An Exclusive interview with Marcus Collins

photo by Dara Muinnis

Marcus Collins is a very talented artist. No-one else could possibly cover 'seven nation army' and not only make it unique, but exceptional.

X Factor may have been his platform but this young, endearing performer is going places, and fast. In our interview he described what a great mentor Gary Barlow was on a personal level too as well as on the X Factor.

photo by Dara Muinnis

I caught up with Marcus Collins @ The Strawberry Fest the day his new single 'Mercy' came out! He performed an exciting set and I spoke to him seconds after he walked off stage a serious grin on his face. This is a guy who loves what he does and his happiness and energy is infectious.

Marcus Collins is also flawlessly handsome.... oh some people have it all!
He is a very down to earth, humble performer who is taking his success with a pinch of salt.

me and Marcus Collins

Marcus Collins was very excited about playing at the Royal Albert Hall. When I enquired if he was seeing anyone special he described himself as 'desperate and dateless' - but he is without fail a man in demand. He joked that he is so busy that he never even gets to see his dog!!!

He admits he has always been influenced by 'motown' and Stevie Wonder has been a great musical influence in his life.

He has an ever- expanding fan base, and on the subject of social media he described it as a double -edged sword at times. He is indeed right as a lot of bullying can happen online. He loves to use twitter to connect with his fans. He looks to the future with excitement as he will soon collaborate with Sam Sparro - who he admires as an artist. Marcus Collins commented that he thinks it's great Sparro is openly gay as it sends a very positive message to young people about embracing who they are!
Marcus Collins is also heading to America this Summer to get his music out there. Buy his new single it is so catchy!

You can watch a video of me and Marcus Collins talking style on my facebook page 'Lipstick Gossip':
 http://www.facebook.com/LipstickGossip

Marcus said he loved my outfit and vivienne westwood wellies! success! :-)

To listen to the full EXCLUSIVE interview with Marcus Collins click here

Lipstick Gossip @ The Strawberry Fest brought to you by miinto.ie - Your online fashion shop.

xo L

An exclusive interview with style princess Amelia Lily

Love the candy pink look but her latest snowy blonde is even nicer!

At just sweet 16 Amelia Lily brought something special to our screens on the X Factor. Labelled 'the comeback kid' she has an erratic fanbase of fans that love and idolize her. When I interviewed Amelia Lily she was humble, funky and glamorous and the interview was very fun and engaging.
She sung praise for her mentor Kelly Rowland labelling her a 'worldwide sensational superstar' and called Tulisa 'a good friend'. It seems that Amelia Lily had no favourites among the X Factor judging panel - she liked them all quite equally.

Amelia Lily's style is fun and inspiring and she totally ignited the candy floss hair trend to her amusement. Pop star 'Pink' is her style icon.

It is crazy to think she is just 18 years old, and fresh out of school just a year she is doing her utmost to make her mark in the industry.. she is excited about an offer to go to Milan to sing and tells me that she has exciting news coming up that she will be announcing on her twitter!

Her voice is without doubt a versatile and beautiful instrument, but Amelia was not always a pop princess. She loved country and western music and with her guitar wrote songs in that kind of style. She deviated from that path and fell for musical theatre which became her niche. She describes her current situation as 'mind-boggling' but assures me that she 'embraces every minute of it'.

photo by Dara Muinnis

Amelia's down to earth attitude about her styling was very interesting - she doesn't want a stylist to suppress who she is and her individuality and sass.

''You can have a stylist anyday - but you have to be comfortable... I describe myself as a girl... (obviously) haha who's got a bit of an edge...''

Me and Amelia Lily

I enquired if she always led her own path or succumbed to following trends, she explained that on no- uniform days in her school she was the girl in the bright skinny jeans and converse or van while everyone else was in their Jack Wills or Abercrombie trackies but she didn't mind being different or getting slagged about it. Amelia Lily thinks it's great that celebrities are dressing more wacky and quirky! Her style seems like 80's neon teamed with a dash of rock chick. Her style is enviable.

Although platforms and high stilettos are not the most coveted items in Amelia Lily's wardrobe.

''I actually don't like high heels! It's rare you will see me on stage bopping in a pair of high heels. I do like my sneakers and what not..''

Photo by Dara Muinnis

As well as styling herself the young star did her own make up and she shone like a discoball! A true hands-on lady she uses her love of fashion and beauty to her advantage, and escapes the middleman which is pretty unusual in celebville. This makes her stand out.
She laughs and divulges that the best thing about doing your own make-up is that it will be exactly that way you like it, and if it goes wrong you have no-one to blame but yourself!

You can find out what is going on with the lovely Amelia Lily on twitter : @amelialilyoffic
& also check her out on facebook.

