'The Mad Hatters Tea Party' in aid of Breast Cancer event!

The Mad Hatters Tea Party will be happening this Thursday on the 23rd of May in aid of Breast Cancer. In Ireland, over 2,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Major advances in cancer care have been made in recent years.

"Thanks to vastly improved access to the right care at the right time for women with possible symptoms referred to the eight designated cancer centres, advances in treatments, and a national roll-out of the BreastCheck programme for women without symptoms, the picture for breast cancer in Ireland is far more positive than before."

The 'Mad Hatters Tea Party' is shaping up to be a very special night that will celebrate local boutiques and a very worthy cause. I have been asked to be the emcee for the night and presenter. Enniscorthy is my hometown and it is an honour to be involved with an event for a cause that is touched not only my family and friends but those of everyone participating. The event will be taking place in Enniscorthy hotspot D- Bar from 8pm.

Tickets are available from local boutiques!

D Bar is a central disco bar that has a taste of Manhattan about it. It is very sophisticated and a chic local haven for those who love good music and a vibrant atmosphere. The 'Mad Hatters Tea Party' actually coincides with the fourth anniversary of D- Bar. To celebrate the beginning of the Strawberry season in a very Wexford fashion, fresh organic strawberry mojitos will be available for attendees. Yum! 

D- Bar interior!

The night will feature complimentary cocktails & cupcakes, with prizes for categories such as 'best dressed lady' & 'most creative headpiece'. There will also be a raffle of preloved & vintage handbags and one lucky lady will strut away with a designer Gucci handbag! This night will be a stylish & fun celebration. Kudos to Gillian and all those in the Enniscorthy Business Association for their great efforts. DJ James Ward is on the decks for the fashion show that will showcase all the latest stylish attire and accessories available in Enniscorthy. In these times it is of vital importance to support local businesses and they have some stunning pieces to show the crowd. This glamorous event is unmissable! To check out all the attendees and gossip on facebook you can click here for the event page. The boutiques that will be giving us a sneak peek into their Spring/Summer 2013 collections are: 

Cloze and Shooz, Put A Bow On It, Ottiva, Unique, Mary Elizabeth's, Lady Grey, Sofia's Choice, Zanadu, Glamour, Modern Fashions, Dv8, Siopa Brog, B-Bowtique. 

Tickets are available from any of the above businesses. Also there are lots of fabulous prizes for our Mad Hatter Headpiece Competition! There will be independent judges on the night judging your headpieces, for example: feathered hats, fascinators, bowler hats - be as weird and wonderful as you please. Judges are awarding the following: 'Maddest Hat', 'Most Creative Hat', 'Team Hat', 'Most Spectacular Eye-catching Hat', 'Largest Hat', 'Eco Friendly Hat', 'Floweriest Hat' and finally - 'Pink Ribbon Hat'! Use your imagination and dress for the occasion. Here is some high fashion inspiration for your consideration if you need some ideas...

A big shout out to the following businesses who have unanimously supported this charity event - Thanks to: Finishing Touches, D Bar, Studio 5, Talbot Hotel Group, Sarah Cullen & Bernie Molloy, Kavanagh's Giftwear, Elmarch Agencies, Treacy's Hotel, Aideen Vonno Hair, The Office shop, Princess Palles, Sam McCauley's, Hogan Print, Diageo, Ballycoursey Day Spa, Mad Bar & Restaurant and many more. These businesses that have jumped in to support this cause have made a great contribution not just to the event but to the community - so thank you to them for their generosity and goodwill. Tune in to 'In Colour' on RTE 2XM radio show TONIGHT from 8pm to hear all about the event. You can listen online, on digital & on UPC Channel 944. Click the link below to tune in from 8 O' Clock:

www.rte.ie/2xm

The show will be repeated Thursday at 2PM.

Ladies tickets are now available for 'The Mad Hatters Tea Party' from all participating businesses for just €15. 

 I look forward to seeing you all there!

xo L

 About me: Lipstick Gossip is a fun, frivolous fit of fashion! It has over 90,000 reads and rising. My blog shows you my life as a Journalist bitten by the fashion bug. It gives you a behind the scenes look of my work as a stylist for photoshoots for 'The Sun' and 'The Sunday World', My magazine articles for 'MRU Magazine', product & beauty reviews, events & festival coverage, my work in RTE radio & features exclusive celebrity interviews from A- List stars brought to you from the red carpet. Make sure to 'like' Lipstick Gossip on Facebook by clicking here  to receive my news & views. You can follow me on twitter by clicking here ! If you want to be featured, or have a product or service reviewed on 'Lipstick Gossip' you can email me on: mullett.laura@gmail.com

My Diary of this week: Radio reviewing, movie premieres, styling & writing.. and some great news!

I am so happy it is the weekend. It has been a hectic week! I am currently doing the 'In Colour' show EP reviews out in RTE radio studios for my slot weekly at 8pm on Mondays. On Tuesday morning I covered the press premiere of 'Star Trek - Into Darkness'. It was really good! It was odd being in the cinema at 10 am - the smell of popcorn was not even remotely appetising. I loved the film though - I was looking forward to the sequel and it did not disappoint. Benedict Cumberbatch plays 'John Harrison' with conviction and portrays the best self-righteous super villain I have witnessed since Javier Bardem in 'Skyfall'. On speaking to NME Cumberbatch divulged:

  "I think the fact that one man’s terrorist is another man's freedom fighter, and the fact that he is a shadow self of Kirk - same coin, different sides - is what makes him interesting to play, for me."

You can watch my favourite snippet from 'Into Darkness' named 'I allow it' where hero Captain Kirk & John Harrison have a brief face- off:

On Tuesday evening I was invited by the Irish Film & TV Academy to a screening of 'Milo' in the Lighthouse cinema. Later on Tuesday & early on Wednesday I was catching up on writing magazine articles for 'MRU Magazine' as part of my joint radio & magazine segment. MRU Magazine venture to bring you the best news and reviews of what the scene has to offer and the crème de la crème makes the slot. Their May issue came out this week. Two of my music reviews are in it. You can check it out by clicking here

Wednesday afternoon was spent pulling looks for a press photoshoot. I styled Irish model Lisa Nolan in this season's lingerie and swimwear from 'Ann Summers'. It was a sweltering day as I stood by the Spire on O' Connell street.

Thursday morning at 10am the shoot commenced in the penthouse in Krystle Nightclub. The photographer was Richie Buttle ! Hair & make up artistry for the shoot was by Julie Caulfield. As well as being a renowned coveted make-up artist on the scene, Julie designs the most ornate Vegas showgirl costumes and customized pieces for purchase or hire.  She has kindly offered to supply something glitzy for an upcoming 'Lipstick Gossip' giveaway which will mark my 100,000 readers. If you have magpie tendencies like me & love anything that shines make it your business to check out Love Jewels!

Love jewels sample intricate costume

The penthouse in Krystle is very vintage and an ode to the 60's. It was bizarre to be there so early in the morning! But there was a luxuriant 'Mad Men' feel to the location. The swimwear and lingerie I chose exuded a summer fresh vibe but also had a plush sexy look.

Krystle penthouse

Everything looks so different in the light of day. I will be posting a behind-the-scenes feature once it all goes to press. It was brilliant to work with Julie Caulfield & Richie Buttle. They are amazing at what they do.

It was my second time working with Lisa Nolan in the past few weeks. I styled her for a photoshoot for 'The Sun' newspaper shot by Evan Doherty Photography which came out today. Lisa exudes confidence in not one - but two sets of lingerie from Susan Hunter lingerie in The Westbury Mall.
I was excited that both looks were featured in 'The Sun'. The sports luxe look is the main shot & in the smaller shot the model is wearing a stunning 'La Perla' two piece lace set from Susan Hunter. I was inspired to go for a sultry chic selection of black designer lingerie. I loved the look of it against tanned skin and coal black hair. The press shoot publicises 'The Guy Show' filmed by Straywave Media who filmed behind the scenes of our shoot in Evan Doherty's studio for their premiere episode.

