Young Guns

Hello fellow bloggers and anyone else who stumbles upon my musings. No point in even attempting to excuse my absence this time but I will mention the fact that my little NetBook is sadly running out of juice.

Anyhow, I wanted to post a couple of images detailing a feature I was involved with at IMAGE magazine during my stint as editorial assistant. Young Guns features up and coming talent in Ireland... And did I mention how they're all male? Make sure to have a looksie. Suited and booted, they make a very dapper bunch indeed. Pick up your copy of the September issue, you won't be disappointed!

Excuse the quality of the IPhone images but this sneak peek should act as an incentive to purchase a copy and see the spread in all it's glory.

It's time for me to move on to a new project starting next week, one which I'm very excited about! More news on that soon, until next time my friends x

Summer has come and gone..

Hello! So it's a busy time, as all media and magazine folk will know we have to plan ahead for future issues. The sun may have been shining but I was swooning over all the gorgeous AW fashion we have to look forward to. Get excited!

Saying that, with the high temperatures of late I had to invest in a couple of pretty and light tops.. From Topshop of course.. don't think I've ever left it empty handed!

Ireland is known for its changeable weather, this week alone we have had sunshine, rain, thunder and lightning. Pretty impressive really oh and it makes for very pretty rainbows..

We had a beauty sale in office this week which translates as make up products at cheap prices with the proceeds going to charity. Everyone's a winner then.

Also one of my friends introduced to this motto which is something i'mtrying to adopt.. In fact given that the Irish nation is prone to complaining we could all use it!

Lets hope the sun hasn't disappeared for good for Ireland is truly gorgeous in good weather. Hope everyone is enjoying summer!

Make Over Your Make Up Bag!

First published on Intrigue.ie

Before I begin, I must admit that these products are of the want variety rather than need… however they are extremely pretty and very hard to resist if you’re anything like the magpie that is me. Just one of these will reinvent your make-up bag and put a smile on your face every time you use it – although be warned, they are on the pricey side..

YSL Rouge Volupte €31 – From the glamorous gold packaging to the creamy texture of this luxurious lipstick – this is one product I’m well and truly hooked on. Available in 29 shades, the long-lasting formula is pigmented with a Colour Shine complex giving you plump and radiant lips. As if this wasn’t reason enough to invest, there is also an added SPF 15, essential in the beautiful sunny weather we’re having of late!

Aerin Summer Style Palette €56.00  – Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of the esteemed Estee Lauder has created her own make up line and it’s simply gorgeous. Luxurious but girly, encased in this pretty packaging there are two neutral eyeshadows, a soft nude blush to warm the cheeks, two lip glosses and two lipsticks, in this handbag friendly palette. Other highlights to this collection include the beach cream which doubles up as a body lotion, beach conditioner and the bronzing powder but this palette is definitely pick of the bunch in my opinion.

MAC Pearlmatte Face Powder €29.50 – A sucker for all things MAC I think this collection is one of the cutest yet. As the campaign imagery shows it is inspired by sweet treats including delectable macaroons and decorative cupcakes. Entitled the Baking Beauties Collection, the colour palette is dominated by pastels and candy colours so it’s a must see for any self-confessed girly girl. It includes four lipsticks, five eyeshadows, three nail polished, a mascara and two face powders. While I could probably buy every item, for now I have my eye on the face powder In For A Treat -  half because I need one and half due to the pretty pattern!

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara €30 – When I think luxury I think Chanel and while a 2.55 handbag is way out of my reach, at least I can content myself with the odd make up splurge. The black packaging is trademark Chanel and its understated look is the last word in elegance. Do not be put off by the large wand, for on practised application it creates wonderfully glossy and Bambi-like lashes. For lasting curl, hold and volume, this mascara has all the makings of a cult product.

Benefit Primping with the Stars €37 – When discussing pretty make up I can hardly leave Benefit out. Three kits have been released of late; Do The Bright Thing, Bronze of Champions and Primping with the Stars. Each of these has its highlights but if buying one, I think I would choose Primping with the Stars. It contains mini versions of Stay Don’t Stray, The Porefessional, Some Kind-a Gorgeous in Medium, Benetint,Girl Meets Pearl & They’re Real! mascara. All of these have achieved great reviews in their own right, particularly They’re Real! and The Porefessional which are two of Benefit’s bestsellers. It’s the perfect complexion fixing kit and will look super cute in your handbag.

So that completes my round-up of pretty products… go forth and splurge!

Insta Post!

Quick Insta post to show what's been going on in my life lately! I've been busy with work and also have had a nasty toothache so nothing too exciting of late.

That said I get to see one of my best girls home from London tomorrow so can't wait! So a few pretty snaps of Dun Laoghaire in our recent and short lived heat wave, cutest coffee cup ever and a couple of snaps of my favourite people. Until next time :) 

Italy!

