Eternal Optimist

Anyone who has been reading my blog for a while will know I'm partial to an Essie nail polish (I just counted and I have 21 Essie polishes). It's definitely my favourite nail brand and I've tried a lot of them. When I first saw one of their newer shades Eternal Optimist on Alix from I Covet Thee, I had to have it. It's described as "a spiced tea rose with a dash of cream" which I'd say is pretty spot on. 

Eternal Optimist is pretty much the on trend dusky pink colour of the past couple of seasons. It's light enough to be worn as a neutral all year round but it's a particularly pretty shade for this time of year. The warmer tones make it a more grown up pink shade compared to the likes of Fiji by Essie which is a more true baby pink. I've been wearing it almost non-stop since I got it before Christmas. 

I haven't been buying nail polish all that much recently, in fact I think this could be the only nail polish I've bought in the past year. I tend to go for Essie because they're one of the most long lasting and easy to apply nail polishes on the market and I always love their new shades.

What shade is currently on your nails? Do you have a favourite nail brand?

Emma x

I'll Paint You Mornings Of Gold, I'll Spin You Valentine Evenings

A few weeks ago I met with the lovely Sandra who owns Lulu and Belle Jewellery, an online jewellery brand based in north county Dublin. We had been following each other on social media for a while and I was delighted when she asked if I'd be interested in meeting up and chatting about styling some of her jewellery. She selected some of her gold pieces that she thought would suit my style and she was spot on, I loved everything.

Last weekend I wore two of the pieces, the open hoop earrings and initial necklace and we took some photos in the freezing cold Merrion Square, somewhere we've never used as a location before. I wanted the jewellery to be the main focus so I tried to keep the outfit, hair and makeup quite minimal.   I feel like the outfit was subconsciously inspired by my love of Marisa Tomei (especially in Only You). 

Coat- ASOS
Shirt- New Look
Trousers- New Look
Scarf- Zara
Bandana- ASOS (similar here)
Bag- Penneys/Primark (similar here and here)
Shoes- Marks and Spencer (similar here and here)
Socks- Penneys/Primark
Lipstick- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk
Nails- Essie Eternal Optimist
Jewellery c/o Lulu and Belle

I've mentioned recently how my preference over the past few years has been for more minimalistic jewellery. As you can see, the earrings and necklace are so pretty and delicate and could be incorporated into so many different looks. I'm so impressed that Sandra picked pieces that I was drawn to myself. I've been wearing at least one of them every day since I got them and I've gotten so many compliments. The jewellery is 14K gold filled meaning that the quality is excellent. The pieces are handmade to order and Sandra is more than happy to customise each piece however you like whether it be length, size or personalised with names or initials. She also has sterling silver options which is great for anyone who isn't a fan of gold.

Lulu and Belle Jewellery is available to buy on Etsy and Not On The High Street and a new website will be coming in the next couple of months too. You can also follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

What kind of jewellery do you like to wear, silver, gold or both? Do you like statement jewellery or a more minimal style?

Emma x

*This post was not sponsored, the items were kindly gifted to me by Lulu and Belle. All opinions expressed are my own.

Maximillian Strasse Her and Stones n' Roses

I haven't written a post about nail polish in a while, but after digging out some Essie polishes I bought last year I was inspired to share them with you. Maximillian Strasse Her is from the Spring 2013 collection. I remember this shade got a bit of attention when it was released because it is such a  unique colour. When I first saw it in the bottle I wasn't that pushed on it, but whenever I saw someone wearing it I made note to buy it the next time I was at an Essie stand.

It's a cool toned pale grey/green that almost works as a neutral. It's like the green version of Essie's Cocktail Bling which is one of my favourite shades of theirs. I get compliments on it every time I wear it because it's such an unusual shade. It's still available on Debenhams, Amazon and Superdrug if you want to get your hands on it.

Stones n' Roses was part to the Resort 2015 collection and is what I would describe as a pastel coral quite similar to Tart Deco, but a little more washed out. I've been wearing this a lot throughout Spring and now that it's "Summer" I'm wearing it on my toes too.

As with all of my other Essie polishes, the formula of these is excellent, in fact you could get away with one coat of both of these shades. The diffusion line in Boots and other pharmacies has a wider brush than the usual Essie polishes I've bought online and I definitely prefer this kind of brush as it allows me to coat my nails much quicker and more easily. Even though I apply a top coat over these, I still find them longer lasting than most of the other nail polish formulas I've tried.

Stones n' Roses can be found on Boots website and on Amazon.

