The Look by Claire Petersen

19 10

CONTENTS 3

Editors’ Letter and Behind the Scenes

Trend Report

The Evolution of Red Carpet Style

Tropical Popical Nails & Interview

My Internship with Tommy Hilfiger

Hey It’s Okay: DCU Edition

Let Them Eat Cake Photo Feature

A Look at Laura

How Style Reflects Culture & Society

What to Expect in Fashion in 2014

Profile of Style Society Chairperson

Stocking Filler Gift Guide

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORS Orla O’Brien Suzanne O’Connor DESIGN & LAYOUT Claire Petersen STYLISTS Alan Toye Jessica Gaffney SPECIAL THANKS DCU Style Society All Contributors

EDITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LETTER Hey Everyone, We are delighted to welcome you to our first issue of The Look magazine! Our December issue is packed full of festive fashion and interesting interviews to keep you entertained as we head into the Christmas season. From organising photoshoots to editing articles we have loved every minute of putting it together. Thanks to everyone who has contributed; models, writers, stylists, designers etc, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done it without you! Here our some of the behind the scenes photos to give you a glimpse into the making of the magazine. We are already so excited to get started on the next issue, in the meantime though.. Enjoy! Suzanne and Orla xx

TREND//KNITWEAR Jumper, €12 Jeans, €19 Shoes, €20 All Penneys

TREND//PINK Coat, €35, Penneys Shoes, €20, Penneys Shirt, €38, Om Diva Belt, €25, Om Diva Skirt, €25, A-Wear

“

Boots, ranging from hiking to biker are in this season for men. Chelsea boots are a great choice as they can be dressed up or dressed down

TREND//REPORT

”

TREND//REPORT

“

This punk look was inspired by some of the outfits for the ‘Met Ball’ the theme of which was ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture’

”

TREND//DENIM Jacket, €20 Shirt & Tee Set, €15 Jeans, €11 Shoes, €7 All Penneys

“

Adding a denim jacket to any outfit is a great way to incorporate the punk trend into your winter wardrobe

”

PHOTOGRAPHER: CLAIRE PETERSEN ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER: NICOLA FORDE STYLISTS: ALAN TOYE JESSICA GAFFNEY

TREND//TARTAN

MODELS: AISHLING CROUGHAN CORMAC KELLY

Dress, €40, A-Wear Hat, €15, A-Wear Boots, €55, A-Wear Jacket, €94, Om Diva Ring, €25, Om Diva Belt, €2, Penneys Necklace, €3, Penneys

~ the evolution of ~

RED CARPET STYLE by Niamh Doherty It’s like a volcano of rich velvet and lace, embellished fabrics and beautiful opulent jewels just erupted, oozing scorching lava under the paparazzi’s glare. A sartorial showcase of style and the sometimes peculiar, red carpet glamour has always been a oneof-a-kind show stopping spectacle. For over 85 years, the crème de la crème of Hollywood’s elite have sashayed down the iconic red carpet, exuding elegance and sophistication. The likes of The Oscars, The Grammys and Cannes Film Festival have attracted celebrities of high prestige, from Audrey Hepburn in 1954 to Jennifer Lawrence in 2013. Although the red carpet has been the birthplace of some of the most iconic fashion moments in history, it’s also showcased some, let’s just say “controversial” looks. Who could forget Jennifer Lopez in that Versace dress? It even has its own Wikipedia entry. Yes. The stars generally always dress their best but sometimes there are a few fashion faux pas (Lady Gaga, we are looking at you and your meat dress). We take a look back at the evolution of red carpet style and dresses that have, dare I say it, changed the fashion game forever.

1954

Red carpet fashion in 1930s to the 1950s introduced us to the whole idea of “Hollywood glamour” with some of the most iconic and stunning stars of all time donning beautifully classic, timeless and elegant gowns. In 1954, Audrey Hepburn received the Oscar for Best Actress in an intricate floral Givenchy dress featuring a high neckline and a belt cinching in her enviable tiny waist. Hepburn apparently referred to it as her “lucky dress”.

