Pic's Girls Take...

So this whole No-Makeup selfie thing got me thinking about why people take photo's these days. Photo's are no longer taken to document birthdays, travels, significant life events or personal achievements. No, I guess I am stating the obvious when I point out that photo's taken by this Millennial Generation are more often than not for self validation. Apparently people can't just be pleased with themselves for going to the gym, they need other people to be pleased(aka jealous) for them. We can't just look in the mirror and think 'wow, I look nice today!'. Apparently that's not good enough. Young ladies of today need their friends to comment 'wow u look gorg babes! xx' or 'looking fab hunny!! xxx' underneath their uploaded selfie.
So basically, I am not a selfie fan. I think for starters, despite being younger than the selfie queen herself, Kim K, I am about 10 years too old to truly 'get' this phenomenon. If you are thinking you have seen selfies of me before though, you might be right. Yes, I am guilty of joining a friend on a night out for a group selfie, or taking a picture with my husband when there is nobody around to take one for us, but this taking a picture in the bathroom mirror just because I think I am looking hot? No way.
So the no-makeup one was something that really bothered me. Was it really and truly THAT confronting for so many women to do? Do these young women of all shapes, sizes, ages, intellects, races and nationalities really think that going without makeup in a photo is something we should be praised for?? Whatever happened to climbing a mountain, shaving your head, running a marathon or fasting for charity?? Apparently all we have to these days is bear our natural faces and somehow that raises cancer awareness.
If you are reading this, you are probably not a celebrity. If you are a celeb, then maybe the no makeup selfie was a little harder for you, given we are only used to seeing you looking perfectly airbrushed and made up. If you aren't a celeb, I would like to think that people see you on a regular basis without makeup, especially your friends. Either way, celeb or not, GET OVER YOURSELF and ask yourself why you took the no makeup selfie. Was it really for cancer awareness, or was it so your 'friends' would say things like 'you look absolutely gorgeous hun you don't need even a speck of make up!' and 'You look 1000 percent fitter here babe! U don't need makeup at all xxx' ??
Why did I do one? Because my friend Niamh 'nominated' me, and I know she had the best intentions. She was not begging for comments like those above- she is a sweet, optimistic person and I genuinely believe she took part for the 'right' reasons. I felt like I would be in some way letting her down if I didn't do it, and I didn't want to be the pessimist who proverbially rained on her parade!! As well as this, I wanted to use it as an opportunity to rant, and rant I did. But I had too much to say, hence this article.
I have decided to compile my list of 'Pics Girls Take'. Some of us will be guilty of all of these. Some of us, none at all. Either way they will have at one point or another spammed our facebook feed and filled our instagram. I thought I was going to be able to put them all in the one article, but alas, I got carried away, and now there are way too many- so I will publish these over multiple articles. Consider this your introduction. Enjoy!

THE BLATANTLY VAIN

What?: The title of this photograph speaks for itself. Its blatantly vain. There is no other reason to take this photo, other than to share it, and wait for the compliments to roll on in.
Who?: The queen of the genre? Kim Kardashian, obviously. Supermodels, reality stars and chicks-you-know-who-think-they-are-models are also guilty of The Blatantly Vain.
How?: Use a mirror to take this selfie, which can be a close up of your pouting face, or a full body shot of you in a scantily clad outfit. Bonus points if you manage to get both your butt and your pout in shot.



 

HOT DOGS OR LEGS?

What?: While of course I had seen these photo's before, it was my dear husband John who introduced me to the term 'hotdogs or legs?'. Basically, a chick is on the beach or by the pool. She is loving her life right now and she wants you to know she is there and you aren't. Depending on how hot she thinks she looks in her swimsuit, she either takes a photo of her feet, her whole body minus head, or just her 'hotdog' legs.

Who?: This photo can be taken by a broad range of ladies- like I said, if you aren't one to boast, you will just take your feet. If you are a supermodel, wannabe model, or generally a chick who fancies herself, you will take the full body or the hot dog legs.

How?: The next time the sun is shining, get your 'kini on and run to the seaside. Make sure you've shaved your legs and whacked on some tan, and get snapping. Bonus points if your legs are glistening in the sun from water droplets, or your toes are covered in sand.

 

 

 

seriously, hot dogs or legs??!

