becoming effortless...

I have noticed lately, for possibly the first time in my life, that I don't hate what I wear... I think I might need to explain this. Before all this, before I really figured out and accepted what suited me and what didn't and before I got a true sense of what is 'me' in terms of fashion, I dabbled in a lot of trends and styles. I liked them all but didn't know if they worked on me. Sometimes it was too fussy, sometimes too plain, sometimes unflattering. Sometimes I looked great but was highly inappropriate for what i'd be doing. This process of style experimentation takes up time and you find yourself staring at your wardrobe with 'nothing to wear'. At least that's what happened to me. But it's what everybody does at one point or another in their lives... It's how you find out who you are and how you express that through your clothes.

I like to think I have figured out who I am (at this point of my life anyway) and I have fallen (thankfully) into a style that makes me feel comfortable and depicts me all at the same time. This has made getting dressed on a daily basis much easier AND I actually feel good in what I wear most days. In my own head I have reached that 'effortless look' that we all strive for. I doubt to others it looks that way but it's how I feel inside (and on the outside too). It takes me less than ten minutes to figure out what to wear and then get dressed in the morning and still look decent for the whole day. Too me, that is effortless. That's the goal. To be happy in what you wear, look your best and spend less time in trying to achieve these aims. This is a big deal since I leave for work at ten to seven most days.

I don't fully understand how it has happened, it only really occurred to me last week. Lately, I have been buying things I think would flatter rather than things that are really on-trend. And I genuinely believe that plays a role in all this. That and knowing what colours I like and knowing what I want my clothes to say. Don't get me wrong I love trends and keeping up with them but I think you have to know how to make them work for you. Which is a whole other skill in itself and one I am learning as I go along.

So in short, I just wanted to tell you that I'm happy in what I wear. Finally...

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!

pink crush...

Even though my blog is called Rose Tinted Uncertainty and it's all pinkish in tone, I have never been a massive lover of all things pink. Odd I know! My colours are usually blue, black, yellow and grey. But the sudden thaw has got me thinking of bright sunny days and my inner girly girl wants to show herself off... she's an awful diva that one! So I've been crushing on bubblegum pinks, baby pinks, fruity pinks and pinks that would kick your teeth in as much as look at ya!  And on my search for something to quench this pink thirst of mine I discovered draping fabrics, dotey patent heels and refreshing jewellery. Everywhere I looked there was something beautiful in pink. It has made me really love the colour again. What's funny is that I used to be quite afraid of pink. Thought it wouldn't suit me and usually wore it in teeny weeny amounts but this year I am gonna be brave... if pink is considered brave.

I know we are not out of the dark depths of winter (and a part of me doesn't want to let go of my rustic tones and thick wool) but I can't help but look towards a brighter future (in style that is - we cannot count on the weather to be all that bright).

Is there a colour you are suddenly mad about for Spring/Summer?

First Image: Images from Pinterest (and then made into a collage by yours truly)

further style inspiration...

The internet is a constant source of inspiration. You never know what or who you're going to get. This week I discovered this wondrous lady. Her name is Erin and her blog is Cali Vintage. And I simply adore her sense of style. She has a vintage chic style mixed with dashes of little girl cuteness. I mean what's not to love. She teams mini dresses with flat shoes and plays with her colours and her patterns, has simple but interesting make up, wears hats and has made me fallen in love with skinny strapped handbags (be prepared to see more of them on this blog).

There is something so playful and endearing about her outfits. Something I would love to bring to my own outfits. I feel I am not playful enough with what I wear. It is possibly my New Years resolution... Yes in fact I think it will be. A least that's one thing sorted.

cold days & cold nights...

We may not have snow but it is certainly nippy out there! This morning while filling up the car with petrol my hands nearly cracked under the pressure. The sheer coldness. They actually hurt for awhile after... I find when there is no frost or snow you are lulled into a false sense of security that you won't need to cover up completely. Don't fall for the trap like my poor hands did this morning!

I find it is a struggle at times to dress well and dress warm. Layering isn't the best look for me (not good to add bulk to these bosoms) and I don't want to sacrifice either warmth or style. This is merely one of my many attempts. Vests under a lace top, long maxi skirt (like a blanket that you wear) and socks over tights with ankle boots. And then of course the chunkiest coat and scarf I could get my hands on! I do love this coat. Got it back in spring at the Shutterbug Kilo Sale and it is simply the bees knees! It's a lovely casual fit, has beautiful simple details, in great condition and 100% wool. Not too shabby for €30.