1970

Elizabeth Taylor made sure all eyes were on her on the red carpet in 1970, when she wore this beautiful plunging violet chiffon dress designed by costume designer Edith Head. In typical Taylor fashion, she wore a 69-carat diamond Cartier necklace to add even more glamour to one of her most memorable fashion moments.

1986

It’s pretty clear where Lady Gaga has taken a good bit of inspiration for her weird and wonderful outfit choices. Not for the fainthearted, Cher definitely made heads turn on the 1986 Oscars’ red carpet in this whacky but memorable getup, featuring a Mohican style headpiece made of rooster feathers. You could applaud her for her courage, I suppose.

1999

Gwyneth Paltrow secured her place as having one of the most iconic red carpet gowns in 1999. Paltrow chose to wear a gorgeous pink taffeta gown designed Ralph Lauren when she accepted the award for Best Actress with an also memorable teary acceptance speech. The dress was heavily praised for its classic style, which was similar to that of Grace Kelly’s. With hair sleeked back, she wore beautiful Harry Winston jewels which set off this chic and elegant look perfectly.

2000

JLo’s daring dress choice for the 2000 Grammys is still a conversation starter. 13 years on and we’re still talking about that plunging green Versace dress that put Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet fashion map. She, however, didn’t get the memo about its hype, even reportedly saying, “What’s the big deal?” I think we know…

2004

Hollywood starlet Angelina Jolie looked the epitome of elegance in this Marilyn Monroe-esque gown by Marc Bouwer. Jolie was stunning in the gorgeous plunging white satin dress with a wrap to match.

2011

Never one to follow the crowd, Rihanna posed for pictures in this bold and unique Jean Paul Gautier dress fresh off the runway. Riri managed to make the sheer and tulle striped dress look classy. The girl’s got skills.

2013

Ahead of this year’s Grammys, guests were issued a “wardrobe advisory”, telling them to cover up and not pull a Miley Cyrus, basically. Beyoncé brought “it-girl” glam to the red carpet in this not-so-typical but stunning black and white Osman jumpsuit. The whole getup with the Swarovski clutch, sleek ponytail and red lip is the perfect modern twist on old Hollywood glamour.

PHOTOGRAPHER: CLAIRE PETERSEN | ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER: NICOLA FORDE STYLIST: JESSICA GAFFNEY | MODEL: ORLA O’BRIEN | NAILS: KATE CURLEY

INTERVIEW WITH KATE CURLEY f ro m Tro p i c a l Po p i c a l 18 year old Kate Curley from Tropical Popical did the amazing nails for this shoot. Kate is currently studying for her leaving cert but works in Tropical Popical on weekends and during school holidays. Her nails have been featured in magazines such as Kiss and U magazine. We sat down asked her a couple of questions as she worked. How long have you been doing nail art? Professionally a year, but I have been doing it ever since I can remember. I used to paint my nails with my Grandad’s tipex and was always getting in trouble in school for having crazy nails. What’s the weirdest nail art you’ve ever been asked to do? I’ve done a wolf on every nail and even did minions on a little girl’s nails. Recently I’ve been doing a lot of nails to match Halloween costumes. I love it though, I’m all about the nail art. I hate doing boring, plain colours.

How did you end up working in Tropical Popical? I sent in my CV, did an interview and got the job! It all happened very quickly, I did the interview for experience and never thought I’d get it. After that I did a professional course with the Galligan Group but my nail art is self-taught. What’s your favourite thing about working in Tropical Popical? I love meeting loads of new people. A 93 year old woman came in recently to get her nails painted orange for her granddaughter’s wedding, it is so nice to meet people like that! I also get to learn tips from the people I work with and make enough money to get through school and hopefully college. What nail polishes do you recommend? I love the brands Rimmel Salon Pro and Model’s Own. Chanel polishes definitely aren’t worth the money! Get your own amazing nail art at Tropical Popical, 28 South William Street.

