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

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; 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!

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!

Fall Fashion 09 - Shop Local; Dresses!

The last few weeks of Summer become the perfect opportunity for designers and fashion houses to dress the biggest Hollywood stars in whatever look they are hoping to push for fall. The red carpet doubles as a a Fall Runway and all the 'It' girls don what we mere mortals will spend the Autumn /Winter trying to recreate!

The close of this Summer has seen one very particular trend flooding ever press call, premiere and showbiz fete; The long sleeve Mini Dress with Statement Shoulders!

Kristen Bell -House of LavandeRachel McAdams - Emilio Pucci Molly Sims - 3.1 Philip Lim Michelle Monaghan - Rachel Roy

Camilla Bell - Chloe

Normally, girls (me) see these pictures in the various glossies and immediately hit the world wide web trying to find a dress similar. But is that really necessary? As the recession trudges on, I can't help to think how important it is to shop local and support small and independent Irish business!We have amazing boutiques here throughout Dublin and around the country, all carrying the hottest trends for fall! So, Think Globally but, Shop Locally!

Looking for this dress trend in particular? head to Fran&Jane! With a location in Cork and shops throughout Dublin, Fran&Jane and their line Regine is one of the longest running fashion labels within Ireland, having been founded in 1974 by Fran Nolan. Fran's daughter Laura now heads up the design team and was nice enough to forward me on some new looks that are coming into the shops now and totally capture this big fall trend!

So ladies, it is up to us to bail Ireland out! Let's start our own Economic Stimulus Plan and shop 'til We Drop! Remember; Think Global, Shop Local!

*check out the Regine website or the Fran&Jane fan page on Facebook for locations, store hours and a peak at the collections!

The Fast and the Generous

If Voltaire Diamonds signs on to sponsor an event the probability is very high that it is going to be an all out glam shindig! Couple that with the fact that it is for an extraordinary cause and the fabulousness of thelaunch party, and it is pretty much a done deal that Ireland's First Annual Cannon Ball Run is going to be 3 days worth taking part in!

Kicking off at 7 am this Friday morning, the run , in aide of Barrestown Children's Charity, promises to be three days of fun, flash cars and beautiful Irish countryside...oh and did I mention, they are raffling off a Ferrarri 360 Spider, compliments of Richford Motor Company??

The 'Runners' will travel from Dublin, Kinsale, Killarney, Killaloe, Galway and back again, raising money, having laugh and doing really good thing, as each car entry fee (of €500) goes directly to Barrestown.

For those not familiar with Barrestown, it is a children's charity and camp set up by the late Paul Newman;

'Barretstown is a specially designed camp, providing a programme of adventure, activities and fun - backed by the medical world - which helps children with serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem.' Check out their good works for yourself, and if you can't take part this weekend, donate!

Another equally swank sponsor, Residence, held the kick off party a few weeks back and let me tell you, it was a killer party - just check out some pics below! So, do what you can, and if any of you "runners" are out there, let me know! I'd love to post all about the trip and if you have any snaps pass them on!

Spotlight On; Suzanne McCabe

Suzanne McCabe is a highly sought after model with that killer combonation of beauty and brains. Along with all her glitzy model work there seems to be nothing that makes Suzanne happier than working tirelessly for the safety and welfare of animals. We got to know Suzanne a little better when we chatted 'bout work, clothes, partying, boyfriends and puppies!

Describe a typical work week for you as a working Irish model. Luckily there is no such thing as a typical week in modelling. Every day has something different be it fashion shows, press calls, photo shoots for catalogues/ magazines/ company advertising, launches, openings, competition judging, TV work, interviews or castings. Some weeks will be extremely busy, others will be quieter, at which time it is important to keep busy with client go-sees and portfolio work.

What is the biggest misconception about you? models? or modeling?

