January

Okay, so I NEVER make a new year's resolution. I don't promise myself that I'm going to eat healthier, exercise more, or try harder at school, simply because...it never happens. However, this year, I really wanted to make one. But I couldn't think of anything that I had a good chance of sticking to. So yes, it took me all month, but I've got it. 

Last year was diabolically boring. One of the most uneventful years of my life. Therefore, this year, something needs to change. I have decided that I have to have a highlight for every month. Make a memory if you will.. Something to remember.. And to make sure I keep up with this, I will be posting it on the last day of every month. Now I can't quit.

So, for January, it has to be this little babe..

My newest little nephew, baby Max, was boring on January 9th 2014. He has been here for only 3 weeks and it's already hard to remember a time without him. He's such a little stunner, and so alert. He has 4 big bros that ADORE him. These guys are more like my little brothers than my nephews.. I don't know what I'd do without them. So I'm glad to be starting off my year with them as my highlight.

I also have to say that the progression of my little blog is also a highlight. Having only started this blog in December, the reaction to it has been great. I'm so happy with how it is going, and can honestly say I really love writing it every day. Thank you so much to everyone reading so far, and to Tori and Victoria at Pretty Lovely Girls for their nomination for the The Liebster Award. Means so much to me..

I wonder what February's highlight will be..

the essentials: part 5

9. Black/Nude Heels

I think a lot of people consider these the boring shoe. A complete waste of money when they could be buying those other killer statement shoes. But trust me...you need these! Perhaps even more than one pair. These are the neutral shoe.. (okay, that sounds a little boring). However, I can't remember how many times someone has picked up an amazing dress and said, 'What shoes could I wear though?' and the only answer is nude/black heels. And when admitting they didn't own a pair, had to put the dress down and back away...gutted!! 

Great for toning down a statement outfit, and they are also perfect for dressing up a casual outfit.To be honest, they truly are little saviours.

These are my favourites:

Jeffrey Campbell (On sale) 

River Island 

Or if you feel like splashing some cash...The Louboutins..

Louboutins 

Someday..


10. Ankle Boots

I debated over this one. I originally was going to put trainers in my top 10, but opted for ankle boots, as I think these get so much more wear. I have several pairs, and at least 5 days out of the week, it's ankle boots I'm wearing. More low key than heels, but more sophisticated than trainers, they really are the perfect casual shoe. I love how they can dress up an OTT casual outfit, and yet tone down a stylish dress for daytime. What more could you ask for..

Here are some favourites:

Pull&Bear 

Zara 

Asos

Alright guys, that is my 10 essential wardrobe pieces. What did you think of them? Are they staples in your wardrobe, or could you live without them?

Thanks for reading..

the essentials: part 4

Okay, confession; I hate to admit this, but time really got the better of me this week. Between starting back at Uni, redecorating my room and just plain lazyness, I haven't gotten round to taking any pictures. But this post will continue..and today we're all about making a statement.

7. Statement Jacket

A statement jacket can instantly transform an entire look. It's perfect for those lazy days when you don't feel like 'dressing'. Paired with  jeans and a tee, a really cool jacket looks so chic, and to be honest, like some effort was put in. 

I started back at University this morning, and I knew I would be tired and feeling OTT lazy, so this was exactly my method today. My favourite statement jacket is a good floral blazer. I teamed this one from Topshop with a baggy tee and my torn up asos jeans for a laid back look. And I have been just DYING to get these bad boys on my feet. I picked up these AWESOME shoes in the Topshop sale last week for £15!! Bargain!! 

Check out this beauty from asos.

8.Statement Jewellery

In an earlier post, I mentioned how I've never been a big jewellery fan; but I've been converted. Since buying a few bold pieces, I certainly had to put them on my list of wardrobe essentials. For me, it's all about the statement necklaces. Like a jacket, they can jazz up any outfit, both casually or for a big night out. 

Here are some of my favourites:

For a killer statement piece, look no further than zara.

Thanks for reading guys..

the liebster award

In the short time that I have been blogging, I have loved every minute of it. I'm so glad I took that moment of bravery and started it. And I love it now so much more after the amazing girls, Tori and Victoria, from Pretty Lovely Girls have nominated me for the Liebster Award. So far, this has made my year. :)

A bit of info; The Liebster Award is presented to blogs that have under 200 followers. Each blog has been nominated by a fellow blogger and presented with 11 questions to answer about themselves. The nominee then nominates 11 other bloggers and gives them 11 questions to answer. And we simply keep it going.. It's an amazing way to promote and find really cool new blogs.

