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Sunday, 13 May 2012

Chalked up - A Katy Perry inspired hairdo

I love blue hair. It reminds me of Katy Perry. And Mermaids. And those cute little trolls and furbys we all loved as children.

Really want to dress up as one of these next Halloween

Therefore I decided to experiment with the blue-chalk hairdo everyone is talking about.

Crayola chalk is not just for primary school teachers - it's a hair dye!

But to be truthful, I recently dyed my hair caramel blonde from bright blonde and was wary of saturating my new locks with blue chalk. Therefore I decided a dip- dye alternative with chalk was in order... but not on my own hair just in case I damaged it...

So I decided to use a clip-in strip of extensions. I bought these on Abbey St. Dublin but you can also pick up clip in synthetic hair in Penneys also!

I laid out a towel, dampened the crayola chalk with water and rubbed it on the ends of the hair to achieve a dip dye effect. Once the hair was towel dried, I was suprised by the result. I liked it a lot!

You can wear it underneath your hair OR in a ponytail/side plait with a cute accessory:

Or you can pin it around a donut - and then pin it into your hair for a preppy look:

You hopefully will end up with this stylish boho look like this indie fashionista:

Have fun Ladies!

xo L

Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Fashion frenzy @ the MET Ball

The style last night would have any self-respecting fashion lover frothing at the mouth. When A- listers arrive at this event they choose to make a statement - which in many cases is outlandish, daring and simply fabulous! Here are the top looks of the night.

Christina Ricci

Well I guess Wednesday Addams is all grown up! Channelling a gothic spendor vibe in her black and blush Thakoon number Ricci stuns the paparazzi and leaves them in her wake.

Beyonce Knowles

In typical celebrity-land Beyonce is looking unbelievable in Givenchy Couture adonned with violet feathers just a short amount of time since the birth of her baby girl 'Blue Ivy' with husband Jay-Z. There is a class A drug doing the rounds in Hollywood nicknamed 'Blue Ivy' to the dismay of the power couple. You couldn't tell Beyonce had a worry in the world as she exuded Hollywood glamour. Beyonce's infamous behind stole the show in a rather provocative fashion. Her attire was strictly business in the front, and well... nude in the back. Overtly sexy or a bit much maybe?

Beyonce looking 'Bootylicious'

Karolina Kurkova channelled the 1920's in her Rachel Zoe number, but I have to say I loved it. For an occasion like the Met Gala it's all about honoring the occasion to saluting the best most innovative designers. They get thrust in to the spotlight as the stars are their enterprising mannequins.

Karolina Kurkova - Victoria's Secret Model

xo L

Saturday, 5 May 2012

Refresh your itunes with a playlist like this!

Well for once an at least semi-unisex post! This is my ultimate playlist. There's some real gems in there. Click on the song names to bring you to hear the songs and maybe inspire you to refresh your itunes! I am in the process of reviving mine, as opposed to shuffling through a gazillion songs I have no interest in. Let me know if you have any good song ideas! ;) By categorizing songs like this it's a handy way to have variety on your ipod no matter what mood you're in.

Enjoy :-) xo L

The addictive new release: 'Houdini' - Foster the People

The driving song: 'Fast Car' - Tracy Chapman

The house party song: 'I love college' - Asher Roth

The catchy 'ad' tune: 'What you know' - Two Door Cinema Club

The college anthem: 'Feels so close' - Calvin Harris

The house music tune: 'Ghosts N Stuff'- Deadmau5 feat. Rob Swire

The reggae tune: 'Redemption Song' - Bob Marley

The pop song: 'Can't get you outta my head' - Kylie Minogue

The retro song: 'You are my sunshine' - Johnny Cash

The indie tune: 'When we were young' - The Killers

The Nostalgia song: 'Wannabe' - Spice Girls

The Guilty Pleasure: 'Blue' - Eiffel 65

The rock tune: 'Spitfire' - The Prodigy

The shower anthem: 'I just wanna make love to you' - Etta James

The love song: 'The Book of Love' - Peter Gabriel

The catchy tune: 'Home' - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero's

The power ballad: 'Stay' - The Shakespeare Sisters

The sexy song: 'She can get it' - Kevin Rudolf

The catwalk song: 'I like the way you move' - The Bodyrockers

The crazy- dancing song: 'Back in Time' - Pitbull

The Summer anthem: 'Summer Jam' - The Underdog Project

The depressing song: 'Bloodstream' - Stateless

The lullaby: 'Holocene' - Bon Iver

xo L

Friday, 4 May 2012

How to style your hair like Rihanna - Long to short styling without cutting your locks

We all get bored of our hair from time to time. We get used to the same thing and it can feel outdated. I usually wear my hair long with soft waves for an event, but last Summer I started using a hair wand and pinning my hair to the top of my head in a 'Rihanna' inspired style.
This style works for bob-length to mid-length hair. Alternatively - if your hair is long and volumous you can do a small french roll at the back of your head and commit to the style at the front.

