First Photo Diary!

Just a quick post filled with Christmas photos..I love this time of year especially now you can enjoy the lights, music and present shopping.

Lately it seems that Christmas comes earlier and more extravagantly every year but now it's only a week away we can enjoy it guilt free.

The photos are from shopping trips to both Galway and Dublin where there are gorgeous decorations on show. I love coming home to a warm open fire at Christmas and look how pretty our tree is.

Had to include a picture of Bailey my beloved King Charles and a sneak peek of one of my early Christmas presents, a black Zara coat which I have been lusting after for weeks.

Happy Christmas everyone!

Christmas Wishlist

This wish list could be described as terribly decadent and extravagant but as it is a wish list I think that this description is acceptable and dare I say even suitable. To even have one of the featured items (Mulberry, need I say any more) would be amazing but there is always next year!!

I have been lusting after the Mulberry Willow since it featured in the Spring Summer '13 catwalk shows in London and Paris. It's pretty wow and practical too for the front of the bag can be removed to be used as a stand alone clutch. Hey presto, two bags for the prices of one! Does that justify the exorbitant price of over a thousand euro? Maybe not but I would definitely do my best to argue the point.

This bag is gorgeous regardless of the colour but the black does look pretty fabulous as demonstrated by Ms Moss below. The lucky lady was one of the first celebs to get the Willow, only days after it made its debut on the catwalk.

Some might be forgiven for thinking the Barbour jacket would be more at home on a farm paired with wellingtons than a capsule fashion piece.However it has proved its worth and versatility, teamed with skinnies and a printed scarf for chilly days or with your trusted denim shorts for a festival it really is an essential. From Princess Diana to Alexa Chung variations of the Barbour have been spotted on many the celebrity. The Beadnell jacket pictured here will last you season after season ensuring value for money.

Christmas brings parties and every girl wants to be the belle of the ball, this red number from Rachel Gilber is a show stopper and if you have a special event to attend over the festive season you are guaranteed to turn heads in this gown. WANT WANT WANT.

I'm a sucker for arm candy and am practically ashamed to admit how many watches I own, in my defence I accumulated them over a number of years and some aren't in fashion any more which means there is always room for more like this beautiful diamond encrusted mother of pearl Rolex. Pretty fabulous.

As mentioned at the start of the post this is a wishlist and a girl can but dream... I might do a more realistic post later on of Christmas purchases I can actually afford!

Style Crush - Eva Mendes

There are quite a number of reasons to be jealous of the beautiful Ms Mendes.. to start there is the fact that she is going out with one of Hollywood's hottest men Mr Ryan Gosling, then there is her sultry Latino looks and enviable acting career and last but certainly not least her amazing wardrobe.

Eva knows how to work it regardless of the time, day or night she upps it in the style stakes. This lady does not shy away from bright shades and given her colouring she can certainly carry it off. Quirky accessories such as this knitted royal blue hat might look ridiculous on someone else but paired with a timeless camel coat and of course Ryan on her arm the casual look is simply effortless for her.

Eva is a fan of printed dresses which are a great investment as they carry you from season to season, bare legged with sandals in summer, then slip on a pair of opaque tights and your favourite ankle boots for winter. Versatile yet stylish, every girl should have a couple of pieces like this in her wardrobe. It can even bring you straight from the office to after work drinks by adding a clutch bag, oversized blazer and some statement jewellery. Just remember less is more.

It's obvious Eva has perfected casual dressing by ensuring she has a number of style staples to hand and her shades are never far, adding a designer touch to any outfit. That said, this actress looks fabulous when dressed up too, be it a movie premiere, charity gala or just a night out. Sophisticated pencil skirts, jewel coloured dresses and fabrics such as lace and leather form the basis of Eva's wardrobe. I particularly love the white lace dress pictured in the middle, it is so simple yet so elegant and embodies Eva's style, feminine but with that little edge. Both guys and girls love her and it isn't too difficult to see why!

Too Excited!

London is one of my favourite cities at any time of year but it is especially magical at Christmas. All of the lights are turned on,decorations everywhere, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is in full swing and this year Harrods have a beautiful window display inspired by the princesses from Disney fairytales. A number of haute couture designers created stunning designs based on the characters including Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Ariel from the Little Mermaid and Aurora from Sleeping Beauty.

