Tonight!!

Tis the season to be jolly (and for nice things) ;) Merry Christmas Smudgers! 

It's a wonderful time of the year; there's the Christmas markets (Continental one in Galway), lights and ornaments go up all around the city, and the spectacular window displays in Brown Thomas (Galway, Limerick, Cork and Dublin) go up. And they are beautiful! 

What makes your Christmas Smudgers?? 🎄

I know that a lot of colleges and universities were hosting Christmas dinners on campus over the past month, and in little ole LSAD there was a yummy Turkey going around. However, nothing could have been as good as the chicken and mash me and my friends made last night! :) this is something I think everyone should do; get a group of friends, throw on a set amount of bean each, head to aidl (that €3.99 Baron wine is divine!) and cook with the aid of Christmas tunes! 🎊 not only was it great fun but everyone was helping out - we had carrot peelers, potato peelers, chicken stuffers, and me on wine supervision and desert - my gluten free Red Velvet cake and gluten free Nutella cupcakes didn't turn out half bad! Call me Freaky Crocker ^_^ 

Now onto more serious stuff; last post I was on my way to the Neostrata event on the House Hotel, Galway, where I was pampered with hand peel, told extensively about the Neostrata products and who they cater to, and got some goodies! Let me tell you folks, its brill! ! Using the Neostrata Refine products since the event now, and my makeup stays on longer and feels lighter :) Of course, because my skin is insanely sensitive, I did get a few blemishes due to the change of my daily facial routine but it's all good now. So go get yourself a tester if you feel like your cleanser isn't doing exactly what it says on the tin or you're just in need of a boost! 

Life never stops going! Tonight, if you didn't get my tweet (@FreakySmudge), is not only the second Style in the City event, but also the Into the West Blogger Network Christmas Party :) I'm so excited!! Style in the City will be starting at around 7 with a fashion stalls and a fashion show at half 7. Taking place again in the Stock Exchange on Shop Street, Galway. There's no way to miss it as I can imagine there will be a massive queue of people outside! The event tonight is in aid of two charities, Jigsaw Galway & the Brothers of Charity, in association with Aidan Judge Stylist, Cotton Face, BecBoop.ie and the Stock Exchange Bar. 

Thee will be pictures so make sure to check out my Facebook page and Tweety account! If any Smudgers find themselves in Galway tonight then you know the only place to be is at Style in the City :) Can't wait to see the itwbn crowd again - it's been too long 💝 

Later Smudgers- Freaky's got to get her face on! 

XOXO

F.S.

Wicked

Awh my Smudgers its a fab day when the childhood masterpiece that is "The Fox and The Hound" is on telly in the am:) Unfortunately I'm going to have to go to college in ten minutes and miss the rest! But hey that's life! 

Today is very exciting nonetheless because Freaky will be travelling up to Galway tonight for the Neostrata event - cocktails, a hand peel and skin analysis! What an evening! At the last Into The West Blogger Network #itwbn event, we were given complimentary Neostrata products and let me say that my face was so smooth and soft, you could have eaten your dinner off it! 

 

I'll be dolling up tonight but for college, and life, I've taken on a new approach with my fashion style; "Dress Like You're Already Famous" - i-D Magazine quote. So that's what I'm going to do! The latest edition of i-D (which I think everyone should read because it is a fantastic magazine) focused on beauty; what beauty means to people and how it effects them. We all have the potential to be beautiful, it just takes us looking at our own reflection long enough to realise it. 

My look today is inspired by the New Jersey clothing line "Gyspy Warrior" (I can't afford their clothes so I've improvised :p ) #gypsywarrior ; I've a brand new choker from Blondedge #chokeblondedge , a black sheer vintage skirt from Cotton Face #cottonface , and an "Up All Night" from Topshop. The shoes are my own D.I.Y. Disco shoes (for more on them flick through my posts). Sorry for the crappy pic Smudgers 

Well you'll be hearing more from me tonight! 

XOXO

F.S.

When in Doubt...

Hey Smudgers, 

So it's been quite the roller-coaster lately; college is a mess. Anyone in First year Art and Design will punch you if you ever say "so you draw all day?" because we work our asses off and there's no one there to see it! It's great that out of over 800 applicants, 220 of us got in. But we got into the college, no our courses. So while we're all partying together and leaning on one another for support in this whirlwind, we're all enemies. I get a sick feeling in my stomach when I think that I mightn't get into Fashion and I'm changing my project for the 4th time! 

Right now Smudgers I'm supposed to be studying but I'm so wiped (between antibiotics and my second round of root canal treatment) that I can't even focus. 

But there has to be a way. I'm one of those people that believe everything happens for a reason and that if you wait for things to happen in your life, you'll never live. I'm going to get up off my ass after this post and work!! 

