Kling SS15

Yesterday I spent lunch with the lovely girls in Kling and Skunkfunk learning all about their new Summer collections, eating popcorn and trying to stay away from the wine (I did have to go back to work afterwards...)

I've so much content and so much to say about what I saw that I'll do a separate post on Skunkfunk - do keep an eye out for that.

In the meantime, I'll just gush about Kling and the other brands, Paramita and Mishmash stocked in the Bloom Lane store in Dublin. Cute overload or what? 

You can expect a lot of their staple pieces and the signature feminine flare that runs from girly to sophisticated to suit a wide range of ages and sense of style. Colour is everywhere but a particular theme running through is navy with naval motifs; dolphins, anchors, rope. Pattern is back, as per, with lots of bug motifs. Skirts are full with tulle underneath or structured pleating. Even pencil skirts are given more volume with inserted panels, opening them out and making them something a little different. Cartoonish prints are also present from adorable ice-creams all lined up to smiling female characters. 

Of course, the bags and shoes are as enviable and wantable as ever with a vintage vibe running through them, livened by unexpected colours, cheeky phrases and tougher detailing. Outerwear is also a particularly appealing feature with patterned trenches, bright raincoats and pretty dressy coats that make wrapping up seem kinda fun. 

The fifties is clearly an inspiration throughout and its interpretation is unabashedly sweet and charming, very playful. A little bit of a relief when set against the current sartorial climate of nineties nonchalance and severe seventies coolness. Sometimes fun is way preferable to being achingly cool and it's something that Kling and its sister brands always get right.

Dreamy, ne?

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Little Gem: Bow & Pearl.

I lived in Ranelagh for two years in college and I loved it. I've not ever moved too far away bar a year in Grand Canal but I miss living properly in Ranelagh. There's something peaceful yet current about it. One of the things that gives the area its charm are its shops and restaurants. Some come and go but Bow and Pearl has lasted for some time now. Thinking about it as I was planning to write this piece, I realised I had never bought anything from it for myself. I remember buying gifts there a few times for two of my best friends which makes sense as it's an adorable place and they are lovely, adorable people.

Located in Ranelagh Village, Dublin, just by the LUAS stop, it's pretty easy to find. And easier to spot as everything about it is darling from the signage to the window displays to every detail of the interior and stock. I had been planning a visit and the day I popped in they were having an event with Sonya Lennon to show off Frock Advisor. Another day, another accidental stumbling into an event! Despite all the craziness of things going on and people shopping, the lovely Jean from the store took the time to talk to me and give me a card. The really nice thing about smaller boutiques is just that, they make the time for you and you get one-on-one interaction.

The other nice thing about Bow and Pearl are all the nice things in it. They stock labels like Darling, Tahari, Louche, Virgos Lounge and more. And for a relatively small store, there's an impressively wide range of clothing, accessories, jewellery and little home bits and bobs. The aesthetic of the store is very cutesy and girly with a vintage vibe that's quite apparent. I often say I have two modes of dressing, minimalist boyishness and cutesy girlishness, and the store really makes my latter sensibility sing with glee. But, here, I've been talking loads. Have some pictures and my picks from the shop!

 

What say you? Interested? Check out their facebook page and pop in if you get a chance!

Zac, you're Posen a problem to my wallet.

Because I want to buy every piece for S/S.

Zac Posen is a reliable source for cute dresses girls will always want to wear. I've always appreciated his garments for their beauty but his latest show really impressed me in a different way. It helped that the styling was SO on point but the pieces themselves killed it. Dreamy, girly, princessy clothes that somehow avoid being overly saccharine and just seem relevant. Perhaps it's the underlying sex appeal and timeless silhouettes that stop them going from princessy to things pulled out of a dress-up box but whatever the case may be, there's no denying the instant appeal of these clothes. It's also nice that the pastel palette thing didn't stray into overly-literal and expected land.

The little girl inside me (who was 90% leg and usually in tiny shorts and a tee up a tree somewhere) would have gone crazy for this collection - tomboy or not, my eyes would be doing that cartoon, popping-out-on-springs thing, as I screamed "AROOOGA!"

Damn, Zac.

Style Icon - Haruka Nanami.

UtaPri is one of the most popular otome games or visual novels to emerge from Japan. Manga and Anime adaptations have followed and many Western fans of both are calling for English adaptations of the original games. The female protagonist, Haruka Nanami, is one of the most adorable I've ever seen and she inspires some of the best cosplays I've come across. Her style is very feminine and cute but not overly fussy despite the frills. The perfect hair is something I've already discussed but other aspects add to a very cute whole. 

Expect peter pan and sailor collars, great outfit proportions, muted tones, puffed shoulders, frills, ribbons and perfect accessories. Sadly, there aren't many good pictures out there but please enjoy these adorable gifs and, if you're so inclined, watch the anime and see what I mean. Be warned, as enjoyable as it is, it's pretty lame and embarrassing...Don't judge me!