College Diary - #1

Evening Internet!

As many of you know (or don't know), I'm taking a year out of my degree in NUIG, to complete the Fashion Industry Practices course in GTI.

I remember when I first learnt about this course, I was so excited. I always dreamed of moving to New York and working with Kelly Cutrone, organising fashion shows and fetching coffee for people. These dreams were shot to hell when I was told "GTI is for hippies and half brains"

(Thanks unnamed person. NOT)

However, all was not lost, because one faithful day in May of this year, I read a post by Erika Fox (Retro-Flame), explaining how she had done the course that I was going to undertake.

Half brains and hippies? I think not!

I know every year that this course is gaining more and more popularity but people are still puzzled by what we actually do. So I am here to enlightened you all my darlings.

I'm not going to make this a really long post to be honest, because I think I'm going to do a few of these posts throughout the year. I'll just show you a few things we are working on at the moment. 

In our module Illustration Techniques we are being taught the basics of Photoshop. I absolutely adore this class, I always feel so accomplished after it. So far the basics have been pretty easy to grasp. I can't wait until we start learning more challenging techniques on it.

Here are two lookbooks I did in class:

Moodboards are also important in fashion, as they tell a story without using any words and sometimes it is easier to convey an idea through images than the written word.

Here's a moodboard I did of street wear and fashion on the runway that could be seen at New York Fashion Week.

 Styling is another module we're doing a lot of work in at the moment. This class is such an enlightening and creative class. I'm learning so much about editors, photographers and stylists, essentials for breaking into the industry. We are also encouraged greatly in this class to be inspired by everything around us, which really makes you stop and actually appreciate your surroundings.

(Putting some things into my sketchbook)

Currently, we are working on an assignment where we have to research different photographers and stylists in the industry and I thought I'd introduce to you someone amazing I discovered,

Kai Z Feng

He's storming the fashion photography industry, he's worked with Vogue, Elle, all the big names, and he'ss only 28! There's something raw about his work that just draws me in.

 This picture of Chris Brown is one of my favourites.

Definitely check him out. :)

( Sourced at http://kaizfeng.com/ )

The awesome thing about this assignment is that we're going to have to put together a photo-shoot inspired by our favourite photographer or stylist. I already have so many ideas swimming around in my head, I can't wait to sit down with my friend Sara (who I have appointed as my photographer for the year), and brainstorm out an amazing concept for the shoot.

One of the great things about this course is that Work Experience is a compulsory module, which means we get hands on experience in the industry, something no amount of books can give you.

I received a call today confirming a trail day in a wedding boutique on Saturday, so hopefully they keep me on for work experience and maybe let me do a little post on an average working day there!

Fingers crossed!

So that's it for the first instalment of my college diary series!

What to see more?

Sinead

x

Nominated for the Leibster Award!

So, two days ago the Louise from Stylish and Fabulous left a comment on my blog saying that she had nominated me for the Leibster Award!

At first I was like,

"Awh yay, this is awesome, thank you so much Louise!"

but then I was like,

"Wait, what?"

My confusion was short lived, as Louise kindly explained in lay man's terms what this was all about. Basically, it's not an award (someday), it's a really cool way of finding new and upcoming bloggers. 

Although I got tons of information from Louise, I decided to take to Google myself and see what I could find. I found a lot, too much in fact. There are so many different versions and variations of this post, so instead of confusing myself, I'm just going to use the same layout Louise did. 

Basic rules are:

-Link the blogger that tagged you

-11 Facts about yourself

-Answer the questions your nominee asks

-Make up 11 questions for the people you nominate

So without further ado, here are...

11 Random Facts about Moi

1: I can't stand when people don't make eye contact with me when I'm having a conversation with them. It's actually my biggest pet peev. I get so agitated about it. Rude.

2: I believe in ghosts, fairies, the whole she-bang. I've always been into fantasy creatures and always toyed with the idea that maybe it's not all fantasy. Call me crazy but I have fun. :)

3: Such a cliché blogger/fashion student thing to say but I believe that London is my spiritual home. The goal is to be set up and working there in the next 5 years. Watch this space.

4: I'm obsessed with cats. I will be that crazy cat lady when I'm old and retired. Minus the grey hair, gotta keep them roots hidden!

5: The first CD I ever bought with my own money was Toxicity by System of a Down when I was 14, and I've been listening to metal music ever since then.

6: I'm currently deferring my 2nd year of Arts to complete a one year course in Fashion Industry Practices in GTI.

7: Sons of Anarchy is probably my favourite TV series right now. Jax. Enough said. So many dirty thoughts. Also I want to marry Juice, he's such a cutie.

