Clothes Encounter: Press styling + next season trend updates!

It has been hectic lately so I decided to take few days to myself to soak up the sunshine at home before working at the L'Oreal Trophy Awards Fashion Show + covering the Brown Thomas AW13 Fashion Show and press preview. I had 5 days of no styling, radio work or blogging. I was just chilling out at home but it felt like being in a foreign country with the humid heat. It is the best thing ever.

As I was born a blonde haired fair skinned gal I made big efforts to get that coveted summer glow like my sallow companions -  I made a valiant effort to wear as many pairs of sunnies in my possession in the process! Here is what I have been up to in terms of press styling and covering events lately...

I recently styled hot Irish model Hazel O' Sullivan for a press shoot in the Piano Bar in D2 shot by Richie Photography before she jetted off to the UK for 'Big Brother'. The lighting was intimate and the backdrop was like something out of a 1960's movie. The Piano Bar was a cool location to shoot in. In terms of pulling looks for the spread I went for luxuriant fabrics & high end designer underwear from Calvin Klein + Vero Moda available to buy in Clerys Dublin that complemented the model's tanned pallor.  

 A snapshot of me adjusting Hazel during the shoot

I used glam gold 3D rings, chains & other accessories to finish the beach look + and the final touch was spiked Jeffrey Campbell heels. Crimson and black lingerie both looked radiant on Hazel. She was so much fun to work with and had a very cheery personality. I wish her all the best of luck on Big Brother. The exclusive images will hit news stands shortly. I will link them + the behind the scenes video once everything goes to press.

Hazel O' Sullivan pictured in lacy Calvin Klein from Clery's

I was asked by the folks @ 'Style Nation' to present a fashion segment on film about A/W13 jackets. I decided to style myself in the beautiful items from Cloze & Shooz - a boutique in Enniscorthy. I picked a blush coloured embellished pencil skirt fitted dress from the store and showcased the wide variety of layering possible with the outfit. From the cobalt French Connection coat as pictured below, to Desigual macs with splashes of neon colour, fitted leather cropped jackets to tweed Jackie O inspired pieces. It was fun to do some TV presenting and to talk about a boutique I have shopped in since I was 13 years old. They carry beautiful dresses - I bought the dress I presented the piece in and it transcends very well from day to night. The video is going up on the Style Nation youtube channel in the coming days.

Me with a dress case filled with AW13 goodies from 'Cloze & Shooz' wearing the blue French Connection coat available in store.

Speaking of youtube videos - I was interviewed by the lovely Ciara O' Doherty from Fashion|One at the Rihanna for River Island Launch. We talk about the range and potential dream River Island collaborators. I am wearing a leopard print headband from River Island, a beaded vintage jumper from Fluorescent Elephant, dark leggings & Jeffrey Campbells.

During the Strawberry Festival the Hope Centre in Enniscorthy threw an outdoor tea party to raise funds for their facilities and amenities to aid cancer sufferers and survivors. It was great event for a worthy cause. On the day I gave a hand by making coffee and tea and serving cakes.

I was awarded a little hamper on the day I was so lucky! I came home from styling a photoshoot shortly after and someone in my house had eaten my box of Quality Street. No one has owned up to it! :-)

  Well done to my Aunty Marie & all from the Hope Center who worked so hard to pull it all together by donating their time, selling tickets and making lovely cakes and apple tarts for attendees. 

My tea party outfit

I styled model Tiffany Stanley for a lingerie and streetstyle shoot before her departure to LA. It was photographed by Richie | Photography & MUA + Hair was by Make up by Aimee. I went for tight black Dr Denim jeans known as the 'lipo jean' that lifts and tightens in all the right places. 

The model rocked a snapback and a 'Homies' tee. They are both available to purchase in Urban Outfitters. 

I also dressed Tiffany in monochromatic lacy feminine lingerie + a cropped american vintage college sweatshirt from Urban Outfitters. The lingerie is from 'Shaws' in Wexford.

Tiffany Stanley press shoot

Last week I styled blonde bombshell Rachel Wallace for an outdoor rooftop shoot. There was an essence of bohemia that fused with a cocktail of Cheryl Cole and Vegas showgirl. There was PVC, a leather fringed gilet, feathers, denim cut offs and bang on trend accessories in the mix. Rounded nude sunnies, chained headbands met chunky gold jewellery and duck rings. The festival bohemia look was fun to put together. Rachel oozed confidence and the urban setting tied in perfectly. The shoot was photographed by Evan Doherty Photography. I pulled the lingerie from the lovely crew at Ann Summers. The magenta one-piece with 80's shoulder detail and black fringing (as pictured below) with the black PVC hat oozed a high fashion twist. I styled the beachy hair for the festival look on the day by using salt spray + back combing to achieve a bed head look.

