Tales of the Pink Bike

Autumn/Winter 2011 

November/December 2011

Parking the Pink Bike

After two very successful years, Laura has temporarily parked the Pink Bike as she concentrates on her latest venture, The Sloaney. The Sloaney is a new luxury lifestyle magazine with a number of sections including: fashion, style, beauty, food and travel.

Laura continues to write for the Irish Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday and this year secured a front page preview spot with her feature that addressed the controversial Hunky Dory’s advertising campaign.

Her most recent feature discussed suicide, with an in-depth interview with the brother of a friend who sadly lost her battle with depression. If you have been touched by mental health, depression or sucide, Aware and Mind are charities in Ireland and the UK that offer invaluable support.

Laura is continuing with her social media company and is the Fashion Editor for elite British high street clothing brand, Jigsaw, as well as kew.159. She has also recently been approached to write high fashion features for BespokeRSVP magazine.

Laura would like to extend her thanks to all supporters of Tales of the Pink Bike. The blog was shortlisted for a Most Influential in Fashion Award this year and it seems an apt point to pause the musings.

Log on to The Sloaney at www.thesloaney.com

You can stay up-to-date with future

developments on Twitter or Facebook 

Chanel without shine

I am a big fan of Chanel makeup and find the quality and endurance second to none. During the summertime I rarely wear foundation and opt for a light tinted moisturise or a concealer instead. However, come winter I prefer to have more generous coverage.

Last year I was slightly disappointed by Pro Lumiere, which is Chanel's bestselling foundation. This liquid product gives a highly professional finish but I was frustrated by the shine it created and this was particularly evident in photographs.

Yesterday I raised this point with a Chanel make-up consultant who agreed that not many people are aware of this characteristic as they are blinded by the vast amount of press coverage it has earned and don't often enquire further before purchase.

To counteract the problem, I was quickly presented with a matt version; until now I had been oblivious to its existence. It possesses all the brilliant qualities of the Lumiere but also boasts a matt power finish to give a sophisticated look to your skin.

Problem solved and I am pleased to report that I remain a dedicated Chanel customer.

Pulse Accessories host four day

'Fashion Extravaganza'

Pulse Accessories is hosting a unique and exciting fundraising event for Breast Cancer Awareness in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation. The 'Fashion Extravaganza' starts this Wednesday and lasts until the 29^th of October.

Designed as a great event for you and your girlfriends, there will be a Pamper Zone that offers treatments for just €5 and all proceeds will be donated to charity.

A fashion show will highlight all of the latest trends and a stylist will be on hand to give fashion tips for the forthcoming party season. All shoppers can avail of a 50% discount on the latest collection of Pulse Accessories. There will also be a number of fabulous spot prizes given away each day.

Pulse Accessories is located at 649 Jordanstown Avenue, Rathcoole, Dublin

'A Country Affair'

Help us win the Farlows Style Challenge

Last week I was invited to attend 'A Country Affair' in London, which was an exclusive preview of the new Farlows collection for fashion bloggers. 

The impressive store has royal status and regular shoppers include The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and a number of actors and actresses, such as Guy Richie. On arriving at the event, we were greeted by champagne and canapés and then invited to take part in the Farlows Style Challenge.

With a number of prestigious rural brands stocked under the same roof, this was the ideal chance to experiment with creating a 'country chic' look. British heritage is very on trend this season and there is no better way to explore this style than using a selection of natural textiles. 

The winner of the challenge will be crowned 'Lady of the Manor' and given the opportunity to dress the prestigious Pall Mall windows. I teamed up with fellow fashionista, Francesca Ludlam to create the following outfits.

Burgundy is a key colour this season and I used it as the prime hue for this outfit. As you can see the burgundy tweed skirt works well with the matching socks and this rich tone also features in the boots, printed shirt and silk scarf. Teaming this colour with navy makes for a regal match, which is apt for Farlows.

I accessorized the look with a beautiful spacious leather holdall, which I am reliably informed was selected by none other than Kate Middleton as a gift to Prince William. The bush style hat and fur scarf reinforces the country heritage theme.

Francesca is probably the only woman in the world who can make waders look stylish! For her look, she teamed them with a check skirt - tied at the waist - and completed the outfit with a matching tweed jacket and cap. The silk scarf brings out the yellow tones of the tweed and of course her look would not be complete with out the fishing rod and net!

Help us WIN the style challenge!  

If you would like to vote for us and help us win the style challenge then please click here and like our photo on the Farlows Facebook page. Every little like helps :)

Thank you for your support.

Trend Tip

The Golden Touch

Adding a splash of gold to your outfit is a key trend for the current season and you can explore the golden colours of autumn though various jewellery and accessories.

Here are the Top Three Golden Wonders from Tales of the Pink Bike:

• Emblazoned with a signature print, this stunning clutch (£380) by Stella McCartney gives the illusion of crinkled foil. The gold hue is guaranteed to inject some glamour - and a touch of sophistication - into your evening wear this winter.

• Topshop currently stock a beautiful Panther Ring (£8.50), which mixes gold with rich emerald and jewels.

   

• Finally, for ethnic inspired glamour try the fair trade Hammered Bangle Set (£39) from Jigsaw. To increase the level of drama offered by these bangles, double up and purchase two sets.

06 October 2011

Jigsaw Style Diary

Country Heritage

I have just finished editing the Jigsaw Style Diary and this week it focuses on exploring the 'Country Heritage' trend. For tips on how to showcase some quintessential British style, you can read the full feature here.

 Jigsaw TV

Autumn/Winter Catwalk Show

My latest production for 'Jigsaw TV' features the exclusive Autumn/Winter 2011 catwalk show, along with interviews from those on the front row and some of my top picks from the latest collection.

