Monday, June 29, 2009

Interview with Rachel Phipps, Lipstick Royalty Editor


Last week I done an interview with Rachel Phipps, editor of Lipstick Royalty, a pretty cool online fashion magazine, about her love for fashion!

So tell me a little bit about Lipstick Royalty?

Lipstick Royalty magazine is a free, online and student run Fashion, Art, Music and Lifestyle available as a .pdf download every month from lipstickroyalty.com. I started the magazine in December 2007, and it was originally going to be a fashion blog. I got some writers for it and it turned into a fully fledged graphic magazine. We've only just launched the .pdf format; that's our new look with the new website. The first .pdf issue is on August 1st, but we have a online shopping guide currently out as well!

Where do you find inspiration for your magazine?

Everywhere. From people on the street, blogs, shops, people we work with like photographers and models; I think like an artist rather than a scientist or a strategist so I see potential in anything and everything!

Which five people, dead or alive would you love to have at a dinner party?

Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII, Empress Lady Yenolah of China, William Shakespeare and Hugh Laurie. Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII because I'm obsessed with the 16th Century and they are two of the most fascinating monarchs from that period. Lady Yenolah, or Empress Orchid was the last empress of China and lived through three emperors, her husband, son and stepson. She fascinates me because on the international stage she was mad out to be maybe responsible for the death of all the monarchs around her, but weighing up the evidence I don't think she was. William Shakespeare because I love his plays, especially The Merchant of Venice, and Hugh Laurie because he's an amazing actor and I think he's a really interesting person.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Topshop. I don't like being the same as everyone else but I can find I get some good staples there to mix in with stuff I get from boutiques and independent retailers. After Topshop it has to be a boutique near me called Armoire, with gorgeous day dresses from designers such as Mina, Orian and Darimeya. I was doing a photo shoot in November and it was like the best thing ever that the owner, Sophie let me use dresses from her stock!

Where do you find inspiration for your own style?

I don't think I really have a style, or an inspiration; I juts wear clothes I like! But I seem to sway towards dresses, a lot of black/ silver glam rock, and some quite preppy, tailored classic cuts.

Who are your favourite style icons?

Leighton Meester. If my general style had to be defined (which I don't think it can be!) it would be a perfect combination of the put together classic preppy looks she wears when she plays Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, and Leighton's everyday, more casual approach to matters look!

What is your favourite piece in your wardrobe?

This black lotus bloom dress from Mina. It was the first dress I ever brought from that boutique, Armoire I mentioned and I love it to bits; I've worn it so much! I don't wear it ALL the time but when i was filming for Channel 4's Battlefront project the director joked I only wore one dress because on the final show it looks like I'm always wearing the same dress but with different coat/ jacket/ tights/ leggings/ tank top/ boots/ shoes combos. Its so versatile and goes with almost everything I own as a summer and winter dress! And I will remember it as the first dress I ever wore to fashion week! Now I have to talk about my favorite evening dress... I count them as a completely different wardrobe (I'm a sucker for dresses!) Pale gold, strapless puffball party dress with a black sash from Gina Bacconi's Pink Label. The most gorgeous feeling fabric on the planet!

If money was no object, what one item would you buy?

Brown leather Mulberry Messenger bag, I think its from A/W 08 but they still sell it everywhere. Not because I'd use it as a handbag; its the perfect size for my Mac Book and it would make the ultimate chic laptop bag!

Where is your favourite place in the whole wide world?

Canterbury City, where I grew up and where my school is. I'm not religious but the Cathedral is my favorite building in the world.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

New York or LA. They are both so similar but so different I don't know how I would choose if I could!

Ten years time where do you see yourself?

No idea. But I know it will be doing something creative, either writing or photography.

Lipstick Royalty magazine can be downloaded every month from lipstickroyalty.com.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Owl Much??



