#FIVEONFRIDAY

#FIVEONFRIDAY

This week's #fiveonfriday gets a Halloween twist!

The Cake Café

If you’re looking for the perfect Halloween treat then look no further than The Cake Café on Pleasants Palace. For the past week they have been baking their scrumptious cookies with a Halloween twist.  If we’re honest, skeleton and Dart Vader cookies are truly what the Halloween spirits is all about.  

Lucy’s Lounge

The Halloween Parties have arrived and so far your best costume idea involves a black plastic bag and a witch mask….it worked when you were five, not now though.  But fear not – our neighbours, Lucy’s Lounge, have you covered for the perfect Halloween attire.  You can check them out on Fownes Street, Temple Bar.

The Craft

Dressed all black, throw in some teen angst, add a dash of 90's grunge and finish off with some witch craft and BOOOM, The Craft is the perfect movie choice for your Halloween night in.

Alex Garnett

To get your fix of wicked and unique jewellery pieces, check out the eye-catching creations of Alex Garnett.  From skull inspired brooches, bone pendants to eerie lamps, his creations will make you have a little piece Halloween in your wardrobe for life.

Damnation

Visit the RDS this weekend to get your last bit of scary thrills courtesy of Damnation’s labyrinth of horrors.  Uncover all of Samuel Page’s stories and prepare to scream and run for your life. Bringing a friend would be a good idea for this one!

#FIVEONFRIDAY

#FIVEONFRIDAY

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For the entire month of October, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging us all to Paint it Pink and create plenty of #PinkPics all in the name of creating awareness about breast cancer. With various events and activities accruing throughout the country, there is no better time to celebrate everything pink and get involved in the fundraising and awareness. 

Keep an eye on our Facebook page to find out when Siopaella will be celebrating everything pink and raising funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Hard Working Class Heroes

This weekend Dublin is the only place to be to discover the best of the best in the Irish music scene. With over 100 acts lined-up to play in seven venues throughout the city, HWCH is bigger than ever and is a MUST for every music lover.

The Doors of Dublin

Although Dublin is a small town, it has plenty to say and of course plenty to show. The Doors of Dublin is this week's highlighted Instagram stalk.  Give the page a follow and see if you spot any familiar doorsteps or even better, discover some new beauties.

Chanel SS15

#HeforShe. ‘Be your own Stylist’. ‘Free Freedom’.

Uncle Karl, you fabulous divil! ;) 

Keogh's Cafe

The ONLY thing to cure any rainy  morning commute, the mouth-warming aroma of Keogh's Cafe freshly baked muffins. Stop's me in my tracks each time and is one of my top choices for a Monday pick-me-up.

What is your #fiveonfriday?

#FIVEONFRIDAY

#FIVEONFRIDAY

Don't have any plans for the weekend?

Read on :)

Melt

I’m almost embarrassed to admit that it was only this week that I finally visited our wonderful neighbours Melt.  Within Siopaella Temple Lane, we have all witnessed the euphoric appearance of each and every person who leaves Melt. After my own visit earlier this week, there are only two words which come to mind to describe the experience – Pure. Bliss. 

ALT-J

Taking over the 3 Arena this Saturday night are my Spotify favourite, Alt-J. The guys are currently on tour promoting their second album, ‘This Is All Yours’.  While standing tickets may have sold out, there are still a few tiered tickets available. Grab them while you can and prepare yourself for a night of feel good dancing and music.

Cork / Limerick Closet buyout

Siopaella is going on tour...well kind of.

Replacing music equipment with designer goodies, this weekend our Siopaella buyers will be traveling to Limerick and Cork to uncover and buyout some of the most stylish closets. You can keep track of all the crew’s antics and discovers by following Siopaella on Instagram and Twitter. 

DISCLAIMER: Expect many selfies, coffee breaks and possibly the odd ‘We’re lost!!’ tweet on our hunt for luxury items!  

Olivia Burton watches

Another late night instgram scrolling discovery, was the wonderful and whimsical creations of Olivia Burton London.  Stating that they couldn't find a watch which ‘fulfilled their need for style’, the innovative duo of Lesa Bennett and Jemma Fennings saw to create their own.  With up to six styles to choose from, you are surely to find the perfect watch for you.

