Looking Forward

 One of the best things about Facebook for me is when you "like" one of your favourite brands or stores or celebrities you get sneak peaks of things to look forward to. As a massive fan of Winter Kate I always look out for all the sneak peaks and inside info that their facebook page shares. And this beaut arrived last Friday courtesy of Fabsugar. The Winter Kate Spring 2012 Collection. I could literally die!!

There is nothing, and I mean nothing that I don't absolutely love about this collection. The boho style, the floaty silk fabrics, the north African style prints and embellishments and the neutral colour palette. This collection from beginning to end is perfection. Even the styling, accessorizing and backdrop to the gorgeous model is completely spot on. I love the relaxed ethereal intensity behind the pictures, like the model is contemplating the roads in life. Nicole Richie is on FIRE when it comes to her brand and I for one am so completely excited about every season if this is the calibre of clothing that we are expecting. Looking forward to the future of Winter Kate.

Honorable Mention

For this weeks honourable mention I have chosen the beautiful Queen B. Beyonce was papped getting out of his Major Mobile in New York. I have to say pregnancy really suits her. She is absolutely glowing. For someone so high profile I love the fact that she's pushing boundaries in fashion during her pregnancy. She not resigning to living in a tracksuit and uggs (like I did ;) )

I love everything about this outfit from the blue jeans to the stunning red jacket and the oh so gorgeous Alexander McQueen Scarf. Everything looks so beautiful together and there is nothing like a bright red jacket to ensure you're spotted in the crowd. Not that Beyonce has any problems in that regard. And those heels, WOW! The Alain Quilici heeled hiking booties, TO DIE FOR!! As high as they are they actually look quite comfortable.
Who was your style star for the week? Did anyone stand out enough for an Honourable Mention?

A Quick Catch Up ~ August

Because I missed so much by not blogging I have so much to catch up on. Like I said on my To Smile post back in July I bought a new camera and I have been trying very hard to upgrade my calibre of photos and to also simply take more. In August I had quite an eventful month, between my birthday,a trip back home to my holiday of this year. A long weekend with my gorgeous sisters in the Amazing Barcelona. I will do a separate Barcelona Holiday post as there was so much packed in to the four days. So in photo form this is my catch up for the month of August. These are the photos which would have gone into my To Smile posts over the time I was on a blogging break.

A Manicure with the new 2 Week Manicure Colours I had added to my kit. The colours were perfect for an old dress I had. I then bought some fabulous jewellery from "Bellerina" at The Ivory Closet to wear with the dress too. See here to see more Sparklies from The Ivory Closet (As Amina calls them) New Jewels for an old dress.

I have talked before about my Aunt's Allotment, here are some pictures I took while I was looking after my cousins. The allotment was awash with colour during the summer with all the various beautiful flowers on show. My cousins spent so much of their summer hanging out in the allotments, playing games, making potions and their own perfumes. It's lovely to see the kids playing outside instead of being stuck in on computers or watching t.v.

While minding my cousins we went to look at a display of Quilts made by the Quilting Association of Ireland. I love this craft and I can't wait to get my sewing machine to get stuck into it myself. I have so many ideas, mostly for Amina's bedroom. The quilts that were on display were amazing. The technical ability required to finish such intricate pieces is only something I can aspire to have.

We hung out alot at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin getting the most out of the warmer and drier days which were so far and few between. These gardens in the heart of dublin are such a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle that city life brings.

I celebrated my birthday in style. A picnic on the floor of my sitting room with my mum, my aunt, 3 out of the 4 sisters and Amina. You don't get much better than that.

My friend and I decided to take out girls for a trip to the woods in the Dublin Mountains in search of fairies. We didn't find any fairies but we have a lovely day out in the fresh air and magical surroundings.

And lastly for August I perfected my home made hummus recipe and even started combining different flavours to switch it up a little. I have turned into a hummus addict, literally. Made with the juice of lemons and some creamy Greek yogurt along with the necessary chick peas and tahini paste, it has now become my staple food. I will put up the recipe soon on a Sunday Sample once I get back to my regular postings.

I will continue with my catch up posts next week in the place of my To Smile posts. Next week I will concentrate on my fabulous weekend away to Barcelona with my sisters.
So what have you all been up to? Did ya'll have a lovely summer?

LOVE, WANT, NEED, HAVE TO HAVE

When it comes to accessories I tend to generally lust after shoes mostly, closely followed by fabulous clutches and to die for handbags but recently I found myself lusting after the functional piece that is the Purse/Wallet. This has alot to do with the fact that I was recently ROBBED! I was shopping for a birthday present for our friend's little boy and once I reached the til I realised my purse had been taken, straight out of my bag. Anyway it was horrible but I guess I'm over it now as I have the excitement of being able to invest in something new and fabulous. So for this week's LOVE, WANT, NEED, HAVE TO HAVE I am focusing all my attention on the Oh So Fabulous Louis Vuitton Alma Zippy Wallet.

