Because I am a Girl…

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Courtney Smith

Because I’m a girl is the amazing global campaign in association with Plan Ireland to end gender inequality, promote girls rights and break the cycle of poverty around the developing world!

I am so honoured to be involved in this project, I was asked to re-design a t-shirt to promote this cause and stand up for girl’s rights who can’t stand up for themselves!

The launch night takes place this Wednesday in the Sugar Club hosted by fellow stylist Angela Scanlon and promises to be a fun filled night with lots of girly fashion events and fellow fashionistas such as stylist Maria Fusco, fashion editor Constance Harris, MTV presenter Laura Whitmore, artist Helen Steele, stylist Aisling Farinella, fashion buyer and Alila boutique owner Ali Murray and many others will also have their redesigned t-shirts on display!

Visit the Plan Ireland website here to donate to the Fund

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Because I am a girl I ask … girls around the globe to respect and support each other; Its us against the world – not each other!

Because I am a girl I believe … fairytales do come true, only in the real world it’s you on that white horse – don’t expect to be saved by a shining Prince – make it happen for yourself!

Because I am a girl I hope … that when I have my own little girl there are as many inspiring women around to challenge and help her grow, just like I had.

Because I am a girl I wonder … if life would be easier as a boy?

Because I am a girl I dream … big! One day I will be the creative director of an amazing fashion label and magazine.

Because I am a girl I remember … dressing up in my Aunties evening slips and caking myself in makeup to look like old Hollywood stars.

Because I am a girl I like … to be independent.

Because I am a girl I dislike … not being taken seriously because i’m the one with the pink lippy and the eyeliner flick.

Because I am a girl I feel … driven to achieve my best on my own!

Because I am a girl I … am unstoppable!

 

 

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B.Styled @ BT2

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Courtney Smith

Last season I did a series of weekend events in BT2 stores – showcasing the hottest denim trends and fits for your body, aswell as the the must have Spring/Summer looks.

Well to kick off the Autumn Season with a bang I’m back tonight in BT2 Grafton Street with VOGUE’S Fashion Night Out, showcasing a mix of the new denim trends and the uber cool exclusive labels that BT2 has to offer!

laura whitmore courtney smith

Even more exciting – MTV star Laura Whitmore will be there spinning the decks with her fav tunes throughout the evening.

Don’t miss this night of make-overs, photoshoots, styling advice, mini fashion shows and music!! Doors from 6pm – 11pm.

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Take it to the MAXX…

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Courtney Smith

I had the pleasure of launching the newly revamped TK Maxx store in Sword, Pavilions with the super gorgeous Nadia Forde this weekend!

TK MAXX, NADIA FORDE, COURTNEY SMITHI was on hand to give out style advice, host style seminars and showcase some of the cool new trends TK Maxx is focusing on this Autumn/Winter. Some of the ones that stood out for me are -
1) Nordic Trend (think scarves with pom palms and fairisle chunky knits)
2) Heritage Trend (yes, Herringone, plaid and tweed are ALL back in fashion – you have the British Royal family countryside excursions to thank for that!)
3) Animal Print (but not as you’ve seen it before – now we have colored animal prints, snakeskin and in every form of clothing you can think of!)
4) Jewel Colours (colours have decided to stick around for Autumn Winter – emeralds, scarlet, burgundy, mustard and ochre all making an appearance.

TK MAXX, BURBERRY, And being the shopaholic that I am – I went home with 3 fab purchases too. A fab army green double breasted coat that just screams Burberry, a great little carry-on luggage bag in a soft grey animalprint and a cute pair of green suede flat ankle boots for running up and down the shops with work!
As well as Swords Pavilions, TK Maxx in Stephen’s Green has also been revamped – and they are definitely both worth a visit! No more overcrowded rails of clothing, or claustrophobic tendencies – it’s still all about the high designer goodies at a low pricetag, but now the shopping experience is even more fun with a slight boutique vibe for this superstore!

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Get Kooples Kool

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Courtney Smith

The French have always been at the forefront style; it is their iconic designers such as Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Balmain, Thierry Mugler and Christian Dior that have that moulded and changed the face of fashion to what it is today!

But what about the modern unsung heroes of French fashion? Those brands that have been influenced by the greats but have infused their style with rock n roll vibes and have made French fashion known for it’s cool factor not just Tres Chic!

Well Isabel Marant, Sandro, Zadig et Voltaire and Maje have all been recent French fashion installations into the Brown Thomas and BT2 family, targeting a new trendy customer to the formerly classic and designer based super-stores! But it’s their latest addition of uber cool THE KOOPLES that has got me all excited.

The Kooples is a luxurious yet accessible French fashion label based on the concept of stylish rock ‘n’ roll couples. It is still in fashion terms a baby – launched by 3 brothers back in 2008. But with it’s quirky advertising, niche selling point of complimentary mens and womens ‘unisex’ collections and realistic price-tags, it has become a global phenomenon!

So the ethos behind the brand is couple’s collaboration between fashion and music in history! Let’s channel the emulated styles of Kate Moss and Jamie Hince, Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp, Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, Keith Richards and Anita Pallenburg.  Yes, let’s!

The focus of this label lies in the impeccable tailoring of the jackets, coats and suits; the quirky detailing such as alternative hems, elbow pads and collars, mixing fabrics such as lace and leather and all with a slight androgynous nod.

The fact that their campaign pictures are real couples posing together is just a bonus; the natural chemistry and street-style photography only makes me love this label even more.

So get your Kool on and go check out The Kooples!

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I Die… For Delfina Delettrez

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Courtney Smith

Being a 4th generation Fendi family member would automatically give you fashion credentials! But when I fell across Delfina Delettrez’s fantastically spooky-sweet jewellery designs I knew this girl was much more than a stylish spouse living off the family name!

Her designs are ironically ‘to die for’ with a dark Tim Burton-esque vibe to her collections. She draws inspiration from 16th Century Italy, combined with typically grotesque insects, animal claws and the human anatomy. But it’s the unusual blend of these Gothic symbols infused with a soft romanticism that creates her unique aesthetic!

The skull design is getting almost to a point here it is overused in fashion and jewellery designs! But not with Delfina’s pieces, as she manages each time to create something intriguingly intricate. Like this cluster of small skull heads as a killer cocktail ring.

My lust-have from her current collection is the orgy ring – yeah it’s a little durrrty! But who doesn’t like a bit of filth. And if the ring isn’t your cup tea – it comes in cufflink versions for your other half’s… ahem pleasure!?

You can buy her designs in quite a number of places – but one of my favorites is online store www.couturelab.com.

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Are you a shopaholic??? … it’s time to spring clean!

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Courtney Smith

Confessions of a shopaholic - it’s time to spring clean!

If the above image from the movie ‘Confessions of a shopaholic’ looks in any way similar to your own fashion life, or you have a wardrobe bursting at the seams full of clothes that you never wear… or even worse if your attic or spare room consists of boxes of clothes that “maybe someday you will fit into or wear again”… what girl doesn’t have a bunch of those clothes? Then perhaps you should think about Spring Cleaning your wardrobe for a good cause!

Norma Smurfit is looking for people to take stalls at the annual “SPRING CLEAN FOR CHARITY” event taking place in the Shelbourne Hall, RDS, Dublin from 11am – 5pm on Sunday March 13th 2011. Basically it is free of charge and promises to be a fun and fashionable day out with some of Ireland’s most fashionable ladies attending. All you have to do is bring all your unwanted (but still wearable) clothes and sell them on to a new loving owner. All proceeds will go to St. Vincent De Paul so not only are you spring celaning your wardrobe but doing a good deed too!

There is no cost to take part in the event and to register for the Spring Clean for Charity Sale, simply email help@springcleanforcharity.ie or call 086 8221751

If you don’t have any clothes to sell but think there may be some little treasures to buy – admission will be €5 with children under 12 free of charge and payable on arrival.

Those interested in taking part in the event can go to http://www.springcleanforcharity.ie/

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Emmanuelle Alt – Parisian Style Star’s new Role!

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Courtney Smith

The fashion world was thrown into a frenzy last month with the shock departure of Carine Roitfeld from Vogue Paris. Roitfeld is regarded, as the mastermind behind the most powerful imagery in fashion media surely the infamous magazine couldn’t survive without her?

Well have no fear because the uber talented Emmanuelle Alt will be taking over the reigns as editor-in-chief and there is no better woman; not only has she been Carine’s right hand woman with her creative director role since 2001 but she is also the stylist and creative vision behind some of the most memorable and infamous shoots the magazine has had over the past decade.

 

But Alt has more than just a Vogue Paris string to her bow (as if that alone wasn’t enough), she is also the creative director behind many past brand campaigns such as Gucci, Balmain and Guiseppe Zanotti. She has styled the international catwalks and campaign shoots for these iconic labels and continues to work closely with them!

Alt’s work evokes a raw sensuality that can only really be associated with her and Vogue Paris. There is something about the French and in particular French Women being at ease with their bodies and nudity on display… she does not create images like this for shock value, but more because embracing the female form is embracing beauty! Something Ireland really needs to start coming around to!

So here is looking forward to a new decade of Vogue Paris, and happily anticipating what Alt brings to the table.

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Lanvin’s Alter Ego

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Courtney Smith

Ever since the hotly anticipated Lanvin collaboration with H+M sold out within minutes of going on sale, fashion’s man-of-the-moment became Alber Elbaz. Not that he is new to adoring female fans! His beautiful collections have been admired by fashion’s and Hollywood’s élite ever since he was named artistic director of Lanvin in 2001!

To look at, Elbaz isn’t what you would typically associate with a top fashion designer; he doesn’t have the outrageous dress sense of Galliano, the debonair and sophistication of Tom Ford or even the iconic style sense of Karl Lagerfeld! In fact, Elbaz looks more like the cute, dorky kid around the corner… complete with ill-fitting suits and over-sized dickie bows! (Which makes him all the more endearing).But forget first impressions – Elbaz designs like his alter ego… the hero who saved and revived a collapsing French fashion house and dresses women to perfection!

Bugs and insects became a recurring inspiration for this season’s collection; however, the woman Elbaz created was much more complicated than that!She is a bold hybrid of an insect and a superhero… think Spiderman – but with style and without the geeky alter ego!From subtle undercover agents wearing dark sunglasses in black draped jumpsuits to caped crusaders in chiffon pleated bodysuits, the designs can then morph from cocooned structured outfits into full-on drama in elegant evening gowns that billowed in the wind like Superman’s cape!

Many of the dresses were form fitting with cut-out details, skeletal pleated mini dresses, and body-armour in earthy tones with strong structure and bold embellishments… almost like the outer shell of an insect or the protective uniform of a superhero. The sheath style resembling a second skin was another beautiful option with that stunning draping we love and expect from Lanvin designs!

My favourite look from the catwalk has already been worn by ‘Gossip Girl’ Blake Lively, a stunning nude vest with a leather camel harness and belt, large bug jewel and stunning mint green flowing skirt. Other stars also seen wearing his S/S 11 collection before it hits stores are Rachel McAdams and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The show itself started out quite dark, showcasing the ‘alter-ego’ daywear looks, with sensible flat footwear, discrete sunglasses, office appropriate attire and even the odd day/work bag available. It was only when ‘At Last’ by Etta James came onto the playlist that an array of colourful and vibrant outfits abounded the runway, more leg became apparent and the collection itself took a turn towards a more typically Lanvin look. The show ended with the army of models dressed to kill (literally) taking their final walk together!