With that face, voice and sparkle her rise is sure to be meteoric.



Lipstick Gossip @ The Strawberry Fest was brought to you by miinto.ie - Your online fashion shop.



Click HERE to listen to the full exclusive interview with Amelia Lily



*make up and hair tutorial to capture the look of Amelia Lily is to follow ;)

xo L

An Exclusive interview with Maverick Sabre - Voice of a generation

Maverick Sabre @ The Strawberry Fest - photo by Dara Muinnis

When I listen to Maverick Sabre it takes me to a different place. His lyrics are evocative, his rhythm is enticing and his edge is undeniable. To many he is like the male Amy Winehouse, his riffs and trills have soul. There is a depth that pulls you in and makes you want to hear more.

Photo by Dara Muinnis

I interviewed him about his roots, influences and ambitions for the future. Born in London but he grew up in Wexford, where he dominated the mainstage on Friday @ The Strawberry Fest to a vigorous response. He said to me he feels he will always have a home in Wexford.

Me and Maverick Sabre

Before you die see this man LIVE. At least twice. 

He bellowed that it was the 'proudest moment of his career'. During our one-one-one Maverick Sabre told me about the party scene that is London Town, his writing process, touring, and how some day he would dream to collaborate with Alicia Keys as he feels their voices would blend well together.

At 21 he seems to have a considerable amount of life experience under his belt and is amassing a huge following. He believes that social networking and media is key to engaging with your fans and getting your songs out there. When I spoke to him on his tourbus at the Strawberry Fest last week and was taken aback by his honesty and frankness, he has serious loyalty to his band.
As a unit, Maverick Sabre and his band along with backing vocals that would make Aretha do a double take, there is a recipe for success and reaching out to people. He explains his album title 'Lonely are the Brave' by telling me about lonliness and how it inspires you -





Click here to listen to listen to the Full exclusive interview with Maverick Sabre

Lipstick Gossip @ The Strawberry Fest brought to you by miinto.ie - Your online fashion shop.

xo L

05/06/12

Life is really funny sometimes. But not funny at all.

I love writing so much, but in the light of day I am finding it hard to even construct sentences verbally the past few days. Honestly I want to move forward but I don't know what to do. What do you write when writing doesn't feel right?

 'Lipstick Gossip' has always been about the things I love like fashion, music, entertainment, interviews - everything. I had plans and ideas for blogs but right now I don't feel like talking about polka dots or dressing eco-friendly. I don't want to be fake or pretend everything is okay. I never have used this blog as a personal channel to say anything morbid or serious. I thought I would be so ecstatic when my blog got 20,000 reads but in the past 2 days I don't really feel anything.

The other day my house went on fire and everything has been a blur since. All six people in the house got out fairly unscathed (thank god).

 It was surreal to stand back and watch everything go up in flames. There is always this 'hollywood' idea of people grabbing things on their way out of the house like iphones, teddies, guitars whatever. It didn't even cross my mind.

Before the fire I was sitting upstairs in my house literally flying on cloud 9, I had interviewed at the Strawberry Fest the weekend before and I had felt so excited about the interviews I had gotten.
I have just finished college so I have been eager to keep working as much as I can as a blogger and freelance journalist. I had headphones on editing the interviews when the fire started, and if someone hadn't have made me move I know I wouldn't have.

Fire alarms really do save lives. Two went off in the upstairs corridor. I finally realized it wasn't a false alarm and we were in trouble. The smoke was dense and thick and smothering. The flames were blazing and licking the walls downstairs. I will never forget the image of people trying to put it out and everyone being hysterical.

I will never so much as want to light a candle again. I really thought we weren't going to be okay. Looking at the house yesterday it is a miracle we did. The smell permeates everything, It clings to your skin and hair taunting and reminding you, it is horrible.

 It's not even the items you would expect you would be devastated about losing. Me and my two sisters were so upset over a mug. A big white Starbucks mug with a camel on the front from holidays we searched for frantically in the rubble. What weirdos. My sister Jade found a letter she wrote to Leonardo Di Caprio when she was twelve assuring him that they were soulmates and she was 'in love with him' which we all had a bit of a well needed laugh about. The not-funny jokes kind of help. The ones that are funny because they aren't - such as nice smoky eye make up blah blah blah. I guess if you don't laugh you'll cry.

It feels sad to lose your house but at the same time I count myself lucky. I could have lost my boyfriend, or my family. I lost everything but nothing at all in the grand scheme of things.

I want to thank all the kind neighbour's, family and friends who gave me and the girls shoes when we had none on our feet, and who all continue to be so kind and generous to all my family. There are some people out there who would give you the clothes off their back. In times of crisis many people show so much generosity it is unbelievable.




