Pieces Of Silver

I've added another Emma Manley dress to my wardrobe. I know, I know; my name is Fifibaggins and I am a Manley addict! I just can't get enough of Emma's fantastic designs. They are so easy to wear, they are cool, they are different and I love how pieces from each collection are interchangeable. I'll be wearing these designs for years to come.

The stunning 'Lee' dress is my latest fix... er... purchase! It features a fantastic contrasting yoke and collar in a distressed metallic leather. The collar is hand cut with a scalloped edge and ensures that the dress is a real standout piece. One of my friends commented that it looked a little bit Country, a little bit Rock & Roll; the singer in me loves that! Cut in a flattering A-line shape, the dress features 3/4 length sleeves, silver button detailing to the front, an invisible side zip, dropped pockets on the front panel and is finished off with ties that can be tied back for a more fitted look.

I styled the dress with a pair of silver Miu Miu shoes I'd not worn for a while; I'd forgotten how fabulous they are & I can assure you I will be wearing them a lot now to make up for lost time! I finished the look off with a bright pink lipstick to add a burst of colour to my all silver ensemble.

Get The Look:

Dress: Manley 'Lee' Dress in silver

Shoes: Miu Miu Two Strap Shoes in silver (similar)

Lipstick: MAC 'Relentlessly Red' lipstick

I'm With The Band

In anticipation of the imminent release of my talented pal Steve Balsamo's new album, I treated myself to one of his cool band t-shirts. I love a great band tee, I have a little collection of them now, but this one is particularly special as it was designed by Steve himself. He's a talented Artist in every sense of the word! All his band merchandise is available to buy online from Dizzyjam; it's really worth checking out.

For a recent night out, rather aptly at a night of great live music, I wore my cool t-shirt with a faux-leather skirt by Irish design team Lennon Courtney (also blogged here). I love the contradictory mix of the ladylike, elegant skirt and the cool, casual rock 'n' roll tee. I added a classic pair of Christian Louboutin shoes and a bright, in-your-face, pink lipstick to complete my look.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Steve & his beautiful co-singer Rosalie great success with their latest musical adventure. It's going to be huge; I've got a feeling!! Check out this fantastic little film for a preview of what's to come on Balsamo/Deighton's highly anticipated debut album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq6oBdRl1k8&sns=em

Get The Look:

T-shirt: Balsamo/Deighton Bird Logo Band T-shirt

Skirt: Lennon Courtney Full Leather Skirt in black

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'Rolando' Shoes in black

Lipstick: MAC 'Relentlessly Red' Lipstick

So Over-The-Knee

After literally years of searching I have at last found the perfect pair of over-the-knee boots for a short-ass like me; the fabulous 50/50 boots by Stuart Weitzman! Actually, it was my gorgeous Husband who found them; they were a wonderful Christmas present from him. Ahhh he knows me so well!

Made from buttersoft black leather, the boots feature a black stretch panel at the back for a perfect fit, a flat heel, an almond shaped toe and they simply pull on for absolute comfort and style.

We went for a lovely Wintery walk last weekend and I wore the boots with a great sale purchase from Maje; this wool & cashmere-blend cape inspired jumper, in a delicious Bordeaux shade, features a round neck with leather trim at neckline, bat-wing sleeves with cool, elongated leather panels, two faux zip pockets at front and a curved hem. It simply slips on.

My snugly Wintery look was finished off with a Louis Vuitton cashmere and silk scarf featuring Stephen Sprouse's iconic leopard print design (another great Christmas present a few years ago from my Husband), a simple black satchel and much needed warm woolly gloves!

Get The Look:

Boots: Stuart Weitzman 50/50 Over-the-Knee Boots in black

Jumper: Maje Leather Detail Jumper

Scarf: Louis Vuitton Leopard Print Scarf

Bag: Cambridge Satchel Co Classic 11" Satchel in black

Eton

I love this dress. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be cool; it's a cool dress. It was designed by the fantastically talented Emma Manley whose phenomenal designs are literally taking over my wardrobe these days!