Staple Foods

Staff meetings – not the most desirable way to start your work day but thankfully this staff meeting came with pancakes! (We’re spoiled, we know)  It was thanks to the lovely folks at Staple Foods who made the staff  meeting that little bit sweeter. The guys were super friendly, provided the much needed coffee and the food was scrumptious. Now, if only every staff meeting could be like that. 

What is your #fiveonfriday?

Sinéad 

x

#FIVEONFRIDAY

#FIVEONFRIDAY

Discover our top five must-knows for this week :) 

Ciara O’Doherty

This week we had a very welcomed visit from Stylist and Presenter Ciara O’Doherty. Our first encounter with the talented lady was a combination of fashion talk and taking many, many selfies earlier this month at Dublin Fashion Festival. This time our meeting was far more professional with Ms O’Doherty taking the leap and opening up her our own consignment account with us –YAY! You can keep up-to-date with all of Ciara’s antics and latest fashion discovers via her Instagram, Twitter and of course, Facebook.

Sketchy Inc

Throughout both shops there are some eye-catching and distinctive creations and I’m not talking just about the clothes. For Crow Street we have our refurnished cabinets and hot pink vanity mirror courtesy of Quirkistuff. While in Temple Lane along with the vintage LV suitcases there is my favourite piece - our shop portraits created and designed by the hugely talented, Sketchy Inc.  For the past six years and counting, SketchyInc has been re-envisioning some of Dublin’s landmarks. You can check out his Siopaella piece in Temple Lane and also be blown away with his amazing work online.

Spot the Dot Sale

We are never one to shy away from a party here at Siopaella! Add some discounted items and a chance to catch up with our amazing customers and we are there! Next Thursday, September 25^th, we will be hosting a #spotthedot sale whereby select stock will be further marked down by up to 50%! With beverages and nibbles provided for the evening event, it is the perfect way to do some guilt free shopping and enjoy a giggle or two along the way. Stay posted to our Facebook and Twitter for updates and more info about the event.

Culture Night

A night out perfect for all the family is Culture Night 2014. Running from 5-11 pm, the entire experience is the ideal platform for Dublin to showcase all it has to offer in entertainment, history and discovery. With over seven Culture Quarters marked throughout the city, getting to know your community and cultural surroundings couldn't be easier.  

Slow Skies

The latest track ‘Bodies’ from Dublin based group, SlowSkies, has just been released. I was lucky enough to catch their Body and Soul set at Electric Picnic 2013 – beautiful and unforgettable. You can check them out supporting James Vincent McMorrow on October 5^th at the Shepard’s Bush Empire, London just before their own gig on the 8^th at the Sugar Club.

What is your #fiveonfriday?

Sinéad 
x

We are going to...

Cork and Limerick Buyouts:

Our dedicated followers will know by now about our new venture into invading the designer closets of women, clearing them out and offering cash up front! We have bought everything from Orla Kiely to Marc Jacobs and from Victoria Beckham to Chanel from fabulous closets all over Dublin.

We know that there are dedicated followers of fashion all over this Fair Isle and that is why on the weekend of September 27 and 28 we are going to…LIMERICK and CORK! This means that if you live here or in the surrounding areas and have designer bags, scarves or jewellery to sell we want to hear from you!

 Our best sellers include everything from Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors to Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes. If you have pieces sitting pretty and unused in your closet then this is the perfect opportunity for you. We will come to your place, free of charge and help you de-clutter your designer closet!

For more information and to schedule a pick up, you can email info@siopaella.com or call 01 677 9106 / 01 442 1747 to speak to one of our buyers.

Looking forward to hearing from you 

Ciara x

#FIVEONFRIDAY

#FIVEONFRIDAY

Read on to find out what has us buzzing this week in Siopaella HQ

Margaret O’Connor

Thanks to Brown Thomas and their new venture, CREATE, learning more about this week's first feature was effortless and ooh so beautiful. Margaret O'Connor is a budding milliner who's elaborate pieces are unforgettable and straight out of the imagery and wicked creative world.  

