i forgot to do this the other day…

I meant to do this last week (after the gig in Tripod), oops…

I love LCD Soundsystem. I think they are one of my favourite bands, ever. And given how indecisive I am, that’s a pretty bold statement. I am willing to back this up with three simple reasons.

1. LCD Soundsystem.

Their debut album is still a belter. Released in 2005, it gave us Daft Punk is Playing At My House, Tribulations (one of my favourite songs), Disco Infiltrator, Beat Connection & Losing My Edge. Most bands would be lucky to have one song as good on an album.

2. Sound of Silver

What I love about this album is that it gets better every time I listen to it. And I have easily listened to it a few hundred times. It is perfectly formed. I could go through each song and tell you why it is better than the last, but I would rather you just listened to the music rather than to me. 9 songs. All amazing. I’m not sure I know another album that has absolutely zero filler.

3. This is Happening

I know critics were underwhelmed with this album, but they can suck it. It’s unreal. Dance Yourself Clean & You Wanted a Hit are probably my favourites so far, but what I like is that it’s quite similar to Sound of Silver in the way the album is constructed, you sort of listen to it as a whole entity. It builds and falls in all the right places. It’s an ALBUM, not a collection of songs. Which, in this mp3 world, is a really lovely thing. Oh, and the video for Drunk Girls is epic

Highlight of the Tripod gig last Sunday…James Murphy, clearly wrecked from the previous two nights, fucking up the lyrics to Losing My Edge, gave up and fell on the floor laughing. James Murphy ROFL’d. Enough said.

*I am not one of those blogs that (knows how to) posts music, so if you want music buy it. or go to hypem like everyone else. (note: i do not encourage you to go to hypem, i’m just stating it exists. so sue me) (..please don’t sue me. i’v nothing you could take)

Gimme some (head) space

 

The other day I noticed something that has been bothering me since. There is no clean white wall in my living space. In my whole house there isn’t one wall that is without a bookshelf or picture or radiator or some piece of furniture shoved against it or some other thing. I think what’s really bothering me about it is that it’s not cluttered enough to be pleasing to the eye, nor is it clean enough to be calming. It’s a terrible in between house, which is my least favourite and makes me feel a bit sick.

And while I do adore floor to ceiling bookshelves, and walls that are jam packed with pictures & mirrors, right now I am craving a white wall. With nothing, not even a skirting board on it. (Actually, what’s the story with skirting boards??!!). Just like minimal in one part of the house, one space to breathe, and then the rest can be as cluttered as anything. I’m not going to go on about interiors loads, coz it’s not my thing, that has just been annoying me. To bring it back to what I know, it’s like every so often, feeling the need to wear no colour. It’s always the days you are a bit distracted and need to focus, or when you have to really concentrate on something. Colour and pattern can be (no, scratch that, they ARE) distracting, in living spaces and on your body. Sometimes you just need a neutral block colour to give your eyes a break.

Vogue March 2004

Vogue March 2004

Music to build snowmen to

Last night I was at the Bernard Shaw’s 4th birthday weekend extravaganza birthday thing, where my friend and all round awesome dj/person Orlando was playing with another local legend Shortie. It started snowing loads and there was an epic snowball fight and generally great craic. But what I particularly liked was that the music was so well, tropical. Well with bits of dubstep and hip hop and stuff thrown in, but overall, the general vibe was positively sunny. Made a nice contrast/compliment to the weather. And it has inspired me to share these little beauts with you. Happy Snow Sunday!

and a classic

Always late to the party

I bought a maxi skirt this week. It was kind of a big deal for me, because I’ve been avoiding them loads. It takes a lot for me to change my mind about something. Take clogs for example. They stuck their heads up probably about two years ago – I was horrified. Like, properly horrified. You may as well have been telling me that uggs and crocs were the new forward footwear. Then they put sheepskin INTO the clogs. How ridiculous, I thought. However, it turns out that humans are remarkably adaptable creatures, and after being exposed to enough creative styling in magazines and style blogs, I am no longer offended by them. But I feel like I would be a traitor to my former clogophobic self if I were to get on the clog bandwagon. Also, it has taken me so long to become comfortable with them that if I did end up actually getting a pair, they would be pretty much obsolete straight away.

clogs by janealexandra featuring patent shoes

And so it was with the maxi skirt. The maxi 2.0 doesn’t offend me, I actually quite like the silhouette. Maxi 2.0 is not to be confused with the Roberto Cavalli-esque uber-rich sexy glam beach wear type maxis that one might find in gaudy colours made out of questionable satin in certain high street retailers. I still think that they should be burned. Or recycled. Because burning isn’t very sustainable. But if the planet wasn’t totally fucked, I’d want to burn them, ok.

