The Beginning

I recently read an article on Twitter by one of the many magazines that I follow. They were focusing on how they got their coveted jobs within the magazine. One woman was working as an online editor, and after reliving her climb up the journalistic ladder she gave her tips for anyone who wants to get into the industry. One suggestion being, blogging, she goes on to say that she strongly recommends anyone who is interested in getting into the fashion mag industry to have a blog, so much so, that she would be curious as to why somebody who wanted to get into the industry didn't have a blog. Her point is then echoed by her colleagues’, including the editor-in-chief, who says it’s a great way to get noticed for internships, but at the same time a bad blog can do more harm than good.

Aaanndd enter insomnia overload, followed by panic, anxiety, and overall stress. But there’s no time like the present, so, time to get productive. Although I’m an eager blog follower myself, from the ever chic Olivia Palermo, to the mesmerizing Jessica Stein and the hilarious Bip Ling, I've never really considered doing a blog myself. The main reasons being, good old fear and insecurities, when reading the most interesting and fashionable blogs from women who travel the world, and have access to pieces that I can only drool over onto my laptop, it can be beyond intimidating to think of what my blog may look like in comparison.

But after much thought and self deprecating, it can’t be denied that there is so much that I could possibly gain in return. It is without a doubt the best way to publicize yourself, as well as a chance to finally write about whatever I want, showcase my passion, and best of all, an opportunity to work to my own deadlines and schedule. Above all though, I am certain that I will do whatever I can to accomplish my dream of working in an amazing fashion magazine. So there's no time like the present. 

This leads me to my next point, Bonne Chance. Trying to think of a name that I felt represents me, what my blog was about, and is unique, was difficult. But because there is no guaranteed formula that will land you your dream job, all you can rely on afterwards is pure luck. Hence, Bonne Chance, meaning good luck, but in French, just to make it fancy!

So if you dare, please join me on what I'm sure is going to be bumpy blog road ahead as I try to figure this out and make it the best it can possibly be. Wish me Bonne Chance!- Apologies, that's cringy.

Thanks for reading,

Megan

Dolls

Here is an article I wrote a few months ago about a local boutique in Dublin called Dolls.

Set in a quaint corner off a busy Dublin street, it’s easy to get distracted by the smell of fresh coffee from the cafe next door, the pitter patter of small puppy feet or the designer gorgeousness all over.

This adorable haven is of course; Dolls, the designer boutique that will make your heart flutter and your belly rumble. Located on Emorville Avenue next door to her sister’s cafe, Petria Lenehen has created a perfect get-away from the Dublin City while still being, in some cases literally, on your door step.

After studying fashion design in both London and Paris, Petria set up the first ‘Dolls’ on Caldron street seven years ago, and last year decided to consolidate the two. A mixture of hand-picked designer pieces as well as her own collection, Petria describes the ‘dolls’ style as, “more about the fabrics and the cut, a little bit unusual without being too crazy. It’s for women who love what they’re wearing and aren't out to impress people.”

Petria insists it’s not all fabulous when setting up your own business though, “I just knew it was what I wanted to do, and when I was younger I was less aware of the knocks you can have and the difficulties you can go through, and sometimes that’s a good thing. I've had to learn through experience and if I was advising somebody else who was starting out I’d advise them to get as much information and experience as they could. I've had some difficult times, and I have made mistakes that I have had to deal with, you’re the only person who is responsible for your business, and that’s not always easy, so I've had to grow up a lot.”

“The worst thing about owning your own business is paying lots of VAT and sometimes you feel like you’re up-against-it, we get no support from the council. You feel like you’re trying to do something different for the city as well as yourself.”

But where there is a will, and that’s something Petria defiantly has, she dedicates, “two days a week to designing, and two set mornings for pattern making, that’s the easy part, it’s getting the prototype right and the sizing and the cut and finding the fabrics, that’s the hard part,” she says.

When it comes to the designing process, Petira doesn't believe in following trends she explains, “I think you have a feeling if you work in fashion, trends come naturally, there are a lot of trend reports that people spend a lot of money on, and maybe that’s why a lot of designers come up with the same ideas, but I do think a lot just comes from the time, recession, film, wartime.”  “The best thing about owning your own business is being in control and making your own decisions and the satisfaction you get from it going well.”

Although the plan for the future is to have even more of her own designs in the store, Petria would never fully get rid of her other loves, “I will always have other designers too because I love the buying and meeting aspect, travelling to London and Paris, it’s very inspiring and interesting.” Among her favorite designers is, “Peter Yenson, his collection every season is inspired by a different woman, she could be famous or dead or anybody. His new Spring/Summer collection is inspired by Nina Simone, and it’s amazing!”

Photography by Angelique Silvian