We've Got Eyes On The Back Of Our Heads

We took these photos in Skerries a few weeks ago when it was still freezing. It's now warmed up a bit which has been a very welcome change.

Jacket, Bag, Skirt and Top- Monsoon

Boots- Marks and Spencers

Belt, Necklace and Fur Stole- Accessorize

Rings- Monsoon and Goodnight Macaroon (Infinity Ring)

Beret- eBay

Lipstick Revlon Cherry Blossom

Nail Polish- Bourjois Amande Défilé

I can't believe I haven't shown these boots in an outfit post until now. I got them back at the end of the Summer and I think I've worn them 90% of the time since then because they are so comfortable for my bad foot, especially when I'm on my feet all day in work. I really wish that I had bought a second pair for when these eventually become too ragged to wear.

I love emerald green jewellery, despite not wearing much green clothes at all. Every time I wear a piece of my green jewellery I think of that scene from Return to Oz where they have to guess which Emerald coloured items their friends have been turned into.

I just wanted to say thank you for all the support since my last outfit post. I mentioned that 2013 hadn't been a good year for me so far but I feel like things have picked up a lot since I wrote that post. I've been blogging like crazy, taking photos, writing, drafting posts and reading lots of blogs. I've finally been getting recognition in my job for all the hard work I've been doing and have been given more responsibility like going to other branches to do Visual Merchandising. Things are still up in the air for the Irish part of the company and I may be out of a job yet, but I feel like I've learned so much and have invaluable experience that if need be I can take to another role somewhere else in the future (although I'm hoping it doesn't come to that).

I have some trips away coming up (in Ireland but still it's nice to get away anywhere), one of which is to celebrate my anniversary with Donnacha (7 years!) so I'm really looking forward to those.

They say every cloud has a silver lining and I don't know that that's always true but I know that through the hard times I've learned to appreciate every day, make the most of every opportunity and spend my time wisely, doing what I love and with people I love.

I hope you are all having a great week so far!

Emma x

*Title is from Live in Dreams by Wild Nothing. 

Goodstead

I was recently invited to explore Goodstead.co.uk which is the website for the Edinburgh based store of the same name. It stocks homeware and men's and women's clothing and accessories by many different designers from countries all over the world such as Sweden, the UK, Denmark, France and Australia. Here are some of my favourite items from the shop.

The Bernadette Jacket is by a brand called Wood Wood founded in Copenhagen in 2002. Their free spirted, open minded and no rules ethos has translated into unique pieces and has made them into a cult design brand in Denmark.

The belt is by Scottish brand Folk Clothing. Their aim is to create detailed clothing and accessories with the best materials.

I have been loving ankle boots for Autumn and these tan suede ones from London footwear brand Miista caught my eye straight away. The aim of Miista is to create footwear that is the antithesis of "conventional" styles and looking through their collection it's clear they have succeeded in creating something really special and different to what I see every day on the high street.

Anyone living in the UK or Ireland knows how much of a necessity it is to always have an umbrella at hand. No matter the season it is guaranteed to rain when you least expect it so I always have a small compact umbrella in my bag. This gorgeous Navy Lifesaver umbrella from British umbrella brand London Undercover  ( I love the name!) does exactly what the brand aim to do which is creating a functional fashion accessory and re-imagining the "boring, disposable" everyday umbrella. Living in a country where it rains so often, it really does make a difference carrying around a big sturdy and classy umbrella. I even love their Beans on Toast and Bangers and Mash styles that are on the less expensive end of the scale compared to their other styles.

How cute is this coffee bean print dress from French brand Sessun? The idea behind the brand is to create a "substantial wardrobe" instead of a seasonal one with emphasis on line, shape and materials. This is a brand I can totally get behind! I am all for style, tailoring and quality over fashion trends and cheap ill-fitting clothes made in large quantities. Emma Francois' designs are pretty and feminine but also tailored and versatile classics.

I adore this Bone ring from French brand Calourette (which means "little bohemian"). Designer Marianne Rautureau's jewellery is whimsical and very unusual. Her pieces would make a great gift for anyone who likes jewellery that is a bit different.

Lastly is this watch from Uniform Wares, a British timepiece design company. This along with the Folk belt are actually from the men's section of goodstead, but I really like both items. This watch is exactly the kind that I've been looking for- simple and classic. If the face was gold it would be perfect!

So those are my picks from Goodstead. What I really love about the site is that it brings together designers that all seem to have the same objective- to create quality, classic and unique items which in a world of disposable fashion is quite refreshing!

What do you think? Do you have a favourite item from my selection?

Emma x

***This post was written on behalf of Goodstead.

And Winter Was Coming But That Was Alright

We took these photos on the way to the cinema to see Ruby Sparks on Saturday with some friends. I really enjoyed the film, Paul Dano is very funny and Zoe Kazan is very pretty. 