I style clients for photoshoots, portfolios and private events such as birthdays & weddings. If you would like to avail of personal shopping or styling services please contact me on mullett.laura@gmail.com.
I have a big shoot and other events coming up but I have a few vacancies - so if you have any queries please drop me an e-mail.

After I styled the photoshoot in Krystle I found out last minute I had been gifted with Audi club passes and tickets to go see Eric Clapton in the O2. I was so excited! I felt as though I was in a time warp as Clapton played for 2 hours and 30 minutes to an enthralled crowd. His songs are a beautiful blend of rock and soul. I really feel like one thing you must have on your bucket list is see Eric Clapton live - it was really mesmerising.

I sampled some 'Stella Artois' cidre in the Audi club afterwards. On reflection I kind of dressed like a cowgirl. I wore a fringed blouse I bought in Nashville last Christmas teamed with brown leather cowboy boots and a pink lace dress with a peachy leather jacket and my oversized gold studded Steve Madden bag. You can check out an array of all my personal style looks on my lookbook here !

On Friday I went for lunch in Bleecker Street cafe bar one of my favourite places in the city for strong coffee and healthy but tasty food. I also love it as a night spot. The bar hosts some of the best Irish bands around and has a chilled ambience. The rest of the day was spent glued to my laptop writing and catching up on my written work. That's the thing about freelancing - your day does not end at 6 O' clock. But I think that unpredictable work schedule can be really enjoyable - even though challenging.
I got some great news on Friday evening - I was asked to host a fashion show on May 23rd in my hometown Enniscorthy. It is a 'Mad Hatters tea party' themed fashion show that will raise money for Breast Cancer patients. I was really flattered that they asked me to be MC and I am looking forward to being involved in a great event for a worthy cause.

As Lipstick Gossip approaches 100,000 reads I have some amazing giveaways & competitions lined up for all my lovely readers to mark the occasion! Some beautiful clothes & beauty products & accessories are piling up! Remember to 'like' www.facebook.com/lipstickgossip to find out about all that is on offer including your daily fix of fashion, music, beauty and media & goodies for my loyal readers ♥

Well that is how my week went down - I hope you all had a brilliant week and are enjoying the last bit of your weekend!

Be bold, be brave & misbehave!

xo L

www.twitter.com/lauramullett

RTE 'In Colour' & MRU Magazine segment: 'Blu Loves Milo'.

I am working as a Freelance Journalist - I am a writer for MRU Magazine and a Radio Reporter & Interviewer for RTE 2XM and I have a weekly segment that fuses the two together. MRU Magazine in association with ‘In Colour’ on RTE 2XM have teamed up to showcase homegrown talent through a weekly radio and magazine segment. I am appearing on the radio show every week to review an upcoming unsigned Irish band on air and also select a track from their EP to play on the show. I am looking for bands and solo artists that have that have an “edge” to feature on ‘In Colour’ on RTE 2xm – and the ones that make the cut will not only be featured on air on the Monday but will have a feature written by me about them in MRU Magazine the same week. MRU Magazine venture to bring you the best news and reviews of what the scene has to offer and only the very best acts makes the slot. On the bank holiday Monday I travelled to RTE & embraced 'Casual Monday' in a comfy outfit and got ready to go live!

About to go live for RTE 'In Colour' on 2XM

You can 'HYPE' my look on Lookbook.nu by clicking here !

My third review aired on the radio Monday night & I reviewed young up and coming Irish band Blu loves Milo ! I have great respect & admiration for the Galway trio for their perseverance - even though they are gaining momentum as a band by releasing two singles this year to date, had a self-titled EP out last April they are already back in studio making their forthcoming EP 'Spiritual Hostage'. The best part is that the boys are studying for their Leaving Cert! So kudos to them.

My article about 'Blu loves Milo' will be in MRU Magazine very shortly so I can't give you any spoilers - I will post the link as soon it is live. In the meantime check out the band on Facebook by clicking here & you can subscribe to 'Blu loves Milo' on youtube by clicking  here !

