Monday 28 November 2011

Throwing a Vintage Party for the festive season!

Truman Capote's Black and White Ball






I absolutely adore the photos from Truman Capote's infamous Black and White Ball of 1966. Capote decided to host a party to mark the launch of "In Cold Blood" and the party would be his "great, big, all-time spectacular present" to himself!
It was THE party of the century and was held in New York's Plaza Hotel with only 540 elite guests invited. Capote chose only the most powerful Hollywood stars, musicians, artists, politicians and socialites to grace his party and invites were rarer than pixie dust!

I love the glamour that a vintage party calls for, although you don't have to go as crazy as Capote!
The best way to plan your vintage party is to pick a theme. It could be:

  • 1930s Old Hollywood
  • The Roaring Twenties
  • Midnight Garden Party
  • Mad Men
  • The Atomic Era
  • Psychedelic 60's
  • 1940's Sailors and Songstresses
  • Casablanca
  • White Christmas 
1960 Vogue by Henry Clarke courtesy of http://awhitecarousel.com
    The possibilities are endless!

    Next do a bit of research on the types of cocktails, drinks and food served during your chosen era.
    You could end up serving Martinis and canapes, cucumber sandwiches and jelly made in old fashioned moulds, eggnog and roast chestnuts or neat whiskey and olives!

    Look up interior images of the time to get inspiration on how to dress the room for the party. You don't have to go to huge expense, improvise. If you need any props or embellishment trawl the Internet and charity shops. You could pick up some vintage china and glasses, fill a room completely with 
    white balloons or simply light oodles of tea-lights and fairy lights. All of these touches will add to the atmosphere.

    Finally plan your outfit, have fun with it and really go all out as your dress will set the theme for the whole party. As I always say "More is More!". If you are sending out invites make sure you encourage your guests to dress for the occasion and give them pointers on were to look for inspiration.

    Make this festive season one to remember, enjoy the glamour, sophistication and fun of a bygone era!!!

    Friday 25 November 2011

    Closed on Saturday 3rd of December for Adrian and Natalie's wedding! Yay!

    We're off across the pond on the Saturday the 3rd of December
    for our brother Adrian's wedding.
    Sorry for any inconvenience caused but we wouldn't miss their 
    Big Day for the world!
    Can't wait to celebrate with them, but rest assured 
    we'll be back to business as usual on Tuesday the 6th December.
    An early congrats to Adrian and Natalie 
    on your upcoming nuptials.
    We're so happy for you both!


    Image via Bianca Vintage

    Thursday 24 November 2011

    Irish Independent, Mistletoe Magazine 23rd November 2011

    We were chuffed when we picked up a copy of the Irish Independent and supplement,Mistletoe Magazine. Not just because it's packed with festive cheer, which we love, but it also featured one of our latest finds from New York. This fabulous red suede 'Michael Hoban' wiggle dress is perfect for the party season!
    A very big festive thank you to Courtney Smith who 
    styled the shoot.

    'Michael Hoban' red suede vintage wiggle with boat neck, modeled by the Fabulous Faye Dinsmore!

    Breffni

    Wednesday 23 November 2011

    Fancy Sipping Bubbly with The DIVA's?


    *TICKET GIVEAWAY*

    Oooo this is exciting! How would you like to attend the launch of the DIVA exhibition happening tomorrow night, 
    the 24th of November at 6pm, in Dirty fabulous?
    It promises to be a glamorous affair. Sponsored by the lovely people from  Interiors Directory , there will be beautiful sculptures 
    by Ayelet Lalor on show, bubbly flowing and 
    all of this takes place in the Dirty Fabulous showroom! 
    Does this sounds like something that would ad a little sparkle to your Thursday evening? 
    Well, the first twenty people to call Dirty Fabulous
    this evening/ tomorrow morning 
    will receive an invite to the launch party starting at 6pm. 
    Leave a message on our answering machine with your name and number and we'll get back to you if you're one of the lucky twenty!
    So what are you all waiting for? 
    Give us a call now on 01-6111842 to secure your invite!

    Here's a sneaky peek at some of the finished DIVA's 
    inspired by our Dirty Fabulous dresses.
    Hope to see you tomorrow.






    The DIVA exhibition @ Dirty Fabulous is kindly sponsored by Interiors Directory



    Breffni

    Thursday 17 November 2011

    Oooh La La!

    Oh we just love to see our Dirty Fabulous pieces go to a good home. It's even more exciting when they travel! Below is an amazing picture of Caroline, looking très chic on honeymoon in Paris, wearing a little Dirty Fabulous suit. Very Chanel, we're loving it! Congratulations to Caroline and her beau, hope you had a fantastic time in the city of love!



    Breffni

    Tuesday 15 November 2011

    Deck The Halls!