All photos taken by Donnacha

Blouse- Monsoon

Skirt- Marks and Spencers

Coat- Dunnes

Shoes- Clarks 

Bag- Zara TRF

Sunglasses- c/o Firmoo

Necklace and Ring- Accessorize (necklace, ring)

Lips- Rimmel Heartbreaker

Nails- Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Eyes- Urban Decay YDK

I rediscovered my Rimmel Heartbreaker lipstick last week and wore it in work everyday but one. I bought it when I saw Zooey Deschanel wearing it in the campaign photos she was in about 2 years ago and forgot about it for a long time. It's such a gorgeous shade of pink that's deep enough to wear in Autumn/Winter. I got the bag and shoes recently enough and love both of them. I had been wanting these Clarks brogues for about 3 months and finally caved and bought them last month. They are so comfortable and the come in about 4 other colours including a green tweed pair! The Zara bag is a really great day to night bag because it's big enough for me to fit in all my essentials. It's also a great price at €29.95. 

We watched another film on Saturday called Safety Not Guaranteed. Mark Duplass and Aubrey Plaza are in it and I highly recommend it, it's so cute and funny and original. How was your weekend?

Emma x

Shiny Happy Sunglasses

For the past few Summers I've made myself a little wishlist of items to buy to complete my Summer wardrobe. Despite the fact that Ireland's weather is inconsistent at best, the one thing that is always on my Summer wishlist is a pair of proper sunglasses. Every year I contemplate the idea of splashing out on a classic pair of Ray Bans as they're relatively inexpensive compared to designer sunglasses like these amazing Prada Baroque ones or the Tom Ford Nikita style.

Sunglasses are an accessory that are in my bag all year round (yes, even in Winter). I honestly feel naked if I don't have them with me. They are essential during the Summer months and are a great way of avoiding sun damage to your delicate eye area! I really should just bite the bullet and save up to buy a pair instead of spending money on cheap pairs that break after a few wears and spending hours doing online window shopping and bookmarking all the contenders.

I was recently invited by smartbuyglasses.ie to check out their selection of designer sunglasses and I was so impressed by the selection and the prices. They also offer world wide shipping which is an absolute must for me if I'm to consider shopping with an online retailer.

I thought I would share with you my dream wishlist of sunglasses if money were no object;

 

You can't really go wrong with the Ray Ban wayfarer in classic Black. These really are timeless, after being around for decades, the Wayfarers have been firmly cemented in popular cultured and even name-checked in Don Henley's 80s classic song Boys of Summer. They are a bargain at just over €100 here, you can even get them with prescription lenses if you need them!

I adore the Clubmaster in Khaki and Orange. These are another classic Ray Ban shape and are available in five different shades including black and gold, black and red, tortoise shell brown, brown yellow and multicolour with pink, purple and blue. They are just slightly more expensive than the Wayfarers at €112.95.

The Erika are such a gorgeous dainty pair of sunglasses, I love the thin rim and in white they are just that bit different but yet still classic and would go with any outfit! These are currently €85.95 on smartbuyglasses.ie which is cheaper than the other Ray Bans, so they are bit more affordable!

When I saw that these were called Emma I could not believe it because they are so "me". I love the Transparent Honey colour, they are so pretty and feminine and are that slightly cat eye shape that I really love. They also come in black, brown, blue, violet and light brown. These are also €85.95 on smartbuyglasses.ie so another more affordable style.

Finally, I am officially in love with these red glitter Miu Miu sunglasses. I saw Dianna Agron wearing them at a film festival in Italy recently and they are so beautiful on! One of my favourite bloggers Elsa Billgren also bought them recently and that fuelled my love for them even more because I love her style so much. If you feel like treating yourself they are currently €213.95 on smartbuyglasses.ie. The are also available in black, silver glitter, gold glitter, and yellow/black print. 

So those are my picks for sunglasses. I think there's something for everyone there, especially considering Wayfarers and Clubmaster are unisex. Hopefully I'll have one of these pairs for next Summer! Which ones are your favourites? Do you own any designer sunglasses or would you consider buying some?

Emma x

***Disclaimer- This is a sponsored post. All photos from smartbuyglasses.ie. ***

No Straws To Grab Just The Rushing Wind

We took these photos when we were out for a walk during a rare sunny spell at the weekend. You ask for sun in Ireland and you get disgustingly humid and windy horribleness with your sun. I actually can't wait for Autumn now. We're never happy, but that's because we get four seasons in one day as the song goes. At least it wasn't raining!

Bag- Zara

Rings- Topshop

Sandals (I know you can barely see them but they were there I promise)- Clarks 

Belt- ???