The return of Tartan by Lisa O’Donnell Leopard, floral, Aztec….Every new fashion season welcomes the arrival of a new must-have print, and this Autumn/Winter is no different. It is now the turn of the tartan print to come out of the shadows and once again invade the world of fashion. While most trends re-emerge every couple of years, the tartan print has taken comebacks to a new level, becoming the current obsession of designers, fashion bloggers and stylists. Models were seen parading this look up and down the runways, with designers such as Moschino using the tartan print as a focus point in their designs. In their Autumn/Winter 2013 show in Milan, the brand displayed this print on a number of structured styles, such as this two-piece trouser suit.

For us mere mortals who haven’t got the cash to fork out on designer clothes, there’s no need to panic. The high street has been invaded by this trend, and affordable shops such as New Look, Penneys and River Island have been flooded with tartan-print tops, skirts and dresses. When Rihanna’s collection for River Island hit the shops on the 7th of November, fashion-lovers were given the opportunity to invest in this trend without completely emptying their pockets. The Barbadian singer is never one to shy away from a bold trend, and has put a strong emphasis on plaid patterns in her new range. For a complete Rihanna-inspired look, you can pair this jacket with these skinny, high-waisted trousers.

But for many people, such an overstated ensemble is not very practical for everyday life. However, Moschino also put a girlish twist on this trend, as seen in this dress. Its ruffled skirt and wide collar is ideal for anyone who finds this trend a bit intimidating, as it creates the perHowever, if you’re not quite sure that this trend is for you fect balance between punk and feminism. and the thought of wearing head-to-toe tartan is a bit daunting, you could invest in crop top or a bodice for a more subtle approach to tartan. Hey, if it’s good enough for Rihanna… So whether you are rejoicing at the return of the punk era, or are doubting if this Vivienne Westwood - inspired look is for you, the tartan trend is available in a form to suit everyone. Tartan is back and here to stay, so it’s time to embrace it!

MY INTERNSHIP WITH TO M M Y H I L F I G E R BY H A N N A H FA R R E L LY

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ springs to mind upon reading this title. That is, high heels, short tempers, long hours and the occasional trip to Starbucks. However, this summer opened my eyes to a whole other side of the fashion industry and those that have the privilege of calling it their job. While in New York during Fashion Week 2013 I managed to intern with none other than the enigma himself, Mr Tommy Hilfiger. It was my second day in the Big Apple; I awoke early to the buzzing city sounds. My first day at Tommy Hilfiger had arrived. So many thoughts ran through my head; what to wear being the most important. I still couldn’t believe this was actually materialising! I jumped into a yellow taxi and headed straight for the Tommy Hilfiger offices in Chelsea. As I approached the building I got a phone call from Mr Hilfiger’s PA giving me instructions on where to go. I arrived at a reception desk after a short elevator trip and a bit of wandering. A small, smartly dressed man with a bright friendly smile extended his hand to greet me. I gazed at him in awe before muttering ‘Hello Mr Hilfiger’. His presence oozed that of an unassuming, down to earth gentleman who walks the corridors of his worldly acclaimed building offering a hello to all. During the chaotic week that was, every floor of the 20 story building had deadlines to meet, models to clothe, seating plans to arrange, celebrities to dress. Working on the 17th floor of this famous establishment were the tailors, stylists and celebrity dressers. To say I was in my element is the greatest of understatements. Rails upon rails of immaculate clothing, organised piles of shoes, neat stacks of Vogue and Maireclaire magazines and plenty of busy bodies made up this hive of activity. Mr Hilfiger swept around occasionally making sure all plans were progressing accordingly. I could feel the sheer excitement mounting as the count down for the show at Pier 94 began. I experienced the