Think about it, everything around you is made or constructed by someone with a drive and a dream and a little backbone. I'm writing this on my Mac computer, listening to my IPhone - Steve Jobs WORKED! All the artists whose music I'm listening to, from Jimmy Eat World to Lady Gaga to Slipknot - they WORKED! All the clothing websites I've saved to my bookmarks, from Vivienne Westwood to Forever 21 to Drop Dead - they WORKED! 

'A Girl Should be Two things; WHO & WHAT SHE WANTS' - Coco Chanel 

I know I promised the pics of FWs but despite my hours of scanning through all the fashion shows this season, I've lost all the pictures that I loved - I really don't get technology!! I was so angry after I lost the pictures that I went shopping :/ I can't even find the hashtag key on the keyboard; fml....

Halloween is coming up with severe speed (lol tomorrow) and I will be travelling down to Cork city to attend the Freakscene Halloween event in the Savoy Hotel so expect some rocking pictures - it's supposed to be amazing! What are all the Smudgers dressing up as this Halloween?? There's two types of girls at Halloween which I love because you kind of see who is fun and who is the evil slut that just wants to be sexy :P Girls; live a little! I'll be going as a broke student so SUGAR SKULL - Loving all the skull makeup takes with this look; some are so elegant and wicked so here I go! 

Mark your calendars by the way Fashionistas because 'Style in the City 2' is coming back on the 10th of December to Galway and I CANNOT WAIT! If it's anything like last time it will be truly unforgettable and full of fun and yummy cocktails! Another thing to save up for in London is the Alexander McQueen; Savage Beauty exhibition which will take place from March to June/July - I'm going! 

When in doubt, Travel! I live by this rule too much which is why my bank account has seen better days... But I'm currently on a quest to get my friends to got to Paris with me for a few days, I just want to go away to a beautiful city and forget my troubles :) but sadly no one is really tagging along... IF I HAVE TO GO ALONE I WILL (believe!). Every day is a new adventure and a new day to be someone new. Every night the you from yesterday dies and what you wake up with in the mornings is the memories and a little baggage, but you can change everything in a day :)

So I'm going to change today because the me of today is wasting away and there's been no fun had (and no study done either..) So later Smudgers ^_^

XOXO

F.S.

WDF?!!

Hey Smudgers, for some reason I can't see my latest post on the blog so here's the link;
http://freakysmudge.blogspot.ie/2014/09/college-times.html

Enjoy!

College Times

Smudgers it's been one hell of a road this past while!

A/W Fashion is taking over my life and I'm addicted, there's no turning back!! I'm gonna wait til Tokyo Fashion Week wraps up (because wow) before giving ye all a scoop of my thoughts on everything fashionie and funky! 

In other distressing news, Joan Rivers has left the building. Yes, an icon in media and fashion, and an idol of mine. I honestly respected that woman so much;  she was ballsy and fierce, and look at all the things she accomplished in her life! If I'm still doing what I love like her at that age I will consider myself a very happy person indeed. I think it would have made her laugh, seeing all the tweets from celebs giving their thoughts and blessings to "Melissa and Conor".... It's Cooper guys, do the research!! :p And Fashion Police will never be the same... I think the whole reason I watched that show was to see her slam some fashion sense into those celebrities. Did you know that the question we love to ask "Who are you wearing?" came from Joan and Melissa Rivers. No one asked that before them. Oh Joan <3 

Well we're hitting the month of October and the last month had been all about getting back to school or college after summer.., oh course if you're a Fresher/Freshman/First Year, then it's been party month!!! ^_^ you've joined 14 societies, made some new friends , gotten sick on a doorstep, and you know you kissed someone in your course last week but still aren't sure who?! :) because that's what it's all about! But I'm going to be a total mom for a minute and just like to remind ye about taking care of your alcohol intake because I didn't the other night and thank God I had a fantastic friend with me to take care of me because I was such a fool. Also, if you're in a bad mood don't drink to "blow off some steam", that's not how it works. So be careful guys! 

But college is great fun! For some, me included, you're living away from home. Leave me a comment to let me know how that's going, even if you're not a first year! It can be difficult at times and you've probably been told back home that you look malnourished or something :p and you're apartment probably smells funky! Do you like the people you're living with?? Are they strangers or friends?? Missing home?? Let me know :) 

Right now I'm on the bus back to the Limerivk School of Art and Design! My dream college since I was in 5th year and I got in. :) Loving it in Limerick but college is still work; we have a project for the semester about "what if?" - Thats our entire project, how vague! I think I know what I'm doing but I thought of 5 other things along with it and attempted to mix them together so now I've confused myself! Great job Freaky ^_^ actually my dear Smudger, question? If you could create a society what would it be called and what would you do?? My friends and I wanted to start the Secret Rave Society but the idea wasn't too solid, so I'm taking this to the floor :) 

Well Smudgers, I'm going to love ye and leave ye but keep in touch for my A/W Fashion post, coming to a device near you! 

XOXO 

F.S. 

