Rayban's For Those Partially Sunny Days

At 9pm on Friday, the Olympic opening ceremony was well and truly on it's way. Mr.Bean   brought back memories of just how funny his series was. Can you believe he only made 15 episodes? Bring back Mr.Bean! When I think of the Olympics, I think of warm sunny days and running inside to watch some of it on the TV. This weekend it rained, and then it rained a little more. Which could only mean one thing, watch the Olympics without having to worry about missing the sun. 

I took sometime out of watching the swimming to buy something that was on my wish list for a while. I finally got my hands on these beautiful tortoiseshell frames. The Wayfarer is very popular and it is a really flattering style for most. I couldn't buy a pair online, even though I buy a lot online, you really need to try these on. I also took a couple of photos, not trusting the mirror of course!! 

Summer Snoods

Snoods. Quite a strange word for a tubular scarf but I guess it works! I have a drawer , two boxes and a bag filled with scarves. All are winter scarves which I put away in April, hoping to wave goodbye until October. But sometimes scarves really make an outfit and Topshop created a lightweight solution for summer, one that keeps you cool on warm days and warm in the chilly summer air.

Embellished Peak Collars

I love "Peter Pan" collars. I love detailed and embellished collars. I simply, love collars. When I found this summer dress in Zara back in late May, I had to buy it for two reasons 1) The Colour - I am really boring with my colours and buy colours which I feel I will never get bored of. Boring meets afraid of bored. Confused? 2) The Collar - the collar is beautifully embellished with intricate beading. I was sold at the detail and didn't need anymore persuasion. Does Zara ever really need to persuade me? 

Topshopping

Jeans & Top - Topshop

Imagining a world without Topshop, is like imagining a world without sunshine. A world without Cadbury's chocolate. A world without a bunch of lilies. Before this get's ever so deep, I want to simply share my love of Topshop. 

When I was in Chicago, walking down the Magnificent Mile, which for those who haven't heard of it or visited it is a portion of Michigan Avenue which is lined with shops, restaurants and the beautiful bridge where you can see the boat tours sail by. Upon walking through this area, I saw a Topshop in the distance. It was like a home away from home. My eye was firmly on a door, even though a voice inside of my head kept repeating "you can go to Topshop at home, this is a waste of suitcase space, go find real american shops." Luckily, I listened to the sensible voice but I still had fun browsing. I love the "Dress Up" collection. But for me, everyday clothes are what I am drawn to 99% of the time. I can't live without my Leigh jeans. Life without Leigh jeans....yes this is almost as bad as imagining life without Topshop. 

Festival Florals with a Hippy Hint

One of my great friends is a style inspiration. She can accessorise clothing like no one I know and is the best boutique shopper I have known. She can also find clothes in Topshop which I like to call the "Topshop vortex" that only she is allowed into! Somehow I don't see the same things when I go in...don't we all have one of those friends?!

I am loving her latest post which you should check out on: Bernadette Christina: Florals & Distressed Denim (Punk, Pewter & Polka D...: "Today's look adds edge to the traditional florals & denims of traditional hippie attire, with a hint of punk."

This outfit has given me some great ideas for a cool festival look or equally wear this on the weekend.

Sunday's Child is Fair and Wise

Apparently if you are born on a Sunday, the saying goes "Sunday's child is fair and wise, at work and at play." I was born on June 16th very early on a sunny Sunday morning. I like to go by that saying. I try to learn one new thing every day. I have managed to accomplish that. I am currently working on a site for my online shop and everyday I teach myself something new regarding that. A few months ago, I wasn't great at 1) knowing how to use my Canon 1000D SLR 2) Photo editing 3) knowing how to make the photos looks semi-decent on Blogger. However, I feel I have come a long way! I firmly believe, if you set your mind to something you can achieve your hopes and dreams. Maybe something that was once a dream has evolved and you realised you have already achieved it. Hmmmm this is very deep for a Sunday.

With regards to the "fair" part, I try to be fair to everyone and sometimes when I really feel life isn't fair, I try to justify and place a reason behind everything that happened. Sometimes that is just not possible. For this reason, I need a creative outlet. A creative outlet to forget what isn't fair, what isn't just and what I simply can't or anyone else can understand.

Almost ten years ago, I thought I would go to art college. I used to spend every evening and weekend (after I finished my other homework) on art. I definitely wasn't the most naturally talented at drawing, sketching and painting however I worked so hard I managed to build an entire portfolio while studying for exams. Ironically, I didn't end up using that portfolio and continued down another avenue studying Business and Marketing. I don't believe in regrets, and I learned a lot as well as making some of my best friends during this time. I then continued with my studies, down a slightly more technological route and studied eCommerce. I felt I wanted to know more about computers. I learned coding (java, html) and web design, networks, IP addressing alongside many other techy modules.

