2014

This year has been a momentous one for me and this blog. In a single year, it has grown hugely in reader numbers, regard and opportunities. I've been sent away on a trip for it, been able to run more competitions than ever before, met amazing people and learned an inestimable amount.

I've started being invited to events and launches and now work on a regular basis with PR companies. I got the opportunity to go review the Lusty Beg spa and hotel in the North. I met and interviewed Kitty Moss, my favourite Irish illustrator, hung out with Natalie Coleman in her studio, had tea with Helen James in the recently opened Considered Café. I met and photographed the lovely Sarah and Josie and learned about lolita fashion. Friends were also made in the Irish blogger community. I got to indulge my love for Cleo on a deeper level and was invited to the first ever Dublin Institute of Design show. There were four press mentions of the blog in National media this year. Plenty of stuff got sent to me to review. Cool (I hope) outfits were worn. And I was shortlisted for Best Fashion blog in the Irish Blog Awards once more. Oh, and I made my blog aim for the year happen - I was at the Alexander Wang x H&M launch.

These things make me feel giddy, impossibly lucky and incredibly thankful. Thankful to you, the readers, and to any brands or designers or companies that value my hard work and the quality I try to ensure over insane numbers of followers. To anyone who reads this blog on a regular, semi-regular or intermittent basis - I sincerely thank you. You have no idea what it means to me. And, hopefully, with your help we can continue to grow together. To any first time readers, welcome and do pop back anytime! To those who've given me their time or who I've met through the blog - I'm so glad I got the opportunity to do so!

Everything I'm so proud of is pretty minor league stuff and I'm not getting ahead of myself here but I'm still happy with my wee achievements all the same. Let's hope it's only up and out from here!

How was your 2014?

The First Ever Dublin Institute of Design Fashion Show.

I was very kindly invited to the Dublin Institute of Design's first ever fashion show yesterday. The show was housed in the lovely and historic Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar and the amphitheater-style seating meant that no matter where you were sitting, you had a great view (although they'd given me a very snazzy spot next to the lovely Lorna of LC's Closet). Nineteen designers showed off their mini-collections of 4-5 pieces which subscribed to the theme of the evening, The Seven Deadly Sins. I think this theme lent a sense of fun and humour to the show with the odd childish giggle escaping from members of the audience during the lust inspired collections. But there was also an element of theatrics and drama that played well in the setting.

Dovile Joniskyte

Katharina Krause

Edita Liaugaudaite

After a two year diploma course, the designers showcased how far they had come and how much they had learned in a relatively short period of time. The whole show was very impressive but I did have my favourites! Some of my absolute favourite collections of the night were from Lauris Brimmers who created very strong modern looks restrained by monochrome palette and Shauna McSweeney who not only had The XX as her soundtrack (plus ten in my mind) but her styling was so on point and the clothes were wonderfully kooky - think a ladylike, floral Ashish.

Shauna McSweeney

Anne Marie Fagan and Charlotte Mooney both had wonderfully intricate collections that had just the right amount of kink going on. I was really digging Mooney's equestrian vibe and the use of sheers in Fagan's collection.

The styling of Jargal Batkhuu's collection was also very impressive while the collection as a whole was a wonderful mix of traditional and rock and roll elements and exceptionally competent and cohesive in execution.

Two of my absolute favourite pieces from the whole night came from Marian Witcher's collection; dat mesh top and pants combo is so wantable and the movement to the baby pink gown was just so gorgeous. I'll have one of each, please.

My overall favourite collection of the night has to be Mari Pold's. It was so unbelievably cohesive and professional with a real keen eye for detail. I appreciated the drama of the show styling but also how utterly wearable the pieces actually were. The limited palette of gold and white made it fresh and restrained while those lace visors added a touch of the theatrical. Give me that suit now.

Congrats to all the designers! It was a great show. And thanks to DID for having me!