The Irish Girl Boss Series – Custom Vintage Dublin’s Ali Delaney.

“Clothes aren’t going to change the world. The women who wear them will.” – Anne Klein.

 

Ali Delaney is the creative mastermind behind the Irish clothing company Custom Vintage Dublin (CVD) and at the age of just 22, has achieved remarkable success. Her designs are personalised, unique and ultra trendy – so much so that Ali has built up an impressive celebrity clientele. I mean, how many of us can say that Kylie Jenner has worn our own designs? Yes that’s right! Kylie along with other celebs such as Ireland Baldwin and Vogue Williams are all fans of CVD and, we have the Instagram pictures to prove it.

 

This week, as part of my “Irish Girl Boss Series”, I had the opportunity to interview the fabulous Ali and I cannot wait to share our chat with you. This lady will be taking over the world in no time at all!

Can you tell us what inspired you to create Custom Vintage Dublin?

It all actually happened by accident – I didn’t set out to start up a business at all! I just started to make some denim shorts for my sister and my friends for festivals and other events. Once I had made a few pairs, I set up some social media accounts for CVD and it all kind of spiralled from there and it has been growing organically ever since!

I adore the fact that every piece designed by CVD is one-of-a-kind. When you were creating your company, how important was the ethos of the brand — the idea of self-love and individuality?

I always thought it was important to be allowed to be individual. And, with something as simple as denim shorts, it doesn’t take much to be a bit unique, allowing girls to be more involved in the design process. For example, choosing the length and cut of the shorts that they feel will work the best for their body shape gives the customer a sense of confidence, knowing that they won’t be too short or that they won’t feel conscious or uncomfortable in them! Equally, some girls prefer the super-short style and some might prefer a brightly coloured or patterned pair of shorts. It is so nice for them to be able to email back and forth with me, and this really allows me to get a feel for what they are looking for.

Photo credit: Image.ie

 

Often, it’s our flaws, blunders and setbacks that actually allow us to advance in life by altering our perspective. In your early days of working in the business world, what do you think was the most important mistake that you have learned from?

I am still learning from my mistakes to this day. I am not sure I can place a specific mistake or blunder but you definitely learn from experience. There is absolutely no way of predicting how things are going to go from the outset, so you really just need to take it as it comes and work with it, always moving forward. It is easy to make a small mistake and let it get you down but you’re only human at the end of the day and there is no “rule book” or set plan to follow, you just have to do your best and learn as you go!

 

Do you take inspiration from other women in business and if so, who?

I definitely do! I follow and keep up to date with so many amazing Irish women in business through social media and every single one of them inspires me. When I go to events, for example the Cocoa Brown #KindGirlBoss Brunch last week, and get to meet all of these other women who run their own businesses and who go through the same struggles/highs and lows, it is so nice to get to have a chat with them and share ideas etc.

 

“Statement Sun Hat”

 

In my opinion, Custom Vintage Dublin strives to reflect the state of mind of women who believe that fashion is a reflection of personality. What item of clothing do you own which you would say best describes your personality?

That is SUCH a hard one! I don’t think I could pick just one thing, but I LOVE shoes. Not designer shoes in particular or anything, but I always feel like shoes make or break an outfit and most of mine are a bit of a statement.

 

How would you describe your personal style?

Day to day I am SO casual! I work from my office in Dalkey alone most of the time so I am usually found in gym gear mid-week! Also, with the creative nature of the shorts and hats etc, where I am constantly around dye/bleach/glue/sewing machines, I would always be in something that I don’t mind if it gets too wrecked (although I did splash bleach all over a brand new jumper last week which I still haven’t gotten over). At the weekends, my style would either be quite casual (jeans/flats/top) or if I am going out for the evening, I love getting dressed up and have quite a polished style I would say, simple hair/makeup and a nicely tailored/fitted dress or skirt.

 

“Wanderlust Levi Shorts”

 

At this very moment, what is in your handbag?

At this very moment, I just got back from a long weekend down in my mobile home in Wexford, so it is bit messy. But, I have my phone charger, hairbrush, lip liner/lipstick/lip gloss (ALWAYS), purse and keys! Nothing too exciting!