I now work in online advertising, and although it fulfills a small part of my creative outlet, my blog, what I write about and the jewellery and hair pieces I make fulfill that more. Maybe we are meant to keep those areas for hobbies. Who knows. All I know is I love to spend most of my weekends and evenings on this.

And for Sunday's outfit...a little bit of vintage Rachel Roy. I bought this jacket in Beacon's Closet, Williamsburg, New York. If you get a chance to go to New York, it is one of the best vintage shops around.

Preppy and Pink

If you asked me to define my style, I would find this quite a challenge. I wear clothes to suit my mood. Yes, if you ask any of my friends and family, I do own a ridiculous amount of cream, gold and white tops, however, my mass ownership of plain coloured tops is justifiable. I like to buy clothes which don't go "out of season". Since when did you say or hear anyone say, "oh hey it's winter, I can't wear that white top"..or "oh look the sun is shining I can't wear that!". My clothes aren't limited to seasons and that makes me feel happy considering I spend more money than I can really afford to on clothes. 

The shorts are from H&M, a purchase I made in Chicago. I know they have the same stuff here but I was worried they wouldn't be there on my return! They are a deep berry colour/pink! I originally wore this with, low and behold, a white top! I think these would look great in the winter with a black top and black tights...but for now, I wore a stripey blue and white shirt from Hollister. There is a funny story to go along with this shirt. I am not quite sure it is funny "ha ha ha" or just a funny situation which might deserve a "ha". Hollister, as many of you might be familiar with is a dark, teens/early 20s filled shop which resembles a nightclub filled with rails of clothes. All I wanted was to get a couple of shirts for my boyfriend, but this was taking longer than expected. After spending about 30 minutes in the dark...trying to see the real colour of the shirt, I look at the huge queue which we needed to participate in to pay for everything! Considering the length of time we had to endure to buy a couple of shirts..I felt we needed to buy more to  match the length of time in the shop! I grabbed this shirt, without trying it on, and without really knowing the colour..and here we are, months later, with a nice shirt! 

Shirt - Hollister, Shorts - H&M, Bag - Boutique in Dublin. 

Turquoise Jeans

This is a set of photo's that I finally got to take after a very rainy few weeks. Is anyone else tired of living in giant raindrop land? I have a huge wardrobe of summer outfits...actually many of them are piled on top of an extra rail which I had to buy to house my clothes addiction. The rest I have to store at my parent's house. All of these reasons make photographing outfits rather difficult. Plus the fact I don't have a photographer to hand 24/7. How nice would that be? Instead I have enlisted some of my wonderful family and friends to take some photos. I was a little embarrassed at first, "Oh hey, if you aren't too busy would you mind taking a few photos of me". When I was a child, this may have been cute but as a fully grown (dare I say adult) it is a little weird at first. However, I have to say, everyone has been more than willing when I ask. Maybe I have a found a group of budding photographers! You know who you are!! 


I bought the jeans in Benetton back in late May. I love the colour and it is a nice change from the usual dark blue or black jeans that I live in. They are kind of a turquoise blue colour. I think they are all sold out now but they usually bring the same jeans each year. I love Benetton's quality because they really last years! You can literally wash and wash and it will keep the colour intact. 


The "snood" is from Topshop. I love wearing scarves/snoods all year round but most of mine are too warm for summer. Yes even though it's raining it is still quite humid out. However, this is a very light cotton which means, it keep you nice and cool all the while acting as a nice accessory to a simple white blouse. 


My blouse is from H&M which I bought on my trip to Barcelona in April. I love H&M for it's basics and how they adapt trends from the catwalk into easy to wear clothing. 


The navy bow pumps are from Primark or Penny's (in Ireland). They are the comfiest pair of pumps I have purchased in a LONG time. And I am always in search of a comfy flat. 

Weekend Jewellery Shopping

Sometimes I feel like I live for the weekend, and considering that is only two full days and the waking hours left on a Friday after work...it means I'm not making the most of my weekdays! Starting from today I am going to look forward to Monday's..and to achieve this I am going to make sure I do something I LOVE on a Monday. If that means running to a vintage shop on my lunch hour, then so be it. Or if it simply means doing something creative straight after work so that I feel happy like I do on a Saturday!

Vintage jewellery is one of my huge loves in life. Living in Ireland, there are a few vintage shops. So when I get the chance to go on holidays, after I book my flights my first task on my list is to suss out all of the great vintage shops. Lately, I have begun a quest to find modern jewellery with a vintage twist.

As it looks like I won't get another holiday for a while..I have been looking online. A couple of pieces I found on Modcloth, are not vintage but are modern with a slight vintage twist. Which I really love.

These rose coloured earrings are so simple, pretty and elegant. And in stark contrast to the simple elegance of these earrings, I have started to love the whole skull trend which is appearing everywhere lately. These come in summer pastel colours which look great stacked with other chain bracelets.

