Trend Alert: Skull Rings

A major trend being seen globally at the moment is the gothic look, and no this isn't down to the fact that Halloween was yesterday. So, right now you may be envisioning caked on eyeliner and chokers, but actually this look has been diluted down and translated into the highstreet for everyday wear.

Buying just a few statement pieces, like a long pendant or the sought after skull ring, can bring any outfit right on trend for this winter. I recommend using the gothic jewelry to toughen up any outfit. Check out this brilliant skull ring from ASOS for just $21.




By: Katie Cornish, Contributing Writer Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/11/trend-alert-skull-rings.html

Last Pics...

Here are the last pics from my trip to Barcelona. This first picture was taken right after our photo shoot as we headed to go grab some sangria. I wore this MNG by MANGO trench coat paired with some skinny jeans and my Missoni for Target ballet flats (which by the way I ended up buying on ebay). Anywho, being that I'm from Miami, I barely have any winter clothes. I ended up buying this trench coat a few days before my trip and I'm soo glad I packed it along.  Not that it was really cold in Barcelona, but for us Florida folks, 60 degrees feels more like 30. It's also such a great piece to have in your wardrobe, especially if you don't live somewhere where it gets that cold because it's lighter than a coat, but it still does the trick at keeping you warm. Hopefully it starts cooling down where I live (which realistically probably won't happen until January...but hey, I'm not complaining).

Xx,
-
Carmen

Having some fun w/ Jean from Extra Petite and Lilliana from Cheap Chicas trying on the same jacket

Last dinner as a group at Boca Grande 

Disclosure: My trip to Barcelona was part of a campaign produced by Style Coalition and sponsored by jcpenney. 
Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/11/last-pics.html

Neckalina + Giveaway

So the other day I received this Neckalina in the mail from the nice folks over at Kavatee (pronounced Kah-Vaa-Tee). It's a really cool 3-in-1 pashmina looking scarf and statement necklace. The scarf has two hooks in the back in which you can attach the necklace or you can also decide to wear the scarf or necklace by itself as well. It comes in 6 different colors including blue, pink and black. You can check them out here. 

Giveaway:

I thought you might enjoy it as well, so we'll be giving away a Neckalina to one lucky reader. Simply leave me a comment below. For an extra entry you can also tweet "I want to win the @VivaFashion @Kavatee_Tweets giveaway. 

Contest ends on November 7th at 12pm (EST).  Good Luck!

Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/neckalina-giveaway.html

Q&A: How to be Stylish Even with a Baby Bump

Here's my latest article on New Latina where I give some tips on how to stay stylish even with a baby bump...

Sometimes trying to dress an ever-expanding baby bump can seem like a very daunting task, but luckily with a few tips there’s no reason why you can’t be stylish while pregnant. Here are a few tips for all you moms-to-be to get you on your way.


Avoid wearing clothes that are too big or that have too much volume. It sometimes can be hard to resist the urge of hiding in a large t-shirt or baggy pants, but contrary to belief, this is only going to make you appear larger than you really are. Instead, look for clothes that are form fitting and that will hug your curves. A maxi dress is a great choice for a casual, yet chic look.

Go for bold colors. Instead of going straight for black, why not add some color to your wardrobe—remember this is a happy time. You’ve probably heard time and time again how pregnancy can make you look glowing, so embrace it, and find a color that will flatter your skin tone. Jennifer Lopez is a great example of embracing color while pregnant.

To read the full article click here. 

Source:  http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/q-how-to-be-stylish-even-with-baby-bump.html

Look for Less: Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf

Celebs such as Kim Kardashian and Nicole Richie are just some that have been spotted wearing this Alexander McQueen skull scarf (on top). But with a whopping price tag of $445, it probably won't have too many budget fashionistas doing a double take. Fortunately we found a very similar scarf that won't break the bank. At just $16, this very similar skull scarf will fit into your fall wardrobe (and your budget) very nicely. Here's where to get it: 

Where to Buy: Skull Scarf, Furor, $16

Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/look-for-less-alexander-mcqueen-skull.html

Steal her Look: Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton was spotted wearing this lace H&M dress paired with a black blazer and suede knee-high boots. Here's where you can steal her look for less and get her same exact dress for just under $40.