A selection of looks from the Rachel Wallace shoot

I was asked by former Tallafornia model Kelly Donegan to style a press call to promote a charity event in Alfies on July 4th to raise funds for animal charities 'Dogs Aid' and 'My lovely Horse'. I styled Holly Keating, Faye Rooney, Sinead Duffy, Kelly Donegan & Rachel Wallace. We shot in the park in Stephens Green with lots of dogs and even a pony! The shoot was American themed and ultimately I didn't want it to be overtly sexy - more cute and commercial. The girls looks co-ordinated primary colours and collectively look really quirky and not too matching. I went for acid wash and frayed denim cut offs and jeans from bershka, River Island & H&M. 

Styling: Laura Mullett - Photographer: Evan Doherty

The girls rocked the American jersey trend - I played around with menswear too and then tapered and tied and tucked the tees. The tops are from Primark. The girls all caused quite a stir in the park. An elderly man came up and told us that the girls needed to be fierce! I think he was channeling Tyra Banks from watching Americas Next Top Model! The ladies were all a pleasure to work with and we were delighted to promote a great cause. 

You can click here to watch the 'behind the scenes' video filmed on the day. Myself and the models were interviewed about the american theme, animal charities and what the shoot was inspired by.

Photographer: Evan Doherty Photography - Stylist: Laura Mullett

The other day I received a care package from the fab team at 'Great Lengths'. I have been using the amazing hair products recently and they have revitalised my hair. It is important to use high quality hair treatments as the sun can take its toll on your locks. I am getting my Great Lengths extensions done soon and I literally cannot wait! A lot of the models I work with have them done and rave about how they are still glossy and glam 7 months on. When I style shoots the importance of bouncy natural looking hair with a sheen cannot be overstated, the only hair extensions I have witnessed that fit the bill are Great Lengths. They are internationally renowned and worn by celebrities like Ashley Tisdale, Selena Gomez and the creme de la creme of the Irish modelling circuit. Needless to say I am a convert.

My 'Great Lengths' care package

As a fashion stylist it is imperative to attend press days so I can know what will be hitting the shelves ahead of time and also so I can blog about it and share it with readers who also are excited to know what to expect from their favourite retailers next season. I recently attended the Penneys AW13 Press Day. There is a lot of tartan, distressed denim, statement jewellery, wool and various embellished ankle boots in the Primark AW13 line but the high heels, coats & print trousers are real standouts within the collection! ‪

#PenneysAW13

#penneysAW13

How cool is this jacket pictured above from Penneys Autumn/Winter range? After getting a look at what we can expect from Primark next season - They have knocked it out of the park! What I was impressed with is that even though they have escalated in the style stakes their price bracket is around the €40 mark for their most expensive outerwear. You can get the structure and texture that has a catwalk indie feel for a fraction of the price of most high street stores.

#PenneysAW13

 Look at some of the statement Primark A/W13 accessories! The new line is edgy & daring. The gloves and beanie particularly are very glam. The clutches and belts are stylish and decorative without being overdone. This really is a cool direction for the brand. Another press day I want to tell you all about is the River Island AW13 press day. It was very Gatsby meets punk meets street queen. 

#RiverislandAW13

The hats are all weird and wonderful ranging from the fuschia bowler to the green furry russian hat. The knitwear has a hang and tapered look that keeps them flattering and transcends into next season. Studs, large diamante neckpieces, animal print furry satchels and wide brimmed fedoras also match well with the casual boots in the range. But it seems to be dominated by the accessories in River Island for Autumn/Winter 2013.

River Island AW13

I styled Assets model and reigning Miss Ireland Rebecca Maguire for a shoot that was featured in a two page spread in 'The Sun' newspaper. It had a lolita vibe with a dab of the glamour from the seaside teamed with playful chic. The photographer was Richie | Photography and MUA was by Make up by Aimee Hair was styled by Edel Jones. The stores I pulled from were 'River Island' & 'American Apparel'. The looks I styled were also featured in the Sunday World Magazine accompanying an article + also on the cover.

Richie Photography shooting Rebecca Maguire

Rebecca Maguire looks so fresh faced and summer chic as she graces the cover. I think she really looks like a pin up girl in the American Apparel snowy leotard, flower crown and mint coloured discopant shorts. I used a wide variety of flower crowns for this shoot as I love them with the attire. They add a sixties glamour but it works in a modern context. The flower crown trend was a rager at Coachella and are the must have accessory for festival season.

I love working on shoots where I can really have fun with the brief and bring a bit of something different to the table. Why I love styling is because in doing that you can feel enthusiastic about the creative direction a shoot can take and really satisfied when everything goes to press. I think trend forecasting can be instinctive and you have to follow your gut feeling when it comes to thinking outside the box.

Behind the scenes of the shoot with Miss Ireland 2012/13 Rebecca Maguire

Lipstick Gossip has teamed up with the amazing Glitz N Bobs to give you the chance to win an Aztec Neck piece. I really appreciate all who check out my blog and I would like for one lucky reader to snap up this statement necklace. To enter click here !

