15 March 2010

Jean-Pierre Braganza A/W 2010-11



Now that my hand is finally starting to heal and I can type a little bit more, its high time I wrote about my LFW experience!

The crowd was crazy, but being a New Yorker, I've always walked straight to the front like I belong and it works for me! And who was next to me but the lovely Liberty London Girl, Sacha! (FOR ll my barging tendencies I was too shy to introduce myself!) There was some idiot with his camera equipment smack dab in front of me and kept knocking me in the head! After much protestation, the guy finally got the hint and split. That's when the line finally moved.

Inside it was packed, Pixie Geldof, Roisin Murphy, and I think I spotted Erin O'Connor. Even Colin McDowell was smack dab in front of me. As a first time LFW newbie, I couldn't have a better taste of the best London has to offer. And I have to owe it all to Queen Michelle who pulled strings and got me on the list (she really rocks and I'm proud to count her and Queen Marie as friends!)
Gosh I couldn't avoid Pixie as she was dead across from me!

Okay on to the show -- it was Felder+Felder, Jean-Pierre Braganza, and Hannah Marshall. MY fav was definitely JPB, he has such an amazing way of cutting clothes that make you just want to jump out of your seat to touch them. Sadly my first 7 pics do them no justice, but I did find a few floating around the Internet (please let me know if they are yours so I can credit or take down if you wish.)




Oh look Colin McDowell's head!




This was the finale.

Noq for the "good" photos...


I adore this print and the dress itself!

Same here, very classy.

These last two are my absolute favs, so very me!



It was a wonderful night, filled with gorgeous covetable clothes that I dream of one day owning! Thank yu again to Queen Michelle and to Jane Gorley, as well to the talent of Jean-Pierre Braganza. I wish you much success!

Cheers and I hope I get to attend again next year!
Suzanne

12 March 2010

JOE HURLEY'S 11TH ANNUAL ALL-STAR IRISH ROCK REVUE

If you're going to be in NYC Sat, 13 March this is the place to be! From the press release:

JOE HURLEY'S 11TH ANNUAL ALL-STAR IRISH ROCK REVUE
"THE GREAT IRISH SONGBOOK"

w/ Joe Hurley & The Gents & A CAST of 1000s
Saturday March 13th, Highline Ballroom
431 W 16th St (between 9th & 10th)
212.414.5994
Doors Open 6:00 pm
Show 6:30pm-11:00 pm
Tix $20
VIP Reserved seating $30
THIS IS AN ALL-AGES EVENT!


New York, NY: Joe Hurley's 11th Annual All-Star Irish Rock Revue will be held this year, for one-
night-only, at NYC's stunning HIGHLINE BALLROOM, on Saturday, March 13th!

"Joe Hurley's Irish-Rock-A-Palooza receives rave reviews every year as the biggest St Pat's Party in town-Hurley himself is revered for his soulful Shane MacGowan-esque baritone" NEW YORK MAGAZINE

Here's what to expect: A PADDY ROCK & ROLL CIRCUS! Every year during the St Patrick's season, NYC singer/songwriter Joe Hurley salutes his Irish heritage with a blazing extravaganza of performers and songs that celebrate Ireland's musical gifts to the world - The All-Star Irish Rock Revue.

Gathering friends from NYC punk-rock legends to Broadway stars, from best-selling novelists to
star comedians -- from Rock & Roll Hall-Of-Famers to downtown luminaries -- from visiting Irish entertainers to up and coming local singers, the performers all dive into Hurley's vision of 'The Great Irish Songbook', backed by The Revue's sublime All-Star band, led by MD Jon Spurney (Passing Strange MD), Mark Bosch-Guitar (Ian Hunter), Tony Shanahan-Bass (Patti Smith), Steve Goulding-Drums (Mekons, Elvis Costello), Kenny Margolis-accordion (Cracker), Megan Weeder- violin and downtown's own Tish & Snooky-backing vocals.

Now entering it's second decade as a beloved NYC institution, Hurley's All-Star Irish Rock Revue
is "the biggest and best St. Pat's Musical event in New York" Irish Echo

The guest singers rip through the classics of Thin Lizzy, U2, Van Morrison, The Undertones, Sinead O'Connor, SLF, The Pogues, Declan MacManus, Boomtown Rats, John Lydon, Morrisey, The Dubliners, The Divine Comedy,The Chieftains, traditional gems and much more. From The punk of the Undertones "Teenage Kicks" to the soul of Van Morrison's "Domino"; from the pure rock bliss of Thin Lizzy's 'The Boys are Back In Town" and U2's "I Will Follow" to the poetry of the Pogues' "Sally MacLennan" -- the songs of the Irish are sung by an incredibly electric and
extraordinary group of performers.

