Set Theatre at Langton’s House Hotel proudly presents it’s first vintage fashion, furniture and film fair.

The inaugural ‘Absolut Style at Set’ event takes place this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, in the opulent surroundings of the new ‘SET’ theatre in Kilkenny. Organised by interiors and fashion writer Blanaid Hennessy (pictured above in ‘Set’), ‘Absolut Style at Set’ is three days of vintage fashion, furniture and films, along with makeovers, style talks, live photoshoots and performances followed by fun nights out, all in association with ‘Absolut’ Vodka.

‘Absolut Style at Set’ is no ordinary fashion event, no MC’s or the usual catwalk shows, it’s simply another world in which to escape for a few days –Here’s a brief look as to what you can expect at ‘Absolut Style at Set’ :

On Friday, guests can relax into the plush SET seats and indulge a full day of fashion inspired movies, from ‘The September Issue’ to ‘HBO’s Grey Gardens.’

Saturday and Sunday are the official ‘Absolut Style at Set’ days, with a vintage fashion and furniture shopping centre, the ‘Gosh’ cosmetics makeup room, the ‘Kerastase’ hair salon, , live photoshoots and performances, The Courtyard food fair, and, not forgetting the beleagured husbands, we have The Men’s Den in Harry’s Bar, with live sport and whiskey tasting.

Guests will also have the opportunity to get fashion advice from top stylists Annmarie O’Connor (The Irish Examiner) and Laura Cunningham (TV3) and interiors advice from premier interior designer Simon Rawlings (Creative Director of the international design company, David Collins Interiors)

At night time, SET will be transformed for two full-on club nights out:

Saturday Night is ‘The Stylebitches Night Out’ , with a ‘demented’ dress code, ‘Absolut’ cocktails, crazy performances, neon warpaint and the top Irish fashion bloggers, The Stylebitches, take to the decks.

Sunday Night is the ‘Soul Kitchen’: DJ Davey Holland plays urban and soulful sounds, with a retro dress code, Absolut’ cocktails ,make-up ladies and alcoholic cupcakes on the night.

...plus lots more to be announced!

For further information

Blanaid Hennessy : (083) 3346996

Langton’s House Hotel : (056) 7765133

Email : styleatset@gmail.com

Website : www.set.ie/style

Rangoli competition to win a bespoke headpiece.

Aisling Nelson from Rangoli invites you to enter a competition to win a bespoke headpiece for your wedding day.

The competition is open to Rangoli Facebook fans and will be featured on the Rangoli Jewellery blog. Aisling wants you to share some of the beautiful details that have inspired you to plan your wedding.

How to enter -

Email Aisling a picture of your gown and describe your personal style in three words. (aisling@rangoli.ie)

What is your colour theme?

Email six or more images of things that have inspired the 'look' of your wedding. These can include shoes, flowers, hairstyles, table settings, stationery, vintage elements. There are no constraints - just share the things you love!

Have a look at my blog for more information and inspiration - http://rangolijewellery.blogspot.com/2010/03/rangoli-designs-for-you.html

Wishing you all the best of luck - I'm looking forward to meeting the winner and designing a really special headpiece.

Regards
Aisling

http://www.rangoli.ie
http://rangolijewellery.blogspot.com

The Fashion Industry Insider by Nicky Harris

You could be forgiven for thinking that the world of fashion is all glamour, fun and excitement but the reality is that there are several mundane areas of the business too. Travel isn’t always great fun and airports can be trying at the best of times. Packing four days worth of outfits worthy of the fash pack just isn’t possible in a Ryan air size carry on bag! Paper work is a constant battle and like housework is never completely done.

During the Celic tiger many people opened boutiques. They thought that because they had a huge love of fashion that it would be an enjoyable challenge to open their own. They travelled the world and brought labels to Ireland that we only saw in magazines . Many of them are now struggling with the realities of a severe downturn in retail sales and are finding life as a fashion retailer very tough indeed. Some of them won’t survive but those that do will be stronger and leaner by the time the upturn comes.

News from the shop floor is that this year has certainly started out better than last year when we were all in economic shock. Accessories are selling strongly and the new Spring Summer ranges are starting to move.

