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Going through my old holiday photos and found the last photo here, of our French toast breakfast from last month’s HUGE buying trip to India, Asia, and Australia. This is a good looking breakfast, right? But it’s all the more fantastic looking when you realise that this is our breakfast - on a PLANE!

We were massively, MASSIVELY lucky to be given upgrades on two of our Emirates flights - on the Dublin-Dubai leg, and then on the Sydney-Dubai leg too! When I say lucky - I mean holy-mackerel-is-this-real-life kind of lucky. Neither me nor C were lovers of flying, and the thought of 8 long haul flights in 4 weeks was certainly weighing heavily on our excitement about this first-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. I say first and not once because flying Business Class has made me determined to work my tush off to make sure I can do this kind of thing again - fingers crossed!

Anyway - so back to us being slightly nervous boarding the first of our flights. Nerves slightly abated as we are directed to the left - to our business class booths. Really the word ’seat’ just souldn’t do this situation justice - so booth it is! We tried to be cool, because everyone else there was being cool and acting as though flying in a private world of space and comfort was like, totally normal - but everyone now and again a brand new AMAZINGNESS! would make us act a little giddy.

more…

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Buy this screen print from our new interior design site ‘Gild & Cage’

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The living room above the Queen Vic pub on BBC1’s ‘Eastenders’ soap opera has hosted it’s fair share of family feuds, failed romances, outrageous affairs, scurrilous felons and even a couple of fire-starters. As irregular as some of these goings-on are, the room itself has always maintained a pretty regular look - like most homes it has been a background for family life, perhaps growing a little tired over the years - when real life and lack of time can come between all good styling intentions.

Enter Sofa Company ‘DFS’ - who had the idea of hypothetically redesigning the Queen Vic’s living room with some cost-effective purchases, to show how the average family room could be changed from ‘Drab to Fab,’ without the need for soap-star salaries.

I was invited by DFS to a quite interesting photography studio, Hangar7, in a historic industrial warehouse in Manchester. The mission? - to overhaul the set of the Queen Vic living room, which they had recreated exactly - down to it’s current blue colour scheme and random knick-knacks. My brief for redesigning the space was my favourite kind of brief and that was; ‘no brief’. I was free to do whatever my little mind could imagine and my hands could get my hands on and over to Manchester.

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blanaid-jeffrey-campbell-coltrane-shutterbug-folksterWe’ve juuust returned from an amazing buying trip for Shutterbug Vintage and Folkster, travelling to Hong Kong, Thailand, Sydney and India! We flew with Emirates for the first time, which was such an amazing experience that it deserves a blog post all of it’s own :)

I’m still working through all the images, but the easiest to start with is this outfit post from Sydney :) I went with a relaxed black theme for most of my travels - it was just easy. We need a name for that easy-osy only black wardrobe - reblaxed?

Anyway! More posts asap :)

xBlanaid

Wearing : Vintage beaded top and oversize Levis cut-offs from Shutterbug. Jeffrey Campbell Coltrane Spike from Folkster.com.

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Our new collection of Jeffrey Campbell shoes landed on our website Folkster.com jsut befroe Christmas - and we absolutely LOVE them!  Jeffrey Campbell has always been one of my absolute favourite fashion brands, and it was SUCH an thrill to get to be the ones to stock them in Ireland. I love the style of them, the design, how people covet them, how they wear them and just - everything really! (big fan. HUGE)

We also finally sorted out our worldwide shipping so now, as well as sending them throughout Ireland, we can now ship Jeffrey Campbells to the UK, USA, Europe, Australia and Asia - happy days!

The new Jeffrey Campbell collection - the Coltrane Spike, Lita Claw, Damsel Claw, Lita Burgundy Tapestry, Lita Floral Tapestry and Damsel Cat are all available here on Folkster.com. I hope you like them as much as we do!

xBlanaid

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We’ve just booked a trip in February to go buying for Folkster.com, taking in countries I’ve never even dreamed I’d make it to…and ensuring this blog continues on it’s recent transition toward travel diary. I am so beyond excited to get out there to the world, and take on board all the scenes and sights, the cultures and lessons there are to be seen and learned.

We’re currently rounding up lots of inspirational images for the buying side of things - but ’til then, this is our little ‘get out there’ collection from our page on Pinterest.com (with original links through there too.)

Looking forward to sharing the adventure.

xBlanaid

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It’s hard to argue with the neutral palette - particularly when we tend to feel so rested even thinking about Scandinavian inspired interiors.

I picture a house filled with light and white, with soft textures near every surface, with functionality, aesthetic and ease side by side on the scale of importance. I see that house, and I picture a day of haste and waste and running about - and coming home to that house. I close the door, take off my shoes, head to the deep downy bed - and fall back.

xBlanaid

Images with original links via our pinterest.

