The way to a woman’s heart….

With Valentine’s day approaching, everyone is claiming to sell the ‘Perfect Gift’ so I have decided to share some of my favourite gifts available for your loved one and also what to wear on the day of amour! ♥

Rare Skater Dress In Red Rose Print
£26.00
ASOS.com

This dress is such a flattering shape, especially for women with some curves on their hips. Not only is the Floral Rose Print perfect for a romantic Valentine’s date, but it is also right on-trend for this season! So feel free to wear this little number until your heart is content!

Rare Lace Skater Dress With Heart Cut Out Back
£19.50
ASOS.com

This is a stunning flirty little dress in the colour of Love! This dress features a cute cut out back in the shape of a heart. Could it be any more perfect? Pair this with some Colour-Block heels to achieve a striking on-trend look.

Long Sleeve Heart Flippy Dress
£40.00
Topshop.com

With its long sleeves and playful heart print, this is the perfect dress for a sophisticated dinner date. Wear this with some black tights and black shoes for a covered up yet very feminine look. A simple red bag would complement the look perfectly.

Heart Print T-Shirt
£3.99
ZARA.com

 If you’re more of a comfort kind of girl, fear not! This very cute tee will show everyone how happy you are with the love of your life!

Love Pendant £22.00
Love Charm Bracelet £30
Pluckanddevour.com

Why not keep your shopping local and support designers with in your community.  Grainné Maher, the very talented designer behind Pluck and Devour is always coming up with great quirky trends.  She had so much of success last valentines with her very adorable love heart necklace that she decided to create a matching charm bracelet!

I Love Frame
£20.00
Urbanoutfitters.com

 This simple frame speaks volumes and would make a fantastic Valentine’s present to give to friends, your one true Love or even a family member!  Insert a image of you guys together and it will show how much you really care about them.  Simple yet effective.

Pandora Red Faceted Murano Glass Charm – £35.00
Pandora silver heart and lock key charm bead – £30
Red Pave heart pendant charm – £35.00
Pandora.net

 As per usual, I have saved the best to last.  Pandora have created a very unique special valentines collection which includes luxurious red’s, hearts and a general loved theme.  Above are my favourite’s but they have many more special pieces on their website so get looking and get busy dropping hints. I know what I’m hoping for! ♥ 

LUXE STYLE FOR LESS AT THE OUTLET’S L.K. BENNETT POP-UP STORE

The OUTLET Banbridge proudly announces its exclusive Pop-Up Clearance Store this weekend solely dedicated to super luxurious London brand and Duchess of Cambridge favourite, L.K. Bennett.

From Saturday 26 January to Sunday 3 February style seekers everywhere will have the chance to avail of a stunning collection of clothing and footwear at up to 85% off RRP. From the perfect party dress to everyday chic or something more refined for the office, this iconic label will have you craving all of its key pieces.

Look out for elegant knitwear pieces, tailored jackets, demure dresses and heavenly heels for the best shopping spree you’ll experience this New Year!

Visit the L.K. Bennett Pop-Up Clearance Store in Unit 11 at The OUTLET, Bridgewater Park, Banbridge, Northern Ireland, BT32 4LF. Easily reached on the main A1 route linking Belfast and Dublin, just outside Banbridge, The OUTLET is 10 minutes from Newry and 25 minutes from Belfast. The OUTLET also offers free parking on arrival.

Call +44 (0) 28 4062 5151 or check out www.the-outlet.co.uk for more information.

What is your favourite Valentines Make-up Look?

With Valentines Day fast approaching, I have decided to do another make-up tutorial video for you. However, what I would like to know is….

Which Valentines make-up is your favourite?

Have your say by Saturday the 2nd of February! Leave a comment below and which ever has the most requests, that shall be the look I will create in a video for you all. So here are the key looks for this Valentines Day!

Classic & Sophisticated

Pretty n Pink

Au Natural

Sultry Smokey

THIS SEASON’S FASHIONWEEK MAGIC KICKS OFF IN MARCH!

