Molly Bloom knows style

It’s hard for most dudes to identify with men’s runway. But there are things you will see trickle down as ready-to-wear trends. And I’m not talking about the golf shirts.

Givenchy showed highwater pants with significant creases pressed into the legs — my money’s on this trouser trend. Another look was full through the thigh and knee to a tighter hem. The silhouette is similar to pegged jeans (back in the regrettable 1980s, there was a time when you rolled up your jeans in such a way that they cut off the circulation to your feet and made your legs resemble balloons).

Prada’s spring collection was mostly black. The cuts and fabrics said spring, the colors said it-could-snow-any-minute-now. San Francisco and New York are all-black towns, but this collection offers seasonally appropriate pieces for our lazy urban palette.

Dublin style was under wraps (and raincoats) during our visit. There was a cold snap during our stay and it rained every day. Like San Franciscans, Dubliners own some nice outer layers. Lots of belted car coats for the ladies and Euro car racer-style jackets for the dudes.

Women are still rocking the pointy-toed shoes, especially flats. When in Europe I always marvel that women can navigate those uneven medieval streets in heels and Dublin is no exception. Lots of women were in boots but blame that on the rain. Luxury denim and big earrings were other notable trends. I was charmed by all the hipsters carrying the cane-style umbrellas, very dapper.

There was one style “don’t” that I saw too often: Oompa-Loompa orange fake tans. I don’t mind tan in a can so long as it doesn’t look like a fake tan. Believe me, fair ladies, I understand the desire to be less chalky. If I had a freckle for every time someone commented on my complexion by asking if I’m Irish… oh, wait. I have those freckles and then some. But if your orange legs are the first things I see when you’re wearing a minidress, the fake tan is not a success.

Despite all intentions to hit Top Shop, I never made it. I wanted to check out Kate Moss’ line and maybe pick up a few inexpensive trendy bits. But it was not to be. My lone fashion purchase of the trip is a pair of skivvies I picked up at the Guinness storehouse with Tookie the Toucan printed on the bum.

I’m back from Ireland with stories to tell. What a wonderful country! The dress I made for Bloomsday was a hit and wasn’t too mangled in the travels. Stuffing the arms full of paper and the body of the dress with my shawl did the trick.

We started the day at the James Joyce Center, where foreign dignitaries and members of various literary societies read passages from Ulysses. I was interviewed by a reporter for the Irish Times who was doing a story on the festivities.

Next we headed to Davy Byrnes’ Pub, where Leopold has lunch in the book (”Mr Bloom ate his stripes of sandwich, fresh clean bread, with relish of disgust, pungent mustard, the feety savour of green cheese. Sips of his wine soothed his palate.”) The gorgonzola sandwich was actually delightful (hold the mustard, thanks) and went well with the Guinness we drank in place of the storied Burgundy. One of the servers said the pub had sold 500 of the cheese sandwiches that day.

Plenty of people at the pub wore period costume. One group held court in the back room singing old songs. Up front people took turns reading passages over the bar’s intercom system. There were men in waistcoasts (what we call vests) and women in Edwardian day clothes — big hats and blouses belted into layers of skirts. One Dubliner commented on my costume, “Loverly dress — bit posh idn’t it?”

And so went this Molly’s first Bloomsday. The real Molly Bloom wore bed clothes — she stayed in bed all day. But a nightgown wouldn’t have been as fun to make.

In a few days Ted & I are off to Ireland. First stop: Dublin, where we will be taking part in Bloomsday festivities. I made an Edwardian dress for the occasion (think Titanic), a confection of rose-colored dupioni and smoky organza and dove-gray velvet. The conundrum: how to pack this gown and get it there in decent shape.

I’ve searched online and have come up with zip. I’m thinking of stuffing it with a bit of tissue paper and packing it in a full-size hanging garment bag. I think the wee garment bag in my rollie case will crush and smush the dress.

Any of you dear readers have experience flying across continents with gowns? I think the old school way was to back a valet and steamer trunk and then have your handmaid deal with the results. Since it’s the maid’s week off I’m on my own. Please post in the comments. Gratzi!

Earlier this week the Council of Fashion Designers of America presented their 2007 awards. Here’s a video of the womenswear nominees. It’s very fashion-y so of course I love it.

(via fashionista)

A dear reader wrote in to ask how she can remove the red wine dribbles that inevitably end up on her blouses and table linens. This drinking problem is not only common, it’s in high season with all the weddings and open bars of summertime.

If you spill red wine on cotton, such as men’s dress shirts or table linens, try dousing it with milk immediately. This will stop the red from setting.

A fantastic laundry treatment combines Dawn dishwashing soap and hydrogen peroxide. The solution is drizzled on the stain and allowed to soak for a few minutes. You can watch the stain lighten. Then throw it in the wash.

Noto bene: Watch out for champagne spills. They will stain clothes a brownish yellow. Wash or dry clean as soon as possible to avoid yellowing.