Ruby Tinted Glasses

Your Capsule Wardrobe...

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:32:00 GMT

At Red Ruby Rouge we love to have as many clothes as possible in our wardrobes. For me it’s something of a life ambition to have certain things hanging in my closet. However in these current economic climates even I have to realise the beauty of a fabulous capsule wardrobe. The concept is simple. Have a list of a few basic items that can all be worn in conjunction with each other and that is it. No massive piles of unwanted or unworn clothing. Each item has to be the perfect example and most flattering of its kind on you. This way you always look great, co-coordinated and slick. It’s worth investing in some of these items since you are going to get a lot of wear out of each piece.

Here is a little guideline for you to get started. (And a few RRR suggestions!)

One Jacket. - From cropped leather to tweed blazer whatever suits you and your personal style
Two Skirts - pencil for day, silk and flowing for evening
An amazing dress – Hunter Dixon red we think!
Jeans – have to be the best you ever had.
One quality knit . . . cashmere jumper, or vintage cardi whatever is most you. We think White and Warren anything would fit in perfectly here.
Lovely Tailored trousers or leggings - make sure they fit perfectly like Niki Biki Stretch Leggings.
Two Silk blouses / shirts - Tucker by Gaby Basora or an injection of Porcelain NYC?
Basic white T or some great Splendid luxury cottons.
2 handbags - a carry everywhere, chuck everything in version, and one perfect little trendy Marketa Clutch for nights out
Coat - for a whole season it will be the piece you’re seen in most so get this one right!

Of course no one ever said you have to just have ‘One’ capsule wardrobe!

x Mary

Rachel Rose...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:13:00 GMT

The excitement is high at RRR headquarters this week because we have just had a shipment of one of our fave new designers - Rachel Rose. There is always a scramble for choice pieces and this season's loot certainly doesn’t disappoint!

There is something so refreshing about light beautiful silk shirts with inky spots dappled all over the surface. Each piece is truly individual and unique - these are going to be perfect on holiday or just wandering around with sandals in the summer sun.

Directly inspired by nature, clouds, fruit, the night sky and the sea, Rachel Rose is a true artist. Every piece is hand dyed in her trendy and enviable New York studio.

Production is kept local, virtually waste free and environmentally sustainable. Even the scraps of material are made into little belts or chic hair ties to keep your big hair in check!

We have a lovely selection in store now including three beautiful styles of silk tees. Each has a basic base colour palette of blues, greens pinks and lilacs. The newest style to Red Ruby Rouge is the Simple Belted Shift Dresses. These come in tantalizing hues of Grey/ Navy/ Blue or a Pink/ Lilac. We promise you will love this designer, so get down here quick and snap yours up before they all go!

xMary

Hair Drama...

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:49:00 GMT

My hair is a mess today. Frizzy and poorly formed curls are the bane of my existence – well today anyway. I have mid to short length curly thick red hair and it is something of a daily battle of ‘Me vs Hair’ to even get out of the house in the morning! A few years ago I took the executive decision on behalf of me and my sanity, to chop it off in a short curly bob style. This has worked well and I loved my new short style for exactly a year and a half. Then as I am admittedly a changeable person I soon got bored and began lusting after the long luscious locks I see on cool bloggers from New York and in magazines. The reality of living in Northern Ireland not Manhattan and our near 90% humidity did not enter in my decision making at this time.

So fast forward a few months, I now have an out of shape, dry looking mess that I got wet on the walk in to work this morning. This is so depressing!

Decision time has come. Stay short, chic and manageable or face the expected war that will be managing long curly hair. I wish for smooth blow dried curls every day, but realistically this is not going to happen. The other issue is that I am not prepared to wait through the months of growing it out to get my perfect style. Stubborn though I am I may just have to admit defeat with this one, and get it chopped off as the odds of surviving are stacked against me!

xMary

Hitting the High Notes

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 16:47:00 GMT

So, by now, we’re assuming that everyone is as obsessed with The Voice as we are? What’s not to love? Let’s take this step-by-step before we get over-excited...