Hosted by Joe Hurley and Ed Rogers, the IRR kicks off at 7:00 pm sharp. DJ GAZ of EAST
VILLAGE RADIO spins Irish artists between sets. And, UK comic legend Stephen Frost is flying in to perform and help out with hosting duties.

Early confirmed performers include Country star Laura Cantrell, Indie-Rock icon Steve Wynn,
Steve Conte (NY Dolls, Crazy Truth), Ivan Julian (Voidoids/Matthew Sweet/Clash), Ellen Foley ("Stop Right there" of 'Paradise by The Dashboard Light'), Willie Nile, Garland Jeffreys, UK comic Stephen Frost, Tony-Winner Michael Cerveris, SNL's Christine Ohlman, soul-legend Tami Lynn (Exile on Main St/ Dr John) Downtown chanteuses Marni Rice, Mary Lee Kortes, Lisa Burns, Tricia Scotti & Lianne Smith, Ed Rogers, Sheryl Marshall (Dusty Gals/Buster Poindexter), Broadway and film star Antonique Smith, Dave Kincaid (The Brandos), Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith), James Mastro (Ian Hunter/Patti Smith), producer Don Fleming (Sonic Youth, Teenage Fanclub), Alice & Alex (ex Modrocket), 2009 National Book Award Winner Colum McCann, 2010 Oscar Nominee Sam Bisbee, Seth Adam, Faith Hahn, John S Hall(King Missile), Adam Roth (Denis Leary, JIM CARROLL) Reni Lane, James Noone and many more TBA shortly. There will also be some very special guests announced week of show! Previous 'surprise performers' have included Ronnie Spector, Fountains of Wayne and STEW.

THIS IS AN ALL-AGES SHOW! Bring the kids!
Tributes will be paid to three magnificent Irish and Irish-American artists that we've recently
lost: FRANK McCOURT, LIAM CLANCY and JIM CARROLL.
PLEASE NOTE: This year's IRR will end at 11:00 pm, so come early, have dinner, and enjoy the
show! There will be an official after-party for all ticket-holders TBA at venue.

T-SHIRT COLLECTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI
We encourage everyone to bring a gently-used or new T-Shirt to donate to the people of Haiti Where-To-Turn.org has set a goal of 50,000 t-shirts to bring to Haiti, and they are well on their
way! They will have a booth for clothing drop-offs. Donate a t-shirt and receive a raffle ticket.
Cool prizes await!

"Anything can happen, and usually does, at The IRISH ROCK REVUE" NEW YORK POST

Joe Hurley, per tradition, kicks off the proceedings at 6:30pm. Called 'One of NY's most
entertaining frontmen -- his distinctive vocals can be as raucous as all get-out and as
sorrowful as a baritone can be....Hurley is the best singer of vowels in rock" by the Village
Voice, Hurley has released many critically acclaimed CDs and is featured on the SONY release
"Whiskey in the Jar:Essential Irish Drinking Songs" with his ballad "Amsterdam Mistress",
alongside classics from the Pogues, the Dubliners and the Clancys. His band of Gents includes
James Mastro (Ian Hunter), Tony Shanahan, Kenny Margolis, Denny Mcdermott (Rosanne Cash, David Johansen) Megan Weeder and Jon Spurney.

Hurley and Irish Novelist Colum McCann recently released a CD-EP "The House That Horse
Built" inspired by McCann's 2009 National Book Award Winning Novel "Let the Great World
Spin." The CD features Paddy Moloney of THE CHIEFTAINS -- Hurley and McCann are currently working on a full length CD of songs for the novel.

Hurley, a London-bred, Irish-Blooded New Yorker, has sung with a host of great folks including THE CHIEFTAINS, Judy Collins, Sam Shepard, Nellie Mckay, Laura Cantrell, Shane MacGowan, Marianne Faithfull, The Waco Bros, Andrea Marcovicci and Maude Maggart. The leader of two NYC groups, Rogue's March, and Joe Hurley & The Gents,Hurley has been produced on recordings by Tony Visconti, PJ Harvey, Jimmy Harry, James Mastro & Don Fleming, among others.

The Irish Rock Revue thanks it's friends and sponsors. Gibson, Wildrover clothing, Irish Echo,
Murphguide.com, Irish Business Organization, Manic Panic.


