When were the 90s ever gone?

I quite like the "return of the '90s", although I don't see it as ever have gone or disappeared. But it's back with more power anyway. I'd like to think of myself sometimes as a bit grungy sometimes, and yes.. I have a Nirvana tee, just like another million people do. But I love Nirvana, again..just like millions of others do.

I remember this chat with Fi when I wore the Nirvana tee:
Fi: Ooh Nirvana tee!..You're very grunge.
Me: Always was. But I'm a girly grunge.
Fi: That's emo.....
Me: Don't you dare....

Along with the other designers that brought back the '90s, the latest collection of The Stolen Girlfriends Club fits the description perfectly. And here are some things I liked about the collection: the bandaged pants/leggings, the harness, the light denim hold ups,the spiked out leggings, the outwear lingerie bodice, the Rodarte-esque mohair jumpers, and of course the over sized tailored blazers.

Those of you who are good at DIYs, unlike me who thinks of ideas but never executes, please try making a pair of denim hold ups..

I wasn't sure if those were hair neckties or just the models' hair tied into a front beardy looking ponytail? If it's a hair tie, I'd go for it.

I think I'll listen to some Hole before I head to bed.
Good night.

xx-LJ

Interview with StevieG from RedFM!

StevieG from RedFM had a quick chatty interview with us. Check out the full interview on his blog here. And he also mentioned lovely things about the blog/us on his radio show, how nice is that?

xx-LJ & Fi

CFW outfits roundup..

The circumstances have not been working in the blogging favour recently, with the crashing Internet and amount of studying to do. But my Internet is back..yay. And now I can finally share what I wore to Cork Fashion Week. I saw CFW as an opportunity to dress up like the way I'd like to dress everyday. But because I'm being a hermit, and the restrictions in hospitals dress code, I don't get the chance to do so everyday.

Anyway, enough rambling.. here it goes.
Notice the excess smiley photos by the way, which do not appear very often here.

Day 1:
ruched grey chiffon dress from Camden town, faux leather jacket from H&M, floral tights from River Island, headpiece from Peekaboo at Topshop Oxford Circus, purple silk & crocodile leather by Nicholas Kirkwood, sequined clutch from Zara, rings from Camden town

Day 2:
white ruffled cotton dress by Jovanna London, lace leggings from Topshop, embroidered sandal boots from Irregular Choice, scarf by Urban Outfitters, Green leather bag by Miu Miu, chain necklace from H&M, rings from Camden town.

Day 3:
Red jersey dress with gold sailor buttons from Des Moines, off white PVC trench coat from Topshop, grey leggings from Topshop, pink polka dot socks from Pennys, floral shoes with red velvet details from Irregular Choice, pink leather bag from Miu Miu, black felt headpiece from Spitalfield market London

Day 4:
ruffled pink top by imso, turquoise embroidered cardigan from Siren, pleated skirt from H&M, fuscia tights with fringed seam by Bebaroque, black leather bag and shoes by Miu Miu.

Day 5:
Alice in Wonderland printed bubble top from Romeo Pires, black petticoat from Beyond Retro, blue tights from H&M, Yves Saint Laurent tribute boots, silver waist belt from H&M, black leather bag from Miu Miu, bow headpiece from Topshop, watch cuff from N2 by Les Neraides.

..and there you go.

xx-LJ

some call it a uniform... i call it my never-fail-just-fell-out-of-bed staples..

I was having a chat with my lovely friend Deirdre while leaving college and she asked me if I would ever go out with a guy who wore a tracksuit. I had a think and determined I would only if he wore them while purely for comfort (like me in my Pjs) OR if they were super tack-tastic retro kinds in the ironic sense of the world. Not if they were his everyday wear. Or his uniform. Which reminded me of an awesome post by Ana over at Ripped Knees about what her uniform is. I really enjoyed her post about it. And is so true. Sometimes, no matter what amazing things you find and can do some much with, you will always have a uniform. Those staples that never fail you. The morning after a heavy night of partying. The day of an exam and you can just about put something on. When it's raining!
Some peoples' uniform is their tracksuit. My old school uniform was stylin' (to say the least..) I tried to fashion it up with badges and by wearing cons, like the geeky rebel that I was. LiLo even has a uniform (leggings and an oversized tshirt) and if a uniform is good enough for her, it's good enough for me. My uniform is definitely is a skinni jeans, man cardigan and some form of fancy tshirt kinda gal.