I'm a girly girl and have been described as a princess at times by my nearest and dearest, I love all things pretty and pink and have always had a soft spot for Disney, in particular the princesses.

Ariel from the Little Mermaid by Marchesa

Elie Saab used Sleeping Beauty for a muse while Marchesa chose Ariel from The Little Mermiad. Versace took on Cinderella, Valentino kept Belle romantic as ever and Jenny Packham created a Rapunzel inspired gown.Prints and feathers for Pochahontas by Roberto Cavalli and Oscar de la Renta gives Snow White a make over with a bejewlled bodice.

The dresses were unveiled on the 1st November and I'm sure they have caught the eye of many a shopper, the display coincides with the opening of a new pop up Disney boutique in Harrods complete with Princess Parlour. If at all possible make sure to visit because these stunning displays should not be missed.

Aurora from Sleeping Beauty by Elie Saab

                                                                  

Our fair city..

I had to travel up to the big shmoke for a meeting yesterday.. As always the Irish weather was unpredictable which meant choosing an appropriate outfit quite a difficult task. I got there in the end though and had quite an enjoyable day!

A trip to Dublin would not be complete without a browse around the shops and I picked up a couple of bits in Forever 21, post to follow. I also saw fabulous Kurt Geiger heels but alas my budget would not stretch that far!

Then I took the popular 46a out to Dun Laoghiare for my meeting at IMAGE magazine.  Dun Laoghaire is so pretty with various boats and fishing vessels docked in the harbour, I fell in love with the picturesque town. Charming walkways and benches dotted here and there made it very easy to indulge my inner romantic and daydream a little!

The town also has a cosmopolitan feel with numerous restaurants bars and cafes to delight in. While I love the city itself I thought Dun Laoghaire had a relaxed vibe while still keeping up with its big brother.

Here are a couple of pictures I took, as a friend of mine quipped I was an "up for the dayer". Perhaps a little bit of town mouse country mouse syndrome going on if I'm honest... I do have a yearning to move up to the capital so let's hope this dream is realised in the not too distant future!

Shopping with a Conscience!

        I'm a little bit of a bracelet/bangle/jewellery junkie so I couldn't wait to blog about the newest addition to my hoard, a friendship bracelet collaboration between Links of London and the charity FEED.

I have been lusting after this for over a month now and I gave in today, while I was meant to be on the hunt for my sisters birthday present. I got that too in the end but the lure of the bracelet finally proved too much to resist.

My conscience is eased by the fact that each bracelet symbolises something very important, the fight against world hunger.

The bracelet I chose stands for 50 school meals for children in areas of war and conflict. It is made of grey and metallic silver thread and the dove is sterling silver.

There are a number of different styles including blue thread with a teardrop symbolising 500 days of clean drinking water for one child and fuchsia thread fronting a heart standing for 50 school meals in areas with high HIV/AIDS rates.
         
So there you have it, I have found out after many years of shopping it is possible to make a guilt free purchase and do something worthwhile when indulging in my favourite hobby. The fact they look good is only a bonus :)

Latest Loves

I have been neglecting my blog of late but things have just been so busy what with work placement, compiling my special report and of course the dreaded job hunt. Anyway here's a quick post detailing a couple of my latest purchases. First up is this khaki and leather mix jacket, I got it in River Island priced at €73 but staff discount meant I got a little money off.. yay! It's currently in Topshop too, much the same but the sleeves are full length and its more expensive. I love it though and think it will be a staple piece for this winter! I like that you can wear it casually but you can also dress it up with heels and accessories.

I also picked these little beauties up in Penney's/Primark , love love love! They are limited edition so I was lucky to get them at all considering how quickly things sell out in this particular store. They are fab though and will dress upa simple black dress, a snip at only €22.

Studs and suede

So I had to do a post on my new Topshop bag simply cos it's that amazing!!

I'm a big fan of anything studded.. My biker boots are studded, a black sheer shirt with a studded collar, studded shorts.. You get the idea!

This bag though is just cool, I'm already working outfits around on it cos I love it so much. It's a great size too and the fact that you can wear it as a crossover bag as well as a clutch is even better.