"There's no shortage of people and places to avoid around St Patrick's Day, but Joe Hurley's All-
Star Irish Rock Revue is not an event to be missed! The Annual concert sees host band Joe Hurley and Rogue's March share a stage with members of the New York Dolls, The Dictators and
The Patti Smith Band. They'll all cover songs of Irish musicians such as U2, Thin Lizzy, and Van
Morrison." NEW YORK POST - Weekend HOT PICKS in ENTERTAINMENT

For performer updates, please go to www.roguesmarch.com, myspace.com/irishrockrevue,
myspace.com/roguesmarchmusic
TIX ONSALE NOW
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=1191715

If you go, be sure to stop over and say hello!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow Review

On our first visit to Glasgow I had no clue of where to stay, the Queen's gave me the advice of the area best to stay in and a site that listed hotels (Glasgow Guide) so clicking under "hotels" I scanned the list putting in our dates to see what's available. I never look at anything with less than a 4 star rating as I usually find the price difference between a 4 and 3 star hotel negligible. Blythswood Square popped up and looked intriguing, so I went to their website for a closer look.

The hotel overlooks Blythswood Square.

PGP in front of the entrance to the Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa.

A luxury 5 star hotel and spa newly opened. It was the former site of the Clubhouse for The Royal Scottish Automobile Club (RSAC) from 1910 until it was sold to developers in 2002. Purchased by the Townhouse Collection in 2006, and recently opened as the Blythswood Square hotel and spa late 2009. The photos looked stunning, and the special Internet rate was spot on our budget, so I booked a "Wee Classic" room for the Punk Glam Princess and I as we only had a two night stay.

The biggest chandelier I've ever seen! Taken from the lobby looking up the incredibly beautiful staircase. I can just imagine the gorgeous wedding photos that could be taken there.

PGP and I in one of the bordello red velvet alcoves in the lobby. There were about three of these alcoves (with tables and chairs in front of each) which really lent an exotic air to the lobby!

Lounge area.

Well, to my surprise, they had given us a free upgrade to a suite! Which was absolutely perfect not only in decor but for our needs, as it made the gabfest with Queen Marie and Queen Michelle that much more comfortable. Little touches like a fruit and biscuits (Oh those Tunnock biscuits, just like Mallomars, but all milk chocolate!) board left for us, a personalized note wishing us a great stay, robes and slippers (you don't realize just how much you miss those until you have them provided for you) and free bottled water made the experience into one we'll never forget and will be quick to repeat on future visits to Glasgow.

The view as you entered our room. The closet contained a kettle, selection of teas and coffee, a safe, and mini-bar. Not pictured to the left of the door to the bath is a huge double closet, which contained extras like an iron and board. Notice the great motoring rally mural on our wall.

Our room on our last day. Slightly messy after two days running around! Note the PGP and her new red leopard motorcycle jacket (styled in her inimitable style with "invader Zim" -- or is it "Gir"? -- hat!) This was taken from the window looking back towards the lounge and bed.

This was taken from the bed looking towards the windows. Note the large flat screen TV, and to the left the desk and a pass-through to the bath. (You can see our robes hanging in the bath.) Sorry for the glare from the open curtains, it was a bright, sunny warm day -- of course when we're leaving!

The bath view through the pass-through by the desk. I tired to get a shot of the sink -- the water cascaded out of the faucet like a waterfall! It was fascinating, and now I want one like that for our home bathroom! To the right of the teacup is a standing mirror which had a magnified side; another very thoughtful touch as it's so useful to those of us with poor eyesight!

The luxurious bath, which included the aforementioned amenities, as well as a selection of organic and vegan-safe toiletries handmade in Scotland by Purdies of Argyll. (I loved that the labels were also written in Scots Gaelic!) Another little luxurious touch was a red organza bag filled with bath salts. Such a relief at the end of the day to soak tired bones and sore muscles after a plane ride or touring a city in a hot tub filled with luscious bath salts!

As I was wandering about taking photos (the staff was very accommodating considering they had a conference going on at the time) a gentleman next to where I was taking a photo asked if I knew the history behind the hotel. It turned out that Mr. John Sinclair was a former member of the RSAC, and was so gracious to offer me extra information as well as tour of an area usually reserved for private meetings.

The photos throughout of the hotel are a vintage motor enthusiast's dream. I have a love of cars and motorbikes instilled in me from my father who has refurbished vintage cars as a hobby. (Actually anything he can tinker with that has a motor, which includes boats and airplanes. Yes, you heard that right. Imagine trying to explain to friends as a teenager that those things hanging in the garage that are being hand-sewn by my father are the wings to a vintage airplane.) So wandering around taking photos I got a little carried away with the selection provided.


Mr. Sinclair informed me that all of the photos were donated by former RSAC members. What a delight, it was like being in a motoring history museum!







