Clothes Encounter with Jackson's Fashion

Fashion your seat belts Ladies because Jackson's Fashion are very stylish, exciting and also great value.
They offer a wide range of unique ladies clothing & accessories. They are based in Liverpool but you can buy their stunning items online


 Click here to check out the Jacksons Fashion collection on the Asos marketplace site


Jackson's Fashion specialise in being unique. Their collections contain one of a kind clothing and accessories for women who want to stand out. I have been following the brand for some time now and it truly is expanding and growing from strength to strength. I decided for this blog article to leave you with the wise words of the designer who's heart and soul went into these creations. Without further ado, Check out the Jackson's Fashion innovative and funky designs.....

"Dress me I'm your mannequin"

Teardrop jewel chain dress

''After seeing the J Lo video 'I'm into you' I thought that I needed a dress made from chain like she wore on the beach! My mum told me, you can't sew chain. I was determined. I bought a load of chain and jewels and basically just started attaching them. It started off like a bracelet. People laughed when I said 'This is my new dress' but I could see the idea starting to grow. I used pliers to attach every link to each jewel and eventually I had something that partially covered me. I don't even own a mannequin so had my poor niece standing while I figured out where to join it to make arms. This is the dress I'm most proud of because I honestly didn't know how I was going to make it, just that I was!''

"We are just trying to change the world, one sequin at a time"

'' I love this design because its such a simple but effective idea. I originally designed a long fringe choker to wear over bikinis because I thought it would look fab in Ibiza. Then for our fashion show I decided long fringe bandeaus would look cool and I really liked the idea of mixing black and white. Its been one of our best sellers yet.''

Long Fringe Bandeau

"Walk, Walk, Fashion, Baby"

Photo dress

''I think this is my favourite design ever. The reason being its a dress I have always wanted and thought was impossible! I remember having the idea in my head and thinking, I'll cut out the dress shape in white fabric, iron on T-Shirt transfers, then sew it together, it'll look fab! It wouldn't look fab. It would crack and peel and look stiff and shiny, the fabric would have no movement and it would look cheap. This is another design I knew I would make, just not how. So I made an album of all the photos I wanted on it, memories from the year with my friends. Then I realised I got print my own fabric! I used digital texile print to run off my own fabric showing all my photos. The first time I held the fabric was amazing, I was in awe of it! The first time I wore the dress I couldn't stop looking at the clear high quality photos and remembering all the fun times! Everyone was asking me about my dress, 'how did I do it' 'when was that?' 'am I on it?' its an understatement to say it was a conversation starter. I now take orders for personalised photo dresses, I think they are fabulous for big events like 21st, or hen nights with photos of you and your fiancée on! I even went on to make Jedward Fan Jackets with photos of their fans on. Big thanks to the fans for all their photos!''

Jedward photo fan jackets

''I think just by looking at this you can see its inspired by Lady Gaga. 'The blue dress (shown) I seen Gaga in is AMAZING I fell in love with it! My mum wasn't too keen and said it would look silly on me because 'I wasn't on stage.' But I've always had a unique sense of style which I think shows in some of my designs, so I put my own take on the design. I kept the structure and chose PVC for the fabric to make sure it didn't 'flop.' I love this dress and am planning to make it in other colours in the future.''

Designer Heather wearing PVC Structured Dress

Lady Gaga was the inspiration

Heather is officially Lit up like a christmas tree

 ''I'd be lying if I said I didn't take a little bit of inspiration from 'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding' when I designed this light up skirt. I thought their light up dresses where so cool on the show, I wanted to make a more subtle version. I wore this to a Jedward panto in Dublin and all the young girls loved it! I wore a petticoat underneath so it would stick once and flounce when I walked. Once I put it on facebook a DJ from Liverpool came to my house and said she'd wanted a light up skirt forever! So I made her one too, she wore it when she DJ'ed at my fashion show and looked amazing!''

how fun is this skirt? I love it!

Check out Jacksons Fashion on Facebook they have new designs going up all the time which you can pick up http://www.facebook.com/JacksonsFashion 


Heather really is the next big thing. 

 Click here to check out the Jacksons Fashion collection on the Asos marketplace site

Happy hunting ladies! ;)

xo L

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How to do 1940's pin up hair and make up

I adore old Hollywood movie stars. Their look was so classic, elegant and glamorous. Pin up Vargas girls in the 1940's exuded that same idea of beauty but with a bit of edge and sexiness. The secret to having a retro-inspired look is all about simplicity.