Jeans: Bershka, TShirt: TV On The Radio, Glasses: Gift from Camden, Scarf: Thrifted, Cons, Cardigan: River Island Menswear, Satchel: Thrifted

I know that sometimes I feel rather uninspired when I throw these on (I know, I sound a bit like a cliche, but I am a walking one..). But they make life that little bit easier when you have a killer hangover. Or have to get up at 6am to finish an assignment due at 1pm and you haven't started yet. Speaking of, my dissertation is calling me.
Peace, Fi xx

I am not a blackberry woman..

Apologies for the lack of posting. No posts since Friday...EEK! My Internet is bashed and won't be fixed til tomorrow. And I haven't succumbed to the blackberry & iphone gadgets. I've been coming to the dodgy basement in the building next door to check my mail, but will be returning to regular posting asap (but studying may affect this as well!).

xx-LJ

CFW Day 5: Closing time..

It Day 5 of Cork fashion week and yesterday was our last day bring CFW correspondents. We went a bit early to check out the the boutiques collections as independent fashion boutiques were showcasing their latest collections last night.

What struck us the most were the head pieces provided by Ahead Vintage Designer Hat's & Bags & Shoes. The minute we saw the headpieces, we gasped. LJ's heart sunk to her petticoat, because the lady only rented out the head pieces and did not sell them. She was a vintage headpiece, bag & shoe collector, and has vintage pieces provided from the US, Paris & Milan. She asked us to pop by her store and show us the collection, one of which was a couture Christian Dior headpieces made especially for a New York socialite in 1946. We were lucky enough to try on some of the pieces.

The model's hair was made in a basket weave pattern with a bit of poofiness. It was again designed by hairstylists at Sobe Brown. The ladies that were most memorable during the night were the Nana Sara and Mrs Kidney. Nana Sara was one of the model's granny who came all the way from her fabulous life in Laguna Beach to see her grand daughter hit the catwalk. And of course Mrs Kidney, who was telling LJ the story of her life as a dressmaker. We will not publish their photos, as requested by them.

After many chocolates, some freakish mind reading by a magician called Liam, and backstage chats with the models and boutique owners..the show started. We particularly like collections provided by Noa Noa and Vanilla. Boutiques included Anna's, Siena, Element, Blush, Lisboa, and of course Ahead Vintage Designer Hats & Bags & Shoes. There was a mysterious lady in the crowd who we wanted to get a snap of for the blog, and then they announced that she won the Best Dressed Lady award.. the SOS! girls were right to have spotted her. She looked tres tres chic..

The CFW ending was bittersweet. But we enjoyed the experience, and met some lovely people. For now, it's back to normal SOS blog posts, hard work and unintentional procrastination.

Til next time..
xx-LJ & Fi

Who would you invite to your fantasy teaparty...

I have been on a quest for the past few weeks to make myself a mix-matched teaset so I can . It all started off with a little ceramic heart shaped pot a few backs... After the CFW's Young Designer Aidan Sheehan's talk of Mad Hatter's tea party, I have been inspired yet again. On top of this, Cathy Jackson, the awesome designer, was telling LJ and I about her collection of teapots. So, I started again and after a rummage in charity shops to day, it has expanded...

I came across a pastel green tea pot with handles and two matching tea cups, a white vase with painted flowers and birds and a sugar bowl with even more painted flowers. I really love kitsch things like this and can't wait to have my own house where they can take over.

I have been told a few times I am going to make a great little homemaker when it comes down to it. I have a huge hoarding problem and I can see this new collection slowly spiralling out of control.. But it just means more people over for tea. On my trip to the thrift stores today, I came across a purple graphic print dress which reminds me of a 70's housewife. It has got a fantastic belt and puff long sleeves with gold buttons. Maybe I can wear it with a frilly pinny when ever I get around to hold my fantasy teaparty..

If I had my way, my dream tea party guests would be.. Wayne Coyne from The Flaming Lips, Viktor and Rolf, Jenny Lewis, that guy who I occasionally see on a bike around Cork and my Mum. All are welcome at mine when I eventually get around to having it. Any fantasy tea party suggestions?
Peace, Fi xx

I like them trumpets..

There's something very home made and retro about White Trumpet's lookbook. It had a Polaroid-ish feel, and the colour hues seem very 60's inspired with the mustards and burgandys. Yet their designs have a very futuristic twist, using more subtle basic colours of white, black and grey.