meaning of team work at a whole new level as I gazed at everything falling into place so seamlessly. I was delighted with being given the chance to assist in the international celebrity dressing department. I have to admit, not many of these celebrities were known to me but they became my project and a way for me to prove myself. I was laden with pages upon pages of requests from the A/W ‘13 look book. My task was to organise who was wearing what. Many of the looks were double booked or even triple booked so I had to assign one look to each celebrity from their choices. The main items featuring were heavy houndstooth coats and hats, some fur lined, preppy Prince of Wales miniskirts and knitted oversized dresses. Check was a prominent feature that ran through the entire collection including Prince of Wales print, houndstooth, plaid and argyle. The main colours that exist for this season are burgundy, navy, black, white and camel. However, my thoughts were consumed with the fact that these clothes were perfect for the typical autumn/winter climate but were all highly unsuitable for the 28 degree heat that persisted in the city. All in the name of being in fashion! Getting a sneak preview of the Spring Summer 2014 collection two days before the fashion show was definitely a highlight for me. As Tommy’s central idea was to bring the beach to New York, the clothes reflected this. Bright colours, Hawaiian prints, plenty of neoprene material and even the occasional occurrence of neon. The rail that sat two meters from where I sat (that no one was permitted to even touch) looked so tempting. I felt like a child in a sweet shop, I just wanted to have everything. My experience as an intern in the fashion industry was every bit as crazy and glamorous as I thought it would be. They say it’s a cut throat, bitchy industry. However, I saw no signs of this at Tommy Hilfiger. Just a typical day in the life of a fashion intern.

Hey, It’s Okay DCU Edition

...to go to a lecture just to stare at Neil O’Boyle ...to not walk to the library because it’s a bit of a trek ...to consider Nu-Bar goujons and chips as a dietary requirement ...to leave assignments to the last minute and pull an all-nighter ...to never to have completed a golden week ...to be in a lecture at 9, still drunk from Coppers ...to be late for a lecture even though you live on Campus ...to edit your college timetable to get the hours you want in work ...to miss half of your 8 hours a week in Communications ...to not read during reading week ...to join DCU gym just to creep 11

IZZIE wears: Dress, €34, A-Wear Shoes, €20, Penneys EOGHAN wears: Top, €11, Penneys Jacket, €38, Penneys Jeans, €11, Penneys Necklace, €9, Topman

CIARA wears: Dress, €36, A-Wear Necklace, €10, Penneys

Let Them Eat Cake 12

STEVEN wears: Shirt, €11, Penneys Jacket, €40, Penneys Jeans, €11, Penneys Shoes, €17, Penneys Bowtie, €11, Topman Tophat, €20, Poison

LOUISE wears: Dress, €63, A-Wear

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Emily Greene

STYLISTS:

Jessica Gaffney Alan Toye

HAIR:

Rachel O’Beirne

MAKE UP:

Maud Honner

MODELS:

Steven Nsubuga Eoghan Meleady Izzie Jones Louise Byrne Ciara Kavanagh

IZZIE wears: Dress, €19, Penneys Jacket, €65. Om Diva CIARA wears: Top, €13, Penneys Skirt, €45, Om Diva Cardigan, €44, A-Wear Necklace, €20, A-Wear

LOUISE wears: Jacket, €25, Penneys Blouse, €40, A-Wear Skirt, €25, A-Wear

STEVEN wears: Shirt, €11, Penneys Jacket, €40, Penneys Jeans, €11, Penneys Shoes, €17, Penneys Bowtie, €11, Topman Tophat, €20, Poison LOUISE wears: Dress, €55, Om Diva Belt, €8, A-Wear Underskirt, €12, George’s Arcade Jumper, €6, Penneys

EOGHAN wears: Shirt, stylist’s own Jacket, €40, H&M Jeans, €11, Penneys Necklace, €9, Topman

IZZIE wears: Blazer, €27, Penneys Jumper, €32, A-Wear

CIARA wears: T-Shirt, €6, Penneys Skirt, €38, Om Diva Blazer, €25, Penneys Necklace, €6, Penneys

IZZIE wears: Blouse, €7, Penneys Shorts, €13, Penneys Shoes, €18, Penneys

LOUISE wears: Shirt, €13, Penneys Shorts, €13, Penneys Shoes, €18, Penneys Necklace, €20, A-Wear

CIARA wears: Jumper, €16, Penneys Skirt, €11, Penneys Necklace, €20, A-Wear Shoes, €18, Penneys