From the Gorgeous Alma Vernis Collection, this wallet is everything you should need. Beautiful, functional and if you're like me and hold you life in your wallet, it has loads of space. I really love it in this shade too, Rouge Fauviste. So pretty, on trend and completely classic. Something that's not going to go out of style next season but can be handed down to my daughter when she gets older.

You know, why not go for the matching bag too. This is my fantasy, right?! I already have a Speedy 30 in the gorgeous Monogrammed Canvas and I love it with all of my heart. I have been wanting to add to my collection for some time and the Vernis Alma has been the style and design I keep going back to. I have my heart set on it and I will have it....One Day.

Has anyone else been lusting after the Vernis Alma?

The ** X in XFactor

It's that time of year again where the Xfactor graces our screens again. And this year the Fashion is FIERCE. Miss Kelly Rowland has brought a whole other level of style to the show. Everything is so effortless on so on trend. As much as I like Tulisa she's just not hitting the mark for me.

From Left Week 1:
Saturday: Atelier Versache Dress, Crisian & McCaffrey Shoes and Lorraine Schwartz Jewels.
Not my Favourite Look, it's a little like an Irish Dancing Costume.

Sunday: Roberto Cavalli Dress, Nicholas Kirkwood Shoes and Lorraine Schwartz Jewels.
Love, Love, Love this look with her sideswept curls. Fab!

Week2:
Saturday: Todd Lynn Dress, Crisian & McCaffrey Shoes and Lorraine Schwartz Jewels
So simple and understated but beautiful.

Sunday: Julien MacDonald dress, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and Lorraine Schwartz Jewels
Obsessed with this dress.

Week 3:
Saturday: Topshop Dress, Alaia Belt, Giuseppe Zanotti Shoes, Selection of Jewels by Asprey, Lorraine Schwartz, De Beers and Alexander McQueen.
I love that she wore a Topshop dress and you would never know.

Sunday: Falguni and Shane Peacock Dress, Crisian & McCaffrey Shoes, Lorraine Schwartz Rings and Bangles with De Beers Earrings.
I Die for this dress. Unbelievable. I shouted at my husband to come see this dress when she walked out. Love it

So I am keeping a close eye on Kelly's fashion choices and I will post further updates through the weeks but I am also watching the singing. Loving Mischa B and loving the new line up of The Risk now that they brought Ashford in. His voice is amazing and I genuinely feel that he should have been in this line up from the beginning and seriously his eyes, WOW! I am also loving Marcus and Craig Colton.

I'm also loving the new Xtra Factor will Olly Murs and Caroline Flack. I have to admit I didn't know who she was at the beginning but after a quick google I got myself up to date. I'm loving her style so much and I will be doing a post later this week on some of her fashion choices. Stay Tuned.
Are ya'll into the Xfactor this year? Are you missing Mr.Cowell and Cheryl?

Finally

The best news I have heard in a long time... River Island announced this morning that they are now shipping to 100 countries worldwide. YAY!!!

I am literally obsessed with all things River Island. I have been for years. About 5 years ago a friend of mine started working for River Island and every month, come pay day, I gave her a shopping list of things to get for me with the discount. Frowned upon and very bold, yes, I know, but I swear I could not help myself.

I know we have the stores in Ireland but the exchange rate for some of the pieces really slates you. On top of this, for best sellers, it can be so difficult to get them before they sell out. I am so excited they are finally delivering to Ireland. My wish list at this point is so long it would take a week worth of posts to cover it all but for now, here is my wish list from what's Just Arrived.

Have ya'll seen this brilliant news yet? Who's already place an order?

Honourable Mention

For a new feature I am going to take someone that I have seen through the week whether it be a celebrity at a red carpet event or in a pap photo or another blogger.
So for this weeks Honourable Mention, I have chosen the beautiful Lauren Conrad, pictured last week attending the Autumn Party Benefit for the Children's Institute.

I love Lauren. She has such a flawless style. It's simple yet truly effective and she always stands out when photographed. This outfit is no exception. Truly SPOT ON!

The various nude tones in the dress and accessories with the touch of pink for the lip. Absolutely divine. I love her hair too, the faux bob with the simple waves. Fab!

In a BCBG Dress, Jimmy Choos and a vintage clucth Lauren looks exceptional, Radiant and so beautiful.

If this is a look that you are loving as much as me, check out Lauren's Beauty Blog (which I also wrote about here) for the Red Carpet Breakdown.
Is Lauren's a style which you strive to emulate? Is she a style star for ya'll?