The Coaches; when we first heard the line up, we’ll admit we were dubious. While there is clearly a niche for each coach (not judge, coach) we have been blown away. We love their banter, we love Danny’s wind-ups and who knew Will.I.Am was that funny but still able to make us blub in an instant… Ordinary People, anyone?? TV gold.

The Concept; we started to get just slightly annoyed around week two when the judges weren’t turning round for some great voices, but then kicked themselves when they saw such a marketable product, ahem, person, in front of them. That’s the name of the game, folks… and we LOVE IT.

The Presenters; Again, we were concerned. Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton – dream team. Reggie Yates and Fearne Cotton – old school. But Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates? Well, it was only a matter of time, right? We love this pairing, and as it’s only their narration we hear together so they stay fresh, switching up the presenting roles and keeping us on our toes. We’re writing this before The Battles start so maybe we’ll see more of their gorgeous faces then…

The Talent; Comparisons are always going to be drawn between The Voice and The X Factor, but what we prefer about The Voice is the lack of rubbish auditions, we always hated them on The X Factor. I want to be blown away, not burying my head in a pillow unable to watch a cringe worthy, wobbly audition and this where The Voice has nailed it – they searched the country and invited the talent to audition, so not just any Tom, Dick or Harry would be able to rock up and belt out Whitney if they wanted…

The Hype; obviously we’re not the only ones obsessed with the Saturday night treat, as it is completely trumping Britain’s Got Talent in the ratings war, with The Voice boasting more than three million more viewers in the first week and continuing over the past few weeks. The Voice is taking over the UK and we are firmly on the bandwagon!

The Battles; GENIUS! No really, just pure genius – what better way to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak? The fact that it’s in an actual ring is also amazingly indulgent. Bravo, The Voice, Bravo!

xJane

Mad for Mad Men...

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:47:00 GMT

I don’t know if any of you have had the opportunity to watch a bit of the new Mad Men Series 5 yet? I luckily have a very good, forward-thinking boyfriend who had recorded it for me on his sky plus box (yes I am spoiled!).

I am a bit of a Mad Men enthusiast! I’ve seen every single episode of the last 4 series and was feeling the two year gap between this one and the last a little too keenly. Having only watched it on a box set, I was very surprised to see the little stunt that Sky Atlantic pulled for the first episode. They showed only advertisements from the 1960s! I was bowled over by this and I am completely sold to the TV channel even though I have been a lifelong ‘You don’t need Sky if you have a life’ kind of person! Among the more memorable ads was the original Cadburys Flake ad and the Fairy Liquid washing up liquid ad. Also included were the American Airlines and Pringles ads.

Sky Media said “Taking our inspiration from the series, we wanted to give our viewers the opportunity to enjoy adverts from the era of Mad Men and to create real event programming. I'm delighted with the response we've had from the industry."

I thought this was the greatest idea I have ever seen on Television. Not only was the show back with a bang but it had actually gone back into the period in which it was presented. With Don and the gang back and as fabulous and glamorous as ever, I am eagerly awaiting the next trip to Madison Avenue on Monday night!

xMary

I’m going to share a little secret with you...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:46:00 GMT

Have you ever listened to the Radio all day, because you are sick of your own music on repeat? Yet the music the radio is playing is just not what you want to hear, and the presenters, bless them, just won’t shut up?

I give you the knowledge that was passed to me one rainy Tuesday here in Red Ruby Rouge by a friend: www.8tracks.com This knowledge has truly changed my music listening outlook completely. 8 tracks is an online radio station that will play the type of music you want to hear. Forget CDs, MP3s, and iTunes. This website will play music according to tags. This means you put in, say, ‘Sleepy’ or ‘Acoustic” or ‘Indie’ and it will give you lists of playlists made by other users that fit your tags!

Don’t worry about your ipod/iphone being obsolete either because 8 Tracks is downloadable as an app too. So there you go, you can listen to it on the go and it’s free, no excuses now!

