Lipstick Journal

Diamonds are Forever

2009-09-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

The fabulous Dame Shirley Bassey returns her first studio album in over 20 years. David Arnold, the Grammy Award-winning producer best known for scoring five James Bond films has produced the album.

'The Performance' features songs written specifically for Dame Shirley Bassey by a stellar cast of contemporary artists including Take That's Gary Barlow, the Kaiser Chiefs, the Manic Street Preachers, Pet Shop Bosy, KT Tunstall and Rufus Wainwright.

During a career thats included 135 million record sales Dame Shirley Bassey has had many incredible highlights including being the only artist to record three James Bond movie theme songs.

The star also appeared at the Glastonbury festival wearing a fab pink Julien Macdonald frock, where at the same event Arctic Monkeys covered 'Diamonds are Forever'.

Fabulous at 72, we adore you! Diamonds really are forever.

She Wore Gold Velvet

2009-08-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

You can't get much more glam than gold velvet - steal the limelight with this fab frock from the Magic & Sparkle Per Una Range.

Gold Twist Dress, £55

Love, Eve x

These Boots Were Made for Walking

2009-08-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Oh my God, Eve is in love with these amazing boots from Louis Vuitton, these beauties are Cancan Thigh Boots and cost £2,240! We can dream!

Davina x

http://www.louisvuitton.com/

Imelda May Style Tips!

2009-08-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Eve chatted to the stunning rockabilly singer Imelda May just before her gig in Carrickfergus at Live at the Castle.

"I love pencil skirts, belts and high heels, whatever ever flatters a women's

body, belts also hide a multitude of sins," she laughs.

Imelda always has black eyeliner and red lipstick in her makeup bag, "no matter how your feeling, red lipstick will always make you look and feel good."

Check out her full interview in the October issue of Eve NI, Northern Ireland's newest fashion glossy for young women!

Join Eve NI on facebook!!

Davina

Editor x

Fashion Turns Back Time

2009-06-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Titanic Vintage Day is a new and exciting Northern Ireland event and tourist attraction, which will be taking place at Titanic's Dock and Pump House, Queen's road, Belfast, on Saturday 22nd August from 10am to 4.30am.

Presented by Autoregister and Frock around the Clock Vintage Fairs, the inaugural Titanic Vintage Day promises a day out with a difference.

The Titanic's Dock and Pump House - steeped in history is the perfect setting for such a celebration with vintage and classic cars on display from all over Northern Ireland. The vintage Austins on display will date from 1907 to 1930.

It is likely that the models on display resembled those which transported passengers to the Titanic before her fateful voyage. The area is particularly awe inspiring as you can witness the sheer size of the ship from Thompson's Graving Dock - where she rested before her maiden voyage.

A Vintage Fashion, Textile, Jewellery and Decor Fair will be held in the Studio Room of the Edwardian Pump House, where visitors will be able to buy vintage treasures dating from the early 1900s to the 1970.

Among exhibitors will be Decadence Vintage, Lulu Rose, Raspberry Beret Belfast Vintage, Alexandra Crawford and Banshee Vintage.

Entrance to the exquisite day is free with exception of guided tours.

Contact infor@northernirelandvintage.com and info@autoregister.co.uk for more information.

Titanic Vintage Day is sponsored by the Northern Ireland Science Park and the Titanic's Dock and Pump House.

Photo credits:

Models: Kelly McLean, Sarah Wilson and Gavin White

Wardrobe: Banshee Vintage, Eileen Milliken and Becky Moore

Classic Cars: MG Owner's Club

Hair Styling: Kelly McLean, Ashby Gents & Miss Ashby Hairdressing.

Makeup: Sandra Lemon - Makeup for all Occasions

Jimmy 'Choo'ses H&M

2009-06-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Style bible Vogue has released the news that Jimmy Choo will be joining forces with high street giant H&M this November. Clever marketing or an attempt to make high fashion more affordable?