How cute is this owl purse by Judith Leiber?? It can be found on netaporter.com and retails for a jaw dropping €4376!! It is gorgeous but over €4000, come on now people we're in the middle of a global recession, who forks out four grand for a owl shaped bag!! Even if it is swarovski crystal embellished, it is pretty frickin pricey!! The best thing is, is that net a porter have set up a waiting list to cope with the demand!! I do love quirky and I do love sparkly things so too me this is just heaven but how often can you wear an owl shaped purse?? I would rather buy two Chanel 2.55's to be honest and have change left over!! It is so pretty though!!

Pictures: Netaporter.com

A sad, sad day............




I don't think I am the only person left reeling over the death of one of music's greatest legends! When I got the phonecall last night to turn on Sky News, I thought it was a joke, I never imagined that it would be true! This is such a huge loss, so much talent lost at such a young age! It has been so long since one persons death has affected the whole world. What I think I find hardest is my realisation that I will never get to see him perform live, which was always one of my ambitions! All morning I have heard Michael Jackson songs playing on radio stations and it was only then that I realised how talented he was and how I knew the word to every single one of his songs, even though I would never have considered myself a huge fan! He really was a legend and definitely the King of Pop, as well as a style icon! I have always loved how he dressed, on and off stage so I posted three of my fave outfits of his! R.I.P

Thursday, June 25, 2009


Was just blog-nosying and I spotted this on 4Th and Bleecker and just felt I had to 'borrow' it and do it myself! I love me some self-interviews :)

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Never having to worry about money, keeping my parents close forever, true love and having a beautiful beach house!

What is your greatest fear? Dying, anything happening my parents, war

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I have a habit of putting things I don't want to do on the long finger, rarely I have to admit cause I am more of a doer, I like to jump in and get things done as quick as possible, but it does happen!

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Selfishness and envy. I really feel there is a huge growth amongst young girls/women of jealousy, envy, bitchiness, backstabbing and nastiness to fellow girls/women. Where has the sisterhood gone?? Women should be uniting and encouraging each other, being happy to see others succeed and pave the way for us! Unfortunately I personally have felt a lot of this nastiness! I think it's basically down to pressure being put on young women by the media and themselves to 'have it all'! Great face, great body, great clothes, great career! But this competitiveness has to stop, we should be building each other up, not tearing each other down!

What is your greatest extravagance? Um let me see. FASHION!!

What is your current state of mind? Right now, I'm thinking of a nap, chilling out at home recovering from travelling yesterday! Maybe a DVD day!! I'm a little bored too, want to get my career kick started! I suppose I feel a little bit lost! Lost between the world of finishing college and having a career! :)

On what occasion do you lie? I am not a liar, I was always brought up to tell the truth! I cannot stand lies, I would rather honesty and the truth!! Lies really make me mad because then you feel like you just can't trust that person!

What do you dislike most about your appearance? Life is too short to hate anything about how you look! It can't be changed so just accept it and move on!!

Which living person do you most despise? :D Hmmm, I really can't stand Paris Hilton! On a personal level though I don't even think about people who I despise! Once you're out of my life, you're out!

What is the quality you most like in a man? Kindness

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Warmth

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Like, anyhu, uh-oh!!!

Which talent would you most like to have? I think I could quite honestly kill for Adele's voice! I've always loved her and somewhere in my head there is a part of my brain that leads me to think that I am her when I sing :)

What do you consider your greatest achievement? I suppose getting a degree, but I hope I achieve more than that in life! I like to think I am too young to answer that question! Someday though I am sure the answer will be , my beautiful family!

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
So easy, a cat!! I am actually the human equivalent of a cat! I love nothing more than naps! Napping on the couch, in my bed, curling up in front of the fire!! I'm a Leo too so that has to explain all my cat like qualities! Someone once told me, I move like a panther and then pounce!! I think that's a compliment! I do really love cats too, they are so loving and gentle which I am too!! Or maybe the sun! I would love to shine my warmth down on the Earth and bring a smile to everyone's face cheering them up and making people happy! People are too negative! I have been known as Little Miss Sunshine or 'the little ray of sun' since I was 1!!