I went from wearing my hair like this:

Dress from Ruby Rouge

To wearing it like this:

Dress from 'Motel Rocks'

And I have to say it is very important not to be afraid to try something different and to freshen up your look. Experimenting and taking chances are how you find a style that really suits you that makes you feel as confident as you can be.

A few people have asked me to do a blog explaining in simple terms how to achieve this look.

Firstly you will need a hair wand. These are available in Argos and range from 25- 30 eur. Alternatively you can use a hair straightner and do GHD curls but they wont have the same 3D effect. You need to curl your hair in small sections leaving no straight or stray bits.

When your whole head had been wanded, run your finger through your hair with a bit of hair moose or styling serum, whichever you prefer the texture of. I think moose has a better effect.

Brush your hair from underneath the nape of your neck forward to the crown and secure with a lot of hair clips/ bobby pins. It is optional but you can plait a small section to mask the clipped section.

Adjust the hair & strands as you see fit to frame your face and eyeline.

Use hair spray to finish the look. Depending on how high you want your hair backcomb it gently with a soft brush and re-curl small strands.

And now you have your very own DIY Rihanna look like mine below.

My Rihanna-style hair attempt

Happy experimenting ladies!

xo L

The Geometric Scale

Geometric Prints and clashing colourful prints are currently storming the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu and are available in retailers such as River Island, Miss Selfridge, New Look and Forever 21. The texture of the clashing styles is very important, as it looks great to have material of a silky consistency over linen or sheer material. I picked up a Billabong Geometric playsuit in New York in February that I have fallen madly in love with. Perhaps it's the pattern that is mesmerising!

My Billabong silk playsuit from NYC

That kind of a pattern is flattering as it draws the eyes to the design as a whole as opposed to a particular area. It leaves you with a finished svelte look.
I maintain New Yorkers put this trend on the map by dressing it both up and down with ease.

Another trend which I think is very funky and glam is tangerine or neon nail polished hands with chunky statement rings on one hand, embellishing every finger.

My Rings from Miss Selfridge

Explore geometric jewellery... go for Topshop meets a modern day Pocahontas!

Teaming these looks together will have you looking bang-on trend.
Happy styling ladies ;)

L xo

Thursday, 3 May 2012

River Island's 'Pacha' hits the nail on the head

Inspired by Nightclub 'Pacha' in Ibiza which has housed the likes of David Guetta, Retail Giant 'River Island' have launched a snazzy fashion line titled:
'The Pacha Range'

Check it out in your local flagship store, I have to say I think it's very fresh and innovative. The silk flowing dresses and harem-pants have a very moroccan-glam feel to them.

Innumerable Summer-hungry ladies were foaming at the mouth when I last checked it out in River Island on Henry St, Dublin! The line comprises lightweight summer genie-pants, hawaiian, ornate cherry print bikini's and daisy duke shorts and silky geometric prints you will trip over yourself to get your hands on - especially if your are planning a Summer holiday overseas or if you want something stunning to wear to a BBQ or Summer night out on our shores!

xo L

Five ways to wear a headscarf - The most versatile trans- seasonal trend

Audrey Hepburn

1. The 'Audrey'

No-one does incognito like Miss Hepburn - An inspirational lady in the style stakes.

She looks beautiful with a mahogany silk scarf tied under her chin - this glam old- world look is fun to try out and will make you stand out from the crowd.

2. 'The Retro Queen'

With a pin curl fringe, arched defined brows and a statement headscarf this is a winning look that is a vintage revival.

*See my Hair tutorial blog post in order to do the pin curl fringe:

Rockabilly hair blog

3. 'The Abba throwback'

With heart-shaped sunnies and a print silk scarf framing your face - this look screams effortless chic, and its easy to DIY. Agnetha would be proud.

Katie Holmes

4. 'The Casual Chameleon'

Mrs. Cruise looks simple and stylish while she camouflages herself from the paparazzi, but - in the process she looks very trendy and cute. This styling is a handy way to disguise your roots or simply a bad hair day. Even the rich and famous have them you know ;)

5. 'The Betty Draper'

These Catwalk lovelies exude 'Mad Men' glamour. Their sixties eye make- up combined with sheer coverage make up means you can see freckles and the girls exude natural beauty. It helps the look that the scarves keep their hair off their face, either with a mid-knotted scarf or the counterpart on the right a sleek scarf look that bandages the forehead.

_____________________

Also if you ladies are looking for some places to find some vintage headscarves I would recommend:
In Dublin City :Siopaella , Om Diva , Shotsy Vintage , Jenny Vander
In Wexford Town: Sunday Girl Vintage

& also check out charity shops and thrift stores in your area for a great bargain.

I hope you have fun trying out these looks!

xo L

I picked up these Sunnies for a mere 3 euro in Penneys. Bargain!