How are you guys keeping toasty this winter? Layers? Thermal long johns? Hot whiskeys? Do tell..

Top/Boots: Dunnes

Skirt: Warehouse

Necklace/Coat: Shutterbug

Scarf: River Island

Watch: Citizen

put there together just like a collage...

I am slowly (but surely) working my way through issue two of FELT. My real work has taken it's toll and FELT has slowed down. But it has certainly not stopped. Hopefully some of you are thankful of this. Anyway, I have been searching for inspiration for the final section of the magazine which is all about icons of the everyday. I thought a mish-mash collage style would suit the idea perfectly but as some of you know when you set out to make a collage it can become contrived and no longer organic. I want this article to have a certain sleek element to it but I do not want to lose the vibrance you get from a homemade collage.

I have been collecting images from the great world of Pinterest (what a brilliant site for such things) to help cement the look and feel I want my imagery to have. As you can see they are all quite different but all suck you in and make you look twice. This is the vibe I want the imagery in the editorial to have because (in my opinion) that is what the article is all about. And since FELT is a fashion journal I thought the best thing to do was to include outfits of our home-grown bloggers within the collages. Let's just hope that this will work out... Please.

golden time...

My graduation is coming up soon and my parents wanted to get me something to celebrate the importance of the occasion (so sweet!). They knew I really wanted a new watch for some time now so last week my mama brought me down to our local jewellers and told me to pick out a watch of my choice (which was harder than expected). At first I had NO IDEA what she was up to and then I slowly copped on... 

The watch I chose was a Citizen, just like my papa apparently! She is a beauty ain't she?!? Gold tone with a mother of pearl face and Swarovski crystals around the edge... It's got a big face (which I love) and it has one of those easy closed bracelet style straps so I don't end up spending hours trying to put it on (more of a common occurrence than I'd like to admit). It's so beautiful that I am really petrified I am going to damage it but my boyfriend pointed out that watches are designed to take a few hard knocks so I am too relax. He's such a smart chap! 

Oh and they inscribed it 'Love Mum & Dad' which I think is simply beautiful. You'll be seeing this baby on me A LOT!

finding inspiration...

Remember a few posts ago I talked about how as a teenager I followed trends to fit in. In the past few weeks it has become a serious passion of mine to find my style. Something that speaks to me and shows me off to the world. Something that portrays my personality. I remember being told that I don't dress to match my personality. That I was a bubbly person but that my wardrobe was dark. Don't get me wrong I still LOVE black but I have been thinking about what I really like to wear as opposed to what I think people want to see me in. And by people I mean the fashion world at large, I will admit that there are times I love what I'm wearing but I feel it wouldn't be suited for the blog because it isn't cool enough. Which is silly really because the fashion blogging world can be so accepting of all styles, something I think the fashion industry is lacking in.

Anyway, I have been following a few American bloggers for awhile now and the more I look at their outfits the more I feel suited to them. Not only do I love how they look and what they say but I love how these outfits make me feel and I can see parts of me within these women and their style.

Delightfully Tacky is a super adorable blog by a super adorable girl called Elizabeth. She wears tea dresses and cardigans, vibrant yet muted tights and quirky shoes. She has a wild head of hair that she sometimes tames and she has the sweetest smile that you can't help but find endearing. She goes hiking and exploring with her husband while still dressing all sweet and cute!

A Beautiful Mess is a blog ran by two sisters, Elsie and Emma. They own a vintage shop and design cute dresses. They bake and cook and take photographs using all the kinds of cameras they can find. They are not afraid to dress ultra feminine with a hint of silly and their shoe collection is to die for. Like Elizabeth they are super cute!

These two blogs, these women... They have inspired me to dress they way I want. They (actually) dress the way I want and they are not afraid to be out of fashion or not on trend. I am very girly, I love bows and tartan and cardigans and mustard yellow and t-bar shoes and flared jeans. I love to be in heels all the time, but not platforms. I love to leave my hair in curls and I love to wear a little bit of make up because I love my freckles. 