Miles of MAC

A match made in fashion photography and cosmetic heaven – Miles Aldridge and MAC Cosmetics! Together, Aldridge and MAC have created some of the most iconic and noted campaigns over the last decade. This September, MAC’s Creative Director - James Gager – will be releasing a photography book, Miles of MAC, showcasing the creative team’s work and documenting the remarkable work that can be achieved once all creative inhibition is set free.

Ha’Penny Flea Market

One of my favourite ways to achieve Saturday bliss is by hitting up the Ha’Penny Flea Market in The Grand Social. Running from 12 – 6 pm every Saturday, the market has everything to keep you wandering and curious for the entire afternoon.

Lennon Courtney AW14

As you may have read in this week’s Dublin Fashion Festival post, along with an amazing show, we were also treated to a look-in at what to expect in-store from some of our favourite fashion branches. However, there was one particular showcase which had us all drooling (fashionable of course!) It was the beautiful pieces coming from Lennon Courtney this AW. With luscious fabrics and eye-catching silhouettes, Lennon Courtney’s collection will have you swooning and stylish this entire Autumn season.  

Tiger Fringe Festival

From September 5^th – 20^th Dublin town will be bestowed with creative talent from all realms of the expressive, creative and innovative art world all thanks to Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival. With acts and performances ranging from film, dance, visual art and so much more, the two-week festival will provide a delicious serving of attitude, interaction and excitement.

What is your #fiveonfriday?

Sinéad

Dublin Fashion Festival Part 1:

Dublin Fashion Festival Part 1:

In case you live under a rock with no wifi you wouldn’t have known that last week in Dublin City centre was Dublin Fashion Festival. This meant lights, camera, action…literally!! It also meant style, glamour, shows and after parties. The cream of the fashion crop were out in force for the four day festival and we at Siopaella were only delighted to be included in that.

There were definite highlights from the festival which included Courtney Smith’s H&M jacket and Ciaran Gormley’s stunning masterpiece, all of which will be discussed in the blog.

 There was something for everyone during this year’s event including free manicures and make overs on the Evoke bus, fashion shows on Dublin’s two busiest shopping streets and also an opportunity for young designers to showcase their tremendous talent.

It was this talent that kicked off the festival. On Thursday evening College Green was transformed into the most amazing location for the Young Designer of the Year show. The fashion Gods smiled down on us as we were graced with a beautiful evening with not one drop of rain. To this day I am still scratching my head wondering what would have happened if it had rained??

The style on the night was outstanding. International stylist and Siopaella favourite Courtney Smith looked stunning (as always) in a faux fur H&M jacket which was picked as one of her “Courtney Covets”; a collaboration between Courtney and H&M in which she picked out her favourite pieces from their A/W line.

Other stunners were Brian Conway who looked as dashing and handsome as ever, Tanith McGrath (Rough-Dreams) and Corina Gaffey (Eileen was fan girling over her 60s look and we don’t blame her).  

Cocktails, using Dingle Vodka, were provided by Lillie’sBordello and they were delicious. After some snaps and a quick interview of me and Eileen by Dominique McMullan for the Irish Times, which you can catch here, it was time for the show to begin.

The night was hosted by our favourite fashion duo, Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon. The first show consisted of entries by twelve young designers all fighting it out to be crowned with the title of Young Designer of the Year and for a chance for a photo-shoot with the one and only Barry McCall.

All of the designs were truly breath-taking but the prize on the night went to Mr Ciaran Gormley (remember that name) who is a student at the University of Belfast. His design of a cobalt blue knitted dress modelled by the fierce Teodora Sutra opened the show. There were nods of approval throughout the audience.

A second show on the night previewed looks from Lennon Courtney, Brown Thomas Create and Clerys. Before the night I thought I couldn’t be more excited for A/W fashion but oh no how I was wrong. I am a winter baby so please pass me all of the knits, coats and boots…NOW!

There was an after party hosted at Lillies Bordello but with another night of fashion festivities all of us at Siopaella decided to call it a night and get some beauty sleep for the next night (I know hard to believe?!).

For scandal on the second night of DFF which was hosted in Powerscourt Town Centre be sure to check out my next blog.

Ciara x

#FASHIONFIVEONFRIDAY

#FASHIONFIVEONFRIDAY

Fashion Fever is in the air and we love it! From New York to Dublin, read on to find out what’s happening this week in celebration of everything fashion. 

