U.K. Trip Day 3

Hello Eastbourne, East Sussex! This afternoon I'm going to be strolling around the seaside town on a mission to find street stylers. Close sources have informed me that the quiet coastal location has recently become a dwelling place of Brightonian students.

Standards shall be high.

You can call me J-L-PAPP-TO-THE-MAX.

Later.

x

U.K. Trip Day 2

Image from Telegraph.co.uk

Shopping day. Rather than heading into the big smoke for an afternoon of retail therapy, we've decided to sample the Brightonian style scene. The weather looks promising and spirits are high, so a day out in Britain's alternative fashion capital (and home to the much anticipated Brighton Fashion Week) should go down a treat.

I'll report back with details!

Turrah!

In less than 12 hours I shall be jet setting to..... Alexander McQueensland (i.e. the U.K.) for some familial rendez-vousing and fashionable frolicking. London style setters, prepare to be snapped.

I'll keep you posted!

xx

Image from Polyvore.com

Polka Dot Perfection..

FIVE polka dotted pieces over which I'm currently swooning...

The Marni for H&M collection is bursting with polka prints (launching 8th March).

Joules Spotted Wellies, £38 Topshop.

Polka Dotted Bow Vest, £20 River Island.

Spotted Patchwork Midi, €501.30 by Danielle Scutt at ASOS.

Polka Dot Sundress, £36 at Topshop.

Helena Christensen in Brown Thomas

Unfortunate circumstances prevented me from attending Helena C's collection launch for Triumph Essence yesterday. I'm still trying to console myself.

The former Victoria's Secret model, who graced Brown Thomas for the auspicious occasion, apparently enraptured crowds with that smouldering air and seductive European accent (oh, to master a seductive european accent..).

The capsule collection was modelled by Ireland's finest assets, while photographers, journalists, stylists and bloggers swarmed around Helena for pictures and praises.

Helena: conqueror of the world.

Trinity's "Bright Young Things"

Yesterday evening, in the antique surroundings of Trinity College's dining hall, five months of phonecalls, emails and boardroom meetings were rewarded with a stunning display of decadently decorated youths.

"Bright Young Things" featured the creme de la creme of student styles from high-street, designer and vintage labels. Flawlessly arranged ensembles were modelled on academia's brightest young things, with brains to burn and pouts to kill.

Trinity's most entertaining assets, Aaron Heffernan and Jack Gleeson, brought MCing to another level, with mid-show cartwheels and mispronunciations evoking convulsions among an unsuspecting audience.

Fade Streeters Roz Purcell and Emily McKeogh sat front row across from the New Look team (who were lovely enough to personally address the masses). Showbiz.ie and V.I.P. were also on-hand to pap floating beauties and camera crazed posers (ah yes, there's always one).

An excellent show all-round.

Congrats to the Trinity Fashion Society for mastering the event yet again!

The Hermes Muse: L.M.F.A.O.?

"Boxhead" from L.M.F.A.O.

The Hermes Window, Brown Thomas.

I am fully aware that neither of these images are of excellent quality, but I'm sure you can all identify the similarities. Who would have thought Hermes would derive inspiration from L.M.F.A.O.'s "Boxhead" from Party Rock Anthem?

Bizarre.

Katrantzou & Longchamp

Mary Katrantzou is currently blowing our fine lace socks off. The Greek-born designer rose to icon status after her digital print creations opened the CMS graduate show in 2008. Since then she has become one of the must-see designers at London Fashion Week.

Many of you probably recognise Mary K from her recent collection for Topshop, in which fantasy-like floral patterns and exotic bird prints excited even the most critical minds.

However, it is her collaboration with luxury French label Longchamp that has set tongues wagging.

The line of limited edition totes materialises Katrantzou's take on the theme "When East Meets West", and portrays psychadelic infusions of eastern and western architecture. As can be expected from a Katrantzouian collection, dimension and elaborate colour contrasts battle for visual supremecy, yet in the end, both win equal glorification.

The Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp collection is now available in Arnotts, with prices ranging from €61 to €365.

