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Ladies who Lidl at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK Style Sunday!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

A Bloggers Guide to West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK!

Thursday, September 04, 2014

Ever since the mid 2000's I've been super obsessed with fashion stylist Rachel Zoe, and love checking out her fab videos on her YouTube Channel: The Zoe Report! Recently she posted a series of videos concentrating on New York Fashion Week and what it's like to attend NYFW from the perspectives of Stylists, Fashion Editors and last but certainly not least BLOGGERS!!

I loved hearing the thoughts and experiences of the NYC bloggers who attend NYFW and it got me thinking..............

As it's not long now to West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK (15th-19th March), us Northern Irish fashion bloggers should do the same thing!!

So I've gone through the original video (which I've linked at the bottom of this post) and I'll now attempt to answer the questions from the video from the perspective of a fashion blogger attending Belfast FASHIONWEEK!

Also I'd love all my fashion blogger friends to get involved too (as I'm really interested to hear your answers!), so I'm making this a tag post!! If I could tag all my blogger friends I would but I'm limiting it to just three tags for this post! I therefore tag Lauren Penman at Girl About Town, Nicola McLaughlin at The Sequin Cinderella and Lewis Robert Cameron Editor in Chief at Beyond Man to copy the questions below and give your answers!! (P.S. If you love this concept please continue the tag by tagging our fellow bloggers to take part in your posts too!)

The most Insta-worthy show at #WCCFW?

There have been so many WCCFW highlights over the years, but in recent yrs the shows with the biggest WOW factor, hands down were Una Rodden's fresh and edgy model instillation with Neil Kerr for AW13 and Paddy McGurgan's mesmerising "Birds of Paradice" body art show at SS14 FASHIONWEEK! Total amazeballs!

The most coveted tech accessory?

Hehe have to agree with the NYC girls on this, an extra battery pack/charger is a must! Between taking snaps, editing them on the go and our constant tweeting, Instagramming and FB posts our mobiles are working overtime during FASHIONWEEK!

Describe Belfast FASHIONWEEK in a #HASHTAG.

For me it has to be #FashionReunion! Over the 10 years of FASHIONWEEK I can probably count on one hand the number of shows I've missed so FASHIONWEEK is like my 2nd home! It's so much fun catching up with the FASHIONWEEK team, as well as all the photographers, journalists, models, stylists, designers and fashionistas who attend (like myself) season after season!

"Super Selfie" with Jeff at Belfast Times!

Myself with fellow fashion blogger Nicola McLaughlin from The Sequin Cinderella!

Street style star of the season?

This is an easy one! Hands down, it has to be model and presenter Katie Larmour! In my Style Watch column for Belfast Times I get to check out everyone's outfits and Katie always gets it right! She's a girl who knows exactly what suits her and isn't afraid to embrace trends and make bold fashion statements! I'm always super excited to see what she'll be wearing to FASHIONWEEK!

Secret to social media gold?

In my experience it's #WIWT (What I'm Wearing Today) photos! These days everyone's obsessed with street style and people seem to really enjoy checking out what I'm wearing to the shows as well as all my little outfit details!

Instagram Faux Pas?

In my case it's caused by my talking!! From the second I arrive until I take my FROW seat I'm constantly mingling and talking non stop to everyone, so much so that sometimes I totally forget to upload all my pics to Instagram until the following day!! #OOPS!!!

The photo that would get a million likes?

If our very own, Mr Grey himself Jamie Dornan was to ever grace the FROW or FASHIONWEEK catwalk!! (Well it would certainly get a like from me!!) hehe!!

Does your phone ever turn off?

Again another one that the NYC bloggers and myself have in common! The only time my phone is off is when the battery has decided it's had enough and dies on me! #FASHIONWEEKDisaster

Favourite NI designer to follow?

Oooooh this is a hard one as I really love all the amazing work our local designers are producing! If I had to pick just one I'd have to say Ruedi Maguire as his designs are the stuff my fashion dreams are made off! I can litterly imagine myself wearing every one of his stunning designs, and I'm lucky enough to own two of his show stopping dresses!!!

Favourite NI Model?