This vintage scarf was just 5 euro in a vintage store! Vintage and thrift is the way forward fashionistas!

Try out these looks at home :)

xo L

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

'Sounds of Summer' Podcast

Tune in to 'Sounds of Summer' - An hour of the latest music in the charts including acts such as Marcus Collins who will be performing at the Strawberry Fest - A homegrown Festival which goes from strength to strength every year. We hope to be seeing you there! ;)

Also featuring new music from Lana del Rey, Sia, James Morrison, Kelly Clarkson and many, many more. Listen to the show to hear an exclusive interview with Bressie who talks about being shy around women, his love life, and his role as judge and mentor on 'The Voice' - which has presented many challenges......

Click here to listen to 'Sounds of Summer' podcast on 97.1 Griff Fm

Bressie and Laura

Lipstick Gossip xo

Michael Fassbender - One of Hollywood's Finest!!

Fassbender in bloodbath '300'

One of Hollywood's finest alright (In every sense of the word) Michael Fassbender has a winning list of films behind him, some more controversial than others...

His latest film 'Shame' failed to get the oscar nod for a gripping complex performance from Fassbender who evocatively played the role of sex addict Brandon alongside Carey Mulligan. In the film his character, who has an inappropriate relationship with his sister, is both shocking, and complex, he is very believable in the role. The film has provoked mixed reactions due to the subject matter but it's standalone cast and direction by Steve Mc Queen ensures 'Shame' is all over every film-goers radar.

The actor's performance in 'Inglorious Bastards' was captivating, while his acting in 'Hunger' cemented his place in Hollywood. Fassbender's role as Magneto in 'X- men First Class' excited a lot of fans of the trilogy, he did the prequel and the role itself justice.

I interviewed Michael Fassbender at the 9th Annual Irish, Film and Television Awards.
From speaking to him briefly I found he was very charming and outgoing, he seems very down to earth and grounded with great skills as a versatile actor in this fickle world of fame. Surely this is a recipe for success?

Click here to listen to an exclusive interview with Michael Fassbender about his Haywire co-star Gina Carano and his Bromance with Brendan Gleeson

Michael Fassbender and myself @IFTA's 2012

'' Everything I put my name to and take part in, I want to be good. That's not saying it will always happen but I want to make bold choices. ''

- Michael Fassbender

Gina Carano wrestles Fassbender in a fight to the death in 'Haywire'

Check out the racy 'Haywire' fight scene for yourself, shot in The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin City below:

xo L

Rockabilly Hair

Do you want hair reminiscent of a more glamorous era? Rockabilly hair is simple and fun to pull off and you can try it at home! The pin curl fringe reminds us of Vargas girls or Audrey Hepburn but with a modern twist. Adding retro make up (see doll make up blog entry) with a pretty dress or playsuit and Mac Lady Danger red lipstick and this look will be very unique and fun. Or team it with a headscarf! Make it your own.

My pin curl fringe

Firstly, put pantene mousse in damp hair and blow dry with volume.
Use a curling wand and select large sections of hair for a soft retro wave curl.

Select the front section of your hair an softly backcomb the underneath for 40 seconds. Use elnette hair spray as if you make a mistake or want to adjust the height/ size of your pin-curl the texture of the hair won't have a sticky consistency.

When the front section is looking fuller pin underneath using bobby pins. Stick to the colour of your hair when using clips, so if you have blonde/auburn hair use the blonde hair clips/pins/slides you find in the hair department at Boots pharmacy/ beauty store.

Spray the hair a good bit in order to retain the style and sleek look. You don't want stray hairs ruining the look.

*This look is perfect for those ladies who are growing out a side/full fringe or want to create a mini-fringe look on their forehead.

Happy styling Dolls! xo

To the side -the finished look

Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Rita Ora has arrived

My latest style crush is Rita Ora. Jay Z's protegee, signed to Roc Nation. Born in Kosovo but grew up in London, Rita Ora recently collaborated with DJ Fresh with 'Hot Right Now' which has been a massive success.

Her energy and vivacious sense of dress are a winning combination. Ora names Gwen Stefani as her biggest influence, saying in an interview:

“Do you know how much I love that woman?I love everything about her".

Rita exudes the ultimate cool factor - her look screams the Fresh Prince of Bel Air meets Madonna of the 80's with an exotic retro glam vibe. Her look has an old school edge her styling can seem reminiscent of Rihanna in some respects - but Rita Ora is more relaxed and comfortable in the sense that she wears the eccentric quirky outfits they don't wear her. I don't believe that is where Ora draws her inspiration from, she follows her instincts in terms of fashion.

Rita Ora classes Jay Z's wife Beyonce Knowles as a major influence and a mentor, saying that both Knowles and Gwen Stefani are her two main role models and spoke of her admiration at being able to have Beyonce give her feedback on her debut album.