French interior designer Julie Rouzioux and improvised music composer Reno Inchenko met in London, and it was fashion love at first sight. I don't believe in love at first sight..an exception is shoes...and some clothes. White Tumpet's most recent collection was inspired by mathematics and a curious love of string art. This was portrayed in a futuristic manner with contrasting triangular folds and panels decorating the garments. An oldies inspiration came in with the pearly swooshing fringes, which I'm a big fan of. The fringes were also layed out geometrically in a very interesting way.

I feel like swooshing a little..
xx-LJ

The legend of Biba..

I remember watching a documentary about Barbara Hulanicki, where Twiggy quoted Biba to be the Topshop of their times. Ever since Biba's comeback in 2006, I've been hoping that this would happen...and it did. The legend has desinged a capsule collection for Topshop, and from the looks of the online previews, it is sick (the good way). It is so sick, that if I were living in London, I'd be one of those people camping outside Topshop at 5am on the day of the release.

The collection is out April 28th, and will apparently be available online as well. I suppose that will spare me the camping, shoving, and consequent bruising, but I know I'd be up staring at my computer screen at an indecent hour.

Thanks Susie Bubble for the fabrics preview!

"The collection divides into good girls and bad girls. The bad girl might wear the T-shirt with an image of a hand holding the breasts, and the good girl would go for something flowing, such as a chiffon dress. The collaboration came about because one of the Topshop buyers came to an exhibition of my illustrations and said, "would you do a collection for us that doesn't look like Biba." I said, "with pleasure." "-Barbara Hulanicki via The Independant

Her 1960s-1970s prints were still preserved, but she added new twists to her garments. Items that are making me drool as we speak include the orange leopardprinted shoulder padded mini dress, another leopard print sky blue wide legged pants, and girly prints sky blue chiffon blouse. I'm finding myself being a bigger fan of animal prints as time goes by, especially now with the all the colorful prints a la Biba for Topshop, Lanvin and Christopher Kane. I've always been a fan of art deco girl prints, and I can imagine myself now floating in meadows and walking by the sunny beach in that loose chiffon blouse..

The girly prints remind me of the dress I got from Munchu's, a Thai designer who unfortunately does not have a website. I haven't worn this dress in ages.. evidence: vibrant short red hair. I must wear you out soon my dear dress.. And don't ask me what I'm doing in that photo, because I don't have a clue myself.

girly printed bubble dress: Munchu's, tights: Topshop, scarf: a market in Kuwait, shoes: Betsy Johnson, bag: Miu Miu

xx-LJ

CFW Day 4: Oh Miki, your photo's are so fine, hey Miki!

It has been one busy busy week and the CFW events keep on coming. Today was a fashion photography exhibition for photographer extraordinaire Miki Barlok, who is extremely talented and dedicated to his art. Some of his photographs feature throughout CFW, including the promo photo we featured a few posts back and the amazing Golf shoot for Surgeon Noonan. Miki's first ever exhibition was held in the Boardwalk Bar and Grill RSVP lounge.

We managed to steal a few minutes with Miki away to talk photography..

The ladies from Lockdown have worked very closely with Miki and were there in their droves to support him.

Our personal favourite photo were the shot of model Kellie playing a violin and a shot of Emer in her garage. The shots throughout the exhibition were so beautiful. They were all very relevant to Spring/Summer and Miki really projected some beautiful ideas.

The great thing about CFW is it's such a fantastic platform for hard-working talented people like Miki. We wish Miki every bit of success.

LJ and I are now taking a well deserved break from CFW antics to catch up on all the study... We are looking forward to the finale of CFW on Thursday. Anyone in Cork, should come along!

Peace, Fi and LJ xx

CFW Day 3: The young ones show us how to do it, Pumps and Pearls style...

As part of the first ever Cork Fashion Week, the lovely Lockdown ladies and the Pavillion hosted a Pumps and Pearls party this sunny Sunday afternoon for Cork's 12-17 year old fashionistas. The venue was set up like a cinema with the movie on a big screen and even equipped with a popcorn machine. The movie screened was all-time classic "Breakfast at Tiffanys" staring fashion icon Audrey Hepburn. Not only was there the cinema, there was also live hair and make-up demonstrations from Solo Hair Designs, Cork.

The Girls from Solo showing us some awesome hair and make-up

To start the afternoon off, Emer introduced some local stylistas, including the current Miss Cork, Miss Kerry, Red Fm's EVB, the owners of Solo Hair and yours truely, LJ and Fiona. We talked about how important it is to have fun with how you dress. It's about how you express yourself, your personality, through your clothes, not about the labels you wear.
We got talking to some lovely ladies (and gentleman) at the event. It provided us with a chance to chat about what fashion means to Cork's teenagers.