I have discovered a wealth of new interesting artists and bands that I love and never would have heard if it had not been for 8tracks. However as this is a secret, don’t tell anyone I told you! Shh....

xMary

Craving More… The Hunger Games

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:17:00 GMT

It’s not often I go into the cinema genuinely not knowing what I’m about to watch, but this is what happened during my relaxing Saturday night stint to the movies to watch the hugely anticipated, The Hunger Games.

I had wanted to read the books but was usually thirsting after Vampires in Twilight instead, however now after witnessing the first feature film adaptation of The Hunger Games, I am craving more and I will be devouring the books as soon as humanly possible!

The Hunger Games is properly amazing, the action is something that hasn’t been seen in what some may categorise such movies as tween flicks, in some time, if ever. The movie apologises for nothing during the all-out blood bath that is witnessed as we watch Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), the tributes for District 12 battle it out against 22 other competitors from the remaining 11 districts who are bigger, better and stronger.

Set in the not-too-distant future, The Hunger Games is a televised event watched by all of Panem – the former North America, which is divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. The Hunger Games are ‘entertainment’ in a way, as all citizens of Panem are required to watch as each participant fights to the death to win the games, which means Katniss’ mother and little sister have to witness the potential very bloody slaughter of their daughter and sister, not to mention Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) who is more than just a friend.

I cannot recommend The Hunger Games enough, and with a thoroughly entertaining supporting cast including Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Rucci, Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland, you will not be left disappointed – your hunger will be well and truly satisfied, if not craving a little more futuristic action.

xJane

Café Culture

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:20:00 GMT

I am a coffee addict. Not just to the morning caffeine rush, but the ritual of coffee. There is nothing I love more than the process of getting coffee made for you by a skilled barista and then making the necessary adjustments to make it yours. These days the choices are endless, skim milk, soya with cinnamon? Foam, no foam, extra shot, two sugars?

I have made every important life changing decision so far in a café. Inspiration can come from people watching or being alone with your thoughts. There is something beautifully anonymous about sitting in a busy room full of people and the gorgeous smell of freshly ground coffee beans that enables me to think straight. I can think logically about what needs done, how to do it and get the inspiration needed to carry on with daily life. Whether I’m on my own or with a friend, partner or family member it is always a joy. I cannot name another daily ritual that gives me so much pleasure.

I know that I am not the first person to have noticed this oasis in the middle of busy urban settings. Artists at the turn of the century artists documented local Parisienne Café Culture by religiously painting and writing about the regulars, the staff and themselves. J.K Rowling wrote the multi million grossing Harry Potter novels in a café.

A café is a place to socialize or be alone, people watching. A place to spark inspiration or to mull over past events. Some of the greatest art of the 20^th and 21^st Century has been created in a café. So go get a coffee, soak up the atmosphere and feel the creative juices start to flow.

xMary

Paris in the Springtime with Rachel Khoo

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:08:00 GMT

I watched a new cookery show on BBC2 on Monday called The Little Paris Kitchen. The cutest show about ‘tiny sized life’, it focuses on Rachel Khoo who runs the smallest restaurant in Paris. Her flat is a studio set up with bedroom, dining room and kitchen in one. However the lack of space has not hindered her style or creativity in any way. Rather she seems to have been inspired by it to create something original and unique.

Wandering around Paris, Rachel Khoo looks beautiful with a slick of red lipstick and cute polka dot dresses. Oh how we wish we were doing the same!

The recipes are inspiring and easy to follow. She makes it look easy and enjoyable. The simple act of going to the market, getting the fresh ingredients and making something from scratch is made beautiful by her attitude and the location. According to Khoo “butter makes everything better” and we couldn’t agree more! Having trained at Le Cordon Bleu, she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to French cooking.

This is a girl who is making amazing dishes and living her beautiful and stylish life in the tiniest space imaginable. Using a work top hot plate and a mini oven she can whip up French lamb stew, madelines and coq en vin as easy as that. With Edith Piaf records playing in the background we have totally fallen for Khoo and her Paris ‘dream come true’ life style.