Getting Creative!!

My attempt at creating my own Saint Laurent Disco Shoes with these pair of Penneys boots, glitter glue and glitter :)

Step #1:

Here's the beauts of boots I got in Penneys for 16 euro, and then the 10 euros worth of glitter and glitter glue that I got at Arts & Hobbies in the Galway Shopping Centre.

Step #2:
To keep the place clean I surrounded the shoe and glitter in a big black bin bag, however, it's glitter so it's gotten everywhere so maybe do this outside or something to keep things tidy.

Cover the entire shoe in glue so the  you can pour the glitter all over it in one go, you'll need about two of the little glitter bottles for each shoe. The glitter glue is clumpy so get an old paint brush to spread it and flatten it down. Also another tip I didn't use myself, get duct-tape and put it over the parts, if any, that you want to keep the glitter off.



Step #3:
And Ta Dah - leave to dry over night and you have your own pair of hot boots :) Give it a go and send me pics!!

Farewell Smudgers 

XOXO

F.S.

Fashion in Vienna and Prague

Hey Smudgers,

Well college starts next week so yesterday I finished up my job working at XR Marketing :( but the fun doesn't end there as right now I'm on a bus up to Dublin with the crew to go to the annual business rally in The Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield! I learned so much from this job. 

I know people have their reservations about commission based work but honestly, for my age group, I think it's the perfect job; my pay check every week was based on my own hard work and effort, if I was lazy I didn't make money that day but if I worked my ass off I got my recognition. I dealt with rejection on a daily basis and while it sounds like it would tear you down, I built my cobnfidence up by miles and took on an indifferent attitude to those who were rude to me and keep a smile on my face. Commission jobs create amazing work ethic for those who stick with it, and I'd recommend it to any college student for the summer! 

I'm so hungry right now and all I can think of is that amazing lunch we had in the Gaslight Bar (Hotel Meyrick, Galway) at #itwbn. Lovely menu there and right in the heart of the city Gaslight as a lunch Venus. 

Open each day for coffees and scones from 10 and then you can get a delicious meal from 11am to 10pm. Whether your thing is fancy sambos, wraps, soups or big juicy mains for two or a party of more, the friendly staff won't keep you waiting. Ideal location for your mum's next birthday, your brother's engagement bash, or a classy work night out :) 

A hopping House DJ will play your tune while you sip cocktails and nibble on party food on weekends. Or go out with the fam any night of the week at 2 courses for €23 or 3 for €30. 

Always great fun to a unique theme and feel free to join the Gaslight Bar for their next Supper Club on the 26th of September for a "Taste on the Bay" as they conduct a playful fish themed menu to celebrate the Galway International Oyster Festival! Nom! 

Speaking of Festivals, I have recently returned from the FM4 Frequency Festival in St Polzen, Austria ^_^ it was AMAZING; if you like the kinds of Jimmy Eat World, Rudimental, Blink 182, Queens of the Stone Age, and Lily Allen - then this is the festival for you! 

It's mucky I won't lie but fancy pentagon shaped bathrooms await you in the arena (if you don't mind waiting in line), but crazy stalls offering piercings, clothes, temporary tattoos and food fit for rockers are scattered everywhere! This year's theme was outer space so the stages had "We Come In Peace" signs and robotic invaders dotted on boards.

But let's talk fashion; Festival was mostly ripped jeans with boots, statement tank tops, floral backpacks, leather jackets with studs or plaid shirts, and baseball caps :) 

 

Moving away from the festival and down to beautiful Vienna; the Daily wear was very efficient, jeans being an essential part of this. T-shirts and jackets, runners and sensible flats. Lots of v necks actually.... And not a heel in sight! Like everyone was pretty tall anyway but no heels were worn on the Austrain streets. 

And then I got a 4/5 hour bus to Prague aka Praha! Now I didn't plan my trip abroad in the slightest, usually I do something but yolo, so when I hopped into a taxi to the wonderful Art Noveau Palace Hotel and the guy says, "That'll be 480" - I went white until the nice man told me that was like €6 :) so remember that €1 is 27.90 czk and don't be surprised is you get a bill of 1,000!! 

The fashion in Prague is much the same as Vienna but it's more easy to spot the fashion conscience people; they walk with their designer label bags in the streets of the Old Town, there's usually a pair of shades somewhere on their apparel, and they look serious. People on a mission! 

If you need a place to go for lovely food, music and some fun in Prague, I'd suggest going to Caffreys Irish Bar in Old Town - amazing fun, and the hot bartender is actually from Wexford :) I had to laugh at the Irish Car Bomb beer! 

  

Well that's all from me Smudgers, almost at Dublin now! 

XOXO

F.S. 

      

Into the West #itwbn

Evening Smudgers,  

And a simply fantastic one it has been for me because I found myself at the Into the West Blogger Network! #itwbn :) Not only was the food yummy but the many beautiful and bubbly bloggers I met were lovely! 

