Have you heard the Goss?

Last night, Buck Whaley’s of Leeson Street was the venue of choice to host Goss.ie‘s first birthday celebrations – and it was done in style.

Goss.ie is Ireland’s first website for the latest news from the world of Irish showbiz. Set up in 2014 by entrepreneur and award-winning journalist Alexandra Ryan, Goss.ie now has a dedicated reader-ship and an expanding team working hard behind the scenes. The mainly female-friendly pop website also caters for the latest news in movies, music, television, and last night Ali revealed two new sections to be added: Goss beauty – for the latest reviews and how-to’s, and Goss TV – a 60 second mash- up on the latest breaking news that you need to know.

In Goss.ie fashion, pink cocktails and gorgeous treats (set up by Sugar & Spice ) were provided for the guests; who included models and athlete Kelly Donegan and Hazel O’Sullivan, Mr Ireland Karl Bowe, social media guru’s Ciamh McCrory and Darragh Doyle and bloggers Nirina Plunkett of Killer Fashion, Mei-Ling Tong of Darling Buds of Mei, and Lorna Duffy of Fashion Boss. My favourite part of the night was definitely the photo-booth with these gorgeous bunch. The party was kindly sponsored by Cocoa Brown tan, who had everyone glowing (or maybe it was the strawberry daiquiri’s, who knows).

Some of the tasty treats provided by Sugar & Spice

Huge congratulations to Ali and her team – Lisa, Sean, Sorcha, and Meghan on all their hard work, here’s to many more birthdays for Goss.ie!

Last night I wore floral silk tailored shorts from H&M- €20, a white cotton lazer-cut top from Topshop- €25, vintage leather belt from NineCrowStreet– €30, Leather bag from Zara sale- €10, and sandals from the Topshop sale- €30. I teamed this with simple makeup and a vibrant lip colour from Penny’s.

#EnjoyYourGossip

Irish Blogger Conference 2015

Not my usual post- but this week I had the pleasure of attending the second annual Irish Blogger Conference, which was held in the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin City. The day was an excellent opportunity to network and meet other like-minded people.

What was it all about? Organized by Fiona Reid and Emma O’Farrell of Cool Events, the conference brought together some of the best industry bloggers to share their knowledge, wisdom, and their stories of success. Speakers included Alison Canavan – model and blogger of Alison Canavan, Barbara Scully – broadcaster, journalist and writer from My kitchen Table, Darragh Doyle – social media extraordinaire and funny-man, Sonya Lennon – from Frock Advisor and Lennon Courtney, and Timi Ogunyemi of Picture This! Dublin and all-round cool guy, among many others. Comedian and DJ Marcus O’Laoire hosted the event; giving the whole day a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere. Each speaker was given fifteen minutes to have their say on why you should or shouldn’t blog, and there was a coherent message throughout each person: you need to have a passion for what youre doing, a purpose, a set of unique skills, do what makes you happy, and collaborate.

(If you haven’t heard about any of these amazing human beings check them out)

The Lovely Nirina Plunkett of Killer Fashion

 

As well as influential speakers there was also a fashion and beauty panel which consisted of David Cashman from Dapper Dave Cash, Holly White from holly.ie, James Butler of Jus De James and editor of MFI magazine, Joanne Larby of The Make Up Fairy, and Nuala Gorham of Pennys and Polaroids.

The event was partnered with TeenLine Ireland; a free-phone service available for teenagers who need help. Through the amazing power of social media, all those attending at the conference got #TeenLine trending in Ireland for the first time in its history. A record number of calls went un-answered last year to many suffering teenagers due to government cut-backs. If you would like to find out how you can help keep this amazing charity working, visit teenline.ie

In a weird turn of events, I won best dressed lady and Damian Broderick of Damien Broderick won best dressed man. We both won an annual roaming membership in any FlyFit gym! I wore a crisp white shirt and Chloe-inspired sandals, both €20 from Zara, Leather trousers from Topshop and a vintage leather bag – quite simple! When in doubt, wear black. I could get used to this fashion stuff.

#EnjoyYourBlog 

Love. Create. Enjoy

To me, creativity and love are the key components to the wheel that keeps Dublin turning. To love what you do and turn it into something creative is even more special.

