Fashion is the first thing I think about when I wake up and most of the times it is the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. Planning, constant planning and preparation, whizzing through ones wardrobe like flicking through dozens of photographs. Fashion, as I continue to preach, is a lifestyle not just a variety of trends. It is important to present yourself the way you want to be seen and fashion helps us do that. It creates that air of individuality that we all have yet cannot express through mere looks and polite conversation. Clothes don’t make the person but they are something we all have in common (one hopes!), so really fashion isn’t just for the self-indulgent or girly, but for us all.
My own influences stem from reading a ridiculous amount of magazines and general people watching. For me it’s all about ironic androgyny — a mish mash of manish pieces paired with glitterati, stand out handbags and a flick of eyeliner. A little like my bio photo I like to play with size combintions and often wear shorts with large shirts and jumpers or delicate vests with maxi skirts and Chelsea boots. I don’t like to be too girly, yet I do like to play that role with my makeup. When it comes to designers, a lot of my loving is done from a considerable distance away due to the big ‘R’. High street is my current haven, with stores like Topshop and Urban Outfitters championing catwalk trends.
I of course represent Dublin, and as I am constantly reminding you all, Dublin must be placed in the same category as London, Paris, New York and Milan. Look through my archive if you don't believe me- I have almost a years worth of photographic evidence! It has the edge of London and the laid back vibe of New York. Dublin is not coming into its own but has come into its own many years ago. With Stores like Brown Thomas housing the most upto date catwalk collections, it is a design paradise. This coming Thursday the 8th of September Brown Thomas will host Vogue's internationally renowned Fashion Night Out, that promises to be a truly amazing evening of fun frolicks and most importantly fashion! This will kick off Dublin's fashion festival for 2011 and is just one way to celebrate and recognise all things stylish in the fair city.
This is my third semester writing with CollegeFashionista and I am very much looking forward to showcasing Dublin's individual style. I will concentrate on representing new designers, new ways of dressing, and dressing in a recession. This season I hope to find, and try, some new trends myself such as '40s style, ladylike tweeds and wools, and LOTS of ankle socks.
Bring on autumn and winter!