 

 WE ALL NEED TO PEE

What?: The 'We all need to pee' involves the strange phenomenon of a group of women posing together, crouching for no reason at all. 'Maybe they are crouching to be the same height as the smallest member of the group?' you are thinking to yourself. The answer is no, the smallest person is also crouching. 'Maybe they are all trying to fit in the picture?' No there is plenty of room above their heads.

Who?: You, me, everyone. We have all been guilty of this one, maybe without realising. I found a picture that I feature in, taken on my wedding day, where I myself am doing the 'We all need to pee'!! Its a strange one, its essentially one for the X-Files.

How?: Gather your girlfriends, head to a hen party, wedding or any old 'girls night out' and get your squat on!

Lee (on the left) is a small lady. Harmen is a tall man. Despite this, we're ALL doing the 'We all need to pee'. Yes, Even brides and sometimes even males, need to pee.

 

 

 

 

 

That's all for now guys. But get excited as next time I take a look at 'The Workout Selfie' 'The Nonchalant Hipster' and 'The Woo! Girls'. Get in touch if you can think of any other 'Pic's Girls Take' that you think I might be missing.

-Emily

What I Wore: Outfit of the Day

I went for Yum Cha with my friend Steph over the weekend (yum!) so here's a little look at what I was wearing:

Skirt: Penneys/Primark

Top: Topshop

Belt: Vintage

Bag: Penneys/Primark

Shoes: Topshop

Ring: Colette

Watch: Freedom Jewellery at Topshop

Sunglasses: Penneys/Primark

My dog Zeppelin decided he wanted to be in on the pictures too... he is a very photogenic pooch after all!

Home on the Range: My Australian Diary, part 2

It's been a full week since I've been home in Oz and amazingly I haven't melted yet!  As much as I had acclimatised to the Galway weather (cold, wet and windy), I can still handle the heat! We braved the humidity and ventured into the city centre for some sightseeing, shopping and tasty treats...

(Brisbane City) 

(The Brisbane Wheel overlooking the city)

(Walking through Southbank)

It's become an annual tradition when I'm back home to have an outing with my sister and cousins to the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. The menu consists of delicious chocolate based desserts and drinks to satisfy any chocoholic's cravings. My sister and I opted for the 'Chocolate Pizza with a Crunch' and a tasty 'Choctail' to drink. Luckily, they offer you a doggie bag so you can take your leftovers home to enjoy later! 

(Max Brenner's Chocolate Bar)

(My sister, Tyler and cousin, Claudia) 

Luckily I got in a bit of shopping before our feast (not good shopping when you've got a belly full of chocolate!). I only picked up a few bits this time as I'd done pretty well on the last shopping trip. 

I was after some new workout gear so I decided to hit up Cotton On Body for some great pieces at a really good price. The leggings were $29.95 and the shorts were two for $30, or $20 each. Bargain!

(shop.cottonon.com/shop/body/)

As a Topshop team member, I couldn't resist checking out the new Brisbane store. With midi skirts being bang on trend this season, I splurged and picked up this gorgeous black quilted style: 

(www.topshop.com)

I also picked up a statement necklace for fellow Brag Trade blogger, Emily, from Colette. Hope you like it!!!

(www.colettehayman.com.au)

We've got some exciting plans this week (including a wedding!) so there will be plenty more to report in the coming days. Bring it on! 

-Sinead xx

Home on the Range: My Australian Diary, part 1

After an epic 24 hour journey from the other side of the globe, I am finally back in Australia! It's been a full year since I've been home, so it's unreal to be back with my family and friends. Plus, not to mention the SUNSHINE! It has been raining since Christmas in Galway so it feels good to be soaking up some rays! 

(Being greeted at the airport by my sister, Tyler and my mum, Sheryl)

(Back in the bush: enjoying the sunshine out on our verandah) 

Thankfully I was able to sleep on the flight home, because there was no rest for the wicked with St Patrick's Day looming. As an Irish dancer, Paddy's Day is generally our busiest day of the year so there was no time for jet lag, it was straight into my costume and into the pub for a few sets! It was a great day in Gilhooley's with the gang, plus I got my obligatory Guinness so I was happy :)

(The Watkins Academy Irish Dancers on Paddy's Day: Tyler, Laura, Anthony, Cat and myself) 