Love,

Laura

x

RTE In Colour @ The Strawberry Fest with Laura

Me cruising through the Artist tent @ the Strawberry Fest

I had a crazy and exciting weekend. You can hear me reporting for RTE 'In Colour' on 2XM tonight! My interviews with Maverick Sabre and Mikill Pane are on this evening's programme.

Mikill Pane talks life, music and style

We've a great show for you tonight ***LIVE*** from the Strawberry Fest...

We'll have exclusive interviews with Aslan, Maverick Sabre, Status Quo, and Mikill Pane.

Plus tunes from The Saw Doctors, Swords, Bipolar Empire, The Original Rudeboys, and many more

That's coming your way from 8PM on RTE 2XM


Click on this link to listen online: http://www.rte.ie/digitalradio/2xm/

Maverick Sabre and me on his tourbus

Me and Mikill Pane

Make sure you tune in guys! This is not one to miss!

xo L

Playing the Fashion Games @ Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols Dublin celebrated their annual Summer Party on Wednesday night, with over 500 guests in attendance to savour the stunning seasonal fashion in-store.
To celebrate this fun event, for selected purchase made, you had to pick a Harvey Nichols medal at random from the till point. This qualified a discount from between 15% and 50% on Fashion and Accessories or 15% on beauty and perfumery immediately added to your purchase? It was a chance for ladies and gents to stock up on their attire for Summer nights and skin healthcare regimes, in a party-style environment.


I loved the huge chess set outside the door. All the little kids outside did too!

My bright outfit for 'the Fashion Games'

I decided to wear my new ear cuff seeing as it was a special occasion!

 Saxophonist Aneta Moran mingled among the crowd adonned in a sultry red Herve Leger bodycon dress. The guests and press such as myself included had come to play ‘the Fashion Games’. Kind of like the Hunger Games but with clothes, beauty products, accessories and therefore-  a happy ending.

A natural pull for me was of course the stunning Michael Kors leather bags and wallets that are bright shades of sunny orange and muted pink. They would add a splash of colour to any outfit.

A new clutch-crush for me was the 'Sam Edelman' handbag collection. I loved the clutch as it is quite compact, slick and contemporary and would pop when teamed with a safari-print Kaftan or LBD.

I had a complementary gin summer cocktail while I checked out brands like Juicy Couture and Wildfox which had a lot of statement tee's in their collections aswell as of course the sought after Alexander Mc Queen skull-print scarves, now available in velvety fabrics in striking colours such as a burgundy and opal combo, but naturally the black and white classic will continue to be a wardrobe staple for the elite.

I also tried on a pair of fuschia neon Jeffrey Campbells downstairs in the footwear department. In my opinion they are the best trans-seasonal look you can acquire south of your ankles. Maybe I am a tad biased...

Look we all have our addictions.

 I had a glass of prosecco while interviewing some very lovely ladies on the counters in the beauty department who implored me about their own best beauty buys. One or two may have converted me I have to say. Those ladies are very persuasive!

My Harvey Nichols beauty samples for trial

Emma at the Eve Lom counter assured me that cleansing is the most important part of your skincare regime. Eve Lom cleanser was once described by Vogue as 'the best cleanser in the world. I have tried and tested it ladies and I am siding with Vogue on this one. My skin was left with a luxuriant velvety yet clean feeling. There wasn't residue left my skin looked noticably more healthy and my pores minimised and refined. As an evening regime on a daily basis, Eve Lom seems like the best choice for gentle thorough cleansing that doesn't dehydrate the skin. It's a win win situation.

The Elemis Tri- enzyme  resurfacing serum I have fallen fast and hard for.
Predominantly because the results are very obvious, it's brilliant for oily skin or hormonal skin. It stimulates a deep exfoliation without the grains works naturally on the skin without chafing.

Also the Elemis pro-collagen marine cream is one of the top anti-aging creams in the world. You can avail of a spa treatment in Harvey Nichols with this international best seller. The facials in Harvey Nicholls do a full skin analysis your face map shows up any problem areas/sun damage,etc. and your treatment is delivered to be benificial to high Elemis standards. Their spas and products are a household name. The exotic lime and ginger hand and body lotion from Elemis is gorgeous as it is a refreshing ,hydrating, stimulating combination of lime and ginger. Very relaxing. Their bath milk sweet-smelling and is reminiscent of cleopatra! you can cool it in the fridge and use it as a lather or bathe in it, it effectively soothes sunburn and reduces the itching and redness of both psoriasis and eczema without irritating the skin. The products are non camedogenic so you won't drag imperfections to the surface of your skin! that can be a common fear with skin products. But Elemis is all natural which I love! Pop in and talk to Orla at the Elemis counter in Harvey Nichols, she has great expertise and is a friendly welcoming beauty therapist.

