Something Different to Kick Start 2014

Fashion Industry: Digital Innovation 

Fashion.... like any other industry is highly competitive and moving at a fast pace but I think there's a perception out there that it doesn't need to innovate or move with the times. I disagree, and some of the top brands like Burberry and Topshop have recognised the importance of digital innovation in their companies and have done very well from it.

I'm going to take a look at some of the new things that are happening in the Fashion industry at the moment and see whether or not any of them will actually work!

Tech Needs Fashion

To start off and put a small spin on what I have just said, Technology actually needs the Fashion industry to remain competitive. In the Technology industry, there's a growing trend of 'wearable technology' at the moment with the launch of the Google Glass and rumored Apple iWatch, pictured below. But recently there has been a lot of criticism over what the Google Glass looks like. 

Even though these are tech items, they are also things people wear and and people won't wear them if they don't look nice! What big tech companies are forgetting is that, at the end of the day, these are consumer fashion items and the Google Glass doesn't appeal to your everyday consumer, or the mass market!

Tech needs Fashion, and it's interesting to note that the former CEO of Burberry, Angela Ahrendts has recently moved to Apple to run it's retail empire. 

What I think would work really well, and not just appeal to the 'tech-savvy' consumer, were if Google or Apple were to partner with Fashion designers to create these items. Something a bit more retro for Google Glass like a partnership with Ray Ban, or if the Apple iWatch was more like the picture below (right); a slick bracelet for women or steel cuff for men.

Next... I'll be looking into, does Fashion need Tech?

Still Too Early for Christmas Songs but....

Not Too Early for Clothes!!!

It's time to cover up and pull out that Winter wardrobe. I've spent the entire day cleaning out my room and getting super organised for one hell of a Christmas - I'll be finishing up my masters on the 20th December!!

Doing a big clean up is annoying and time consuming, but I found so much stuff I had tucked away. See the picture below for the perfect Christmas Day outfit - and it didn't cost a penny. I found my H&M tutu corset style dress from about 4 years ago, and I threw a black lace crop top I got off Boohoo over the top part of it!

If you are looking for some long sleeved, cosy Winter clothing  check out all of the popular fast-fashion websites for their latest Christmas clothes. I love how the online retailers customise a section of their websites to suit events or seasons. My favourite this year is boohoo's clever pun on Christmas with their #DRESSMAS section :)

I'd recommend to start ordering from sites like Boohoo, Asos, Topshop, and Misguided if you want your clothes delivered on time!!

Enjoy. 

It's Christmas!

Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Nutcracker... and The Theatre!

It doesn't exactly fit the trend, but I love this years Brown Thomas Christmas window. Eight different scenes capturing the "razz-ma-tazz" of theatre life, from backstage dressing rooms to front of house performances. It reminds me of  The Phantom of the Opera. 

Brown Thomas' idea this year, coupled with detailed designs certainly breaks the mold!! Here's a quick glimpse of what one of Grafton Streets famous windows looks like this year;

The Theatre Dressing Room

I love every detail, down to the last shoe. My favourite part is the lightbulb framing around the window, the kind you would typically find on a dressing-room mirror. Very clever! 

Go in yourself and check it out :) 

Last Minute Halloween Costume

For all of you who haven't had time to get a costume together, my advice is...take a simple idea and dress it up with accessories! You have plenty of time to do this :) 

Here is a Cat costume which I put together in an afternoon, enjoy!

Wig: Penneys (8 euro)

Cat ears: I made myself with black cardboard and an old hair band

Feline contact lenses: Pop up Halloween shop in Stillorgan (12 euro)

Use any ribbon around the neck to make it look like a collar 

And what I wore was.......

Any fur coat

Top: Black wet look peplum top from Penneys 

Leggings: Black disco pants (American Apparel) 

Shoes: Chunky converse from H&M 

Easy Peasy :) 

 

A Black Onesie

An Absolute Genius,

....Whoever Came Up With the Onesie! 

In recent hot trends we have seen it ALL; all-in-one pajamas, all-in-one swimsuits, all-in-one play suits - you name it, and I guarantee there is onesie out there for it! 

Recently though, as seen below on model Cara Delevingne, the onesie has taken an elegant turn and I have become obsessed with getting my hands on a stylish, classy, black one-suit. 

In both pictures she looks comfortable, glamorous and effortlessly beautiful!

Check out the two onesies I found  in Warehouse and on Asos;

Left: Warehouse €94.35                                                 Right: Asos €60.65

Today's.....

Today's look: Sophisticated Black Jumpsuit - perfect for the Winter wardrobe 

Saved by the Bell costume

Scrunchies, teen drama, big hair and 90's outfits....

How good was this show?

And for all those Halloween parties coming up in the next few weeks, the outfits worn by Kelly, Zack, Lisa, Screech, A.C Slater, and Jessie are perfect party ideas! They are easy to make, fun and there are loads of outfits to choose from.

I dressed up as Kelly 'The Max' waitress a couple of years ago and here is how I went about putting my costume together;

Left: Me (best picture I could find)                       Right: Kelly 'The Max' Waitress     

Hair: I left my hair in LOADS of small plaits over night to get that crimped look

Hairband: Big stripey bow, from H&M

Glasses: No lens, from Penneys

T-shirt: H&M which I cut at the body and at the neck

'The Max' on the t-shirt: I bought a white clothing marker in Nimble Fingers and drew 'The Max' design on

Leggings: Black 3/4 length leggings from H&M

Shoes: Nike old school runners that I bought in the Kildare Village Nike outlet

Props: Small black apron which I bought in Musgraves for €6, a few pens and a notepad!

Enjoy :)