Nooooo! Don't make me choose! All the FASHIONWEEK models are totally stunning!! I especially love following them all on social media during the FASHIONWEEK shows as it gives you a fun insight into all the backstage goings on! If I have to choose one I'll say Lauryn Greer, as that girl seriously rocked the latex skirt I styled on her from my Charity Shop Challenge collection at FASHIONWEEK!

Your Belfast FASHIONWEEK uniform?

FASHIONWEEK is that one occasion when you can take a few fashion risks! You're amongst fashionistas who get it and FASHIONWEEK for me is all about making a bold statement and having fun with your looks! So I try to go with edgy designs (a neon leopard print skort suit anyone?), bold prints and vibrant colours that really stand out! From metallics to sequins, ruffles and leather I've worn them all at FASHIONWEEK!

Favourite photo editing app?

While I do like to use Instagram's recently improved photo editing options on their app while on the go, I prefer to edit photos for my blog on my iPad! The larger screen makes it so much easier to edit and with apps like PixlrExpress+ and Snapseed you can work wonders on your photos! I also love editing my photos into collages using the Pic Stitch app as it gives a good snapshot of the best bits from the shows or close up details of my ensemble!

Recent "Pic Stitch" collage of my oufit from the AW14 Belfast FASHIONWEEK Press Launch!

Well that's all the questions covered! As soon as I watched The Zoe Report NYFW video I was super excited to do my own version of it and I hope you've all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Here's hoping the tag takes off as I'd love to hear what my fellow fashion bloggers responses to the questions would be! Can't wait to catch up with you all at the shows!!

Outfit Post & Top Trends at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK AW14 Launch!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

It's West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK...........but not as we know it...........!!!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

This week saw stylista's, fashion fans, media and celebrities come together at FASHIONWEEK's press launch to celebrate it's tenth year and to hear the exciting show schedule for the AW14, and guess what? There are lots of new and exciting events to enjoy at this season's FASHIONWEEK taking place from 15-19 October!!

First and foremost, we now have a new home for FASHIONWEEK!! For the past three seasons, fashionista's have been heading to the iconic Ulster Museum, but just as fashion evolves, so does FASHIONWEEK and it's with great pleasure that I can announce the new venue is a fantastic converted warehouse Bruce Street, right in the heart of the city! As the press launch took place at the new venue we got to see a sneak peek at what to expect this October, and I was very impressed!! The new space will significantly enhance the FASHIONWEEK experience as show attendees will now be able to enjoy stylish sushi and West Coast Cooler cocktails at the Zen pop up sushi and cocktail bar, followed by the opportunity to "shop the show" at the boutique alley, allowing us girls to get our fashion fix then and there by shopping the looks direct from the catwalk!

Pictured at the launch of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK are Rebekah Shirley and Lauryn Greer in the latest looks from Ted Baker at Excel, Jigsaw, Marie Claire Millinery and Grainne Maher.

Speaking at the launch, director Cathy Martin said: “Showcasing the best of our local designers and independent boutiques as well as international high street names, this autumn the catwalk will be a sea of colour, style and must-have fashion. We’re loving the blue hues, the coral reds, the plaid and the glorious glitter trends, as well as sharp suiting and oversized coats in terms of the season’s silhouettes.

“Our new move allows us the space to welcome a pop up sushi and cocktail bar from the fashionista’s favourite eaterie Zen, as well as play host to our new ‘shop the show’ boutique alley where show goers can browse and buy on-trend fashion and accessories from the shows over sushi and sumptuous cocktails, both before and after the runway presentations.”

The model instillation at the Press Launch showcasing a taster of the trends that will feature on the FASHIONWEEK catwalk!

The first of the new events begins on Wednesday 15 October with a charity showing of “MEAN GIRLS” THE MOVIE in association with Odyssey Cinemas and in support of breast cancer awareness month and local charity Pretty n Pink, whose founder Noleen Adair sadly passed away earlier this year. Like FASHIONWEEK, Mean Girls celebrates ten years this year, and the Wednesday showing is for a reason, as the Mean Girls mantra is ‘on Wednesdays we wear pink’. Attendees are encouraged to get into the spirit of the event by wearing pink to the screening (and I already have a few ideas in my head for my perfect in pink look!). (tickets cost £15 per person).