Last night I went to Bleecker St Cafe Bar for my boyfriends birthday. It was a night of yummy fajitas, live music from The Jigsaw Jam, copious amounts of captain morgans rum and great craic. I didn't have a lot of time to get ready but I decided I wanted to go for vintage hair and make up. This look does not take too long to complete.

I styled my hair into a sleek ponytail, winding hair around the ponytail to hide the hair tie. I used a curling wand on the fringe section on my hair then brushed it out and pinned it over my forehead, for a pin curl bed of hair to pin the hair flowers in to. It's important to brush the curls out to give them volume and keep to the vintage theme. A spritz of hairspray was used to set the style.

As for the complexion tone I was wearing a light coat of St. Moriz tan (a steal @ 4 eur in Penneys) so I kept my complexion matte and peachy - not too bronzed. I used lady danger lipstick by mac - my favorite lipstick in the world. It is what I would call a daytime red because it has a sort of coral undertone that means it's bright but not too red for a daytime look.

I used bronzer on the apples of my cheeks and used white eyeshadow on my eyelids and for contouring on my nose, below my eyebrow and above the bronzer on my cheeks. I have a tendency to do this when I wear paler make up as I think it makes for a more luminescent complexion.

As for the eyes, once I had applied white eyeshadow and lashings of black mascara I applied fake eyelashes and did a thin line of black liquid eyeliner above them on each eye, with a flick at the end.

Products I recommend for this look: foundation of your choice - keep it peachy and light, essence bronzer, essence white eyeshadow pallet, essence mascara,  essence black liquid eyeliner, Sarah Harding Girls Aloud fake eyelashes. I am a huge fan of essence products as they are not only the 2 eur - 4 eur price mark, but are great quality too.

Try this look at home and send 'Lipstick Gossip' your pictures in on Facebook!

Click here to find Lipstick Gossip on Facebook :-)

xo L

Yes, I called Ryan Tubridy a muppet - but he was great fun.

I interviewed Ryan Tubridy at the Irish Film and Television Awards. I jokingly called Ryan a Muppet as a teddy has in fact been made in his honour....

Ryan explained how Juliette Binoche was his worst guest EVER on the Late Late explaining that basically for an attractive woman she was a bit of a whinge (he may not have phrased it so delicately!)

I asked Ryan his advice on how to make it in the Irish media industry and he explained that graciousness, respect and manners are worth their weight in gold. It is true though, it's not about being flash - politeness does open a lot of doors. People who are kind to others are easier to work whether - nobody wants to have to deal with a diva even later in a career that is tiresome. I was taken aback at how much fun Ryan Tubridy was, he was really happy to be interviewed and gave great advice. Even though I started the interview with 'Ryan, I hear you're a muppet' tubridy still didn't do a Naomi Campbell and fire a blackberry at me. He is a very cool character. I'd say he would love to spice up the Late Late Show a bit.

Ryan Tubridy and me

Ryan Tubridy also said he wants to be our next President :) He said it in a joking way as he said he would go for it ''when Michael D Higgins kicks the bucket''. Oh dear!! haha

I would definitely vote for Tubridy though. Anyone who like Mad Men and has been a broadcaster in RTE can be trusted :)
I've concluded that Ryan Tubridy was a great sport and a very interesting man to speak to, I will definitely try to follow his advice and if he ever goes for the Presidency he really does have my vote!




Click here to listen to the full interview.....

xo L

Ruth Negga shines in Joanne Hynes

Ruth Negga is a very beautiful, dynamic actress. Most know her as the girl from Misfits who could teleport due to a heart transplant, or as Robert Sheehan's love interest in gritty irish drama Love/Hate that was a smash success at the awards.

Negga shone like a diamond as Shirley Bassey in the biographical film 'Shirley' and scooped up an IFTA for her portrayal that has largely received critical acclaim. Make sure you watch 'Shirley'. It really is something special.

I caught up with Ruth Negga @ The IFTA's she looked beautiful in her dress, a lime intricately beaded and sequinned Joanne Hynes number. The actress tells me about working with Robert Sheehan, and what it was like to get into character as legend 'Shirley'.

Click here to listen to my chat with Ruth Negga

xo L

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