Opulence

Howdy Smudgers, 

Well it's been a life on the go without an exit route for the past couple of weeks but I wouldn't have it any other way! Well unless that other way included a complimentary vehicle because public transport can be a bitch of an expense :P

We all have that song that wakes us up in the mornings or we find ourselves singing along in our mirrors to, and mine has to be 'Opulence' by Brooke Candy. 

[op-yuh-luh ns] 

noun

1.

wealth, riches, or affluence.

2.

abundance, as of resources or goods; plenty.

3.    the state of being opulent.









































                 

























            

Opulence is the word used to describe the type of lifestyle enjoyed by the aristocrats and monarchs before the French Revolution. And let's face it Smudgers, when we see the likes of the Kardashians and any other hot shot celeb that can spend money like toilet paper, while we hold up an entire queue at Costa just looking for change, we want Opulence. And we want it NOW! 

















































































































 

Opulence was the theme at this years London FW A/W 15 <3 So today I've decided to dress like I'm already famous! 

I'll post a pic to Instagram in a little bit, seeing as I'm writing this on a bus with 3% battery life :) But my beautiful black ballgown skirt is from Coast, my lace black high neck crop top is from H&M, and this mohair pink cardy I'm sporting is something I borrowed... without permission... and the owner will never know.... unless she sees my snapchat.... :/

As Brooke Candy's lyrics go; 

I'm a grown queen, doing grown things    Tryna find my hand underneath the gold rings     Make you get in line    Better recognize opulence,     I own everything baby

So with my pair of Vintage sunnies from Public Romance, today I owe everything! :) Though mind you I feel less than opulent stuffing my face! Instagram (https://instagram.com/emmyjayne5/) 

Now it's a lot easier to write that I'm finally home with a glass of wine :P 

So how can we become opulent and just fecking fantastic! Well I devised a list of things that stereotypically all celebs do! 

1. Wear $$$$ CLOTHES!!  Freaky Solution-> Ladies (and lads), all you need is an oversized pair of sunnies and some black clothes in your wardrobe! (remember, if you're good at lying, anything can be Chanel... well nothing Primark can!)

2. They down bottles of 'goose' :) Freaky Solution -> It's no goose but I cannot recommend enough the €3.99 Baron wine from Aidl. You're more likely to feel ever so opulent after the 2nd bottle.

3. They can afford high class coke... Freaky Solution -> if you find yourself off to Aidl for that wine then you probably can't afford the coke fund, BUT POWDERED DOUGHNUTS! (I'll never tell ;) ) Though that solution clashes hard with my next one..

4. They have rocking bodies.  Freaky Solution -> well I hear some people are working out and eating healthy but for us on (route to) the Opulent lifestyle we can just.. inhale all our nutrients from air... and stand outside the gym for a few hours, until you're satisfied a reasonable number of people have seen you! 

5. Celebs PARTY HARD** Freaky Solution -> Now I'm a true believer that life's an adventure and most nights for me don't start until after 4am and there's a trolley involved (sometimes... all the time) but go out and talk to some strangers Smudgers! Just don't be stupid... ;) Don't be afraid to take risks but take the right ones and common sense should help you there. 

6. They're groomed to perfection- Freaky Solution -> get yourselves on those living social/ groupon/ deal pages and you can get some unreal treatments for a third of the price :) or go on to youtube and D.I.Y. the crap out of yourself! 

7. Big Accounts = Big Houses & Cars $ Freaky Solution -> no one cares like do you really care about the size of Paris Hilton's bathroom or if Justin Bieber's jeep takes petrol or diesel!? It's exactly like when guys put up pictures of their cars on social networks like Tinder, because I'm only swiping right if you've renewed your tax... :P 

I've actually ran out of things, can't believe it ... but listen Smudgers, these people may gleam and glisten but their actions and personality speaks volumes just like yours! 

So go out into this Freaky world with all it's deep hunger and insane fascinations, and shine <3 

**If this post was a drinking game for every time I said opulence you would all be so drunk :)**

Well there's a little pic of me posing on Insta there so get following!!! :) Oh and for those in the Galway region of the world I am making two outfits for this year's Galway Technical Institute Annual Fashion Show ^_^ so hope to see some Smudgers there

Later Smudgers, stay shining 

XOXO

F.S.

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

A Good Read

I used to preserve my magazines, especially my Vogues. Swearing I would never tear or rip them, that they would be in mint condition until the day I die, or lose my sense of fashion (oh please!). The thought truly only occurred to me over the summer - is that really making the most of these magazines?? HELL NO!
Now I measure how well a magazine is by how many pictures and articles I tear out of it! Call me crazy but, to me, it makes perfect sense.

