ICON

Starting today and running until the 15th of June, a collection of homeware by 16 Irish designers is displayed in the windows and throughout the store at Brown Thomas, Dublin. I had the opportunity to attend the press launch this morning and get the very first glimpses at the items displayed.

Was I wowed? To say the least. All of the items are real pieces of art and I would happily take any of the exhibits home. 

Shopping at Brown Thomas  is normally a pleasant experience but I think that the exhibition, casually displayed in between the beautiful clothes, brings it to a whole new level. Well done BT and of course, the Crafts Council of Ireland. Hopefully there's more of such fantastic ideas where this came from! 

Below, some of the items displayed, including my favourite: Hydrangeas Cube by Sasha Sykes.  

 Clockwise from left to right: Sasha Sykes, Jack Doherty, John Lee

Paula Stokes

Mrs Darcy

I doubt the name of the small Irish label Darcy is based on the Jane Austen's characters but I still like to think that there's some of their romance behind it... There certainly is in my new dress!

The uniqueness of something I buy always appeals to me and the fact that this small company is based in Wexford (I can literally drive there) and produces 6 collections per year of only about 25 pieces each, makes me feel, well, special! What drew my attention to this dress was definitely the print and again, there's an interesting story behind it... Designed by an Irish artist, Stephen Byrne it is only available at Darcy.

Do clothes get any better than this?! I love the story behind the brand, the dress and I hope you will fall for it too :) As it's a very bold print, I kept the accessories to a minimum to let the dress do the talking and used only 1 stronger accent - the studded headband - to toughen it up a little bit.

Dress - Darcy

It's in the detail...

Belt - Darcy (comes with the dress)

Clutch bag - ebay.ie

Shoes - Office

Ring - oldie, I can't recall 

Headband - Topshop

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

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Getting up close and personal - Isadora

I recently attended a makeup demonstration by Stephan Ulvund Oien, Isadora's international makeup artist. Stephan was not only really entertaining but also full of hints on how to create the perfect, natural makeup. I've never actually used Isadora before and what got my attention first was the new range of nail polishes - sugar crush. I'm really into the textured nail polish recently and this one not only feels like crushed sugar, it easily lasts a week! Although it is quite sparkly, I've been wearing it non stop since the launch (it's available in selected Debenhams now).

My pretty sugar crushed nails:)

Stephan's presentation on contouring was brilliant and I would really recommend you check out the video below, it'll change your makeup routine!

I still have a long way to go but slowly introducing Isadora's makeup and tricks to my daily routine is already visible (I'm afraid I'm not brave enough to go with a before and after;)

Products used: 16Hrs Active Moist. Make-up SPF 30, Big Bronzing Powder both Isadora

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9-to-5 #Busy bee

Sometimes it's all run, run, run (without the slimming benefit) & I catch myself breathless - mostly trying to meet a deadline or remember what this little, oh-so-important note I made and highlighted 3 times actually meant.

The smart trousers with a sporty side stripe fit this scenario perfectly.
 
What gets me through those days is usually my shoes - the more colourful the better.

 

Blazer - Zara

Trousers - Dunnes Stores

Top - H&M

It's in the detail...

Heels - Penneys

Bag - Selected Femme 

Necklace - bought at a market

Ring (left hand) - vintage

Ring (right hand) - Topshop

iPhone cover - H&M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

Alex and Ani

I could tell you many stories about St. Anthony and his amazing powers but it's probably not the place or time. I have to mention though the time my mom found her precious gold earring drove over by a car months after it was lost, after she had very clearly bribed St. Anthony in a local Church, I always had a lot of respect for the guy after that. He has since assisted me (or should I say this little silver statue of him) to every exam in my life and I am yet to fail...

As you can understand, he holds a special place in my books and he's been well written in to my family' history. 

You can imagine my excitement when I heard about Angela Scanlon's partnership with Alex and Ani. I've been lusting after their jewellery since and this St. Anthony's necklace seems like the perfect piece for me.. 

