Monday, 24 February 2014

Same chic different day: Being a stylist.

I just got back from New York. The jet lag has gone and I miss the snowy ‘Big Apple’ but I am still basking in that Friday feeling that lasts all week long. I have come home feeling rejuvenated, revived and enthused. I'm brimming with ideas. New York Fashion Week was a phenomenal inspiration. I soaked it all in and I had so much fun in the process. I think working in this industry can be all encompassing and it genuinely can be hard to switch off and recharge your batteries. As much as I love what I do I think that it is important to watch a fashion show with your own eyes instead of feeling the compulsion to record everything through a lens. Just like it is great to walk in to a shop when you aren't working and not solely be on the hunt for accessories and attire for shoots but to just take a look. I want to experience everything firsthand. It is good to log off, log out and get some fresh air. I think straddling being a Journalist, stylist and blogger can be a tricky one but it can be done.
#NYFW #TIMESSQUARE
What has been great for me is that I have been writing a lot of freelance articles for magazines and newspapers. When I was in New York a few shoots I styled hit press but I was sent on a copy of the latest Sunday World Magazine and I felt a real genuine happiness at seeing a project I worked on grace the cover. I styled the spread but also interviewed model Madeline Mulqueen so I felt like the piece was a good representation of what I can do. It is great to see your byline in print.

I was recently interviewed by Orla Barrett, a fashion enthusiast and Journalism student for the ‘UCD College Tribune’ about the truth of what it takes to be a stylist. I did my best to be as forthright and as honest as I could be. I don’t want to lead anyone down the rabbit hole.

"There are many factors that will help you on the road to becoming a fashion stylist for press. Studying Journalism and having a broad media skill set is a great asset to have. It is important to be ambitious and have a real passion for styling. To get your foot in the door always remember the importance of manners and being humble. With the way social media is nowadays Ireland's top industry people are only a click away. Offer to assist for free on shoots, backstage at shows, learn to hone your craft and find a niche. To be a fashion stylist having industry experience is golden. Understand the format of magazines, what their patterns are, what kind of shoots are featured. Educate yourself about sizing, seasonal trends and collaborate with those who share your interest. There are many facebook groups such as 'Irish Models black book' 'Dublin models' and 'Irelands models' where you can link up with people who want to build their portfolios - but research them before you do and don't meet anyone alone. You can also set up your own shoots, use social media to your advantage and blog about the kind of shoots and trends that interest you. If you are starting out and trying to find your feet, before you have built contacts to pull attire from shops, a great idea is to utilise your own wardrobe to showcase your personal style which will speak volumes about you. Style yourself or a friend, take candid shots and talk people through via a blog where you draw inspiration from. Sign up to mailing lists of fashion websites to keep abreast of international street style and what will be hitting the high street. Truthfully you need to have a flair and real talent to get opportunities of prominence, but if you really want it and are devoted there is room for the next generation of savvy stylists to make their mark.” 



Be bold, be brave & misbehave!
xo 

Sunday, 9 February 2014

Styling Anna Daly for the SWM cover shoot!

I styled TV3’s Anna Daly on Tuesday for a sexy and glamorous cover shoot for the Sunday World Magazine. There was a really great team involved. Top Fashion photographer Evan Doherty was assisted by Eoin Kelly, my styling assistant was Amanda Barlow, Amy O’ Neill from Make up 4 Ever did the MUA assisted by Chloe Gaskin. Ruth Robertson from Peter Mark was the hair stylist. Many of you know Anna Daly as the beautiful blonde presenter on Ireland AM - she was a really versatile model and oozed old Hollywood glamour.
http://instagram.com/p/jtk-gUKRUR/
The shoot was very romantic with soft make up and loose teased hair. For the first look I went for a cute River Island ice cream blouse and candy pink leather skirt combo with black Buffalo heels and leather gloves. From there on in I took a more dramatic approach. The heels I used I pulled from Buffalo on Exchequer St. They have a gorgeous collection of minimalist shoes in black, nude and earth tones. They are the kind of shoes you can rock from day to night - kind of conservative to party chic. The Sunday World Magazine 4 page spread hit the shelves today. Pick it up to get up close and personal with the Ireland AM presenter. I was so thrilled to be asked to style the young mum and did my best to bring out her playful daring side with sparkling ensembles and plunging necklines. Anna made some lovely references to my styling in her interview for the spread - it may have been out of her comfort zone. SWM journalist Darragh Keany interviewed her about her experience and she said:
"Laura, the stylist, chatted to me about what kind of clothes she was going to bring and it all sounded great. It's out of my comfort zone if I'm being perfectly honest but I'm loving the result. If she had told me I would have been wearing a pink leather skirt I would have said 'no' right away. In fact, if I was out shopping and saw the rail of clothes with all these looks I would have only picked up the full length black dress. But now having worn them all I would definitely buy most of them. I obviously play it too safe with my clothes, so maybe theres a lesson to be learned here today."
#behindthescenes
I pulled a selection of dresses from Starla Dress Rental on South William St. To say they have a fairytale collection wouldn’t even cut it. From a paradise print fitted floral midi, to a black number with a plunging neckline and thigh split they had Oscar worthy dresses that I used for the SWM shoot.
My favourite Starla Dress Rental gown that I styled Anna in is a Badgley Mischka Gold Sequinned full length number. It is long sleeved & backless. It is €170 to hire from Starla. I knotted pearls and had them draping down Anna’s back. I pulled the heels from my favourite shoe haunt 'Buffalo Dublin' on Exchequer Street. 
http://instagram.com/p/jtm7jZqRV4/
SWM
SWM
You can check out more of my styling on www.lauramullett.com  I am heading off to New York Fashion Week in the morning so you can follow my adventures through my photo diaries on my instagram and Facebook. Ridiculously excited wouldn't cover how I am feeling! I am on cloud nine. I hope you enjoyed my 'behind the scenes' post.