Probably the idea that you can't have brains as well as beauty. A lot of the modeling jobs require more organisation and self management than a typical job in a company whereby you are given specific work and micro managed by numerous managers. In Ireland there is a misconception that modelling simply requires standing on Grafton street in a bikini. However, this misconception is probably down to the fact that these photo shoots are the ones that get plastered in papers. There is a lot of other work that gets overseen such as fashion shows, clothing and product marketing, fundraising and charity work.

If you read some other blogs and sites, the authors or comments are kind of nasty about a lot of the girls in your industry. How do you deal with negative attention like that?

It comes with the territory. If you are weak skinned then modelling is not the career for you. After a while such commentary, be it negative or positive, rolls off your back. Once you are a strong person who knows your strengths and weaknesses these will serve as your only grounding. Nasty comments say more about the person leaving them than the person they are indicated at.

Is there really a big rivalry between Compton and Assets models or is that just a bunch of smoke?

Is there a rivalry between Compton and Assets? I haven't experienced it to date. Many of my jobs have been inter-agency and we have always gotten on great. It is just a job for us and Ireland is too small a place to be creating enemies. Most of the time we all end up socialising on the weekend together.

Anything exciting coming up for you -work or otherwise- that you are really looking forward to?

I'm really looking forward to the launch of the new PETA anti-fur campaign which is happening this month. I have been chosen as the face of PETA's first Irish campaign, which has previously been done by the likes of Christy Turlington, Pamela Anderson, Eva Mendes, Jamelia etc. It is such a great cause and a good way to get the message across about fur farming in Ireland. It is a little known fact that Ireland has five fur farms, exposing mink and fox to the most cruel existences and death possible. I am also looking forward to joining up with the Animal Rights Action Network this Thursday to campaign against hare coursing in Ireland. I have recently moved to Assets modeling agency, which is pretty exciting and I’m really enjoying working with the girls there.

Being so beautiful, and a model, you must get loads of attention, how does your boyfriend deal with that?Is he supportive of your modeling?

My boyfriend was one of the greatest influences in my decision to leave Management Consulting and take on modeling as a new career. He is incredibly supportive and his help and suggestions have always played a massive part in any work I have undertook. He understands that I am able to manage any unwanted attention and will always be close by my side should I need some extra support. On beginning modeling he went so far as to buy a gym for the house (which has only been used a handful of times since then!).

You are photographed out a lot, are you a party girl, or actually a homebody who just happens to get snapped often?

Do I have to be one or the other? I would consider myself as an extroverted introvert, who enjoys a lot of quiet time but needs to get out and enjoy myself over a few drinks with friends regularly. There is nothing I enjoy more than a night in with a vegetarian domino's pizza watching the late late snuggled up with the family (boyfriend, 2 dogs and 2 cats). Then I'm often reminded that you are only young once, so I'll put on my Ginas and hit the town!

What do you like to do when you are not working? How or where do you chill out and unwind?

Right now I'm spending a lot of time with my new pups trying to train them in. They are stubbornly going to the toilet all over the house. Its never pleasant walking barefoot into a fresh one on your way down to breakfast in the morning. I bring them for walks around Marlay Park or down the pier with the girls.

Other days I will be volunteering in the DSPCA or campaigning with the Animal Rights Action Network. Other than that I love spending time with my sister and nephew who is almost two. Going to the cinema, out for dinner, shopping, eBay-ing, playing tennis, and most recently golfing. I try to get out and do something most evenings as it beats sitting around watching TV and getting lazy! I'm not a TV fan but have been glued to the 24 box set for the past couple of weeks- it is AMAZING! Are you a GLAM girl at heart? Do you like the fashion, the hair, the makeup - Or is it just all part of the job for you?

I am definitely a glam girl at heart. Thus, getting paid for taking a greater interest in all of the things I love is an added bonus for me! I'm often asked to do my friends makeup and nails and would consider taking it up professionally at some stage down the line.

What is the most LUXE item in your personal wardrobe?