The front is suede, covered in silver studs and the back is leather. I just heart it! Definitely my new favourite piece.

Caggie & Millie - MIC

Made in Chelsea... so I admit I might be a bit behind everyone else but I've only recently caught on to MIC. I will admit that I had dismissed it as your usual run of the mill reality show until I discovered that it's actually quite addictive!

It's all about the lives of the rich and famous, particularly young socialites living it up in London. Champagne is the drink of choice. The relationships border on incestuous, which some of the cast members have commented on, but it does make for great viewing.

This said, it is the fashion that really gets me. Everyone dresses pretty fabulously, the boys are privy to wearing cravats and suit jackets as part of their everyday attire. However paired with jeans it actually works. Probably because they have the confidence to carry it off!

The style of the characters in general is pretty impressive. That said there are a couple of characters that really stand out. Caggie Dunlop is classed as a cool girl, by both guys and girls alike. Her look is quite relaxed on a daily basis but she can glam it up if needs be. A denim shirt teamed with a messy bun looks great on her but so does a short dress. She's a fan of maxi skirts, denim and chunky jumpers. Even without making a huge effort, her Ray-Ban aviators and winning smile are enough to get her noticed. She is a solo singer who has also launched her own fashion label ISWAI- It Starts With An Idea.

Millie Mackintosh is another lady who dresses to impress. From denim cut offs to a leather look dress this girl does classy chic very well. Bodycon dresses, shorts and blazer jackets are key pieces in her wardrobe  She could be described as slightly more high maintenance than Caggie but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. A make up artist who decided fashion was more her thing is now working in Glamour magazine as an intern. My dream job, right there! Accessories are important for Millie's look, from her Chanel 2.55 to a floppy fedora, she rarely puts a fashion foot wrong.

Caggie and Millie are the best of friends. Back in Series One there was a foursome going on when the girls were spending time with Chelsea playboys Spencer Matthews and Hugo Taylor respectively. Their friendship has survived long distance separations and friction with other cast members. They may acknowledge the other girls, air kissing and so on but it is clear that their bond is a special one.

GTI Showcases Fashion Forward Looks

First published in the Galway City Tribune on 27th April

19^th April was the date chosen for this year’sGTI Fashion Fiesta. As the event enjoyed tremendous success last year thoseinvolved were determined to make sure this year was equally as good. The venuechosen was the Hotel Meyrick on Eyre Square. An inspired choice, as the grandsetting of the hotel’s surroundings fitted in perfectly with the masqueradetheme. Some of the models donned bouffant hair, red rouge and pale powderedfaces lending a Victorian old worldly feel to proceedings

The title of the event was A Modern Masquerade. This waswhat made the event so unique. There was a perfect combination of old and new.Some of the hairstyles and make up were reminiscent of older trends but with afashion forward twist. The outfits modelled were wonderfully imaginative fromthe materials used to the tailoring and structure.

The opening of the show was no exception to the moderntheme. The audience were given an advance preview of Alice Underground which isto take place in the Town Hall Theatre on the 5^th and 6^thJuly. The performance was a mix of hip hop, ballet and modern dance showingthat the old fashioned fairy-tale has certainly evolved.

This performance led into the fashion show which waspresented by none other than Mr Brendan Courtney, presenter of RTE’s Off theRails. From the moment he opened his mouth he was cracking jokes which put boththe models and the audience at ease. He was full of praise for Galway as it isa fashion forward city which is no surprise considering it’s the home of PhilipTreacy whom he compared to the great Christian Dior. Brendan also said thatGalway has the most fashion designers per capita than anywhere else in theBritish Isles. Definitely something to be proud of! Brendan is no stranger toGalway, as he has presented Glamour in Galway for the past two years. Thefashion and beauty event is run by Catwalk modelling agency and has enjoyedgreat success to date.

The fashion industry practice students were the first toshowcase their wares. The designs were based on items that can be found in thehouse. Toilet roll, bubble wrap and binliners were used to make high fashionoutfits. Combined with dramatic make-up and hair the effect was veryimpressive.