Double jobbing has brought a whole new viewpoint into focus for me as I now get invited to launches and openings which means I can have a good look before the clothes hit the shop floor..

The good news is that Irish women in particular love fashion and recession or no that is not going to change. Boutiques and stores are working even harder to provide customers with great service and the clothes that suit their budgets.

I’ve noticed that the prices are very keen across the board. Of course you can still splurge on that ‘to die for’ handbag or pair of shoes but you can also but a completely fabulous outfit for a more reasonable and affordable price.

I’m off to London again next week for four days and am looking forward to working in the Jaeger showrooms there, bringing Irish customers who have not completely lost their nerve and who are prepared to continue to seek new ranges to bring to the Irish market. I will let you know how I get on and in the meantime have a great ‘fashionable’ week ahead!........

www.nickysragtales.com

From the Blogs

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Tote Bag image from Stylebible.ie

Wednesdays Round Up of the Irish Fashion and Beauty Blogs

Whatshewears.ie: Go Buy Now: Military Jacket

The military jacket is set for a major comeback this season. Okay, so slightly disappointing for all of us die-hard leather lovers (keep your leather jacket, it’ll always be in style) but it’s definitely time for a change.

The “Flak” jacket is undeniably about to have its ‘must-have’ moment, so how about opting for a jacket with a militaristic influence? Think brass buttons, khaki colours, beiges, creams, navy and compliment with a belted waist for a sexily cinched silhouette more

Stylefish.ie: Look Magazine host the first high Street fashion show
One of our Fav fashion Mags ‘Look’ organised the first ever Fashion Show as part of London Fashion week that was open to the Public recently. They choose 14 of our all time Fav high street shops & styled over 100 outfits for us to ohh and ahh over! Top Irish Super Model Erin O’Connor was one of the top models in the show and she said “Before the Look show, Fashion week felr really closed off and that is such a shame as ordinary women are the lifeblood of the Fashion Industry more

Rockin Fashion: His n Her Blog of the week

I 'Róisín Moloney' do solemnly swear to share with you from here on out, my 'Top Fave Blog of the Week' every Wednesday to cater for both girl's & guy's!!! Unless you have been living under a rock for the past couple of years, I'm sure you would have noticed the many Fashion Blogs popping up from every fashionable nook & cranny throughout the globe. Fashion blogging is taking over the fashion world quite literally, with Laura Feinstein reporting for PSFK recently describing style blogs as having the following effect on the selling of fashion items in this digital age: "While actual fiscal proof of the items’ popularity isn’t available, its ubiquity on some of the highest viewed style blogs on the web will surely act as better advertisements to a younger and chic-centric audience than a traditional billboard in Times Square or full page add in Vogue."more

Whisty Blogs Fashion: 70's Inspired Outfit

Inspired by 70’s fashion and the military nod on the Marc Jacobs SS10 runway I mixed vintage fur and wooden platforms with a military shirt and neutral dress for a shopping trip this weekend. Both the shirt and dress are quite slouchy so I pulled in the waist with an old Girl-Guides belt. When I first put on the military shirt I looked a bit too heavy so I broke up the green with the leopard-print scarf. I’m also getting a little bored with wearing black opaque tights so I went for woollen, over-the-knee socks instead. Left is the look without the vintage fur coat, scroll-down for photo with it on, over the shirt. more

Nicky's Rag Tales: Interview with Paula Rowan
Last week Paula Rowan launched her Spring Summer Collection of leather gloves, bags and shoes at her leather emporium in Dublin’s Westbury Mall. Paula is the leather goods expert in Ireland with a fantastic selection of high quality leather goods. Watch here to see an interview I did with Paula in her shop…..more

Stylebible: Fashion Targets Breast Cancer
Once again Brown Thomas have teamed up with a celebrated designer to create a global exclusive item for the ‘Fashion Targets Breast Cancer’ campaign. The FTBC Campaign is in it’s sixth year and this year they have worked with New York Deisgner Tory Burch (left) to create a limited edition Tote more

Linea Raffaelli SS010 at Nicola Ross Boutique

Nicola Ross Boutiqe Naas 045 875 181

Bourne SS010 At Inspire Boutique

Inspire Shoe Boutique, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
053 9234804