If you want to feature on this segment please email me on tunes2us@gmail.com or you can tweet me on @lauramullett !

xo L

Behind the scenes: I styled Lisa Nolan for 'The Sun' newspaper shoot - photographed by Evan Doherty!

I have been a busy bee as of late so I haven't been blogging as much! Last Wednesday I styled a press shoot for favoured Irish photographer Evan Doherty Photography in his studio. The model was the stunning Lisa Nolan. The spread will be featured in 'The Sun' Newspaper this coming weekend.

The infamous Evan Doherty desk where the signature 'desk shot' was born!

It was a sultry but classy shoot - All the under wear was from top Dublin lingerie and hosiery haven 'Susan Hunter' in the Westbury Mall. Their stock is out of this world whether you are a bride-to- be or are looking for something special. The vast selection has elegance and character. You can visit the Westbury Mall to purchase some lace lovelies from the boutique or you can shop at susanhunter.ie !

I styled 3 looks that emulated the theme - the inspiration behind the look was high class chic. I went for all black but the devil is in the details. The first outfit was a sports luxe look with minimal briefs teamed with a gold neck piece and big wavy hair. The second was a geometric coned bra with black girdle & briefs. The third was a La Perla lace two piece with blue silk detailing. This was worn during the TV interview segment of the filming. I decided not to use lacy hold ups as the model has naturally tanned long legs and the lingerie works well without accompanied hosiery in this instance. Hotloxs hair extensions did Lisa's mane of extensions on the day. The nifty Ross Higgs from Salon 56 in Clontarf blowdried & styled the hair in a very volumous way. Make up was by Nicole Cardiff Make-up !

Nicole Cardiff touching up Lisa's make-up!

 'The Guy Show' was being filmed on the day. They were filming 'behind the scenes' footage for their premiere episode of the show. They are a self- described unisex racy "magazine show" that features fun and frolics from the hottest of the Irish modelling scene.

Lisa Nolan strikes a pose in sports luxe & girdle as the shoot kicks off!

 If you are wondering what 'The Guy Show' is all about... think Xpose meets FHM meets Top Gear! It will set pulses racing. There were some very funny moments during filming as Evan asked Lisa some very risqué questions! I am looking forward to seeing the show. 

Evan and Lisa in mid- convo!

I had a great time pulling the looks and styling the model for the shoot. I have previously styled clients for private events and ad campaigns for fashion brands so this was something very different. Everyone had a great approach and were fun to work with. I really enjoyed observing behind the scenes. A special thanks to Carol from 'Susan Hunter' for all her assistance.

I am working on another shoot tomorrow morning in Krystle nightclub that will appear in 'The Sunday World' - I am looking forward to it. It is a summery shoot with gorgeous bikinis and bright neon & lacy lingerie all from the new range from Ann Summers! Blog to follow...

If you've any queries you can email me on: mullett.laura@gmail.com or tweet me on @lauramullett ! The outfit I wore to the shoot was featured on the Look Magazine website, twitter & facebook ! They chose me as the 'Look Of The Day' & labelled my look "a perfect outfit for a summer's day!"
Thanks Look Magazine ! :) For more fashion looks & feature articles you can 'like' my facebook page by clicking here!  ♥

xo L

RTE 'In Colour' and MRU Magazine feature of the week: Candice Gordon!

MRU Magazine in association with ‘In Colour’ on RTE 2XM have teamed up to showcase homegrown talent through a weekly radio and magazine segment. I am appearing on in colour show every week to review an upcoming unsigned Irish band on air and also select a track from their EP to play on the show. We are looking for bands and solo artists to feature on ‘In Colour’ on RTE 2xm – and the ones that make the cut will not only be featured on air on the Monday but will have a feature written by me about them in MRU Magazine the same week. If you want to feature email me on: tunes2us@gmail.com  You can tweet me on www.twitter.com/lauramullett & my facebook is www.facebook.com/lipstickgossip

My choice this week -out of a pool of undeniable talent - was the mysterious and über-talented Candice Gordon.