Check out their website for a story behind the brand which is really interesting and in case you haven't heard, they're now available in Arnotts! 

City life

As summer is nowhere to be seen and spring keeps on acting up, I have taken up a challenge and tried layering again. You might remember that it has never been my strong side and I have previously failed rather miserably at it.

As I grow older I think I recognise what's an appropriate length for me and what actually benefits my shape better and so, layering is somehow improved. I still think it's not where it should be but considering that here I am, wearing 4 layers on top and not looking like a snowman - it's time to celebrate!

The striped jeans surely help. There are lots of stripes around this season but beware - even vertical ones don't always look perfect. The width of the stripe is actually really important and going too thin or too thick can ruin the whole look (making you look times bigger).

x

Jeans - River Island

Top - H&M

Blazer - F21

Leather jacket - 7 For All Mankind

It's in the detail...

Heels - M&S

Bag - bought in Italy

Rings - vintage

Necklace - River Island

Snood - H&M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

Candy girl

I rarely go for a sweet girly look but if I do, I tend to go all out!

The colours in this outfit make me think of fizzy straw candies (I actually have a few sitting on my kitchen table which possibly inspired the outfit). I can't wait to wear this coat on a proper spring day, I think it ticks all the boxes for this season's coat: 60s inspired, orange, with  THE sleeve of the season (in my humble opinion).

A prom dress like this is very versatile and I would encourage every girl (even not the very girly one) to get one as they're suitable for so many occasions: dinner with your boy, girls' night out or even a wedding (fancier belt + hairstyle + bag and you're set to go).

I reckon all I'm missing is a pink cadillac ;)

Dress - River Island

Coat - Penneys

It's in the details..

Ring - River Island

Clutch bag - H&M

Belt - River Island

Heels - Gucci

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

9-to-5 # Dungarees

I was 10 (maybe less..) when I read a book that seriously influenced my way of thinking. Since reading "Never say never" (I can't remember the author but it was long before Melissa Hill, which I shouldn't probably admit) I always thought twice before I said I'd never do something. Over the next 10 years I was regularly tested by somebody out there who usually ensured that I was proved wrong anytime I 'nevered' something: from eating mussels, through wearing skinnies, right to dating Irish guys.

Here I am again, even though I thought I've learned my lesson. Wearing dungarees was on my 'not a done thing, do not go back there' list. How did it make a move to my 9 - to - 5 list? I couldn't possibly tell you. What I can say though is that it's a fantastic way to move away from boring office wear and still look really smart. Paired with a crisp white shirt, black dungarees look classy and not a bit 90s. Although they're not new kids on the block (see what I did there?;) in 21st century they can still serve their original purpose - work-wear!

I say give them a go ladies, I promise you will not look back.

Dungarees - River Island

Shirt - Penneys

It's in the detail...

Heels - Christian Louboutin

Bag - H&M

Bracelets (top to bottom) - River Island, bought at a festival, Penneys

Rings - River Island and Penneys

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

Colour blocking

You might remember how I was easing myself into this trend before. I can't believe that it's actually been nearly two years! See the post from 2 years ago HERE. I can't get over how much I've changed since (I wish I was still the same size!).
What most importantly has changed though is my approach to colour blocking. Over the last 2 years I have lost any prejudice I might have previously had to mixing colours and I now happily go for clashing block colours or prints. I usually decide on what I wear by picking out the individual items separately and rarely think of them as an outfit until they're already worn together (which is when I usually just leave them).

The outfit below is a real summary of my current approach to this trend: strong colours, most likely including monochromes, simple / straight lines, contrasts and most importantly: a lot of fun.

Enjoy

x

Skirt - Dunnes Stores

Top - Penneys

Blazer - Selected Femme

It's in the details..

Heels - Zara

Bag - ebay.ie

Necklace - no brand

Ring - River Island

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI