27.10.09

Look for Less; Black and Gold

Derek Lam's Fall/Winter Show was saturated in Black and Gold. This Winter it will be seen everywhere from Jason Wu to DKNY, Dior to Kenneth Cole. Don't fret my ladies on a budget, the high street is producing plenty of gorge black and gold pieces for your wardrobe as well! Below you can find pieces from ASOS, Monsoon, Vero Moda and BT2! Enjoy! Happy Shopping! xxox

26.10.09

Give In To Temptation NOW

We Love models here at Cineal Saoil, even former models turned-something elses (insert actor, musician etc. here). We love former models turned something-elses who are dating current models that we already love. We love love love models.
That out of the way, none of the afore-referenced reasons honestly have anything to do with our love of Justin Manville and his latest single 'Temptation'. This love is purely for his raw, unadulterated talent. Like a sexier version of Sting meeting a hipper version of Jack Johnson, Justin has such a great vibe running through all his music and this latest single has a really naughty up-beat to it. I cannot stop humming this tune! Great track to blast while driving, fun to throw on while you are getting ready for a night out. I played it three times last night while I was making dinner! Just a super good song and as you can see above, very glam video!
The song is available on www.downloadmusic.ie for 99c. To get it, go to the site or text "MUSIC 4033" to 57501 and then go online and download! If you aren't tech savvy get old school and head to HMV Grafton Street, Henry Street or Tower Records and enjoy! Definitely check Justin Manville's tunes out, you will not be sorry! http://www.justinmanville.com/

22.10.09

Be a Better Shopper; Make - Up bag edit!

Yesterday we expelled the importance of trimming the fat on your wardrobe, really knowing what you already own and why it works for you. But, clothing isn't the only area in which we over indulge and over buy. How many times have you bought a pair of killer heels that literally kill your feet and therefore never wear? Maybe you've just never been able to find the right outfit to go with them? Or perhaps that really cute purse covered in fringe that in reality you cannot even fit your mobile phone into?
Fashion clutter builds up everywhere and it is really important to have every area spic and span so you know exactly what you've got in your style arsenal. But, no other place can over-run with the unused like our make up bags can! Dump every piece you have on to an empty flat surface so you can really see what is there, rather than just poke around in the bag. Anything that you've had since secondary school. in fact anything you've had for the past year and have barely used - dump! We've talked in the past about the importance of cleaning your brushes and tools, but bacteria builds up in the make up itself and if it is sitting around not being used, why keep it? Think about it though, when are you really going to reuse that heavily-glittered purple cream-eyeshadow you bought for a fancy dress?
You might pick up on trends here too. Do you have 14 different variations of mocha coloured smoke eyeshadow because none of them ever seem to be the right shade? IT might be time to turn to a professional. Sitting down at a cosmetics counter for a one time make up consultation will in time save you hundreds in misguided purchases. Once again now, after shifting the unusable, you will have a more clear picture of what you like, use and need. This is going to be a big help. Not only will you figure out what truly works on your face and shave minutes off your beauty regiment each day, you can evaluate which products are worth a splurge. If you know that YSL's liquid under eye concealer is really the only one you like but any pink lip gloss will suit you can more accurately budget you cosmetics cash and always have what you need on hand!
Need some help figuring out what you need and what you can leave? Here are the piece every chick should have some form of in her make up bag;
  • Good Cover-Up/Concealer -in reality, most women do NOT need to wear a layer of foundation and certainly no one needs to wear it every day. A skin balancing moisturiser (tinted if you like) will help to even out the tone of your skin. Then take a concealer to hide any dark patches or red spots as well as a dot or two under the eye to highlight and around the curves of the nose to soften. Much less work, and your skin will thank you.
  • Loose Powder - super sheer and perhaps with a small amount of highlighting shimmer, blend over your T-Zone as well as brown and cheek bones for luminous easy coverage.
  • Bronzer/Blush Duo- Without going to rosy or too tanned, brush up your cheek bones and over your forehead and lightly across your chin to lift your entire complexion and create a healthy glow.
  • Light/Nude Lip Gloss - avoid anything to sparkly, too shocking a shade and too sparkly and this gloss can take you from day to night, interview to first date. Chose a shade just enough to enhance and slightly exaggerate the fullness and colour of your own lips.
  • Thickening/Darkening Mascara-a lot of girls make the mistake of buying different kinds of mascara for different times of use but, lets be fair, good mascara is pricey! Invest in a really good mascara that both thickens, lengthens and darkens that lashes and comes with a wand that will really define them. Rather than have a light shade for day, a darker thicker type for hitting the town and a defined one for work, just modify your application. Pile it on top and bottom for nights out, apply a one thin defining layer to both for work and maybe just a quick swipe to top layers for every day use. Even a little bit makes the face seem more awake!
  • Smudge Proof Brown Pencil- By opting for a dark brown this pencil can do double time as liner and brow perfecter.

