Olivia Rubin Collection for Dune - Launch Night

I had a fabulous evening last night.   

Dune kindly invited me to an exclusive evening with designer Olivia Rubin on top on their South Molton Street shop.   I wasn't too sure what the evening was going to entail and I certainly did not expect to be given the opportunity to speak with Olivia herself.  My friend Jen came with me, we were in a bit of a rush at first as we had only just finished work so were pretty flustered by the time we got there and certainly arrived fashionably late - an hour late in fact - not cool at all.  As we flew up South Compton Street I spotted the Dune shop and peered in wondering how on earth we were supposed to make our way upstairs when I spotted to the side of the shop a young woman in a doorway with a clipboard.  Our names were on the list and we were greeted with a welcoming smile.  

Up the stairs we went and were ushered into a fairly large white open space which I can only describe as every girl's idea of heaven...shoes, cupcakes, pink champagne, pumping music, shoes, photographers, sandwiches, goody bags, shoes, bird cages, friendly faces, strawberry bonbons and yes more shoes.  

Here in front of us was Olivia Rubin's hugely anticipated collection she has designed for Dune consisting of 12 shoes and 3 bags.  This is the first time that Dune has collaborated with a designer and the first shoe range that Olivia has designed which makes it all the more exciting.  The collection is a mixture of wedges, flats, platforms and sophisticated stilettos, each shoe having been named after the great artists, naturally (Dune were keen for Olivia to continue with this idea following on from her Spring 2010 clothing collection).  So how did Olivia come up with the range?  Firstly she headed back to her archive for inspiration and decided on three different prints she felt were strong, bold and eye catching.  First up is the black and white monochrome (my personal favourite), then we have the 70's retro print with poppy bright colours (Olivia's favourite platform shoe "Or Warhol" is from this range) and lastly the more mellow colours consisting of pastel wedges.

Olivia worked closely with the designers from Dune ensuring there was "something for everyone".  Something for everyone there certainly is, keeping bang on trend with the 70's vibe for spring/summer the wedges are a must with a pair of flared jeans and a bohemian top.  Turning to the evening "Or Hirst" are a must (see picture below).

Dune were the perfect hosts, ensuring our glasses were topped up all night and encouraging us to have a polaroid taken with our favourite shoes.  Rachael, the newly appointed Head of PR and Marketing could not have been more welcoming and obliged when I asked for a quick interview for my inspirational women thread.   Olivia was equally as pleasant and down to earth, who I also managed to interview- more to come on both of those later.

A big thanks to Dune for the surprise goody bag consisting of a voucher, nail varnish, creams and kerastase hair products to name a few.  

The Olivia Rubin Dune collection is available now online and in selected stores (prices range from £65-£110)...be quick...!

www.dune.co.uk

Hugo Boss

Spotted these gorgeous shoes in Hugo Boss earlier this week - they caught my eye and so did the price tag!

I must have these for summer :-)

Brenta - £319.00

Japan - Spare a thought

My heart goes out to Japan at this terrible time.

I've been consumed by all the events and sadly we decided today that we have no choice but to cancel our trip.  We were due to leave in a couple of weeks for our trip of a lifetime that I have spent the last year planning - to the point I even have a huge map on my kitchen wall pinpointing our route.  I've spent the last few days trying to convince myself that everything will be sorted and that we will be safe out there, I just didn't want to let go of it and there have been a few tears.  We now feel we have no option but to postpone until next year, friends and family will be worried for us and things are not looking good because of the radiation issue.

I've felt so torn - in one sense thinking its best to give this great country peace and respect and stay away at a time like this yet on the other hand feeling I would be letting people down because they need us to visit and spend our money.   I had arranged a stay with the Buddhist Monks in two separate temples in Kyoto for five days, the first to study Zen Buddhism which was to focus on meditation and self reflection and the second to stay within the temple lodgings.  I now have to email these kind people to explain I won't be coming - I feel terrible.  My mum said that she was sure they would be okay and that they would have enough on their plate at the moment, which is very true.  However I will be making a donation to both temples and explain that I hope to be with them next year.

We were due to finish our trip in Tokyo and I was even hoping to spend a couple of days doing some voluntary work of some kind but the way it's looking at the moment we might not even be allowed to fly there.

I shouldn't complain because in the grand scheme of things my three week holiday is completely irrelevant so I'm sending positive thoughts to the people of Japan and I look forward to the day I do finally make it there to embrace a culture that is so interesting, respectful and historical.

Big love to Japan
x

Irina Werning

Cool link to make you smile (or if you're as sensitive as me - bring a tear to your eye!!!)

Statement

"I love old photos.  I admit being a nosey photographer.  As soon as I step into someone else's house, I start sniffing for them.  Most of us are fascinated by their retro look but to me, it's imagining how people would feel and look like if they were to reenact them today....A few months ago, I decided to actually do this.  So, with my camera, I started inviting people to go back to their future.