The 'Eton' dress is a split length maxi in a flatters-all-skin-tones shade of grey; it features long sleeves, a round neckline, a zipped back and two soft jersey layers, mini underneath with a maxi top layer. Two slits running up the centre of each leg give a sexy flash of leg with every single step.

In keeping with the modern, clean lines & muted tone of the dress, I paired it with a great black satchel from the Cambridge Satchel Co (my obsession with their amazing bags continues to grow by the day!) and a simple pair of black shoe boots. These funky boots were a great purchase from Christian Louboutin quite a few seasons ago & they continue to add the perfect finishing touch to so many outfits!

Get The Look:

Dress: Emma Manley 'Eaton' dress (similar)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'C'est Moi' Shoe Boots in black (similar)

Bag: Cambridge Satchel Co Classic 11" Satchel in black

Another Angry Bird

It is only right that my first blog post of 2014 should feature two of my favourite Designers; Ireland's Emma Manley and Natalie B Coleman. The top, designed by Natalie, was a Christmas present from my Bestie & seriously, he couldn't have chosen a better gift for me! It is a beautiful, unique piece, featuring the same crazy Ostrich head with Monkey teeth (I know I know, a fantastic combination!) as my much loved Natalie B Coleman Ostrich dress (blogged here).

The Ostrich illustration is hand-drawn, water-coloured and digitally-printed onto a black background. Combined with the asymmetrical shape of the top, it is a perfect mix of grunge & ultra-modern cool. The top can be dressed up, dressed down & dressed every which way in between!

I paired it with a stunning Emma Manley skirt for a Christmas night out; the 'Dakota' leather skirt in beautiful metallic gold (also blogged here). It features a zip and snap fastener to the front and hand cut leather with a scalloped edge. The front of the skirt is shorter than the back making it the perfect party piece to show off long tanned legs!

I finished the outfit off with simple black suede court shoes, delicate jewellery (silver to clash subtly with the gold skirt) and a dark, berry lipstick.

Get The Look:

Top: Natalie B Coleman Asymmetrical Top (similar)

Skirt: Emma Manley 'Dakota' Leather Skirt (similar)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'Rolando' Shoes in black (similar)

My Fair Lady

Regular readers of my blog know how much I love & support Irish fashion; two of my favourite Designers being Ireland's Emma Manley & Natalie B Coleman, both of whom feature regularly in my posts.

I am so excited to have recently discovered yet another fantastic Irish brand - Lennon Courtney. Developed by two of Ireland’s leading fashion stylists and style commentators, Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney, the brand is a range of elegant, ladylike wardrobe staples. Their first collection, entitled ‘The Weekend’ consists of classic, day-to-night pieces that are inspired by "a confident woman embracing her dark side".

This beautiful skirt was my first purchase, followed very closely by the pretty silk organza top. I fell in love with this beautiful ensemble in the brands Lookbook & couldn't wait to recreate it. The skirt, in the softest faux-leather, is a beautiful mix of vintage and contemporary. The flattering A-line shape nips in the waist, making it look tiny and it is perfectly paired with the stunning puff sleeve top. A simple pair of black court shoes & a bright red lipstick finishes this elegant look off beautifully.

The great thing about both of these pieces is that they will go with so many other things in my wardrobe. I've already worn the skirt with a great band t-shirt for a cool rock & roll look & the top will look fantastic with jeans, all kinds of skirt shapes & high-waisted shorts; oh the styling potential is endless! You will definitely be seeing more Lennon Courtney posts on here; I've already bought a beautiful white maxi dress that I know you will all adore!

Get The Look:

Top: Lennon Courtney Puff Sleeve Organza Top in green

Skirt: Lennon Courtney Full Leather Skirt in black

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'Rolando' Shoes in black (similar)