CeLaGuTiTe Rank Week One December 09

Well it has been a while folks! collecting the data and tallying uo the points each week had started too take up more time than I actually had BUT, so many people e-mailed in looking for The Rank, I knew I had to start it back up again! Lets Go!

At number FIVE this week is the gorgeous meets sexy meets adorable Hayley Ryan. I myself, don't know much about Hayley other than she has a fabulous figure and never seems to have a shortage of work! She garnered 1602 points this first week in December based pretty much solely on the amount of times we saw her picture taken and published from spots all over the capital. Make that money girl!

Photo from ShowBiz.ie

This week number FOUR went to TV3 Bombshell Glenda Gilson. GG got column inches from her reaction to the morbid and sick Katy French book. We don't want to comment any further on the book cause it deserves no more publicity that it has already garnered. Glenda was just one of many friends outraged by this book and many publications were fighting for her input. On a lighter note, pics of Miss Gilson in the famed Baileys Red Bow ball gown were also smattered in various places giving her a told of 2013 points this week.

Photo from Bryan JamesBrophy Photography

Number THREE is birthday girl Laura Toogood. The glam Laura simply hit the big 2-5 mark this week and celebrated with friends at Krystle. This alone helped LT to rake in 2987 points! Well, it may have also been the curiosity in recent hair colour evolution - that lady looks FAB no matter what she does!

TWO is the elegant and graceful Leigh Arnold. The later part of '09 has certainly held its trials and tribulations for the dark beauty but no one could have endured it all better. Through out it all Leigh has remained fabulous, beautiful, stylish, composed, sweet and diplomatic. Hang in there Miss Arnold, we know the future holds great things for ya! And even though most of her coverage this week may have been dedicated to the cancellation of RTE's The Clinic, Leigh also used her star power to help out and bring attention to a wonderful cause, The Irish Special Olympics.

Photo from Lili Forberg

This week's number ONE is, surprise, Rosanna Davison. How could it not? Miss Davison pretty much had one ingredient of each of the previous ladies as well as her only natural draw! Just like Hayley she is hott and was spotted and photographed all over the place. Like Glenda, many were intrigued to hear Rosanna's take on the horrid Katy book. She was right by Miss Toogood's side in celebrating her bday, and she also was getting press for her good works - especially the upcoming fundraiser for Children's Hospice at Ouzos Restaurant. All hail Rosie, always the reigning queen!

Photo from ShowBiz.ie

Rounding out the top ten were Louise Kavanagh, Ruth O'Neil, Andrea Corr, Nadine Coyle and Una Healey.

How Cute?!?

For all the talk there has been about too many models posing in bikinis, and all the flack these ladies get about not being proper models, at the end of the day they are adorable, bubbly and seemingly fun loving girls making a living. Not to mention that they are all gorge. Say what you will about hair extensions, make up and fake tan, I think these girls are lovely and I love this picture! Check out Showbiz.ie for the full article and more snaps...Let us be honest - not too many women could look that good in get ups like that! FaBuLoUs!! xxox

Buyer's Remorse BE GONE!

So we've talked about a lot lately about still having the freedom to shop even in the midst of this recession but we are realistic at the same time. We know that even with all the smart shopping, organizing, reevaluating and penny pinching, when you go out on a spree sometimes a few hours later the guilt sets in. Buyer's Remorse! We've all bee there; 'Do I really need this?' 'Did it really look good on me?' 'Do I have anything to wear this with?'

All the previous exercises we've gone through have now assured that the answers to all those questions are yes. If that doesn't help and the baddy thoughts are still there here is a new way to start to look at your purchases;

Let's say you buy a nice warm coat that costs you €275. Now, judging by the cool Irish weather let's say you wear that coat 3 mornings a week to work starting from the second week in October through the end of March. That is 72 uses right there. That is around €3.80 for each use. Don't you think you're OK with spending that to keep you warm and cozy each morning on your way out the door? I buy fashion mags that cost more than that!! This gorge wool-blend coat from Juicy Coture could be yours! A winter coat is easy to excuse, what about a purchase that seems a little more extravagant? Again, even a 90€ bottle of perfume usually has about 500 spritzes in it. A spritz a day until the bottle runs out ends up costing you €1.26 a week! Come on ladies, you can afford that!

Too cool to reuse? Hardly. Even Hollywood's more stylish (or shopping crazed) ladies re wear their fav items! Below see Paris Hilton, sister Niki and even fashion icon Rhianna re-wearing some pieces!

Vintage FAB

Maureen O'Hara...FAB!

Do What You Can

Today is World AIDs Day. Even in a tough economy it is important to remember that there are those out there who are truly suffering and will benefit from even the smallest help. Please do what you can to help this plight throughout out the world.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. "

~Dr. Seuss

Be A Better Shopper Part V: Shopping Smarts

So you've cleaned out the closet, you've evaluated your wants and needs - now it is time to ask yourself some tough questions and then really go out and spend the dough - buyers remorse not included. It is now December and the Holiday season is very much upon us. We need fresh updated winter basics for our day to day looks as well as exquisite extras and eye catching statement pieces to truly make our Christmas Merry! So what is it that you are coveting for this season of parties and dinners? There must be one pieces or item that you know you will literally use almost every day to get you through all the festivities - which means it needs to look good, fit and last. We all know, that Holy Trinity of clothing doesn't come cheap so this might be a pricey purchase so I am going to teach you a new guilt free way of approaching shopping! Below is a list of Holidays '09 essentials that will help pull together and polish off any outfit and will always be worth the splurge!