Where to Buy:
Lace Dress, H&M, $34 (same exact lace dress she's wearing)
Black Blazer, Zara, $79
Lindsey Suede Flat Boots, Amazon, $79 Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/steal-her-look-pippa-middleton.html

MANGO Studios 'El Hangar'

On my second day in Barcelona we took a little trip down to the MANGO studios also known as "El Hangar'. It's the largest design center in Europe. Here is where they design all the collections not only for MANGO, but for the MNG by MANGO line for jcpenney as well. From picking the colors and fabrics to deciding on the trends...it all takes place here. They even have real life models of all shapes and sizes that test out the clothes before it ever hits the racks.  At times I had to remind myself I was in a design studio, because the walls are filled with an amazing art collection.  Wouldn't it be cool to work here? Hope you enjoy the pics. 

Getting a tour of the MANGO studios

Amazing art that fills the walls of the design center

Feeling inspired by Barcelona fashion...I threw on this striped top w/ a black blazer and scarf

Some cute accessories from the MANGO Touch line

At one of the MANGO conference rooms learning all about the line

Disclosure: My trip to Barcelona was part of a campaign produced by Style Coalition and sponsored by jcpenney. 

SOurce: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/mango-studios-el-hangar.html

Helen McAlinden A/W 11 Collection

This morning Irish designer Helen McAlinden showcased her a/w 11 collection at her new boutique on Dublin’s South William Street. Featuring an assortment of go-to garments in luxe fabrics and finishes, the range makes everyday luxe a delicious expectation. Key pieces include a classic wool and cashmere wrap coat, cable knit coatigan, tartan mohair jacket and an expertly draped snakeskin printed wrap dress. Info: Helen McAlinden, 20 South William Street, Dublin 2. 01-672 9633.

Stylist: Mark Andrew Kelly
Hair/Make-up: Dylan Bradshaw
Shoes: LK Bennett
Furs: Barnardos
Gloves: Paula Rowan

It's On!

After Monday's biblical floods and predictions of snow (according to last night's cab driver) as early as next week, I'm feeling rather smug. "Why?" you may ask looking at the video below. Granted I was unable to pass the de facto lake that had once been Ravensdale Park due to lack of waterproof footwear but that's all changed. I've got my Sorel boots from Fitzpatricks strapped to each tootsie - that's why! What's more, these beauties (favoured by Sundance filmies and Elle MacPherson), were test-driven only last Monday in the freak-ass floods without so much as a leak. Are we impressed? Erm, yes! So, it's on - Mr. Weather. Do your worst!!

Add caption

Source: http://iblogfashion.blogspot.com/2011/10/its-on.html

How to Wear It - Irish Examiner - Oct 22nd

HOW TO WEAR IT...VINTAGE
Step back in time with a one-of-a-kind vintage find.... Annmarie O’Connor shows you how.

Look 1
It’s not often you discover a gem like this original military jacket. A maxi skirt and t-shirt provide an uncluttered backdrop; while the bullet necklace adds some armoury.

Army jacket, 9 Crow Street Clothing €60
V-neck tee, American Apparel €24
Necklace, Forever 21 €7.90
Skirt, Annmarie’s own
Kurt Geiger boots, Brown Thomas €195

Look 2
This `60s brocade skirt was a total find! I love the sweetness of the textured mohair sweater and the ballet flats make it oh-so-wearable.

COS mohair sweater, BT2 €69.95
1960s brocade maxi skirt, Shotsy Vintage €18
Kurt Geiger ‘Lilian’ ballerina flats, Brown Thomas €155

Look 3 

I had my alterations centre convert this tweed coat into a gilet by removing the sleeves. It makes for an ideal layering piece with an Aran cardi and sweater dress.