Here are the questions from Pretty Lovely Girls and my answers:

1. If all your make-up was taken away but you could keep 3 things, what would they be?

I would HAVE to have my HD Brows palette, my Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation and Benefit They're Real Mascara.

2. What is your favourite fashion item?

My favourite fashion item is definitely my (super old) Leather Jacket from ZARA. It has been my little life saviour for years and has held up well. If my house goes on fire...that's what I'm grabbing.

3. What is your favourite blush?

At the minute, I've been using, and LOVING, this No7 Blusher in Coral Flush.

4. What is your favourite movie?

Hmm....this is a tough one!! I absolutely love the Sex and the City Movies (have seriously watched them wayy too much!!) But if pushed, I'd have to give it to The Notebook. We all love a wee tearjerker.. :)

5. What/who inspired inspired you to blog?

I am an Instagram addict, and through this I started following a lot of fashion bloggers. I adore the LA style and so I would have to say that blogs like Song of Style, Walk in Wonderland and Sincerely, Jules really inspired me to kick start my blog. 

6. Leather or fur?

Leather!! Definitely! I practically live in leather. I must look like an extra from Grease most of the time..

7. Tell us one makeup tip that changed your life.

Okay, so, confession: I am way more into my fashion that beauty, so I don't have or pick up on any makeup tips. (EEK!) Everything I know I learnt from my sisters, and so I guess just practising over and over is how I got any good.

8. What is the best advice you ever received from someone? 

Sorry. This isn't really advice from 'someone' but a little phrase I have started living by is 'Dream out loud.' It's from a Thirty Seconds to Mars song, and basically reminds me to stop being scared. If I want to do something, I need to go do it.. Like start this blog. :)

9.What is your favourite era in terms of beauty or fashion? (Your know like 50′s, 60′s, etc.)

In terms of hair and beauty, I LOVE the 60's!! As a hairdresser, the hair of that time period is truly inspirational. In terms of fashion, I have to admit, I don't have a favourite era. Every era was amazing when it was happening, and I just prefer to live in the (fashion) moment.

10. What is your staple party look – from beauty to fashion?

The old trusty is the LBD, killer heels and a smokey eye.

11. If there was one thing you could buy (money being no object) what would it be?

Jared Leto?!?! Can I buy him!?! 

Here are my questions for my nominations:

1. Describe your style in one word.
2. What is your favourite online store? 

3. What is currently number one on your wishlist?

4. What is your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
5. Jeans or Dresses?
6. Who/what motivated you to start blogging?
7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
8. Who is your all time favourite band/singer/musician?
9. Describe yourself in three words.
10. What is the best advice you have ever received?
11. What are your goals for 2014?

And my nominations are these 11 AMAZING blogs:

SashaDoll Fashion Closet 

More Style Than Fashion 

Marie Roget 

Rosy Smiles 

Aarica Nichole
Tamsin Lily D
The Sole Project
The Perks Of Being Amy
Vogue Berry
Dornroeeschen
Latest Lil

(These blogs have been chosen on the basis that they are pretty damn good, and have less than 200 followers on Bloglovin)

the essentials: part 3

5. Skinny Jeans

A good pair of skinny jeans can transform ANY look. You can literally throw on anything with a pair of jeans, and be ready to go. It is a necessity to own at least one pair, although it is also fully acceptable to own 50.. in every colour possible. Here, I'm wearing my most favourite (and most comfortable) pair from Topshop. 

Look 1: To prove that anything can be worn with jeans, I present this look. A oversized jumper and a pair of heels...easy.

Look 2: Breaking out another of my ultimate casual looks, I teamed my jeans with a basketball jersey, bomber jacket and wedged trainers. Stylish and cool..

Look 3: I don't know about you but I've noticed through these posts that I wear A LOT of black. I'm glad to have at least one outfit full of colour. I am crazy about these new green and silver shoes I got in the Topshop sale, and I think they really add something to casual outfits. This blazer is an oldie, but it just screams 'Spring!' All we need now is the weather to change...

For an amazing pair of skinny jeans, I HAVE to link back to the JAMIE selection at Topshop. These jeans are really well fitting and SOOOO comfortable.

Or for an edgier pair, try these ones from asos. They're awesome!

6. White Tee

A real essential for me, is the plain white (and possibly black!) t-shirts. Some would say a crisp white shirt is more important, but I'll confess...I hate shirts! Apparently, I was a weird child who had issues with wearing buttons..It's clearly affected my style. 