8: I have a hardcore crush on Ezio Auditore (for anyone who doesn't game, it's a character from Assassin's Creed). It was borderline obsessive at one point, when I had a life size poster of him on my wall. 

(This is starting to make me sound a bit cray cray)

9: I work in a bar at the moment as a server. Glam.

10: I'm obsessed with being pale. Tan, bronzer and all that is not permitted to come anywhere near my skin. Ever.

11: I have an obsession with eyebrows. 

Now to answer Louise's questions!

1. What age did you first start wearing/using Make-up?

14

2. Who is your Fashion Icon?
I don't have one particular person that I look up to for fashion inspiration to be honest. I think loads of people have really awesome fashion sense.

3. What is your favourite Highstreet Store?
Penneys. Always and forever.

4. If you were to be someone Famous for the Day who would it be?
Kelly Cutrone. Or Miley Cyrus. 

5. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring?
My blankie, sun-cream, Charlie Hunnam.

6. What Make-Up Brand is your favourite?
High-street? Revlon. High-end? Chanel.

7. What is your favourite Fashion Accessory at the moment?
Tacky gold earrings. All day, everyday.

8. Describe your everyday Make-up Look?
I don't wear make-up everyday if I'm really honest. I get lazy. I like sleep more than looking normal some days. But when I am wearing day make-up it's all about the red lip.

9. Would you rather spend your money on Clothes or Make-Up?
It really depends on my mood on the day. I change my mind at least 30 times a day.

10. Describe yourself in 3 Words?

Eccentric, excitable, loving

Now it's my turn to grill you....

1. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

2. Cats or Dogs?

3. What did you want to be when you grew up as a kid?

4. Who is your favourite designer/editor/fashiony person?

5. Celebrity crush?

6. Trend you absolutely hate?

7. Favourite soft drink?

8. Are you a Mac or a PC?

9. Favourite style/brand of shoes?

10. Do you believe in the paranormal?

11. Favourite blog at the moment?

Right so I nominate..

http://seenthroughgreen.blogspot.ie/

http://eclarebyclare.blogspot.ie/

http://edgeofglamour.blogspot.ie/

http://shannenvr.blogspot.ie/

and anyone else that comes across this! :)

Sinead

x

One to watch - Virginie Villette

Recently, I attended the Vavavoom Fashion Roadshow in Galway with my friend from college (and blogger friend!) Shannen from All Things Fashion, in the Meyrick Hotel. Instead of doing a blog post about the whole event I thought I would talk about the designer who really stood out the most for me.

Virginie Villette

A self described "entrepreneur at heart", Virginie Villette or VV, had no official experience when she began drawing up her designs. After, she set off around the world in search for someone she bonded with who would make her designs for her. This search brought her to The City of Angel, Los Angeles, where she met a French woman, who brings VV's designs to life today.

For VV, fashion is about "exploration", which she is clearly doing in this collection, by mixing leather and silk together in many of her designs. The juxtaposition of these two fabrics together on the runway is breathtaking. 

It was no surprise to me when I found out that VV originally hails from the capital of chic and elegance itself, Paris. Her designs are clearly heavily influenced by Parisian ethos of less can be so much more.

In VV's designs, I found that the devil is in the detail. The little finishing touches on the garments are what give them their edge.Take for example La Robe Mao (pictured below), the simple illusion of an unbuttoned shirt and the leather collar tips give this piece subtle sexy appeal. A basic staple in any woman's wardrobe. 

(La Robe Mao)

La Veste Ballerine Dos (below), was perhaps one of my favourite pieces of the collection. Focusing on exposing the back, this top oozes sex appeal. It is also a nod to the 'biker chic(k)' that is bang on trend for Autumn/Winter.

La Ballerine Dos

I was thoroughly impressed with this collection and cannot wait to see what VV has in store for the fashion world in the future.

You can marvel at the entire collection here 

and

watch her interview with Vavavoom TV here.

Sinead 

x

OOTD - Thrift Shop

Fur Coat - Vintage
Checked Shirt - Pull & Bear (last season)
Pleather pants - Bershka (last season)
Bag - TK Maxx
Boots - Penneys (Primark) - €22
Bowler Hat - Public Romance - €22

Hey Internet!

Today I really had the itch to blog. It started in the morning when I put this outfit together and I was pretty excited about it, and then throughout the day I just kept getting more and more inspired. Today I was channelling my inner Macklemore a la 'Thrift Shop'. While I was wearing a big ass coat, it was not from the thrift shop down the road. It was actually my great aunt's back in the day, and my goodness that woman had an eye for clothes. I found it in the guest wardrobe last night and had a little freak out to myself because I've been on the look out for a vintage fur coat for the longest time. That fashion higher being was clearly working his/her/it's(?) magic. It's so warm and cozy, which is perfect for the weather right now in Galway. It's absolutely miserable.