I am just like these women. My true style is their style and I am going to listen to my heart a little more from now on.

follow trends or follow your heart...

Is keeping on top of the trend game important? Does a person's style change depending on what's considered 'in'? Does it really matter to anyone else what you wear as long as you like it? These questions have bothered me most of my life, ever since I started picking out my own clothes. It's a struggle for most people to find their style in life and for me it was no different. I remember the first time someone commented on my clothes, the first time I changed someone's opinion of me because of what I wore. I was twelve. I had bought my first pair of flared jeans and I wore them on my last day of primary school with a navy 'Diesel' (not real Diesel) top. Girls in my class started to take notice of me, compared me to my best friend at the time who had a penchant for brightly coloured linen. I was suddenly acceptable to them, she was not. They could over look my friendship with her because of what I wore. At the time I was flattered, the 'cool' girls who smoked after school and hung out with boys liked me. Nothing else had changed, I still read Harry Potter (was not as popular in my school back then), I still played imaginary games with my best friend, I think I still even believed in Santa. But I was socially accepted now, because I dressed well, in their eyes at least.

This idea stuck with me through a lot of secondary school. I wore clothes that really were less flattering than others on me because it's what everybody else wore. O'Neills tracksuit bottoms, Dubarry's with my school uniform are just some of the local trends I experimented with. Now I wasn't a slave to this, thankfully, but I now realise I was a follower of trends. Some of them at least. I would worry what to wear to parties, thinking my clothes were dated and 'uncool'. Even my friends now, who were my friends back then (we were the slightly 'arty' group) say that it's nice to see me open up and not be so afraid of what I say or what I wear and to just be me. Funny thing is, two years ago (well into college when I finally started to dress how I wanted) I bumped into one of the 'popular' girls from my secondary school days on a night out. She was gushing! Couldn't get over how much I changed and how amazing I looked. I turned to my boyfriend and asked do I look different since leaving school, thinking that I hadn't really. He answered with a simple 'yes'. I was still me on the inside I just started to show it fully on the outside.

Just goes to show that what everybody else likes doesn't necessarily mean it will work for you and sometimes it's better to follow what your heart in these situations. It brings out your true personality and your true beauty.

So follow trends, not because they're hot right now but because they say something about you.

finding my body double...

I was reading an article in one of the recent issues of Style from the Sunday Independent (can't remember which one) and it really got me thinking. The article was about how to become effortlessly chic, which they said was impossible (well duh!) but there were steps to make it easier. Steps like only buy really good items of clothing that work with your existing wardrobe and so on. Fairly obvious ones that most people already know. But the one tip that really stuck with me was to find the closest 'chic' person to your body shape and start to copy their style. Not down to a tee but see what suits them. Because if it suits them, it's pretty much bound to suit you. Which is all well and good but it is very hard to find someone with the same shape as you... I find it especially hard. I don't know why, I sometimes feel like I have pieces that really aren't supposed to go together. Like big boobs and slender legs or a tiny waist yet a sizable belly. So I have settled on one who is quite close to me that I consider to be not only one of the most beautiful ladies I have ever laid eyes on but is also super chic! If only I had her stomach I'd be set... But I think she is fairly close and I am planning on losing this belly.

Her name is Tanesha Awasthi and she runs the blog Girl with Curves. She is becoming my body double idol (she really is the closest I could find). I will look to her for inspiration in those dark days when I am convinced my wardrobe is conspiring against me. And what have I learned so far from studying her wardrobe intently. Well that dark muted colours are good for day to day wear but that a block of a vibrant shade works as well. That an outfit works best when it is kept simple. That skinny jeans (nay all skinny bottoms) are my best friend and so is peplum. That I need to belt everything and that boat necks are suitable too! Oh and that knee length skirts work wonders (both full and pencil).

Has anyone else done this? Found out there body double for fashion related purposes... If so who do you reckon you match best? If you haven't give it a go, I actually found this helpful.

inspired today...

A Beautiful Mess

Blau von T of the Hostess Handbook

The Girl Who Ate Everything

Pinterest

Katherine Van Uytrecht

I feel free and confident to do things I have never done before. College is over and my results are out (I got a 1.1!) and I feel now is the time to experiment and be bold and see what will work and what won't. I want to make my own cocktails, I want to mix up my style and keep people guessing, I want to experiment with food and see what I like and what I don't like (above is grilled pineapple and chicken quesadillas), I want to move my interior world into where I want it to be for the next part of my life and I want to keep indulging in art and explore new realms of it (that means going to any exhibition I can get to!)

tartantastic...