Next up was business fashion. The styling here wasimpeccable, the first model wore a beautiful white number with little appliquedrosebuds topped off with a masquerade mask in keeping with the theme. One ofthe highlights of this section was Laura Jane Halton, a past student of thecourse who even modelled one of the outfits herself. Only last weekend she wona prize at Kerry Fashion Weekend, singling her out as one to watch!

Next up were the level 5 fashion design students. All of thedesigns were impressive but the Volvo Ocean Race dress was certainly one of themost exciting designs on show. The detail was astonishing, it was made usingseashells and other accoutrements collected from the sea shore. It waswonderfully authentic and very fitting considering the big event is fastapproaching. Galway is very excited about the Volovo race and it was great tosee that reflected through fashion designs from gifted students.

Many of the current spring summer 2012 fashion trends werefeatured in the work of the GTI students. Candy pastel colours, lace trimmingsand midi length skirts were all to be seen on the catwalk. The hair and beautycreations were striking. Every colour imaginable was used, one model wascompletely bedecked in blue and black, from her hair and make up to her outfit.

The final module to take to the catwalk were the level 6fashion design students. These pupils are in their second year at GTI. Theirhard work was evident from the skill that went into creating the ensembles.Each designer chooses a theme and then develops their design around the chosentheme. Stacey Fox modelled her own design, a beautiful flowing Grecian dresswith beaded detail. This creation would look amazing at any celebrity studdedred carpet event. Marie Joyce’s 1950s inspired dress was made from dressshirts. This was Brendan’s personal favourite as he chose it for the covetedtitle of best dress on the night.

Given the stunning designs showcased in the Meyrick it comesas no surprise that three of the students Lily Joyce, Aoife Heneghan andKatarina Hruskova were finalists for the Age of Aquarius award at the GoldenEgg Fashion Innovation awards held here in Galway on the 5^th ofApril.

Previous students of fashion at GTI have gone on to work forRos Na Run, Brown Thomas and Emily Jean a headpiece and jewellery designer. Onestudent even succeeded in getting work experience in a fashion house in theTrump Tower in New York’s 5th Avenue. With such varied talent and expertise itis clear that Galway is making its mark on the fashion world.

Electric Picnic Baby!

Disappointing news this week as Slane 2012 is not happening! I was very much hoping for a Coldplay headliner after all the rumours but alas it's not to be, this year anyway. With no Slane or Oxygen it seems it's all about Electric Picnic this year.

I for one am not complaining as the line up for this is pretty damn impressive. The Cure... seriously cool English Rock band that have been going strong since 1976. Yes there have been a few changes as front man Robert Smith is the only constant member. Their alternative rock quirky sound is not to be missed and they are sure to be one of the main highlights. Really hope they play Close to Me.

Ed Sheeran is also playing EP. His music... I just love it. My friends are seriously sick of listening to me rave on about him. From the angsty "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" to the sensitive "Kiss Me" Mr Sheeran is truly unique. I was lucky enough to see him in the Roisin Dubh last year and he is just amazing live!

That's not all. The Killers, Elbow, Glen Hansard, Hot Chip and Christy Moore among many others are set to appear at this year's Electric Picnic. It may be four months away but hey it's great to have something to look forward to, right! I'm a broke student at the moment but fingers crossed I'll be in the money for the first weekend in September. Festival fashion too... love it! Wellies, headbands, clashing prints, denim, tie dye, leopard print, leather, statement jewellery... it's all about the crazy!!

                                            The Cure - Close To Me (Bestival  Live 2011)

Shoes shoes and more shoes!

For anyone following this blog you have probably notices that shoes are a common theme and this post is no exception. I love shoes, well I love fashion in general but going through my purchases of late I have noticed more shoes have appeared in my wardrobe as opposed to anything else.

I am a devoted member of the 'high heels are a girl's best friend' school for I believe they can completely transform an outfit. A simple white shirt and black leather leggings look pretty great when topped off with black shoeboots or a simple pair of courts.

So back to my shoe wardrobe. I have one pair of Christian Louboutins. They are hot pink and I bought them to go with a dress for my 21st. However looking back I think I should probably have invested in a black or nude pair as I would have gotten more wear from those colours. That said, I adore them and they are simply fabulous!

