The Irish Independent. . .

. . . papped me (standing like a girl, much to my mortification, might I add) a couple of weeks back. It was in the paper today, and comes at just the right time given the drought of

blog-worthy content stemming from being on holiday. They asked a couple of questions too, which I've copied and pasted below.

The scarf was to cover up a bout of impetigo which had me feeling like crap that day, so to be stopped was a pick-me-up. Also, note the blatant whoring of the blog in one of my answers.

Wearing: Jacket, €5, Oxfam. Hoodie, €15, and belt, €15, both from Topman. T-shirt, €8, American Apparel. Jeans, €2, a charity shop. Scarf, €20, River Island. Bag, €30, Fancy Shmancy. Shoes, €80, Office.

What is your favourite shop?

American Apparel.

What was your best bargain buy?

A vintage aviator jacket for €20 from Freedom Vintage in Temple Bar.

What is the most expensive fashion item you have ever bought?

A black leather jacket for $150 from a store in New York.

Who do you think are the best and worst dressed celebrities or style icons?

The best is [fashion blogger] Prince Pelayo and the worst is Elton John.

What is your favourite label or designer?

Acne.

Approximately how much would you spend on clothes every month?

About €50.

What or who influences your style?

People on the street, functionality, practicality and my blog: stitchesfabricandsoul.com.

What was the last fashion item you bought?

This ring.

What was your worst fashion mistake?

My 'Aberzombie' phase; I wore too many pastels

and collared shirts.

Name one thing you love and one thing you hate in fashion.

I love how fashion is accessible to everyone today, and I hate how reserved Irish people are when it comes to clothes.

Give me YOUR answers to some of the questions in the comment form below!

PS, Happy New Year to one and to all. I hope your 2010 was worth remembering and your 2011 even more so.

Stephen

x

Two reasons. . .

. . . explaining this self-indulgent post of yours truly. I got a hulking external flash for Christmas (and my family won't let me practice on them). Austria is choc-full of vulgar,

nouveau riche Russians, or red-faced folks in unflattering ski clobber (myself included).

Street-style quotient = nil.

I've also found the time to shoot with film, rather than digital, and hopefully what's developed will be worth scanning. I guess I've been taking photos for my sake, rather than the blog's. On return to Dublin, the natural order will be restored.

I hope your holiday period is still going swimmingly.

Stephen

x

Silent Night. . .

. . . a few snaps I took during my last week in Dublin. I think they're all evocative of Christmas and Winter, in their own way.

A very happy and peaceful Christmas from me to you.

Stephen

x

Her (remember her?) mantra. . .

. . . for getting dressed is to always wear high street, but never leave the house without something vintage. I can only imagine a few of you might be seriously considering this methodology right now. Despite being pretty original, I think it would be quite cost effective, too. She's really getting her money's worth of camel, before we step out, refreshed, into Spring, and this is no bad thing thanks to some colourful outbursts up top.

________________________________________________

Considering the very vintage quality of this whole ensemble, I thought I'd just give you a quick little list of my preferred (and not so much) vintage haunts around town. This blog does seem a bit too into it's vintage sometimes, I understand, but I don't see what's not to like, and I promise I'll put it to bed for a while after this.

/

Wild Child Originals, Drury Street, Dublin 2

Probably one of the Dublin vintage scene's stalwarts. Three floors of sequins, furniture (it's HOW much?!), cowboy boots, and razzle-dazzle. There's also oodles of menswear, with gorgeous flannel shirts to feed the male population of Dublin's penchant. The staff are all pretty, and helpful (and patient) and the owner will rummage through his warehouse to find what you're looking for. Installing themselves in their new store was their best business venture, leaving behind slum-like conditions and and the irrepressible smell of must in George's Arcade. Kudos.

//

V for Vintage, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

I've never bought anything here, but always pop in to be greeted by a smile. It seems to cater more towards women, that's if you adhere to traditional gender lines when getting dressed. A small but perfectly formed (read: organised) and clean space, I look forward to getting lucky in there, in 2011.

///

Lucy's Lounge, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

This is an absolute treasure trove. Spread over two floors, with a sprawling basement there are countless eras, and styles of clothes here, that sit alongside some of the most precious and kitsch looking shite you never thought you'd want (but suddenly do) for your home. Ancient toys, ornaments, books, and magazines (most of which are gratis), to name but some. This spot also serves as a space for individuals who fancy their hand at design, and need a spot to get their wares to market. Some of the clothes are completely off the wall, and enter with the gleaming pink shop front with the openest of minds. A pilgrimage here could almost be life changing. Incredibly amicable but more importantly, knowledgeable staff. Currently craving: a camouflage army surplus sweater.

