#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

Meet the Team – Eileen Boland

Meet the Team – Eileen Boland:

There are two things you need to know about Ms Boland; one is that she loves lipstick and the other is that she loves nail polish. However, want to know what Eileen loves the most? Taking selfies! Eileen is our resident poser and we LOVE her for it.

Supposedly Kim Kardashian is writing a book all about how to take the perfect selfie I say forget about Kimmy K and hand over that book deal to Eileen. Her pictures consist of vividly colourful lipstick and big brown beautiful eyes.

I have known Eileen for a year now and I can say hand on heart I have never seen the girl without any lipstick on. Her love for lipstick can be seen in the photo below. Those are her lips showcasing the various shades of lipstick she has.

Eileen is our own ray of positive light and energy. She always has a smile and knows how to make us crack one if we’re not having the best of days. The only time I’ve seen her cry was when her sister called her in the middle of a staff meeting to let her know she was engaged. It was such a happy emotional moment between Eileen and her sister that it even brought me to tears (I’m a happy crier - don't judge me).

She’s also the healthy one of the bunch constantly letting us know what good foods to eat and scowling at Ella when she orders the “Ella Special” from McDonalds (double cheeseburger, large fries, 6 McNuggets, BBQ sauce and a diet coke).

Eileen’s vices are leather and diet coke. She owns leather shorts, trousers, tops and jackets (Ella still hasn’t forgiven her for buying an Acne leather jacket when it came in to Siopaella – we operate on a first one to scream bagsy gets it scheme).

Eileen studied Business, Economics and Finance in UL and then did her masters in Fashion Buying and Management in DIT. She even graduated with distinctions! She’s such a little genius. 

According to an Eileen insider she has a “healthy obsession with Jane Austen novels but an unhealthy obsession with Harry Potter”. However in my own opinion I would say Eileen’s real unhealthy obsession is with moustaches…I don’t know either.

Her best friend in the whole world is her crazy little dog Monty who unfortunately I’ve only seen in pictures but she seems like a perfect little lady; cuddly, loving with just a hint of crazy.

She is our cute, little, happy ball of sunshine who has the biggest heart and smile of all the Siopaella team. Come in and experience an Eileen hug for yourself, they’re the best J

Three Fun Facts about Eileen:

1.       She owns over 47 different shades of lipstick

2.       She likes having her head rubbed

3.       Her first mode of communication as a child was singing (she’s a cutie)

For more on our darling Eileen Boland you can follow her here:

Instagram – Alwayseileen

Twitter - Alwayseileen

Ciara x

Meet the Team: Shaniqua:

Meet the Team: Shaniqua:

Sinéad or Shaniqua as Ella likes to call her (Ella has a weird fascination with stripper names, don’t ask) is another long serving member of the Siopaella team. She’s our tall, dark haired, pale skinned fat child in a skinny woman’s body.

   

The girl likes her food but you’d never know that by looking at her (lucky bitch). She’s the Joey of the group. Like our favourite character from Friends Sinéad doesn't share food! If you want to keep her happy don’t even ask for some of her food. I made that mistake at the Christmas party and my goodness if looks could kill. She was very protective over that creamy mash.

She is known for her gorgeous skirts, statement necklaces and of course that fierce Tipperary accent. She drinks buckets of tea a day and only recently (thanks to myself and Eileen) has started to put the teabags in the bin and not thrown by the sink!!!

After being offered a full time job in Siopaella  Sinéad turned up to work the next day four hours late. Her excuse was that she went to sleep so content about having been offered a job that she slept like a baby and forgot to set her alarm.

Sinéad studied Communications in DCU and just graduated with a 2:1 and a first in photography (bualadh bos). During her final year Sinéad continued working at Siopaella doing one or two days a week. We missed her during this time and are delighted she’s back to full time.

She’s the hyper child of the group who often says sentences that make no sense especially at the end of the day. We just look at her and give the poor creature a hug and send her on her merry way home

.

Three Fun Facts about Shaniqua:

1.       She is currently homeless.

2.       She’s the breaker and spiller in Siopaella from tables, fans, cups etc

3.       As a child Sinéad thought she was a cat living in Sweet Valley Kittens

For more on Shaniqua you can follow her here:

Instagram – sineadk03

Ciara x

The Launch of Dublin Fashion Festival

Dublin Fashion Festival Launch:

Selfie time with JR,Steve,Eileen, Tanya and Ciara

Its Thursday night, I’m right now at home in my miss-matched pyjamas, tea in hand watching re-runs of Sex and the City. It’s a far cry from where I was last night, a far cry indeed! Last night myself along with most of the Siopaella gang and also the lovely JR Doyle from Picture This Dublin descended on the stunning City Hall for the launch of Dublin Fashion Festival.

The Runway

The festival itself runs from September 4^th – 7^th with fashion shows daily, events in various boutiques across Dublin and of course there will be great competitions to be won.

Eileen, Ciara & Tanya

 The Festival is hosted by Dublin Town and this year they have chosen the fierce and freckled beauty that is Angela Scanlon to be the face of the event.

Angela Scanlon, DFF Ambassador 2014

The night began at 7pm. City Hall was lit up in pink lights for the invite only event. It was the who’s who of Dublin and allowed me to indulge in my favourite pastime; people watching.

One of the looks from the show 

Whoever says that Dublin women and also men don’t have style definitely wasn’t there last night. The style was amazing! It was a jungle of midi skirts, the highest heels and outlandish accessories (I demand you to go and check out the gorgeous Jennie McGinn’s sandals - WOW).

Jennie McGinn who won best accessory for her sandals

There was food on the night by San Lorenzos and Salamancas tapas bar. Drinks on the night were a choice between bottles of Tiger beer or a glass of the new West Coast Cooler and Vodka mix. The drinks were presented and served by the lovely people from 37 Dawson Street.