My latest victim has been the ELLE Collection's S/S 14, and by God that thing has been through something fierce. But yes this edition was simply delicious - the trends, the catwalks, the hair, the makeup, the playlists, the trivia, the photography, the EVERYTHING :) It was a dream! I also came upon this little piece, or guide, that I want to share in my post tonight..
"Cheat Sheet - How to Fake It in Fashion" - by Hannah Swerling
Hannah you Goddess! Freaky loves you! The ultimate and humorous step by step programme to succeeding in fashion week when your knowledge of fashion is so-so. But not even; you could know loads about fashion and this guide simply helps you to kick ass!
I'm going to just give you an overview of the steps and their order:
Step #1: Twitter Account
Step #2: Learn the Lingo
Step #3: You're not ready for Step #4 so go back to Step #2!
Step #4: Street style bloggers
Step #5: Best seat in the house or none at all
Step #6: Eating and Drinking (haha eating..)
Step #7: "The town car is outside, Miss"
Step #8: What to Wear... What to Wear....
Step #9: Passive-Aggressive Lion or Last Season's Lamb
Step #10: Membership to the competitive and fabulous fashion week

I'm not going to go into details because I think everyone should read this, it's pure gold!

I've been thinking a lot about street style lately... Sometimes I do have the confidence to walk up to random people and be like "Heya, can I take a pic of you?!" (For my blog, not my personal scrapbook collection :P) Other times I'm such a eejit like "OMG NOO I can't do THAT!!" .. But tomorrow I think I will. At my break at lunch I'm going to head down to Kelly's (formerly known as the Living Room) and check out their designer sale, see what kind of funky people I can find. It'll be like a test to myself :)
Oh we'll see!!

Well my sweetums, good night and sleep well
XOXO
Freaky Smudge

Did someone die in this???

How's everyone doing this week?
Well in Galway; 18-22 degrees, they said.... Be grand, they said..
They were wrong! Instead it rained but then again it's Ireland..

So at college we're still brain storming for our recycled garment project, and this morning we went on a little class trip to the wonderful charity shops. I have to say that although I didn't buy anything I wish I had, especially when I went to Candy on Sea Road (Hairdresser/Vintage shop). Very nice things! We also went to the Simon Community shop, the Good as New shop, and the Saint Vincent de Paul shop, which is a favourite of mine. Here's pics of some stuff I saw and will hopefully inspire me for this project :)  Here's two pics of some things I saw which will hopefully inspire me for this project!  
 We also spent the remainder of the day making our bags which will be able to fit all our stuff in it (tote bags made from calco). It would have been fine but I think everyone was in a weird mood today, and the iron was on for pressing the fabric and it was hot.. damn! I was one of the people that didn't have their calco in today (on the to-do list for tomorrow), but thankfully there are three massive bins of fabrics and materials so no worries there. The pocket of my tote is now Winnie the Pooh's face :) Not ideal but still good.... Tigger was always my favourite....

So Milan Fashion Week has ended with Paris Fashion Week beginning!! Some great stuff from the last week though, without a doubt. Loved the Just Cavalli collection- loads of energy in the clothing. I thought that the majority of the collections were darker than expected for me. So may Paris bring colour! So far so good!

Well my darling buds,
G'night
XOXO
Freaky Smudge

From London to Milan

First there was New York,

Then there was London,

Now, It's Milan Baby - Benvenuto Modaioli (Let's hope Google translate didn't let me down there!)

Yes Milan's Fashion Week has kicked off!!! Fun for everyone in the heart of Italy's industrial city.

But let's review on London, shall we?? Some crazy patterns and prints. 

With Holly Fulton there was a sort of star or sideways star pattern accompanied by, what looked like, an Aztec architecture print.  

In Preen there was a floral futuristic mesh with geometric shapes. It really reminded me of a shop in Camden called Cyber Dog - definitely give it a visit, it's like a nightclub and everything is neon with blue lights! Anyways (back on track)... 

Perspective came to a whole new level when discussing Peter Pilotto! 

Like wow kids, the design on the lace and some of the colours used looked like what happens when rainbows appear in bubbles ; ) Everything was very structured and it looked like floral were blazing! In fact, the whole line was a masterpiece of fire and ice! 

Geometric shapes featured in Roksanda Illcico's collection, along with lazy daisies and bold sun colours. 

Beautiful mosaics flourished with Tom Ford in, again, a futuristic way - calling Major Tom anyone? - but this was not without a cut in from Mother Nature- snake prints with leather and lace. 

