dress to impress...

Ok, it's April... Which means it's nearly May, which means it's technically really close to summer. And the temperature is slowly (really slowly) starting to creep up. (Saturday is to be a balmy 12 degrees!) So despite the weather being a tad dismal I look toward the near distant future in hopes of a warm summer.  Or at least a summer where I can wear dresses with nude fishnets... That's not a lot to ask for!

Anyway, when I was in college I dreamt about wearing pretty dresses and heels all day, everyday. In college, this attire wasn't hugely acceptable (or practical). But now that I'm in the working world where I sit at a desk and design most days (and the odd photo shoot out in the real world) I feel that the clothes I desired to wear are now, finally, deemed suitable. So you can imagine might excitement at the very idea of this and how I rushed to the online shop windows to see what I might purchase in the coming months. There were loads (and some really pretty ones for bigger busts on Pepperberry) and it was hard to narrow it down... In fact I couldn't narrow it down so I picked some at random some that I liked. The three I chose to show you are fresh and fitted that will highlight my waist without the requirement of a belt (this is always a huge bonus). They look comfy yet still have an elegance (and a slight eccentricity) that I want my work clothes to exude. I'm not really ever in meetings so my work clothes can be quite casual but I still want to look and feel smart. I want there to be a slight difference between what I wear to work and what I wear at home. Let's face it, it's an excuse to dress up slightly, smarten oneself.

Do you have different work clothes? What do dream to wear in work?

the oscars...

We may no longer be in college together (or in the same county for that matter) but myself and Emma Kilduff have for I think our fourth year in a row inspected the fine actors and actresses of the Oscars ceremony and here are our top choices. Top girl and top guy... I know it's such a lazy post but since we all like to scour through them I thought we'd give our 2 cents (4 cents?)

We both thought that this year had some serious contenders. It was really hard to choose but my top girl had to be Anne Hathaway. I doubt it'll be everybody's choice (Yahoo gave her a D+) but I think it was pretty, simple, chic and just a little bit daring. Like a mullet (business in the front and party in the back) but much nicer. Very different from anything else we saw on the red carpet, the pale pink really complimented her skin tone without looking too neutral. Plus she is just working that hair! Oh and the necklace is beautiful as well... Ok I'm done now. My top guy is of course Christoph Waltz. I am just loving the understated muted navy tuxedo on him. I am a sucker for a navy suit anyway so he definitely had the edge. Subtle and refined, perfect match for his wife me thinks!

Now, through the voice of Emma... 

Jennifer Aniston's dress is normally everything I hate about these kind of gowns, its massive and plain but some how that's what makes me love it on her. She knows what suits her and sticks to it, this dress is no exception it's just gone up a gear. The simple strapless dress is a similar cut to some of the previous dresses Aniston has worn and it suits her perfectly. The skirt drapes beautifully and the colour is the perfect shade of red. All this combined with simple styling makes the perfect Jennifer Aniston look. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's suit is by far my favourite. The fit is perfect and the little details like the lapel trims add some personality. This with the dicky bow, pink button and his charm make this my perfect suit.

And of course we couldn't be complete without a gawk at the after party dresses. Some people had a lot of fun here! My favourite is Amy Adams in this sultry Gatsby-esque gown. Chic but still a little offbeat. Not necessarily neutral but not garish either (which sparkly dresses can sometimes be – and some of them were). Thrilled she kept accessorising and styling to a minimum. Pure understated elegance. AND it's an Oscar de la Renta, a real weakness of mine.

Again through the voice of Emma....

Diane Kruger's after party dress is GORGEOUS!! This monochrome, well I'm not sure what to call it, baby doll dress?? has an interesting silhouette and great print. It's just very different and I love it. (Im not a big fan of the shoes, but I can ignore them cause I love the dress so much) The hairstyle and jewellery set this outfit off perfectly.

Do you agree with us? What outfits did you love/loathe? Do you think they were better than last year? Please weigh in and join the debate!

white flowers...