Now onto my most recent shoe purchase. I work part time in River Island. Not sure if this is a blessing or a curse. I might stay fashionable but it definitely doesn't help my bank balance! These little booties I felt were justified. They go with so many outfits and are so comfy!! I love the fringe detailing and the aztec print is very current.

Let me know what you think guys :)

Love is what dreams are made of

My blog has been neglected of late, not intentionally of course but with so much going on with work and college, family and friends... there really isn't enough time! Now that I have a couple of spare weeks I'm trying to catch up with friends. Part time work of course and the challenging task of coming up with an engaging thesis idea, which I really need to devote time to.
 Slowly but surely, this motto always frustrated my impatient nature but it does ring true. I've been freaking out a little lately, wondering did I make the correct career choice as the economy is pretty disastrous right now but I think so. I believe in fate as cliched as it sounds. If I hadn't chosen the path I did I would always and for ever have wondered "what if". It is up to us to make our dreams reality.

                                                                             

Uhhhmazing!!

When it comes to shopping, style, fashion, clothes, accessories... once I spot a certain item that I want I become a little, well more than a little obsessed. I'm notorious for it, only one pair of Louboutins but I had to have them. Pink suede, slightly impractical but there you go!! Picture of them to follow. My latest shoe crush however are these Kurt Geiger stilts. Love love love. I'm a sucker for nude but the details on these are fabulous! The neon heel fits in with the spring summer '12 trends perfectly.From the silver studs to the little stars embellished on the heel... I WANT! A broke masters student at the moment but hey a girl can dream...right?!

Oh to have her wardrobe!!

 

Blake Lively... otherwise known as Serena van der Woodsen in the Gossip girl series has a style I'd love to steal. As the face of the Chanel Mademoiselle handbag she can count Karl Lagerfield as one of her besties.


Not only that, I'm pretty sure she has an abundance of Chanel handbags that she didn't have to shell out for! Serious style envy going on...

This said, Ms Lively looks great in a simple white t-shirt. She has that all American look perfected. Blond locks and pearly whites complement her radiant skin. As Serena she is the envy of all her peers and this transcends into reality it would appear. Blake has been linked to some very handsome leading men since she shot to stardom.  The on screen romance with Dan in Gossip Girl continued off camera when Blake and co-star Penn Badgely started dating. That fizzled out and December saw her linked to her Green Lantern co-star Ryan Reynolds. The film wasn't too well received by critics with a very far fetched storyline. There is no denying, however that Serena and Ryan would make one beautiful couple!

                   

    

Whether she is dressed down in simple jeans and a t-shirt or glammed up for a Hollywood party she rarely fails in the fashion stakes! Short shorts that show off her colt like legs or beautiful long dresses that show off her height and slender figure. Hair, skin, body, beautiful clothes... it seems she really is a golden girl.
                                                                 

                                   

                                           

It may not be confirmed but I cannot help getting a little excited anyway. Upon hearing last week that Coldplay were in talks to headline Slane 2012 I squealed with excitement. I have been a Coldplay fan for a while. From the early days with 'Yellow' to the latest single Charlie Brown their music has always touched a chord with me. They are pretty hot right now especially since the release of the studio album Mylo Xyloto.

I was disappointed to learn that no Irish dates had been scheduled on their world tour but if rumours are to be believed they are eager to play at Slane. Even from watching music videos it appears that Chris Martin is one serious front man. He really gives it everything and his enthusiasm is contagious. Apparently he was impressed by the reaction of the crowd to Coldplay at last year's Oxygen festival.Hopefully this convinces them to return to the Emerald Isle and ensure Slane 2012 is one to remember!

A Timeless Accessory

Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf

Had to put up a short post on this little beauty simply because I heart it that much. Tiffany keys are just gorgeous. I was lucky enough to get one as a present. I'm a girly girl, a complete sucker for anything with a heart print. As this is a heart and key combined I lucked out. Leighton Meester who plays Blair in Gossip Girl was filmed wearing one of the fabulous keys. They come in many different shapes and sizes ranging from silver to gold and rose gold. Some are simply beautiful studded with diamonds. Alas thus feature is reflected in the price. I can't wait to get my hands on another but I may have to wait a while!