Have an Elemis milk bath - it's good enough for Queen Cleopatra... even in animated form!

Lorraine who was a representative for Gucci Flora let me in on a little secret.... that by placing perfume cards you recieve into your lingerie drawer there will be a beautiful scent off all your intimate items! It's a pretty good tip because I certainly prefer spritzing myself when I am trying perfume mainly because spraying on a card feels wasteful. But now I have an idea what to do with those five million perfume cards that have taken up residence in the depths of my handbag!

Lorraine also introduced me to the new Gucci Flora perfume range which boasts an array of citrus, floral nature –inspired fragrances. They are a mixture of delicate and sensual. Gucci Flora Pink was my personal favourite.

DJ Bubbles was playing  catchy tunes downstairs in the footwear and clothes department. DJ Bubbles was also conveniently located near the bubbly. A tad ironic maybe? ;)

The BBQ at the Café Terrace was a hive of activity post-party, buzzing as people devoured the tasty burgers up for grabs. I was a busy bee. A large crowd also retreated upstairs to the First Floor Restaurant to enjoy tapas and cocktails.

Thank you Harvey Nichols for an amazing day and night - I definitely walked away from the Fashion Games feeling like a winner!

xo L

Ruby Ruby 'Ruby Rouge'

I love that 'ruby, ruby, ruby' song it always reminds me of my favourite boutique based in Gorey - Ruby Rouge! I decided to write about Ruby Rouge because I think they are one of a kind which truly should be commended and put out in the universe! Their stock ranges from preppy casual, office and flirty to red carpet.

Why does a shiny shoe make all girls swoon like Cinderella? Us ladies are like magpies!

Like peaches and cream, sunshine and ice-cream or a tan with a white bikini. Some unions are unanimously and unequivocally a match made in heaven. Like you slipping into a dress that makes you feel a million euro.

My Birthday Dress from Ruby Rouge

For my 21st Birthday Party I found my 'Prints Charming'. A pink oriental structured dress with a unique colourful print. I fell irrevocably and irreversibly in love with this garment. But like any relationship that resulted in infatuation, I have to give credit to the kind person who introduced me to my significant other (my 'Terani' couture dress) Thanks to 'Ruby Rouge' - a stylish fashion forward boutique located in Gorey, Co. Wexford. The staff are glamorous and helpful, the shop's interior and exterior is like that of a doll house. It definitely pulls a true girly-girls heartstrings. Or brings out a side of you that longs for dresses, adorable accessories including parasols, pumps and heels, clutches, ladylike blouses, chiffon,  frills, tutu dresses, poodle skirts, pearls and many more. Who said conservative, sexy, playful and feminine cannot reside with the same retailer? Whether you want to look glam for a night on the tiles, ladies day at the races, a special party/wedding or event you are on to a winner. Clothes are an extension of your personality - so it's time to meet your match!

'Terani' dress

Carvela metallic peep-toe heels from BT2's

My 21st Birthday theme was 'Alice in the City'. It was a mixture of 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Sex and the City'. I'm not going to lie the theme was built around my dress, even the cake coordinated with it! It was a great night I really felt nice in my birthday outfit thanks to my favourite boutique! I teamed the dress with victory hair rolls, fuschia lips and high platform Carvela heels.

My birthday cake by 'Cakes by Karen'

Another special event that needed a very special dress was the Smedia Awards 2011. I was so excited to be nominated for an award for my IFTA's one hour documentary. I wore a white dress with large bow detail from 'Ruby Rouge'  that exuded a mixture of Carrie Bradshaw glamour teamed with 1950's Hollywood class. I knew this dress would suit more than one special occasion.

Me and host Kathryn Thomas

 And alas I had another opportunity to wear my white 'Terani' Ruby Rouge number just a few months later. It was looking lonely in my closet and needed a night out. I went to the Griffith College Graduation Ball which to my excitement had a 'Hollywood' Theme. It was a night of champagne and blackjack - it was very different and a little bit of a thrill but I was also happy to be getting to wear my precious dress for a second time. It is important to get value for your money and enjoy your purchase more than once! What I love about Duchess Kate Middleton (affectionately known as K Middy in some circles) is that she knows that if a dress makes you feel good and you like it you should definitely get your money's worth and wear it more than once. Why not? :) I teamed my dress a red lip, soft curls and with crystalled Karen Millen heels to complete the look.

'Jovani 'White bow dress

Karen Millen crystalled shoes

Well ladies if you are looking for casual or party finds, Ruby Rouge is your one-stop-shop for your fairytale wardrobe! It's true - Fairytale's do exist!

Happy Shopping Ladies! 

xo L

You can click here to find 'Ruby Rouge' on facebook