I was delighted as I successfully made the journey home using only 21 of my 30 kilo baggage allowance, leaving plenty of room for shopping! I wasted no time in hitting the shops (hello Indooroopilly Shopping Town!) so here's my purchases so far:

Colette 

(www.colettehayman.com.au)

Lovisa 

(www.lovisa.com.au)

Dissh

(www.dissh.com.au, www.lipstikshoes.com.au) 

Bardot

(www.bardot.com.au)

Princess Polly 

(www.princesspolly.com.au)

So that's me for now! There's still more shopping, eating and celebrating to be done (of course!) so I'll be checking back in with more updates from Down Under :) 

-Sinead xx

The Academy Awards: Red Carpet Round Up

Sadly, the awards season is nearly over for another year. Sure there's still the Emmy's, but that's bloody months away! We've seen some magical red carpet moments from our favourite celebs as well as some surprising newcomers (we're looking at you Lupita!) who have blown us away. And of course there have been a few fashion blunders but that's really all part of the fun isn't it?!
So The Brag Trade team have once again gone all Fashion Police. This time we're on our own without the boys- they can't join us every time, its hard work being that bitchy- don't worry, we'll see them again for the Emmy's.

 

-Sinead xx

Jennifer Lawrence:

Sinead: I think Dior have done well for J-Law this time. The colour is fab, the style is really beautiful although I don't think it tops the red Calvin Klein she wore a couple of years back(below). However she looks gorge and I am loving the backwards necklace! 

Ashlee: I'm not her biggest fan but she does look well and I love the colour.

Emily: It was awesome to see her in a colour, and in a dress that somewhat did her body justice. It was a little more youthful than some other things she has worn as well, but there was something about her hair & make-up that made her look a little botoxy. Or maybe she really did have a like a peel or botox or something done. It was slightly unnerving.

Jennifer at the Oscars in 2011= smokin'.

Lupita Nyong'o:

Sinead: *insert slow clap here* Just, wow. Not at all what I would've expected but this is just beautiful. Lupita shows us how to rock a plunging neckline and still look like a lady! I love the duck egg blue and her headband was so cute. I love her!!! 

Ashlee: She looks like a modern day princess, just stunning!

Emily: When I first saw her I did let out a little gasp- purely because it was not at all what anybody was expecting from her and it is so beautiful. However, it hasn't particularly grown on me. Its beautiful, theres no denying that, and I'm glad it wasn't something completely predictable, but I don't think it is as amazing as past efforts. Esp the headband.

Anne Hathaway:

Ashlee : Boring but then I wouldn't expect anything else from Anne Hathaway.

Emily: The girl who was once supposedly as loveable as J-Law(its hard to believe now) just hasn't quite hit the mark here. Maybe its an ok choice given she wasn't a nominee, but it looks more like an after-party dress, and a little dated. In other news, John thinks she looks like a microphone, which is also true.

Cate Blanchett:

Sinead: An absolute icon. Cate can do no wrong! She looks every bit the lady in this amazing embellished gown. Proud day to be an Aussie!

Ashlee: It really seems like her time to shine. She looks gorgeous.

Emily: Not a bad word can be said about this woman. The best actress on the night was, well, the best!! The hair, the makeup, the jewellery and the amazing dress. The detail!! It should wash her out but it doesn't, it moves when she moves...the epitome of old-Hollywood glamour right there...and lets not forget her acceptance speech. She is such a lady!

Kate Hudson:

Sinead: Oh. My. God. I am IN LOVE with this dress! Kate looks UNBELIEVABLE. She's rocking metallics, a plunging neckline and a cape and it just works. Especially loving her take on the cape trend, I like that she's done it differently to Lupita and Amy etc. Bravo Kate Hudson, bravo! 

Emily: This is amazing, it is. Only dampened by the fact that I have no idea why she was there. Seriously. Is it because she did a shitty movie or 2 with McConaughey in the past, and now people think he is actually a good actor and so she thinks she is too? It is ridiculously gorgeous, but, indeed, I think it would have been better on a nominee. Amy Adams', take note.

Sandra Bullock:

Ashlee: Stunning, this shows her gorgeous figure. classic Hollywood I say.

Emily: Sandy got it right for once! yay! A simple looking frock that actually has some beautiful detail in the front, and fits her like a glove. I agree that its classic Hollywood, which is what you want from a best actress nominee.  