***

A Look at

Laura ***

by Caoimhe Ní Chathail

A DCU graduate, a TV presenter, a DJ, but perhaps most influentially; a style icon. Laura Whitmore graces the majority of magazines, blogs and websites on an almost daily basis. As someone who describes her style as ever-changing and experimental, it’s hard to find one past outfit of hers that doesn’t inspire. Spotted in daringly short miniskirts to breathtaking Alexandre Vauthier jumpsuits, Laura Whitmore’s style is envied by the masses. Having studied Journalism and French in DCU, Laura Whitmore first came to fame as a result of the TV show ‘MTV Pick Me’. Her coveted win of the chance to become the new face of MTV News in MTV Europe in 2008 led to many an opportunity in the following years. Her stream of red-carpet appearances, slots on MTV and general spottings out-and-about contributed greatly to the constant surveillance of her fashion choices. Positive comments instantly outweighed the negative as those in the industry and the general public began to appreciate the clear flare Laura Whitmore possesses for styling. During London Fashion Week held recently from Friday the 13th of September, she led the way at the Felder Felder show as every media outlet picked up on her gorgeous combination of apple printed trousers, orange top, black pointy heels and black leather jacket draped over her shoulders. The Fyodor Golan runway show the same day resulted in a quick-change for the 28 year old style icon as she chose a bright red satin Fyodor Golan dress paired with large beige wedges. Her decision to opt for such contrasting outfits was a clear demonstration of Laura’s vast fashion interest and knowledge.

Laura Whitmore has in the past cited old school stars such as Brigite Bardot, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn as her style icons. Their influence upon her is highly evident. From Brigite Bardot’s similar blonde locks, to the simplicity of the makeup looks opted by Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, their classiness can easily be compared to that of Laura’s. She has confessed to hating too much makeup in the past and is often seen more fresh-faced than caked in makeup – a true inspiration to those of us who prefer a more natural look.

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Seen more fresh-faced than caked in makeup - a true inspiration

”

In terms of the Style Society, Laura Whitmore is more than an idol and a style icon. She in fact established the society during her time in DCU. The influence of Laura Whitmore on the style of thousands of women can in no way be disputed. Whether it’s a comfortable yet chic ensemble consisting of a baggy tee and jeans or a Nicholas Oakwell Spring 2012 Couture ‘showgirl’ frock, her fashion sense leaves many of us weak at the knees. Here’s hoping her wit and genius will last for years to come, our very own DCU Style Society success!

HOW STYLE REFLECTS CULTURE & SOCIETY by Jack O’Dea

From living in various different countries, I’ve come to one inevitable conclusion; fashion acts as a mirror to a culture. I believe you can gain as much information about where a city or country is at from what the populous is wearing as you would to the newspapers headlines. This may sound ridiculous, but let me explain.

However, different to my experience in the United States, the apparel for going out in Dublin is more risqué. Focusing on women, the level of short mini dresses and racy attire is abundant on the streets of Dublin on a Saturday night. In Boston, it’s not unseen, but the level of body cons would not nearly match the cobbled streets of Temple Bar.

I do have some credentials to defend my point. Last year, I studied abroad in Boston University for a year and interned last summer in the United States. When I was there, I got to travel around the country and also lived temporarily in possibly the countries’ most stylish city, New York.

Also individual to our country, we remain the largest user of fake tan in the world. Our abundance of pale skinned people has made a culture of “what is rare is beautiful”; tanned skin with blonde hair has become the ideal of our young Irish women.

To begin my point, I’ll begin by dissecting the Irish capital of the U.S, Boston. As having one of the most universities per capita in the world, the style of Boston reflects this flux of students; Northface jackets, flip flops, tracksuit bottoms are all in vast supply on the streets of this humble city. Mainly, this lack of high fashion could be derived from a general lack of disposable income of students and no responsibilities to a job. Also, with the humid summers and bitter winters, the extremes do not offer the best opportunities to show off your latest buy.

Fashion has always been intrinsically linked to wealth and money, as disposable income means more freedom to invest in clothes and personal style. I saw this for myself in New York City, arguably one of the most fashion conscious cities of the world. As one of the largest city economies globally, New York is revered for its focus on individuality and freedom of expression, all cores of the American ideals.