Noeleen McErleane, from Pretty in Pink said: “Noleen Adair would have loved this event – a fun night out to celebrate being a woman while raising money for those whose very womenhood is often snatched from them by breast cancer. In Noleen’s honour, and in support of breast cancer awareness month, we’d love it if everyone could wear pink to the show.”

Also new to the FASHIONWEEK schedule will be "FASHION FRIDAY" allowing attendees to hear from the rising stars of blogging! Skype’s global fashion ambassador and international fashion vlogger Sonya Esman, plus Ireland’s ‘So Sue Me’ blogger Suzanne Jackson as well as local blog success story Tiffany Brien, (AKA Peanut Butter Girl) will come together in a bloggers’ Q&A as the girls impart their style secrets and blogging success… With a combined Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter audience of around two million users, these ladies know a thing or two about capturing the fashion world’s attention! (tickets cost £15 per person).

Instead of the traditional Afternoon Tea Event we now have "Sushi Saturday", encompassing fashion, cocktails and delicious sushi (the perfect combo in my books!). The event will essentially be a "Director's Cut" from all the FASHIONWEEK shows, with FASHIONWEEK director Cathy Martin choosing the top 36 looks to showcase at the event! Talking place at the über stylish Shiro, and presented by stylist (and Cool FM presenter) Rebecca McKinney it will be perfect afternoon for all us stylish gals to catch up over fabulous fashion, delectable sushi and stunning cocktails! (tickets cost £25 per person).

Alexandra Catherwood, Nerissa Moore and Jayne Higgins in the latest looks from Nor Lisa, Jigsaw and Debenhams at Castlecourt.

Of course all the elements from FASHIONWEEK that we love are still there, with three main catwalk shows on the schedule and the hugely enjoyable Style Sunday which will bring proceedings to a stylish close!

Ireland's largest online retailer www.excelclothing.com will kick off catwalk proceedings on Thurdsay 16 October, bringing top designer names such as Armani, Calvin Klein and Boss Orange to the Belfast FASHIONWEEK runway, as well as some great British fashion brands including Hunter, Belstaff, French Connection, Ted Baker and Dr Marten’s for both men and ladies.

Next up on Friday 17 October Autumn/winter looks from independent boutiques and local designers will grace the catwalk and will see the return of popular stores including Blush, Goddess & Swift, Diamond Dolls and Jourdan as they showcase their collections alongside local designers Lizzie Agnew, Katie Wilson, Julia Sokele, Grannie Maher, Nor Lisa, Marie Claire Millinery, Melanie Bond Jewellery and Gordon Donaldson to name but a few!

The High Street show on Saturday 18 October brings the hottest looks from the nation’s biggest and busiest stores including Next, M&S, Superdry, DV8, Phase Eight, Warehouse, Oasis, Jigsaw, Karen Millen.......wait did I just see KAREN MILLEN??? Yes!!!!! Can I just say (to my embarrassment) I actually did a little jump of joy at the press launch when I heard my favourite brand was confirmed on the show schedule!!!

Also gracing the catwalk that evening will be CastleCourt, Designers at Debenhams, GAP, Dorothy Perkins, New Look and Miss Selfridge plus a range of discounted high street lines from The Outlet in Banbridge including Next clearance, L.K. Bennett, Olsen and Staccato among others, finished off with FASHIONWEEK favourite George at ASDA!!

Pictured at the launch of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK are Alexandra Catherwood and Nerissa Moore in the latest looks from Nor Lisa and Jigsaw.

Last, but definitely not least, the city’s most stylish event will close in sumptuous style with the flagship "Style Sunday" luncheon at SHU. This season, the event is being run in association with LIDL and is once again in support of Mencap NI. The afternoon gives guests an up-close-and-personal look at stunning fashions from local designers over a delicious three course lunch which features the very best of local produce and seasonal ingredients. Make-up artist Paddy McGurgan and stylists from FASHIONWEEK hair partner Peter Mark will also impart tips and tricks as well as host a mini masterclass on how to look fantastic throughout the winter.The lunch and show costs £45 per person and bookings at SHU are expected to fill quickly as usual.

