Clothes encounter @ The Masquerade Ball

I know Trinity College and UCD have these super cool festival type celebrations where you can wear wellies and relive the festival joys past of Oxegen or Electric Picnic - and that is brilliant - but I'm a sucker for tradition. The black tie events, ball gowns, dinner, drinks and dancing - the whole shebang. And in my time at Griffith College the formal events were really cool and imaginative. Last year there was a 'Charlie and the chocolate factory' theme with oompah loompas, candy floss and surprises throughout the night but this year was even better... Masquerade met gothic splendor...

Me dancing @ The Masquerade Ball - a magical night

I've just finished my time in Griffith College in Dublin and one of my fondest memories was the Masquerade Ball in the Burlington. There was candlelight, classical music, a champagne reception and a night of partying, DMC's (deep meaningful conversations) mostly with my date Darren bless him, and a ridiculous amount of dancing with a live band, then DJ. My class all said it felt like a Debs and a Wedding rolled in to one because we were all in such a celebratory mood. The boys were all looking very well in tuxedos and suits and the girls wore either funky exuberant cocktail dresses or long sleek numbers.

Days before the ball I hadn't found a dress... to my delight I found one in Coco Boutique on Clarendon Street!

I luckily found a metallic ball gown with beading halter neck detail and a train in Coco boutique, Dublin. It felt like a match made in heaven. It was exactly the kind of statement dress I wanted and I felt like a princess. I think a lot of girls feel like that when they wear a ball gown. You walk different, you hold your head higher without even meaning to - Because you feel like a lady!

Make sure to check out Coco Boutique - they are really helpful and kind, they even refer you to the best alterations place they know, get you an appointment and therefore you avail of a discount! A win win situation. Their accessories, heels and handbags are smothered in Swarovski crystals, they are very pretty. While I was shopping in there and trying on my dress models Rozanna Purcell and Hazel O' Sullivan were checking out the vibrant body con dresses and sequined shift dresses in store. This store is a haven for those who love a bit of sparkle in their wardrobe ;)

Check out Coco Boutique online: www.cocoboutique.ie

It was a night to remember! Thanks so much to the hardworking team in the SU who organized it - especially Paul! And for anyone reading this that will still be in Griffith next year, I am making it my business to crash the ball! ;)

xo L

I wanna see your peacock!

I love feathers - feather boas, hair accessories, earrings or mini skirts! I think they add a touch of bohemia to any outfit. And in my opinion - the more dramatic the better. I picked up the earrings above in Aldo in New York in February and have been getting great mileage out of the trend. On the eve of my 22nd birthday I sat in a swanky bar 'Asiata' on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Hotel sipping cosmos and overlooking central park. I wore a coral long sleeved chiffon maxi dress with black embroidery on the chest cavity teamed with my feather earrings, black suede heels and toughened up with a leather biker jacket.

Me @ the Mandarin Hotel, Manhattan.

check out Topshop & River Island for feathered earrings

Netted tights and mary jane shoes look very 'London Town' teamed with a feather skirt!

Feathers are a great accessory and are all over the high street! River Island have gorgeous new feather earrings in stock, and Topshop has embraced the feather hair accessory trend like there is no tomorrow, but don't let the idea of looking like Pocahontas scare you away - this micro trend is fun and flirty and can be very minimal if that's what you prefer. It doesn't have to be in a hippie style. A feather collar or shrug with an LBD or maxi dress/ jumpsuit is mouthwatering! Textures are so important.

It looks the business thrown over your shoulders, believe it or not. You won't look like Cruella De Ville

This is not the look we are going for, Sorry Cruella. Dalmatian print is also not doing it for us.

I am partial to the odd diamante ear cuff, I think they look really cute when hair is slicked back in a high ponytail. The feather cuff trend is both wild and wonderful.

Celebrities love the feather hairband look! It is stunning for weddings for ladies of all ages. A feather headpiece can look funky yet demure. Taylor Swift looks eau natural yet proud as a peacock in her hairband.

Try out this look - it is sure to look stylish and versatile whatever you team it with! 

xo L

An Exclusive Interview with Mikill Pane

''I do like to keep it honest some would say vulgar...''


