves especially on their expertise when it comes to brows and lashes (hence the name). 

They invited me to come in and try their signature treatment of an eyebrow shape and brow and lash tint and, as I'm all about brows, I gladly accepted. 

First of all, I don't just trust just anyone with my brows, so abandoning my usual haunt put me well outside my comfort zone. I was expertly assured that everything would be perfect and, y'know what? It was. I love the results.

On the first day, my brows were threaded and we did a patch test with the dye. Certain that nothing was going to react, especially so close to my eyes, I was asked to come in on a second day where my lashes and brows were tinted and the shape of the brows was neatened up a little.

Before

After

As the residual blondeness from my childhood exists only in my lashes and my brows are naturally sparse, this treatment means that I really have to do very little with them now. They're much more defined. And being able to use less make-up is always a good thing.

I will say that getting your lashes tinted is not the most fun thing in the world but that's because of the nature of the process and because I'm very precious when it comes to my eyes. Just listen to everything you're told during and, for the love of God, keep your eyes closed. At Blink & Wink, you'll be guided through it expertly.

The whole procedure will set you back €35 but it's well worth it for everything you get done and the care, time and attention that you get. 

With cute decor, quality services and great staff, I really can't recommend them more highly. Pop in store, call (01) 254 9012 or go to their facebook page to book an appointment today!

P.S. Thanks for everything, guys! x