These aren't the only items you should have or keep, just suggestions of staples to hang out to and mix with other FAV pieces and tools. Now, give that make up bag a shake or a wipe and pile all your keepers back in!

Feeling kinda wasteful tossing all this seemingly good stuff in the trash during a critical financial period? Then don't! OK, the old make up has to go, that would be icky, but the clothing, especially piece in good condition don't have to be rubbished. Maybe you have a few pieces that don't fit your style or body type but you have a girlfriend that they would? Organise a swap. Encourage your BFFs to sort through their own things, meet in a group and see if anyone has castoffs you feel are worth nabbing. One woman's trash is another girly's treasure! Mix up some cocktails and put some Sex & the City DVDs on in the background and make it a party!

No friends that share the same size? There are thousands of woman in need of clothing for work and day to day use all over this country. Check out Enable Ireland to find out how your old frocks can be put to truly good use!

21.10.09

Be a Better Shopper; Get Reacquainted With What You've Got!

The Celtic Tiger is no more and we are in a recession folks, there is no way around it! Everyday we are seeing articles in the paper about the end of glitzy charity balls, the farewell to A-List Launches with over stuffed gift bags and the near shuttering of many Fab establishments.
Both home and abroad times are tough and things are changing but, the end of the free-spend era doesn't have to mean the end to glamour - it means the beginning of a new way of thinking!When you are operating on a budget you need to be a much smarter spender. Everyone knows when you are trying to ace an exam the first step is to get yourself organized and passing through this recession with flying (and trendy!) colours is just the same! With a few tips and tricks all of us can stay fab and get back to shopping so keep reading!

We've already preached the merits of shopping locally with a global approach, meaning find the latest trends and strong investment pieces in local shops rather than scouring the Internet or running to a cheap high-street chain - more to come on that front as well - but now it is time to start thinking a lot more locally - your wardrobe!

As the days get shorter and the air gets colder now is the perfect time to put away your summery glad rags and pull out your more substantial winter frocks. BUT- don't be too hasty in getting this chore done. Take a good long look at your collection. If the wardrobe in your bedroom looks like a version of either above or below, now is the time to streamline. Set aside a hangover-free Sunday and really sift through what is there.
Take a few minutes to come up with all the necessary categories and subcategories your clothing should fit in to; Dresses -Summer Dress/ Winter Dresses. Pants - Work/Casual/Jeans etc. and create piles consisting of every scrap you own -nothing gets left behind.
Now comes the hard part - discard.
Are there pieces in you 'Summer' piles that went the whole season without being worn? Maybe 'Winter' bits that never got an airing last year and are unlikely to get one this? Let go! Pieces you love to death and therefore wear constantly so subsequently they are a bit tattered? Purchases that looked great in the shop on the hanger but never quite translated as well on to your bod? Buh bye! Maybe pieces that were just too trendy and alas will get use no longer? All of these go on the toss pile - we will get back to that!
Now it is time to organize what we are keeping and get an understanding of why. Sort through the kept clothes and come up with at least one reason why you are keeping or what you like about each piece. Chances are you are going to start to see patterns. It maybe a certain label or brand, certain shape or cut, or perhaps just even a colour palette that you feel suits you best. If you were to go through the reject pile you'll probably find patterns too but we don't want to waste an entire Sunday on this exercise...
Finding a theme in the keepers is two fold. For one, it will help you create even more subsections of organization now that it is time to put all your clothes back in their places. Check out this color-coordinated super efficient press below, isn't it gorge?!?
After that, knowing what you have and why you have it will now help you to be that smarter spender. No longer will you stroll willy-nilly though Brown Thomas picking up pieces for no real reason other than they seem to be 'in' and you 'want' them. Now you know what works for you, you know what you will be happy to put on , make you look and feel fab and fill you with confidence.
Congratulations, you are the proud owner of a gorgeously neat, tidy, self empowering, totally glam wardrobe! Tune in later in the week because with all this new found room in your cupboards and the knowledge of what makes you look like a stone cold fox, it is time to go SHOPPING!!