It seems the weather is going back to it's old ways. Grrr... I was getting used to not wearing tights. Oh well! At least I am wearing a spring dress plus it is made of wool so I ain't all that cold and I feel very pretty. I also get to look at this beautiful blossom tree in my front garden. So white that it actually glows at night. Though those damn petals go everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE!

I haven't shown you these shoes yet. They were my birthday present from my parents and they are adorable! Who can't adore love heart loafers!? And they were on sale... even better.

Dress: Oasis

Belt: Dunnes

Tights: Penneys

Locket: Gift

Loafers: Red or Dead

oscar monday...

A stunner in red chiffony goodness...

Such and interesting cut...

My favourite of the night...

Daring to be draped in that much velvet but she rocks it!

CANNOT go wrong in a McQueen...

Emma's favourite of the night...

This week Graphic Monday is being replaced with Oscar Monday! Was trawling through the photos this morning with a buddy of mine (Hi Emma!) trying to figure out our favourites. And these were the pick of the bunch (in our opinion). A lot of black and white at this years Oscars but is that really a bad thing? Who did you love? Who did you hate? Have we gotten it completely wrong?! And was anyone else bothered by Angelina Jolie's leg that was always jutting out at an odd angle?!?!

Special mention to Bret McKenzie for his dapper suit and his awesome posing! Oh yeah and his oscar...

night out...

Of course we all know that it's that time of year again. When despite the epic coldness we head out in our finest to drink and be merry... Where mistletoe and baubles will be hung, where everything will sparkle and where mulled wine, champagne and martinis will be drank til the wee hours of the morning. But the best thing about Christmas parties is that you have the excuse to dress up. Going all out and being glamourous! The Christmas party is a very important occasion where no length is too long and no shoe is too sparkly.

Since anything goes why not try a full length gown? I know I would. I was always a slightly extravagant girl. Being dressed up was and still is so important to me. Thankfully maxi dresses and such are becoming less and less formal. They are no longer meant to be kept for that rare black tie event. Styled the right way I really think these maxi dresses could be amazing (well there amazing anyway).

Would love to be daring enough to wear a maxi dress this party season, hopefully I will.

God I love being the bell of the ball...

How do you feel about maxi dresses for this party season?

lusting after...

Just letting you all know what my dreams are filled with this past few days... I saw this dress on one of my favourite international blogs, Fashion Squad. The beautiful Carolina Engman was on top of Etna (yes the volcano) dressed in this extraordinary full length snakeskin print dress with a pair of busted up converse. Oh the juxtaposition, how I love it! 

Fortunately it is actually from Zara but unfortunately it is not in my size... Oh well, I will search for an alternative.

oh boy...

If I had the money these would be in my wardrobe... They cost around €130 each and are made to order, so they would fit you like a glove! They are from an etsy shop called Dig for Victory, a British shop (so you won't get nailed with taxes). The shop creates limited edition dresses from vintage fabrics. So they are made to fit you and are made from excellent material. Yum!

I'd say if more people knew about them they would be snapped up quickly! Why wouldn't they, not only are these dresses stunning and highly flattering but considering they are made to order they are quite cheap. Many people would pay that kind of money for similar dresses or some evening dress for a big occasion. Imagine wearing one of these to a wedding, all eyes would be on you... the bride would be pissed!

If you like, have the cash and need a dress for some big event then go get one! And then tell me all about it! 

Would make me dead jealous...

Filling those filing cabinets...

The new stock in New Look has a lovely autumnal vibe with its muted jeweled shades and vintage style accessories... Going out for midweek cocktails with the girls? I'm thinking tea dress, patent t-bars and an eye-catching clutch. Almost like a cute secretary, with a shorter skirt. All you have to do is add the rose stained lips, the loose bun and that smouldering stare.

Don't forget to have one for me!

That girl's in vogue...

This is the final inspiration outfit post... Thanks for all the comments that you have given me!

