Tough Love

Crystal Castles gig tomorrow night, oh so excited. If I had the resources and was maybe five inches shorter, this is what I'd wear. Somehow, punk just doesn't work as good in flats.



Topshop Sweater, Shoe Boots, Bra and Hot Pants. Balmain Trousers and Alexander Wang Handbag.

Currently listening to 'Untrust Us' by Crystal Castles.

Music A La Mode

Apart from my interest in the world of fashion, music plays a huge part in keeping me sane when the only highlights of your week are college and part-time work.

Anyway, I couldn't possibly publish a blog and not give a small mention to some of the artists that inspire me on a daily basis. Here are my five favorite musicians.


I have been a huge fan of Interpol for the past five years. I first discovered them whilst listening to Tom Dunne on his old show for Today FM, Pet Sounds and have been a devoted follower ever since. They are a fantastic live act and other then being pioneers in their style of music, they are quite a dapper quartet, regularly being mentioned in the likes of Men's Vogue and GQ. I couldn't go a day without listening to 'Take You On A Cruise' taken from their second album Antics.


Beck is another artist I admire and listen to on a daily basis. The ironic lyrics and chameleon-like qualities of his music keep you guessing, which is always a refreshing trait. One of my favorite songs of his would have to be 'Orphans' which appears on his new album Modern Guilt.


Sigur Rós only caught my attention recently, when I was going through a period of hating everything on my iPod and craved something new. Some people find their genre of music too quirky and surreal, but I love it just because of that! It's different and ethereal and seems to capture a separate emotion in every sound. I adore 'Sæglópur' which is taken from their fourth studio album Takk...


Another band whose musical style is heavily laden with melancholic melodies and emotive instrumentals are Mogwai. I became interested in their music when I saw that they were supporting Interpol at a few of their shows in America years ago. They truly caught people's attention when two of their songs 'Auto Rock' and 'We're No Here' were featured on the soundtrack for the film Miami Vice. I love 'Hunted By A Freak' which appears on the album Happy Songs For Happy People.


Radiohead certainly need no explanation; their international popularity and the longevity of their music career has given them an almost legendary status. It's hard to pick just one favorite song, but 'Reckoner' taken from their latest album In Rainbows certainly appears on my iTunes Top 25 Most Played Playlist.

Even though my favorite artists would fall into the Alternative Rock genre, I absolutely adore all types of music, from The Prodigy and Daft Punk era Dance, to Kanye West and Jay Z flavored Hip Hop.

Currently listening to 'Shove It' by Santogold.

Lots Of Love For Model.Live

Other than keeping up with new episodes of The Hills and Gossip Girl on the ever trusty Great Stuff TV website, a constant companion on hungover there's-nothing-on-TV evenings, I am hooked on the new mini-series created by Vogue TV and IMG, Model.Live.

At first I was reluctant to check out another reality show concerned with the trials and tribulations of aspiring fashion models; too much trashy TV viewing of the America's Next Top Model variety can leave a bad taste in your mouth. But I became curious when I saw that it was a collaboration of two of the fashion world's leading empires, namely Vogue and IMG Model Management.



It follows the lives of three young models, Austria, Cato and Madeline, as they are catapulted into the unfamiliar, exciting and terrifying world of international modeling, right at the start of the annual Fashion Weeks of New York, London, Milan and Paris.

They each offer a different perspective to the show, but my favorite has to be the Dutch model, Cato Van Ee, pictured above. Not only is she stunning, but her energy, attitude and wonderful personality is truly refreshing.

It has proved to be a real and honest portrayl of their journey and I actually found it a joy to watch, without any of the cattiness or debauchery that usually peppers this type of reality TV programme.

Images were found on The Fashion Spot.

Currently listening to 'I Lust You' by Neon Neon.

Dark Romance

I adore contrasting fabrics and textures, fusing sexy, sheer separates with thick knits and dark opaques. Perfect for cuddling up with someone special on chilly nights.



Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Cardigan, Roberto Cavalli Belt, Dolce & Gabbana Baby Doll, Topshop Hot Pants, Anthropologie Tights, Pedro Garcia Boots.

Currently listening to 'Anything New' by Digitalism.

Beauty Backlash

Whilst watching the first episode of the new Irish version of The Apprentice, featuring the quintessential rags-to-riches entrepreneur Bill Cullen, I was somewhat taken aback by a comment one of the female contestants had to make.

My initial admiration for her confidence and steely determination, waned as she dismissed her lady competitors as "little girls too busy straightening their hair and painting their faces" to prove themselves capable of standing in her way.



I have to disagree with her view on beauty in business. Whereas she was naturally very attractive and obviously felt no need to waste any time that could be spent working in the office, on working on her appearance, there is no reason that a woman who primps and preens to polished perfection, should be feared any less in the boardroom.

Like a man wears a pinstripe suit as if it were a suit of armor, a woman can similarly feel more confident because of a dash of lipstick, striking accessory or simply, stylishly coiffed hair.

I certainly feel more willing to take on the world when I have my Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara and Elnett Hairspray as my trusty steeds.

Images can be found on Style.

Currently listening to 'La Ritournelle' by Sebastien Tellier.

Vandalism In The Park

Currently listening to 'Lovers Who Uncover (Crystal Castles Remix)' by The Little Ones.

Let's Go Kick Some Leaves

Autumn's on the way and this is what I'd like to be wearing.



A.P.C. Duffle Coat, Fiorentini + Baker Boots, Staerk Dress, Karen Walker Belt and Socks, Golden Goose Bag.

Currently listening to 'Sæglópur' by Sigur Rós.

Wildest Dream Come True

Word on the block is that American Apparel is opening soon on Grafton Street.

Dublin is going to be a much better place. I have butterflies!

Currently listening to 'Love Lockdown' by Kanye West.

Currently Coveting

What with the current recession putting any unnecessary expenditure on hold for the moment, my wish for a Lomography Diana+ Camera is only for the wishing.

But maybe taking ethereal, seventies style photos of everyday life might be deemed a necessity? I may put some pennies aside.

Currently listening to 'Be Somebody' by Kings Of Leon.

It's About Time

It certainly has been a disgraceful amount of time since I posted last; days turned into weeks and then into months. A lot has changed since Ophelia Ford was most recently active.

I discontinued my Commerce (International) with Italian studies at UCD, moved home from the city to the country, worked as an Office Assistant to a Human Resources Manager for the summer, completed a Diploma in Journalism with Independent Colleges, visited my family's holiday home in Portugal and also squeezed a week in to Ibiza with my girlfriends.


This week I've moved back onto leafy Adelaide Road and have just gone back to college to study Business and Management at DIT and will be starting my studies for a Diploma in Image and Fashion Styling with Limperts Academy of Design come October. So I'm looking forward to a busy and exciting year!

Unfortunately, during this huge transition, my blog fell victim to cold neglect, so it is only now that I come crawling back with my tail between my legs to give it another shot!

I'm really excited about getting things back up and running. I have a few things planned and can't wait to see what happens.

Photo used courtesy of my lovely friend Simone.

Currently listening to 'Gamma Ray' by Beck.