Yesterday I was invited along to the Launch of Belfast’s very own S/S 2013 West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK. I am always excited to get a sneak peek of what the next season is to hold and even more excited because it’s Spring / Summer (so that means brighter and warmer days ahead, right??)

The models at the launch we all sporting key trends for Spring/Summer 2013 with plenty of Pastels, Neons and Floral Floral Floral!

As much as I get so excited to see what Fashion is there for the upcoming season, I always look forward to seeing what is to come in terms of Make-up. Paddy McGurgan, Make-up Artist for FASHIONWEEK never disappoints. Yesterday the models were showing off a natural luminous make-up with complexions of perfection! I love S/S Make-up and the freshness it brings to the season!

This season’s event will take place from 21-24 March across various venues in Belfast with the key catwalk shows moving to the exciting new home at the iconic Ulster Museum in Botanic Gardens.  The contemporary and minimalist atrium at the historic building will be transformed into a fashion haven as hundreds of fashion fans gather in March to celebrate all things style.

Cathy Martin, Director of FASHIONWEEK

Cathy Martin, director of FASHIONWEEK said: “Key looks this season include pretty pastels, striking stripes, flirty florals and eye catching graphic prints.  In terms of colours it’s all about the bright neons, monochrome and also white and neutrals are big for spring/summer too.   Shows always sell out so we’d encourage anyone who wants to come along to any of the events to snap up their tickets!”

The High Street fashion show is always popular and will take place on Saturday 23 March at 8pm.  Retailers from the high street taking part include, Marks & Spencer, Oasis, Warehouse, French Connection, Jigsaw, Benetton and Internacionale as well as Dorothy Perkins, Debenhams, Miss Selfridge, Quiz, Blue Inc, Gap, Republic, Wallis, Laura Ashley, New Look, Burton and Exhibit from CastleCourt.  Once again the OUTLET Banbridge are returning for a third season to showcase their various collections. 

Siobhan McKeown, Marketing Manager from The OUTLET said they’re thrilled to be back again for another season: “The OUTLET is delighted to be a part of Belfast Fashion Week for a third year running. This amazing event showcases the best in retail in Northern Ireland. Our brands, Oasis, LK Bennett, M&S Outlet, DKNY Jeans and many more, relish the opportunity to feature the latest high street trends.”

George at ASDA will showcase a major spring 2013 collection on Thursday 21 March as one of the opening events that week and Maggie Jardine, regional manager of George at ASDA NI said they’re thrilled to be taking part in the biggest fashion event of the year: “FASHIONWEEK is a fantastic opportunity to show off our upcoming trends to customers both old and new.  We’re dedicated to keeping on top of the latest looks to ensure customers remain stylish without breaking the bank.  We’re very pleased to be showing off some of our lovely spring/summer pieces on the great platform that FASHIONWEEK offers – an audience of stylish and glamorous ladies who I think will be very impressed with our latest collection.” 

Boutiques from right across Northern Ireland will also be highlighted in the designer/boutique night on Friday 22 March.  Boutiques including Jourdan and Blush from the Lisburn Road will sit alongside key pieces from local designers Una Rodden, Reudi Maguire, Grainne Maher and Lisa McCabe among others.

Andrew Mulvenna, who is returning for a second season to make sure the models are sporting the latest hair trends, says ” In terms of hairstyles for this season I’m looking forward to showing off some gorgeous looks and will be experimenting with texture and volume to create a mixture of commercial and high fashion runway hair.  Deep side partings, low ponytails, 60s beehives and controlled waves are all big looks for hair this spring/summer, giving an urban but easily managed edge to your look.” 

Tickets for the main catwalk shows (priced £20) are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre Box Office on 02890246609 or online via the links on www.belfastfashionweek.com For the latest information on West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK log onto www.facebook.com/belfastfw  & look out for updates.

What does your furniture say about you?

I love being able to make my own stamp when it comes to decorating my home. I love taking apart items and mixing them up to create new pieces. So then when I stumbled across this new furniture by TABISSO, I just had to share it with you!