////

Fanci Schmancy Vintage (Basement of Flip), Beside Central Bank, Temple Bar.

You're going to need balls not only to navigate the creaking stairs to this wonder, but also to try on some of Fanci's fancies. This is the kind of place who will appeal to a woman not daunted by trying on a metallic jumpsuit. There are plenty more conservative items (hulking chunky cardigans, and well-sculpted power blazers). Frequent trips are made around Europe to bring back only the finest pieces to the Dublin scene.

/////

9 Crow Lane, Temple Bar

Check out my review from a couple of days ago!

//////

The Harlequin, Castle Market, Dublin 2

Without wanting to be too abrasive, I have very little that is positive to say about this place. Out of all the spots I've briefly discussed, the greatest pricing disparity lays here. Everywhere else is innately affordable. The Harlequin is not. Where some may see endearingly quaint charm in the store, I see clutter and disorganisation. Don't get me wrong, there is some beautiful stock here (including vintage designer) but I just don't feel that this warrants inflated prices. Unfortunately, I only associate this place with rude, disinterested, and unhelpful staff. Maybe I've just been unlucky in my experiences but this place looks like it's been around a long time, and I just fear that it's trading on it's name.

DISCLAIMER: The photos used in the vintage store review are not my own. They were got simply by searching the store name via Google Images.

Stephen

x

It was kind of sad. . .

. . .during the big freeze when the powers that be decided to shut St. Stephen's Green. I think it's an utterly gorgeous park, slap bang in the middle of an oftentimes dirty, noisy, and perpetually frenetic Dublin 2. Safety aside, I bet the snow in there would have looked beyond pretty (and I do enjoy a cheeky go on the swings from time to time). So, on spotting this lovely (+ portfolio = art student?) girl I had to take advantage of the park being open again.

Let's not deny what composes quite a great deal of this look - the beauty. Look at those lips and those massive blue eyes. They're absolutely captivating, no? I could have done with that toasty looking shearling coat because bloody 'eck it was freezing. The hat adds an extra bit of cool, let's not lie, whilst the bag gives functionality (+ cuteness). Battered Doc Martens throw some grunge into the mix, especially when paired with the drapy black trousers. So, if you take every component separately, it seems like quite an eclectic mix of bits-and-pieces. Everything adds up, though.

I made it 'down the country' alive, by the way. I hope you all get to where you want to be for Christmas. I have everything crossed for y'all. My heart bleeds for people trapped in Dublin airport. It's like Calcutta at the best of times so I can't imagine what it's like now. Leave plenty of time, take your time, but most importantly;

PS. Has anybody been following 'The Model Scouts' on RTE2? I tuned in for the first time last night, simply as I had nothing better to do. I was completely blown away by the scale of the show. The contestants were flown to London, Paris, Sydney, and New York. They met Gisele Bundchen, Steven Meisel, and had Teen Vogue call outs, all in the hope of gaining an IMG contract. For an indigenous network, I can't get over the production quality, and extent of the show. It was much more watchable than ANTM just because of the absence of Tyra 'annoying mad bitch' Banks. Good job, RTE2. I thought the four finalists were all lovely, but Tamea was ultimately deserving.

Stephen

x

I seem to harp on something shocking about. . .

Store front, gorgeous facade.

. . . Freedom Vintage - a retail endeavour undertaken by two of my friends Dean and Edel. You might remember the wee + impromptu photo shoot we did back in September. Anyway, I think their venture (and hard work) has really come to a glorious fruition following the opening of their very own store in Temple Bar. They've teamed up with another vintage wear aficionado to open '9 Crow Street'.

A selection of the quirky + endearing gems that make the store.

You need to visit and support. What I personally like about the store is the sense of ease and welcome you get when you step in. There's a huge squashy and battered couch to chill out on, and a heap of magazines to read to pass the time, as well as delicious music. There's also a great selection of menswear, with more to come. Anybody who frequents the 'vintage scene' in Dublin will know that menswear offerings are scant, to say the least, so this is refreshing.

Watchful eyes?

There's also plenty of personalisation which gives a real sense of place, home, and individuality. It's a nice, welcome two fingers to the high street, I think. As well (but don't hold me to it) it seems almost everything is for sale in-store. There's some real kitsch and twee treasures I would love for my house.

Racks and racks of clothes just waiting to be fallen in love with. . .

Future projects, so I hear, include displaying and supporting emerging artists, in fields such as art, fashion, and music which you can't help but admire.

It's the personal touches, right?

To help you on your way, here is a map of where they're at. For your bearings, that big building slap bang in the middle is Central Bank.

NOW HOP TO IT.

Stephen

x

The other side of the lens. . .

. . . this was taken at my friends' new vintage shop in town, but more about that tomorrow.