I was really showing off my A/W trends today, must be my inner fashion goddess being awakened by my new course. (If you didn't already know, I'm studying a one year Fashion Industry Practices course this year!). I bought the leather pants and shirt up in Dublin in the winter sales last year. I have to say though, these leather pants are probably my favourite item of clothing I own. I literally wear them to every occasion I can; nights out, college, coffee dates. If there's an occasion these can't be worn to, I don't even want to know. And the icing on the cake? I bought these for €9.99! (On a side note, I don't believe in this whole .99 pricing thing we got going on in this country. It is so pointless and wrecks my brain. Get it together Ireland.) Nevertheless, these pants are amazeballs. Yes, I just used amazeballs, don't judge me, it's appropriate right now.

Another item making a début on the blog is my lovely bowler hat. Up until I got this hat I had convinced myself that hats just didn't suit me. I used to avoid hat stands like the plague thinking my head was too big for them. Until one faithful day, I walked into a magical shop in town called Public Romance, where I was convinced to buy this beauty. From then on Sinead and the bowler hat lived happily ever after. The end.

The bag and the shoes are the same old same old. My trusty bag from TKMaxx and my boots from Penneys. I'm one of those people that when I find a bag or shoes that works with the majority of my wardrobe I will just wear them to death until they fall apart. Both are still going strong though, so let's hope they last until I find appropriate replacements!

There you have it. I think I should probably stop writing and get some of my coursework out of the way. I suppose this could be seen as course work in a sense. Expressing my thoughts through my clothes? No? No. This year it's actually nice to be excited about my college work. I get to look up fashion stylists and photographers and write about them. HASHTAG : Living the Dream! Okay I'm going now. Bye.

Sinead x

Ugh, what a slut.

"Oh my gawd, would you look at what your wan is wearing?" "I heard she rode your man after Carbon the last night"..All together now, "Christ, she's such a slut".

I get it, we all judge someone at one point or another, whether it's because we don't agree with their actions or we're just doing it because it makes us feel better about our own lives. But this week my Facebook and Twitter feeds have been overloaded with 'slut shaming'. Slut shaming, for anyone who is unsure, is basically when people bash a woman/girl for liking sex, having sex with multiple people, or acting in any sexual manner.

It all started last week, when I saw #SlaneGirl trending on Twitter and my Facebook Newsfeed was filled with jokes about this said incident. Now, unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard about the Eminem concert and what happened at it. We've all been there, we've all done things that we probably wouldn't have done if we were sober, this girl was just unfortunate enough to have sick weirdos around her that thought it'd be great craic to take pictures and post them on the internet. In a matter of hours, the pictures went viral, and this girl became subjected to some of the worst abuse I have ever seen on the internet. Now I wrote that last sentence VERY carefully, it was the girl that got all of the abuse. Not the lad who thinks he's a king for getting head, not the f**k heads that took the pictures or the people who shared the picture,told their friends and just added fuel to an already well lit fire. It came out later that this girl was actually under 18, so the camera people can add child pornography to their 'things I did at Slane' list, good job. The point I'm trying to make from this story is that everyone freaked because this girl did something, that had absolutely no effect on their personal lives whatsoever, but they still felt it was their moral duty to express their opinions from their high horses. Would it have been the same if she had been a guy? Hell no, the guy in that picture has barely been mentioned. If anything he's probably been hailed a hero by his friends. "Ah lad, you're such a pimp, all the beures lovin' yeah". No.