From the Blogs

Mondays Round Up of the Irish Fashion and Beauty Blogs

Whatshewears.ie: White Skinny Jeans

I have tried all the usual shops and online shops. ASOS have got a pair of jeans but they are average, not great. I’m not looking in children’s shops by the way. They don’t need to look “smart” or confirmation like they just need to look gorgeous and trendy. Have you got any suggestions? Or it might be an idea to ask your readers. According to our stylist, Ingrid Hoey, J Brand are the best for skinny jeans. Victoria Beckham is seen here wearing the J Brand 10” skinny jean . Celebrities of all types are fans of this jean as you can see from the J Brand website more

Stylebible.ie: Debenhams use a disabled model for the Lastest Campaign
Debenhams today was the first high street retailer to break the taboo of using disabled models in campaign photography. The campaign features Shannon Murray, 32, who has been confined to a wheelchair more

Stylefish.ie: Spring Fashion event in Mount Juliet Kilkenny

Mount Juliet, Thomastown, Kilkenny are hosting a Spring Salon Fashion Event In association with IMAGE magazine and Harvey Nichols Supporting Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin on Friday the 12th of March at Mount Juliet.

MC’d by IMAGE editor Melanie Morris, and with social coverage in IMAGE post-event, it’s set to be an unmissable evening of fabulous fashion and beauty. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

See all the latest Fashions from Harvey Nics Spring Summer Collection from the luxurious surroundings of Mount Juliet’s Presidental Suite!more

OffShoot: Chanel Nail Varnish
Just a quick post to boast about my new purchase. For the last month i've been on a waiting list for the new Chanel Particuliere nail varnish. That's right, a bloody waiting list. So when I was in Paris over the weekend i popped into BHV, straight to the Chanel counter where I had to wait about four minutes for the lovely shop assistant to have it all bagged up for me and ready to go. It might seem silly to some, but that made my day.

Beaut.ie: Body Shop Spring: Natures Colour Collection is on Counter Now

I can’t promise you that butterflies will adorn your face if you hand over the shekels for the Body Shop’s new spring collection, but you’ll deffo get some wearable shades containing skincare benefits in on-trend colours like coral – which couldn’t be hotter at the moment, frankly. An orange-inspired Hi-Shine Lip Treatment, €13.95, is a conditioning formula containing community trade marula oil, which delivers a wash of shine. If tangerine dreams aren’t for you, it also comes in Party Pink. The coral treatment ramps up a bit more with that YSL/Dior-esque cheek stamp blush to the top. It’s Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush, it’s €14 and comes in two shades, vibrant rose more

Elise Ryan

Available at Kiss Boutique, Athenry and Tuam, and Pia Boutique Loughrea Co. Galway

The Fashion Industry Insider by Nicky Harris

I got back from London Fashion Week yesterday several invitations later I am just catching up here at home. The Jaeger London show was fantastic as was John Rocha’s, both were true to their core values. Jaeger concentrating on cut, tailoring and city style with John Rocha showing his amazing use of texture and shape in an amazing neutral but never boring palette.

I was double jobbing (blogging and agent) and ended up following photographers. At one point I took some pictures of a woman and then turned to the person beside me and asked ‘Who’s that’? To which the reply in a very condescending tone came back ‘It’s Erin O’Connor, don’t you know who she is?’ To which I mumbled something about my eyesight not being too good. My theory is, shoot first and ask questions later.

I bumped into fashion journalists Annmarie O’Connor and Deirdre Mc Quillan and it’s great to catch up and share our (fashion) thoughts. It’s amazing that often the most interesting and important discussions and meetings take place in airport lounges and Fashion exhibitions!

One feature of the Show was a touching RIP wall to Alexander Mc Queen covered in very moving tribute notes. A sad reminder that life is precious and a great talent is lost to the world of fashion.

I’m back in the showroom now buzzing with enthusiasm and excited about business with a renewed vigour. The customers are coming in , I’m selling and loving catching up with all of them. The Business of Fashion is moving on and I’m having one of those unusually positive and enthusiastic days where I’m really happy to be part of it.

Have a really good week…….

www.nickysragtales.com