A look from the show

The fashion show was an absolute treat to behold. Our eyes were feasted to what Autumn/Winter 2014 has in store for us Irish gals.

My favourite look!

NewLook, Kilkenny Design, United Colors of Benetton, Brown Thomas and Penneys all contributed looks to the show which were modelled by the gorgeous girls and boys from 1^st Option Models.

The most perfect red coat

 I am already far too excited about stocking up on winter woollies and coats and due to last night I have my eye on a certain few!

Loving this all black ensemble 

The night came to a close after the show but of course more drinks were had and more selfies taken. The surrounds and architecture of City Hall guaranteed that every shot would be truly beautiful.  

JR, Brian (who won best dressed man), Eileen, Tanya and Ciara

 Goody bags were handed out and they really aimed to please! Eileen’s snapchat with her voucher for a free Starbucks coffee was a godsend this morning as it reminded me to grab mine from the goody-bag in order to nurse my sore head. We got not only the voucher but also make up, a detox day and a voucher for Penneys, happy days.

Eileen, Aoife (our lovely consignor) and Ciara

It was a fabulous night spent with fabulous people and got us so excited for the main event in September. Be sure to check them out on Facebook for all their updates and hopefully we’ll see you there J

Eileen, Liam Cunningham, Ciara and Tanya

P.S We even got to meet the gentleman that is Liam Cunningham **SWOON**

Ciara x

Meet the Team - Big T

Meet the Team; Big T:

Big T or Tanya Cash as she is better known is one of the longest serving staff members to work in Siopaella (God love her). She’s our little bobbed hair, big smile ball of sunshine (post coffee only). She began as we all did, as a minion, I mean intern haha. With training, dedication and hard work Big T has earned her the title of assistant manager.

Tanya’s background is in performing arts (a talent that is a huge asset working here especially when dealing with difficult customers). She attended Sligo IT and graduated with her specialty in costume design for the theatre.

Tanya’s style is Victorian queen with a dash of quirky, colourful jewellery. Her favourite designer is Vivienne Westwood and she has been known to buy most of our Westwood pieces before they even get the chance to hit the floor (the best perk of the job).

Big T is the responsible one of the group. She’s the one with her head screwed on and regularly tells us when it’s time to call it a night and head home from the pub. I swear that girl does not suffer from hangovers! 

She’s a sweetheart who’s funny, kind and has the biggest laugh! Come in, tell her a joke and hear it for yourself!

Three fun facts about Big T:

1.       Tanya's favourite shade of lipstick is MAC's Lady Danger.

2.       Her dissertation was in 18^th Century Georgian fashion

3.       Her favourite city is Brighton because of its vintage and alternative scene

For more on Big T you can follow her here:  

Instagram- tanyacash07

Twitter- tanyacash07

Ciara x

Viva La Vintage

Viva La Vintage

Now I may only be Siopaella’s little monkey on a typewriter but I speak/write for all of us when I say we love vintage. So much so that there are very often fights over who gets what when a vintage haul comes in! You know this though, you know we love vintage and until recently I thought everyone loved vintage but oh no how wrong I was. 

Myself and Ella wearing our Siopaella vintage printed shirts

My new future bff Dawn O’Porter(I’m hoping she agrees to this alliance) recently launched her own show on Channel 4 called This Old Thing. If you haven’t watched it yet, then shame on you. Stop reading this immediately make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up and catch up with it on 4od.

Dawn O'Porter - My future BFF ;)

What surprised me most about the show was how many people are put off by vintage. I can understand that beginning to shop and stock your wardrobe with predominantly vintage pieces can be a daunting process but there are some people out there who are just so against it due to it being smelly, ancient, outdated or ridiculous. Vintage is none of the above. It’s special, unique, exciting and beautiful…that is if you know where to look.

Dawn O'Porter

Our vintage mostly comes from our lovely consignors who like us are vintage crazy! However, roughly twice a year, Ella and Steve go on sneaky buying trips to Vancouver and come home with hordes of amaaaaazing vintage.
**Secret Time**
Ella and Steve will return from one of these buying trips at the end of August ;) I’m delighted as it’s just in time for ElectricPicnic which means my festival wardrobe is sorted!!

Ella in a vintage warehouse in Canada

Not sure on how to start shopping vintage? Here are a few of my tips:

·         Know Your Measurements: This is especially important for buying online. Don’t just go for what the size says as this could be an American size and also sizes were much smaller back then. Know your bust, waist and hips as these are the biggest problem areas. If buying from us do PM us and we can give you all the details you need!

Tanya's vintage OOTD

·         Be Open Minded: A vintage store can be a treasure throve, filled with one of kind amazing goodies. I will admit though, walking into a vintage store can be overwhelming due to it being stocked with just “one of everything” rather than a rail of the same piece. Don’t let this throw you. Take a deep breath and plunge in. If something tickles your fancy TRY IT ON. Clothing is made to be worn not to hang on a hanger. By trying it on you will get the full idea and will know instantly if it is for you.

Brendan Courtney & Eileen in her Siopaella vintage dress

·         Be Yourself: Yes, vintage allows you to create a personal style that is different to girls who buy predominantly from the high street but it is still important to be true to yourself.   Whether that means mixing vintage with the high street, wearing vintage jewelry or just sticking to colours and styles that you feel comfortable in, it’s all up to you. The most important thing is for you to wear the piece and not for the piece to wear you!

Sinéad and her Siopaella vintage earrings 

So there you go, remember these simple tips and you'll be a vintage vixen in no time (love me a bit of alliteration) J Happy shopping

Ciara x

**MORE SECRETS** Shop our vintage collection here ;)