Fashion Scenario

Last week I was browsing through the Zara website, and putting together imaginary outfits. Isn't their new collection beautiful? I'm dreaming of....

A sunny stroll in black skinny jeans, a simple white shirt and these slippers

Sipping an iced-tea and admiring the cloudless skies in these effortlessly chic sunglasses

Tossing this blueberry coloured scarf over my shoulders after the sun goes down

And carrying this unbelievably cool umbrella around with me, because I do live in Ireland after all

What's on your wishlist? 

YIKES.

YIKES by fromkate featuring butter london

In less than a month I'll be doing some public speaking, for an hour, to over 200 students. My feelings about it are mixed, I switch (hourly) between "You've got this" to "F&@*&$@"

Is this sufficient justification to buy a pair of Vivienne Westwood shoes?

Tonight, as I lie in bed with a stuffy nose, propped up by pillows, wearing a stained jumper and reapplying Vaseline to my sore lips every few minutes, it feels like pulling this thing off is near impossible. Largely because I haven't even written what I'm going to say yet, let's be real.

p.s. unpictured: tequila shot

A sunny day in Dublin and a Confession

A sunny day in Dublin by fromkate 

This morning looks promising. After (surprise, surprise) the wettest and coldest July in Ireland for 40 years, this Thursday  the skies seem to be defending themselves against all the complaints and have brought some much needed brightness to the streets. Rain is forecast for later, but at the moment it feels like it might not come and I have high hopes that picking up a bubble tea on my way into work and wearing open-toe sandals and sunglasses could be the order for the day. 

You might have noticed that the blog has been a little quiet over the past few weeks. To tell you the truth, I'm still finding my voice over here. It feels like there's so much to write about and so much that has already been said that I keep feeling a bit foggy about where I want to take this space, what I want to write about, what to engage with, what to draw attention to, and what to discuss. I don't want to try too hard to form a niche identity and impose it on this blog because I'm sure that (for me) that will feel forced and insincere, so I'm planning on flying by the seat of my pants for a while... and I really do hope that you'll stay around for the ride.

 

Lady Lucy Duff Gordon

One, Two, Three, Four

Today in 1863 Lucy Duff Gordon was born. Best known as an Edwardian fashion designer, and founder of one of the first global fashion brands 'House of Lucile'. Lady Lucy designed unique 'personality' dresses for her wealthy clients. Part of her appeal was the edge of naughtiness she introduced into the fashion world. Her 'Gowns of Emotion' were given sexy names like Give Me Your Heart, and The Sighing Sound of Lips Unsatisfied. Can you imagine wearing one of those?! And her 'Money Dresses' were so called because they were unbelievably expensive. Famously headstrong and fiery, she was also a survivor of the Titanic although some scandal did surround her escape. The lifeboat she boarded had a capacity for 40, but rowed away with just 12 people on board; it was later referred to as the 'millionaire's lifeboat'. Lady Duff Gordon was accused of refusing to return to look for survivors in case the boat was swamped. Though she denied these claims and refused to be vilified, the family (particularly her husband Sir Cosmo) never fully recovered from the experience. By 1919 however, her business had become outmoded and cracks began to show. A woman who was once of  celebrity status, hounded by photographers and featuring in magazines and newspapers became bankrupt, and had to learn (in her old age) how to catch the bus in the rain. She died peacefully, if penniless, at the age of 71 in a London nursing home. Isn't that a fascinating story?

p.s. this is a brilliant article on LDG in case you'd like to read more about her

Moonstones

One, Two, Three, Four

Do you like gemstones? I think I often prefer them to more expensive stones like diamonds and sapphires (though, FYI, I wouldn't refuse diamonds or sapphires). I've recently discovered my favorite gemstone: the moonstone. I love its muted tones of grey and iridescent white, and bezel set in simple gold the moonstone is understated and stunning. As June draws closer, and with it the Victorian reading challenge, I thought it might be fitting if I put The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins at the top of my reading list, and perhaps once I've finished reading it I might treat myself to a pair of those earrings.

Tuesday Night at the Concert Hall

Tuesday Night at the Concert Hall by fromkate 


Bit of a catch up needed this week (oops I was too busy having fun!) On Tuesday night I went to watch the Britten Sinfonia at the Concert Hall. It was very relaxing, like a massage for the ears. I feel like it would have been the perfect occasion for pale pink lipstick, that skirt and those shoes.