Sorry, enough hating, back to the Maxi 2.0. What was I saying….oh yes, sleek lines. Feminine, but not the candy variety. Comfortable, but graceful enough to be quite stylish. So if I like them then what’s the problem? In a word, hips. I have them. I have a bum too. And I have a deep rooted fear of garments that draw attention to the fact. That I just drew attention to…oops. So after running scared for the summer, I eventually tried one on in the new Forever 21 in Jervis (that place is MASSIVE). And it was comfortable. And swishy. The colour was wrong and the size was funny (is it just me or do their sizes run kinda big, and short?), but it didn’t make me look as whale-like as I was expecting. I think I’m just bad at change. The longer I wore it, the less weird it felt. Now I don’t know if I was misguided thinking that it would make me look like a whale, or whether I am misguided thinking that it doesn’t make me look like a whale…but either way I found one in Pennys that I liked & fit so I got it. I sort of hate myself for still shopping in Pennys, but I did, so what of it. (Note, the seams are shoddy and I had to attack the label so that it didn’t rip my skin off but the shape and the size of the skirt is good, as was the 11EU price tag).

So what’s my point? Well, a) I’m a late adopter. I think I hate change. Or rather, change that I don’t instantly like. I’m slow to come around to things. a.1) unless something blatantly doesn’t fit you, give it a minute or two before you pass it off. Your eyes might just need a few minutes to get used to it. If after a couple of minutes you still think it’s hideous, then it’s hideous. But sometimes, change just takes a while. And b) while it’s important to be aware of what suits our body shape, don’t be afraid to try new shapes because they might not be as bad as the image you have in your head?? But having said that, if they are, then AVOID!

Here’s me in my new hopefully-not-hideous maxi skirt. I am having a leopard print moment. And I’m fine with that.

Here are some other really lovely maxi’s that I have seen about the place. Choose a fairly straight, block colour jersey-type for a minimal look (they look kick ass with leather jackets and that), but there are some unreal sheer & printed ones floating around for the sartorially courageous among us.

Paul Smith SS11

Paul & Joe SS11

Temperly SS11

It’s snowing. Must be nearly Christmas so.

A while ago, I was asked by the very talented Angela Scanlon to take part in a street-style type shoot she was doing for the new Oxfam We Are Tee range of tshirts. Naturally, I said yes! The tshirts are really cool – as you would expect from Oxfam, they are all fair trade and organic and that. However, with Irish & international graphic designers, illustrators and fashion desingers lending their skills to create climate change inspired motifs in their own individual style, they are also pretty cool. Talent such as Eilis Boyle, Peter O’Brien & Joanne Hynes contributed to the project that, in my mind, strikes the right balance of ethics and aesthetics.

Did someone say Christmas present? All proceeds go to Oxfam, so there are worse things you could give a loved one. You can get them on the Awear website.

If you want to see the tshirts (and my shocking attempt at posing in front of a camera), go here…..

Jesus Christ, Tom Ford.

Tom Ford is a ride of a man. A ridey Ridey Mc Riderson. Not only is he pretty hot for an almost 50 year old, but he has a singular, driven talent that is even sexier than his clothes. His (design) prowess is overwhelming, almost god like (Have you seen a Single Man? Just watch it. His attention to detail is scary). I remember being really confused when he decided to stop designing womenswear. Fair enough, he had a big fight with Gucci & their holding group Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, but I just couldn’t understand why someone so successful and crazy talented would want to totally stop, like proper cease & desist, it would be like….actually, I don’t have a good enough analogy. It’s just really dramatic.

Anyway, it seems like he misses us as much as we miss him, because this coming season he is FINALLY returning to womenswear. *HA!!! Like he misses the people who don’t buy his clothes….* And he’s keeping us all waiting until spring is sprung until he shows us what he’s got on offer. I would really like you to READ THIS ARTICLE, for two reasons. One, it has sneak peek preview pictures of the new Tom Ford Spring Summer 2011 womenswear collection (sorry I just enjoy saying that!). Which are effing amazing. Also, Tom (sorry, Mr. Ford) explains just why he is keeping everything so hush hush. It’s really interesting, and is pause for thought in the madness that is fashion seasons. Oh, and if you are in the mood for picking up French Vogue, now’s a good time, as La Ford is guest editor of the December issue. As you do. Did I mention he still has the sunglasses, menswear and perfume lines, as well as a new make up range (i’l have to do another post on that, his packaging and perfumes are my favourites!)? Oh, and a new film in the making. As you do. This man clearly hates sleeping.

