Outfit Edit: Evening BBQ

Hello my lovelies!

Last night I was invited to go to a going away BBQ for one of my friends who is going off volunteering to Nicaragua. Not only was it good to catch up with everyone I hadn't seen for ages, I could do it whilst happily filling up on meaty deliciousness. I have no idea how vegetarians can resist the delicious smokey aroma of barbecuing sausages.. 

Ireland only ever has a few precious days of beautiful sunny summer weather and unfortunately yesterday evening was not one of those. In order to fight off the chill in the air I opted for some gorgeous River Island Amelie Jeans and the comfiest cardi known to womankind from Brandy Melville (a store I utterly fell in love with the moment I stepped foot in it in London).

River Island Amelie Dark Wash Jeans
Brandy Melville Cardi
River Island White Halter Top

Zara Sandals (A sale bargain!)

Rings: Brandy Melville, River Island, Primark

Brandy Melville Necklace

 Up until very recently I would never have called myself a jeans girl until I discovered River Island jeans. I now have 5 pairs of jeans, all exclusively from RI. For the girls who think the Topshop Leigh jeans are way too stretchy and don't fit the best, (I myself have gone through 3 pairs of Leighs) the selection at River Island are amazing. These Amelies fit perfectly and don't stretch out even after a day or two. To prove how much I love them I have two pairs, one in a dark wash and one in a light wash. 

And look who just couldn't resist a photo-op! My Joey is just the perfect dog model.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed this short but sweet outfit edit. I'm hoping to do more in the future since I've been on one to many shopping sprees....

Thanks for reading as always,

Ciara xx

Christmas Gift Guide 2013

Hello lovelies!

So it's that time of year again when time seems to be going by too quickly, Christmas is just around the corner and you still haven't bought one present! I absolutely love love love buying presents for people so naturally I have most of my shopping finished but I thought I'd put together a quick last minute gift guide to give you some ideas and make fighting the Christmas crowds that little bit less stressful.

For the Girls

I'll start with the easiest person to buy for, your sister, girlfriend, aunt, cousin and any other female friends. With most girls you can pretty much hit the mark with something cute and pretty think Cath Kidston and scented candles.

Floral Wash Bag www.cathkidston.com



If you're in the mood to spoil someone...www.prada.com

Chloé by Chloé is a gorgeous scent that's rich and light at the same time. I'm so bad at describing scents but it's definitely not sweet or floral and makes for a safe purchase. I'd recommend giving it a sniff yourself to see if it seems like the kind your girl would wear.


If your 'giftee' has a Pandora charm bracelet then this cute little reindeer is a beautiful idea. This is just one of my favourites but Pandora have plenty of Christmas themed charms to choose from.



A sparkly top during the Christmas period can never go amiss and this one is from www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk.



'IT' -Alexa Chung



So many makeup brands are bringing out festive holiday gift sets, this one here's from MAC.



These two tech accessories are from www.asos.com. 

For the Boys

If you've got the money to spend Beats by Dre are a great surprise for a music lover, and if he isn't a fan of the over-the-ear option why not opt for speakers or ear-buds. 

DIY Robot Speaker from ASOS. www.asos.com

Christmas Tree cuff-links from www.amazon.co.uk.

Apparently SuperDry is a safe store to buy for your guy for casual wear. www.superdry.com

Shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch. www.abercrombie.com 

Hip Flask from www.riverisland.com.

A Christmas Jumper! www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

 Why not give your guy a scent you secretly love..

For Mothers and Grandmothers

Scented candles from Jo Malone www.jomalone.com

I've heard great things about the Laura Mercier Body Soufflé collection and this sample of the four main scents in lovely glass jars is a perfect tester gift. www.lauramercier.com

Along with the best french toast and sausages ever Avoca do beautiful mohair and cashmere blend throws that are still woven in their mill in the village of Avoca. www.avoca.ie

The Prevage line from Elizabeth Arden has gotten some seriously great reviews and while pricey, it's said to be worth every penny. www.elizabetharden.com

I don't know about you but my Nanna loves a nice brooch and this Grace Kelly inspired one from Newbridge Silverware is beautiful. www.newbridgesilverware.com They also do great Christmas baubles.