You may recognise this guy for his savvy street-style or boisterous hair-and-beard combo. This weekend, hair-dresser Aaron Kiely will debut his first pop-up creative in the Bernard Shaw. ‘Out of the Box Kuts’ is the first of its kind in Dublin, and strips back the authentic idea of the ‘barber shop’.

The idea came about when Aaron- an award-winning hairdresser from Dylan Bradshaw – noticed a rise in the amount of pop-ups around the city; particularly with food and fashion. But there was yet to be a salon pop-up dedicated only to hair, even though there is a big market for it here. In a not-so-ordinary fashion, Aaron would meet his clients in urban locations around Dublin equipped with only his scissors. From there came the concept of a ‘mobile salon’; the first of which will be held this Sunday April 26^th in The Bernard Shaw at 4pm.

“I want to create somewhere that people can come and hangout, listen to good music, have a beer, and get the best haircut they’ve ever had”.

What makes Out of the box Kuts different to competitor salons? Other than the rawness of the salon, clients are sure to be drawn in to his unique set-up which includes a 70’s style antique barber chair and retro mirror-infused suitcase.

“My set-up is pretty cool. I bought a suitcase in an antique shop and installed the mirror. There’s even space in for your beer and books. The idea of the project isn’t about making money, it’s about the skill and art of hairdressing. I don’t want to be charging big money – I’m in this for the love of cutting hair”.

Aaron is already hopeful about the success of his pop-up and has big plans for his creative. He also encourages us to be more adventurous with our ‘do’s’

“My aim is to spread Out of the Box Kuts across Dublin city to other cool locations and to eventually have other hairdressers working on the project with me. The majority of young girls have long hair at the moment which I find boring. I want to start a trend where people (especially girls) aren’t afraid of being more audacious. I think the pop-up will help that”

Out of the Box Kuts kicks off at 4pm tomorrow, followed by beer and dancin’ till late.

Price for gents €10 // price for ladies € 20

Follow Aarons journey on Instagram and Facebook @outoftheboxcuts // AaronKiely

#EnjoyYourCity

Clerys AW 14

Faux-fur and boucle were the desired attire for last night’s Autumn/Winter showcase at Clery’s. The evening was warm and calm, and so it seemed almost outlandish to be previewing heavy jackets and ski-wear; but that’s fashion. Specialized hors d’oeuvres and wine were at the ready to keep the busy guest list welcome before the highlight of the evening started; the fashion show.

The show, styled by Sinead Keenan (@sandiekeenan), was broken down into seven sections; each incorporating different elements and textures into wearable, everyday styles. The first, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, was a beautiful fusion of browns and creams, with a laid-back, chic and cool feel. Then came ‘knits and Pieces’. Again, oatmeal and creams had a big presence, with balanced amount of wintery burgundy and tweed- gorgeous and cosy!

Thalia leading the way

‘Miss Mod’ came third. With styles from Miss Selfridge and Oasis, this was aimed at a younger audience and definitely appealed to me. Affordability and style; my two favourite things .Two-piece’s made another appearance this season, as well as houndstooth print and monochrome. ‘Heritage’ came next and Sinead perfectly blended old-style tweed and wax jackets with modern cuts and rustic tones; very modern-woman-goes-farmhouse-esque. Prices are on-point for the quality you get- my favourite item being a beautiful yellow knit by Joules and at just €92.95 this one is worth investing in. The fifth collection was ‘animal instinct’ which was a mish-mash of everything wild and wonderful. Spots, stripes, zig-zags and python made their way down the catwalk teamed with bold (faux) leather statements. Animal print gilets were a hot topic of choice.

Miss Selfridge mini check co-ord top

Miss Selfridge mini check co-ord skirt

Yellow knit by Joules

After animal instinct came ‘Après ski’ which I thought would only be of interest to those who actually go on winter holidays, but then top model Thalia Heffernan came strutting in a charming cream-puffa jacket by Mexx, weighing in at only €99. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of constant rain and cold weather would wipe the smile off of anyone’s face, but after seeing all the stunning jackets available I cannot wait to layer up! The show ended with the final collection; ‘Fairytale Folk’ which totally put me into Christmas (too soon for the ‘C’ word?) party mode. Every piece was detailed from top to bottom with copious amounts of jewels, sequence or fine materials, and the models looked as though they had stepped out of the pages of a C.S Lewis book. Anything sparkly is acceptable this year and I am not complaining.