• A Tailored Blazer- A Classic black blazer that fits and compliments your shape is a solution to almost any outfit problem. Whether it's being worn to the office, over a top and jeans or atop a super feminine dress it helps to polish the entire look and chase away any bit of winter chill.

This Smythe Les Vestes blazer with it's cropped sleeves and tuxedo-like satin embellishments works wonderfully for this season as it is dressy enough for any Holiday Do, and encompasses the very in 'boyfriend-style' trend of this winter. Available now at Harvey Nichols for right around €625.

• Cocktail Dress- Yea I know, duh. But in reality, many ladies think they can coast through the Christmas season with a smattering of glittery tops, crisp jeans and the occasional pair of black leggings or pants. Those will get you through a few nights out and your girlfriend's miniature faux tree-trimming party in her flat but what about your office party? Christmas dinner at Gran's? Cocktails with the BF's parents? You gotta kick it up a notch! No matter what body type you may be there is an LBD out there that will make you feel glamorous.

This black lace overlay dress from DV8 is amazing for €45! Just glam enough - it can be dressed up or down with accessories depending upon the occasion, is subtly sexual buy showing just the right amount of skin! With the scoop back you can throw a cropped jacket over it for the office party and take it off when you hit the club after!

• Showstopping Heels! - Even the more conservative of ladies can get behind this! You may keep the rest of you all buttoned up - whether at work or out on the lash - but you let your inner sex kitten out when it comes to your shoes! Whether they are strappy, embellished, brightly coloured or just sky-high, eye catching pumps are a great investment piece - especially during party season!

Nobody does stand out heels like Mr. Manolo Blahnik and lucky us Irish girls, we can snap them up at Brown Thomas! (Price upon request) Don't these red satin bow numbers just scream Happy Christmas?!?! Statement Necklace- storing a truly fab glitzy necklace in your purse can take a casual-chic office look right to cocktails and dancing. With so much black getting worn in the winter months, it is nice to be able to out on the glitz with one really bold chunk piece. Where last winter it was the cocktail ring, this year everyone will be wearing the bib necklace. Though the name sounds silly, it really articulates what the babies -seen all over the winter catwalks - are!

This black satin and crystal bib from Vera Wang is to die for! I Love the rosettes and think it is just the right combo of over the top/understated glamour! If you aren't looking to go all out these actually make a really easy DIY project with the right materials and a little bit of creativity!

Mixing one or possibly two of these pieces with your current wardrobe staples and holiday pieces can really make the difference in your Holiday look and attitude! Not sure what it is that is worth it to you? When you are out in the shops in the coming days and weeks ask yourself a couple of questions before you head up to the cashier with your goods;

• Does this fit the way it really should or does it only fit the bod I pretend to have in my head? If the answer here is yes that's great but, don't run to check out just yet. Fitting is key but isn't the only reason you should make a clothing purchase, especially on expensive items.
• Am I using ever muscle in my body to stop myself from putting this on right now and running out the door? Another yes? That is great. I think we all know it is very rare to find a piece of clothing we absolutely aaaddddooooore that fits well too!
• Will I want to wear this next month? How about for the next season? What about come this time next year? A truly versatile piece that can you transition from winter to early spring that is stylish yet you have a hunch just classic enough to still be hott next year is the Holy Grail of clothing.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Pay the girl and get outa there before some other smart shopper snatches it from yours hands and is out the door! Happy Shopping Kiddies!! xxox

Be A Better Shopper IV: Know Your Limitations; The LOVE List

So you made your need list and all your needs have been met. You've paid your rent, have credit in your phone, stocked your kitchen with more than 'Pot Noodles' and suprise suprise, you've still got some extra dough! Yipee - time to break out your 'Love' list and do some shopping! Oh you didn't make a 'Love' list yet? Silly me! Your 'Love' list should be chock full of things that you love. The things that make you you and show off your unique style. Shapes, colours, accessories and even beauty products that may not be totally necessary for day to day survival but you adore, and having them make you happy. Maybe you like an insanely stylish embellished pair of jeans that doesn't really translate into your daytime wardrobe. Buy one pair anyway for your nights on the tiles! Maybe they don't go from day to night but you love them and you deserve to have them! Perhaps you can't make it through the week with out some crazy expensive eye cream or highlights from FAV colourist. Go ahead and get them. What are on my personal Love list? Great red lippy, statement heels, my signature scent and more!