09
Sep

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A long overdue post - but I have been a little busy…! We just launched our new website - Folkster. It’s a work in progress, a new part of this mad old journey.

more…

03
Sep

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Not the usual New York photos I know - but honestly the place is so amazingly overwhelming, I stuck with the little details. Trying to capture anything larger just didn’t do it justice.

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(The silence was due to a long trip to NYC - just returned and getting back in to it all now!)

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If the people around you don’t really want to like the you when you’re the oddest way of being yourself, don’t change anything except the people around you.

Just head on out there in that non-boring, non-safe mad, mad, mad world - you’ll find other odd people who like you all the ways you are…

That’s when the real fun starts.

xBlanaid

Category: Fancy Friday  2 Comments

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It seems to me that the lessons in my life are :

If you know it’s wrong even though it can feel right, it’s wrong.

If you know it’s wrong and it feels wrong, but you really want it to feel right, it’s still wrong.

If you know it’s right but sometimes it feels wrong, it’s still right.

I really must try and act accordingly.

xBlanaid

images via Pinterest

Category: Fancy Friday  4 Comments

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I bought these vintage Levis  in my own shop for €30 and then ripped them apart and cut them up shorter.  I want to rip these up more around the pockets though - but I fear if I rip them anymore they’ll end up as a pile of white string hanging from a waistband.

The shoes are from Topshop, I love them but they are just a little lethal - which, coming from someone who lives in mahoosive shoes, is saying something. My conclusion is thus : these shoes are for looking at and sitting around in - they are not for walking to the post office or Dunnes in…henceforth and heretofore completely impractical but SO dementedly lovely.

My hair is unusually brushed looking, and it is - though I paid someone to do it, so probably doesn’t count as actual personal grooming. Also, I actually paid them to do it the day before this shoot for a wedding, so even more minus-grooming points. I like to get at LEAST three days out of wedding hair - by then it has resorted to it’s usual knot-filled, batiste-laden self.

xBlanaid

Jacket : €9.00 Penneys

Silver sequin top : €19.99 Shutterbug

Vintage Levis : €30.00 Shutterbug

Shoes : £50.00 Topshop.com

Cuff : H&M

Photograph by the lovely Ciúin Tracey.

25
Apr

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Some random images filling up my inspiration folder at the moment.

I was talking to Ciúin about the kind of girl who shops in Shutterbug, the girl we buy for….We rambled and thought about her - so here it is -  she is just the kind of girl we’d want to be friends with, go for drinks and chats with - the type of person who isn’t defined by any one style, who looks for inspiration in the unlikeliest of places - from the still sea to the stars, from the desert to the archetrave of the door of a building that is passed by hundreds of people and rarely noticed. Always scouting and never afraid to feel something about everything.

Lots of changes afoot for our little store Shutterbug… a name change, new branding and packaging, an online store, a fantastic new shoe supplier, our own designs, new shoots - just so much going on. All inspired by the girl above, so if that is you, well - thank you.

xBlanaid

1. Lovecat magazine. 2. Oracle Fox 3& 4. Wildfox tumblr. 5. Spanish Moss.

23
Apr

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It has been so long, I have been so neglectful! Work has been crazy so blogging took a bit of a back seat, but I will make more of an effort. Otherwise in a few years I’ll regret the gaps in my online journal : )

I thought I’d start back with an outfit post. It has been a while and I’ve started to take more of an interest again in what I’m throwing at myself , following a few months there in the fashion wilderness.

Photographer Ciúin Tracey and I were working on a shoot in Shutterbug when she snapped my outfit for me. She’s a doll so she is…

Anyway, I had juuuust secured this hot pink gradient vintage Levi shorts from the Silver Factory the day before and was aiming for the 3-day-in-a-row-wearing-of-new-lovely-things situation.  Love them - though they are quite a bit short so the cardi stays in the picture.

xBlanaid

Shorts : The Silver Factory

Black top : €16.99 Zara

Black shawl cardigan : €86.00 American Apparel

Tights : 40 denier, Boots

Wedges : €99.00 River Island

Belt  : €19.99  Shutterbug (my shop in Kilkenny)

Rings €7.99 Shutterbug

Cuff : €7.99 H&M

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It is a difficult lesson to learn, but recent circumstances have led me to finally hear the words so often said and thought - be kinder to people. Who knows who is walking in a cloud of grief, weighed down by a recent devastation. Who knows if someone has nothing concrete to blame, but they are just inexplicably sad.