I haven't been to a blogger party in a good few months and it was so nice to walk into a room full of laid back, easy to talk to people! I learnt quite a bit today but I still have no clue what a media kit is... Google??

I know that in life many of us feel the pressure to succeed and be the best etc.,  but something that we all need to realize is that no successful person got where they are today without a smudge of help from someone else. That's why I love people; everyone can teach you something, be it good or bad (mostly good I hope!). Today I learnt the importance of consistent blogging and what the right kind of publicity is for your blog, and how to get it. I've a lot of work to do but now I feel like I've people I can look to for advice :) thanks guys!! 

And a major huge thanks to the wonderful Sinead for hosting it ( http://www.yummymummy.eu.com/ ) ^_^ Walking into the Hotel Meyrick's Gaslight Bar & Brassier, Galway, to find everyone snapping pics of the drinks - yes I'm in the right place! 

As we chatted and took our seats Sinead said a few words and mentioned that we say a big thanks to our sponsors (many many sponsors!) and the special guests from iNailz. I'd heard about people getting images printed onto their nails but seeing it is cool! I kept scrolling through my iPhone for funny pictures or something  but in the end I didn't get anything, my nails are.... not in their best state at the moment. Wendy and Colin from iNailz passed around their catalogue to show us the hundreds of different prints and patterns you could get on your nails. 

iNails is based up in Dublin and I would most definitely give them a peek! ( http://www.inailz.ie/ ). Like you really can get anything, so Too Dolly Makeup ( http://toodollymakeup.blogspot.ie/ ) got herself some Beyonce nails - Lucky thing :) 

Time went by very fast and the fashion in the room was to die for; between floral kimonos and studded boots I was in heaven! There was the Best Dressed Blogger vote and many prizes to be given away, and a colossal amount of Twitter updates and new Instagram followers :) We also had our own Instagram board which I wish I owned!!! 

Siobhan ( http://www.dreaminginsequins.com/ )                                Regina ( http://gueststogarters.com/ )

It really was a great evening and all the better to part with a goodie bag in hand -spoiled! Thanks Sponsors!<3

No doubt I will be at the next itwbn party and am so happy I met loads of amazing bloggers today with so much to offer, be it advice or a friendly smile :)

Well that's all from me tonight Smudgers but keep posted :P

XOXO

F.S.

Summer and what's it's cracked up to be

Well Smudgers we all know the hype before, during and after summer; the beach body ready, the intense bronzing sessions, and must-have sun-attracting shades! But for any college student without an unlimited wad of cash, it means plenty of time sitting on your ass or finding a job to support booze filled nights out with the usual suspects (with hopes of meeting some unusually hot strangers). 

We all torture ourselves with those Instagram, tumblr or weheartit pics; you know the ones of fit, boho trending individuals jumping into 5star pools with the sunset reflecting off their pearly white teeth. You want to be them! They're the very image of summer!! So here's a little list of must do's to cope with your minimal budget, limited days off and bipolar weather (especially if you live in Ireland!). 

1. Feed the ducks (it's a bit of good karma for you). My friends loved it!! 

2. Get a job with friends! Even if just just giving out flyers you get to have a laugh and make some $$$ (Ok It's more like $) :) 

3. Go paint balling! It's a fitness workout like no other and your muscles will ache for days but it's a good feeling when your friend has been on your nerves all week and you get to shoot them in the shin! Priceless!

4. Go to the fun fair! If like me it's been a few years why not go! Have a few drinks, eat some candyfloss and ride the rollercoaster that is the teacups :) 

5. Hot yoga. This was on my summer list with my friends and I'd give it a 100/100!! It's fantastic and you can burn hundreds of calories for those of you counting :p Find your inner balance or fall over it's a must! 

6. Camping! All you need is a field, face wipes and some Pringles, this is an easy way to have fun, I got a tent in Lidl for €20 and found an old sleeping bag- sorted! He's mid hashtag! #wilderness 

 

7. Go to a festival; this day next week I will be on a plane to Spain's biggest music festival, Benicassim! If you yourself are going drop me a comment :) This is also why we went camping, in order to prepare ourselves for Beni and all that comes with it. Kasabian, Lily Allen, Jake Bugg, Ellie Goulding and Example are but a few names that will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of FIB with me and my buddies :) 

8. Do something for charity! Whether it's a run, gig or just a few hours of your time, it's nice to help other people out and get your friends involved! I've done loads of voluntary work with my friends and it's honestly been some craic. And when people see you smiling and laughing on the streets they're more likely to stop and listen to what you have to say, or possibly donate a few bob. 

9. Movie night! I know it might be a gorgeous day outside but sometimes I just want to watch a movie; have a Disney movie day, and if you do watch the Aristocats because it's wonderful :) or  have a Die Hard night, which is tomorrow night for me (I know I've seen it like 9 times but it's just so good!) 