Tabisso Typographia Collection

The TABISSO lounge collection consists of chairs including all letters and numbers, a set of floor lamps covering more than 20 punctuation marks, and low tables to complete the set.

Tabisso Typographia Collection

Totally fun and innovative with a high-end target in terms of quality, this new furniture concept allows creative solutions blending interior design and communication — ideal for the project market and the planning of corporate, public and private interiors.

Tabisso Typographia Collection

If that wasn’t enough, TABISSO cares about sustainability with regards to materials and manufacturing — wood is European and certified from sustainably managed forests, manufacturing is entirely local in France.

Tabisso Typographia Collection

They are also socially responsible, supporting a charity program intended to sponsor basic literacy material to elementary schools in developing countries.

Tabisso Typographia Collection

The TABISSO® floor lamp collection covers over 20 punctuation marks, from ? to . and #, in black or white color.

Tabisso Typographia Collection

To see more about their products or to get in touch with TABISSO, see below:

1 boulevard Paul Leferme, 44600 Saint Nazaire, FRANCE

Tel: +33 (0)6 40 58 57 90

Email: info@tabisso.com

Website: www.tabisso.com 

Dress of the Month ~ January 2013

My current favourite dress is a sweet little number called Freya!

Freya is one of our gorgeous ‘Sottero and Midgley‘ gowns and features their signature corset back which allows for an incredible fit and a very flattered silhouette.

‘Freya’ by Sottero and Midgley (Front)

Right now I adore Freya because of all the texture – the bust-line is a gorgeously sheen pleated Valencia organza, and the rest of the gown is a beautifully soft un-beaded lace.

The soft sweetheart neckline is a great shape for many girls. I love it, especially on fuller figured girls as the slight dip isn’t deep enough to expose much cleavage but it can add length to your neck and décolletage. The chest area features organza asymmetrically pleated into a super flattering crossover effect which can add extra curve to a small bust but also offers support to a fuller chest. The pleats curve low into the waist and really exaggerates your shape.

‘Freya’ by Sottero and Midgley (Back)

Then there is the lace! A luscious corded lace over point d’esprit, the texture is deep and interesting and looks far more expensive than it is. I love the fact that there is absolutely no twinkle on this gown – there isn’t a bead or a sequin anywhere! It really is all about the texture!

The silhouette is best described as fit & flare, similar to a fishtail in its curvy shape, but much less severe and a much better option if you aren’t model height. As when a gown kicks out from mid thigh rather than knee you will look more balanced and taller. It also has the added benefit of being much easier to walk in. And sit, and kneel down, and get on the floor for ‘rock the boat’ should you feel inclined!

‘Freya’ with Caplet by Sottero and Midgley

This gown comes with a fab wee accessory – a capelet! There is definitely a slightly Victorian nod to this accessory with its high neckline, but the capelet shape feels a little bit 70’s too. The accessory is an optional extra that very few of my customers have opted for, it is a definite style statement that I cannot wait to see worn at a real wedding!

Trend Alert! Emerald Green will be springing us straight in to Spring/Summer 2013

Each Year Pantone, the purveyors of colour for our industry, forecast a colour that will mark the year…

Emerald Green is the Pantone of 2013 and its been popping up everywhere including heavily in Zac Posen’s S/S 2013 show for New York Fashion Week. It’s a fun, easily transferrable colour whether it is for Fashion, home or Beauty.

I have already been rocking out the trend in my salon over the last few weeks! Here are some examples of some seriously sophisticated Emerald Nails in lighter and darker shades for contrast.

Barry M Emerald Green

This is a light emerald shade with tons of metallic shimmer. It is soft and with a golden base so it can go with any skin-tone. Quick-drying and a steal at only £2.99

China Glaze Jolly Holly

Holly Jolly is a fantastically unique. It has a deep jewel tone shade that is seriously High Shine and High Impact. This is one of my favourites which I can’t wait to wear this season. A little more expensive at £6.95.

There are so many gorgeous nail trends coming this year and I cannot wait to bring them all to you first!

Goodbye January and Hello longer days and brighter skies, I hope!

Debbie xx