Beauty Tutorial: Effortless Autumn Nails

My Sorrow, when she's here with me,

Thinks these dark days of autumn rain

Are beautiful as days can be;

 She loves the bare, the withered tree;

 She walks the sodden pasture lane.

                                                             - From My November Guest by Robert Frost

  

Left to right: Avon Color Trend Color Me Pretty in Vixen, 17 Fast Finish in Fury

 

Burgundy, plum, wine, oxblood: sumptuous berry shades are everywhere this season. If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to update your wardrobe with these colours, paint your nails! For a really opulent look add gold – be it a glitter top coat or gems. I painted the tips of my nails with a rich bronze gold, a perfect autumn hue.

                              

 

Bread, Milk And Beautiful Shoes: Supermarket Fashion Is Now At Its Best

Dunnes Stores:

Dunnes Stores and I have had a rather turbulent relationship. This stems back to shopping there with my mother as a pre-teen and being decked out in some unsightly numbers, among them a size 12 orange jumper! Unbelievably, the smallest size Dunnes stocked back then was a 10 and there were none to be found that day. Needless to say that jumper did nothing to improve my scruffy appearance, an appearance which invited comparisons to a beggar child. Nice! Once I had my own money I haughtily refused to shop there but I was lured back three years ago by the sight of their elegant winter boots.

Dunnes has shaken off its former cheap and cheerful image and besides now stocking a size 8, many of its pieces are featured regularly in glossy magazines as budget must-haves. This year’s autumn/winter collection embraces strong clean lines while incorporating leather and houndstooth print. However, what I find myself buying most often in Dunnes is shoes and tights. Yes, tights! Star print, spot print, mock suspender, sheer nude tights (the palest I’ve come across), fishnets - Dunnes has them all! Its footwear collection seems to be improving all the time and there’s some really stylish and affordable heels and ankle boots in stores now.

                                                Going to see indie rock band Kodakid play a gig

                                                                            Body – Asos

                                                                          Shorts – H&M

                                                           Tights – Dunnes Stores (in store now)

                                                           Shoes – Dunnes Stores (in store now)

                                                                        Bag - Penneys

 

Piped Heel Boot €35  

Outside Zip Boot €32

 

Left to right: Pencil Skirt €25, Zip Coat €60, Houndstooth Jacket €25, Check Bag €20

For more fashion from Dunnes click here

                                                                                                                                                                               

Tesco:

Whenever someone admires what I’m wearing and I tell them it’s from F&F Clothing at Tesco I’m usually met with utter disbelief. The majority of Irish people seem to be unaware that Tesco is chock-a-block full of highly desirable clothes. However, if snapping up stylish bargains in the local supermarket were a sport I must admit I have an unfair advantage. I live in Kildare where the two largest Tesco stores in the country are located, one in Maynooth and the other just outside Naas, the latter being the largest in Europe. These stores have huge fashion departments so I understand if you can’t find anything decent in smaller Tesco stores. I think there’s still some stigma attached to wearing supermarket clothes but why feel ashamed? You're getting catwalk-inspired looks while saving a packet, simple!

 

  Recent buys from Tesco: Cable knit cardigan €21, Black leather gloves €7.50, Mary Jane shoes (every girl should have a pair, check out that gorgeous stacked heel!) €17.50

                          F&F blouse €16.50                                          F&F quilted boots €35

 

 

                             F&F Navajo cardigan €23                                     F&F A line skirt €18

                                    For more fashion from Tesco click here



As I mentioned them earlier I have to include a track by Kodakid, one of my favourite Irish bands. Kodakid are a four piece from Waterford and their sound is lustful bluesy rock. They’re a seriously hardworking band and they've played a number of high profile gigs and festivals this year including Indiependence. Their new single Portis is out October 22nd and will be available for free download from the band's website but in the meantime you can download their EP here or like Kodakid on Facebook 
 

 



 

 

Beauty Review: Eau Thermale Avène Products

                                  1950s Dior photographed by Walde Huth

I’m having a French love affair. It’s intensely passionate and all-consuming. Unfortunately it’s not with a mysterious vineyard owner from Bordeaux called Jean-Pierre or with a suave bearded Parisian by the name of Jacques. It’s with the whole country – the language, the fashion, the food. I’ve never even been to France but I’ve just finished a basic French language course so here’s hoping I’ll get to visit soon. Naturally I’ll meet the aforementioned men and be swept off my feet, especially now that I have the lingo. Parle plus lentement s'il vous plait!

But what I absolutely love is the effortless natural beauty of French women. There must be something in the water. No, there IS something in the water! France's many springs and unique geological environment produces thermal water, water which is perfectly balanced and rich in trace elements. This water is the basis of many French skin care brands including pharmacy favourites Vichy and La Roche-Posay. However, the number one skin care brand in French pharmacies is in fact Eau Thermale Avène, a brand that has just become widely available here.

 

 

Avène is a unique dermo-cosmetic brand dedicated to every skin concern be it sensitive, oily, dehydrated, blemish prone or ageing. Each product is fragrance and paraben preservative-free and contains the Avène thermal spring water.


Extremely Gentle Cleanser:

This cleanser is a no rinse, tissue-off formula specifically designed for sensitive and irritated skin. The consistency is very fluid as it contains a high percentage of thermal spring water. I found this cleanser to be light and soothing, instantly hydrating my skin. It effectively removes makeup apart from heavy eye makeup so you will need to use a separate eye makeup remover. This doesn't bother me as I always use a seperate eye makeup remover, usually a bi-phase one, but it might bother some people. It's also oil-free so it would be suitable for blemished skin. I apply this cleanser by massaging a walnut size of it onto my face and removing with cotton pads. I can't find the receipt for this but I think it was approximately €11


Thermal Spring Water Spray:

This is a miracle multitasker! It soothes various irritations such as sunburn and razor burn, can be used as a toner; reduces facial redness, sets makeup and is the perfect travel companion – promptly quenching parched holiday skin. The 50ml bottle fits snugly into handbags but it’s also available in 150ml bottles. I love to use this spray as a toner; it works really well with the Extremely Gentle Cleanser. Just spray a fine mist on your skin and then gently pat dry after a few minutes. Price: €4.77 for 50mls

 

        Guillaume Canet: Another reason hot & bothered females reach for the thermal water spray!

Hydrance Optimale UV Riche SPF 20 Rich Hydrating Cream:

Hydrance Optimale is Avène’s range for dry to very dry sensitive skin. This day cream is formulated to hydrate and protect the skin from daily aggressions and help prevent skin ageing caused by the sun. Despite its name, this cream is quite light and sinks into my skin quickly with no greasiness. This makes it a perfect base for makeup. I also love that it has a SPF of 20 as most pharmacy brands only go up to SPF 15. It has effectively hydrated my skin over the summer but its real test has yet to come. Winter wreaks havoc on my skin and I’m not too sure if this moisturiser is up to dealing with the dry patches I tend to get from icy wind and central heating. I have a feeling something more intense will be needed. Also, at €21.25 it's not very purse friendly for those on a budget.

 

Cold Cream Lip Cream:

I absolutely adore this! It is without a doubt the best lip balm I have ever used. It provides immediate relief and protection against chapped, flaky and cracked lips. It literally heals lips overnight. The tube lasts for ages and it also has very little shine so it’s a fantastic base for lipstick. This little wonder is definitely one of my favourite products of the year. Price: €10.17

 

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