10. Go to a media launch or fashion show or some event! Try get yourself on a VIP list or just go somewhere where you can be glam, fancy and rich for a night :) it doesn't matter if you end up in Mc Donald's you'll look hot! I'll be snapping pics at the website launch for Cotton Face Vintage out in Spiddal on Saturday. It will be unforgettable, knowing the amazing Sinead ❤️ Why not come out too! 

Well that's all I've got for you guys right now but stay up to date with Freaky Smudge for your random dose 

XOXO

F.S. 

Summer time

Well my Smudgers it truly has been long but not to worry, Freaky is back!!

I'm not going to bore you with why it's been so long but life has a tendency to fly by and it really has! 

I hope you've been keeping up with all your fashion news; the Met this year honoured a couturier close to my heart, Charles James. I wish that I could have been there to celebrate his creations and see them for myself but someday :) 

I also hope that you're tuning into the Uk's Channel 5's Big Brother, and cheering for our Northern Star, Miss Ashleigh Coyle! #BBASHLEIGH

Well summer is upon us as we rock into mid Jube and all our Leaving Certificate victims tear down the walls of Secondary education! I remember mine... Not really actually it's more of a repressed memory than anything else! 

What's going on in the local around me; 

tonight in the G hotel there was a glamourous fashion show sporting pieces by Irish designers that have taken the world by storm! Garments from my personal favourite, Natalie B Coleman, were to be seen! 

On the 21st of June, Cotton Face Vintage in Spiddal will be hosting an event in celebration of their website launch :) I was on set for their first photo-shoot for the launch last week and I must say that exciting things are coming our way! 

Flea Style Market, originally known as Pandora's Thrift Box, gets ready for its 2year birthday! The thrift market takes place the last Saturday of every month in the Electric Nightclub's Factory on Lower Abbeygates Street, Galway. On the 28th of June there will be prizes go leor to be won, balloons and cupcakes :) Free entry for all from 12-5.30pm. 

Well that's all from a sleepy Freaky tonight kids, it's good to be back :)

XOXO

FS

Freaky's Wardrobe

Hey Smudgers, what's up??

So Valentine's Day is hitting us tomorrow and maybe you need a gaviscon for all the mushy love that's travelling near and far! I hate that whole 'lonely single heart' crap that pops it's head up around this time of year; maybe you're single because no one can stand the sight of you (haha like MOI!) :) or you are just because you are! Whether you're snuggling up to a lover or a hot water bottle make sure you keep warm in this weather.

                "Dear God - WDF IS GOING ON UP THERE?!?!?!"

The weather is seriously all over the place - storms, rainfall, trees falling, and now SNOW?! People in Kerry and Cork were told not to leave their homes the last day and there were reports of a mini tornado in Mayo :O Not the season to be wearing short skirts anyway; Marilyn would have frozen her ass off in this weather!

So far this year it's been a bit topsy turvy :/ I'm one of the many students this year getting my portfolio ready for admissions into art college, and with life in a clutter I'm going to reline my chakras... Nah ta hell I'm selling some clothes :P

If you by chance find yourself in Galway city on the 22nd of February head on up to the Electric Garden on Lower Abbeygate Street where I will be selling some of my most cherished pieces! My rule: if I haven't worn it in a year I probably won't wear it again. So my stall will be called "Freaky's Wardrobe" and I'll make it pretty with lights and stuff ^_^ I've some vintage pieces and clothes from all over the world so make sure to have a look at Freaky's Wardrobe!

Speaking of Fashion and all things nice, do we love the A/W season so far??? So far my must-sees are Zimmermann, Desigual and Diane Von Furstenberg but there's still so much to see :) Check out the Freaky Smudge facebook page so you can get all your A/W 14 NYC pics and updates in a flash - www.facebook.com/freakysmudgeishere :P Here's a little taster..

Desigual

 Diane Von Furstenberg

                                                  

Zimmermann

This season we have traveled back to primary colours but I gotta say it's about time! With all the new high technology and experiments with different materials and the structure of garments, it's nice to be brought back to basics :) 

So that's all from me :) Let me know your Valentine's Day plans and enjoy the crazy weather <3

XOXO

Freaky Smudge

Kicking it in NYC

New York Fashion Week has kicked off again for another catwalk special - Ready to Wear A/W 14 :)

And of course it's great!!! There's lots to look forward to with the law of the season set in order; one can see a clash between the warm red and oranges of autumn and the harsh greys and whites of winter. It's hard to even talk about winter with summer right around the corner ( although it REALLY doesn't feel like it :P ).
But no matter how cold it gets, there's always room for playful pastels and daring leopard prints.

 Hache (left) and Derek Lam (below).

If there was a feeling to describe the vibes being shone at us, it would definitely be: WOMEN OF POWER, BE AFRAID - yes, with the preppy business look and bold colours paired with a feminine soft touch, it's the season for survival!