For those who have benefited from it at a time of great need, or if it simply helped change your mood for the day, you know that kindness is such a powerful thing. A life habit. A choice. It’s being the best you for the sake of others. It can be difficult too, of course. I’m not perfect. I’m just going to try harder now.

xBlanaid

Category: Fancy Friday  2 Comments
08
Apr

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Just some more moodboard images…Collating plenty at the moment as changes are afoot in the studio. However, as much as I’d love a wigwam, that one won’t make the cut. Next time, wigwam, next time!

xBlanaid

Images via pinterest.

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The finished poster for this Easter’s Style at Set weekend, designed by Conor Langton!

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Category: shutterbug  2 Comments

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Taylor Tomasi Hill’s outfit is perfection.

xBlanaid

07
Mar

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…the final installment of things that caught my eye from our recent trip to Italy…currently planning the next adventure. For a girl who rarely travelled, I’m really trying to make up for lost time…

xBlanaid

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We were shooting the new stock for our vintage store, Shutterbug, in Kilkenny this week. I wanted to create a collage with Ciuin Tracey’s wonderful images of the incredible Lauren Bejaoui to use as wall decoration in the store. Also, I just felt a need because I haven’t done anything design wise that wasn’t just for the sake of it - the photos on their own were perfect. It was just a pleasant way to spend an evening. Anyway! Here are the results, I hope you like them.

Photography : Ciúin Tracey.

Collage : Blanaid Hennessy

Model : Lauren Beajoui.

Styling assistants : Brid Ní Laochdha, Mary Kate Lanigan, Carina Shorthall.

xBlanaid

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A lady called Betty Parsons recently passed away - she was a mid-wife in her day, who was renowned for her quite forward thinking advice for expectant women in the 50s & 60s. The gist of it was to “drop your shoulders, relax, don’t be fearful, it’s a positive experience, regardless of the pain.” Reading the comments from people who she helped, it struck me that many had applied her labour advice to every day stressful situations. “Drop your shoulders.” Such a simple act but one that releases the anger, the frustration, the physicality of the cliché - ‘pent up’. I’m going to try and take it on board. Add it to the things to say to myself in certain situations.

Just drop your shoulders for a quick second. Keep them there. Deep breath. Move on.

xBlanaid

Category: Fancy Friday  3 Comments

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stressed denim, gold toned jewellery. collage and design - all playing on my mind in a style kind of a way.

xBlanaid

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Just organising the third Absolut Style at Set event in the Langton House Hotel, Kilkenny at the moment, so life is busy! It’s takes place this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the 7th and 8th of April.

As part of this year’s event, I’m holding a Shutterbug Vintage Kilo sale, where we will be selling vintage clothing by the weight rather than the price tag, and at just €20 a kilo!

I really hope you can make the Style at Set weekend, particularly the nights out in the Set theatre - they promise to be pretty decent on the dance-off front! Smash Hits throwing out the 90s choons on Saturday night, while DJ Sally Cinammon makes the Sunday night a 70s disco/funk/soul affair!

Lots more information will be posted here in the coming weeks, and also on the Absolut Style at Set facebook page, and shutterbug’s facebook page.

By the way, a huge thank you to anyone who has supported, or continues to support Style at Set - I really, really appreciate it so much.

xBlanaid

Outfit details

Coat - Oxfam, (I cut the sleeves off - they were a tad bulky…)

Blazer €29.99 Shutterbug

Sequin busties €19.99 Shutterbug

Studded Levis shorts €34.99 Shutterbug

Photography by Eoin Hennessy

1234567Part two of Italy. Firstly - where we stayed after MUCH perusal through Trip Advisor reviews:

Rome - the IQ hotel. Perfect location, SO close to a metro stop. Small but exceptionally planned contemporary room. Blackout blinds. Safe in the room, amazing water pressure/heat in the shower. Only downside? We are massive herbal(me)/regular tea drinkers so we will have a special kettle rating. No kettle in the room? Goodbye one star. Oh yes. We ARE that Irish. Sorry.

Venice - Becher hotel. As opposite a style of room to the IQ as one could fathom. Plush, warm, spacious, a BATH and big windows that opened right on to the canal. Shutters for total darkness, though not sufficient to block out the rather loud boats - but hey, no major complaints from us on that. We were sleeping right beside a canal. In Venice. It was amazing.  Oh - no kettle. Dammit. Also, avoid Venice in the Winter. After the initial atmospheric awesomeness of the mist and the canal, it is incredibly cold.  It was still a beautiful place, but it would be beautiful in the non-baltic Springtime too.

Florence - Palazzo Tolomei. This place is incredible. Really, truly - from arrival, where we were treated in such a full on manner that we genuinely double checked that they hadn’t mistaken us for celebrity guests. Genuinely. We also had to double check our booking to make sure they hadn’t confused our room, as we were shown to the nicest hotel room I have EVER stayed in… The superior double, which had a view of the Duomo, boasted not only the FLIPPING KETTLE but also a fully stocked kitchenette including a microwave, cutlery, delf etc. Add to this the dining area, sitting area, pretty plush shower room and a dvd player - and you have quite the home away from home.