Have a few stressful weeks ahead of me so I am going to apologise if the posts are few and far between... I am so very stressed about college. Final year is not fun! It's scary and meant for big, grown up people. Not me! But you never know, this might be a great distraction.

Anyway, swiftly moving on... This is one of my favourite skirts! Tis fitted yet still super comfy. And it's tartan, a major plus for me. But I am sort of worried it might look too wintery for spring. Looking forward to wearing it without any tights to see how it works for the summer with cute little red heels. But today I thought I'd go a little punk with tough ankle boots and my usual messy hair. And then some bling! Of course.

Do not worry, I had a scarf and cardigan on for most of the day because it was so effing cold in my college. But I refused to show them in the photos since they were not part of the original ensemble (anyone other bloggers do this?)

Top/Tights: Penneys

Boots: Dunnes

Skirt: Vivien of Holloway

Necklace: Oasis

keeping warm...

Librarian Chic to Keep Out The Cold from REDradar on Vimeo.

Here's another video that I did with RTE over the Christmas period. This time I had to talk about what I wear when I am trying to keep the winter chills at bay. Had so much fun shooting this so I hope you enjoy it. Promise me you'll be nice.

Beret/Gloves: Little shop in Carlow

Cape: Dorothy Perkins

Dress/Belt: River Island

Tights: Penneys

Loafers: Clarks

Ring: Etsy
Bag: Charity Shop

chunky...

Now that I have my brogues and this satchel (thanks mum!) I feel my winter college look is nearing completion. And despite the fact that I love prim and proper looks for the most part, it isn't always appropriate for college. Getting up late, rushing around with bags (and in my case portfolios and massive sketch books), staying up late to work, not trusting the heating systems in your flat/college, well this all leads me away from being a bit of a Joan Holloway to be perfectly honest. Maybe when I'm older.

So what will work? What will still look well on but not require a hour getting ready? What will be warm? And comfy? Chunky knits of course! Cardigans or jumpers I'm not picky...

I'm off to Dublin on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to rummaging through the vintage shops to find me a few bargains. In my opinion it is probably the best place to shop for items like that, there seems to be truck loads of chunky stuff lately! Hopefully I will find some... Maybe with some quirky prints on them!

Just maybe...

The skirt that blood, sweat and tears built...

I made this skirt with my mother over a couple of days... It was all going smoothly until we needed to do the waistband, for some reason I could not spin it up on the sewing machine correctly. We must have done it about three times until we gave up and I let my mum do it. Then we had to put the zip in. We couldn't find the zip we bought, anywhere! So the next day we bought another zip. So after the zip was in and we hemmed it up and ironed it smooth and all that I went (gleefully) to try it on. Twas about three inches too big! Which confused us because we measured it correctly and I don't remember losing three inches off my waist in the past two weeks (if I have, yay!) I was not qualified to take the skirt correctly, regular sewing I was grand at but neither my mum or I trusted me to correct the mistake without ruining the skirt. So mum went back at the sewing machine, ripping out my good (in my opinion) sewing and re sewed it... After that I tried it on again. It was now too tight. I was thinking sure maybe I could live with it but mum took it off me again, ripped out the zip and then sewed it back on with a centimeter extra. 

Put it on...

Perfect.

Top/Heels: Penneys

Skirt: Homemade (material: Threads of Green)

Rings: Gifts

Guest Post...

Blau von T from Blaubushka and The Hostess Handbook here. Blaubushka; an edgy scrapblog of fashion, style and beauty. The Hostess Handbook; a parlour of delicate beauty, a lounge of wit and the obscure, a kitchen of the kitsch and all things tempting.