This is a photo taken in the old "smoking room", covered in beautiful mahogany wood paneling. The painting above the mantle was from when the clubhouse was one of the starting points for the Monte Carlo Rally. This was the crowing jewel tucked away into the lower level of the hotel that Mr. Sinclair was keen to show me, and that I was thrilled and grateful that he did, as I would've otherwise missed it!

Closeup of the painting. The RSAC was one of 8 official starting points for the Monte Carlo Rally in 1955 .

The Blythswood Square has 100 guest rooms, boasts a spa, restaurant, bars (including the historic Rally Bar), and private event areas. My only regret was that our time was so short that I couldn't take full advantage of these (plus traveling solo with a child doesn't allow for much boozing, and they're picky eaters!) Next time will be a different story!

A vintage motor enthusiast's dream upscaled to modern luxury whilst keeping true to the integrity of the original architecture the Blythswood Square Hotel is a true 5 star hotel. I've stayed in many 5 star hotels over the years that honestly couldn't hold a candle to the Blythswood Square. Please do consider Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa for your next visit to Glasgow, you will not be disappointed! (Don't forget if you live in Glasgow they also will host your special event!) It's conveniently located (we walked everywhere, which I love as you miss so much otherwise) and a short inexpensive taxi ride from the airport. Go directly to their site for the best rates and selection, and I can assure you that the staff is keen to please and answer any questions you may have to make your stay memorable.

A warm and special thank you to Suzan Horswell and Murray Thompson for making our stay so enjoyable and allowing me access to photograph.

Cheers!
Suzanne

11 March 2010

Links à la Mode : ****for week of March 11, 2010****

Links à la Mode : ****for week of March 11, 2010****

links a la mode

Spring Fever


Edited by Jennine Jacob

Do you get spring fever? Oh man… the itch to run around outside in flowery prints and frilly laces gets greater and greater each passing day. To heck with chunky sweaters! This week we have a load of great spring style posts, Holier Than Now checks out cape coats, if you’re strapped for cash Out of Order gives the perfect 45min spring skirt tutorial, so cute! And girly clothes not your thing? The Demoiselles has a great homage to genderbending unisex looks. I’ve been thinking of doing a couple of days in menswear myself. Well, as soon as I learn how to tie the half Windsor knot.

There were so, so many great links this week, it really was hard to narrow it down to 2o. Check out the full listing of Links à la Mode here.

Links à la Mode : March 11th


07 March 2010

Holiday Time!

A few weeks ago we went on holiday to London and Glasgow, and as luck would have it was in London for the first two days of London Fashion Week. I managed to attend one show, which I'll write about in another post. For now, I'll talk about the Punk Glam Princess and my adventures.

It was a bit of a whirlwind, trying to fit everything in, but we did manage to see most everyone. And most importantly we made our way out of the vortex called London that usually sucks me in (hey, its hard to get out of such a great city filled with so many good friends!) and took our first visit to Scotland. Glasgow to be exact. Even more specifically to see Queen Michelle and Queen Marie of "Kingdom of Style". I knew we'd get on like old friends, but what I didn't expect was to fall in love with the beautiful old city of Glasgow. Staying in the luxurious 5 star Blythswood Square hotel added to the magic. (The hotel is deserving of its own review post and will be coming soon, promise! I'm still typing one-handed and can't wait until this ulnar neuropathy is finally healed!)

Our first night in Glasgow was spent having a gabfest at the hotel, which I wanted to go on forever! The Queens are the best and lavished us with such thoughtful and yummy gifts! Day two we met up with Queen Michelle and she took the PGP and I around shopping. My favourite shop was the lingerie shop Boudiche, where I purchased the most beautiful pair of Bebaroque "Myrtle" tights. Back in the '80's I designed lingerie and I still have quite a weakness for it, and Boudiche was a scrumptious sight to behold. The staff was so sweet, offering tea, and helping when needed. They also told me that when you order from the US via their website, the VAT is automatically deducted, and the shipping charges are quite reasonable. I know there will be more shopping from them in my future -- I had my eyes on some beautiful Bebaroque stay-ups and tights that were sadly out of stock but should be in soon and I will definitely be ordering from them. Queen Michelle tried on a gorgeous Lascivious Candy bodysuit from their Showgirls collection in hot pink that made us think of super heroes, so a super hero shot was in order!

It's Super Queen Michelle!

Not to leave out the PGP, Queen Michelle found a gothy/punky type shop called Osiris for her to find some goodies. She came away with a grey, black, & white short tutu skirt, and a red leopard bondage style motorcycle jacket that she hasn't removed since! (And that mum will be borrowing as well!)

It was sad to say goodbye, but hopefully it won't be for too long!

