Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Modeling, now that would be a political matter...



Please note: I understand that these images are the extreme and not all models are like this. There is also the possibility that these photos are photoshopped. If they are offensive to anyone please let me know and I will remove them.

The Australian government have stepped in and brought in a new strategy which will award fashion professionals that choose not to hire thin models. The Youth Minister Kate Ellis has devised a "tick of approval" that she will reward magazines, model agencies and designer labels that adhere to the following rules...

*State when photos have been retouched and refrain from airbrushing (and what not).

*Only hire models who are of the age of 16 and over to model adult clothes for the catwalk and print.

*Refrain from using models who are too thin and male models who are too muscular.

*Stock clothing in a wide variety of sizes in shops to reflect consumer demand.

*Use a broad range of body sizes and shapes and ethnicities in editorials and advertising.

*Do not promote rapid weight loss, excessive exercise, cosmetic surgery or any editorial or advertisements that may promote a negative body image.

I am very pleased with this turn of events, even though I am not in or from Australia. I think it is a bold move by the Australian government to officially tackle the fashion industry that is a little set in their ways as a whole. I am in particular thrilled about the rule about clothing sizes in shops considering my rant a few days ago.

I do not believe that it will make a world altering difference because there are many people in the fashion industry that cannot change their minds over the weight issue(unfortunately). But I do believe it is such a positive turn and I really hope that it does make a difference (however small it may be).


The Irish Department of Health state that up 200,000 people are affected by an eating disorder in Ireland, roughly 400 new cases emerge each year and there are 80 deaths annually. I am not saying that the fashion industry/media are directly responsible for eating disorders and poor body confidence but I believe that they certainly are a part of the problem. I hope that other countries take a leaf out of Australia's book, because body confidence is a more serious issue than people think.


Friday, June 25, 2010

Atomic...


Blondie

Little Fish

My cousin Dani

So was at Blondie on Tuesday... It was brilliant!!! If I am half as cool as Debbie Harry when I am her age I will be a happy bunny. I have to thank my cousin Dani who brought me (she had a spare ticket and I got it whoop!).

Debbie Harry was so cool! She had a white wig on which looked really funky and she seemed to be channeling the "pixie fairy meets LA cop" look, which surprisingly worked on her. The bassist had boots that I really want. They were pointed ankle boots, red suede, very rock and roll I think (I don't care that they are man shoes). You can see them on the right hand side of the second picture.

The supporting act was called Little Fish and they were loud (but still good). The lead singer was a tad mental but enjoyable to watch and listen to. Their drummer was absolutely fantastic, loved watching him drum, twas so fast!

Also, I loved my top for that night. A few years ago I asked my friend to bring me back a "The Who" t-shirt from Oxygen. The only one she found was an xl man one that really didn't look right on but had a wonderful print. So I slashed off one of the sleeves, rolled up the other one and took it in a few inches. Et viola! Tis gorgeous (if I do say so myself).

Dani's outfit
Top: Penneys (neck stretched)
Leggings: Penneys
Flats: New Look

My Outfit
Necklace: Topshop
Top: Mens Oxygen t-shirt (DIY-ed)
Shorts/Bag: Penneys
Flats: River Island

Monday, June 21, 2010

Blue skies chase the blue feelings away...




Today is yet another scorcher (clouds, stay away) and I decided to wear yet again to wear my bargain shorts (so light, so comfy, so perfect). I've spent the best part of the last four days in these shorts, got them in Penneys for €7!

Weather is simply too hot to do anything but lounge and stare at the bluest of blue skies... I spent the weekend with my cousin Dani in my sister's house in Cork and it was wonderful. Spent Friday walking on the beach, the water was so clear and turquoise (my favourite colour!) and Saturday was spent shopping in Cork city. Bought a few things including a giant sheer shirt and these gorgeous earrings from H&M.

Heading to see Blondie tomorrow in Dublin (can I get a whoop?) so I have to finish revamping an old t-shirt of mine... Will definitly post about that soon!

Enjoy the sun my lovelies!

Sunglasses: Ebay
Earrings: H&M
Top: River Island
Shorts/Flip Flops: Penneys

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

She won't suppress her curves to fit the brief...




This is Crystal Renn. Isn't she beautiful. She is a plus-size model. I came across her in another blog and being a curvy girl myself I felt I should do a post on her. She starved herself to be a model but she copped on and realised that her natural body size was not thin. Now she is a beautiful size 14 and looks stunning and is doing very well for herself I believe.

Now I'm not one of those girls who gets all huffy and mad because there are too many skinny models in magazines and such... They don't bother me in the slightest. What bothers me is that there are loads of interesting and stylish collections or shops (nastygal/urban outfitters/rvca/ forever 21) out there that don't cater to the bigger woman. I look at so many blogs and editorials and I might spot something and go "oooh yummy, I want" at some article of clothing. I'll then wander on to the online shop to see what the price and sizing is like and it will just be an inch or two (or three) too small for me. Tis a tad frustrating...