2010 Ongoing Project - by the way, this project made me realise I'm a bit obsessive......"

http://irinawerning.com/back-to-the-fut/back-to-the-future/

Gift and Home Website

Another great website for gift ideas - Dot Com Gift Shop


www.dotcomgiftshop.com


Here are some of my favourite items

Hot Water Bottle - £9.95

Set of two tea towels - £7.95

Heart egg frying pan - £4.95

LWD - Spend or Save

Lara, Fit and Flare Dress - Reiss - £169

Double Cloth Fit and Flare Dress - ASOS - £50

Olivia Rubin

I was very chuffed today when I logged on to find I have been invited to an event with designer Olivia Rubin.  Olivia will share her experience about her recent LFW show.  At just 28 she has achieved so much and you never know I may even be able to sneak in a quick five minute interview (I will certainly try).  It sounds like such a fabulous event, I will keep you all posted obviously but cannot reveal anything until after the event unfortunately.

One of her most famous pieces is the dress Cheryl Cole wore below

Miami Miami

The Music Conferences in Miami are fast approaching.   I've only been to Miami once a few years ago and didn't go for conference (apparently it's better go outside of conference) and although I had fun there are plenty of other places I'd rather go to than head back to Miami in a rush.   Lots of hotels, everything is white and all very glam, but may be a bit too pretentious for my liking.  All that said, we had a great time.  I especially loved Space (which is actually nothing to do with Space in Ibiza) - the terrace there was incredible, great vibe and met lots of cool people.

Mark is heading over in a couple of weeks as the label are throwing a party at SET, if you're around make sure you go along and say hi!

The Sun Can't Compare

I absolutely love this tune....

Not only does it get me in the mood for Ibiza trips in the Summer, it holds lots of sentimental value as well. When Mark and I got together in Ibiza in 2007 this was one of the tunes that was being played by Ellen Alien in the discotecha at Space and when we got home he bought me the Ellen Alien Fabric CD which also has this on it.   AMAZING amazing amazing record.  I hope you enjoy it!

Save the Date - Wedding Idea

So I'm in a real soppy mood today having trawled through so many beautiful photos on We Heart It but I forgot to mention this really cool Save the Date idea that one of my friends showed me.....

How lovely is this idea?  Apparently this couple actually hired a photographer to take this of them in the cinema..love it!

We ♥ It

Totally in love with this website right now

www.weheartit.com

It's where you keep your inspiration

We Heart It lets you create an online album (a heart) with your favorite images and videos.

Here are some of my favourite images.......

New In - ASOS

Here are my favourite dresses new in from ASOS

Pleated Skirt Colour Block Dress - £35

Ponte Origami Skirt Dress - £30

Pleated One Shoulder Bodycon Dress - £40

Eyelashes

I bought some new eyelashes at LFW called KISS and these will be on sale in Boots from May.   From what I remember there were about 15 different types of lashes and they all have built in applicator strings designed to help achieve a perfect application every time (that's what it says on the box!).  The girl there actually put mine on for me so I didn't have a go myself but I have an extra pack so I will give it a go.  

COCOSA

A friend told me about this website where they hold designer sales and boast of up to 80% off- starting at mid-day and usually last for 24 hours per designer.  You need to be quick!  I managed to get this gorgeous Vivienne Westwood shirt, which I think is a great investment as it's timeless.  I will wear this with skinny jeans and wedges/high heels.   I love the way it puffs up at the back.

I think the original price was £285 but I managed to purchase for £85.

www.cocosa.com 

In Style Best Beauty Buys 2011

I've been meaning to write about this for a couple of weeks now.   In Style is one of my favourite magazines and a couple of weeks ago they featured their best 100 beauty buys off 2011 voted for by industry experts.  I've narrowed them down to six which I think are the most interesting/helpful ones.

Best Eye Make Up Remover 

Bi-Facil Non Oily Instant Cleanser, Lancome - £19.50

"It literally takes off everything and it's so gentle" says make-up artist Ruby Hammer. "You only need one swipe for natural make-up or a couple for dark, smoky shadow - but there's no need for harsh wiping which can damage the eye area"

Best Mascara 

Diorshow, Dior - £19.50

"This is a show stopper", raves make-up artist Luke Anthony, who has used it to give Florence Welch Bambi-like eyes. "With the perfect texture and consistency, it gives lashes just the right amount of oomph".

Best Eye De-Puffer

No Puffery Cooling Mask for Puffy Eyes, Origins - £19

"I apply this before make-up on everyone I work with" says make-up artist Kolbrun Ran, who counts Helena Christensen and Coco Sumner as clients.  "I dab it on the top lid as well as under the eye.  It hydrates and tightens skin while shrinking puffiness and fine lines, so it's great after a late night".

Best Hairdryer 

3200 Compact, Parlux - £59.75

Four years running and this power-dryer can't be beaten.  "The air-flow is like no other, while the ergonomic design makes it easy to hold" says Andrew Barton.  "Using this professional hairdryer will make the best of your cut."

Best Foot Cream

Shea Butter Foot Cream, L'Occitane - £16.50

"Not only is this cream luxurious, it also contains arnica - brilliant for tired feet - and lavender, which makes them smell divine," says nail expert Iris Chapple.  "Apply every morning and night."

Best Blow-Drying Brush 

Hershesons Ceramic Ion Brush, Daniel Hersheson - £25

Still haven't nailed the perfect blow-dry?  This brush makes styling a doddle.  "The ionic bristles and ceramic barrel are gentle on hair - they don't pull or get tangled," says colourist Sibi Bolan.  "You can get a smooth blow-dry in no time."