The Benefit Giveaway

Keep an eye on Just Lolo's Facebook page for your chance to win the "My Place or Yours Gina" fragrance by Benefit!

x

Monday, The Beginning of Everything.

Yes, I know what you're thinking and no, I'm not functioning a day behind the rest of the world. Yesterday, as luck would have it, my laptop ran out of battery and I, being the anally organised blogger than I am, forgot to pack the charger. Please try to forgive this delayed news flash.

As you are all aware, yesterday marked the launch of the "Get Glam" collaboration between Diet Coke and Benefit cosmetics. To get those freshly filed paws on the Benefit beauty packs, pick up a limited edition can of Diet Coke and enter the code at the back of the tab on CokeZone.ie . One Get Glam make-up kit is given away every hour, so get your cans at the ready!

Yesterday also saw the opening of ticket sales for the TCD Fashion Show entitled "Bright Young Things". The show, which is in association with New Look, will be held on Thursday 23rd February at 8pm in Trinity's 18th century Dining Hall. Pre-paid tickets for the event sold out within minutes of going on sale, however a small number will be available at the door on Thursday night. VIPs will include models and Fade Street stars Roz Purcell and Louise Johnson, while Showbiz.ie will be on hand to pap any other floating celebs. Oh the excitement!

www.JustLolo.com

I woke up this morning to find a mountain of Just Lolo paraphernalia resting at my hall door- odd considering it's a Sunday, but who's complaining! Canvas bags, mugs, pens, stamps and postcards were all uncovered within a number of seconds by an overexcited blogger. Christmas had come again, and just in time for the www.JustLolo.com launch next month.

We're currently working our way through layouts and colour tones (which isn't half as exciting as it sounds) but shall be finished shortly.

Hopefully.

Watch this space!

The Marni For H&M Launch

Fashion's finest strutted down to The Sowden House last night for the official Marni for H&M launch.

Guests were clad in pieces from the highly anticipated collaboration, which will be released to the public on March 8th (expect overnight campers and a vast amount of camera crews).

Here are three of my personal favourites...

Lou Doillon

Clara Paget

Annabelle Dexter-Jones

To view all of the beige carpet snaps, click on to the H&M Facebook album here.

And The Winner Is....

...Danielle Hullon.

Congratulations Danielle, you have won Just Lolo's Paul's Boutique giveaway!

Stay tuned for more Facebook competitions.

X

The Perfect Brogues

I was introduced to these beauties in the New Look press office this morning and have been pining over them ever since.

What a perfect pair of brogues.

Unlike other high-street versions, which wreak of mass production and are completely void of authentic flourishes, these lovelies boast a worn leather finish, impeccable perforations and sublime studdings.

They retail at €59.99 and are available in store right now.

Oh and students, don't forget that New Look offers 10% discount all year round.

Happy Shopping!

Diet Coke : Get Glam launch

Here's everything you need to know about the wonderful Get Glam giveaways starting February 20th at 9am.

Five Euro. H&M.

As you have probably noticed, I have a bit of a H&M addiction.

What can I say, that Swedish label knows the shortcut to my heart!

This stunning black waterfall cardigan is the newest addition to an ever-expanding wardrobe and cost a mere €5 on sale.

It probably won't see the light of day until spring/summer, when its excellence as a light cover-up is sure to be proven.

In the meantime it shall hang on the ivory wardrobe door, admired by yours truly...

Grammys 2012: The Good, The Bad, and Gaga..

The GOOD: Taylor Swift sparkled down the red carpet in this immaculately embellished Zuhair Murad number. Every time I lay my eyes on this nude silk mermaid gown, I am transported to fashion heaven.

Simply perfection.

The BAD: Nikki Minaj wins the coveted "worst red carpet look" award.

This thing looks as if it was created by a hyperactive ten year old on steroids. Is it a perverted take on Little Red Riding Hood or an Elizabethan re-enactment gone catastrophically wrong? Your guess is as good as mine.

Oh Versace....