19.10.09

Ask A Model; With Chloe Arnold

NAME: Chloe Arnold
HAIR COLOUR: dark brown
EYE COLOR: brown
HEIGHT: 5'9"
BIRTH DATE:12th December
FAVORITE SCENT/PERFUME: The One by D&G
FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Paris and New York
PEOPLE SAY YOU LOOK LIKE: not sure really, not Irish any way....
HOMETOWN: Dublin
LIFELONG DREAM: To continue to be happy and healthy. Live life to the full and never compromise!
BEST BEAUTY SECRET: Drink plenty of water.
BEST CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING TIP: learn to like yourself,if you don't, how can anyone else like you?
WORDS TO LIVE BY:" However I may appear to be, the power and strength of the universe rests in me". Some people will try to bring you down but know that its only their insecurities and unhappiness driving their negativity.
ROLE MODEL/IDOL: I suppose my beautiful mummy, she is just wonderful!
MOST EMBARRASSING MODEL MOMENT: My stiletto coming off on the runway for a very big designers show.... won’t say who but they know who they are!!!!
I LOVE MODELING BECAUSE: Modeling is something that just happened for me, I didn't set out to be a model. I was scouted when I was 15 and it just went from there. I have always loved fashion and knew that something in it was always going to be a career possibility for me, so what better way than modeling to get contacts and get a feel for the industry! Modeling has given me the opportunity to make great friends, wear beautiful creations, meet such interesting and talented people, to see the world and of course not work conventional hours!
How do you stay in shape? (Aoife, 17, Mayo) I not very disciplined about exercising religiously, I hate the gym. I find it really boring and monotonous. I do love walking; I try to walk 3 times a week. I especially enjoy going for hill walks in the countryside. I do that most weekends. I also practice yoga every week. I find it really beneficial for calming my mind down and strengthening my core area.
How do I get my makeup to stay all day long without smearing? (Gemma, 15, Enniscorthy)
I'm not a massive makeup wearer when I'm not working to be quite honest, however when working on shoots etc the makeup artists tell me that a good primer is really effective for long lasting coverage. Laura Mercier do a great one that you put on before your base.
Which products do you use to keep your face clear? (Rachel, 14, Tullamore)
I don't have a particular product that I use, I'm always rushing or trying new products all the time. I would recommend drinking plenty of water-about 6-8 glasses a day minimum. Also eating lots of fresh fruit and veg is a must to flush out any toxins that may be giving you spots etc.
Models' skin always looks so soft and clear. My skin is rough, and lotion just doesn't seem to help. How do I get my skin to have such a healthy glow? (Sinéaid, 17, Listowel)
Well, what you see in magazines is never a true reflection of the models skin in reality. Lots of the time Ad campaigns and editorials are airbrushed giving the illusion of flawlessness, lighting and a great makeup team also are imperative for the overall look. However having said that models entire career is based on their appearance- they must be a blank canvas for the "artist" to work on. Looking after your skin is imperative and a must in this business. I would recommend exfloliating 3 times a week, if you don't have a good exfoliator or don't want to the spend money, use a wet warm face cloth and gently scrub it over your face. It should get rid of any gunk from daily debris. Then use an alcohol free toner to close your pores and finish with a light moisturiser.
MORE TIPS TRICKS AND INSPIRATIONAL WORDS TO COME FROM THE LOVELY CHLOE ARNOLD! And Please stay tuned, Chlo0e has her own website CoCoStyle.ie that will be up and running within the next few weeks!