Faux fur seemed to be the ultimate piece to top any outfit off with which made me SO VERY HAPPY because I LOVE faux fur. Hats, collars; you name it and it was seen :)

As always with fashion, the past gets pulled to the present for inspiration and guidance. In the Creatures of Comfort collection, I thought that there was a very Audrey Hepburn/ 50's style going on. The same could be said for the pieces of Erin Fetherston. A lot of lyrca looking materials to be found along with my long time love, velvet!

In fashion clashing and contrast help us determined the must with the must-nots. Something I've noticed with the collections I've come across so far this season is the contrast between preppy playful and sexy daring - it's all about the business for the ladies of A/W 14! There isn't a huge emphasis this time round on defining the waist or the hips. Lots of loose fitted wear hovering around the place.

Florals and relaxed statement tees took a shine on stage, with the fruit bowl prints seen at the Ostwald Helgason show. Stripes and polka dots - no show is complete without an appearance from either one. A lot of graphics being sported on the Desigual side of things :) A collection, which I must admit, is my favourite so far! This collection was all about the colour and the less depressing side of the chilly months - large floral prints with polka dots and loud opinionated clothing! Not a grey cloud in sight.

With Charlotte Ronson in a close second, it was a tough call for Freaky - Velvet, florals and lace! The collection was edgy and bold with the rich dark colours of the season. (What can I say I'm all about the frigging colours - that's what helps make it exciting!!).

Well I'm going to leave you all with this update so far but no worries, it's Fashion Week and there's plenty more where that came from. Don't forget to check out the Freaky Smudge Facebook and Pinterest page for pics!!!

Sleep tight beauts
XOXO
Freaky Smudge

Granny's?? No! GRAMMY'S!!!!

How are all you lovely beings???

I was here cleaning my room, munching on some cornflakes and I thought, "I've to write my Grammy piece!". Everyone has an opinion on the Grammys, how could you not? Music has always been a factor throughout the history of time! Sure, now we give trophies but maybe in another hundred years (at the 156th Grammy Awards), they'll present LASERS!! 

I have to say that I'm a big Skylar Grey fan and her dress was just stunning; compared to other pieces she's worn in the past, this one has a more daring edge about it! Skylar is pictured here wearing the Michael Costello gown. 

When Giuliana Rancic was interviewing Black Sabbath she asked a question along the lines of "How do you prepare for an event like this?", and all I could think of is   "a seance"  - hey now I'm ill so I'm allowed to be crabby and if you laughed.... well you have met your match :P Love Black Sabbath <3 

Slipknot was all happy but seeing Katy Griffin's 

dress could give anyone a scare - I'm sorry but it looked like she'd been spat out of a lagoon with hair and make-up still perfectly intact. Just calling it like I see it! 

There was so many people strutting their stuff down the red carpet; a pregnant Ciara, long-time heart throb Jared Leto and Martians, and a crazy Kevin Hart. Keith Urban was interviewed by Ryan Seacrest and I noticed, clearly, that they were both the same height - it must be fate!! Taylor Swift jokingly commented that her Gucci gown could be bulletproof..... I'll happily test that theory! It was a bit like 'Bring Your Kid to Work' day with Madonna and her adorable son, David, and Jamie Foxx playing Daddy-cool with his stunning daughter. 

I think I've most definitely said it before, and I'll say it again; I believe that Madonna is greatly influenced, fashion-wise, by the legendary Marlene Dietrich - Look at this pic; I hope that I'm still an iconic figure and great influence in my field as she is in hers when I'm in my 50s. Here they are wearing Ralph Lauren. 

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were there. They've had unbelievable success and I gotta say.... I wanted their suits so badly! Macklemore wore a light blue velvet - yes VELVET! - suit, while Ryan decided to make us dizzy with an all over patterned suit! Robin Thicke was there... I'm sorry but I'm going to have to agree with Channel 4's Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2013 panel and say that there is something seriously creeepay about that guy. Like come on, if you were alone with Robin Thicke and he was staring at you, singing 'Blurred Lines' you would F#CK!NG run!! 

Speaking of things that make you unease, did anyone see Daft Punk walk in with those huge Iron Man helmets?!?! It's like "do they know something??..." Ok Pharrell Willams, that hat. Did he steal it off a homeless guy on the way to the Grammys?? There's two reasons now why people may dislike him; 1. He didn't bother to put on a suit for the Grammys which, I believe, is a tad disrespectful. And 2. Probably the minute he got up on that stage everyone thought "I didn't know we could just wear our jeans... Damn... NEXT YEAR NEXT YEAR!" :) 

One person who should go back to their regular style, which there was nothing wrong with in the first place, is Rita Ora. Did she borrow the dress from C3PO?? 

The fabric looked so stiff that every move she made seemed slightly robotic! Just no no no no no no no ... no. But her rings were so cool! 