Look 1: The great thing about a simple plain white tee is that it goes with EVERYTHING. So when you have that one piece that's difficult to style, like a pair of navy plaid trousers, a white tee will nail it. And because of the simplicity of a t-shirt, it keeps the focus on the trousers, and ensures the outfit is not too 'in-your-face'. 

Look 2: How CUTE is my new skirt!?!? I swear I could live in Topshop. But back to the t-shirt... This look shows how easy it is to create an outfit for a night out. Paired with this (adorable!) skirt, cool platform heels, and layered necklaces..it's an easy go-to when the wardrobe looks empty. This look would also look pretty good with flat shoes, creating the perfect from day to night look.

Look 3: To be honest, one my favourite things to do with plain tee's, is to layer them. I love using a simple t-shirt to break up an outfit like this one. Instead of being so dull with an all black look, an oversized tee underneath just gives the look a little more edge. And I can't forget the colour my Puma's bring.. 

For a simple oversized tee, look no further than H&M.

I'll be back tomorrow with two new wardrobe essentials..

the essentials: part 2

The list continues..

3. Leather Jacket

A leather jacket needs no description..it just works ..with everything!

Look 1: I'm not overly girly girly when it comes to my style, so I love toughening up floral prints with my leather jacket, and chelsea boots.

Look 2: The leather jacket is so versatile, I often (always!) wear it on nights out. Again, with the army tee, it toughens up the tulle skirt that i absolutely LOVE, from Topshop.

Look 3: The most casual of looks, I always think adding a leather jacket keeps this look that little bit cooler and chic.

This quilted leather jacket from zara is awesome.

4. Blazer

Like the leather jacket, a blazer is the most versatile jacket you could own. It makes for a nice change from wearing leather, and a great swap when the weather is just too hot for leather.

Look 1: Continuing my love of sequins at the minute, I love this look. The oversized blazer and slip ons keep this look nice and casual, whilst the sequins add a bit of character.

Look 2: This is my favourite casual look. Skinny jeans, heels and a blazer will NEVER go wrong. A shirt tied around the waist adds that little something else to the overall look.

Look 3: I adore this quilted leather skater skirt from Topshop. Teaming this with a blazer instead of a leather jacket keeps it a little more classy. It can be rather difficult to pull off double leather :/

I really like this fitted blazer from asos.

Until tomorrow...

the essentials: part 1

So here we go...

1. LBD

I think it's safe to say, everyone will agree with me on this one. The Little Black Dress is a must!! I love this one as I am a massive fan of the drop waist. The style of the sleeves and the fitted body also means that you can get away with this one both casually and dressed up.

Look 1: If you haven't already noticed, I am quite a casual dresser, so I like dressing things down. The easiest, and comfiest, way to do this is throw an oversized jumper over the top to get that skirt effect. Keeping it low key with converse.

Look 2: Another perfect casual look, this is how I like to style this dress when the weather is a little better. A light bomber jacket keeps it low key, and the red Puma Suede's add a pop of colour.

Look 3: The saviour!! This is the go to look when there is no other option for a night out. Paired with awesome heels and statement jewellery, just add a statement clutch and you're ready to go.

Love this little LBD from Topshop.

2. Leather Trousers

Confession: I would die without these bad boys!! They are my favourite piece of clothing I have ever owned. I got these from Topshop AGES ago, but they are so wearable and have really held up well (based on the fact that they are never off me). If I could recommend one thing, it would be to invest in a good pair of leather trousers..they are worth it.

Look 1: Like an LBD, this is my go to for a night out (when you haven't shaved your legs or can't bear the cold). With a pair of killer heels, statement jewellery, or a really cool jacket, this look is so chic. It never fails.

Look 2: The grungy, laid back look is a definite favourite of mine. I like to team my leather trousers with and oversized band tee, bulky trainers, like these wedged ones, and one of my many brightly coloured slouchy hats to keep me from looking too dull.

Look 3: This look has quickly become my Uni look. It's perfect for early starts, when you just want to wear a massive hoodie, and pretend you're still in bed. With an oversized jumper and comfy flats, the leather trousers keeps this looking stylish, (and like some effort was put in).

These leather trousers from G-Star are awesome.