Back in London, the scramble started. I was taking the PGP down to Brighton to stay with her bestie L-Belle, and my bestie Barbara. We also decided to get haircuts at Rush since the last experience was so great. The lovely Esther (see my post from last summer here) wasn't in that day, but Brooke was suggested. So the PGP got her very first salon cut and I must say it looks gorgeous! I also got a fabulous cut, so here's another recommendation for Rush in Brighton -- different stylist, still a great cut! I left back for London solo as the next day was the first day of LFW.

The lovely Brooke at Rush, Brighton.

The Punk Glam Princess with her new 'do and L-Belle.

My new 'do much later that evening after rain! It actually looks much better, or will do once my hand is fully working again!

There was a total mess-up with my invites, I was assured they had been sent to the hotel, yet nothing arrived. The concierge even checked with the other hotel with "Bloomsbury" in its name as he said sometimes things go there by mistake. But no luck, it still remains a mystery. Thankfully a very magical pixie (you know who you are!) was able to make a mad scramble to get me on the list for the Felder+Felder, Jean-Pierre Braganza, and Hannah Miller show. I'm so grateful as I really enjoyed the show, which will I'll also feature in another post.

I must also suggest The Bloomsbury Hotel on Great Russell Street (very close to the British Museum and Oxford Street as well). The hotel has had a total renovation and was preciously a Jury's hotel. Its now stunning as well as accommodating. We'll definitely stay there again.

The PGP at the entrance to our lovely room at the Bloomsbury Hotel.

Our room at the Bloomsbury Hotel which was quite spacious although it doesn't look so in this photo!

I love staying in Bloomsbury as its so convenient for me to get to other parts of London. For example, the tubes were a mess while we were there, and on our last night we were headed to the Angel to meet up with some friends at our fav restaurant S & M Cafe (mind out of the gutter, Sausage and Mash, great traditional British food) but realized the tube would have stopped far below. However, just around the corner from the hotel there were loads of buses on New Oxford St. that took us directly there.

Wandering home after a meal at the Stockpot in the West End, we came across this at Centre Point. What sort of fancy sports car was this?


A Smart car! Pretty snazzy, no?

On the second day of LFW I decided to get some shopping done. I had to meet up with Barbara who was bringing the PGP back to London, and we decided we needed to go to the Alexander McQueen store. As mentioned previously, the scene was somber as was to be expected. I Love my new sunglasses but was a little disappointed that the boots and ring I wanted were out of stock in my size. (No matter, I remedied that once in NY, post foreshadowing heehee!) Barbara got a lovely ring as well.


My dreamy new sunglasses.


Barbara's new ring by the condolence book and flowers inside the shop. Photo by Barbara Taylor.

Barbara and I reflected in the window, trying to take a photo of the tribute. Photo by Barbara Taylor.

I loved this photo of Alexander McQueen.

Sorry for the long-winded post, but I had to work on it piecemeal and it turned out a bit longer than planned! I still have posts coming, so as my hand slowly heals they'll be coming along so stay tuned for more!

Cheers!
Suzanne

05 March 2010

Links à la Mode ****for week of March 4, 2010****

Links à la Mode

****for week of March 4, 2010****

links a la mode

Fashion Flashback


Edited by Debutante
As fashion weeks start winding down, some are looking forward to the next trend in fashion. This week, I was thrilled to see so many bloggers focusing on the past -the history of fashion. An obvious passion of mine, vintage fashion has never been so influential. fête à fête reviews a gorgeous collection of vintage inspired jewelry. Fabulous Finds narrates a 1950s styled romp through Palm Springs. Oranges and Apples shares inspiring vintage Life magazine images. In politics, if you don’t learn from history, you’re destined to repeat it. In fashion, if you don’t learn from history, you won’t know you are repeating it!

Links à la Mode : March 4th


01 March 2010

More Original Retail Price Gouging at Beyond The Rack

Currently they have an Emilio Pucci Sunglasses sale on with sale prices listed at $169-$199. Original retail prices listed at $365-$625. This particular pair is listed with an original retail price of $465, sale price $199. However a two second google search found them at Nordstrom with the retail price of $295.

Photo from Nordstrom.com click to be taken to the item page.

But wait, it gets better! Nordstrom has a price matching policy. If you brought a computer print out of this to a Nordstrom store, you would get the sunglasses for $199!

The only point I can see to BYR price gouging on the original retail prices is to mislead customers into believing they're getting a much better deal than they actually are. What's worst is that when Nordstrom has a sale, their price will be less than the Beyond The Rack price.

I've so had it with these price gougers.

Cheers!
Suzanne