Spring Clothes

I'm in the midst of a wardrobe Spring clean. It has become clear as a nice fresh day that I am a hoarder. I keep everything, including dust. Clothes are still accessorized with their tags. Like many people, I hoard old issues of magazines. That's not hoarding, though, it can be called archiving too. A lot of clothes are after getting the boot. No more shopping for me. Not for a long time.

Instead, I am concentrating on the items that I cherish. I will not be known as the old woman who lived in a shoe. I will be the old women wearing faux fur, accessorized with tulle, anklet bracelets, denim shirts, lace skirts, cowboy hats. All whilst reading old issues of Vogue and Elle. The old woman living in a lot of junk. Sounds about right to me.

P.S. Current obsession: denim+lace. What's yours?

If you hoard/archive magazines like me, where do you keep them? I am curious to know. Half my wardrobe space is dedicated to them!

Princess

The meaning of the name Sarah is Princess. Fact. I wish I could be a Princess. Fact. In my own mind, I am a Princess. Fact. I am a real Princess to-be. Fiction.

It's hard not to get caught up in the Royal wedding. Starring: Kate Middleton & Prince William, it is expected to be the event of the decade. Kate Middleton is going to be the ultimate Princess Bride. She is already the ultimate Princess-to be. Her style, her smile and her cheery outlook is catching. Classic style, wide smile. Think Burberry trench coats, suede boots, thick glossy locks & bursts of colour. Very English Rose. As for the wedding dress...who will be the designer? The question on all our fashionably frothed lips.

Classic Boots, Acne

For hair to shine use Redken

Rosy Cheeks, Blush by Topshop

Colour, colour, colour. Alexander McQueen (Net-A-Porter) dress

 Who else is looking forward to the upcoming nuptials?

Kate Middleton Images from hellomagazine.com

Wanted

 I must admit, I am fairly fed up of whimsical editorials. Ruffles galore and long bouncy hair. No, thanks. I want the opposite and Vogue Paris (April, 2011) has given this to me. Wanted is dark and edgy. Most of the photos are black & white. Isabeli Fontana stars. Fringing, feathers, distressed denim, stetsons, guns, metallic and chunky leather belts feature. That first picture of Isabeli reminds me of Pocahontas. Pocahontas gone Country & Western. Pocahontas gone bad. 

I want to be a fashionable cow-girl. Grab that gun, and those leather chaps. Go for braids and pluck a feather. Giddy up.....

Images from fashiongonerogue

I Like

Two looks I like for Summer: white blazers and bracelets, with a hint of arm. The weather has been amazing recently, and all I can think about are summer clothes. The white blazer and stacked bangles & bracelets are two elements of an outfit, I would love to wear all summer long. Chic, cool with a hint of edginess. And sure you might as well throw in lightly tanned skin, tousled hair, a midnight blue play-suit, a sort of come hither expression.... Oh, wait. I am describing Chloe Sevigny. That girl is one cool chick. She is too cool for fashion school.

(Note to self, Sarah: You are Irish with Irish skin. Irish skin burns. It doesn't lightly tan).

PS: Great response for my 'accurate' horoscopes. Who knows, perhaps Psychic Sarah will return next month.....

Chloe Sevigny image via stardustandsequins

Stacked bracelet Image via jakandjil

Psychic Sarah

I am not a psychic. I am not a fashion psychic either.  However, I am a chancer. It's Spring, the sun is shining and I feel like chancing my arm. Today, I am going to forecast the 12 Zodiac signs, in terms of fashion, of course. Are you ready?

Pisces

20 February-20 March

It's your Birthday, Pisces. I could wish you some nice thoughts for the special day, but instead, I will tell you what to buy. This month, Pisces you have to turn all your Birthday wishes into reality. According to a source (reputable, it might not be), the number two is lucky for you. According to another source (Elle UK magazine) Mars is Pisces all month, so in terms of fashion, this is the time to be courageous. What should you buy, I hear? Heels. Daring heels. And heels always come in two's. Lucky, or what?

Versace, €650, Net-A-Porter

Aries

21 March-20 April

It is nearly your birthday, Aries. An Arian is a do-er. They talk the talk, but they can walk the talk, also. There is no holding back when it comes to fashion. Florals, gingham, denim, bandanas? Yes. In fact, I just described the D&G Spring/ Summer 2011 collection. We would all try to pull off this collection. But a true Arian would pull this off with panache. You will look better than the models. Trust me. Think Italian, be Italian.

Taurus

21 April-21 May

Thinking about a new direction? If you are, don't forget to take along your birthday gemstone. The emerald. If you don't have an emerald jewel, buy yourself one. If you can't afford one, well then, buy a fake emerald. This emerald will always remind you of who you are. Even in the most testing fashion situations. And, it's a beautiful stone. Your outfit will always shine. It's a win-win situation!

