A Retro Day Out: Ladies Day At The Races

It's well known that the Irish have a huge love of horseracing and in recent years racing festivals have become the hottest sporting and social events on the calendar. Fashion is a key feature of racing; most festivals have a designated ladies day with impressive and much coveted prizes for the best dressed.  Whether you opt for a classic vintage piece or something bold and daring from the high street you’re in with a chance – there’s no right or wrong at the races. It’s also one of the few occasions apart from weddings that we girls get to don a hat and drink champagne!

So far this year I’ve been to the Punchestown Festival and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival and I had an amazing time at both. If you’re looking for a day of glamour, excitement and flirting (yes, there’s always plenty of men!) I would thoroughly recommend hitting the races before the summer season is over. See 2012 Ladies Day dates below.

What I wore to Punchestown

Hat – Vintage (circa 1940s) from the Ha’penny Flea Market

Blouse – Penneys/Primark

Skirt – River Island

Cardigan – F&F Tesco

Gloves – Vintage

Bag – Penneys/Primark

Shoes – Shoe Rack

 

A close up of my Punchestown accessories. The umbrella is from Penneys/Primark

My friend Magdalene and I at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby


Headpiece – Handmade by myself

Top – Penneys/Primark

Skirt – Asos

Gloves – Vintage

Bag – Borrowed from my sister

Shoes – Shoe Rack

Umbrella - Penneys/Primark

                                                                My headpiece

The Inside Track – Top Tips:

·         Whatever you wear make sure you dress for the weather. When you are planning your outfit have a warmer/cooler option and bring an umbrella, this is Ireland after all!

·         Leave your impossibly high heels at home. A day at the races involves a lot of walking so wear heels that you’ve already broken in or go with a comfortable wedge. Party feet insoles will also help to prevent sore feet.

·         Though very popular, a clutch bag is not ideal for the race track. I found this out the hard way at Punchestown! It is impossible to hold a drink, study a form guide and hold onto a clutch at the same time.

·         Eat a sensible meal before you head to the race track. With trying to catch the eye of the Best Dressed judges it might be some time before you can grab something to eat.

·         Popping plasters and bobby pins into your handbag is a good idea. Blisters and loose hats/headpieces are the biggest threats to a wonderful Ladies Day.

Ladies Day Dates 2012:

Galway Summer Festival - Thursday 2^nd August

Littlewoods Ireland Ladies Day at Sligo Racecourse – Thursday 9^th August

Littlewoods Ireland Ladies Day at Kilbeggan Racecourse – Saturday 11^th August

Littlewoods Ireland Ladies Day at Tramore Racecourse – Saturday 18^th August

Bellewstown August Festival at Bellewstown Racecourse – Thursday 23^rd August

Littlewoods Ireland Ladies Day at Killarney Racecourse – Saturday 1^st September

Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes Day at Leopardstown Racecourse – Saturday 8^th September

For more Ladies Day Dates click here.

Beauty Tutorial: Futuristic Nails

                                          Girl from Mars: Jil Sander Autumn/Winter 2012

Have a look at the cinema listings, in your local bookshop or turn on a television - the fantasy genre is in full swing. Two of the most highly anticipated films this year were Prometheus and The Hunger Games. The Hunger Games books remain firmly on the bestseller lists and Game of Thrones is ensuring the majority of the population is glued to television sets every Monday night. Whether it’s dystopian tough girls you’re into or otherworldly sprites, the sudden popularity of this genre was reflected on the Autumn/Winter catwalks. Jil Sander showcased sci-fi silver with shocking white while Balenciaga‘s heroines wore electric blue teamed with solid metallic accessories.  The futuristic trend appeared on nails too; featuring in the shows of Chanel, Alice + Olivia and Behnaz Sarafpour.

Behnaz Sarafpour Autumn/Winter 2012

Behnaz Sarafpour’s gorgeous reflective silver tips are what I tried to emulate. After using a base coat I took the most intense silver from my collection, Rimmel Lasting Finish in 239 Your Majesty, and painted the tip of each nail. This did take a bit of patience; it might be easier if you used those crescent shaped guides available in French manicure kits. When the tips had dried I painted my nails with a clear glittery polish, Essence Colour & Go 04 Space Queen, how apt! A top coat went over this and I was ready to kick some alien ass! Researching for this post I discovered that Behnaz Sarafpour’s tips are most likely foils. I think you can easily recreate this look without the expense of foils. I got three days wear without a chip and that’s not too bad considering I used budget nail polish.

Left to right: Rimmel Lasting Finish in 239 Your Majesty, Essence Colour & Go in 04 Space Queen

This photo does not do my shimmering beauties justice

U Magazine Stylist Competition: I'm A Finalist!

‘Do you adore fashion? Would you love to make a career out of it?’ These are the questions U magazine posed last month when they launched their competition to find Ireland’s next great stylist. My answer? Hell yes! I quickly went about completing the first task which involved styling two trends (there were six trends listed) and submitting the shots. I chose pastels and all white as my trends and my leggy sister Aoife kindly took on the role of model extraordinaire. I almost died when I found out I had made it into the final ten. No, literally. I was on the bus happily chomping away on a bar of Dairy Milk Whole Nut and reading the latest issue of U when I suddenly saw my name staring up at me. Thankfully the woman beside me didn’t have to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre but it was a close call!