Necklace, Skirt, Top and Denim Shirt- Monsoon

Bracelet- Accessorize

Lipstick- MAC Fire Sign from the Heavenly Creatures collection (worn over lip liner)

Foundation- Estée Lauder Invisible Fluid

Eye Shadow- Urban Decay Naked Palette Sin and Buck, Revlon Vintage Lace

Nails- Orly Rage

I wanted this bag from Zara for about 6 months and could never justify spending the money on it until I did some overtime in work and had a little extra money so after 6 months of looking at it online and in the store every few weeks I treated myself to it last month and I'm so happy I did because I love it! It's huge and goes with everything and is so lovely and I just love it AND I saw on tumblr still of Rachel McAdams wearing it in her new film! Okay enough about the bag... I've been mixing silver and gold together a lot lately. I love how they look together. 

I feel like I've been wearing a lot of black this summer which is very sad. Hopefully my next outfit post will be of a pretty summery dress! 

Emma x

Under Dormant Trees, Under Bright Lit Skies

I'm pretty sure this has been the second or third day we've had a bit of sun so far in June and when I say a bit of sun it rained most of the day and the sun came out twice to quickly dry the ground before it rained again. We went out to get something for dinner during one of the dry spells today and grabbed some quick outfit photos on the way since we haven't had the opportunity to do it in absolutely ages! I really want to wear sandals and nice summer dresses, it's so sad having to wear Autumn/Winter clothes in June. Here's what I wore today.

Blazer- Charity Shop

Dress, Shoes and Bag- Monsoon

Belt, Rings, Earrings, Bracelet, Scarf and Brooch- Accessorize

Lipstick- Revlon Cherries In The Snow

Nails- Catrice Iron Mermaiden with Essie Shine of the Times on top!

I've been on a bit of an accessories splurge lately with the gift card I received from head office for five years service with the company I work for. I didn't want to blow it all on rubbish so I decided to invest in a leather bag, the one above. I loved this bag when it came in and because of it's hefty price tag, even with our staff discount I never thought I'd be able to buy it so that was one thing I really wanted to get and it's something classic in a neutral colour that I know I'll wear for years. I've only bought one summer dress this season for uniform in work and I feel so sad wearing it in the rain so I haven't bought any other clothes recently, it's just so hard to know what to wear when it's hot and sunny one minute and cold, windy and raining the next! 

I've also been a bit obsessed with over the knuckle rings lately. I really wanted to get a  few simple silver and gold ones (mixed metals is something else I've been into), but they were a bit expensive online for what they are so I just got a few thin rings in smaller sizes in work and they seem to do the trick. Also how cute is the belt bangle? 

My hair is a bit mad. I've been waiting to get it cut for a few weeks so I'm finally going to next week when I get paid. It's been so dry since I starting dying it a year and a half ago and that's why I decided to grow out the colour and hence the three inch roots! The last time I dyed it was at the beginning of October last year and it's really grown out a lot since then but I don't want to give in and dye it again. I've been really trying to get it healthy for a while now using re-hydrating and moisturising hair products. I'm actually going to do a  haircare video soon to tell you about the different products I've been using. 

How was your weekend? We went to see The Five Year Engagement yesterday. I was surprised at how I reacted emotionally to the film, it's just lovely, not at all what I expected. Jason Segel seemed to be playing an older version of Nick Andopolis which of course made me fall in love with him some more. 

Here's a cool video...I'm a little obsessed as you might be able to tell...

Emma x

Only Girl (In The World)

I wanted to show you some of the things I've bought recently.

I got these 2 scarves and Urban Outfitters sunglasses in a charity shop during the week.

Peacock Statement Ring and Oval Marble Ring

Giant Carved Hyacinth Stud Earrings

Giant Brushed Heart Stud Earrings
(all jewellery from accessorize.com)

Donnacha got me this Mad Men book for Christmas. The illustrations are really great, it's such a cute book. It has cocktail recipes and tips for hair and make up. I recommend it to any of you guys who love Mad Men

How awesome are these Revlon and Max Factor ads?

If you know me you'll know how much I love all things Moomin so I had to buy these when I saw them. They're so cute and have really nice thoughts in them!

This is one of my favourite sentiments from the Snufkin book

I love all these Taschen books, they're great references to have.

I love these shoes!

This is the second Dave Eggers book I've bought. I want to start reading them soon. I'm terrible for concentrating on reading so I have to make myself do it!

Grace Kelly was my Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. I don't know why but I've always just loved her. She was so beautiful and talented and seemed like a lovely lady. My mam had a book about her when I was a kid and I loved looking at all her beautiful dresses in it.

She was always dressed so immaculately. I love those sunglasses!

I had to buy this when I saw it on sale. The drawings and paintings are adorable!

What do you think of my new books? I'm a very visual person so I much prefer books like these with visuals.

You may have noticed my photos are bigger than usual. I spent part of today working on a Flickr account and decided it was time I made my photos larger. Hope you like it!

I went to my friend's house last night for his birthday party. We danced until 5.30am, it was so much fun! I hope you're having a lovely weekend. I didn't get to take outfit photos this weekend but I should have two this week!

I love this song;