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All Aboard the Orient Express – LOUIS VUITTON S/S 11′ REVIEW

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Courtney Smith

While in New York recently, I was walking through Soho when I was approached by a man attempting to sell me cheap knock-off Louis Vuitton bags. Honestly, it wasn’t even the imitation leather or slightly dysfunctional zip that turned me off… it was that over-exposed, over-repeated logo plastered across the fabric. I just thought -Tacky!

And it wasn’t until I saw this season’s LV catwalk show that my faith in and love for the brand was restored! Louis Vuitton has come a long way since the days of gaudy mass-produced, monogram bags and although it is still very much a key-piece associated with the label, there is so much more they have to offer – ever since America’s fashion darling Marc Jacobs took the helm in 1997, the brand has gone from strength to strength.This season, the catwalk collection was an abundance of collaborative inspirations. Memoirs of a Geisha meets the Great Gatsby meets Bugsy Malone on the Orient Express heading to the Art Deco district of Miami Beach!

 

1930s’ style dresses were updated in shimmering metallic knitted fabrics, sheer lace and other fabrics like satin and lurex in deep berry tones and glamorous golds with low-slung sequined obi-belts and dangerously plunging necklines! Mandarin collars were featured throughout, with soft pyjama-style 2-piece looks and authentic oriental buttons… slightly undone at the base to give a more alluring appeal. Applique played a huge part throughout, with tassel features adorning dresses, embellished tiger heads sewn onto knitwear, ribbons hanging from floral prints and sequins galore.

 

Animal print was apparent like it has never been seen before; entire shapes of animals were printed across dresses and suits in a very bold and vibrant manner! Something Cruella Deville would have been proud of!Accessories were kept to a bare minimum with such elaborate dressing… strappy sandals and small evening bags. Hair was a side swept ‘30s’ bun, while make-up remained sultry with a shimmering smoky eye and dewy berry-tone lip.

It was a high-octane, vibrant show with a collection full of spice… I loved the trio of models shimmying down the catwalk flaunting their fans in an array of quality street colours… delicious!

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Uncharacteristically Chanel!!!

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Courtney Smith

Chanel was uncharacteristically casual this season, and underwent somewhat of a fashion make-under!

Naturally, there were elements of the iconic and historic brand – with tweed twin-sets, layered pearls and the classic pastel and monochrome colour schemes.

However, this season, Karl Lagerfeld seemed to be inspired by a new age of Chanel fans; fashion IT girls such as Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo and Mischa Barton have been putting their youthful stamp on the label by wearing Chanel items in a new edgier way than before and it seems Karl gave his S/S 11’ collection a shot of youth serum too.

Typical twin-sets were given a modern overhaul with hot pants replacing skirts, teamed with understated t-shirts and bold floral blouses. One of my favourite looks was the deceptively prim and proper tweed jackets worn over matching waistcoats teamed with barely-there hot pants and edgy accessories such as chainmail fingerless gloves and chunky metallic cut-out shoes.Small-deconstructed details gave the clothes a raw feel; frayed hems, raffia-style feathers on tops and bouffant-feathered skirts and cuffs and even hemlines, meanwhile denim was given a new lease of life with perforated fabric almost resembling the infamous tweed print.
This is possibly one of the most wearable collections we have seen from Chanel in years –- Lagerfeld said that a new use of texture and re-working of fabrics make this a dynamic collection with something for everyone, and I have to agree… one of his new tweed jackets would work very nicely into my wardrobe!

However, not one to shy away from a little drama, the finale to the collection saw supermodel Carmen Kass parade down the catwalk in a show-stopping, feathery peach-coloured dress with metallic perforated shoes. Although the look didn’t necessarily fit in with the rest of the collection it was nice to see an element of Chanel showmanship in what was otherwise a very delicate and understated show.
So what can we expect to sift down from catwalk to closet? Next season, look for fabric details like soft feathers, raw edges, perforated fabric and even selvedge edges. Metallic will remain a trend but in a much more muted way than the bolder Christmas looks!

 

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