Watch it here:

 

RTE Interview

The Little Black Dress

 

 

The Little Black Dress is loved by women across the globe and I was recently asked by RTE to explain why the classic LBD is the greatest outfit of them all.

 

Read it HERE:

 

Bressie releases his debut solo album

Congratulations to my lovely friend, Bressie, on the release of his debut solo album.

'Colourblind Stereo' was is now available to purchase from iTunes and major music stroes. The gorgeous Irishman is currently touring his homeland doing a number of gigs and radio appearances. 

As regular readers will know, Tales of the Pink Bike is a big fan of Bressie's music. The former front man of The Blizzards is not only a talented musician, but he has also played rugby at professional and international level.

Purchase 'Colourblind Stereo' HERE

The contrasting world of fashion

London Fashion Week: Tom Ford and Burberry

London Fashion Week is in full swing. The sense of excitement currently filling the streets feels electric at times, especially after the city earned the title of 'Fashion Capital of the World' earlier this year.

The elitist aspect of high fashion plays a crucial role in encouraging aspiration and Tom Ford captured the essence of exclusivity with his private viewing. Keeping the vast majority on tender hooks, Ford allowed only a select few of fashion's highbrows, such as Anna Wintour, to preview the collection.

However, this industry is all about contrast and Burberry preferred to stream their show online, live to a global audience. The twitter feed gave followers a sneak preview of each outfit even before it hit the runway.

This quintessentially British brand never fails to come up trumps, providing a new twist on classic pieces each season. Crucially, Burberry has such gravitas because is creates high fashion that is wearable.

There was steadfast support from British fans with a number of high profile figures in attendance, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Samantha Cameron, Laura Bailey and Andy Murray.

However, such is the nature of social media; those watching online were in fact the ones who occupied the prime viewing seat.

Watch the show here:

September 18, 2011

Trend Tip

The 'Superbow' is in!

When Kate Moss wears a trend, you know it will be big! This week, the style icon was spotted at Stella McCartney's 40^th Birthday wearing a dress that featured an oversized bow. Other high profile celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, have also signalled that it is time to embrace the 'Superbow'.

Notte by Marchesa is a British label offering a fabulous fuchsia silk party dress for £720 that works this trend perfectly. The oversized bow is complemented by ruffles to give a glamorous and feminine look.

Style Tip: Don't even contemplate adding accessories; this dress is such a statement piece that nude stilettos will suffice.

 For those on a budget, ASOS stock the Liquorish Bow Dress for just £30.

15 September 2011

Support the Catwalk to Kilimanjaro tonight and you could

WIN a date with a top Irish model

Later today, some of Ireland's best known models will be hosting a fundraising evening in Copan from 9pm. The Catwalk to Kilimanjaro event will be hosted by Georgia Salpa, Roz Purcell, Lynn Kelly and Louise Johnston.

A raffle will take place where a number of exciting and unique prizes will be on offer. Not only could you be in with the chance to go on a date with one of these gorgeous ladies, but you could also win VIP concert tickets, a sun holiday voucher, appear in a TV show or walk the runway at a fashion show.

For those in the Irish capital, Copan is the place to be tonight if you want to support a worthy cause and also enjoy an evening of fun.

Cocktails will be free from 9pm-10pm

Chipped Nails?

Tales of the Pink Bike has the perfect quick fix

 

This morning, I have been busy working on several fashion features that I have running in online publications and the Irish Daily Mail. The deadlines are pretty tight and don't allow for any spare moments away from the keyboard!

Whilst typing, I noticed some annoying chips in my nail polish. With no time for a manicure - professional or 'homemade' - I delved into my handbag in search of Rimmel's 60 Second Nail Polish.

 

 

After a one second application, the layer dries in less than 60 seconds and allows for the typing to continue. Admittedly, the end result does not rival the pristine finish of a manicure. However, at least I can arrive to my afternoon meetings with the chips disguised and without wasting any precious working minutes. The perfect quick fix!

Style tip: Red Carpet is a rich and strong colour for autumn

 

A Tailored Jacket is an essential item this autumn

There is a strong emphasis on classic tailoring this season and the masculine look is proving particularly prominent as we enter the autumn months. However, you don't have to go overboard with the boyish influence in order to add credibility to your style.

The Tailored Jacket is a timeless piece for the wardrobe and offers a subtle way to acknowledge the current trend.

The beautiful Orchid Jacket (£1,175) by Stella McCartney is presented in ivory with a black triple layered curved lapel. The long length is flattering and elongates the waist.

Karen Millen's Short Lace Jacket (£235) has a feminine high cut at the back and features contrasting panels that provide an edgy twist.

Meanwhile, Monsoon has a striking Tuxedo Style Jacket, which is available from the Fushion range at the bargain price of just £55. From the ruching detail at the shoulder, to the tux lapels and collar, this piece has a high fashion feel.

Style tip: If you have a pear figure, lean towards the flattering longer length style that offers more generous coverage to your bottom half. Those with small hips will be suited to a high cut version.

09 September 2011

Jigsaw TV: Sheep to Shop

It's not everyday you walk past a shop window and see real sheep grazing! To mark Wool Week and the Campaign for Wool, Jigsaw brought some sheep from the beautiful Wiltshire countryside to the City of London.

They spent time at the flagship store on the King's Road in Chelsea, before moving to the High Street Kensington shop.

My latest production for 'Jigsaw TV' follows their journey to London and also interviews the Farm Manager and Head of Knitwear Design at Jigsaw, to find out why wool is such an important fibre.

Watch the film in full below or visit 'Jigsaw TV' by clicking here.

The end of a long journey

Laura Toogood PhD Conferring Ceremony

For Tales of the Pink Bike Spring/Summer archives, please click here.