Where would you like to live? Somewhere hot and laid-back! But then again I would love to live in Paris, New York, Milan and London, as well as Australia, so I am definitely a bit of a traveller!! I'll probably end up a nomad :)

What is your most treasured possession? My kitty-Kat!

What do you most value in your friends? True Friendship

Who are your favorite writers? I am too young to answer this question!! My mission this year is to explore the great writers and read Ulysses!! Haven't started yet though! But I'll say James Joyce because he is Irish too!

Who is your favorite hero of fiction? I'll tell you when I start reading the great writers! For the minute, I'll go with Carrie Bradshaw!!

Which historical figure do you most identify with? Anyone who fought the good cause!! I like to do whats right!

What is it that you most dislike? Dishonesty, Jealousy, Nastiness, Bullying, Lies

What is your motto? 'If it doesn't kill you, it only makes you stronger!', 'Life's too short' and 'Don't worry, be happy'

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The Perfect Set....


Oh too dream!! The perfect luggage set! Ah if only I could afford even one of these, I would sit it in my bedroom corner and stare at it daily! Sniff-sniff, the thoughts of never having them!!

Viva holidays......



Just arrived back from holidays today, am so glad we arrived back to super hot weather!! :) I was just checking my emails and am so glad to see that nearly everywhere is in sale but am disappointed to have missed the start of them!! There are some really good bargains about, I was checking out netaporter.com and mywardrobe.com and most things seem to be discounted by at least 40%, which is just music to my money poor ears! We went into Montpelier earlier in the week where I fell in love with a beautiful Ralph Lauren white blazer but I can't remember which one it is out of these two (whoops!!). I distinctly remember saying to my Mam that it had silk tie trim! I'm going to need my boyfriends help to figure out this puzzle! Anyhu to get to the point, it was €250, which I do think is pretty reasonable, it is a classic and frickin amazing!! But Gallerie Lafayette (amazing btw!!), the store it was in were getting ready for the sale which began today and I just couldn't bear the thought of paying €250 for it when a few days later it will be half price!! (Plus the store was closing, and my credit card bill is sky high thanks to a last minute pre-holiday purchase of Dior Glossy 1 sunnies, yay!) So alas, I left it there, with the boy echoing in my ear that it could be an early birthday present! Now my mission begins to track it down via a website or a store and get it on sale as I NEED IT!! All through our flight home I was discounting €250 by 40%, 50%, 60% and even 70% in a bid to cheer myself up!! I also entertained myself by inserting the blazer into outfits in my head!! Seeing as it is already in my mental wardrobe, I just need to track it down in person!! :) Finger's crossed!!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

We're all going on a summer holiday....



Okay well maybe not everyone this summer, but I am this week and getting very excited!! So I thought I would do up this little Polyvore for your summer holiday essentials!! Love this dress, love the colour and it's perfect for throwing over a bikini, and note the little tassels hanging from the hem! This Marc by Marc Jacobs tote is so pretty in real life, perfect for everyday use and especially for throwing a beach towel, suncream and a book into and heading to the beach for the day!! And saving the best till last, how CUTE are these little Yves Saint Laurent jelly sandals!! I frickin love them!! I really wish I had them for my hols but I don't! I have to admit I wasn't too keen on them the first time I saw them but now I just love them, they are so adorable!!:)

Friday, June 12, 2009

New shoooooooeess!!!


Aren't these gorgeous. I just spotted them on shoestudio.ie! Well actually that's a lie, I spotted these cute cream mary-janes a few weeks ago. But I am starting to drop hints to my boyfriend for these as a birthday pressie!! Now his birthday's over it's time for me to start compiling my list!! I think they are so pretty!! They are so ladylike and definitely a classic, and as for that heel!! Gorgeous!! They remind me of cupcakes for some reason! Random I know!!