I was suitably layered for the chilly weather. Two scarves + tee + hoody + weird-Tyrolean-kind-of-jersey-blazer-thing + denim/furry vest + army surplus jacket. Ignore the contradictory rolled trousers. This was the first time in about six months at least, that I've worn blue jeans and I think I may just have missed them.

Let me wax lyrically about this army surplus jacket for a second. It was a tenner from an Irish Cancer Society shop. It's functional with massive pockets everywhere, but the drawstrings galore allow you to cinch the waist in a sort of 'FASH-UN' kind've way. I really like it just thrown over an already warm and very layered top half as a waterproof layer.

PS, I saw Burlesque last night and implore you to see it. I like Christina Aguilera again (enough to forget about her 'Bionic' endeavour, at least). I would also like to have the same balls as Cher + look as good her when I'm 103.

PPS, two posts in one day? Oooh, matron.

Stephen

x

Despite being the most lacklustre. . .

. . . Dublin Flea I've been to in a long time, it was a treat to spot this lady at one of the stalls, manning it with what seemed to be her mother and sister. Her trousers are Cos, a brand you may know that is all about fluidity, minimalism, starkness, and clean lines. It's a sister to H&M, in fact. It's recently opened a concession in BT2 and I implore you to check it out. Briefly, whilst on the topic of BT2 and concessions let me just express my absolute disgust at Paul's Boutique. It's is the most garish, blinding, vile, and tacky thing I've seen in quite some time, and it's positioning within the store makes it look like the end result of a firing squad on an army of Barbies. Nuff said.

Anyway, this lovely lady's trousers are a risky shape, but luckily she attacks them with adeptness, showing them off by tucking in her shirt and pairing them with booties. I really like the pleating around the waist, and it would be a shame to hide it. Her vintage Mulberry bag was nabbed in a charity shop in town. Jack Russel with tinsel collar (i.e cutest thing in the world) not included in outfit.

Despite the occasional uninspiring flea (it was right after their two day Christmas extravaganza, so I'll leave them off), this is an endeavour that craves support. There's something so nice and relaxing and non-conventional about being able to sit in an armchair around a blazing fire in a car park, eating Falafel at midday. Join them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on happenings.

Stephen

x

Re-assurance. . .

. . . this has probably been my biggest hiatus yet. I have lost my wonderful big memory card, and not being able to afford a new one right now, am at a bit of a loss. Hopefully it's at my home.

I'm going home on Wednesday, which I really can't wait for. It's going to be nice to get to spend quality time with the family, and then there's the whole presents things, the oodles of food, the crackling fire, and a host of dire movies. I also need to rid myself of Dublin for a little while and forget about some things. Then, it's off to Austria for some skiing either side of New Years. Fingers crossed for some Alpine fash-un à la:

Did you hear? Carine Roitfeld is leaving Paris Vogue. Devastation. I (along with many, I would think) thought it would be her American counterpart first, so it's just a bit surprising.

Now, excuse me while I go and prepare an outfit post. Have a listen to this while you wait. Sure to get you in the dirty Christmas mood. Gaga, my love for you grows more and more everyday.

EDIT: Oh yeah that's right. I don't have a memory card. Scrap outfit post.

Stephen

x

Don't worry, I am still alive. . .

. . . thanks for making sure. Apologies for that giant absence, direct all angry e-mails to Trinity College, Dublin.

The shape of the coat said hello to me walking down the street today. It looks like a charity shop find, but either way I'd hazard a guess saying it's man's coat. That's how to do that whole 'boyfriend' look properly, wear men's clothes not something with boyfriend on the label at Topshop. It's a lot more authentic. Actually, the entire top half of this looks inherently 'boyfriend'. Success! Her leggings were like a really shiny velour which I completely and utterly failed to capture. Her hair (on paper) could be a hairdresser's worst nightmare, but I think the grown out roots are really stunning.

In other news, there was probably the most vile photo of me (+ Q&A) I've ever seen in the Irish Examiner, last Saturday. I look drunk, even though it was at midday (not saying there's anything wrong with that, mind) and my head looks more ginormous than usual. Thankfully I didn't tell many people, and have yet to receive any sympathetic messages. I was also a bit peeved about the lack of whoring for my blog, but you win some and lose some.

Matt won the X-Factor, as you know. I think he's really boring and annoying and wore stupid pants and looked foolish with Rihanna. Michelle won the Apprentice and I think both finalists were highly deserving. Looking forward to the free time I have once again regained.

I'm going shopping on Friday to mark the end of term so hopefully will have a few new things to show you and talk about + pap some lovely looking folks during. I'm not entirely sure with what money I'll be shopping with, but watch this space.