Emma Watson:

Sinead: I am so disappointed by this dress. I really had high hopes for Emma Watson and this is just so underwhelming! There's just nothing striking about it at all. She can do better! 

Ashlee: oh dear this is not good, she looks like a little girl playing dress up. i love Emma Watson so I'm a little let down. Sack the stylist and employ me :)

Emily: Firstly, yes, hire Ashlee, It would be a wise move. Secondly, I'm sorry, but its the freaking oscars. This girl pisses me off. I've said it before that I just don't buy her as a 'fashion girl'. You know how when Chloe Sevigney or Helena Bonham Carter wear some crazy getup, you believe that they genuinely get it themselves? I don't believe she gets it. I think she has a stylist/team behind her that want her to be a fashion girl. A lot like Kristen Stewart, only not a total ho-bag. And I know fashion magazines and the like loved her hair and makeup, but frankly, I thought it was a little too dishevelled- especially the lipstick being all smudgy in the corners. Its the OSCARS people!!...Rant over.

Emma Watson: Dishevelled.

Amy Adams:

Sinead: I like this dress, but I'm not falling over myself in excitement about it. Really classic, beautiful fit but not a show stopper. 

Emily: Great fit, nice colour on her....yawn. A gold belt, a statement piece of jewellery...just something more would've helped.

 

Angelina Jolie:

Ashlee: Meh, it's nice but not amazing. It's Angelina so of course she looks gorgeous in anything.

Emily: Super frumpy. Not at all what the people want from Angie. looked a lot better on the runway- I can't put my finger on why, I'm just not feeling it.

Meryl Streep:

Sinead: Classy and ladylike as always! Love Meryl! 

Emily: Stunning, graceful, and regal. What more do you want from Hollywood royalty? Meryl is an example of classiness for women of all ages. I hope this is what Cate Blanchett will be wearing in a few years.

Charlize Theron:

Sinead: Charlize is such a babe. She could wear a potato sack and still look incredible. But I'm so glad she didn't cos this dress is amazing! She looks like the movie star we all know she is. 

Emily: This is one that everyone went nuts for... that I wasn't blown away by. I guess its because you can take it as a given that Charlize is a freakin' bombshell. She is so beautiful and has the figure of an old school supermodel. It is a stunning look, but she IS stunning. She doesn't have to do much to blow us all away. Maybe if it was a different colour, or had some sparkle, or something. I'm being harsh, but only because of the potential she has( haha, I sound like one of my High School teachers- 'you have potential Emily, you just need to work harder and believe in yourself and bla bla bla).

Kerry Washington:

Sinead: I think she got it right this time. She looks glowing and gorgeous and the dress flatters her baby bump beautifully. 

Emily: Usually I am allergic to any kind of pale purple on the red carpet. Maybe its too reminiscent of my year 10 formal dress. Maybe its because my Grandma OWNS that colour and nobody can rock it like her. But, this is OK...it works with her skin tone and its a nice shape for her bump- similar shape to the pink dress Natalie Portman wore to the Globes when she was pregnant- I think it was Victor and Rolf. (BTW, I was one of the few who LOVED that dress- see below).

Natalie Portman in Victor and Rolf.

Jennifer Garner:

Emily: I dunno, I just always think she is boring. She has that super-perky, 'I'm school captain, I'm good at everything, I go out with the captain of the football team' thing going on, regardless of what she wears(no offence Sinead, I know you were vice captain...and probably good at everything ;-)) So anyway, I guess its at least good she tried to do something interesting? Even though it feels like something that's been done before?

Anna Kendrick:

Sinead: I really don't want to have to take back everything I said about Anna Kendrick but this dress is not good. It's so dark, the slit is really weird and I'm not loving the detail on the waist. She's been looking so great lately, this is such a shame!

Ashlee: Oh Jesus what is going on here, it's like a mish- mash of a few different dresses.

Emily: Yucko. This is awful. Parts of it look like a cheapo debs/formal dress, parts of it look like a bad college project, and the rest it just blah. From the back it really really lovely though(see below). When i was watching Live from the red carpet, it was the first thing I saw and I thought it was amazing....then she turned around. What a disappointment!!

Anna: Just walk backwards.

Margot Robbie:

Sinead: Margot was unrecognisable with her new dark locks! I prefer her blonde and I also prefer her Golden Globes look. It was all just a bit too dark. The black hair, black dress and dark lips were all a bit much. The cut of the dress wasn't super flattering either and if you've seen Wolf of Wall Street, you know how amazing her body is! 