14.10.09

Rest in Peace

8.10.09

Eyes All Over This City

So, I may be stuck in bed with the Swan Flu (I've re-named it, Swine sounds awful!) but I've got eyes everywhere kiddies! ome of the country's most gorge celagutites and models were out and about this week as I lay coughing up a lung in my apartment! Here's what went on our FaB capital; Monday: The Conrad hotel hosted the annual Marie Curie Fashion Show.
Working the catwalk for this noble cause were: Suzanne McCabe, Laura Toogood, Aisling Pugh, Diana Donnelly, Louise Kavanagh, Georgia Salpa and Nadia Forde. Looks and ensembles from from Marks & Spencer as well as Arnotts delighted those who attended!
Tuesday: Zuku by KSO Launch and Fashion show organised by stylist, Roxanne Parker at the Attic on Henry Street.
Spotted at the fete?Assets model Laura Toogood rocking a long, black, Gothic-style skirt with a white corset by Coast. Fellow Assets model and musician Una Gibney was on hand in a gorgeous navy number by Chloe dress. Author Marisa Mackle donned fitted purple dress with a coordinating and very on trendy purple necklace. Noirin Kelly of Big Brother 'fame' was every inch the recessionista-fashionista in a black and silver sequined dress copped in Dunnes Stores while Xpose's Karen Koster looked stunning in pink dress from the new collection being shown. A bevvy of Assets models strutted down the runway including, Amy Ronning, Aoife Cogan, Sarah Morrissey and Yomiko.
Jealousy is coursing through my veins! Sounds like another gLaM week in Dublin! xxox kiddies!

7.10.09

V-Card Theatre

One of our favourite ladies is back on the scene in a big way! Not only do we have the pleasure of seeing the FAB Leigh Arnold on the small screen each week in RTE's The Clinic, playing every one's FAV acupuncturist, but now we can see her under the hott lights of the stage here in the capital and beyond!
Back in the 90s (wow, back in 90s - can't believe I just wrote that!) a website was created that allowed people to share the real life stories of their first sexual experience anonymously. Naturally, the site created a huge amount of buzz and 70,000 stories soon poured in, all ranging from heartwarming to heartbreaking, adorable to slightly grotesque!
Eventually, writer Ken Davenport spun some of the more entertaining stories and unique personalities into a heartwarming and hysterical stage show.
Gaining the honour of the longest running off-Broadway show and being featured on countless news programs the show, aptly titled 'My First Time', has become a theatrical gem.
Lucky for us this gem has traveled to our shores, and features a bang up cast! Along with Leigh Arnold, Keith Duffy, Claire 'the Tulls' Tully and Alan Shortt, all climb into the roles of various real life people and share the funny and only slightly humiliating stories of their 'First Time'.
As 'your first time' is a milestone event that at some point almost all people - no matter colour or credence - share every person can attach themselves to this show and the characters it features. Starting on October 14th at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, the production will then tour around the country, showing in the Theatre Royal in Waterford and the Cork Opera House. Under the direction of Michael Scott, who has previously brought us our Leigh in both Trojan Women and The Vagina Monologues, the show is bound to be a hit - between the hysterical content and the eclectic and totally hott talent it features how could it miss?
So go on, grab a ticket now while you still can! We all love a good horrifying sexual tale and there is nothing more GLAM than a night at the Theatre!
** UPDATE**THIS SHOW HAS BEEN DELAYED DUE TO THE SUDDEN AND UNTIMELY DEATH OF KEITH DUFFY'S DEAR FRIEND STEPHEN GATELY - STAY TUNED FOR AN UPDATE AS TO WHEN PERFORMANCES WILL BE RESCHEDULED**

6.10.09

Oink oink oink....

Achey, feverish...not good...head to the ol' doc ASAP!

5.10.09

Really Ireland? Really?

Could this WAG mobile be any cheesier!

1.10.09

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to one of Cineál Saoil's favourite girls! Here is to a year of fun FuN and Fabulousness!