Bridal inspiration from 1950s Musicals

Leslie Caron in a dress by Cecil Beaton

Such a sumptuous movie

Feathered bird detail on shoulders

Sisi by Benjamin Adams www.benjaminadamsshoes.com

There's nothing like the glamour from an old musical. The top three images are from the 1958 musical Gigi which is a gorgeous feast for the eyes.

I saw this movie again recently and was struck by how modern Leslie Carons' final gown with the black bird detailing now looks.

It would make a truly dramatic wedding gown!

The shoes are actually modern (and expensive!) but divine, very Marie Antoinette. I can just imagine these teamed with a short prom dress. Very quirky and fun. Any dress would have to secondary to these beauties!

1980's Party People

Aren't we stylish!!!

A little bit Tokyo Cute, a little bit 80's Ra-ra

Me and my shoulder pads later left the party to go play American Football!

Oh The 80's...How I love to hate you...

While Dirty Fabulous relocates I find myself with a lot more time on my hands, in particular my weekends are free, I temporarily get to do what most people have always been doing...seeing friends!

This weekend I was at my best friends 30th in Wexford. 1980's was the theme, scary yes...fun...definitely!

1980s fashion is big at the minute on the high street so it was hard not to look too current. But everyone put in a big effort, there where some Fame girls, Guns & Roses members, Jimmy Saville, many Miami Vicers (hilarious!) and so on.

I got my dress in a charity shop and made the shoulder pads and military chains. It was worth the effort because I won The Best Dressed!!! I was highly chuffed!

While fashion might have had a nervous breakdown in the 80's music hit one of it's brightest era's and so the dancing on the night was EPIC.

A fab night was had by all

Celebrity Salon Launch

Caroline and Stylist Maria Fusco

The Cast

Myself and Caroline were lucky enough to go to the launch of TV3s' new reality show Celebrity Salon last Thursday in the always opulent Cafe En Seine .

We had a great night oogling all the stylish lads and ladies who were in attendance. I have to admit I'm really not a fan of reality shows, but having seen some clips at the launch I decided to tune into the first programme last night...It was funny, definitely not to be taken too seriously...not sure if I'll be hooked but I think we all need a little light entertainment these days!

Just back from a super Buying Trip!!

Follow that vintage Car!

Caroline on our one night out!!!

It took a crazy length of time to get here, but doesn't Cape Cod look pretty!

Pretty...Pretty...Pretty...

More Hunting...

We needed an enormous car to transport an enormous amount of stock!

Only the best Vintage treasures for Dirty Fabulous

Crazy Vintage Tin Dolls (we got one each, they are insane!)

AMERICA!!!

No, this is definitely not New York....

Yip...just a little bit more rural!

Above are just a few photos from our buying trip in America. It was a very different trip than the New York ones but it was super successful!

We sourced some absolutely amazing pieces from 1950's tulle proms, to 1940's rayon draped gowns and 1960's lace tunics. We also went a little crazy on the jewellery front and got so many incredible pieces.

It will take us a while now to sort this vast amount of stock but at this stage we nearly have a full collection once more!

We also have our eye on a very central location so fingers crossed this works out...all in all things are super positive in the land of Dirty Fabulous...it's only a matter of time now!

Photoshoot by Karl Martini

1960's Velvet and Satin Gown

1930's Stripe Evening Gown

1960's velvet and satin gown

1980's Avante Garde Party Dress

Above are some gorgeous images by photographer Karl martini, taken with Dirty Fabulous dresses and featuring model Agatha Dembiecka.

Hair and make-up was by Jane Akkerman.

www.karlmartini.com

Loving their work!

My Current Fashion Crush!

Loving the necklace

So many looks...so many colours...

Causing a new found appreciation for sweater clips around the world

Super Cute and Girlie

Sweater clips found on Etsy

courtesy of www.gleetastic.com

If you look up Glee online one of the first things to pop up is fashion, particularly Emma Pillsburys' fashion.

I am not alone in my lurve for this doe eyed anti-diva and her penchant for a quirky twin set and pearls; the whole world loves this ladies style!!!

If the Stepford Wives had a playful side their wardrobes would have looked something like Emmas.

To summarise, it's vintage with a twist, or another way to put it, vintage that has been pulled through a rainbow and plonked into a 21st Century High School!

Inspired by Glee I've been wearing lots of combinations of blues/pinks and reds, Yellows and purples and beads and baubles galore...subtle it ain't...but it makes me smile!

I'm certain that we'll be looking out for vintage sweater pins, vivid necklaces and pretty cardis on our next buying trip in May.

Start singing those recessionary blues away and let out your inner Gleek!!!

Dolls Boutique & Bibi's Cafe!

Beautiful storefront

Bibi's Cafe

Yummy French Toast

Ooooohhhhh....Slurp....

Lovely Lovely Lovely!

Yes that is a puppy! (Get into my handbag please...)

Gorgeous Decor, gorgeous clothes

Loving it!

Luckily on my super busy sunny Saturday I had the chance to call into Dolls new location on Emorville Avenue just off South Circular.

For those of you unfamiliar with the area, it's got a New York Greenwich feel to it, all red brick Victorian houses, cool cafes and hipsters galore.

It has been quite residential so I hope Petria and her sister Maisha can start to change this. I absolutely love the idea of this place, it was super buzzy on Saturday in the boutique and the cafe were serving up a storm.

Being a small business ourselves we know how much local and loyal support independent retailers need. The service, stock and general feeling is always a million times better than high street chain stores!!!

Hmmm... I wonder would Dolls Like a new neighbour!

Anyway go visit it and stop off for some dreamy sponge cake!!!