 

My favourite item on the CVD website at the moment is the “Wanderlust World Map Print Levi Shorts”. If you were going to Marbella for a weekend break and could only take three favourite pieces from your current collection, what would you pick?

Oh this is a good one, I was in Marbella earlier in the summer! I would definitely bring a pair of the mirrored sunglasses. When I went in June I brought the Aqua “Fly” sunnies, one or two of the bikinis, probably the “Wine Crochet Bikini” and the “Blush Pink Bikini”, and finally I would bring a classic pair of Levis – I have a few pairs I have made for myself but I always leave them plain because I can never decide on anything. Spoilt for choice!

 

“Blush Pink Bikini”

 

What are your top entrepreneurship tips?

My top tips would be:

A) Not to overthink things, it is SO easy as a business owner, especially if you work for yourself/on your own, to OVER THINK things, this is so dangerous and can completely freak you out and halt your progress. Try and just take things as they come.

B) I have only learnt this after a few years, but try not to worry about what anyone ELSE is up to, just focus on yourself and your business, don’t be worrying about another businesses that might be copying you or that you might feel you need to compete with, just do you!

C) Say yes to every opportunity that comes in your direction. Again, this has taken me a few years to discover, but just try and say yes to as many things as possible – even it it throws you completely out of your comfort zone. I am still learning this one but it definitely helps!

 

For more information and a peak at Ali’s designs, you can visit the Custom Vintage Dublin website here.

And, if you enjoyed this piece, you can also read my interviews with “Irish Girl Bosses” Siobhan Boyle, Suzie O’Neill and Julie Danz.

Let us know if you have any feedback in the comment section!

Rouge x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Too Faced “Born This Way” Foundation.

“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.” – Sophia Loren.

 

The “natural” look never goes out of fashion but very often, creating this look becomes quite time consuming. It’s difficult for even the most talented of make up artists to make a full-coverage foundation appear as though it’s “barely there”, while also concealing any blemishes and imperfections. Too Faced have recognised this problem and presented us with a solution; an “undetectable” medium to full coverage foundation called “Born This Way”. But, does this formula live up to the brand’s promises?

 

 

 

 

“Born This Way” is an oil-free foundation which is infused with coconut water. The coconut water, together with hyaluronic acid, hydrates the skin which helps to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance throughout the day. I definitely think that this formula helps to maintain the illusion of radiant skin, even when I am depending on buckets full of coffee to help me through the week.

As I said, the formula is oil-free so I think that this foundation would be a great choice for those with acne-prone skin. Also, the coverage is great for concealing imperfections – even acne scars.

To apply this foundation; I like to dispense the formula directly on to a flat-head brush before applying it to my face in circular motions. This helps to create a flawless, even finish. I’ve found that the formula lasts really well throughout the day, lasting up to eight hours without any noticeable fade.

Too Faced “Born This Way” foundation is available here from Debenhams in 12 different shades. The shade that I’m wearing in the picture above is “Porcelain”.

So, what do you think? Have you tried this formula? Or, do you already swear by a different medium-full coverage foundation? Let us know in the comments.

Rouge x

10 Star Products Under €10 for AW16.

“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” – William Buffet.

 

Sometimes I feel as though this blog is probably guiding followers down the road that leads towards bankruptcy. I’m a “high-end” make up kind of girl and I refuse to apologise for that – we all deserve a little luxury now and then after all. However, I do enjoy a bargain as much as the next person so, I’ve complied a little list of my favourite bargain buys for you. These products deliver “high-end” quality, without the crazy price tag!

 

Sleek Make Up Blush (Shade: Rose Gold) – €5.99:

Available here from Cloud10Beauty.com.

This one is a brilliant dupe for Nars’ cult classic “Orgasm” blush. I reach for it time and time again, even over other blush formulas which have cost a small fortune!

Catrice “Camouflage Cream” – €3.50:

Available in Penneys/Primark and pharmacies nationwide.

This one is a heavy duty concealer, perfect for blemishes. Catrice’s “Camouflage Cream” gives Benefit’s “Boi-ing” formula a run for its money.

NYX “Butter Gloss” (Shade: Creme Brulee) – €7:

Available here from Meaghers Pharmacy.

I’m usually not a huge fan of lip gloss and generally opt for matte lip formulas but, this gloss from NYX is irresistible. The formula is soft, moisturising, non-sticky and smells gorgeous.