Vivienne Westwood's Red Label was simply.. amazing! Dramatic and elegant. I spy tartan, the Lily of France pattern, stripes, florals - the works. I guess when you're a Queen of Fashion you pick up a few things along the way. I really want to learn how to do the makeup.

Loved Giles collection too! Not many people had 'Pinned' it to Pinterest but come on who doesn't want to do their thing in a series of lips, feathers, leathers and bats? I'm actually gonna attach the bat dress from Giles because it's so exaggerated and unusual! I know what I'm asking Santa for for Christmas - A Bat Hat!

Julien Macdonald just had such high class elegance and beauty in the clothes. It was like the models were wearing mesh armors of broken glass and repousse swirls. 

Mary Katrantzou's pieces were extremely 3D. Like of course I know all clothes are 3D but these pieces really came at you! I've never seem anything like it before but I feel it will be something to become very trendy very fast. 

Speaking of Fast, Mark Fast. Edgy and edgy is the only way I can begin to describe this collection :) Skin and woven wool - not only catchy but comfortable. Though with all those rips and hoops I wouldn't let him near me with a pair of scissors any day soon :)

McQ - Alexander McQueen - someone tie-dyed a snake (thank God because I hate those things). It was of course, a great collection with such an interesting colour palette. No bee-keepers in mourn this season. Hopefully bee-keepers in healing <3 

Well that's all from me tonight folks 

XOXO

Freaky Smudge

Assignment #1

How's everyone doing today???

Well I'm very proud of myself because I finished my first assignment as a fashion student  I made a pin cushion :) And here's a pic of the front (right) and back (left) . First I had to make the pattern, get the fabric, cut out the pattern and pin it to the fabric, and cut. You do this twice for the front and back. Then I used the sewing machine (switched it from straight line setting to zig-zag - because I'm awkward like that) - I got the two fabrics and put them like a book, with the cover on the outside because you'll have to turn it inside out. Sew it on three sides. On the last side sew to a quarter way from top and quarter way from the bottom. Turn inside out and stuff with cotton or whatever, then  hand stitch it together - Happy Out!!!
                                                                                                                       
We also learned about our recycled project - it's for the finished piece we will be displaying to the world at the GTI Fashion Fiesta in April 2014, can't wait! For Friday we need to fill out a mind map with stuff that we like in relation to colour, garment shape, fabrics, inspiration, etc. So I'm here on the couch with the last three issues of Vogue (I honestly don't think I can put the scissors to them!), and ELLE's 2013 S/S Collection Book. Oh almost forgot the HUNGER issue 4. Let the inspiration flow! :)

I'll tell all on my views on London's Fashion Week tomorrow - oh wow patterns and prints go leor lads ;)

Night Night
XOXO
Freaky Smudge

Please don't hurt me!

Hey guys!

I'm so sorry I don't really have anything to say tonight (You must be delighted :) ). I've just spent the last hour trying the get this stupid qvo6 thing off my computer! It just came up when I was downloading an episode of Sons of Anarchy (which is pretty amazing by the way). Some how I got rid of it but man that was such a pain! Not one of the only stupid things I've done today, or this week!

Irish designer Orla Kiely was showing her collection at London Fashion Week this morning, I really need to get on the ball and keep up! The highlight of my weekend has been sleep and this months issue of Vogue arriving in the mail - super exciting as always! Hope you're all gonna like the Facebook page for Freaky Smudge, would really help to spread the word.

Shows I will definitely be looking forward too tomorrow:
1pm - L'Wren Scott @ Gasgosian Gallery - 6-24 Britannia Street
3pm - Moschino Cheap & Chic @ RIDA Studios - 72 Brewery Road
5pm - Vivienne Westwood Red Label @ German Gymnasium - 26 St.Pancras Road

If you've read my 'Inspirations' post, you'll know that I love Vivienne Westwood :) I wish I had a really cool and powerful name like that. I share the surname of a certain movie star that has just dragged it through the dirt so I'm at a loss there - thanks Lindsey! But even so I don't have a name that I'd consider to be High End material, if that makes sense.
Versace
Balmain
Dior
Fendi
Chanel

Oh well maybe I'll just change my name and someday you'll see 'Smudge' up in lights ;)

Later kids
XOXO
Freaky Smudge

'Fashion Week' Take:2 Scene:London

See what I did there??

So yes London Fashion Week has kicked off! I think this might be more easily for me to follow because it's the weekend now, London is closer to home, and the whole time difference thing it taken care of. :) But I prefer the NY Fashion week.... Maybe because I love New York <3 Like London is great but I just find it to be a more squashed together version of New York. Hopefully, with the aid of the J1, I will spending summer 2014 interning in New York with some buddies :) That's the dream.