I did just see these black ones though, and I think they are a pretty good budget looky-likey of the Stella McCartney basket mesh shoes! Obviously 'inspired' by them!! :) They are really cool, I didn't like the Stella's at first but they are really starting to grow on me now summer is here!! They are both by Pied a Terre if anyone is interested!! Sorry still feeling terrible after the flu, still not over it yet, so postings may be few and far between!! Sorry xx

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Stella Pre-Fall







While doing some trend forecasting for Fall 09 for college, I came across these beauty's by Stella McCartney on Style.com, and just had to show them to you! I think they are so beautiful, and easy to wear! I particularly love the zebra print dress, and the tiger jumper dress which I think is so cute!! I could definitely see my self wearing these pieces come fall/winter time! They just look so effortless! I just love Stella McCartney's work, she is one of my fave designers!!

pics:style.com

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

More Resort Beauty's....





Had to add these. Found them earlier when I was stalking style.com for my previous article's inspiration! Aren't they beautiful! First two are Roberto Cavalli Resort, the third is Stella McCartney Resort and finally the fabulous Zac Posen!! I love them!! Aren't they fabulous??!

Images:Style.com

What to Wear When Flying.......



I am a week away from holidaying in the south of France(yay!!) and the panic of 'what will I wear on the plane' has already set in!! It kicked in a few days ago but my random June flu riddled body was too weak to even care!! :) It's hard to know what to wear when flying from a pretty cold country to somewhere that is high in the 30's (80's Fahrenheit). First of all if you wear something to deal with Irish weather, then the minute the plane door opens on your arrival, you are going to be seriously overheating. French weather is intense!! Last summer when we went it was high in the 40's!!! Intense! Or if you choose to dress for French weather when boarding the plane, ten minutes into the flight when air-conditioning kicks in, you are seriously going to regret it!! Even as someone who always brings a blanket on planes ( cos they're so frickin cold!!), if you have bare legs, it just ain't enough!! And if your flying in America you run the risk of being tossed off a flight like that poor Kyla Ebbert girl, for being dressed too skimpily!! Luckily that doesn't really happen over here!! Secondly, you should be comfortable on a flight, no skinny jeans, because once you're airborne, your body expands and they will be seriously digging into your sides!! Not pleasant when stuck on a plane! Cashmere, me thinks, is a necessity and something I have always wanted to bring on flights, cashmere socks or a cardi or even a blanket!! They are definitely on my 'to buy' list, I just never get around to buying them!!

While browsing Stella McCartney's resort collection on style.com, I came up with two looks that I think are just perfect for flying!! The first if you are brave enough to face the cold air-conditioning, is a play suit. It won't crease during the flight, it'll be perfect for when you step off the flight! And it is really stylish this season! The second one, the pic just above this paragraph, I really think is the perfect outfit for flying, and one I think I'm going to try to recreate for next week's flight. Isn't it beautiful?? So elegant and stylish and comfortable (yayyyy!!). Hareem pants I think are perfect for travelling in, see fashion isn't always uncomfortable!! They are loose and still look really stylish! A friend of mine wore them back from Greece last year and she was soooo comfy in them, and she kept rubbing it in!! Obviously it is not recommended that you wear heels on a flight firstly because it's a hazard if there was an emergency and you had to use the slides, and secondly your feet swell so not too comfortable!! I really think I've cracked the perfect flying outfit with this one, or actually Stella has! Love to know what you think on this one :) xx

Pics:Style.com

Monday, June 8, 2009

Momma I think I'm home.....






How cute is this little caravan?? I just came across it while browsing through Elle Decoration!! Isn't it a cutie?? I'd quite happily live in a caravan if it looked like this!! And with the added bonus of being on top of the Grand Daddy Hotel in Capetown!! It might even have a pool :)