Looking for a festival with a difference? Then totter along to London's Southbank for The Vintage Festival 2011 (29 - 31st July). Over three days and nights, Vintage at Southbank Centre sees the Royal Festival Hall dressed up as never before. All six floors of the iconic riverside building will be transformed into a 13-venue playground where, over 13 hours each day (from 12pm to 1am), pass holders can learn the dances of the decades, take in over seventy live performances (including three themed multi-artist ‘revues’ in the Royal Festival Hall) boogie along to the tunes of an incredible 150 DJs, enjoy exclusive catwalk shows and decade specific make-overs and sample Vintage food and cocktails. While the Royal Festival Hall Cafe is transformed into a North/South divide pub; the Ballroom will re-create the sights, sounds and smells of Wigan Casino in the late 1970s; the basement provides a suitably industrial location for a 80s-style rave. Elsewhere though the building will be rooms be dedicated to Prohibition-era jazz played original shellac; 1940s swing; 1950s rock ‘n’ roll; 1960s era pop; the pioneering DJs of disco era and iconic London clubs Le Beat Route, Blitz and Wag Club. Beyond offering what is arguably the world’s best-ever excuse for dressing up, Vintage at Southbank Centre boasts the most incredible line up of music from across eight decades, including themed revues in the Royal Festival Hall, the tunes of 150 top DJs to a re-creation of a jumping 1950s rock ‘n’ roll joint.

So whats a gal to wear?Not the usual wellies and cut up shorts, oh no! This is a festival for the retro glam and vintage darlings!

Dresses from Oasis, bags and sunglasses from ASOS

Blau x

Feeling the vibes...

River Island have launched their look book for their Autumn/Winter collection. I do have to say it is quite fetching. There seems to be a blend of chunky ethnicity, tailored sophistication with a good bit of sexy glamour to finish of the looks perfectly. The colour schemes are strong but not in your face, vibrant tones of seemingly dull colours. Layering of various fabrics and textures seems to be key to this look, fur with silk, chiffon with tweed, wool with em more wool. Throw stuff together and see what you get, a great plan!

All in all I like this collection, it looks fun but still a tad sophisticated. The images here are just a handful of the looks they have created. See the rest on the River Island website. Already looking forward to Autumn...

Got that feeling...

My cousin is turning 23 (I know, such a momentus event sniff sniff) and she is hosting this bbq/booze fest in her home which is in the back arse of Mayo. I am very close to my cousin (more like my buddy really) yet I have never been to one of her birthdays. Shocking I know, so I am heading off to this one and I cannot wait! So you know what the means... WHAT THE HELL DO I WEAR?!?!

I was so confused about this dilemma until yesterday evening when I threw a cropped cardigan over this maxi skirt I was wearing after work (I got food on my shirt while cooking-such a mess I am). My boyfriend later turned to me and told that he thought my outfit looked really nice on me, he suggested that I should wear it out sometime and the he suggested why not on Saturday. I am most certainly rubbing off on that boy, he's beginning to know his shizzle when it comes to clothes.

The outfit is perfect, it is comfy, warm and a wee bit sexy. Since the outfit is all black and fitted I thought that shabby jewellery, messy hair, and some smokey eyes would balance it out and give me a slight boho vibe. I would love to wear my tan t-bar platforms but it is out in the country with cows and grass and the likes... heels would not be appropriate. So gladiator flats will do just fine.

That should do... Wouldn't ya think?

Images from we heart it and lookbook

Whiter than the sun...

Hope everyone is showing off their legs on this glorious day! The weather lady said it ain't gonna be around for long so get out and enjoy it. Was delirah to be able to wear a dress without the need of tights. It wasn't looking good this morning with all those clouds over my house but the left (finally!) and I could go around like an extra from a Daz advert. I was blinding my parents during lunch. And I get to wear my sunnies!

This little beauty is actually from Penneys. Got it back in March I think. Saw it and felt it would be great and comfy for the summer. And I was right (thankfully). Is a great staple piece that you can wear in many ways with loads of different colours, a good dress to pack in a suitcase.

The sandals are a last summer buy and I am still in love with them. When I bought them I had my mum on hand to tell me whether they truly were seventies in style (which is what I wanted). The earrings are actually a gift from my sister, she bought them for me from a stall in Cork. They are so interesting looking.

Get out in that sunshine!

Dress: Penneys

Sandals: Ebay

Earrings: Gift

Sunnies: Raybans (gift)

Watch: Gift

Nom Nom Nom...

Just a teeny post... very teeny...

Late night lustfulness anyone? Just found this shop on Etsy called Little Peche. I need to own something from this shop, only problem is I cannot decide!