I got great news about a huge upcoming fashion project I am styling but I have been sworn to secrecy right now! My special news will be featuring in a very popular magazine shortly but until then my lips are sealed :-) I worked backstage at the L'Oreal Trophy Awards assisting with prepping and dressing the models at the weekend and covered the Brown Thomas Fashion show yesterday. I will be blogging all the cool snapshots and trends ASAP. I have some very cool projects in the pipeline at the minute I think my next few months are looking very busy but I really love all that I am working on at the moment. 

Be Bold, be brave and misbehave!

Enjoy the sunshine,

xo L

 I am a stylist, radio reporter and journalist - my blog 'Lipstick Gossip' showcases what I get up to. You can follow me on twitter: @lauramullett You can 'like' the 'Lipstick Gossip' official Facebook that has behind the scenes snapshots from shoots with Ireland's hottest models and top photographers and backstage at fashion shows and style previews: Lipstick Gossip.  My instagram is @champagneandlipstick

Clothes Encounter: Styling Faye Rooney & Holly Keating!

 I was really excited to style Faye Rooney for a photo shoot. She has that retro look like Hollywood movie stars from the 1950s. She is very long and lean which is a great silhouette for lingerie modelling. Faye recently became the new hostess in Dublin hotspot ‘Madison’. The feature about the Assets model aptly titling her ‘Queen of Clubs’ was published in the Sunday World newspaper yesterday. For the shoot we went with various items from the Rosie Huntington Whiteley range from M&S. The line consists of very luxuriant fabrics, silken textures and panelling.

 ©Evan Doherty Photography

Their monochromatic balcony bra two piece set is really beautiful and has a clean cut yet feminine look about it. It was a winner on the day and looked fantastic on the model. The photographer for the shoot was fashion photographer Evan Doherty who took the sultry shots in ‘Madison Nightclub’ located on Wicklow Street. The plush black velvet couches and surroundings really add something lavish to the images. The location provides a very classic, upscale & deluxe backdrop. The shoot was published in the Sunday World newspaper yesterday. The MUA + Hair stylist was Aisling Vavasour. Faye's glossy waved hair and red lip exuded a Dita Von Teese appeal bridging between burlesque and pin-up.

 ©Evan Doherty Photography

Check out the cutting from the latest issue of 'The Sunday World': 

The following day I styled model Holly Keating. For the first part of the shoot we went for a mixture of glam lingerie in tones like deep violet, magnolia and black taken by Evan Doherty in his studio. The model looked alluring in the lingerie. The looks were teamed with a barnet that would rival that of Brigitte Bardot. The hair was teased at the crown and fell in loose waves accompanied by a smokey eye and nude lip. The MUA + Hair Stylist was the coveted ‘Make up by Aimee’. I love working with Aimee on a regular basis. She is a consummate pro.

Aimee applying the finishing touches to Holly's look

Aimee really showcased variety in this instance on the model as in the latter part of the shoot we took a more gangster street style route in terms of make up, hair & styling. Me and Aimee bounce very well off each other on shoots as part of a team because we are inclined to be on the same page. Our lovely model Holly Keating had a vivacious energy and could pull off the ‘swagger’ look with ease.

Holly Keating rocks a nineties lip and dark eyes with beanie.

For the shoot I pulled a ‘Boy London’ cap made infamous by the Queen of street herself - Rihanna. With the cap, the model wore a black bra, leopard seamless underwear and buttoned down high waisted vintage levis cut off shorts. I have to say - kudos to Holly for working the look she exuded confidence and energy which is what gave the looks the intensity and attitude. We shot various looks up on a rooftop against the urban renewal background.

©Evan Doherty Photography

The scenery tied in perfectly with the latter theme. For another look I styled Holly in a leopard print leotard and beanie with cross detailing on the turn up. The beanie is from the Penneys ‘Limited Edition’ range so if you want one - move fast! I love that Holly looks so funky for her ‘desk shot’. The desk shot has become somewhat of a rite of passage for a model working with Evan Doherty Photography and it has recently come out of retirement!

 ©Evan Doherty Photography

I have worked on a really fun charity project in aid of 'Animal Rescue' today with the aforementioned models and I will put up all the snapshots as soon as they go to press - but for now my lips are sealed! ;)
Make sure to pencil in the 4th of July 'Paws & Hooves' event organised by the lovely Kelly Donegan ! Click here to become an attendee on facebook.

I am a stylist, radio reporter and journalist - my blog 'Lipstick Gossip' showcases what I get up to. You can follow me on twitter: @lauramullett You can 'like' the 'Lipstick Gossip' official Facebook that has behind the scenes snapshots from shoots with Ireland's hottest models and top photographers: Lipstick Gossip.  My instagram is @champagneandlipstick

 Until next time...

xo L