I can't find words to express my feelings on Gaga's Versace concoction. Did Mother Monster forget to untangle herself from that fishnet escapade earlier? Was she attempting to create a risqué Matrix look? Has Cruella come to capture us in her net of terror?

Oh dear.

The €1 Bargains at H&M

I was like a kid in a candy store.

Dripping from the sale stands in H&M South King Street were accessories reduced to €3 and under. Everything from embellished hairbands and oversized earrings, to woven bracelets and double finger rings were plastered in glorious red stickers, seducing obsessive accessory addicts. It wasn’t long before I found myself at the checkout with half a dozen sets of studs, three bracelets, two pendants and a couple of headbands.

Impulse purchases? Completely.

Worth it? Thirteen items for €13...Yes, I reckon so.

Kate The Great

The Duchess of Cambridge has quickly become one of the most admired style icons of the century. Her staple silhouettes and flawlessly arranged ensembles not only ooze sophistication and timeless elegance, but also place her on par with the eternal symbols of style (Grace Kelly instantly springs to mind).

This lace Alice Temperley gown, with its cinched waist, plunging (yet not over-exposed) neckline, mid-length sleeve and subtle fishtale is pure and utter perfection. Middleton recently graced the War Horse premiere in the stunning number, evoking an instant reaction from fashion magazines and blogs world-wide. I'm not surprised. Immaculate tailoring, delectable textures and impeccable accessorizing will often capture the hearts of every style-lover in sight.

If you dare attempt to emulate the Duchess's red carpet look, do so with one item in mind...This strikingly similar lace cocktail dress by Roksanda Ilincic for Debenhams. It will set you back €309.60 but will guarantee to have you feeling like royalty (I apologise, I simply couldn't help myself).

Paul's Boutique Giveaway

Care to get your hands on this cutesy Paul's Boutique coin purse?

If so, enter into the draw next Saturday by liking and sharing the GIVEAWAY EVENT on

The winner will be announced next Saturday at 7pm right here.

Bonne Chance!

The Valentine's Five: For Her

Take a leaf from a female wishlist this Valentine's Day, success is guaranteed...

Alexander McQueen Scarf, €295 at Brown Thomas.

Love Heart Tea Lights, €5.99 at Play.com

Rumba Red Lingerie Set, €68 (buy as separates) by Elle MacPherson at Brown Thomas.

Woven Beaded Bracelet, €16.77 by French Connection at ASOS.com

Love Heart Chocolates, €4 at Butlers.

I Want MeUndies!

Wave goodbye to those mundane hours of scouring through rails of oversized and understocked basics, because now a click of a button will navigate you to your most suited style, size and colour of undergarments.

“MeUndies.com was born out of our frustration with the entire basics shopping experience. Between frequent visits every other month to department stores, to boring expensive options, the entire process didn’t make sense. We wanted to create an easier, less expensive way to keep your basic apparel replenished, but at the same time, create an unparalleled lifestyle brand that resonates with people.” Jonathan Shokrian, co-founder and President of MeUndies.com.

The website, www.MeUndies.com, is so simple to use that you will never again wish to venture near a department store. Apart from the serious stress-reduction factor, the styles of the undies themselves are highly commendable, with dainty and daring twists to otherwise traditional cuts. It's a win-win all round folks!

“MeUndies is poised to introduce a new high-quality line of basic clothing, beginning with the most abundant piece of clothing in everyone’s wardrobe – underwear - that will provide a low cost, high convenience benefit to customers. The MeUndies teams’ proven track record scaling multi-million dollar businesses, combined with their passion for apparel, positions the company as one to watch in the growing subscription commerce space.” Michael Jones, CEO of Science, Inc., the technology studio backing MeUndies.com.

LISTEN UP: When you purchase your undies online, enter the code "LOLO" at the checkout and you will receive 50% off your purchase. The code will last from today until the 15th February (perfect for Valentine's Day!)

The Diet Coke & Benefit Giveaway

Yesterday, amid an afternoon of intense caffeine consumption and constant street darting, I managed to navigate myself to the impeccably designed Dylan Hotel. If I'm being honest with you, after half an hour of searching everywhere for the luxury location, I resorted to chasing a "Diet Coke" vehicle down the hidden side street. On mounting the pink carpeted steps, I received sparkling welcomes from a stunning set of Diet Coke serveurs.