    Wuhoooooooo!
    It's finally time to make Dirty Fabulous fabulously festive! 
    With the lights on Grafton Street being turned on this Saturday, along with the unveiling of the Brown Thomas Christmas window (eeeeekk!!), we decided to deck the Dirty Fabulous halls and get 
    our Christmas groove on!
    Soooooo, tomorrow Kathy & Baby Ruben are joining Caroline and I to sing along to 
    Bing & Perry and spread some Christmas cheer. 
    If you're wandering along Wicklow Street do take a peek up to see us in all our glittery, sparkly Christmas glory!



    I can't resist....



    First image via Planet Barberella
    Second image via Retro Ways
    Third image via via Sammy D Vintage


    Breffni

    Oh You DIVA!

    We're very excited to be hosting the upcoming exhibition of sculptor, Ayelet Lalor's, new DIVA collection.
    The Divas have changed and evolved over a twelve year period and in her latest collection Ayelet has drawn inspiration from vintage style. A number of the sculptures have been designed around some of our Dirty Fabulous dresses. 
    So where else to exhibit these gorgeous Divas than next to the inspirational dresses from which they were created! 
    The DIVA exhibition will launch on the 24th of November and will stay in-store until the 21st of December when we close for Christmas merriment! (More on that very soon!)
     We will still be running by appointment only so do book in if you fancy having a look at the Divas.

    Below are a selection of drawings and finished sculptures along with some of the dresses that inspired them.
    For a full look at the creative process involved in creating the Divas pop over to the Diva Exhibit blog.


    Image by David Frain


    Image by Kyle Tunney


    Image by Mariam McGrail



    Image by David Frain

    The finished sculpture!


    Ayelet's beautiful sketches are available to buy.
     If you fancy a sketch of a previous Dirty Fabulous purchase that you treasure, Ayelet will also be available for commissions. What a glamorous little treat for yourself! 
    For more details on Ayelet Lalor's work, visit her website >here<


    Breffni

    Wednesday 9 November 2011

    "Lets Do It For Ben" Charity Fashion Show.

    A few weeks ago we were delighted to take part in a
    very glamorous charity fashion show held at 
    The Lost Society on South William Street.

    We put together a selection of 50s inspired looks for the evening and they were beautifully complimented by the gorgeous hair and make up. The night was a great success, a big congratulations to Louise Kaiser who organized the event for such a worthy cause. You can still donate to this great cause >here<
    Below are a selection of images taken by Kyle Tunney .

    1950s red velvet & taffeta prom €260 
    pale blue wrist gloves €24 pale blue rhinestone earrings €65
    1950s regal blue/white & yellow crystal choker €70

    1950s "Ferman O'Grady" sage organza 
    over bronze taffeta wiggle €260 
    pink velvet & yellow flower bespoke headpiece €140
    1950s Red & white candy stripe gloves €40


    Red chiffon prom with mink trim €260 (right)
    1950s  garnet & rhinestone bracelet €75
    Trifari gold & rhinestone floral swirl earrings €100



    Make up: Anne O'Donovan & Orla Maher Make Up Artist
    Styling: Elaine Scully & Byron Kumbula
    Hair: Jenny Russell

    Breffni

    Tuesday 8 November 2011

    Another Glamorous Dirty Fabulous Bride

    We were thrilled to receive some pictures of the gorgeous Aimee on her recent wedding day.
    Aimee chose one of our bespoke combs to compliment her vintage style gown.
    Congratulations to Aimee and her new husband, looks like you had a super stylish, super fun day!





    Photographs by Johannes Photography


    Breffni

    Thursday 3 November 2011

    A Spot of Glamorous House Keeping!

    While everyone was out and about enjoying the festivities of Halloween, we were busy dressing up the shop with all the gorgeous pieces sourced in New York City!
    Here's a little taster of what to expect when you visit us in store.
    Enjoy!


    Beautiful  Rosette Pennington 1950s seagreen 
    tulle and sequin prom.

    A very cool monochromatic selection of vintage hats, 
    bags and gloves.

     Bonwit Teller feather and rust silk pillbox with rhinestone detail and cage veil.




     1960s Merri Foi black felt hat with pearl drop.

     Jewels to drool over! Fabulous emerald, saphire and ruby art deco costume jewels.

     1960s Navy felt dome pillbox with eight-string pearl necklace.
    1960s Navy patent "Art" bag with gold chain handle.
    We love this quirky little 1950s bag with pocket watch detail!

     Adolfo II, grey and yellow wool pillbox.

     More lovely bags, brooches hats and headpieces settling into their new home!



     A little pop of colour to brighten your day.

    Caroline's beautiful bespoke headpieces and veils.





     For your inner magpie! 
    An amazing selection of sparkly brooches and cardigan pins.

     Stunning 1940s peach lace three-piece suit with silk blouse.

    If there's anything you fancy, or would like more info on, 
    just pop us a mail to info@dirtyfabulous.com or call 01-6111842.
     Breffni