As college is also somewhat linked to social peer pressures, there is a general “sameness” in fashion. This can be seen most clearly in the contentious Greek life. Not present in Ireland, fraternities and sororities are social groups marked by brotherhood and sisterhood. Revered by some, seen as “buying friends” to others, these groups have a definite style; idealizing the buff, overtly masculine, guys choice of clothing are wife beaters, fat man pants and a backwards cap. Similarly, the girls of sororities overemphasize feminity, with bows, bright colours and blonde hair all in vast supply. Similar to Boston, Dublin has a youthful population; it has the youngest population in Europe with almost half of the city’s inhabitants under 25 years old. Reflecting these demographics, the fashion sense is arguably laid back, with a focus on comfort because of our general cold climate.

As the birthplace of many fashion phenomena, including hipster style, hip hop, punk and disco, it is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. With a population of over 8 million and as many as 800 languages spoken, this innovation for style reflects the people of the city; difference, diversity and multiculturalism are all in abundance. This individuality is what sets it apart to many cities in the world; in Dublin for wearing harem pants, sunglasses in the dark or any Avantgarde style would make you liable for a psychiatric ward, whereas on the streets of New York an eye lid wouldn’t be bat. Overall, fashion has and always will be linked to every part of a country’s culture; whether it’s the economy, ideals, these can be reflected in ordinary people’s style. Although Dublin is currently in the abyss of a recession, there are signs that the fashion sense of Dublin is deepening, and long may it continue.

‘The Giant Mascara’, Extreme Volume, €4.99

BEAUTY ON A BUDGET Photographer: Assistant Photographer: Makeup: Model:

Nicola Forde Claire Petersen Aoife Rice Murphy Hannah Cassidy

Eye-liner pen, €3.49

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Multi-colour compact powder, €4.99

Blue liner under the eye teamed with a neutral lid is a great way to add a pop of colour into your everyday look

Lipstick, ‘The Nuder the Better’, €4.49 All Catrice items are available from the DCU Pharmacy

”

what

expect

fashion in

2014

by Sharon McGowan

WHITES

PRINTS

White is undoubtedly the colour of Spring/Summer 2014. Almost all major designers featured it in their collections, with the season marking the rise of the Little White Dress (the traditional LBD’s gaudier, more impractical cousin). From the elaborate glitz of Balmain to the more subdued minimalism of Ralph Lauren, catwalks were littered with head-to-toe white ensembles. However, if the thoughts of all white scare you, a more forgiving take on the trend is monochrome, as demonstrated by Alexander McQueen. Another way to wear white is through statement accessories, as Mulberry showed by sending white versions of their flagship bags down the catwalk.

Whether you choose to go crazy and clash or keep it more simple with a single pattern, one thing for sure is prints are the way to go next season. The trend also spells good news for lover’s of last season’s tartan as it seems to be sticking around for Spring/Summer. Just Cavalli gave tartan a neon update, clashing it with animal and Hawaiian patterns resulting in a serious print overload. Victoria Beckham showed a more subtle approach to the trend, choosing geometric prints to help highlight the clean lines and shapes of her collection. For the less straight laced, playful prints are in abundance. From Miu Miu’s kitten covered coats to Christopher Kane’s cartoonish arrow print, it seems even high fashion has a sense of humour.

EMBELLISHMENT Lovers of party season fashion rejoice, OTT embellishment is a big trend for next season. All the glitz and sparkle normally associated with Christmas time and New Years is sneaking into Spring/Summer, with bejeweled pieces brightening up the runways everywhere. While Elie Saab played it safe with pretty floral embellishments and delicate beading, Prada took things a few steps further with their dazzlingly bold pop art inspired collection. To make the trend more wearable, make like Burberry Prorsum and mix and match textures and styles. By putting subdued knits and lace with heavily embellished pencil skirts and jackets they created a more effortless and sophisticated look and avoided the tackiness that can come with too much sparkle.