Now I'd like to present my Best Dressed :) Although I thought Beyonce looked flawless in Michael Costello, she was my 2nd place :) Coming up 3rd was American singer Bonnie McKee in a titanium gown by Gustavo Cadile. Such a powerful dress. In 4th place, Katy Perry in a musically inspired Valentino number - I thought she looked so cute. Last but not least, it was P!nk in 5th! She looked so classy and sleek in Johanna Johnson.

My lovely 1st place goes to beautiful Colbie Caillat, wearing a red dress by Dubai designer Erza Santos - perfection! 

Hope you enjoyed this Smudgers :) And have a great week <3

XOXO

Freaky Smudge 

Remember life before the Internet? Cuz I Don't!

Hey Smudgers what's up! I know I owe you guys some posts and I'm sorry but my internet has been down :( I'm keeping this New Years Reezie if it kills me (touch wood!).

So how has everyone been keeping??? So I've decided to go all super fit for Benicassim! Despite the fact that I stupidly bought diet pills, I highly doubt I'll take them. I found this 30 day programme online (http://imgur.com/gallery/FkVrO) which I will be repeating and have been following - so far so good! I've also completely changed my eating habits and have cut down my coffee intake (which has been more difficult than I care to admit..), my tea intake has increased dramatically due to this :P For breakfast every morning I've been eating porridge (which tastes 10 times better with soya milk, who knew!) and a banana, along with a cup of tea and those Vitamin C things that dissolve in water. Then I'll do what every workout I have to, stick an apple and a bottle of water in my bag and head out for the day :) At lunch I'll eat like soup/ tuna sandwich (I know salads are supposed to be all healthy and all, but I don't like how they can be smothered in salad dressing and I hate tomatoes!!). Then I'll walk home, depending on the day and weather, which takes an hour any way I go, and have a lovely chicken stir-fry (one chicken breast, an onion, greens, a carrot, seasoned with some thyme, black pepper and ginger :) ). I've been doing this for over a week now and according to the scales I've lose 8 pounds :) I hope that's accurate and the scales are functioning! So I'mma keep going and let ye all know how that goes!

So Fashion; My recycled garment is currently in the window at G.T.I.'s Claddagh House, so if anyone is bopping by have a look! I want to use this post to talk about a woman in fashion that I only heard about through my Historical Designer brief on Charles James - Eleanor Lambert

Who is this woman you ask? Well you can thank her for New York Fashion Week and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). 

Eleanor Lambert was born on the 10th of August 1903 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. She studied sculpture and  fashion at the Chicago Art Institute, earning herself a promising career. She moved to New York and started  working for an advertising agency in Manhattan, dealing with artists and art galleries. Lambert was also involved in the founding of the Museum of Modern Art. She also assisted in setting up the American Art Dealers Association. 

Lambert saw fashion as an art form. In the 1940's she set up the International Best Dressed List, the Coty Fashion Critics Award (1943), and organised the semi-annual Fashion Week in New York which allowed international and national designers to showcase their collections to the world, and which still runs today. She did the same for European fashion capitals. In 1962, she founded the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). In 2001 the Council created the 'Eleanor Lambert Award' presented for a unique contribution to the fashion world or deserves special recognition. 

A fortuneteller once told Eleanor Lambert that she would a live long life and know the most talented people of her era. Eleanor Lambert lived to be 100 years old; She died on the 7th of October 2003. Eleanor Lambert's contribution to the world of fashion was extraordinary - the achievements you see before are only a small segment of the work she did throughout her long life. Lambert saw the greatness in fashion and the events she founded will continue long into the future. Without her, the world of fashion would be limited and bare. Eleanor Lambert shaped the way the world views and experiences fashion. 

For more information on Eleanor Lambert;

 ( http://cfda.com/about/history )

 ( http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2110513_2110630_2110690,00.html) 

Let's bring it back, BACK TO BASICS

Today brought me back to G.T.I., back into the ole routine! In a way it's good to be back into a routine because the only exciting part of the holidays is the hype up to them, and once they actually hit you sleep in and get bored and eat too much... Then you feel guilty that you're not making the most of your holidays, and then the holidays are soon over! I am completely out of my routine and it's driving me crazy >< 

Speaking of things that drive me crazy and can really mess with my head - I can be a real hypochondriac, which is very annoying for me and the people around me :/ But in the last few weeks I've been through a bit of a health scare. There something about a thing like that that really gets into your head, messes with your thoughts, and blurs your vision. I should have known that I had nothing to worry about (just as the doctors told me earlier this morning), but with all the crap we hear about in the media and online, it's difficult not to get wrapped up in all this cancerous attitude. When I found out that everything is fine I felt as though I could kick a door down or run 10 miles - I felt AMAZING!!! 