We were set our next task which had to be submitted last week. It was challenging as the trend we had to style can be a difficult one to wear. I’m sure all will be revealed in U soon! From this, ten will be whittled down to six and I wish all the girls the best of luck. I’m definitely facing some stiff competition.

And the prize?! Mentoring by top stylist Courtney Smith and a shoot with renowned photographer Daniel Holfeld which will appear in U. A truly amazing opportunity. Wish me luck!

Hair Inspiration: The Beautiful Bob

For as long as I can remember I have worn my hair shoulder length or longer. The thought of anything shorter appalled me. However, over the past few months my hair has become dry and damaged snubbing my overzealous efforts to style it.  I was also bored with it and in the midst of a mid-20s crisis last month I went under the scissors and got a bob!

The history of the bob is an interesting one. Originating at the beginning of the 20^th century, it was seen as a shocking statement of independence in young women. It was only considered respectable when women joined the workforce during World War I and no longer had time to style long hair. By the mid-1920s it was the dominant female hairstyle in the Western world popularised by actresses Louise Brooks and Joan Crawford, the original flapper girls. As the 1930s approached, women started to grow their hair longer and the bob was abandoned.

Vidal Sassoon is credited with bringing back the bob in the 1960s, revolutionising the style with his precise, geometric cuts. Sassoon created some of the most iconic hairstyles of the 60s including Mia Farrow's pixie crop and the five-point cut worn by stars such as Mary Quant, Nancy Kwan and Grace Coddington.

                                          Vidal in his salon. Oh to have a time machine!

More 1960s Inspiration:

Anna Karina

                                                      Chantal Goya

                                              Jessica Paré as Megan Draper in Mad Men

Modern Inspiration:

Krysten Ritter

Kimbra

Alexa Chung

Taking inspiration from the 60s (my favourite decade for music, fashion and beauty) I asked my hairdresser for a blunt bob a lá Chantal Goya. However, she nervously recommended an A-line bob (where the front is slightly longer than the back) for fear I’d turn the scissors on her due to my lack of length! I took her advice and it was the right decision. I love my hair. It’s in better condition, more manageable and I think I look a little more elegant! Also, in a world obsessed with big hair and extensions it’s nice to sport something a little different.

  My gorgeous friend Katie and I at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby last weekend

Beauty Review: L’Oréal Volume Million Lashes Luminizer Mascara

Ever since I read a fawning review of this mascara back in March I’ve been hankering after it.  But at €16.99 I was reluctant to part with my precious cash. Now, I’m sure you girls who swear by Dior Diorshow and Lancôme Hypnôse Drama mascaras (the big beauty award winners and both priced over €25) are shocked by my miserliness but I’m a staunch beauty on a budget advocate.  I believe we can all look stunning using inexpensive products and a €17 mascara is a little out of my range. However, the good folk at Boots sent me a coupon for €3 off mascara recently (oh how I love that Boots card!) and I was at my nearest L’Oréal counter before you could say ‘beautiful bountiful driving men insane lashes’.

And the verdict? Disappointment. Overall, it’s a decent mascara. The fat plastic wand lifted and defined my lashes and they were noticeably more voluminous. However, L’Oréal’s biggest claim with this mascara is to enhance the colour of your eyes. It’s available in three shades - for blue, brown and green eyes. The mascara goes on black despite the colour in the tube; you can see mine (for blue eyes) appears navy. But L’Oréal fail to deliver - despite examining my eyes intently and ordering friends to stick their faces into mine and get a load of my dazzling baby blues, I, and my suffering friends didn’t see one bit of difference to the colour of my eyes.

My biggest fault with this mascara, however, has to be the flaking. After just one coat and 30 minutes of wear I’m left with little black flakes under my eyes and down my cheeks. This is just unacceptable for a mascara of this price. I’ll be sticking to my Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express mascara, my absolute favourite at the moment.

How To Create: Earrings Good Enough to Eat!

You know the deal - it's Christmas time, you’re lying on the couch watching bad TV surrounded by half empty tins of Roses, Quality Street and the inevitable box of USA Assorted Biscuits. You wipe your chocolate covered gob with the back of your hand and stare miserably at the carnage. Despite the countless sweet wrappers scattered at your feet, the shortbread crumbs down your best woolly geansaí and the groans from your bloated body you can’t help but yearn for some...Celebrations. Oh yes, to nibble on a sweet velvety Galaxy Truffle. Why is this chocolate so rare or so rare in my house?!

I’m getting distracted...returning to my tale of Christmas indulgence - I vowed to take a stand, a gym membership was too extreme (and possibly life-threatening) so I decided to delve deep into my artistic side and create jewellery out of the vibrant sweet wrappers. Sounds a bit crazy I know but this jewellery is really quirky and unique to you; you can choose your own colours, shape and size. You’re also doing your bit for the environment by recycling.