I was browsing some old Vogue’s recently and came across this article, and I thought I would share it with you.

Vogue March 2004

Vogue March 2004

Oh, and if you have seen A Single Man, you will appreciate this….Actually, even if you havn’t….DROOOOOOL……

Tom Ford SS09

London Calling

Things I saw in London last weekend…

Acne. In EVERY deparment store. Everywhere. I guess I never really thought about it, but I suppose they are pretty much on the money – great shapes in interesting fabrics, and lots of black. It’s funny, because I generally like their stuff but never seek it out. And by the looks of it, I’m on my own there.

Acne Resort 2011

 

Acne AW10

Acne AW10

images via style.com & Acnestudios.com

Gruau & Dior in Somerset House. René Gruau is a really famous fashion illustrator, his use of line and composition is unreal. It was amazing to see his original paintings, that have become iconic campaigns for Dior. If you are unfamiliar with his work, I highly recommend you check him out, you will not be disappointed.

Selfridges shoe gallery. For about two hours…. It’s another world. I spent most of the time being quite sad what with the prohibitive price tags and heel heights. I consoled myself with a pair of patent punched leather chelsea boots from Topshop. I originally had my eye out for a pair of black loafers, but I didn’t see any I liked, and boots make more sense for winter. Win.

Brown’s Focus. For some reason I’ve never been in it before, but the place is unreal. I think my favourite piece was the Hussein Chalayan pleat sweatshirt. It was just the right combination of wearability & Chalayan’s forward design. Sadly the price tag wasn’t so wearable so it stayed in the store. Sigh.

Vogue Oct2010

Cos. I’ve mentioned this store before as a favourite place, and now there’s a concession in BT2. However, I wasn’t really impressed with the selection the BT buyers brought over, so I visited the much bigger and far-more-my-style Regent Street store. Got an amazing thick rib oversize cardigan. It’s a great shape, but the knit really makes it special. I can’t even figure out how it’s done, it’s like double knitting or something. I also had to stop myself from buying their collarless long blazer, it was divine, but that would have been a step too far. I wish Cos would sort out their website though – it’s pretty slick to be fair to them, but it’s a pain in the ass to use.

Pizza East. There was a summer-long running joke in our flat about going to Pizza East, and we never did, so I finally got Pizza East pizza on Sunday. It was pretty tasty, although we got take away so it was a bit cold :/ Next time, maybe. It’s in a pretty sweet space in the Tea Buildings. I’m not one to go on about food, but it’s pretty cool.

Columbia Road Market. Again, this is something I meant to do during the Summer, but the Sunday morning early wake up call meant it never happened! I managed to drag myself out of bed this Sunday (surprisingly enough, everyone else told me where to stick my flowers when I suggested they join me in the rain early in the morning) and headed over. It was the only time during the weekend I actually remembered to bring my camera out with me, so here’s what I saw.

Sunday Up Market. I lived around the corner from Brick Lane over the summer so I was so sick of it after the first couple of weeks I avoided it like the plague, but I had time to kill this Sunday so I went for a wander and got a giant Lion ring for a pretty nice price. Bargains are really hard to come by on Brick Lane/Spittalfields these days, so I was happy.

Friends. Nothing beats hanging out with friends and there was lots of that as well as the fashion things, epic win.

I came home very tired and pretty sick (my awesome new Cos cardigan is not waterproof even a little bit, sadface) but pretty satisfied with myself. WIN.

You’ll Catch Your Death

It’s coooold. Sosososososo cold. The cold brings out my inner granny, and I give up trying to look half decent and turn into a giant ball of clothes. I no longer care about lines or colours, only the possibility of a draught getting through my ballo’garments. I know, I’m a sartorial trainwreck. For the past few winters tho, I have been stockpiling Aaran sweaters (the proper, not very pretty ones, as opposed to the lovely but not warm at all versions) and my favourite anti-brrrr secret weapon – CASHMERE.

 

This is a cashmere goat, isn't he cute?!