Catrice “Ultimate Nail Lacquer” (Shade: Love Affair in Bel Air) – €2.99:

Available in Penneys/Primark and pharmacies nationwide.

I adore Catrice’s nail polish formulas. They last 3-4 days without chipping which I find remarkable at this price point.

Flormar “Illuminating Primer” – €9.95:

Available here from Meaghers Pharmacy.

I LOVE this formula. It’s as good, if not better, than any “high-end” primer that I’ve tried over the years.

P.S “Matte Long Last Lipstick” – €2:

Available in Penneys/Primark stores nationwide.

At €2, I didn’t expect much from this product but, I was pleasantly surprised. The formula is really long lasting and the shades are very pigmented. I would recommend wearing a moisturising lip balm underneath, as with all formulas.

Wet Brush “Midi” – €7.95:

Available here from Cloud10Beauty.com.

Anyone with tangled hair will know well the struggle of brushing knots out of freshly washed hair. The Wet Brush does all the work for you and, it’s pain free. The “midi” size is also perfect for travelling!

Nía “Firming Scrub Bar” – €9.95:

Available here from Nía.

This product is new to my beauty collection but wow, I have fallen fast for it. Made by an Irish company, this soap provides natural exfoliation and leaves skin soft and bump-free. I will be writing a full review in the next week, so keep an eye out.

Bioderma “Atoderm Intensive” Moisturiser – €9:

Available here at Meaghers Pharmacy.

This is a great moisturiser for really dry skin. I find myself reaching for it constantly at this time of year when the weather becomes colder and skin becomes chapped.

Catrice “Deluxe Trio Eyeshadow” – €5.39:

Available in Penneys/Primark and pharmacies nationwide.

As you can probably tell by now, I’m a big fan of Catrice products. This eyeshadow trio is lovely for creating a nice, neutral look. The shadows are soft, pigmented and easy to blend.

Make Up Forever “Pro Sculpting Lip” – Review.

“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.” – Coco Chanel.

 

Here’s the thing – I’m not a fan of the “trout pout”. As much as I want to look like J.Lo, lip fillers are not on my wishlist because lets face it, they rarely look natural. Keeping this in mind, I have looked high and low for lip products that deliver on their promise to provide the illusion of a plump pout. And, it’s safe to say that I’ve finally found the “holy grail”.

Make Up Forever’s “Pro Sculpting Lip” 2 in 1 lip sculpting pen is designed to sculpt and contour lips in two simple steps. One side of the pen contains a semi-matte lip colour and the other contains an iridescent powder-to-cream highlighter. The lip duos come in four different shades and I’m praying that MUFE release more colour options in the next few months.

To apply the lip product:

1. I use the lip colour all over my lips for a full-cover, semi-matte finish.
2. Then, I use the sponge applicator to apply the highlighter to the centre of my lips.
3. Finally, I blend the formulas together in circular motion to create a more natural look. If I’m going on a night out, I add extra highlighter for more impact.

 

The pictures don’t do this one justice, the plumping effect is unreal! I’m wearing the shade “50 – Purple” in these photos and I love the purple/brown tone it provides. This one is lovely for daytime or nightwear.

This product is available here on the Make Up Forever website. What do you think of the shade? Let us know in the comment section!

Rouge x

theBalm “Balm Voyage” Palette – My Travel Essential.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only one page.” – St. Augustine.

If you’ve been following me on social media, you will already know that I spent the past few weeks in New York City. Countless selfies later, many of you have been asking me to post about my make up travel essentials. I will put a full post together over the coming weeks but first, I wanted to tell you all about the “Balm Voyage” travel palette from theBalm. This is the only make up palette that I brought on my trip and I used it every single day.

 

This gorgeous palette includes nine eyeshadows, two blushers, a bronzer, a highlighter and two cream lip and cheek tints – everything you need for travelling. Aside from some brushes, foundation, setting spray, translucent powder and a few extra lipsticks, this palette is all that I packed in my cosmetics bag for my trip to NYC.

The eyeshadows are super pigmented, with a velvet-like consistency. The shadows can be used wet or dry which is really handy because the “Fáilte” shadow can be dampened and used as an eyeliner. I ended up using these shadows daily, not only on my own eyes but also on my friends’ – she loved this palette too!