Now don't get me wrong I've loads of clothes and I wouldn't call myself fat (size 16: bust 42, waist 32, hips 41/2ish). I just can't understand why some shops can't add an extra two inches or so onto their clothes (for me, please!). Trust me, I'm sure they will be bought.

I do apologise for complaining so much in this post. I am very lucky that I have my curves and still fit into a hell of a lot of clothes. I've no real need to moan like I am but I'm gonna anyway...

UPDATE: I got a message off Wildfox saying that their sizes are bigger than I had expected and that they should fit my size (so other people my size too, yay!) because they go for that oversized look. I asked them for measurements because it isn't on the online shop, hopefully I'll get them soon (XS,S,M,L are always difficult to decipher). Sorry Wildfox for dragging your name in the fashion mud!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Plated jeans... a suit of armour



Acne decided to join forces with a German-born designer Husam El Odeh. This London based designer is a metal-smith and has added sterling silver plates to Acne's latest denim wear.

I have a love/hate relationship with these pieces. First of all, I really dislike the white pair, for me the just don't work. The other jeans seem interesting and would work so well for that glam warrior look. But are they comfortable? Practical? How do you wash them? I think they look very cool, but I don't think they'd work in the real world.

Now when it comes to the jacket my opinion changes. I really like this jacket. I think the silver plates look well on this piece, they make sense there. And they seem practical enough compared to the jeans. What do you think?

Bourjois? Bonjour!



Thanks to my gran slipping me a sneaky tenner, I purchased this gorgeous eyeshadow by Bourjois. It is called 07 Noir Emeraude, so basically it's green, dark green, beautiful. I have to admit I have been crushing on this colour for awhile now. I have been goggling at it every time I go get photos developed for college. And now it is mine! Whoop whoop and so on...

The colour looks great when its applied heavily, I tried using a little and it just looks dirty and is more black than green. But I have no problem piling it on (I am a sucker for exaggerated disco eyes). This colour green on your eyes, slight beehive hair, jewels dangling from your ears and lashings of mascara... Oooh doesn't it sound wonderful (where's my martini darling?).

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Positive thinking...




I am a worrier... It is as simple as that. I weigh myself down with problems that can't be solved and make myself get upset when there really is no point. And why do I do this to myself??? Bigger question is why do people create problems in my life that can't be solved? All I know is that I don't need hassle like that... I have people who care for me and make me feel loved. I should focus on that. But will I? I'll certainly try, may not be successful... Good thoughts will conquer.

Good thoughts in mind I got my results for college today. I passed everything! Woot! I did quite well and I am very proud of myself...

More good thoughts, I was awarded "the sweetest follower" award by the utterly darling Erin from My Wildflower Wardrobe, this girl has got the style and chicness of someone five to ten years her senior (when I was her age I was in jeans and t-shirts). Truly a girl to be reckoned with and I simply love her and her blog! A huge. massive, very very very big thank you to her.

Keep those good thoughts coming life!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Obsession takes hold of me...



Okay... I think I might have a slight problem... At this moment in time I've just over 70 pairs of shoes (I counted) and yet my heart needs to buy more... I purchased the above pair on Monday (ebay: €20, aren't they gorgeous!) and I'm already looking at these lovelies below on Asos (I want both colours!!!). Shoes seem to be my vice, I just love them so much. And I know there are millions of people in the world with more shoes than me but the way I look at: I am a 20 year old, full time student with no job (I am searching), I shouldn't have this many shoes, should I?

As my mother has always said I only ever spend my money on clothes and shoes and the odd night out... I could be addicted too much worse things and if I don't have the money I won't buy a new pair (if I really really want them I save up). So I think I'll keep my vice, I love shoes, I love how they make me look and feel and what is wrong with that (that's what they all say).

Does anyone else share my obsession??? Or do you have your own fashion addiction?


Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Suspicious like a character in an Agatha Christie novel...



I like the idea of the crop top but my stomach is my least favourite part of my body (I am quite body confident but not about my belly). So I solved my problem by teaming my make shift crop top with my gorgeous high waisted trousers, this way I show a little bit of skin but I still feel comfortable. The shape of the "naked" part reminds me of the cut-out Miu Miu dresses that I love so much so I was very pleased with that.

I came down stairs to see what my mam thought (she is style and elegance personified) and she told me that I looked like a woman on the French riviera or a character from an Agatha Christie novel/film. And I was even more pleased then, I had, without realising, created a vintage style look and we all know how I love my vintage looks...

Shirt (tied at the waist): Penneys (man section)
High Waisted Trousers: River Island

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The Madame swoops down to strike...






Just found the Madame Hawk 2010 Spring/Summer collection on Knightcat and I just had to share it with you!

I think it is a very very pretty collection, perfect for summer. I love the choices of colours (pastels *sigh*) and everything looks so fresh and clean cut. It has this "prim and proper that got kinda lost in the woods but came out feeling much better" vibe (I know that sounds like the most stupid vibe ever but just go with it).

I also love the sock layering paired with super high sandals. A look I think I will try to replicate, could be hard, I don't wanna look like a granny at the seaside (no offense to grannies I'm just not quite there yet).