Emily: I was waiting and waiting for her to arrive on the red carpet so I could go to bed...and I was disappointed! She really shouldn't have hired Lorde's hair and makeup team, as that look really only works for Lorde. Yes, she dyed her hair for a role, but why did she have to go all out fashion-goth with the makeup and styling? She could have put her hair up, got a spray tan and rocked a bright lip and the brown hair would've been a non-issue. I just think she is nowhere near established enough in Hollywood yet to show up at the biggest night of the year NOT looking like herself. People need to recognise her!! Its important!! Maybe by looking so different she is trying to get bitches like me to stop calling her Donna!!

Jessica Biel: 

Sinead: Jessica Biel is so beautiful. Not the most exciting dress on the red carpet, but she looks amazing as always. 

Emily: Basically, read what I wrote about Jennifer Garner again. Anyway, I feel pretty much the same about these 2 women. Nothing personal. Maybe with her its the whole 'Seventh Heaven' thing that makes her boring, I dunno- I don't think she would be anywhere near as famous if it wasn't for Timberlake. I DO know I'm disappointed in Sinead for thinking she is amazing!

 

Olivia Wilde:

Sinead: Olivia Wilde knows how to rock red carpet maternity wear! She's looked amazing all awards season and this is no exception. 

Camilla Alves:

Sinead: She looks unreal! The colour and draping are perfect. I don't think she could've picked a better dress to accompany her Oscar winning hubby! 

Emily: Gosh this woman is beautiful isn't she? What did she do before she was married to him? I gotta assume she was a model or singer or something??! Anyway, she is stunning, and the dress is stunning. Its such an amazing colour on her, and I like that even though she is incredibly covered up, she still looks sexy. So glamorous!!

Lady Gaga:

Emily: For her, its quite good I suppose. The wig was absolutely ridiculous though! You have to look at a close up of her face, but seriously, they haven't even tried to hide it(well if they did, they did a bad job. 'They' being 'her people'!). And while I totally get that she was going for a 40's glamorous movie star thing with the scarf, I just don't think she pulled it off. Instead it just looked like something a grandma who was wanting to look glam at a wedding would wear.

GaGa: Wiggy.

Naomi Watts:

Sinead: This dress is gorgeous and I love the statement necklace as well. Naomi always looks a million bucks! 

Emily: Naomi hasn't blown me away at all lately, but she hasn't been disappointing either. She always looks beautiful and she is never talked about for the wrong reasons, I just wish she would take a bit more of a risk.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum:

Sinead: Of course Mrs Channing Tatum is going to look smokin' on the red carpet! She looks every bit the star in this dress. 

Leonardo DiCaprio:

Ashlee:As handsome as ever!

Emily: I feel bad for saying this, as its nothing to do with the suit, but I reckon Leo is unique as he is a man that isn't improving with age. Why is his face getting rounder and pudgier as he gets older, rather than the other way round? Bitchiness aside, he always dresses very sharply.

Kevin Spacey:

Sinead: This suit is awesome. Kevin Spacey is having a serious fashion moment! I love that he went for a colour cos this is sharp! 

Emily: Yeah I agree, he looks cool.

 

Pharrell Williams:

Sinead: Maybe if he'd done this for the Grammy's it would've been more appropriate? I mean, the Oscar's is the night of nights after all. Mind you, if anyone could get away with wearing shorts to the Oscar's, it's Pharrell. 

Emily: While I generally agree that it would have been better at the Grammy's, I love that he did it anyway- like Sinead said, if anyone can, he can. And he has worn shorts to red carpet events in the past(See below). It was kind of his trademark before he started wearing THE hat! I don't think he needs to follow the regular protocols, he is Pharrell.

 

Jared Leto:
Sinead: His hair's so pretty and his suit's pretty too. I enjoy that the two boys from Dallas Buyers Club both opted for white jackets. The dark trousers stop them from looking like dodgy pimps!
Emily: He really is very pretty. I remember loving him so much when I was a teenager...I don't even think I liked anything he did, I just liked him! Why is it that teenager girls always fancy quite feminine looking men?! And while I'm off track,  I can't believe he is 42...42!!! I want to know what he and Pharrell are doing to look so amazing!