Last weekend I visited Italy for the first time to attend my cousins wedding in Arezzo, Tuscany. It was beautiful but far too short as we only stayed for three days. I can't wait to return and for a much a longer visit next time.

The ceremony and reception were held in a small church high up in the mountains surrounded by luscious greenery and a gorgeous blue sky. We were very lucky as the next day was marred by showers and storms.

Florence is such a pretty city even though we only spent two hours there as it was an hour there and back and we had to return for a family dinner. Delicious pizza and gelato, diets and healthy eating are forgotten about here!

Here are a few snaps of the day, I wore a blush pink Rachel Gilbert dress and   

hot pink suede Louboutin shoes.... I loved the combination and hope another occasion will crop up soon so it has another outing!

Coachella 2013..

This weekend, its all about Coachella. The music festival taking place in Indio, California, the Inland's Empire Coachella Valley to be geographically correct.

The fashion fabulous set, the music lovers and anyone who loves a good party come together to celebrate at the coolest music festival there is. It marks the start of the festival season and it's a hard act to follow.

Performing at this years festival are The Red Hot Chill Peppers, The Stone Roses and Blur to name but a few. It also takes place over two weekends, yes it really is that cool.

All weekend my Instagram has been full of gorgeous photos detailing what the bloggers are wearing. Crochet, denim, neon, white, stacked jewellery, fedoras... Oh the list of gorgeousness is endless.

It's also made the headlines for the celebrities attending, Kirsten Stewart and Robert Pattison appear to be back together for they were pictured holding hands.

Between the massive line up of rock, indie and dance acts and cool activities such as the Neon Carnival all of which takes place in the warm sunshine, is it any wonder I'm practically drooling with jealousy!

Excuse the mental image but at least it conveys my inner green eyes monster.

The XX and New Order are just two of the acts set to storm the Coachella stage next weekend.. Oh someday I will get there..

My Week In Pictures!

Just a few short snaps of what my week involved, Instagram style!

Dun Laoghaire, aka my place of work is a very pretty coastal town with a beautiful pier, perfect for walks on lazy afternoons or whiling away your lunch hour. I just had to photograph it, with the oh so pretty bandstand.

This photo is a little older but included it as it's of one of my best girls and I at my birthday a couple of weeks ago. She's a lovely.

As I've mentioned before Topshop is one of my happy places and I picked up a few items lately. I wore the dress photographed with my bestie on my birthday and am already planning the next few outfits.

I have a sweet tooth.. And caramel is my Achilles heel. Blondie brownie was just calling my name... Yum yum yum. It cancelled out my run earlier in the day but hey, it was worth it!

Fanore Beach, about an hour from my home house, is one of my favourite places I love beaches full stop but this one really is just gorgeous. Sand dunes, blue skies and sparkling water... It made for the perfect Saturday jaunt.

Wish list <3

This month as per usual I am craving a number of items, many of which are beyond my price range but hey a girl can dream!

Mac Book Pro 13 My little netbook is slowing up and although it has served me well it may be time to think about trading in. Of course my magpie tendencies are drawn to the very pretty shiny Mac screen, design and interface. Swoon...

Saint Laurent Pointed Leather Mary Jane pumps These pretty much speak for themselves...amazing! Teamed with a LBD you can network any room in these beauts or carry off a sophisticated look by wearing them with this season's favourite look, tailored cigarette pants. I'm going to justify the 625 euro price tag by saying they are a wardrobe staple and will last you year after year.

Topshop Premium Linked Chain necklace this neck piece is at the higher end of high street jewellery but in my opinion it's worth it. I love Freedom jewellery and have to be careful when I hit Topshop as I have been known to get carried away by all the pretty baubles on offer.

Mulberry Willow Tote This bag has appeared on my blog before and undoubtedly will again but I really do love it. Gorgeous structure and fabric, Mulberry bags just scream luxury and ooze sophistication. Arm candy at its very finest, mmm yes please. 

         

First fashion shoot at IMAGE.

So as I mentioned in the last post I will try to blog about what I consider the exciting things happening as part of my role at IMAGE.

I mentioned before that I have been organising fashion shoots and this week I got to see one in action.

What can I say? It was just amazing, high couture mixed with a little high street love. Stylist Niamh O Rourke of www.niamhorourke.com picked some fabulous looks and it was a joy to watch the final product.

The theme of the shoot was checks and stripes, trying to pick a favourite look is impossible amidst all the neon colour popping and fun patterns but I did absolutely love the pink Chanel skirt suit with gorgeous pearl detailing. A modern take on an old classic, just gorgeous.

