The Blog Post equivalent of Snail Mail.

I haven't done an outfit post in a while. Mostly because I feel like a dork asking people to take my photo and also because I always forget until the light is crap.

As I'm at home this weekend and get to play with more of my wardrobe at large, I present a Hallowe'en inspired outfit of all black (with some navy), capes and dramatic silhouette. Lil' more drama than I normally go for but I was having a good day where being presented with a mirror made me say "Not so bad" instead of "Why can't I be Audrey Horne?" and that always leads to dressing up. Speaking of Ms. Horne, I also accentuated my freckle with an eyebrow pencil, kind of getting in the habit of it, and it's largely an homage to her.

The top is a black vintage suedette thing my Mam was throwing out a while back. I can't figure out if I love it or hate it...but it fascinates me. It's so unique and the silhouette is very vampish meets Mexican peasant from an old western. The skirt is my basic black tube skirt which I have been trying to find forever! (You'll probably see much more of it!) The shoes, navy suede flatforms from Topshop and the cape, another item stolen from my very stylish mother.

PS Using my brother's full-length mirrors again. Why are they the only ones in the house?! There he is dutifully studying away in the background. How adorable. Also, excuse the mess and smudges on the mirror. The wardrobe's been there a few months now so it's less super-sparkly. And as for the mess...well, he's a teenage boy...

Taking photos...

I rediscovered my own camera yesterday. I've been stealing/borrowing my dad's since I've been home for the summer and because it's so much lighter, smaller and sharper than my own it got all the attention. However, I had forgotten that my camera has a really pretty black and white setting so I'm back to using that now. There's a lovely quality to the black and white shots, especially with flash. I had this idea of taking photos in the bath and then I kinda took over the entire bathroom for a bit. The idea of mirrors and mirroring images distracted me for ages - much to my dad's disgruntlement...It's a pity I'm such a control-freak and feel the need to be both in front of and behind the camera...makes things difficult...but I quite like the results of my struggles this time around. For me, it's really important for every aspect of an outfit post to be aesthetically pleasing - the photography, setting and concept as well as the outfit - but it's often difficult to manage to get things perfect on my own. I'm gradually getting better at being less of a controlling weirdo though, as I've allowed my sibs to take some photos. It's just awkward as I become insanely shy and uncomfortable if someone else is pointing the camera. Anyhoo, I think this post kind of outlines the closest thing to any one aesthetic that my style might adhere to; the love-child of Mario Testino's photos, Kurt Cobain and Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobes, shoujo manga and punk in it's original and derivative forms...

...when I'm not dressing according to other aesthetics I float towards like dude/goth/Stella McCartney/Alexander Wang/Kate Bosworth....

Baroquing super-brights.

For a day of starting a new writing project that I'm uber-excited about, I'm wearing my new Topshop shorts and a Critical Mass jacket that my godmother bought me upon getting my Leaving Cert results. I have no idea why I don't wear it more often, it's one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe. From the Baroque-style print with putti and floral flourishes on the back, to the pure, sky-blue colour, to the beautiful buttons, to the wonderful tailoring; it's a little slice of perfection. Today was another venture in playing with super-bright colour - pairing the lime shorts with sky-blue jacket and using the navy of these Urban Outfitters top and Topshop suede and wood platforms to tone down the look. Gotta avoid clownishly bright! The final touch was one of my favourite bags - a wonderfully big leopard print affair from Marc by Marc Jacobs - Marc knows how to do tasteful animal prints!

Tea-rrific outing outfit.

I can almost hear the collective groan at that pun. Apologies. Actually, screw that, I apologise for nothing! Today I met people in town to bade farewell to D-Hal for the summer. He's off to New York, the bastard. Majorly jealous as I would be headed there too if I were more organised! I guess I'll have to focus my energies on this blog and my writing. 

Anyhoo, we went for tea in the Tea Garden (ergo, punny title) which is super-adorable and, as we were sitting on cushions on the ground and as the weather was being an ass, practicality was the requirement of the day. First day that I've worn trousers in ages. The outfit recalls the run of Buffy-inspired outfits that I wore for a few weeks just before I began this blog; cute hat, denim jacket and pretty lace top. Originally I had knee-high brown suede boots that I'm sure Buffy would have died over but suede + drizzle = trouble and so, sadly, I had to change. 

Hat - Handmade in Galway - Denim Jacket - Steilmann - Jeans - Pieces - Top - Zorbé - Backpack - Vintage - Runners - Office - Pendant - Pilgrim Jewellery (a gift from Mammy when I was 16)

I also bought a Sparkle and Fade crop-top in Urban Outfitters when I was out and about today. I'm excited to try it out! Watch this space.

Cute boyish shape up front.

Adorable cut-out in back.