Gemini

22 May-21 June

We all like to spend a bit of money, but Gemini's love it. March will be a good month for your wardrobe. Why? Make March the party month, Gemini. Think sequins, ruffles and flats (for dancing). Don't even think about buying basics. And who knows, maybe that Topshop dress will catch the eye of someone. *wink wink* I am not to be held accountable if that doesn't happen, though. Just blame Topshop.

Cancer

22 June-22 July

The dreaded crab is your Zodiac symbol. These creatures are ehhhh, crabby and so are you. Only joking! However, if you are not feeling very sprightly, I order you to go on holiday. When I think of holidays, I get images of the sea & sun in my head. An exotic Island, who knows...? Do you get the same images, Cancer? So, make sure to pack fun, flirty sun dresses and plenty of sandals. You might as well throw in a floppy hat or two. Get in the sunshine mood!

H&M Dress, €19.90

Leo

23 July-23 August

Leo, you are a lion! Think like a lion, act like a lion, dress like a lion. If you can't (or don't want to) do any of this, just take inspiration from Coco Chanel (famous Leo fashionista). Think simplicity with an edge. Think stripes, pearls. Think chic. You need some va-va-voom, though. You are a Leo after all. Where do you get this va-va-voom? Lipstick, darlings. Deep red, dark pink. You choose. You are the lion-ness after all.

Virgo

24 August-23 September

Virgo's are known to be creative. However, the Month of March may not be good for your creativity. Let me ask you Virgo: are you feeling tired & lethargic? I have the cure for you. Colour. Loads & loads of colour. Put your creativity to test and try to pull an outfit together than includes several colour blocks. Think Pink. Think Green. Think Blue. All bright. You will be set for the rest of March.

Libra

24 September-23 October

Feeling fashionably restless? But can't afford a holiday? I advise that you exercise. Trainers are a major must-have. And I don't mean big white clodhoppers that would scare even the the biggest fashion hater. No white, but go for bright. Colourful trainers are the way to go. And you Libra, will pull them off with flare. Do you want my advice on what trainers to buy, Libra? You say no, but you really mean yes. My choice are Nike Air. Just do it! Remember colour.....

Scorpio

24 October-22 November

I am a Scorpio. I love being a Scorpio. People are afraid of the sting before they even meet you. But, my fellow Scorpions will agree with me by saying  'the' sting only comes out in desperately hard fashion months. Am I the only one feeling that the rest of March will be a hard time for fashion conscious scorpions? I feel the sting is a-coming. In a rut? Scorpions are known to be fashion forward, so go ahead, wear something fierce & fashionable. I know, I will! Outlandish head pieces will be the norm when going to Tesco next month. Mark my words.

Suzie Mahony Designs

Sagittarius

23 November-22 December

The month of March has been a fun one for you so far, Sag. And the coming weeks will be even more fun. What do fun people wear? Now, that is the question! A party dress? Nah. A pair of leather trousers. No, way. Too much effort. A jumpsuit. Yes to yay. As in, absolutely. Buy a jumpsuit, Sag, and the rest of March will be a lot of fun for you. You will be literally jumping around. Okay, I'll shut up now...

Capricorn

23 December-20 January

You are a Christmas baby, child, adult. Do you like red, white & green? You say no? Stop being such a Grinch. You should like those festive colours. Well, you should definitely like white. I mean it's Springtime. Wear white and you will be less uptight. It's a known fact. From the My Republic of Fashion fact book. Wear white and you will be a delight. Dresses, skirts, trousers, blouses. End of.

Aquarius

21 January-19 February

Are you having a bit of trouble trying to express your fashion views this month?  Aquarians, do not fear. I have just the thing to get your views heard. Write/type some fantastic letters to magazine editors. Who knows, Anna Wintour might be tickled pink by your ramblings and give you a column  in Vogue. Your ramblings would be infamous in no time. And then you wake up. Worth a try, though.... Go for it, Aquarius!

Pick what sign you are. Let me know if I am accurate. My sincere apologies if I am wide off the mark. My Psychic abilities are wearing off.

Coral & Silver

Now that it's Spring, I have ditched the mittens and nail polish & rings are now dressing my nails & fingers. Coral-icious was the nail polish of choice for today. This shade of polish looks great with silver and grey rings.

What shade of polish are you sporting at the moment?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hats Today

Six good reasons to wear a Floppy/ Wide-brimmed/ Safari hat this Spring-Summer:

1. They are easy to wear. Nothing like a bit of comfort on your head.

2. Just in case you forget to put on SPF (Not recommended. It happens, though), these hats will protect you from those vicious rays.

3. If you want to avoid some-one, just lower the hat over your face. 'Hey, is that Sarah?' ''Hmmm, it is hard to know, what with not being able to see her face. Better not disturb hat face, so.'' Mission accomplished!