Love List by EmeraldApple featuring Chanel shoulder bags No they aren't on your essentials list, but you've got the dosh and they make you smile. You're a hard working lady, go for it and enjoy - no buyers remorse, totally guilt free. Bills paid, you've got the clothes you need from your essentials list, you can still enjoy a few luxuries, recession or not! Happy Shopping! xxox

Spotted Out - Mid November Part Deux

Residence, St. Stephen's Green, was awash of Celags and Fabu types Wednesday evening! A-Listers abound to toast the opening of Total Management Ireland. Tara O'Connor, resident PR goddess was surrounded by friends and clients alike to support and celebrate her new business venture.

One gorge attendee told me that the evening was all about 80s for many of the glam ladies in attendance, rocking new spins on some of the decades most prized fashion trends: "sculpted shoulder pad jackets [were] the must have item. Rosanna Davison wore hers emblazoned with sequins, whilst Xpose presenter Lisa Cannon opted for a sleek black style, and model Laura Toogood wore hers in striking purple"

Claudine Palmer was full on WAG-alicious donning a Roberto Cavalli dress and embellished stilettos but her best accessory? Mum Joan!

Hayley Rock was demure pairing her classy dress with Chanel pearls, totally hott single lady Leigh Arnold chose this season's sex on a stick slashed leggings while Andrea Roche, who happened to being doing double celebratory duty, arrived with husband PJ Mansfield looking fabulous, relaxed and beautiful!

Not enough mega-watt glam you say? Also partying it up on the night, Assets models Diana Donnelly and Suzanne McCabe, Katie-Jane Goldin, Virginia Macari, and Chloe Arnold, arm in arm with hottie boyfriend and music star, Justin Manville. Jealous yet? We know we are...xxox!

Spotted Out - Mid November 09

As you can probably tell, I've been really slacking the past week! I'm really sorry folks and I promise the rest of my Recession Era Shopping Posts are coming shortly but for now, wet your style whistle with some Society news courtesy of of one of my many gLaM spies! xxox "The Annual Race Against Breast Cancer Day recently took place at Leopardstown Pavillion. Ireland's glitterati were out in force to help raise money for Breast Cancer Ireland. The guest list was scattered with many high profile guests. Rosanna Davison arrived looking radiant in a black and red coat which she wore over a stunning dress. Rosanna was accompanied by Wesley Quirke and her parents. Chris de Burgh even gave a highly appreciated impromptu live performance at the event. Rosanna was joined at her table by model best friend Laura Toogood, who made her first public appearance since darkening her hair. A number of well known personalities were in attendance including TV stars, Brendan Courtney, Sinead Desmond and Aisling O’Loughlin. Assets models Sarah McGovern and Aoife Cogan turned heads in their striking outfits. Mary Kennedy acted as MC for the afternoon. Tina Koumarianos of Image magazine wore a striking hat and former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds had the pleasure of celebrating his birthday on the day. The event, which is now in its fourth year of running, raised over €290,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland"

Be a Better Shopper III:Know Your Limitations - The Essentials

So now you've got all this empty space in your wardrobe and drawers but, can you shop again? I mean we are in a recessions people!! It is all over the news! Shouldn't I be hoarding any and all cash I have in a shoe box under my bed?

Well yes and no! Yes you can shop! No - do not hide your money in your flat that is a seriously bad idea for numerous reasons!

Back to the shopping! During your previous great wardrobe purge, you may have parted with more than just pieces too trendy and what not. You may have gotten rid of some items that you love and can't live without but had gotten into raggy shape. These are the first things you need to shop for.

So, stay organized!

Start out by making a list. There are staples that you need in your collection, they make life, and getting dressed in the morning, easier and more fabulous!

When we've talked to some of Ireland's fashion and style elite we've asked them what their essentials for all are. Fionnuala Bourke suggested good bras and undergarments, noting the importance of how they make your body look and the rest of your clothing fit. She also said to always have on hand some "sexy high heels,a pair of jeans that you feel amazing in, and...you're good to go!" Darren Kennedy suggested it is wise to to invest in a "good coat, shoes, grooming".

So, time to make the list. Get out a pad and make three columns with the following headers;

Need, Want, Love!

The Need Column are the staples. Really try to limit to to multipurpose essentials and versatile pieces that will make you work and social life glamorous and easy. Our suggestions?

• wel tailored black pants
• the perfect pencil skirt
• a crisp white shirt
• pumps that go from day to night
• the perfect LBD
• interview ready suit(if your line of work calls for it)

Wardrobe Essentials by EmeraldApple featuring Yves Saint Laurent shoes

We also agree with Fionnuala and Darren, good jeans are a must have. Find a pair that fit you well and make your ass look great and buy it tow or three different washes and/or styles. These will save your life over and over again.

A really good, warm, high quality yet fashionable and well fitting coat is a big must. We all know the weather here, you can't get away with not having a coat. Spend the money and get one that you like, looks good, does it's job and you can wear to the club, to the office and the shop.

All these pieces may seem a bit bland but think of it as your blank canvas, or the white walls of your flat. It is the items you put on your Want and Love lists that will add colour and style to your outfits - these pieces are your fashion foundation waiting to be built on!