Best of 2015

London Style Diary

Last week I had the pleasure of being back in one of my favourite cities in the world - London!  I used to visit regularly as it is only a short plane flight from Ireland, but since the birth of my kids I haven't been back.  I also stopped by Cambridge University for a few days for some higher learning     ( a Dementia Course for my job - it was fantastic, but I won't bore you with the details.)  

London is so stylish and cosmopolitan.  There are so many amazing shops and restaurants and the Christmas markets this time of year are great as well!  I wore some casual, yet chic outfits and flat black Chelsea boots from Zara because I did a lot of walking!  I personally love sparkle, especially around Christmas, so I incorporated this gold jumper and silver pleated skirt into my holiday wardrobe.  Hope you all are having a great holiday season! xo

Going to Hogwarts @ Kings Cross train station

The hallow halls of Cambridge University 

It wouldn't be London without a red telephone booth

Sketch x Balmain x H&M

Fashion, food and all things chic came together perfectly this past Friday night when I had a weekend off from the kids and met my friends for dinner at Sketch in London.  I had been waiting for the perfect occasion to rock my Balmain x H&M purchases and this was it!  I would highly recommend a night out in Sketch if you happen to be in London.  Not only is the food amazing, but it's the decor and the ambiance that really make this experience special!  We dined in the Gallery, which was very reminiscent of Dynasty in the 80's with plush pink chairs and cool art work on the walls.  The bathrooms are particularly trippy - the toilets are in these egg pods (pictured below).  My dress was velvet which is perfect for the holidays and this necklace made me feel regal like an Egyptian queen. Did any of you manage to get your hands on the Balmain x H&M collection? xo

Egg pod bathrooms at Sketch

The Gallery dining room at Sketch

The Style Doctor x CNDirect

I am excited to announce my collaboration with the fabulous wholesale website CNDirect. Because this is a wholesale site, they are able to offer amazing deals on a wide range of clothing and accessories - way cheaper than other websites or in stores!  I got this turtleneck dress for just $5 and the pink skirt pictured below for $6!! These pieces are so on trend for the up coming winter party season.  I styled the turtleneck dress with a 70's vibe with OOTK boots and a floppy hat.  For the pink skirt, I wanted to do a little leather and lace tough/ girly feel.  Thus, the lacey crop top and leather jacket.  The pieces are so versatile, I've worn them to work as well.  Be sure to shop the links above!  xo

Hat H&M// Boots Penny's// Necklace Zara

Top Top Shop// Jacket Sandro// Bag Chanel// Shoes Next

Cali Style Diary

I recently returned from visiting my home towns of Los Angeles and Orange County.  It was such a relaxing holiday since we stayed at my parents house and they helped mind the kids so we could sleep till noon and party all night - just kidding! But, I did have an amazing time!  There was a heat wave in Cali and the style vibe there is so laid back.  I wore shorts and T-shirts most days.  It's crazy to think for us over here in Ireland, but there was no need for jeans, closed toe shoes or anything heavier than a cardigan at night - pure bliss!

I would like to share with you some of my favourite spots back home. . . I always spend loads of time in Laguna Beach, Malibu and Santa Monica.  These are the cutest beach towns in my opinion.  For food, I have to eat as much sushi as humanly possible (try Nobu in Malibu for a treat!).  I always get a burger and fries from In-and-Out.  This place is a Cali institution and the freshest, healthiest take out you will ever eat.  I also have a penchant for authentic Mexican food and frozen yogurt.  As for shopping, my favourite American stores are Nordstrom, Anthropology and J Crew.  Check them out on line.  What are your favourites to eat/ do/ shop while in SoCal? xo

Bag and dungarees Penneys @Lake Mission Viejo

Top and vest Anthropology//Bag Chanel @Nobu Malibu

Laguna Beach

Nobu Malibu

Top River Island// Shorts H&M @Laguna Beach

Burgers and fries at In-and-Out

@Santa Monica

My favourite food ever - yellow tail sashimi @Nobu Malibu

LA Wedding Vibes

 

I'm writing this blog post from the luxury of gorgeous California sunshine!  We have been in Orange County for the last week on holidays visiting family and a few days ago I attended my cousin's wedding in downtown LA at the Oviat Penthouse.  This is an amazing art deco building with rooftop views overlooking the city's sky scrapers.  It is by far one of the most breath taking wedding venues I have ever seen!  The bride was beautiful, the atmosphere was electric, and best of all I was reunited with my grandmother who I haven't seen in over ten years!

 

My dress is from Self Portrait.  I have been waiting for an occassion to wear a Self Portrait dress because I am obsessed with their whole line!  My dress had a lace-like effect on top with ruffle detail on the skirt and a zipper so you could reveal as much or as little leg as you pleased.   I'm off to go enjoy some more sunshine! xo

 

 

 

 



Cork Fashion Week 2015

This blog post is particularly close to my heart and a little different than my usual outfit posts.   I have had the pleasure and privilege of being involved in Cork Fashion Week since it's conception in 2009, and also of being very close friends with it's founders, the amazing women pictured above Emer (check out her blog Irish Fashaholic) and Vivienne.  I am amazed by the level of style and ingenuity CFW provides and the platform it creates for a meeting of like minded, fashion loving people to come together and share ideas.  I for one, was inspired!  

I must say my favourite collection of the night was from Dunnes stores.  This Irish owned department store has really upped it's game recently stocking local home grown designers such as Carolyn Donnely, and Lennon Courtney.  I will be running out and purchasing the silver and black Saint Laurant inspired boots and the faux fur stoles.

My outfit for the night was inspired by Parisian chic tulle and stripes.  Plus, I just love anything off the shoulder.  There was so much style in the room, I wish I could share it all with you!  Cheers to CFW, bringing style to Ireland! xo

PS - The photos of myself with Emer, Vivinne and the other bloggers were taken by Blink of an Eye Photography.

Dress (worn as top) Penney's// Bag Chanel// Skirt Verso

With fellow blogger David from Material Boy and CFW directors Emer and Vivienne