Ah...Tough one! I don't have one, rather my seven pairs of Gina shoes.I love them all equally! I'm an awful magpie- anything that sparkles I go nuts for.

Define your personal style. Where do you like to shop? Do you have a FAV designer or fashion house? My style seems to be always re-inventing itself. Its come a long way since my teenage years as a rocker where I'd only be seen in combats, Doc Martins, ripped t-shirts, 'Dennis the Menace jumpers etc. (although some would say it hasn't!!!). I go over to New York once a year to stock up on shopping. For dresses and bling you cant beat Lara Boutique on Dame Lane- their stuff is amazing! My favourite jeans are True Religions and Rock and Republics, but if you don't have the cash to splash you can't beat Bershka for their amazing fitting jeans.

Finally, where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years time?

I don't have any specific map planned out for myself. With such a diverse job you never know which route you will end up going down. I have always had an interest in acting and TV work. However, I could end up with my sleeves rolled up, elbow deep in muck if I decide to give 100% of my time to helping animals. One thing I learned in my last career is never to waste time in life doing something you are not happy in.

OK here are some quick silly rapid fire questions to wrap it up;

5 Things You Will Not Leave the House Without? My two new miniature Yorkie puppies Zantac Compass Phone Nutri Grain Bar!!!

FAV Place in the whole wide world?

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

FAV Smell?

Burning turf - reminds me of growing up down on my Grandparents farm!

FAV Junk-food?

Domino's pizza, Vegetarian Pad Thai, Ben and Jerry's Phish food, pancakes, Cornettos, Marshmallows, Breaded Onion Rings and Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce! Mmmmm!

FAV Cocktail?

I tried a new cocktail in New York this year and have been trying to recreate it since. It was a White Chocolate Martini, where the glass was dipped in melted white chocolate first so it all drips down the side....HEAVEN!

Handbags or shoes?

Shoes! Ginas or Terry de Havillands

Lip gloss or perfume?

Perfume (loving 'Flora' by Gucci at the moment)

Thanks Suzanne! I don't know about any of you but after that I want to pull on a sparkly party dress, eat a cornetto and save a baby seal!

Stay tuned for our next Model Spotlight!

Many Hopes for Wedded Bliss...

I am hoping to get my butt back to Dublin so that I can take part in this very important event happening in our own back yards.

The fight for gay marriage is not a fight regarding sexuality, it is a fight for civil rights. Anyone who believes in truth, love, freedom and equality should got involved in this fight, anyway they can.

I hope to see you all there kiddies! xxox

Ferosh!

Grainne Seoige look totally glam in her very 'every the moment' yellow dress by Paule Ka from the Melie-B boutique in Limerick and wicked black heels at the Race Ball.

I'm getting emailed every day by teen girls who have beauty, fashion and even health and self esteem questions that they would like to be able to ask some of the Celagutites (Celebs, Wags & Socialites) and models that I feature on this site. If there are any celags reading this that would like to help in answering some of these adorable questions from the countries next generation of 'It' girls, get in touch! These young ladies really look up to you!!

Tan and Cheeky! Sounds Fab!

This Thursday, June 18th, Vita Liberata will host their 'Tan Your Man' Event at the Liffey Valley Shopping Center to benefit the Irish Cancer Society from 2 to 6 pm!

Several hunky Ulster Rugby players will be stripping down on stage to let gorgeous models like Lauren Bannon Niamh Walsh and Leigh Arnold use the Vita Liberata Spray tan to bronze up their bods and show how easy, natural and luxe it is to get a glowing tan without damaging your precious skin!

Who doesn't want to scope out some rugby players in their skivvies while copping the newest and best faux-glow in a bottle to hit the Irish market!

With the music of the Long Jump John Band, celebs like Baz Ashmay, Ryan Kelly, Celtic Thunder and Mark Pollock all set to appear, and loads of fun to be had by all, this seems like a great way to spend a Thursday evening, all in the name of a very good cause!