Yesterday I reviewed Candice Gordon's debut six track mini album 'Before the Sunset Ends' - It is due for release on May 6th. With the title track from her debut EP, Candice Gordon sets the tone. Her voice has a raw sex appeal and she sounds like something off the soundtrack of a Tarantino flick. Her voice gives you that 'halloween feeling'. The EP was produced by music legend - The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan. It features Gordon’s seductive vocals underpinned with a swelling horn section. Candice is based in Berlin and is somewhat of a nomad. She has travelled from Botswana to Dublin, busking through Asia and travelling with a circus in Croatia and Turkey.
  She is very unique and there is a tenacity in her voice that conveys her explorative nature. 
To hear my full review you can listen back to last nights broadcast of 'In Colour' on RTE 2XM by clicking here !

Candice Gordon

I really enjoyed it and I hope the listeners like it as much as I do! The EP consists of 6 tracks: 'Before The Sunset Ends', 'I See A Demon', 'Fairytale of Love and Betrayal', 'God, The Devil, and Me', 'Sound Of Horns' and 'In My Garden'. You can check out Candice Gordon live - She is currently touring Ireland. She playing on the 1st of May in the Workman's Club, the 2nd in Bourke's, Limerick. Gordon is performing on the 4th in Murphy's Thomastown, and 5th in Monroe's in Galway.
Make sure to make it your business to attend! My feature article about Candice Gordon will be in 'MRU Magazine' live this Friday.

xo L

Interview with Danielle Robinson!

Image courtesy of Danny Flower Photography

Danielle Robinson is well known in Ireland not only for being part of RTE reality show Fade Street but for her renowned skill as a coveted tattoo artist in 'Dublin Ink.' In person she is naturally beautiful but it is evident that doesn't rely on her looks. Robinson has a wealth of talent and is an inspiration to young ladies nationwide. She divulged in our interview how she loves immersing herself in other cultures by learning a variety of languages and is constantly eager to learn more and live life to the fullest. I spoke in-depth with Danielle about her inspiration, regrets, ambitions, personal style and the best thing that has happened in her life to date....

1. What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?

I have a small collection of Doc Martens, and one of my favourite pairs is my 24 hole maroon doc's. They definitely make me look like a bit of a goth, but I can live with that!

2. Who is your style icon?

I'm going to be honest here, I just googled 'Top 10 style icons'.. I have certain designers I love, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood being two of them, but in regards to a certain icon, I don't really have one. I admire Chloe Sevigny, her look is so high fashion, bare makeup, clean skin, nude colours. But not only would I not be able to pull it off, keeping a nude wardrobe is way too much hassle.

3. What kind of an outfit would you wear on a night out? Is your daytime/night time look very varied?

I work in a tattoo parlour surrounded by burley men, as appealing as this sounds, it does mean I tend to dress down during the week days, so when I'm having a night out I like to doll myself up. I love wearing dark lipstick and bare eye, but the lipstick is too much effort to maintain during work, so I lash it on during weekends. I also like showing my legs, seeing as I haven't got the cleavage!!

4. What do you think of the Irish social scene? Where are your favourite places to go out/dine?

Oooh the Irish social scene is very 'clicky'. I have a great bunch of friends that I stick with, being in 'the scene' gets bitchy sometimes, and I can't cope with that. Being a vegetarian I love indian food - my favourite place being 'Diwali' on Georges street, lots and lots of fresh veg... I know your jealous right?

5. What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?

Last year, my little sister got pregnant, this took a bit of time to get used to the idea of her having a child. Jake was born, and he was the most beautiful little boy I've ever seen. Unfortunately Jake took very ill after 7 weeks, he was rushed to Crumlin Childrens hospital and put on life support. After going un-noticed by multiple doctors and nurses my sister had seen, Jake's heart wasn't growing, also leading to problems with his respiratory system.
After a few days of intensive care, we were told that Jake wouldn't make it and we were to make plans for his christening with the hospital's own Cardinal, my sister asked me to be Godmother. I know what your thinking, this is the 'best thing that's ever happened'?
Well, miraculously a few days after his christening which was held in the I.C.U. Jake took a turn for the best, he was now able to have the surgery that would give him a chance at life. He has now just turned 1, and is almost back to full health. This was due to the incredible care of my sister, an amazing mother, my family, and of course everyone in Crumlin Hospital, who now calls Jake by his nickname 'Miracle baby'.