A Day For Jewels

Some workplaces require uniforms. Others require strict dress code, or at least smart attire. So it can be difficult to express your personal style during the week, and why should you have to wait for the weekend. Jewellery (or Jewelry) is a way to express your unique style. The best thing about it, it will always fit you, so you can keep it for years and years!

This piece is from Forever 21. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection of really well priced necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings. I sometimes have to be careful with earrings as some tend to hurt my ears after a couple of hours! But thus far, the earrings have been perfect!

Necklace: Forever 21

Top: Marks & Spencers

Skirt: H&M

Zara Sequined Skirt

Months passed by. The skirt, lonely in the wardrobe, wasn't allowed to the party. It wasn't anyone's fault. Until, she visited a warmer country and finally the skirt could see the light of day!

I spotted this very skirt in March in Zara. After contemplating the price tag for a few weeks, I found it in Barcelona and felt fate reunited us on my holidays. Unfortunately, I had to wait until June before I could even wear it. The climate here just doesn't allow for it!

I wore the skirt with a white top from H&M and a gold necklace from Forever 21. Does anyone else love Forever 21's accessories? They have such a great selection and the price versus quality exceeds other high street shops.

Birthday in NYC

                     
This year I celebrated my birthday in NYC. Yes I know I'm a very lucky girl! My plan was to spend some time in Central Park, have some cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery (SATC style), take the bus tour (I decided I wouldn't force my boyfriend to endure either the Gossip Girl or SATC tour) so we hopped on the regular one! All of the tour guides are incredibly entertaining and it wouldn't surprise me if they either are trying to get on Broadway, have been on Broadway or they are looking for new book material so took on a random job!



Strolling through Bloomingdales I spotted the cutest pair of Kate Spade earrings - pearls with golden bows. My amazing boyfriend bought them for me as part of my birthday present...the other part, a shopping spree, a lovely meal in Five Leaves restaurant (which Heath Ledger set up with friends) and six tasty magnolia bakery cupcakes!

We stayed in the Empire Hotel (yes Chuck Bass's hotel). In the fictional world, I met Chuck and he gave us all of his money. In the real life world, Chuck wouldn't have done that and neither would the actor who plays him. Considering I'm not Blair Waldorf or Serena Van Der Woodsen, I didn't visit Bergdorfs. I will leave that as a distant dream but hopefully one day...

There is a Magnolia Bakery quite near Central Park (within walking distance) and there are a couple of others scattered around. Our Hotel was beside Central Park so it was really handy to pop by and see the selection. My favourite - the red velvet cupcakes. 

You don't notice until you leave NYC, there is constantly a noise from the traffic, alarms, police sirens, people. Day and night, there is traffic and people! It truly is the city that never sleeps!

Hermes With A Green Twist

Hermes is one of the most classically made handbags. The Hermes Birkin is timeless and if you are a true fashion addict, worth every penny. With classics, I tend to stick to colours which I feel I won't get bored of...black, brown, tan, cream, even if I get tired of them temporarily, I know I will always go back! 

On the subway in NYC, I looked across to my right to see a very unusual Hermes Birkin!

If I had to choose, and this is in the land where I can actually buy an Hermes bag....I would go for something like the Kelly bag. Of course!

NYC Williamsburg Vintage Shopping

It's difficult to re-acclimatise after a long holiday. Slipping back into daily routine can take a little bit of time and blogging was left on hold. It was almost as though I had writer's block and was scared to open up Blogger.  I made some notes on my iPad but I couldn't quite get into the full swing of typing again. I can't quite express how satisfying it is to get back to doing all of my favourite things, vintage shopping, looking for new gems, blogging and taking more photos than a 32GB SD card can hold.     

Even though I am a mass consumer of online shopping, I miss finding hidden treasures in vintage shops and jumping up and down with the thrill and excitement of it all, much to the bemusement of the shop assistants. NYC definitely has an abundance of vintage shops, particularly in Williamsburg. One shop I will write home about is, Beacon's Closet. 

This hidden gem was brought to my attention whilst sitting in a restaurant "Five Leaves" in Brooklyn. The restaurant is chilled out and so are all of it's clientele. A girl who sat beside me started a conversation about my dress and one thing led to another, we were swapping business cards and sharing tips on vintage shopping. It was then I heard about Beacon's Closet. 

The next day, we strolled through Williamsburg, rails of vintage clothes on the streets, cute cafe's on a sun filled street. Skateboards. Graffiti filled photoshoots. Has the picture been painted to a satisfactory level?

Amongst some fancy dress style clothing, I found a grey Rachel Roy jacket and a navy and black YSL jacket. Both were $35 each! They are in perfect condition and two of my top favourite finds! As with all vintage shopping, you can't enter with a head filled with what you want. You have to be open and go for the quality of the item.

If you visit Williamsburg and love to shop vintage...Beacon's Closet is a must.