I am definitely going to be trying the madelines this weekend and attempting to create a tiny Paris at home!

The Little Paris Kitchen Continues on BBC2 on Monday at 8:30

xMary

Spring-spiration!

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:32:00 GMT

Is it just me, or has spring officially sprung just this week? All of a sudden I am seeing gorgeous flowers everywhere, the sun is splitting the trees and wait, is that the faint whiff of a BBQ making my nostrils flair?

After a gorgeously sun-soaked weekend spent playing in the garden with my soon-to-be-golf-pro two year old nephew, walking with the family in the surrounding country-side, enjoying a slightly charred sausage on the barbeque and sipping gin on Mother’s Day, with heaps of ice and lime – just the way mother likes it – it really does feel like those lingering sunny evenings we have been craving all winter have finally arrived.

It makes me turn my eye to my wardrobe of course, and look to more pastel shades, turn to lighter cover ups and revisit some RRR beauties that have represented the start of spring in previous years and are still part of my most loved pieces. Embracing the pastels this weekend, I couldn’t help but fall in love all over again with the Tucker Camisole in Evelyn’s Dressing Room print, which also coincides perfectly with the blush pink Daffodils that are adorning each surface in store right now!

I’ve also purchased the Marketa Zip Clutch in Egg Shell, one must also keep the accessories seasonally correct! Porcelain’s Esmerelda Lace Tee is a complete spring treat, while I have rejoiced in reviving some T Los Angeles cover-ups and Splendid layers. Also on my spring wish list is the Loup Plaid Play Skirt, Splendid’s Boat Neck Dress and Porcelain’s Boho Top…

What’s on yours?

xJane

Streets Ahead

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:42:00 GMT

When a few moments come along where a little time wasting is required, browsing the endless street style blogs online is one of my favourite things to do. What’s so appealing about these blogs is the accessibility of the fashion and style. It’s free of the confines of glossy magazines and celebrity endorsement. Making something that you could see yourself achieving in your own way. Its not following trends but individuality that’s what’s so fascinating about these photos. Seeing someone living in a different city with a different life is endlessly addictive.

The creator of street style photography is Mr Bill Cunningham who started out on the streets of New York, long before more popular bloggers and photographers like The Satorialist came about. Cunningham dedicated his life to documenting the individual and exposing trends and fashions to a wider audience through the New York Times. Recently a Documentary has been made called Bill Cunningham New York that explores the man behind the camera. I imagine going to this would be a rather fashionable way to spend your evening and an interesting conversation starter.

As Anna Wintour herself said, ‘We all dress for Bill’

There is something more creative, more original and personal about the fashion featured in Street Style photography. I feel that street style sparks more individuality when it comes to forming your own trend identity- let alone filling in those coffee break moments!

Bill Cunningham New York is out on the 9^thMarch.

xMary

This Week’s Most Wanted

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:38:00 GMT

When hump day comes, it’s very easy to drift off into a dream world and fantasise about all the things you’d like to fall into your lap right now. Personally, I find a mid-week daydream is just what you need to get through the rest of your working days, feeling completely revitalised and with motivation on how to have your wish list right in front of you in no time at all.

Here is my top five most wanted for this week…

5. Sweets. Always sweets – my ultimate comfort food. Midget gems (not the hard, soapy kind), Haribo Starmix, American Skittles, cinema pick ‘n’ mix… Alas, I am off sweets for Lent, so this want will have to wait until Easter Sunday for me to truly indulge.

4. Sunglasses. Granted, you can wear sunnies all year round, but I always find that March is the time when I splurge on some sleek, new, aviators. So, as this is a fantasy wish list, they must be Marc Jacobs.

3. March also makes me think it should be about the time of year when I indulge in all things nautical – sailor stripes anyone? Delighted that the new delivery of Splendid has just come in store then. Boat Neck Dress? Don’t mind if I do!