Tweed gilet, Oxfam Vintage €30
Aran cardigan, Penneys €16
Boots, Topshop €103
Dress, Annmarie’s own

Credits
Styled by Annmarie O’Connor
Assisted by Bríd Ní Laochdha
Photos by Maura Hickey

Source: http://iblogfashion.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-wear-it-irish-examiner-oct-22nd.html

WhatSheWears.ie Guest Editor

I play guest editor this week on award-winning fashion website WhatSheWears.ie. Many thanks to Gillian Brett for kindly considering me. CLICK HERE for a goo!

www.whatshewears.ie

How to Wear It - Irish Examiner - Oct 8th

HOW TO WEAR IT...ANIMAL PRINT Fancy trying out some animal print?.... Annmarie O’Connor shows you how to heed the call of the wild.  

Outfit 1
Looking for drama? A cheetah print faux fur can make a simple black silhouette pop.  
Cheetah print faux fur coat, Topshop €149
D&G sweater, Brown Thomas €190
By Malene Birger leather skirt, Brown Thomas €440
Glasses and shoes, Annmarie’s own

Credits
Styled by Annmarie O’Connor
Assisted by Bríd Ní Laochdha
Photos by Maura Hickey

Source: http://iblogfashion.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-wear-it-irish-examiner-oct-8th.html

Let's Do It for Ben

 

We all love a good knees up but we love it all the more when the proceeds go to a deserving charity. Ben Murphy is a very sick little boy whose parents need to raise €30-40,000 for a specialist consultation in the USA and another €200,000 if deemed suitable for his operation. There is currently no real media backing behind this charity but if we can generate even a spark of exposure, it could go a long way towards helping a child in need. All you have to do is pay €10 to attend a fashion show / mahoosive party on October 11th in Dublin's Lost Society. Not a bad deal. Tickets available on the door. More details @ http://www.letsdoitforben.com/.

Feel free to repost on this link.

Source: http://iblogfashion.blogspot.com/2011/10/lets-do-it-for-ben.html

Karl Donoghue

Join me at Brown Thomas, Dublin tomorrow as I introduce British designer Karl Donoghue and his winter 2011 collection. 

This unique Q&A / styling presentation will take place at Brown Thomas, Dublin this Thursday, 6th October from 6.30pm on Level 2.  

Well known and loved for his ready to wear and accessory collection made from the finest shearling and leather, Karl’s pieces have been spotted on fashionable faces from Erin O’Connor to Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss.  

Get an insight into what inspires this London-based designer, along with top tips on how to wear his versatile wardrobe staples.

Source: http://iblogfashion.blogspot.com/2011/10/karl-donoghue.html

Gratitude

A belated thank you to Meg O'Keeffe at Image magazine for featuring I Blog Fashion in her Top Blogs feature. Pick up a copy of the November issue today for the full article.

Where's Wally @ LFW

It appears I've been popping up in the background of LFW coverage. Had I known, I would have held up a "Hi Mom" sign or at least flashed a boob. Why should Olivia Palermo get all the attention?




Check out 1:48

http://insideout.topshop.com/

Who's yer wan in the back?



And again at 1:34!

London Fashion Week - John Rocha

John Rocha stayed true to his endearing love of texture, structure and form with a breathtaking collection – high on craftsmanship and eclectic references.  A trip to the Amazon underscored the romantic runway edit where our Irish-adopted son saw Indians using raw materials like leaves and wood bark to make clothes.  “I thought it would be great to do something organic,” tells Rocha, “something that is really close to what I believe in and will hopefully make people more aware of the Amazon." Hand-tucked raffia and leather ruffles covered shoes and hemlines; while patchwork crochet married itself with softly pleated asymmetry in elongated skirts and trousers.  Wire headpieces made evanescent the hauntingly  monochrome cavalcade – yet another big win for Irish in the high fashion stakes.

Edited from my weekend show report in The Irish Examiner. CLICK HERE for the full report.