 You will need- sweet wrappers, a glue gun or superglue, cardboard (a cereal box will do), scissors, earring posts, a pencil/pen.

Earring posts are basically stud earrings with a flat base. You can glue anything onto these babies, they're cheap and easily found in jewellery making supply stores. I bought mine in Beads & Bling on Wellington Quay in Dublin.

Decide what shape and colour (and chocolate brand!) you want. Draw the shapes on the cardboard, you may need a ruler.

Cut out your shapes and place on your chosen sweet wrapper. Trace the shapes with a pen and cut out.

Apply a dot of glue on the card and place the sweet wrapper shape on top, pressing down firmly. Be careful if you're using hot glue, I used the edge of a towel to press down and avoid burnt fingers. When dry, flip your shape over and repeat.

Now your shapes are ready for the earring posts. Check out these hearts I cut out from gold Quality Street foil, be imaginative with your design or alternatively use two different sweet wrappers to create a collage effect. If you want your earrings to be a little more hard-wearing I'd suggest covering in contact book covering before applying the earring posts.

Apply a dot of glue to one side of your shape and place the earring post on top. Hold down for a few seconds and leave to dry.

Ta-da! And here’s some I made earlier - Quality Street green triangles, my favourite (literally!). I feel these earrings have a real 80s vibe as they’re so bold and flashy; I can see them complimenting washed-out denim or a jumpsuit perfectly. They could also add a different dimension to your festival outfit this summer.

Manners Maketh Man (And Woman!) - Vintage Lessons On Etiquette

Some of my most treasured possessions belonged to my Great-Aunt Liz, an elegant lady who lived in New York City for most of her life. They include a 1937 copy of Gone With The Wind, black evening gloves and a book published in 1930 called ‘Good Manners - Reliable Advice on Etiquette Clearly Told’. I often open up this little volume and read the outdated passages for sheer amusement though there are times when I wish I lived in a more courteous era  - preferably where Don Draper look-a-likes roamed the streets doffing their hats  and holding open doors.

However, without getting into a lengthy discussion on impolite modern society I believe manners still matter. I’m not insisting men give up their seats on public transport or you should know which fork to eat your salad with; I’m talking about simple niceties such as introductions. A few months ago I was walking through town with a friend who was stopped by someone she knew. She proceeded to chat animatedly to this person for ten minutes while I stood beside her; no introductions were made and I was shocked by friend’s rudeness. I wasn’t expecting a Bridget Jones  ’introduce people with thoughtful details’ type introduction, ‘here you, this is me mate Eimear’ would have sufficed nicely!

                                                                            ‘Ah Perpetua’

Even more recently I was chatted up at an event by a man who had a friend in tow. It was quite clear that the friend didn’t want to play trusty wingman; he had a surly expression on his face and kept rolling his eyes. I tried to include him in the conversation by asking him a question however all I received in reply was a grunt.  According to my Great-Aunt's book - ‘you can never tell when good manners may mean money, or when some slight slip may spoil your chances in business or your social life'. Well this boorish clown certainly spoiled his friend's chances with me!

Here are some of my favourite pieces from 'Good Manners - Reliable Advice on Etiquette Clearly Told’. Warning: contains rampant sexism (naturally!).

How to introduce:

A mother should never introduce her daughter to a young man by her first name, as this puts them on a too familiar footing, which may prove embarrassing to the young lady.



Table manners:

Toothpicks have gone out of date. It is impolite to pick your teeth. Some people try to cover up the operation with their napkins. This makes matters worse because it calls attention to what is going on. If you must pick your teeth, be excused from the table or retire to another room.

Manners when dancing:

A girl should never dance with her arms around a man’s neck. The man should never hold the girl too tightly. There must always be room enough between them to allow plenty of freedom. “Hugging” while dancing is extremely poor taste.

                                                 Leaving room for that all important 'freedom'

The etiquette of gifts:

A girl should never send a man a gift unless engaged and then only at Christmas and on his birthday. On these occasions it is best not to have the gift too personal. A book or cigarettes is sufficient.

       'A box of smokes for my birthday, oh dearest you shouldn't have. You do spoil me so!'


Manners in public:

A woman should not stop a man on the street, unless of course, she knows him very well. He may be hurrying to some business engagement and she may be delaying him…a fact which, as a gentleman, he cannot tell her.

A man should offer to carry any bundles a woman may be carrying. If the bundles are small, she should decline with thanks. A man loaded down with small bundles looks awkward.

In the office:

Women in business should be ready to start their work the moment they arrive at the office. The habit of many girls arriving just before the opening hour and then spending several minutes powdering, rouging, and so on, it is not fair to the firm. It wastes the time for which they are being paid.

'But with all my stenography completed what else is there to do but catch the eye of that dish in Accounts?'

Ehh ok, maybe living in this day and age isn’t too bad after all! But perhaps bear this in mind from time to time - ‘Treat people as you would like to be treated.  Karma's only a bitch if you are’.