pictures:Elle Decoration

Style Thief: Matthew Williamson



We all love Matthew Williamson, I know I am a HUGE fan! Unfortunately I don't have pockets big enough to be able to buy his outfits, so imagine my joy when I saw this little beauty arrive into Topshop! Isn't it just gorgeous?? And it isn't really that dear!! Well compared to Matthew's! :) So when I spotted this Matthew Williamson Resort look on Style.com, I knew I just had to recreate it on a budget! As I said the jacket is from Topshop, the denim top is a bodysuit from Miss Selfridge, and well the shorts are Chloe! I know not really budget, but they are just so pretty and have gorgeous detailing so I threw them in! I'm pretty sure though you could pick up a pair like this in Gap or somewhere on the high-street, they should be pretty common this summer, but just look at the pretty scallop detailing on the top of these ones! I added cute little heels and flats cos I think they both look good with them, it's just a case of personal choice! Or it could be another day to night look! Added the bag to round off the look, I think a clutch would work best with this look, a really cute straw one!! Couldn't find one on Polyvore though! Hope u like xx :)

picture:style.com

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Day to Night



Same dress, same bag, how to bring them from day to night. I've added a few accessories to show you how I would do it! Left is night, right is day! Hope you enjoy! Dress is from H & M, clutch is Stella McCartney for Net-a-Porter, gorgeous!! Enjoy....xx

Friday, June 5, 2009

Mary, Queen of Bargains...


All Grazia readers will be familiar with the Charity Shop Mary 'Queen of Shops' Portas is opening in Westfield, London. Well the shop finally opened today, to what sounds like quite a manic crowd hungry for some bargains!! I have to admit as someone who really loves a good designer bargain, if I lived in London, I probably would of been at the top of that queue! As someone who regularly does wardrobe clean outs and donates to charity shops I love the idea of her Living and Giving store! I'm pretty sure I wasn't alone in being shocked when it published that 75% of charity shop donations end up in landfill, 75%!!! I think that figure is just shocking and I love the idea of swapping that they are promoting!! I have already heard of the £80 Mulberry bag ( jealous!!) being snatched, and I can't wait to hear of all the other bargains. It is running until June 27th. I am dying to get over there but am going to the South of France (poor me!!) on my hols slap bang in the middle of it! If I could get cheap flights though.........

Picture:Grazia.com

Toodles Mossy



Unfortunately I had to return my red Kate Moss for Topshop sundress yesterday! I popped it on for the first time the night before and am I glad I did. The proportions on this dress were so off, it looked awful on me! Firstly it was too short, and it puffed out making hips look huge!! I am quite tall and slim like Kate, but who does she think is going to leave the house showing off their ass?? Secondly, the plunge was just sooo frickin low which threw off the waist leaving it just hanging in the wrong place, and it was too big! Now that I'm looking at the picture, I can see that is doesn't look that great on the mannequin! I have to say I was really disappointed by it because I generally love her collections, but the dresses are always ridiculously short!! I'm not surprised that this one hasn't been as successful as her last ones. The huge rush that we generally see seems to have died down, and not many off her pieces have sold out! I am actually really disappointed because I wanted to buy this dress in the Liberty print version which I think is just beautiful, pity about the shape! :(

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

All Saints Leathers



I am on the hunt for a new cool leather jacket that will bring me right through to next Spring. I love both these options from All Saints, aren't they really cool and tough looking! They would look so good thrown over pretty summer dresses now and still really good layered with jeans through winter and spring! All Saints are one of the best high street stores for leather jackets, they always look so vintage and distressed, and real edgy! Love them!!

Loubs on a budget


How gorgeous are these very Loub-esque heels from Faith?? I spotted these babies on a girl on a recent night out and was convinced the red sole was Mr. Louboutins trademark! Instead they are from Faith and retail at a bargain £65! Just think of all the wear you will get from them. They also come in a snakeskin, and a GORGEOUS silver pair which personally are my faves! Had to share them with you! Bet you thought they were Louboutins too! :)

Totes to Anya...



source:netaporter.com
How cute are these Anya Hindmarch totes available from Net-a-Porter today. They are so cute and simple! I love the laundry one, how pretty, love the green too!! Hmmm these are definitely contenders for the new college bag!! And at £55, me thinks they are a steal! The competition is heating up!!x

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Sunny Days.....



You can't beat the feeling of walking barefoot on grass! This past weekend has just been amazing. Love my toes, it's coralicious by Rimmel! A perfect summery shade!!