Cashmere is delicious for two reasons. First it feels amaaazing. Soft, fluffy but not annoyingly so (ahem, angora). Secondly, it’s super warm. Like, supersuper warm. One cashmere jumper is roughly equivalent to a jersey longsleeve top, another cotton/acrylic knit jumper and then a bigger jumper/cardigan over. Seriously, I have tested this theory, so it’s basically a science FACT. Cashmere has given me back some semblance of style in winter months, which is roughly two thirds of the year – it’s Ireland after all. I know I’m always banging on about the quality of fabrics and that, but when ur freezing it’s a no brainer.

The third reason cashmere is delicious (I lied when I said there were two reasons) is that it has become crazy affordable. Last year I bought a 100% cashmere jumper in Penney’s for 40euro. Or possibly 60, I am a little hazy on last week, never mind last year, but even still, 60 quid is ridiculously good value for cashmere. And to be fair to Penney’s, the jumper has lasted really well. I also devour M&S cashmere (I told you I turn into a granny). It’s slightly more expensive, about 70-80 euro, but it’s better quality, thicker (and therefore warmer), and they do more colours. JCrew is like the Gap of cashmere, they have a huge selection of basic jumpers and cardigans and other cashmere things, it’s expensive, but not extortionate. Having said that, it’s a bit too rich for my blood

Most high street stores now sell garments with Cashmere-bend fabrics, but be careful with those, check exactly how much cashmere is in it. I’ve found ones with as little as 3%, with the rest of the yarn being acrylic, which is pretty much a sham. When you are buying cashmere, it’s a good idea to get the size or even two up, unless you want that super fitted look – it has a tendency to cling to the body, so a bit of space is good. It’s nothing to do with your body shape, it’s just the nature of the wool, so don’t be getting all huffy and weird about the number on the label. Also (and I can’t stress this enough), despite my passionate aversion to doing so, it’s really important to handwash cashmere carefully with detergent that is kind to wool. Don’t ask me why (because I’ll just have to make something up), but it works. If you don’t believe me, do it the other way and come back to me when your favourite new sweater is all shrunk to the size of barbie clothes and bobbled to bits. I won’t say I told you so, but I’l be thinking it.

You know when I said cashmere is affordable. Yea, well some of it is. As with all things in life, the most covetable stuff is stooopid pricey. Sigh…

Vince – EU261

Thomas Wylde – EU1,910

Pringle of Scotland – EU2,035

Duffy – EU328

Donna Karen EU2,145

Chloé – EU994

This is a cashmere goat, isn’t he cute?!

all images via net-a-porter.com

Fair (isle) play to ya!

I’ve been dying to post these looks for ages now, but I felt the closer I left it to christmas, the more relevant it would be. And Halloween is over, so I’m done waiting. Check out these Christmas-jumper-tastic outfits from D&G, Jean Paul Gaultier & Marc Jacobs. I LOVE the playfulness, so fun! Marc has a fairly standard fair isle sweater, but it’s pretty delish. JPG chose Christmas stockings to go with his ethnic/tribal warrior collection. And D&G. Well. IT’S SO MUCH FUN! Christmas chiffon blouses. I mean, genius. Effing geniuses. or genii…While I don’t love everything that D&G puts out (often too italian peasant/sexy milk maid inspired for my liking…) their is no denying their ability to put their own particular flair to everything they touch, and I’m pretty sure ur granny never knitted you anything like these…

D&G AW10

D&G AW10

D&G AW10

D&G AW10

Jean Paul Gaultier AW10

Jean Paul Gauliter AW10

Jean Paul Gaultier AW10

Marc Jacobs AW10

All My Friends

Before my birthday I indulged in a wishlist on this blog. A kind of internet daydream, with jpegs. Thinking no more of it, I was extrEEEEMly delirah when, on my actual bday, my yummy friends gave me an array of mahoosive necklaces & rings. Best. Birthday.Ever. As if the two types of homemade cupcakes, brownies, peanut butter cups, and MADEFROMSCRATCH jelly & icecream weren’t enough. Oh, and a bell for my bike!

I <3 my new stuff. Especially coz I’m as fussy as fuck and it’s really lovely when you get a present that’s just right. To all my friends, yiz are only rides. Such rides that I am including my first outfit/me post, which is something I didn’t really plan to ever do. There.

Oh, we’re going to LCD Soundsystem real soon. Which is exciting. I’ve been listening to the new album This is Happening recently, and I think it’s aces. I know it got fairly bland reviews when it came out, but for me LCD have always been a band that make songs that get better every time you listen to them. I will be sad when they are gone. And I hope they play this on the 22nd…