Why can't we feel that way everyday without the whispers of disease?? That's going to be something I tackle in 2014; NOT listening to my head! Whether I have to bitch slap myself or break a finger, I will do my best to rid of these insane notions :) Maybe yoga???

Well Smudgers, I am absolutely wiped tonight so I'll leave you early and love you long time <3 

XOXO

Freaky Smudge 

Kick start in the bee- hind! :)

Welcome to 2014; please make sure your helmets and life jackets are securely fastened on your person!

How was your New Years kids? Mine was unexpected to say the least but just like I told a drunk friend "It's not how you start the year sweetie, it's what you make of it" - So corny but I hope it hits home for some of ye that need it! :)

Maybe you're like me; you enjoy the winter but the idea of summer is just too delicious. This summer I want to work (translation: I want money!). Yes, money and experience! I'm an ambitious person and the more I know the better :P And there's also one other thing on my mind, planted there by my friends, and I'm just a tad excited; FESTIVALS ^_^
To name one in particular, Benicassim. Probably one of the hottest places to be this summer! 4 days of sweet summer jams, with sun, water parks, and all the cheap goodies one can dream of! To be honest though I don't know much about Benicassim - small town off the east coast of Spain, 2 hours drive from Barcelona, 20th anniversary of the music festival which takes place there every summer.... And my knowledge ends there! When going to a festival there are many factors involved which people just seem to overlook completely, so I'm going to try cover all I can in this blog! :) If I miss out on anything feel free comment below! These can be applied to pretty much every festival situation!

1. Where? and When?- You want to choose the perfect place to party this summer! Whether it's Tomorrowland in Belgium or Benicassim in Spain. But you have to think of your chosen location, because Spain or Ibiza in the middle of summer is not going to be cheap! So take this into consideration because if flights are high you may want to row to your destination... And I'd start now!

2. Best sites for Flights - I found that eDreams.com was a good website when looking for flights. It also helps to look at using different airlines on your to and from journeys. http://www.edreams.com

3. Packing - If you're a girl like me then it isn't easy to pack because you can literally think of an outfit to suit any time/ mood of the day! :P But one major fact you need to remember is that there will be 0 electricity! You will be camping, you will be smelly, and you will have a hard time trying to wash your hair! So pack light; if it a sun setting you're interested in, well you can wear the same bikini top a few times (I don't think E! is watching!) and there's no point bringing heels!
*** Remember these essentials ->> Dry Shampoo + Baby wipes + Sun screen <<- ***

4. Camping and your tent - If you're purchasing a tent with, let's say, 4 friends, the buy a 5/6 person tent to give yourselves more room! Maybe you've seen the long, tall flags that are usually placed at the back of go-karts - buy one! These can be used beside/ on top of your tent (hopefully it won't get stolen :/ ), or in the antenna of your car if you're driving. Just a suggestion but I think it could work! Some camp sites can be mucky, Oxegen is a regular for that! Before getting into your tent, I suggest placed some smooth, wide blanks of wood down for ye to sleep on; keep you nice and dry, and away from all the creepy crawlies - ugh I hate camping!

5. The experience - It's easy to think of it as yourself and your friends hanging around, listening to music and dancing in a crowd, but there are thousands of people! Thousands of people that are there with their friends, dancing and shouting - crowded to say the least. So I suggest that you and your friends come up with a meeting point so you can find each other if one gets lost. Stick to your itinerary!!! If you told your friends you're going to see some band or whatever, then go! If they need you they'll need to know where to find you, and most likely you won't have a phone because you're battery would be dead. It's sort of like when you're 5 years old and you get lost in a supermarket, separated from your parents - if you lose your friends, you will be slightly freaked, and even if you say "uh no! Not me, I'd be fine", would you really like to put a friend in that situation?? So for everyone's sake; find a meeting point, make a plan and stick to it!

6. What you got there? - No I'm not talking about drugs (stay away from them!). I'm talking about how maybe you or one of your friends have decided to bring an expensive Nikon camera to take the most memorable pics with! - I'm telling you right now it's either going to get damaged or stolen! Why not bring some disposable cameras instead :) And sure you'd look great in your $500 shorts/ top, but Penneys merchandise is just as good!! I completely understand the want to look good and everything, but no one is going to want to see your mascara run while you argue with the security about your lost goods!

7. Things you'll hear your mother say - Just be careful guys! While festivals are fun and good craic, there's also a lot of weirdos around. Be cautious of who you talk to, and don't bring valuables (just no point!). In countries like Spain or Croatia, alcohol can be cheap as chips. So before you go out, eat a meal! And know when to stop drinking; go on the water for a while. Don't be an idiot - sure you want to let loose and be free, etc., but think! And maybe take an extra day to recover before heading off home, if you have to drive or catch a plane with a throbbing hangover, you will hate the world!!!

Well that is all from me my lovelies and I do hope my tips helped! If you have any tips of your own please leave them in the comments :)
XOXO
Freaky Smudge