Next, meet and greets with the Thinkhouse crew, who were clad in such vibrant ensembles that my poor little L.B.D. felt visually bland and insignificant. Oh, the bane of minimalism...

Lottie Ryan along with a host of photographers and beauty bloggers were also present to preview the highly anticipated Diet Coke & Benefit collaboration. It wasn't long before details about the upcoming collection began to unravel.....

The"Get Glam" series launches on the 20th February at Coke Zone, where beauty fanatics will have a chance to win Benefit make-up packs worth €99 each. All you have to do is purchase a limited edition can of Diet Coke (as seen above), enter the competition code on Cokezone.ie and cross your fingers (this part is optional). One Benefit pack is given away every 30 minutes, so buy a couple of cans, sit by your laptop and get ready to win.

Each black and white designed can comes with a corresponding make-up look, tailored for the romantic, the fashionista and the rock chick. I've had a look at the goodiebags and can assure you that they are simply amazing, and feature the creme de la creme of Benefit products!

The Get Glam series brings fun back into make-up.

Give it a go, you know you want to!

Brown Thomas & The Big Apple

Marc Jacobs

Anybody with the slightest ounce of fashion knowledge knows that New York is the Mecca of style and individualism, as well as being the quaint home of several great fashion houses. To celebrate all that the style central encompasses, Brown Thomas will be hosting a range of NYC- themed workshops and masterclasses in their Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway stores until February 19th (perfectly tying in with NYFW).

Here is a schedule of the upcoming events:

Brown Thomas Dublin Events

11^th February – Top stylist Annmarie O’Connor will host a series of fashion workshops from NYC brands DKNY, Michael Michael Kors and Elie Tahari on Level 2 at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm.

18^th February – Top stylist Annmarie O’Connor will host a series of fashion workshops from NYC brands DKNY, Michael Michael Kors and Theory on Level 2 at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm.

Brown Thomas Cork Event

11^th February – Über cool stylist Courtney Smith will host workshops from top NYC brands DKNY, Michael Michael Kors and Marc by Marc Jacobs on Level 1 at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm.

Brown Thomas Limerick Event

18^th February – Renowned stylist Cathy O’Connor will present a fashion show to highlight key NYC brands including DKNY, Michael Michael Kors and Marc by Marc Jacobs on Level 1 at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Brown Thomas Galway Event

18^th February – Fashion insider Lisa Lane will host a series of workshops including go-to NYC labels DKNY, Michael Michael Kors, and Marc by Marc Jacobs on Level 1 at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm.

The Secret M.A.C. Discount...

Fancy getting free second-day delivery on M.A.C. cosmetics?

Well listen up...

All you have to do to avail of the offer is place your online order before 11.59pm on Thursday 7th February and use the code "CART" at the checkout.

It's as simple as that!

This discount is valid for all US addresses.

Red Rigouts For Him & Her

Red Rigouts For Him & Her by justlolo featuring a silk clutch

They shall call you the "colour block couple".

Do you dare?

The Valentine's Five: For Him

Endless reams of cringe-worthy advertisements have probably already informed you that Valentine's Day is "just around the corner." If they haven't yet infiltrated your every waking moment, you're probably spending too much time in social seclusion (but we won't attempt to deal with that now).

For all of you love-struck individuals, I shall deliver a series of informative V-Day posts including gift ideas for him and for her; the ultimate getaways; tips for the perfect date and several other romance-related features that have yet to be devised.

Kicking off this series of lovely posts is a Gift Guide for Him....

Polo by Ralph Lauren Boxers, €35 at Brown Thomas.

The Uber Romantic "Ring to Make Love" Bell, €5.49 at Play.com

Red and White Dogtooth Bow Tie, £6 at Topman.

"Hot Stuff" Grow Your Own Chilli Peppers, €5.49 at Play.com

Fuoco D'Amore Hot Sauce, £5.95 at Harvey Nichols.