Jacket by Mexx

Autumn/Winter 14 colour chart

Big colours to watch for this season: burgundy, cream/beige, duck-egg blue, mustard, navy and anything heavily embellished or sequenced.

The new Autumn/Winter trends at Clery’s make the transition from summer that bit more effortless and accessible, so do not fear! You can shop all the collections now at Clery’s, located in the heart of our capital city. Models were provided by Assets, First Option, Morgan the agency, and Distinct and as always did an outstanding job. Welcome home to our Irish beauty Thalia Heffernan (@ThaliaHeffernan), who recently returned from Australia and congratulations to model Yomiko who recently opened up her own Susi joint, Yokoro, on South William Street.

 

#EnjoyYourFashion

Love,

Cultured Cuppa

Culture Night 2014

Culture Night takes place on Friday the 19^th of September both in Dublin and nationwide; and with hundreds of free events to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice on the night!

The gathering celebrates the huge diversity of arts, crafts and cultures that we have both on our home soil and abroad. It allows organisations big and small, museums, concert halls, and galleries to open their doors for extended hours to give you a chance to experience the things you might not ever get the time to do or see; and did I mention it’s free?

The festival has come a long way since its first night held in Dublin in 2006; Culture night is now a nationwide phenomenon. So whether you’re in Westport, Kerry, or Belfast, there is something for all the family to enjoy.

CULTURE PICKS

A first for Culture Night, Aras an Uachtarain will open its doors and provide free tours every 30 minutes around the glorious mansion. You might even catch the man himself for a quick cuppa.

The Lighthouse cinema in Smithfield will be showcasing the best of Irish shorts from 6-8.

Try local cuisine and brews in Ireland’s newest brewery located in The Liberties- the Dublin Whiskey Company.

Take a walk through Frances Street in the south inner city and check out the different array of art galleries and antique shops. You’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy!

Maybe you want a drink and to take in the atmosphere. Temple bar will be full of Dublin’s finest musicians. You might surprise yourself and take up a bodhran.

We are truly unique when it comes to our culture, so be sure to help preserve it. Get out, go and see, and enjoy your city. For more information visit culturenight.ie.

Love,

Cultured Cuppa

 

 

Festival-ing; Irish style

So you want the real Irish experience? Unless you have ever been to a Fleadh or any other Summer school, you can’t quite grasp what it s like through reading other peoples’ accounts. These festivals have long outlived Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, or CastlePalooza by miles, and each year brings with it new faces and experiences. I just came home from one of my favourite festivals of the summer; The Joe Mooney Summer school in Drumshanbo, county Leitrim. For one week a year this sleepy little town welcomes musicians, listeners, and drinkers from places as far as Dubai.

When you were younger you might have been lucky enough to have bed-time stories read to you. Instead, I was thought different tunes on the tin whistle. Summer holidays consisted of numerous campsites around the country, torrential rain, and plenty of music. Don’t get me wrong, I have been abroad more times than I can count, but there is nothing like a good Irish musical festival; once you by-pass the terrible weather(usually) and lack of homely comforts that is.

What makes it so special? Okay first, you need to by-pass the crazy attire of some the people visiting. You’re a musician, you like to express yourself, I GET THAT. But it wouldn’t hurt to throw on a pair of jeans and take off the moo-moo and the Birkenstocks (although they are tres-on -trend this year). The atmosphere is electric; especially at night and with good weather- which we were blessed with every day. You go to these places knowing nobody and leave with friends that you will have for a life time. Even if you don’t play any music, its great craic to go along to a session for the experience. A bit of didley-idle never hurt anyone.

These festivals are a great way to get away from the city if you’re on a budget! The next festival is Scoil Acla on Achill Island which starts on the 26th of July and runs till August 2nd, followed by the Fleadh in August which will be held this year in Sligo.