2. Ombré Hair. I cannot begin to tell you how much I want to have ombré hair, you know – the dip dye effect? I’m not sure if 1) I could pull it off, and 2) if I’d trust my current hairdresser enough to do it…

1. My ultimate wish for this week? Perfect paws! I’ve booked myself in for a manicure this weekend as I have been relentlessly pinning pastel coated nails on my Pinterest “be-you-tiful” board so now it’s time to take action. Plus, you feel complete once your nails are done, right?

xJane

The Concept Store...

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:41:00 GMT

I am fascinated by the new rash of concept stores that are popping up in all the major cities of the world. The idea is a cross between a high end fashion shop and an avant gard contemporary art space. The concept is to immerse the consumer in a world that is relevant to the products being sold. These stores are as much an advertisement for the designers and artists that created the space as they are for the clothing.

I recently saw a feature on one particular shop – The LNCC, London, or The Late Night Chameleon Café. The interior is designed by the award winning Gary Card, and consists of a futuristic warehouse/spaceship/bunker feel. The store also hosts record launch parties, houses a book shop and functions as a private club. You won’t be able to drop in on a whim during a visit to London though, this is an ‘appointment only' store so ring ahead. Designers like Balenciaga, Jil Sander, and Dries Van Noten fill the rails, so bring your credit cards...

Showcasing artists, designers, writers and musicians - this type of shop can only be a good thing, a somewhat philanthropic endeavour to support creative talent in an increasingly difficult environment. It's unfortunate however that only these larger cities have the economy and footfall of a particular clientele to be able to support such exclusive places. The concept is to challenge and inspire the customer in an intimate space, rather appealing to a mass audience. Until their reach extends out of the big smokes, I'll just have to make my appointments for next time I visit London or Paris instead.

Images:

www.Ln-cc.com

www.Ra13.be

www.hostem.co.uk

Point of Interest

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:54:00 GMT

There’s been a real distraction of late – a good one, but still a distraction all the same… Pinterest. It’s the type of idea that you come across and think – how has this only come into my life now? In the past few weeks, Pinterest has spawned like Facebook only wishes it did first time round – even Yoko Ono is using Pinterest!

The premise is simple – you create boards to display whatever you want, for example, fashion, food, décor, nostalgic memories, and when you’re browsing the internet you can ‘pin’ all the little things you find to whatever board you want. It is amazing – looking for something different to cook? Check out our Yummmmm board. What about ideas for your spring wardrobe? Our Spring Inspiration, New at RRR and Designers We Love will help.

The beauty of Pinterest is that you can use it for whatever you want. If you are pulling together ideas for a new renovation project, you can pin all your inspiration to one board and follow like-minded people and ‘repin’ their likes and loves. We feel like Pinterest is one of the more grown up social networking sites, somewhere where we can all go to just indulge in all that we love, share with other people and not be subjected to any negative comments.

So, if you fancy an online creative output – get pinning!

You can follow our boards at http://pinterest.com/redrubyrouge/

xJane

Ten21 Photography

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:03:00 GMT

I’m just back from a little mid week holiday to the west coast of Ireland with great food, great surroundings and great company. I was there with my friends, Richard Torrens and Shelley Garrett, creators of Ten21 Photography. They are some of the most talented new photographers I have met recently. I have been lucky enough to have used their services for photographing some of my own art work (installation pieces) and they can transfer their skills to most subject matters and situations. From art photography to portfolio images they are very skilled visual artists themselves. Their main revenue currently is weddings, but these are no ordinary wedding pictures. Casual shots and candid camera style they catch the feel of the day, the atmosphere, the happiness of the couple and most of all, the couples personalities. As they say in their website “We are young, we are creative and we love our job”.

What I am most impressed by is their ability to turn something they as a couple love, into a blossoming business in these difficult economic times. Photography is an incredible art that we, as subjects are involved in and can participate with. My hat is off to Rick and Shelley for their success, and for the beauty that they have seen in the world and recorded for everyone else to share in.

Go check them out!

www.tentwentyone.co.uk

xMary