6. What has been the highlight of your career to date?

I was featured in a 6 page pin-up style shoot for Stellar magazine one Christmas, I still have the edition in my wardrobe. It was my favourite shoot I ever did.

7. What are your ambitions for the future?

Hopefully, by next year i will have my degree in Psychology, it's my true passion. I'm also taking up some language classes, so by next year I should have basics in french, german and portuguese. I know its kinda nerdy, but I love learning new things. I hope to never stop educating myself.

8. What is your ideal man like? Is he stylish?

My ideal man is intelligent and funny, intelligence is a huge thing to me. I need a lot of conversation to keep me interested. A lot of modern men are so tied up in how they look, they are blind to anything else. I'd rather go way back and date a cave man than the men who self tan and highlight their hair.

9. Where do you shop? Do you have a particular brand you always go back to?

I'm not devoted to any particular brand. But for big events I will splash out on Topshop gear, other than that I'm into  H & M, Penneys, New Look and Forever 21. Cheap and cheerful! And most importantly, you can mix and match everything, fooling people into thinking you've a rather large wardrobe..

10. What is your most embarrassing moment?

Generally I embarrass myself almost everyday, I have never met someone as clumsy as myself. I've even put other peoples lives in danger by just being in their presence!

11. Who has been the most inspirational person you have met?

My sister, by far,  her courage and strength when her son was in hospital really touched me, she never left his side. Now the two of them have this bond I've never witnessed before. For almost one year she woke on the hour every hour during the night to administer Jake his medication, and still made herself be available that day to cater to everything he needed, including constant play time. It does help having such a close family too, my mam and dad were amazing through everything. I'm pretty useless at holding myself together with these things.

12. Do you have any regrets?

Not one, I have things I wish I had done differently, but I'm glad I experienced everything I did. I met some amazing people, (and some not so amazing), but it was a step to getting my job in Dublin Ink where I've worked for 3 years now and have made my own little family within the studio.

13. Where can we check out your latest ramblings - What are your social networking deets?

You can follow me on my facebook page at Danielle Robinson, you can tweet me on @Dani_Elle_a !

Image courtesy of Danny Flower Photography

xo L

My night @ The 'Oscars' themed ball!

I was asked to go to the Griffith Ball by one of my closest friends - Katie Coleman. Katie is a photographer and Journalist. Katie and me have been pals since on the first day I met her in class I had a violent coughing fit in front of everyone. She pretended she wasn't embarrassed by sitting beside me and when I fled to the bathroom she followed me in to make sure I hadn't coughed up a lung and she didn't even know my name - And the rest is history! I definitely had the hottest date at the ball haha :)

For the ball my nails didn't really go the way I wanted & I was in a rush but I looked like I had a rainbow disco ball on one nail. This is the problem when you have magpie tendencies and aged 23 cannot resist shopping in Claire's Accessories!

The Griffith Ball had an 'Oscars theme' - what a brilliant excuse to embrace old Hollywood glamour. I wore a dress by a Polish designer with diamond and pearl detailing. I went for Veronica lake waves and a bright red lip. I used liquid eyeliner to make me eyes look bigger and I drew right down into the water line & used black kohl pencil to outline. I am a lover of the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette. It is suitable for every occasion due to its muted matte shades. Lady Danger by Mac is my ultimate lipstick. I love it for daytime and work events too. I used a Benefit Brow kit to enhance my natural brow arch shape. I hope you like my look!

It was a fantastic night at the ball I really enjoyed it. It was very well organised and there was a lovely ambience and atmosphere at it. 'The Unusual Suspects' are the best cover band I have ever heard - I danced the night away with all the girls. It was great to see some old faces & meet some new ones :)

You can 'HYPE' this outfit on Lookbook.nu by clicking HERE !

P.S - Please like & share www.facebook.com/lipstickgossip to read all the latest fashion, beauty, music & media updates! You can also follow me on twitter & drop me a line: www.twitter.com/lauramullett

xo L