I have a couple of behind the scenes photos to share but watch out for the May issue of IMAGE to see the full spread!

IMAGE... Yay!

Felt quite guilty to see that my last post was in January and now almost two months later I have finally got back to the blogosphere. In my defence things have been pretty busy! I have managed to secure an internship in IMAGE magazine and how hold the grand title of editorial assistant.

I have been so busy what with moving to a new city, figuring out the best commute route, putting in long hours and trying to soak up every new nugget of information. That is no excuse for the lack of blogging but during the week it's pretty much..wake bus work lunch work bus home eat bed. At the weekend it's trying to see the people I am neglecting during the week and of course catch up on a little extra beauty sleep.

However I will try and find the time to blog more as I am seeing, learning and doing exciting things since joining the IMAGE team. Last week our March issue went to print and seeing my name in print on the magazine's masthead was a pretty cool moment. I always thought it was a cop out to say it makes all the hard work worthwhile but in a funny way it actually does. I guess it's because there is concrete proof to show that you were involved.

There is a lot of competition for internships like mine so I am determined to make the most of it and hopefully it will prove an important milestone in my career. It's only been six weeks and I have learnt so much from organising shoots to editorial planning, even attending my first editorial meeting was such a revelation for I really got to see how everything worked.

Its exciting so from here in I will do my best to blog about what I think are the most exciting and interesting events/news/happenings etc.

Golden Globes 2013 - Fashion Wins

The Golden Globes took place last night and although there were lots of interesting and surprising wins on the night, for me it was all about the fashion!

Kate Hudson looked absolutely amazing in a floor length black Alexander Mc Queen with gold detailing, her blond hair offset the gown beautifully and this was definitely one of the stand out dresses on the night as I'm sure Twitter will have informed most fashion addicts already.

Anne Hathaway is making headlines at the moment due to her stellar performance in the big screen version of Les Misèrables released last week and she did not disappoint her fans last night collecting the award for Best Supporting Actress. Dressed in a white Chanel couture gown teamed with her gamine elfin cut Ms Hathaway looked simply ethereal.

Sienna Miller has always been a winner in the style stakes and although she may have got it wrong last night she still has a unique style.

The photo below shows her in one of my favourite Globes dresses, a stunning white Marchesa gown adorned with metallic accents and detail. Minimal make up and a simple plaited hairstyle allowed the dress to do all the talking. Perfection.

And of course Jennifer Lawrence...she was the centre of attention at the awards for a number of reasons.As the face of Dior her red couture gown by the same designer was breathtaking, a deep red tinged with orange this dress did not need any additional accessories. A simple upstyle meant the dress took centre stage which is exactly how it should be for award ceremonies such as this! Jennifer also won Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy  for her role in Silver Linings Playbook, a film I am eager to see! Has anyone viewed already? If so please let me know what you though of it.

 Claire Danes also looked amazing in a red Versace gown as did Jessica Alba in an Oscar de la Renta melon silk gown with a stunning Harry Winston neck piece. Alba's dress is stunning, colour, shape, I love everything about it and the $5.8 million neckpiece looks pretty wow too.

 Lucy Liu stepped out in a dress whose print can only be described as akin to that of a carpet, I for one am not a fan.

 That said, the fashion at this year's Golden Globes was exemplary, bring on the Oscars!

Inspiration

The start of a new year tends to make you reevaluate certain things and the possibility of change, this may sound deep and meaningful but changes do not have to be huge either.

I think everyone is different, some people make new year's resolutions, others prefer to do things quietly rather than make a big deal out of the new year arriving.

Trying to get ahead in the journalism/media/blogging world is not the most straightforward of tasks but I hope  2013 will allow me to build on what I have achieved so far.With a blog it's difficult to decide if you concentrate on one area be it fashion, make up, tutorials, vlogging, photo diaries, style watch reports or stick to a mix of subjects.

 I have been working on a little bit of everything so I think I'll stick to that formula for the moment and see how it goes. It is important to enjoy the blogging process and have fun with it and what better way to do that than mixing it up a bit!

It's 2013!

First post of 2013.. It's crazy how quickly times passes and this Christmas is no exception.

It has been a great one catching up with family and friends, too much food as always but it wouldn't be the festive season of we didn't indulge ourselves a little!

I received lots of presents and have included a few in a collage to show you. A Pandora ring with a freshwater pearl, it is very cute and will dress up any outfit. I do love pearls!! Converse are a necessity and this grey pair will go with jeans and a white tee for a relaxed look.

The River Island scarf pictured was a present from my sister and I love it, so warm and cosy and looks great with any outfit, regardless of the season.

I'm scared and excited for what 2013 will bring for I feel I may make some changes, just not sure what they are yet!! Hopefully it will be one of the best yet, Happy New Year to all!