I learned a lot in college today - that I've 10 days of work experience to complete, I've to gain ideas for my report on an Irish (living) fashion designer, and I learnt the role of a Fashion Designer. I honestly didn't know half of the stuff a fashion designer must do, and I don't like admitting I don't know stuff (especially when it comes to fashion!).

Role of a Designer: 
1. They research.
2. Find inspirations.
3. Create theme.
4. Get samples, decide on fabrics.
5. Create colour palette.
6. Sketch and draw ideas.
7. Create a flat drawing with measurements.
8. Create TWOL (I think that's how you spell it).
9. Pre-collection.
10. Production.
11. Liaise with stylist, manufacturer, and buyer.

Course that's not the whole thing, and I'm not gonna go into detail because I've only been at this course a week! If anyone is thinking of going to GTI, so far I recommend it :) .

From NYC Fashion Week: My favourite collections were from Prabal Gurung, Pamela Gonzales, Oscar de la Renta, Betsy Johnson, Thom Browne, ThreeAsFour, Kate Spade, Jeremy Scott, Zac Posen,and Delpozo.
Velvet is coming back big and thank God because I love it :) Pastel and bold colours mixed with darker, autumn and classic colours. In my opinion there's a great emphasis on legs and skirts and pants (call it like I see it). Eccentric patterns are clearly seen, and it feels like Tim Burton had something to do with these designers, it's like something out of one of his movies and I love it :) ..... I think I love too much in general ...

Well my honey bees, this is good night.
XOXO
Freaky Smudge

Don't Laugh at my Jelly!

In order to kinda get into blogging tonight I've this song drumming in my ears - Blue by Eiffel 65 (Classic!)
They don't make songs like this anymore :(

So really getting stuck into the whole college thing now, though I know I'll be so tired for the next week or two! This was the outfit I wore today, along with that 'Screw You' necklace from JUNK Jewellery that I put up last week in my "Best Buys #1" post. The teal top is from a charity shop though I'm pretty sure the origin was H&M, as was the skirt (bought in London). I got the white 'Whatever' top from Jennyfer (bought in Rome). I have to say that whenever I am abroad I always get cool stuff in Jennyfer and Berschka! :) The black tights are Penneys finest, and the pink neon beanie from Cotton Face Vintage :)

So two hours of Commercial Fashion Design this morning though we really just went around the classroom, getting a feel of everyone's background and what they want to do after the course. Some people have done the most interesting things - It's so cool!! I guess that's one thing about meeting new people; everyone comes from a different walk of life and has different experiences.

During our hour break I ran to Penneys to buy this adorable pale blue dress with little flamingos on it :) I know that sounds weird but my mum bought this dress yesterday and I saw it this morning and was like "This shall be mine!!". Sure it was €15, and so cute! Had to get a 12 because all that was left was size 16/18/20, but I think a red chunky belt would look nice with it... If I can find one. After this we had Problem Solving which is basically going over all the problems we're having with assignments and projects, etc. I was expecting like an AA meeting or something :P But no we went over the steps on how to make our pin cushions and got some materials which was great fun!

Then we had 4 drawing classes- this was... well I found it difficult because I did Art in Leaving Cert. and when  we sat into the class today the teacher told us to look at the arrangement in front of us (bananas, apples, kiwis, an orange, and leaves) and just draw the lines. No shading or perspective, so it was definitely a change. Practice makes perfect... damn! :) I'm sure I'll get the hang of this eventually!

Anyways, after I had a lovely chicken stir-fry for dinner (yummy!) I went to get up to date with the latest on the Fashion Week - which has ended today- and I gotta say that I would love to be a model for Betsy Johnson! I think anyone would, all those models looked like they were having a blast and the clothes were so fun :) leopard prints and sparkles and candyfloss colours (what more could a girl ask for).  Loved this collection, and Oscar de la Renta. Oscar never fails! I didn't get a chance tonight to check out the Marchesa stuff, but I'll always remember the dress that Olivia Wilde wore to the 2011 Golden Globes. Look it up if you have a chance, was beautiful!!!!!

Oh before I forget, can you guys please follow me on this, and Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Bloglovin! I would really appreciate it. You're all probably really sick of me asking that but ya know - gotta get the message out there.

Sorry if this was kinda a crap post but I'll make up for it or something :) Maybe a give-away on Facebook.... Got your attention yet???
Later kids.... Oh and the jelly thing was that I bought some for lunch but forgot to get a spoon :'( apparently funny stuff... :(
XOXO
Freaky Smudge