Finally, another Dublin Flea Market this weekend on the 19th, I think. They've returned to Newmarket after their Smithfield extravaganza. I can't wait for some dirt cheap stocking fillers, mulled wine, and falafel.

PS, sorry for the reams of text.

Stephen

x

The other side of the lens. . .

. . . I think I have reservations about 70% of this outfit being composed of Topman pieces. I feel very unoriginal when I do this, but I guess when you've got limited scope in terms of places to shop around Dublin it can happen. The shoes are a friend's and are from New Look. The belt is my Dad's and the ring is Marc Jacobs.

What I do like about what I have on is the droopy-ness of everything. There's a serious dropped crotch in those jodhpurs which is beyond comfortable.

That's my street, by the way. As you can see, it's a total glassy deathtrap. Try and track me down, and you'll crease yourself in the process. Also, the redness of my face is a good barometer for how cold it is.

Thanks to my flatmate Tom for taking the photo.

Stephen

x

WHY AM I UP SO EARLY. . .

. . . like, seriously. I didn't get to sleep until 1 in the morning, and woke up four hours later. I wasn't too warm or too cold, and wasn't filled with angst about lying on my newly pierced ear, turning unnaturally and ripping off my lobe. Something is up, in my subconscious, I know it. I hope it rears it's head in real life soon so I can be done with it. College is more stressful than it should be right now, which is unfair because it's so close to Christmas, but why should they care about that? There are quite a few things around town (disjointed sentences, not losing sleep because I don't have said things) that I would love to be the owner of, but first. . . Blanaid.

|

That's right; same street, same girl, different season. At the height of Summer last year, it was nice this time, to get the interior + style queen, and overall aesthetics guru's take on Winter dressing. That sentence doesn't read nice. Just deal. Okay, so this isn't exactly a Winter dressing 'how-to' guide: most girls I know and see would burst into tears at the thought of wearing heels like those given the current state of the terrain around town. Similarly, chunky knit + very man made parka + fur + sequined leggings should not go together, but Blanaid approaches this with such a cool attitude and a certain irreverence that makes everything seem perfectly made for each other.

Blanaid's site, a constant source of aesthetic inspiration.

Also, she told me to pass on the message that SHE GOT HER CARDIE IN FANCI-SCHMANCY VINTAGE. If you haven't visited them yet (in the basement of Flip, on the cobbled side of Central Bank, just at Temple Bar), then stop being foolish. I've picked up some wonderful pieces since finding out about them and it's a shop completely deserving of your support. Hop to it.

||

Having twenty minutes to kill before getting up, here's some of what I'm coveting whilst I pray the water heater has come on.

Click the names in bold for links to the sites.

Probably the nicest and most 'will-last-for-more-than-just-AW'10-because-it's-not-aviator-or-camel' coat I've seen. From Zara.

Topman Khaki Skinny jeans.

Boots from Office, which I still might get.

Also for Topman, these ultra skinny biker trousers are the dream. Ripped and shredded, I'd look so motley, etc. They're part of the AAA mini-collection which isn't sold in-store, mind bogglingly enough. It's really quite strong, so I think it would sell.

American Apparel tie-dye circle scarf. I have this in blue and it is probably my favourite possession for warmth, versatility, and entertainment values. I can't recommend these enough, and might just also actually get this.

Anyway, that's all for today. Time to rise and shine. Hello, world. Happy Tuesday!

Stephen

x

It's graduation day as I. . .

. . . sit here, beavering away at my laptop in the library. As a result, Front Square is awash with proud Irish mammies, boys in tuxedos, and girls struggling to stay upright on icy cobbles. Graduation day, from my limited experience of attending and witnessing, is a high-risk social occasion, on par with the Debs. It can go so wrong, I think. Over zealous application of fake tan, hem-lines that could make Nicki Minaj or Snooki blush (on jarringly coloured dresses) have left me scarred. For the guys, the de rigeur ill-fitting dress suit rental also hurts my eyes.

We're Trinity, though. That doesn't happen here. JEST.

Anyway, nothing not worth looking at here. I bumped into this lovely lady on her way into campus. There's a nice little play on texture here - the dress is velvet - although my photos do it little justice. The sleeves are a perfect and interesting length, and the cossack hat is a modern (maybe even playful?) touch. Chunky heels make 'icy-cobble-fear' less of a concern.

I bumped into two friends right afterwards who said she could've stepped out of 'Gossip Girl'. I don't watch it, but I presume that comment is taken as a compliment!

PS, the low sun and shiny, snowy conditions make for difficult picture taking but produce a lovely result, don'tcha think?

PPS, if any boys or girls out there have a denim jacket that might fit me and that they're planning on parting with, let me know! Trawling through charity shops today proved fruitless! E-mail address in the sidebar.

Stephen

x