So that is the first two of my wardrobe essentials. I would love your feedback on this..Would you put these in your list?

the essentials

It's that time again...time for a wardrobe clear out. It can be such a long process, because naturally everything needs to be tried on again, making that oh so difficult decision to throw something out so much harder. It all comes down to that one question: Do I NEED it?? Most of the time the answer is 'No but I WANT it!!' So that got me thinking; what do we really need in our wardrobes?

Over the next few days, I'm going to bring you 10 of what I consider to be wardrobe essentials. Instead of just supplying a list of items (how boring!), I thought it would be much more fun to show you a very important piece, and three ways that I like to style it. I mean, what's a wardrobe essential if it's not versatile. (And that has nothing to do with the fact that I really wanted to try on all my clothes...)

Hope you guys like this..

First post coming soon...
;)

blocks

Hey guys..What up!?
So recently I cleared out my wardrobe, and I came across these green joggers I got from Topshop a lifetime ago. I haven't really had much wear out of them and to be completely honest, I've been keeping them 'just incase'. After spending last night reading through a fashion book, that basically says if you don't wear it, get rid of it, I've been giving these trousers some thought.

There is still something pulling me to them, and making it very hard to throw them out, so I gave them a chance today. I teamed them with this black and white block tee, another old purchase from Topshop, and I really do love the block colours, and the structure of this outfit. It felt like a refreshing change from the usual, trusty jeans/tee combo.

Trousers (Old)/ Topshop (Similar here in blue)

Top (Old)/ Topshop (Love the simplicity of this for these trousers)

Shoes/ DV8 (Similar here)

What do you guys think of these trousers? Should they stay or should they go?!

Drop me a comment..

wishing i was in la

Hey guys. After last year being so unbearably boring, I have been promising myself that 2014 will be amazing! However, it's 21st January... and I'm bored already. I'm definitely going to start working on a bucket list for the next 12 months. My main aim is definitely to visit LA. It is the dream. Most of the bloggers that I follow religiously are from LA, and I just so envy them. I love the casual style they seem to have when it comes to their lifestyle, and their clothes. For me, (if I lived in LA, where it's warm unlike Ireland), my go to outfit would definitely be the mini skirt and tee combo. I love how effortlessly cool this looks, and I'm loving sequins at the minute. I got this sequinned skirt years ago, and only rediscovered it when reorganising my wardrobe. 

Tee/ Tee and Cake @ Topshop

Skirt(Old)/ Similar here and also love this

Hat/ Topshop (Similar here)

Rings/ H&M

Boots(Old)/ Love these

Missguided have some really cool sequinned skirts in their sale at the minute. The links to them are above. I really want to get more wear out of this skirt (and I'm sorry but I hate wearing tights!!), so the weather here really needs to get better. Here's hoping!! 

tfnc

Good evening guys..

Today I want to show you my beautiful new sequinned jacket. I spotted this little tfnc number in Topshop last week, and instantly bought it! I find it impossible to say no to a statement jacket, and you just can't beat a fully sequinned piece. I love using statement pieces to dress up an otherwise dull outfit, and they can work both casually or for a night out. So, you REALLY can't say no can you..

Jacket/ tfnc @Topshop

Tee/ H&M

Jeans/Topshop

Shoes/ Matalan

Check out the full range of tfnc at Topshop here.

What do you guys think of statement jackets?? 

ripped

Hey all. So, not a full outfit post today, I'm keeping this short and sweet. I just needed to show off my AWESOME new jeans!! I first spotted them on another blogger, and I loved them instantly. I ordered them straight away. Since I've gotten them, they have been in public twice. And I have to admit, I got a lot of stares from old people, not very loving comments from my sisters, and I'm not allowed to wear them when visiting my granny. However, they are worth it! The fact they are high waisted is a bonus (you can never go wrong with high waisted trousers), and as you can tell, I'm getting my wear out of these wedged trainers.

You can get these beauties from asos, and they come in three torn up colours.

Until next time.. :)

dropped

I wasn't going to do an outfit post today, but changed my mind last minute, because I really wanted to share this dress. I absolutely love drop waist dresses. It's really all Victoria Beckham's fault. I love her designs, and hello..have you seen that blue oversized drop waist dress for S/S 14?! Incredible!! So that was my main attraction to this dress when I seen it. My other drop waist dress is quite a tight fit, so I'm glad this one is a litter looser. Much more comfortable for casual wear.