Co-Founder of Jimmy Choo, Vogue accessories editor Tamara Mellon said the collection will appeal to "fashion savvy, street smart women" and will also include pieces for men. The designer will create a clothing line as well.

So does Jimmy Choo brand that can boast patronage from Diana, Princess of Wales and also feature heavily in Vogue need to boost its image?

And are we all collectively jumping for joy at the thought of tottering around in affordable desinger heels?

Not being a proud owner of Choo's (yet) I think I would prefer the genuine article rather than a highstreet version of a designer label...but then again how many of us can afford such luxuries in the current nasty climate?

I can't help but feel that a designer will somehow lose some of its sparkle by jumping on the bandwagon of a highstreet retailer...whats next, Chanel for Primark?

Still, I will certainly be checking out when the Choo's steam into H&M - just in time for Christmas of course.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,7792

Ginza is Mint for Fashion and Food

2009-05-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

Ginza Teppanyaki Restaurant opened in style last Thursday night in Lisburn. Ginza tranlated literally means 'Silver Mint' and it certainly lived up to its name.

Style Academy models graced the natural catwalk of the venue and guest enjoyed a drinks reception followed by amazing dishes that sampled the tantalising menu.

Lisburn Square, Vanilla, Wild Flower and Mary Rose McGrath provided the beautiful clothes and Grainne Maher Millinery provided the stunning headwear.

Julian Simmons hosted the evening that was packed to the brim with VIPs and special guests including the gorgeous Miss GB Gemma Garrett.

A 'mint' evening was had by all.

To book call 02892666639

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.

Picture credits - Lawrence Doherty

Frocking it the Vintage Way

2009-05-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Like a good wine, some things are better when they are aged. These same goes for vintage clothing and classic looks of a yester year. Think fur and pearls and you are on the right track.

Frock Around The Clock - which brings you the very best of Ireland's vintage, is the only event of its kind in Northern Ireland. At each fair you can expect to find a fabulous array of genuine vintage clothing, costume jewellry and accessories galore including hats, bags, shoes and gloves.

The latest vintage fair on 10 May brought in 900 visitors of all ages from all over Ireland, the UK and the US.

The next vintage fair is not until September but if you want to find out more information visit http://www.northernirelandvintage.com/

Each event promises a great day out, with a fun atmosphere of romance, nostalgia and quirkiness.

Exhibitors include Strictly Vintage, Lulu Rose, Oxfam Vintage, Zara Jewels and Vintage Rocks.

Another event worth keeping your eye out for is the Titanic Vintage Day which takes place on the 22nd August at The Pump House and the Northern Ireland Science Park, Belfast.

Visit http://www.titanicsdock.com/ for more information.

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."

Coco Chanel

Picture credit: Linzi Rooney

Green is Beautiful...

2009-05-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

Red haired Style Academy model Collette O'Neill caused a stir at the Enery Saving Trust Awards held at the regal Harbour Commissioners in Belfast on Wednesday.

Collette posed with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Lord Mayor Tom Hartley. The awards ceremony recognised companies who are helping to reduce their carbon footprint and work in a more enery efficient manner.

The Green Goddess symbolises renewable energy, her vintage dress was reworked to represent resourcefulness and her head dress was designed by Grainne Maher using flowers from her own garden!

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.

La simplicite est le discours de tous les vrais elegance

2009-05-05T06:19:00.000-07:00

Despite the poster for Audrey Tatou's Chanel biopic 'Coco Avant Chanel' (above with cigarette) being banned from her own country, it adds to the anticipation of the life story of a remarkable woman who rose from the miserable beginnings in an orphanage to become the fashion icon that the subject of love and admiration today.

Audrey of 'Amelie' fame portrays the mannerisms of the dark featured and amazingly talented young woman.

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel's influence on haute couture was such that she was the only person in the field to be named TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

Her pursuit of expensive simplicity made her such an important figure in the history of modern fashion.