For Dads and Grandpas 

Ok, I find getting the right gift for your old man is the hardest quest of all during the holiday season never mind finding your Christmas Day outfit! 

 

These two books are a must for dads who somehow manage to burn toast.

A good quality, warm and cosy jumper is always an option. www.tommy.com

 

If he's into golfing or sport why not get him some lightweight and comfortable gear? www.store.nike.com

Ted Baker Wallet Set. www.tedbaker.com  

Merino Cashmere Tartan Scarf. www.barbour.com

 

A few years ago I got my dad the Only Fools and Horses box set and he really enjoyed it. It's nice to have something to sit down together as a family to and watch.

Right well these are just a few of my recommendations if you're doing some last minute Christmas shopping, hopefully this guide came in helpful!

Thanks for reading,

Ciara xx

Catching Up and Halloween Fun

Hello lovelies!

Well.....Long time no see.....Yes this is a little embarrassing indeed... So I'm going to get the ball rolling by saying I'm so sorry for the serious lack of posts going up on here over the last month or so I've been so busy with college work and commuting that it seems every time I have a spare moment I end up asleep or find myself staring off into nothingness whilst my brain takes a rest from everything!

But I'm back now and I shall never leave you like that again without so much as a word.

I thought I'd give you a little update on how things are going at the moment as I'm now almost 2 months into my time at Trinity College in Dublin and I'm loving it! I have to admit I didn't expect there to be so much work so early on in the course (I'm doing Business and French if you were wondering) but I get through it and now I'm in the middle of a mid-term so I'm catching up and also attempting to get a head start on future assignments. 

There's a general consensus with some people in Ireland that people who go to Trinity are so 'lah di dah' and snooty but I can honestly say I haven't met a single person like that so far and luckily everyone who is on my course is really lovely and we have great craic with each other.

But enough about that I don't want to bore you with an overload of details, I thought I'd take the chance to show you my Halloween costume I wore last Thursday. I must warn you I am not the most Halloweeny of people so the idea of dressing up hadn't even crossed my mind until the day I was supposed to be going out! So in a mad rush I dashed to Penny's (that's Primark for any non-Irish) and rustled up a look that somewhat resembled a costume, I do apologise if you think this is the world's dodgiest attempt but I did try!

Behold Superwoman! 

Cuffs & Belt- Penny's (Primark)

Red Skirt- Penny's (Primark)

Blue Leotard- A ballet leotard from years ago.

Homemade Superwoman sign 

 The night ended up being great fun and it turned out to be the first Halloween I actually enjoyed! I hope all of your October the 31st's went just a well, why not tell me what you dressed up as? (perhaps I may steal a few ideas for next year and be better prepared..)

Again I'm sorry for abandoning you for such a stretch of time, it shan't happen again :)

Thanks for reading,
Ciara xx

A Ball of of a Time at the Debs

Hello lovelies.

So on Tuesday the 3rd of September I finally got my chance to dress up all fancy in a long dress and spend the night with my friends at the debs. 

After all the time I spent getting ready, getting my make up and hair done I can safely say that guys have it much easier. I'd like to see a guy get an eye liner pencil stabbed in to his eye while his waterline was being tended to! But hopefully all that time was enough to make me look acceptable and suitably 'debsy'.

Here are just a few photos I took on the day.

 Since I am practically useless at all things make up I decided to go make use of the girls at Estée Lauder.

Can you see the sun burning holes through my eyes? Yes, it was that sunny.

I have to say the night was an absolute success. Not only did I get to see everyone from my old year before we all part ways at university but I got to do it whilst simultaneously dancing my feet to bits to perhaps the greatest playlist I've experienced! Definitely a night to remember.  

To anyone who's just had or is about to go to the prom or debs you'll have the best time once you bring a nice sturdy pair of flats ;)

Hopefully the second time will be the charm on Saturday too!

Thanks for reading,

Ciara xx