The bronzer in the palette has a matte finish so it can be paired with the highlighter for some simple contouring. Ordinarily, I prefer to use liquid products for contouring but, I found that these powder formulas worked much better in the NYC humidity. The highlighter is particularly gorgeous. In fact, I’ve almost hit the pan of that one – it may be time to purchase a full sized version. I just used a simple sculpting brush to apply, which I accidentally left in NY, along with the rest of my brushes, goddamn it!

The powder blushers are as pigmented as the eyeshadows and a little goes a long way. I particularly love the “Huan Ying” shade which is a lovely peach colour – perfect for Irish complexions.

The cheek and lip tints were soft and although pigmented, were very easy to blend. Again, a little goes a long way so be careful with these ones. Two tiny dots on the cheekbones can be blended to create a dewy, natural look. I fell head over heels in love with the “Vitajte” shade which I used as a lip colour almost every single day. This is the shade that I’m wearing (a very light layer) in the picture below:

In the picture above, I’m wearing nothing but my regular foundation and theBalm’s “Balm Voyage”. This is a day-time look but  it was very easy to create night-time looks with the palette too.

I got my “Balm Voyage” palette from Debenhams and it is available here or in stockists nationwide. It’s actually an absolute bargain at €40 – remember, this is the only palette that you’ll need in your collection, even if you’re lusting after every palette on the market.

What do you think? Do you have a specific make up palette that you take on holidays with you? Let us know in the comment section!

Rouge x

The Irish Girl Boss Series – Juvi Design’s Julie Danz.

“People will stare. Make it worth their while.” – Harry Winston.

 

For me, the selection of jewellery has always been a very intimate and personal experience. Over the years, I have been gifted jewellery to mark special occasions and have given similar gifts to loved ones. I believe that gemstones can represent personality and emotion and for this reason, I attach sentiment and memories to every single piece in my jewellery box. The goal is to build a high-quality collection which can be passed down through future generations. Diamonds are forever, after all.

For this reason, I was determined to find an Irish woman working within the jewellery design industry to participate in Rouge Writing Hood’s “Irish Girl Boss Series”. I was absolutely delighted when Julie Danz of Juvi Designs agreed to participate in an interview, giving us an insight into the industry and her life as a female entrepreneur.

 

Julie, together with her husband, Vincent Tynan, founded Juvi Designs. In doing so, they have created a brand that aims to provide women with exquisite jewellery which is both luxurious and affordable. Julie is inspired by travel and the world around us, communicating this through the creation of pieces which are stunning, yet practical enough for everyday wear. I cannot wait to share her interview with you!

 

1) Can you describe to us how your background in interior design has influenced where you are now?

Colour, colour, colour! I had the privilege of working for the adventurous, colourful interior designer Carlton Varney in New York in the early 00s – a time when beige was ‘in’ and colour and pattern were less popular. He was renowned for his large prints, flamboyant colours and gold pineapple lamps! I worked on many bright and beautiful projects which, on reflection, have totally inspired my desire to work with gold and silver as well as colourful gemstones which are both bold and delicate.

 

2) Tell me about your design style. What makes your jewellery unique to the fashion industry?

I’m not sure if our jewellery is unique but it is definitely our own style. Our love of travelling and colour have inspired our collections. Each collection is named after a place we have visited which in turn has influenced the design and gemstones we used in each collection. The ‘Egadi’ collection was inspired by the beautiful laid back islands of the same name located just off the coast of Sicily. The ‘Boho’ collection was inspired by travelling in general and our love for discovering unspoiled places and the feeling of being away, free and adventurous. The ‘Antibes’ collection was inspired by the beautiful, colourful landscapes of the south of France as well as the little provincial villages and is a little more sophisticated than other collections. The ‘Shooting Star Collection’ was inspired by the night’s sky in the Ballinskelligs in Co. Kerry (one of the top 3 spots in the world for star gazing) where we camped under the stars. Our latest collection features a cocoa pod and was inspired by travels through magical Mexico and visiting a cocoa plantation there.

We use so many beautiful gemstones including, but not limited to: rubies, aqua chalcedony, green onyx, coral, turquoise, amethyst, citrine, tourmaline – our workshop is often referred to as ‘Aladdin’s cave’.