Young Designer of the Year - Ciaran Gormley

  

Kick starting the celebrations for this year’s Dublin Fashion Festival was the dazzling Young Designer of the Year fashion show.  With Bank of Ireland on College Green as its backdrop, the occasion was staged for an unforgettable evening. Twelve extremely talented finalists were handpicked to present their creations on the night. There could be only one victor of the title and it was awarded to, Ciaran Gormley. Huge congrats to Ciaran, we are so excited to see what the fashion future has in store for you!

NYFW

Its autumn so of course while we are welcoming our cosy Aran knits and getting our layering under control, the fashion architects are already on to the next one. This week New York Fashion Week launched the trends to look forward to for Spring/Summer 15. NYFW will show the latest collections from some of our most desired designers such as Alexander Wang, Philip Lim, DVF and of course, Mr Marc Jacobs! Spring cleaning cannot come sooner - hello new wardrobe! ;) 

McGinn Sisters

They say all good things come in threes and that is certainly true with the fashion power trio that is the McGinn Sisters. Sarah, Jennie and Grace are the masterminds behind the latest fashion online buying experience, OPSH.  These ladies aren’t up-and-coming, they’ve already arrived!! Make sure you checkout OPSH to gain the edge on your fashion buying and give the talented ladies a follow (stalk!) on their Instagram.   

Courtney Covets

Throughout this year’s Dublin Fashion festivities there are numerous events showcasing the talent that Dublin has to offer both nationally and internationally. One event which we were fan girling over was the announcement of a style collaboration between Swedish clothing company, H&M, and international stylist, Courtney Smith. Ms Smith selected her favourite pieces from H&M’s AW 2014 Collection and gave them the Courtney stamp of approval with the unique tagging of ‘Courtney Covets’.  This Saturday Courtney will be providing her styling expertise to customers in the South King Street shop, along with discussing the trends pegged for this Autumn /Winter.  

SocialBee Tea Rooms

Need a refreshment during this fashion marathon? We know just the place for you – SocialBee pop-up Tea Rooms. Running for just 5 weeks  and launching this Thursday, SocialBee pop-up Tea Rooms have exactly what you need. From cream teas to Afternoon Tea parties, you can ensure you will be  revitalized and ready for the next fashionable occasion which we hope is just around the corner.

What is your #fiveonfriday? :) 

Sinéad

x

#FIVEONFRIDAY

#FIVEONFRIDAY

Aofie Harrison Millinery

Unveiling her first collection in 2008, Aoife Harrison is a name you need to know within the millinery scene. Her stunning creations cater from simplistic and notable designs to eye-catching eccentric headpieces and everything in between. You can see the true beauty of one of Aoife’s piece yourself with Aoife Harrison Design stocked in the Design Centre Dublin and The Whyte House, Westport.

Electric Picnic

The final festival hurrah before Summer comes to a close is of course Electric Picnic, running this year from  August 29^th- 31^st.  It is the only festival that I count down the days to and it makes saying goodbye to Summer and hello to Autumn that little bit easier. This year shall be my third EP experience and to make the weekend even more amazing I will be setting up camp (literally) with my fellow Siopaella gurl, Ciara!  

Anna Wintour – ALS Challenge

No words really.

http://www.vogue.com/culture/article/anna-wintour-als-ice-bucket-challenge/#1

Charlotte Tilbury – Brown Thomas launch  

If you are a make-up lover like all of us here in Siopaella (okay minus Steve and the dogs) then you will of course be waiting with baited breath for the Charlotte Tilbury make up launch in Brown Thomas next Tuesday. Ms Tilbury’s beautiful work can be seen on the covers of established magazine such as LOVE, Vogue and Vanity Fair to name but a few. Her premier collection will focus on products for the eyes, skincare and make-up tools. Pay day cannot come sooner.

 Claire Tracey – New Face

The Irish media was a buzz yesterday with the announcement that designer Carolyn Donnelly’s new campaign had nabbed itself a new face! So who is the lucky lady you ask? It is the gorgeous Claire Tracey who will be Donnelly’s new face for her collection, the Edit, for Dunnes Stores.   

What is your #fiveonfriday? 

Sinéad