The full show schedule is available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com along with details of this season’s trends plus links to all participant retailers and sponsors. The most fashionable tickets in town are priced at £20 or £25 for FROW and are available by calling 028 9024 6609 or via the website (where you’ll also find details of the movie night, Sushi Saturday at Shiro and LIDL Style Sunday at SHU). All ticket prices include a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.

So don't forget to save the dates ladies FASHIONWEEK will be taking place from 15-19 October and I'll see you all at the shows!! Now I'm off to make the hard decisions on what to wear to all these fabulous events!!

A massive thank you to Cathy Martin for the invitation to attend the FASHIONWEEK press launch and to Sarah-Jayne Cassells at CMPR for the press release and all relevant imagery!

Argento Jewellery hosts a very special event at Belfast FASHIONWEEK SS14!

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Day two of West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK and proccedings got underway in the early evening with an intimate pop up store and mini fashion show by Argento!

Argento is one of my favourite stores, many years ago when there was only one store in Castle Street, Belfast I remember visiting owner Peter with my mum to chose something for my 18th Birthday! Since then I've been totally hooked and I've not only seen the business grow from its one store to a chain of stores throughout the UK, but it's range and variety of jewellery has substantially grown, from contemporary stirling silver to include costume jewellery, designer brands and Argento producing their own exclusive ranges of exciting jewellery!

I was therefore very excited to attend their exclusive event at FASHIONWEEK to get a sneak peek at their latest upcoming designs for SS14!!

Upon entering I was greated with the customary FASHIONWEEK West Coast Cooler drink and a glimpse at the new Argento SS14 advertising campaign, as well as getting a chance to chat with Argento representatives Lynsey Redpath and Ian Megrath!

Ian who not only works for Argento but is also a fellow blogger friend of mine walked me round the room talking me through each of the ranges from Argento as well as explaining the thoughts behind the designs and the process from initial design to finished product!

Chatting to Ian from Argento!

Checking out the "Dirty Ruby" range with Ian!

For instance, while statement necklaces remain popular, the SS14 spin on them from the Dirty Ruby range is to have a matt rather than a sparkle finish to the jewels, in mouth watering ice cream sorbet pastels and neon hues, mirroring the colours seen on the fashion catwalk!

One of my Instagram pics of the "Dirty Ruby" SS14 range!

This would have perfectly matched my outfit at the event!

Another of my Instagram pics, loved the vintage feel to this necklace.

Stackable bracelets and cuffs are also strong with layered friendship bracelets coming pre stacked with easy to use magnetic clasps, and crystal beaded coiled wire bracelets in rainbow hues to catch the eye!

One of my Instagram pics of the Karma stackable coil bracelets!

I personally loved their new range of bangles from their Karma range that include "coin" charms, each with their own special meaning! Part of the range is to include special limited edition bangles with charms to represent some of our local charities, which I personally think is a fabulous idea!!

A matching "Y" shaped necklace to the wire bangles from the Karma range.

We were also treated to a mini fashion show, giving us an opportunity to see how fabulous the jewellery looked on the FASHIONWEEK models!!

The stunning FASHIONWEEK models wearing Argento!

FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin having fun with the models!

It was great to see each of the new ranges up close and all us bloggers and fashionistas certainly had fun trying on and checking out all the stunning jewellery!

FASHIONWEEK TV presenter Katie Larmour checking out the new pieces with Lynsey Redpath from Argento!

I was soooo chuffed when I learned that my special Argento goodie bag from the event contained a fabulous statement cuff from the August Woods range (all of my regular readers will know I'm totally OBSESSED with cuffs)!! I just had to try it on straight away!!

My fabulous August Woods crystal circle cuff bracelet!

To say that I came away with a long wishlist is a MAJOR understatement and I can't wait to head instore to treat myself to some gorgeous jewellery!!!!

A massive thank you to FASHIONWEEK and to Argento for the invitation to attend the event, and to Ian Megrath for providing me with the imagery!!

Ladies who Lidl at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK Style Sunday!

A Bloggers Guide to West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK!

Outfit Post & Top Trends at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK AW14 Launch!

It's West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK...........but not as we know it...........!!!

Argento Jewellery hosts a very special event at Belfast FASHIONWEEK SS14!

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