4. They are also good if you want to attract some-one's attention. I'll be the girl with the Zara two-toned hat on my head. You won't miss me.

5. Buy a floppy hat and you will 'definitely' look like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Terms and Conditions apply.

6. They are always chic. Do you need anymore convincing?

Etro Safari Hat, Net-A-Porter.

Zara Two-Toned Floppy Hat.

Marc Jacobs Spring Summer 2011 Image via vogue.co.uk

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Image via Studded Hearts

Dear Mr. Bailey

Dear Mr. Bailey,

It's Sarah here again. I sent you a letter a few weeks ago and I am disappointed to find that you have neither replied to my letter, nor (more importantly) sent me a Burberry trench coat. Shocking. I mean, do you know who I am? I am a no-one. Therefore, I feel it is only right that a no-one like me deserves a someone. Namely a something from your latest or any (for that matter) collection.

However, I feel there is more chance of me giving up shopping for a year, than there is of you sending me a something. But just because I won't be decked out in a Burberry trench any time soon, that doesn't mean I'll be any less chic this Spring. Enclosed are pictures of two coats, which I do so love. One faux fur, one bright pink. Both beautiful. Well, to me they are. What do you think, Mr. Bailey? Who needs Burberry, eh.....

Oh, and what do you think?

Kind Regards,

Sarah

Lots Of Stuff

On the 'hello' why aren't you in my wardrobe, as opposed to being in some random warehouse list. Topshop wide legged printed trousers. Where are you? YSL 70's inspired block sandals. Be mine! YSL multi-coloured crystal ring. You should be blinging on my finger. Bright, patterned River Island scarf. Hello, you.

OPI 'Not like the Movies'. My life is definitely not like a movie, 'cause that polish would be delivered by a handsome gent in a suit. Spiffy! Jeepers Peepers sunglasses. You should be covering my peepers. A girls wardrobe is not complete without an item or two from Topshop. May I ask why that dusky pink leather jacket is gathering dust in some random warehouse and not my wardrobe? Blind Man's Bluff, Lots of Stuff, I need that ASOS Cuff.

 What's on your Wish List at the moment?

Products from shops highlighted

Chanel & YSL=❤

Black & White=Monochrome.

Black & White=Chic.

Black & White=Timeless.

Black, White & Feathers=Absolutely Fantastic.

Chanel=Black.

YSL=White.

My Republic of Fashion + Black, White & Feathers=Love.

Black, White & Feathers for you= ?

Chanel & YSL for you= ?

Chanel

YSL

Images from vogue.co.uk

Mugshot Monday-Shiny Sparkly

Sparkly dress, heavy eye catching necklace, high beam galore & sparkly eye-liner (not seen). I was a shiny sparkly person on Saturday night. And, I loved it! I don't go partying often, but when I do, I like to make an effort. My Topshop necklace took pride of place, smack bang in the middle of my neck (Obviously. Where else do necklaces lie?). On my feet? Flats. And not towering heels. 'Cause that's the way I am. Perfect dancing conditions!

P.S. No amount of hairspray would stick those errant side pieces of hair to my head. I just passed it off as, 'it's meant to be like this. Don't ya know?!' Hmmmmmm......

What did you get up to at the weekend? Have a great Monday, everyone!

Manish Magpie

I am a Magpie. There is no doubt about that. I am attracted to shiny, bright items, just like Magpies are. I am attracted to the Manish Arora Autumn-Winter collection, just like a fashion conscious (if there was ever one) Magpie would be. How unique, individual, different, colourful & fun is this collection? Who cares about practicality when you have a fabulous mish-mash of clothes, topped off with hair that resembles flying saucers. 

Do you see that middle dress in the first row? That dress needs to be mine! Perhaps I can swoop down and steal it, just like a Magpie would. Magpies might be squawk-y birds, but they know what they want and they get what they want. Think like a Magpie, act like a magpie. Go for the sparkles, crazy prints and textures! Just call me the Manish Magpie.

Are you a Manish Magpie, also?

All Images from vogue.co.uk

De-Clutter

My black, shiny bag is annoying me at the moment. As well as being heavy (my fault for putting unnecessary items in there), it keeps slipping off my shoulder. Yes, bag, I know I'm not the most glamorous shoulder ever. But, really? Stop trying to escape! Therefore, in an attempt to de-clutter one aspect of my life and to welcome the coming of Spring, I feel it is time to start looking for a new, more well behaved, colourful smaller bag. A clutch or a mini satchel, to be precise.

Note to self: If purchasing one of these bags, the items that used to take pride of place in big, black shiny bag will have to make way for more delicate pieces. No more litre bottles of water (that can be used a self-defence mechanism). Suffer for fashion. Suffer!

Do you like my mini bag selection?

Satchel, €22, A-Wear

Envelope, €72, ASOS

Streetstyle Image from jakandjil.com