The owner, a delightfully eccentric French lady, presented us with a pice of her own artwork upon our departure. We were invited to have an apertif with them every evening. Honestly, I could gush some more so instead I shall offer two small downsides just to make sure this is all genuine etc. The room was big and old and therefore chilly. This won’t be an issue if you visit in warmer times, so not a big deal. The windows were big and old and therefore not great on the old sound levels. This is not an issue if, like us you brought ear plugs.

That is my little hotel round up, hope it’s helpful if you’re planning your own trip.

Oh and more on each city itself in the next post.

xBlanaid

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I recently travelled to Italy - my first ever visit there, part work, part play. We travelled to Rome, which was intensely amazing, Venice , which was atmospheric - and then on to Florence, which was just cool. It was like holidaying in a live-action version of The Sartorialist.

Here are some images from my days there - with a couple more posts to follow, a little collection. So many odd or interesting or astounding things to capture, so little time when stuffing one’s face with Straciatella gelato. I’ll add notes about where we stayed etc to the next posts, just in case you’re currently concocting a travel plan.

Italy - I heart you.

xBlanaid

P.S Discovering the Canadian maple leaf graffiti was poignant as my time away clashed with a sudden, unplanned, yet with reason, visit from my Canad-ia residing sister, who’s a total doll.

30
Jan

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Currently absolutely obsessed with layering, and cutting clothes to make them work as flattering layers. It’s influencing my entire fashion-related life at the moment, from what I’m wearing to throwing out, and what I’m currently buying in for my store, shutterbug.

Images via another obsession - Jak&Jil

xBlanaid

26
Jan

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Just a quick outfit post - if I think about them too much I won’t do them, and I would like to to them…Mainly because I, on occassion, go through my archives to remember what I wore with what when faced with a wardrobe of random things and no time to think.  Sad but true.

Another sad but truism. Sad as in silly. I wore this jumper last night while cooking dinner and I now unfortunately smell like Shepherd’s Pie. Fingers crossed this painted H&M masterpiece washes well, as I kind of love it.

xBlanaid

Jumper : €12.95 H&M

Black maxi shirt : €9.00 Oxfam

Gold belt : Zara

Shorts : Penneys mens jeans cut up

Ring and clip on earrings : Shutterbug

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Happy New Year - I’m hoping it will be an interesting one for all of us…As it’s still so fresh and clear, laid out before me, I’ll say my aim is to tread carefully on 2012. Enjoy it, be good to it, achieve in it and continue the mission to live each day with happiness on my mind.

On a smaller scale - this photo makes me happy. The styling - just…wow.

xBlanaid

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When surrounded by the same problems, still and repeated, perhaps it’s time to question my own role in it…finally and without self-preservation. Removing any defensiveness.

I’m happy to continue trying to grow but am definitely frustrated that I would be so blind to my own role in situations at times. How and ever. Now I ask myself, if it is not absolutely clear that the other person is completely at fault, if there is even a small doubt, then there must be blame and responsibility on my part. Am I the trigger, or do I wade in half way, say the wrong thing and cause reaction? Does my lack of understanding cause frustration, or my lack of trying to understand from any other point of view than the effect it would have on my own life or feelings? A learned behaviour.

Difficult questions, but necessary. Most definitely necessary.

xBlanaid

Category: Fancy Friday  2 Comments

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You know the moment when you suddenly fall in love? I had such a flash lust when I saw the work of Irish illustrator and fashion designer Kitty Moss. Firstly - her nom de plume is pretty perfect. Secondly, her illustrations are stylishly accomplished, and finally - the clothes. SWOON. The clothes. I love the characters she has created, Maud and Minet, with as much affection for their look along with their own names. Above are the illustrations, below is some of the collection and in between, beneath here, are Kitty Moss’ own words. Read and see more at Maud & Minet, and buy prints online >here<

“I am a designer and illustrator based in Dublin and I go by the name Kitty Moss. I studied Fine Art and then Fashion.  I have just started a label and hopefully it will grow and evolve…

It is based around two characters Maud and Minet, Maud, is a stylish ghost and Minet is her loyal floating cat. The idea is that I document this lady as she glides ghoulishly through the veil of our world floating through parties and the media merry-go-round. It is both a homage and a playful satire on the fashion industry.

Maud is my muse and I am channeling her through illustration but also through Fashion Design and I have made a collection inspired by her.

All the garments on my site are available made to order and are all hand made from the finest of silks, leathers and hand dyed wools. Each piece is unique to the wearer and embedded with the spirit of my muse, a spirit that is spookily sweet, darkly romantic and playfully poised.”

xBlanaid

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