Kathryn O'Regan is the wonder behind She's in Vogue. Filled with patterns, paintings, full skirts, opinionated words, rings, icons and petticoats this blog is for ever "arty farty" girl who sometimes feels she was born in the wrong era. Her collages are a blend of old and new, of lady like chic and forgotten girls. Not only does she share her love for fashion but she shares with us her love for art, of artists she admires as well as her own work (her room is filled with her artwork-tis awesome!)

Her style and her blog have a wonderful juxtaposed nature. There is a constant theme of elegance with hints of childish fun, a young woman who understands the greatness of the full skirt, of the "below the knee" length, of pearls and fascintaors. Yet this girl will also rock a busted up pair of converse, layered dresses, oversized cardigans and cat eye shades.

Yes, there is something very special about this girl with the unruly hair and big eyes...

Cardigan: Dunnes

Dress: Vivien of Holloway

Belt: Coast

Heels: Penneys

Watch: Gift

Rings: Gifts

Oh so pretty...

Was out on Saturday night to celebrate my friend's birthday and she was wearing the most gorgeous dress ever (the red stripey one). After I was done drooling over it she told me where it was from. It is (like the rest of them) from Closet. Awear and Dorothy Perkins stock them and the range from a size 8 to a size 16.

So I was obviously impressed with her dress and I was intrigued, I needed to see more. Sweet mother divine their dresses are gorgeous! Just gorgeous! I want them all! Gimme! Please... I would happily wear these everyday (but then again I do love my girly dresses.)

They have loads of different styles and the colours are very pretty, as well as that the cuts are flattering and lets face it they are all just darling. Perfect for summer occasions. I'm in love... I must own one

But which one?

Time for tea...

Topshop

Miss Selfridge

Asos

Karen Millen

New Look

Pin-up Girl Clothing

Pin-up Girl Clothing

This is my kind of dress! I'm not sure exactly what shape it is because I think it changes depending on the length of the skirt, but I still love it! Nipped in at the waist and then a nice full skirt. Now I love pencil skirt dresses just as much (especially when I'm going for that sexy look *giggle*) but that requires big granny knickers (very sexy). I honestly don't know why girls don't wear this shape more often. Does it seem too old fashioned or fancy? It comes in so many variations that anyone is bound to find one that suits their "look". I love them any length: midi, to-the-knee and mini.

I don't have enough of this type of dress, I've some and they are mostly summer dresses that really lend themselves well to bare legs and peep-toe heels. I also feel they are such an easy thing to throw on during the summer, especially if you wanna look like you made an effort. They are already fitted so you just add a belt of your choice (if you wish) and a pair of shoes, et voila, you'll be looking well fancy. 

Also Penneys have a rake of them at the moment so go in and have a gawk. Couldn't get any pictures but there is one I've my eye on. It's getting bought tomorrow! Outfit post soon...

This is gonna be a bigg'n... Style @ Set

So I was at Style @ Set over the weekend, all ran of course by the superb Blanaid Hennessy. Second year running and I was not disappointed! Brought my cousins to the Film Friday and it was unanimous that the films were great, The Annie Leibovitz one being everyone's particular favourite. Saturday I hit the stands with my two best friends. The whole thing was way bigger than last year and we had a lot to feast our eyes on!

We tried on dresses, hats and shoes, threatened each other with eye brow threading, stroked the furs, ate delicious food, had plenty of chats, drooled (a lot), watched a very interesting style panel with Brendan Courtney and spent all of our money!

Saturday night was filled with free vodka, making horrendous faces for the camera, getting insulted by artists drawing our delightful faces, busting a move to Salt 'n' Pepa, trying to think of the most awkward things to draw and eating chocolate (I was off it for Lent.)

Blanaid Hennessy you truly out did yourself! Fair play... Roll on year 3!

Dandelion Daydreamer

Smoking Lily

The Butterslip

Elsa & Gogo

Metropole Vintage

Alice Halliday

Bonzie

Lorimat

Rebekah Patterson

Vintage Bride

Amity

Pearl & Godiva

I may have taken too many photos.

The rest will be up on the Rose Tinted Uncertainty facebook page...