Eimear, Ciara, Rebecca and Sinead. These ladies like that with fashion it's possible to express your personality.

Robyn (left) says that her style icon is Miley Cyrus. Kate (right) likes Kate Moss's style.

Josephine was at the movie with her mom Bernadette. Accordingly, Josephine's fashion idol is Audrey Hepburn.

This is Kate, Niamh and Hannah. Niamh and Hannah describe their style as completely random, which I can definitely appreciate. Kate likes the looks Kate Moss pulls together.

Sorcha, Nicole and Rachel are fans of Nicole Richie, the Olsen twins, Mischa Barton and love Rachel Zoe. LJ and I recommended the slightly addictive Rachel Zoe project to them...

Evan says that he is his own style icon and likes to dress fun. Sarah, Stephanie, Shauna, Leanne and Janice joined him in the front row.

These girls were really fulfilling the Pumps and Pearls theme. Aine, on the far left, likes the style from WW2. Next to her is Niamh and Louise, who both like 50's style and new twists on a old styles. Heather on the edge likes anything that has been around already with a modern twist.

However, there was one fashionista younger than all of us. Introducing the beautiful Lola, daughter of awesome Red Fm DJ Stevie G. She put us all to shame in her Pink polka dot number.


We had a fantastic afternoon and it was great that there was something for everyone this CFW, as there is no age limit in fashion.

Lockdown and SOS! teams together at CFW.

Peace, Fi and LJ xx

CFW Day 2: Get your hair did..

We started this morning by having a lovely cup of tea, or two or three. Today's event wasn't as mad as yesterday's but the event took place at the Imperial hotel. It was all about hair and makeup. We love makeup, especially eye makeup, but hair is an area that neither of us are really experts in, but let's just say all the models looked fantastic in their hairstyles.

The event was preceded by a champagne and cupcake reception. The cupcakes were made especially for the event by Cupcake Cottage, and just a glimpse of the cupcakes would make you drool. Delicious flavours included raspberry, passion fruit, coconut, coffee and rich chocolate. I wanted them all. All of them.

All hairstyles were created by Sobe Brown hairdressers. The hairstyle that caught our eye the most was the poison ivy inspired messy updo, with a braid and small leaves were running across the lower hair border. There were a number of hairstylists and makeup artists showcasing tonight, so there was plenty of variety in the styles. The gothic makeup up stood out the most in our opinion, but we also liked the summer bright eye makeup. The models showcased the hair and make up style wearing nude colored spanx wrapped in cling film. I'm surprised by how the models ability to even walk.

Positively Eight Street, which is one of our favourite vintage shops in Cork, showcased some of their latest items. Aidan Sheehan also got the chance to show off his winning designs again, and guest designer Jennifer Rothwell also viewed her latest collection.

We also all got a lovely gift bag of aveda and bumble & bumble sample products. Must try them soon..

xx-LJ & Fi

CFW Day 1: Spotlight on Cathy Jackson..

We had the fortune to meet the lovely local designer Cathy Jackson, who has worked with Giles and Luella (jealous, us?!). She was the Spotlight Designer of the evening and her collection was inspired by Grandmothers.

Cathy is a Cork girl who has also worked as a costume designer. She graduated from the Limerick College of Art in 2004 and has since been working in fashion retail design in London. Now she is coming back to her roots and is now based in Cork.

Her collection consisted of soft cottons, some textured velvet and she used floral patterns and pastel pinks and blues to create beautiful garments with a vintage feel. The multi-tiered white summer dress with a sailor collar was striking yet simple. The grandmother inspiration really projected in her silver "nighty"esque long dress with the floral trim. There was coherence throughout the collection, right down to the pocket details and little buttons. A giant Bow bib, tethered maroon high-waisted skirt and Cathy's own favourite, purple rich-printed dress with pentagon bib were among the collection's highlights for us.

xx-LJ & Fi

CFW Day 1: The madhatters tea party..

We would like to present the winner of the CFW student designer of the year awards with the infectious personality....drumroll......Aidan Sheehan.