- Mikill Pane


I recently interviewed Mikill Pane and saw him perform a brilliant set - he dominated the stage.
He was a funny witty character with a great control and clever command of the english language.
But he was quite frank and honest during our interview and his fan base in Ireland is ever growing as the Irish following laps up Pane's racy lyrical innuendo's.

He definitely has a naughty side!

Mikill named his album 'Blame Miss Barclay' after his teacher - whom of which he explains to me made him fall in love with his english and his writing - a feat that has inspired his musical stylings.
He says she made him think of himself as a writer. Kudos to you Miss Barclay!

Throughout the end of 2011 Mikill went on nationwide tours with Mac Miller  and Ed Sheeran. Pane finished another tour with Ed Sheeran throughout January, Mikill dropped his first release of 2012, ‘The Morris Dancer EP’, out in February on Invader Records.

Following a support tour with Rizzle Kicks throughout April and May, Mikill’s latest release ‘You Guest It’ is a free download available through SBTV.  Featuring collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Example, Paloma Faith, Yasmin, P Money, Fem Fel, Katie Price and many more the EP received widespread acclaim both online and on radio, and rightly so!

Mikill Pane @ The Strawberry Fest - photo by Dara Muinnis

Mikill Pane is the new generation of artist that has that flair - that something special.

2012 is truly on a roll for this main stage man! He is really enjoying playing the festival scene. He is carving a path for himself and he prides that his loyal fans are affecting that.

Called 'Mikill Pane' as he confesses he lives to 'kill the mic' and tells me that he has seen the world through his glasses - like window panes. From the get-go there was something fascinating about Mikill Pane. He has intricate tattoo's visible against chic attire. Pretty slick it has to be said. He is hip and stylish but not a fan of the term 'hipster'. I am in agreement on this. A broad sweeping generalization of anything that has pizzazz doesn't quite do it for me, or Mikill Pane for that matter! A heated discussion is had about racial slang, the ever-raging stigma of rap and grime music being alleged to encourage and inspire violence and so much more but you must listen to the interview to hear it all ;)

We discussed fashion as Mikill was embellished in psychedelic jewelry, inked in cool tattoos and donning retro sportswear. He was both a music and style crush.
But he lets me now in an open fashion he is not a 'rapping Gok Wan' !!!

 As soon as he hits the stage he gets the crowd going. He may be a Hackney man in Enniscorthy town but when he hits the Strawberry Fest stage - he is home.



He has a 3-date headline tour coming up and I really want to go! Who's coming with me???


Check Mikill Pane out on twitter: 

@mikillpane








 To hear the FULL exclusive interview CLICK HERE ...

I love Mikill Pane's duet with Ed Sheeran, but Pane's lyrics are so evocative that it is pretty heartbreaking.


Listen to it and see do you feel the same.

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

xo L

An Exclusive Interview with The Original Rudeboys

I caught up with the the original rude boys @ the strawberry fest for a candid and very fun interview. Their attitude towards each other is very funny, and as far as success goes, they are seriously on the rise with 'this life' rocketing up the charts. It was deafening on site as screaming girls were going crazy for them! The boys chatted to me about life in Ireland, the music industry aswell as ex's inspiring their music.

The Original Rudeboys & me

The Original Rudeboys were full of banter and talked about their idols, their growing fan base. They are really close friends and were dying to embarrass each other about certain topics...


 To hear the full EXCLUSIVE interview with The Original Rudeboys CLICK HERE






Lipstick Gossip @ the strawberry fest brought to you by miinto.ie - Your online fashion shop

The Original Rudeboys telling some stories ;)

I hope you enjoyed listening to the interview with the very talented band 'The Original Rudeboys'
guys don't forget to 'like' Lipstick Gossip' on Facebook!

Click here to check out my Facebook page

In Closing the bands latest Single “Written Songs”(Feeling Good) can now be requested on the following Irish radio stations.

Beat 102/103 - @beat102103

iRadio - @ThisisiRadio

FM104 - @FM104

Spin103.8 - @spin1038

Spin South West - @SPINSouthWest

You can request by txt(Usually FREE) or by tweeting the stations now.

Support Irish Bands guys they need you as much as you need them :)

xo L

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