Fast forward a week and two incidents ran into each other that really got under my skin. One of my favourite bloggers/vloggers Leanne Woodfull was given abuse over a picture she posted wearing a bra. Most of the abuse was to do with the size of her boobs, which are quite a lovely size. Small boob girls unite! She wrote a tumblr post which I'll link here and it adds a little more to this post. But seriously guys, WHY do you need to comment something like that? Does it really affect your life if her boobs are a certain size? Absolutely not. And another thing you shouldn't even think you're entitled to comment on another person's body shape. I've seen so many bloggers get abuse if they post pictures of underwear, as if it's something to be ashamed of. "Oh no, that's supposed to be worn under clothes, we shouldn't that" "She showed her underwar, she's clearly a slut". Shut up. If nothing nice is going to come out of that gob of yours, zip it. This leads me nicely onto to the VMAs. You all know what I'm talking about. Miley Cyrus. Everyone lost their frickin minds over her performance. She grinded up against bunnies, wore latex and twerked like nobody's business. I actually enjoyed it and I say fair play to her for just doing her. If she's enjoying herself, let her off. But oh no, the internet got up on their horses again, ready to charge into battle. People were calling her a 'bad role model' because she used to be Hanna Montana, when she was 13. Now let's all take a moment, are you the same as you were at 13? I know I'm not. I used to thing Chris Brown was cool when I was 13, teenage innocence we'll call it. I actually remember watching Hanna Montana and I think it's cool to watch a girl who is the same age as me go through all the changes that any girl goes through. Breaking away from her parents, exploring her sexuality and becoming confident in who she is. We all do it. Now I understand, people were shocked, but the way people went about it was disgusting. I began to see pictures of parts of her being posted, comparing it to all sorts. Reverse the situation and if this was about you or someone you cared about, you'd be so hurt. So why is it okay to do it to another person? I'm going to say it right now, if I had a body like Miley Cyrus I'd be rocking up to all sorts of events in latex lingerie. She clearly meant to shock people with her performance, and all I can say is well done Miley. 

I guess I'm just trying to understand in this day and age, why we're still so shocked and offended by anything to do with sex, and that our way of dealing with it is often by slut shaming? So what if a girl had consensual sex with more people than you have? So what if I wear a tight dress on a night out, God forbid I'm actually comfortable in my own body. So what if I'm open and honest about my sex life/sexual fantasies. It doesn't make me a bad person and it certainly doesn't invite you to openly abuse me or anyone else for that matter. We shouldn't have to apologise or stop, just because some people still don't live in the 21st century.

This will probably be a bit of a heavy post for some people, but I needed to vent somewhere and I think my friends are starting to get sick of me complaining. If you read this, I'd love your opinions. 

Sinead x

OOTD - 'Cut Me Out'

Body-Con: Penneys €13
Leather Sleeveless: Penneys €9
Boyfriend Jeans (belt included): River Island €30
Boots: Penneys €22
Bag: TJMaxx $30
Earrings: New Look €6

This is an outfit I wore about a week ago now. I said that I would post more now that I have a new camera, as I used to use bad quality pictures as my excuse not to blog. No more I say! Anyways, can we all appreciate Penneys' game as of late? Both the leather jacket and the boots are from there and I found them within a few days of each other. I actually felt like some higher being of fashion was looking out for me last week while I was shopping. This blog post is my way of paying homage to this said being. Oh, and excuse the garden hose. Country living yo!

You'll start to see a pattern in my outfits in regards to gold accessories. I'm obsessed, the bigger and 'in your face', the better. This belt with the three gold head lions is probably one of my most loved pieces and it actually came with my boyfriend jeans  from River Island, which were reduced from €55 to €30 the day I went in. (Another shoutout to the divine fashion being!)

My gold earrings are from New Look and I got them nearly a year ago now and literally wear them with nearly every outfit I put on. I think they're fabulous. Unfortunately they're starting to show their age, so I'm on the prowl for similar ones before I have to part ways with these.

I'm super excited because this week is Gay Pride week, so I'm going to be going to loads of events, which means more outfit posts. Yay!

Sinead x

Style Inspo - Ashley Benson

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I've been obsessed with Pretty Little Liars from the moment I watched the first episode. The whole show is awesome from the plot twists, the beautiful people and of course, the fashion. Now, I always loved Hanna (Ashley Benson) for all her hilarious one liners and attitude in the show, but her style was a bit too 'put together' for my liking. So anyways, I started following all the actors from the show on Twitter and Instagram and one day, a magical thing happened, Ashley tweeted a picture of what she was wearing one day and all of a sudden I was in love. Her style is so different from her character in PLL, and I don't know why that shocked me so much. Think I just get so invested in the show that I forget it's not real sometimes....cue the men in white coats.

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Ashley was born in California and you can definitely see that California vibe shine through, in both her style and her personality.One day it's grunge, another, hippie chic, she clearly doesn't care about 'trend following'. One thing that seems to be a constant though, is Ashley's smokey eye make-up. On her blog she says that she's a huge fan of Nars eyeliner. 

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She doesn't take herself too seriously either, she's always Instagramming hilarious selfies and doesn't seem to bothered if someone has an opportunity to take a cringe worthy photo of her. She has such a free spirit vibe to her and I think that's why I love her so much. That I would give anything for her wardrobe.

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What do you think of Ashley's style? What's your favourite outfit of hers? Who is your  favourite Pretty Little Liar?