Aidan is a multi award winner talented fashion designer, and as he stated, his collection was inspired by the mad hatters tea party. The collection was very colorful and full of interesting shapes, our personal favorites would be the caged dress and the exaggerated pink puffball dress with blue latex detail. He had fun with his collection and took some risks, especially with the Aladdin-like fuschia chiffon jumpsuit, with sequined undershorts, and a pinup girl/leopard print corset. As crazy as it sounds, it actually rocked. Aidan also included lots of bows into his dresses, includin the triple bow shouldered dress. We loved the use of latex and PVC in his designs, this was also incorporated into one of the pencil skirts, waist cinchers, and details into other dresses.

Aidan is moving to London next week, and we wish him every bit of luck..keep your eyes peeled for him any of you London readers.

Congrats again, Aidan!
(Please lend us your dresses..we will wear them well)

xx-LJ & Fi

CFW Day 1: Student designer of the year awards..

It started on a bright sunny evening in Cork, and we trotted ourselves into town slowly in high high heels to The Pavilion. We were greeted by the models with their beautifully crimped hair and the CFW coordinators Viv and Emer. We worked the room for a bit before jumping into action, and we got to meet all the student designers, the judges, as well as social fashionistas.

We got the chance to talk to some of the designers before the show started. We were very fortunate to get a sneak peak backstage at their collections, and even got to video interview some of them. It was time for the models to start getting dressed, so we teetered over to the guest judges of the night. It was an honour to meet the renowned Irish designer Peter O'Brien, as well Emma Connelly the lovely fashion editor for the Evening Echo, and Fergal O'Connor of Origin Hair Design Cork. As intimidating as it was approaching the judges at first, the conversation with them was very relaxed and fluid.

Peter O'Brien stated that he was expecting a surprise from CFW, but perhaps something classic as well. "Fashion is a ridiculous industry.. it's all smoke and mirrors, but I love it.", and "Fashion should always be your sleeve, never your mistress." were some of his classic pearls of wisdom that we will treasure forever! After designing a diffusion line for A-wear, his next project will be costume designing for the Dublin Gay Theatre. He loves Tilda Swinton and Katherine Hepburn, whom we love too, and admires women who are quirky, yet understated. Emma Connelly was hoping to see the designers express their true personality without being too overstated. Fergal O'Connor predicted something a bit edgy, and predicted the next big hair trend with a big vibe for the 80s, and he's loving the lasers, bright colors and big shoulders.

The lovely judges

We took out spot in the front row seats (look at us being all Rachel Zoe...that's bananas, I die). Eimear Varian Barry also known as EVB was the host of the show, and we happened to be sitting next to her awesome mom. EVB said she wanted to "have fun with a big fashion family!".

Us and EVB

The show started with Mary Cronin, who's collection was based on the northern lights as a reflection of the sky on the arctic landscape. Our favorite pieces of her collection were the items with the cobblestone effect silk and the chiffon wide flared ruffle pants. A dress that wasn't to be forgotten was the Jetsons-like nude colored dress with fanny pack and the wired hem.

Joanna King's collection was inspired by the Sunday best, with high necked collars, chiffon bell sleeves and bright taffetas dominating the runway.

We loved Jackie Manning's work, and we both gasped in awe when her first piece hit the runway. It was an explosion of black and white tulle, made into a beautifully crafted asymmetric one shouldered dress. It looked like a delicious meringue with a hint of dark chocolate.

Joe Howard interpreted recycling into his collection by re-using found objects and scrap material. It's great to see a designer with such vision, who's outfits don't actually look like scraps.



Look out for Aidan Sheehan's collection in the next post! Let's just say it was amazing..

Marie Clair Foley was inspired by exotic birds, butterflies, and flowers and used paint, embroidery and sculptural techniques in her designs.

Cathy Johnson was the spotlight designer for the evening, post coming soon!

All in all it was tippidytaptopiddy topnotch night (in Fi's own words.....), and the SOS! girls were not disappointed.

xx-LJ & Fi

it's cork like... a precursor to Cork Fashion Week...

In about an hour and a half the doors to Cork Fashion week will open. And I thought it would be nice for our non-Corkonian readers to catch a glimpse of Cork before the Fashion-fest begins.. So I borrowed a friend's camera (Thank you Odhran :D, mine has been MIA for a while) and I wandered the streets of Cork taking some nices photos. I hope you enjoy them.

View of St. Finbarres Cathedral


Some flowers and foliage in Bishop Lucey Park on Grand Parade

Inside the English Market


Mutton Lane Mural


Patrick's St.. or Pana for the locals

The Pav, where it all kicks off tonight.

I have about ten minutes to run home and start getting ready. It's gona be good.
Peace, Fi xx