Dress/Topshop

Necklace/Topshop

Necklace/Topshop (similar here)

Trainers/River Island (love these ones too)

Sorry that these photos are awful. These were very last minute, and as you can probably tell, it's just me and my (not so good) camera. On the look out for a photographer this year ;)

ZARA's new collection

So tonight I made the magnificent discovery that is.. ZARA's New Collection. Incase you haven't already noticed, I'm a bit of a Zara fanatic. It is my go-to shop for EVERYTHING! I abandoned looking at the website recently because it was just their sale items, which I either had (and couldn't bear looking at the sale prices!), or I wasn't keen on. Having had a quick browse through the new stuff, I've already picked a few favourites, and I thought I'd share them with you... cos I know you'd be dying to see them ;)

If you haven't already, you will want to go check out this collection..

Show me your favourite pieces.

plaid trousers

As promised, an outfit post. Today's outfit comes from Zara. I love my plaid trousers, and I've had so much wear out of them. This trend has been around for a while, and I think it's definitely on the way out. So I had to get them in an outfit post before it was too late.
I paired them with this sheer top, also from Zara, because I think the colours really compliment each other. The thing I like most about these trousers is the dark tone of them, which means they aren't too 'in your face'.. great for casual wear. I might even be able to sneak a few more wears out of them..

 

 

Top/Zara

Trousers/Zara

Shoes(Old)/New Look

Rings/H&M

  

To be honest, today was kind of a 'thrown together' day. Tomorrow might be more exciting..

i'm back...

..and I've been shopping!!

 

The exams are finally over (phew!!). And I'm only in first year.. I dread to see the stress levels in final year (I always thought everyone was being dramatic! lol). But anyways, because of exams, blogging was put on hold. It actually surprised me at how much I missed it. So I'm glad to be back at it, and to celebrate, I went shopping...

 

Here's a few recent buys, and hopefully I can start doing outfit posts tomorrow again..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lipsticks/Yves Saint Laurent

Rings/H&M

Dress/Topshop

Necklaces/Topshop

Sequinned Jacket/TFNC @ Topshop

Clutch/ASOS



 

 

I'll save the rest for later....



dressed to the Max

Today was AMAZING!! My big sister and her husband welcomed baby Max into the world this morning, and he's just a fricking dote!!! I seen him sleep for about half an hour and already I'm crazy about him. So proud of my sister and really looking forward to them getting home. So between visiting Max and taking over the school runs today, in hindsight, this probably wasn't the most practical outfit. Oh well...

Ask anyone and they can confirm, I am rarely out of my leather trousers. They are AWESOME! I paired them today with a loose oversized plain white tee, worn both tucked in and hanging loose as they day went on (keeping things mixed up! lol!). And my lovely new oversized coat that I got for a complete bargain in the Topshop sale.

Leather Trousers/Topshop

White Tee/New Look

Coat/Topshop

Boots/H&M

Anyways, I must get back to this studying I've been avoiding... or I might just look at some pictures of Max in all his cuteness..

button and bow bling

Okay, so confession: I don't like jewellery! I don't know why but I always try to get away with as little as possible. Casually, the most I will ever wear is my Guess watch ('cos I'm crazy about it!!) But that has recently progressed into the only jewellery I ever wear. So, in an attempt to break out of this habit and be more adventurous (if you can call it that), I eagerly jumped on the statement necklace trend. I have started building a little collection now, and I am so proud of myself!! Here's my recent buy from The Button and Bow Factory:

 

 

I found this little website absolutely ages ago when they started following my personal twitter account. But, hating jewellery, I avoided it. When I started this blog, I came across them again and had a browse. I came across this beautiful piece, and I just had to have it in my growing collection.

 

The Button and Bow Factory is a small Irish business. The service is GREAT! I had a bit of trouble ordering my piece (my fault, not theirs), and they were so helpful and quick to respond. And you can get in touch with them through Facebook and Twitter too, which is so much handier for people like me who hates making phone calls. The best part about this little business: They ship worldwide, and they only sell a limited number of pieces, so you can feel very unique with your new necklace.

 

 

leather and lace

cosy in leather

casual end to 2013

Flicking through some of my most favourite fashion blogs, I'm seeing everyone summing up their favourite outfits of the past year. First of all, jealous much!?!? Some of those girls just make me sad, they are so stylish. Lol! But secondly, you can just see the passion, dedication and effort they put into their blogs. They really are inspirational to me, and my little blog.

 

So since I have only been blogging a few weeks, I won't be throwing together such an impressive post, but just a few pictures of my favourite casual looks over recent weeks.

 

2014 will bring some proper outfit posts.....promise!!! ;)