 

 

“Gold Cocoa Pod Tulum Pendant” – available here.

3) I adore the fact that every piece designed by Juvi is luxurious, yet affordable. When you were creating your company, how important was the ethos of the brand — the idea of providing everyday, working women with an opportunity to spoil themselves without the feeling of guilt which is often associated with a very large price tag?

It was very important. We wanted to make beautiful pieces of jewellery for every day and for those special days so that everyone could treat themselves, without breaking the bank! Juvi is a brand that is made accessible to everyone, no matter what your budget is. There is also a certain sentimental value attached to the Juvi brand. We wanted people to be able to afford to mark the big occasions in their lives without compromising on quality.

4) Do you take inspiration from other women in business and if so, who?

Yes I do. Style wise, I take inspiration from the stylist and socialite Iris Apfel in New York. I admire the designers Alice Temperley , Diane Von Furstenberg and Helen Steele for their use of colour, pattern, texture and embellishment. The jewellery designers Monica Vinader and Astley Clarke have been inspiring in their career journeys because they have an international presence and stand alone stores worldwide.

5) Personally, I am drawn to jewellery that has personality and sentimentality attached to it. I love to find meaning in gemstones, purchasing them to remind myself of anniversaries or important milestones. If you had to choose one gemstone to reflect your own personality which one would you choose and why?

I would have to include ruby as it is such a beautiful, vibrant gemstone. It is also the gemstone that we named our daughter after. However, the stone I think that reflects my personality best is labradorite. It is my favourite gemstone as it is subtle and appears one colour when you first look at it, but it has a hidden magical quality so when it catches the light it has a beautiful, vibrant, petrol-coloured sheen with blue, green and gold hues.

“Egadi Labradorite Drop Earring” – available here.

6) Who would you most like to see wearing your designs?

I love seeing people of all ages and styles wearing our pieces. Seeing someone out and about wearing a piece always gives me a thrill and I love to see how they style their Juvi. If I had to name a celebrity, I’d love to see Kate Hudson, Sienna Miller, Angela Scanlon or Amy Huberman wearing Juvi designs. They all have great relaxed style yet also look fabulous when they dress up. You have the opportunity to wear Juvi pieces from day through to night,  on an every day basis and on a glam night out.

7) How would you describe your own personal style?

I’m a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl with Converse being a staple for day-time wear but, I also love getting dressed up for a party. Our collections reflect my personal style, with understated, simple pieces for every day to more glamorous, sparkly gems for a night out on the town!

8) Do you have a most treasured item in your own jewellery collection?

I am fortunate to have lots of jewellery, but if I had to choose my favourite it would be a set of hammered gold stacking rings that Vincent made for me with different coloured tourmaline and diamonds set into each one, which I never take off. Otherwise, I would have to say our original ‘Little Bean’ pendant which I also wear nearly every day, our ‘Lucky Star’ studs and my chunky, statement gold and labradorite ‘Egadi’ ring. I also love our new ‘Cenote’ bangles, which I wear when dressing up to go out.

“Boho Little Bean Pendant” – available here.

9) To date, what is your favourite piece that you have ever created and why?

I would have to say the entire ‘Cocoa Pod’ collection. It was inspired by our many travels through magical Mexico and the beautiful shape of the cocoa pod itself, which we discovered when visiting a cocoa plantation. It is a very cohesive collection and although I generally do not tend to wear matching sets I would wear all of this collection together.

“Cocoa Pod Lago Ring” – available here.

10) What are your top entrepreneurship tips for those interested in getting into the design business?

Accepting criticism when it comes is hugely important especially in design. The best way to improve is to learn from your mistakes. I think this applies to business in general as well. It’s important to be adaptable and work hard, but don’t forget the important things in life are friends and family.

For more information about Juvi Designs, and a better look at their beautiful designs, you can check out their website here.

For those of you wondering, it’s my birthday this month – and yes, I want it all! I also want to hear all about your thoughts on the brand and their designs, so let us know in the comment section or on social media.

If you enjoyed this interview, you can also check out the most recent articles in our “Girl Boss Series” with Sculpt Cosmetics’ Siobhan Boyle and AYU Make Up’s Suzie O’Neill.

Rouge x