Chanel's first fragrance, Chanel No.5 in 1921 was the first to have a designer's name attached to it and has paved the way for successive designers to follow suit.

Chanel died in 1971 and her tombstone is carved with stone lion heads representing her birth sign, Leo - also testimony to the strong willed nature of a quietly beautiful and elegant woman.

She is my favourite designer and her legacy will as they say in french "vivre eternellement"

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different" Coco Chanel

Traffic Stopping Fashion

2009-04-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Acclaimed photographer Lawrence Doherty captured this stunning image of Miss Belfast finalists outside The Northern Whig on 23 April.

Striking flamehaired beauty Claire Murray (left) from Bangor took the Miss Belfast crown. Claire will now represent Belfast in Miss Universe Ireland later this year.

With her effervescent personality and model looks, she is certainly one to keep your eye on.

The beautiful frocks pictured are the creation of local designer Mary Rose McGrath.

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.

Something Kinda Oooh!

2009-04-20T01:24:00.000-07:00

While nipples might not be what you want to be reading over your morning coffee, they seem to still be causing a little hassle on the Burlesque front.

Late last week, a news story caught my eye, a burlesque artist had caught in trouble for exposing a nipple in a dance routine. How, in 2009, can this cause a stir...when women expose everything in tabloids and while sex pretty much sells everything from shampoo to Kinder Bueno?

It seems this 'no nipple law' comes from an archaic law that bans the exposure of a naked nipple. Just think of the uproar caused by Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl - known now as 'Nippletapegate'? It resulted in a record $550,000 fine levied by the FCC and caused an immediate crackdown in the media in issues of common decency.

However, what differentiates burlesque from stripping is that it does not lend itself to vulgarity but rather enticement.

Belfast's answer to Dita Von Teese, Nik Fisher says: "It's not just taking all your clothes off, then it just becomes stripping, it is all about the art of tease." Burlesque as an artform is naughty, yes, teasing, yes but dirty? No.

Furthermore, Burlesque artists should not suffer sanctions for either wardrobe malfunctions whatever causes a nipple to become exposed...especially not in this era where sex is consumed for breakfast.

Stairway to Heaven

2009-04-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous Miss Belfast finalists descended on Castle Court for a special preview and fashion show. The glamorous Miss Great Britain, Gemma Garrett was also there to give her help the girls hone their catwalk gait and give tips on being a successful model.

One of the models, Sophia, has been plucked from obscurity and was scouted at the Juice Bar, Castle Court. The models showcased yellow as the colour of the season - a colour which takes its inspiration from fishermen's jackets! The colour is also being sported on the red carpet and celebs are working the sunshine shade in frocks, oversized sunnies and accessories.

The final will be held at the Northern Whig on the 23 April. The winning girl will walk away with a modelling contract as well as a prize package to include makeup and haircare.

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.

Hello world

2009-02-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

This is a blog for anyone interested in fashion and the female mind. Its about the little things that don't get reported by the big mags. The stories and personal perspectives which make some of the most beautiful creations on earth possible.

I started writing when I was about fifteen. Like every great Irish writer I began with poetry and soon realised that a work of art took a little more then ten minutes and a failed crush to create.

I've been writing ever since and following the ins and outs of this island's boom and maybe bust. Its been a great journey so far. All the way from the Mourne Mountains to London fashion week.

I have no idea what is going to end up on this blog. Whether the stories I have to tell will be happy or sad and whether then people I meet will go on to change the world around them. I do know this. Too much happens every day even here is this amazing city which goes unchronicled. There are young designers who deserve a platform and artists who could compete with the very best. That's why I stay here to observe the world, edit an ambitious and exciting magazine and take the occasional trip off to the big smoke to see how the competition are doing.

London Fashion weeks starts on Saturday and I'll be there all next week to give it the Davina treatment. Fingers crossed there will be a local angle or two I can bring you through here.