Be bold, be brave & misbehave! 
xo

Monday, 3 February 2014

'In Colour' on RTE 2xm!

I reviewed the 'Wolf of Wall Street' and '12 Years a Slave' on RTE 'In Colour' on 2xm. RTE 2xm is a digital station. 'In Colour' is an eclectic mix of rock, indie, and alternative music. Blended with hearty helpings of folk, jazz, and classic rock. Featuring some of the finest hard-working unsigned artists that the Irish music scene has to offer. Presented by Darren Cleary, produced by Stan Harding. I am the reporter and reviewer for the show. I cover the red carpet at the IFTA's and film premieres and also cover festivals. I enjoy reviewing films and the EP's of unsigned Irish bands on air. I have also reviewed bands and artists both on the show and in MRU Magazine.
Click image to zoom in & read feature.
Click image to zoom in & read feature.
http://instagram.com/p/j9soHkKRZp/
You can always tell I have been in studio as the coffee cups have lipstick marks! :)

Make sure to tune in to RTE In Colour on 2xm on Mondays at 8pm by clicking www.rte.ie/2xm. 
You can like us on Facebook on www.facebook.com/incolour2xm  
Check out the 'behind the scenes' instagram video of the team messing around before the show. 

My #OOTD
I am wearing a black studded Pull & Bear leather jacket which you can purchase for €30 in my online shop here. My oversized floral jersey tee is from Penneys. I am wearing black leggings teamed with suede over the knee high heeled boots which were a gift from the lovely folks at River Island.  
http://instagram.com/p/j9t9ZGqRbU/
You can listen to the show online, on digital and on UPC Channel 944. 'In Colour' is repeated Thursday at 2PM and you can listen back anytime on the RTÉ Radio Player. You can listen back to the show here. If you would like to have your song played or make an enquiry you can email us on tunes2us@gmail.com or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/incolour2xm 

xo


Out + About!

My outfit
I had a meeting in Stable Diet Cafe in Wexford town. I wanted to wear an outfit that was smart casual and comfy. The Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday have launched their new website www.evoke.ie. They have asked me to be their 'style queen' for the month of February posting what I am getting up to and what I am wearing each day. I mainly work as a fashion stylist for press and portfolio shoots and also a radio reporter for RTE 2xm. My personal style is playful and usually a lot more colourful! Dressing for the rain and wind can be tedious but the devil is in the details. A smart gilet and oversized leather handbag coordinated with boots can really add a dash of glamour and smarten up an outfit whether for work or play. This bag was a steal at €50 in TK Maxx. It is a treasure trove this time of year. A gust of wind blew as I was in picture mode!


| Paradise print jumper from Bershka | Boots from Aldo | 'Dune' Bag from TK Maxx | leather studded biker gilet from Forever 21 | leggings from River Island

xo 

Sunday, 2 February 2014

Portfolio Styling: Natalia from Andrea Roche Model Agency.


© Richie | Photography
I styled Natalia Piechaczek from Andrea Roche Model Agency for a portfolio shoot. When she walked in to the studio hair loose, make up free and in a trench coat she looked every inch the hot off duty model. But what I loved about Natalia was her broad appeal - she is toned and has a sexy look but is a great fashion model. She was so fluid in her movement whether in mom jeans teamed with a slouchy ramones tee or in lingerie and swimwear. What struck the team was that she is a dead ringer for fellow model Emily Ratajkowski infamous from the Robin Thicke and Pharrell ‘Blurred Lines’ video. I was excited to shoot with Natalia as she has such a chic look - it made her magic to dress.
http://instagram.com/p/i6CbrBqRR5/
A Classic Saturday night inspiration look by celebrity MUA Make up by Aimee:
Flawless & a Bold Lip:
I love this sultry romantic look! It really suits Natalia. 
Check out the portfolio shots:
© Richie | Photography
© Richie | Photography
© Richie | Photography
© Richie | Photography
© Richie | Photography
© Richie | Photography

© Richie | Photography

© Richie | Photography
© Richie | Photography

© Richie | Photography
© Richie | Photography
© Richie | Photography

If you want to book me to style your portfolio email me on mullett.laura@gmail.com


Photographer: Richie Buttle




xo