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)