Love,

CulturedCuppa

Out with the old, and in with the NIKE

Athlete’s foot; not something one associates with Vogue or Elle.

Wearing your finest peep-toe disco-dazzling platform with your tailored Ralph Lauren pant is suddenly the ‘un-cool’ thing to do. You know those ‘typical office girls’ you see on your morning commute? The knee-length and dreary poly-blend grey skirt and frill chiffon top combo, teamed with the finest Asics runners? (And god-forbid all of the above AND black tights in winter. I’m all for convenience but that just takes it.) Unannounced to those ladies- they are trend setters.

Forget buying runners for your morning jog; they will look admirable teamed with any office-orientated attire. The need for good chiropody becomes the want to look trendy and cool. But hey, I am not complaining.
Designers such as Riccardo Tisci, the artistic director of GIVENCHY, has recently released his collaboration with sports giants NIKE, which blends high end artistic fashion with, “I’m just going to fetch my racket, Winsor, dear”.

Just last night, Super model Joan Smalls posted a snap on Instagram of the latest Nikes GIVENCHY had sent her over – free of charge too, obviously.

Photo: Instagram

Nike are not the only brand who are preferring over-sized tulle skirts instead of yoga pants. Adidas have recently done the dirt with Topshop to design fabulously bright, fun, summer runners; which are not too harsh on the pocket either. Mary Katrantzou, who is known for her eye popping prints, is also set to design a line for Adidas. As a runner lover myself, I am pretty excited about this one. speaking of ‘runners’; perhaps it is time to christen them with a new name? Ladies do not run- we gracefully glide.

Adidas X Topshop

Fashion faux pas are becoming universally accepted. Next time you can’t find your Jimmy Choos for a night out? Just reach for your gym bag and grab some sneakers, nobody will notice the difference.

 

Love, Cultured Cuppa

#EnjoyYourCity

Look, but dont touch

After a four year break, Kate Moss returns to Topshop with her latest collection. But was it to be as compelling and show-stopping as people are hyping about?

Kate Moss: those unforgivingly high, and cut-off infamous cheek bones. Her launch in 2007 was deemed as, “the most sought-after high street collection in history”. Indeed Kate is the epitome of fashion hierarchy, but was another celebrity collaboration with sir Phillip Green needed again? I have to say I much prefer her original collection which dappled together a perfect blend of shiny-neon, with bold vertical and horizontal prints.
Officially launched online last night, Kate’s (we’re on first name basis, it’s cool) collection received such tremendous feedback that they had to raise garment prices globally. This meant that your cream and delicately stitched Kaftan, that was 98 euros, now became 114 euros- not much difference out of your pocket, but a massive escalation in Kate’s already bottomless pockets.

Tasselled, beaded, backless, show-stoppers. All words which described the new collection, but sadly there are few pieces which truly caught my attention. Her collection in itself is exquisite- but for a different market. Irish girls will not be going around dressed as uber-cool boho inspired beauties any time soon. Not unless Irelands climate rises by 5 degrees first, at least. Her soft and delicate kimono’s, although beautifully patterned and shaped, just do not suit our poor skin tones and for the quantity of material used (I know, quality, not quantity), I can’t justify paying one hundred-and-odd euro’s for one.

I was disappointed by Topshop’s flagship stores’ range of products. I was expecting heavily sequenced and dazzling dresses. And if the pieces were available, they were not allowed be taken out of the plastic protective over-lay for fear of damage. Not very functional. In saying that, the cowboy-brown suede frilled jacket made me fan-girl a little. As well as being aesthetically perfect, it fitted heavenly. Maybe one day.
So unless you’re willing to spend a couple of hundred this year to look ‘festival chic’ for Body and Soul, Kate and her collection will be hitting the back-burner. Give it a couple of months and Penny’s will have the finest rip-offs you can get your hands on.

Love,

CulturedCuppa

#EnjoyYourCity

Hey, there’s me!

I’ve been featured on the fabulous Picture This! Dublin website in their style section! Oh you guys… It makes perfect Saturday afternoon reading too!

http://www.picturethisdublin.com/blog/item/a-cuppa-tea-and-a-bit-a-style/135

Love, Cultured Cuppa

#EnjoyYourCity