SLIDERS Cara Delevingne proved she can truly make anything look stylish as she sauntered down the Topshop Unique catwalk wearing Spring Summer’s most random trend, the slider. Also spotted at J W Anderson and Givenchy, the shoe we’re used to seeing on old men in public swimming pools has somehow made it into fashion. While this may not be the prettiest trend of the season, it’s undeniably the most comfortable. With platforms dying out and heel heights gradually getting lower and lower, perhaps this trend isn’t as unlikely as it seems.

PHOTO CREDIT: CLAIRE PETERSEN

Profile of Style Society Chairperson:

FREYA DROHAN INTERVIEW by SUZANNE O’CONNOR

Freya Drohan, 21, is a student from Malahide, studying journalism in DCU. Apart from juggling being a Freelance Stylist, Lifestyle Editor for The College View and a fashion feature writer for helpmystyle.ie, she has also taken on the prestigious role of Chairperson of DCU’s Style Society 2013-2014. I sat down with Freya, in between her busy schedule, to find out what her role involves and to get an insight into her personal style. When asked about why she first got in involved with DCU Style, she had nothing but praise for the ever expanding society, saying: “When I first joined Style Society two years ago, I was a stylist for the Fashion Show and was appointed online editor for The Look magazine’s blog- combining my two loves of fashion and writing! I think it’s a great society as it is so multi-faceted. The events cater for every type of interest and each member’s individual sense of style is embraced and celebrated”. Her love for fashion developed from a young age and has grown throughout the years. She always knew she would pursue a career in the fashion industry in some way and she hopes to do a Masters in Fashion History in London when, in her own words, “I stop shopping and start saving up!” Her personal style consists of all things girly with a little twist of bohemian with her wardrobe embodying her favourite trend of the moment -the “Rock n’ Roll embellishment of Saint Laurent Paris”. Freya jokes: “I think I must have been a Toddlers and Tiara contestant in another life because a significant part of my “dress up” wardrobe consists of pink, sequins

and feathers. I fall in love with clothes way too easily; right now the love of my life is a black leather jacket from River Island with Aztec-embellished sleeves”. Freya is fully embracing the experience of being Chairperson, but there is a lot of hard work and responsibility that comes with the role including organising and ensuring the smooth running of the Style Society’s events throughout the year. She also enjoys working with the various societies in DCU and making a difference through the use of style: “Being Chairperson is like a full-time job. From meeting with different interest groups in DCU and brainstorming event ideas with the committee, I love every minute of it. My biggest role of the year will be producing the fashion show next year along with Vice-Chair, Claudia. My favourite part about being chair is the event planning, especially working with people from the Intergenerational Learning Programme, the Education Trust and other societies, trying to highlight, through unique and innovative events, how style is so much more than what you see in magazines and in shop windows. It’s amazing experience!” We wish Freya the best of luck with the rest of the year and look forward to the exciting events the Style Society have lined up for next semester!

S TO C K I N G G I F T G U I D E By Orla O’Brien What’s better than loads of Christmas presents you ask? Loads of Christmas presents stuffed into a Christmas stocking. The best things often come in the smallest packages so we’ve gathered up the best gifts this year-whatever your budget- all tiny enough to be stuffed into a festive stocking. Have your favourite people jumping for joy this Christmas morning with presents from our stocking filler gift guide!

FOR HIM

FOR HER Irish-made and impossibly cute; Chupi jewellery is the perfect gift for any woman this Christmas Chupi, €59

River Island, €35

River Island, €33

River Island have a great selection of impressive looking watches which won’t break the bank

Chupi, €69 Chupi, €74

Make your man feel a million dollars (even if he has far from it!) with a designer wallet from Asos Asos, €67.39

Benefit always make the best holiday gift-sets and this year is no exception; it’s worth it for the packaging alone

With those prices you can’t go wrong with any of the seasonal underwear and nightwear from Pennys

Pennys Bra, €6 & Pant, €3

Ipad Mini 2, €299

Topman, €3

It’s no secret that men love their gadgets so if you’re looking for something to spoil him this Christmas look no further than the new Ipad Mini

Topman have the best selection of novelty socks and boxers guaranteed to make him smile

Benefit, €36

Michael Kors, from €275

The ultimate luxury gift, everyone is lusting after a Micheal Kors watch this Christmas