Essie remain one of my favourite nail brands, I think I've featured them more than any other brand here on the blog. I adore both of these shades and feel like they're the perfect subdued Spring/Summer nail colours.  

What nail colours are you loving at the moment? Do you know any dupes for these shades?

Emma x

Shooting From The Hip About Our Faith And Love

Last Sunday we wandered around town looking for somewhere to eat. On the way we took some outfit shots at the Fruit and Vegetable market on Halston street. I've always loved this building and was lucky enough to film inside it a few years ago. Since then I've wanted to use it as the backdrop for some outfit photos. 

Trench Coat- Vintage (from charity shop, no label)

Blouse- New Look

Jeans- Next (similar here)

Boots- Clarks Bizzy Beat (similar here) 

Camera Bag- eBay

Choker- Zara

Sunglasses- Forever 21 (similar here)

Lipstick- MAC Ruby Woo

Nails- Essie Chinchilly

In my last outfit post I mentioned that we shot the photos in Dun Laoghaire. While we were there we went into a few of the charity shops which I've usually found to be some of the better ones in Dublin.  I actually bought this coat in a charity shop while we were there, I loved the colour despite the fact that I never wear yellow but I just loved the idea of a yellow trench coat for Spring. There's no label apart from a care label that says it was made in South Korea, I'm guessing it's from the eighties but I'm not an expert on these things so I can't sure. After getting it dry cleaned it ended up costing me around €25 which isn't bad for a Spring coat. I've had so many compliments on it since I got it and it reminds me that charity shops can be amazing for finding one of a kind pieces that you won't see anyone else wearing.

Who knew that the choker trend would stick around for so long! I got one last year that's velvet with a small gem in the middle and I love it but I wanted a plain black one that I could wear with anything. I saw a 2-pack in Zara a few weeks ago, they're both suede and the other one has little diamante flowers on it (which sounds horrible but it's actually really nice on).

I got this camera bag on eBay after a long search for something that would protect my camera but still look  like it's part of an outfit when I bring it out with me. I didn't want something that would be an obvious camera bag and this was the perfect solution.

Have you had any amazing charity shop finds? Are there any colours that you never wear?


Emma x

Style Hunter

You know you've got a great nail polish shade when it gets your boyfriend's seal of approval. Essie Style Hunter is that great. In fact I would go so far as saying it's probably my favourite nail polish shade. I can't believe it's taken me so long to feature it. 

Described by Essie as a Laser Sharp Crimson, to me it's a vibrant, eye-catching raspberry pink/red shade. It's classic, modern and glamorous all at once. As with all Essie polishes, the formula, application and lasting power are fantastic. If you're into nail polish and you don't already own this then allow me to enable you to go order it now, you won't regret it!


I got mine in Boots for €9.99.

Emma x

And We're Off To The Races

Last week I attended the Punchestown Races for the first time. I was invited along as a guest of Gold Fever Hair Extensions who were sponsoring the Best Dressed Lady competition. We were so lucky that the weather was good on the day (Good= freezing but sunny) so we managed to take some photos to share with you. 

Outfit Details:

Top- ASOS Crop Top in Textured Rib

Skirt- ASOS Premium Tulle Skirt in Floral Print (Out of Stock)

Shoes- ASOS Shuttle Heels

Headband- ASOS Dark Floral Hair Garland

Bag- Zara (Last Year)

Bracelet- c/o Swarovski Light Multi Bracelet

Ring- Stella and Dot Eden Ring

Nails- Essie Style Hunter

Lipstick- MAC Ruby Woo

I bought the shoes and skirt a few months ago after becoming totally enamoured during one of my frequent ASOS "browsing" sessions. At the time I didn't have any particular occasion in mind to wear them to but when I got the invite to the races I was excited to get them out of my wardrobe. 

I wasn't sure what to pair the skirt with at first, I decided the heels and skirt were statement pieces so I would be better going with something simple. I saw this crop top on ASOS and even though it's something that is completely outside my comfort zone I decided to give it a try. When it arrived and I tried it on, I was surprised how much I liked it. I think the tiny bit of skin on show mixed with the ladylike full skirt and low metallic heels is the perfect combination of modern and classic that I wanted. 

I couldn't decide what headpiece to go for so I ordered the floral garland and a Mini Veil and after asking a few people, they all preferred the flowers with the outfit so I went with that. I wore a black trench coat over it as it was quite chilly outside when we were watching the races. I was really happy with my outfit and the low heels were comfortable and practical for walking around all day. 

Check out the Gold Fever Hair Instagram to see all the photos of the Best Dressed ladies. There were some stunning outfits, it was so much fun looking at all of the stylish men and woman and how much effort and thought was put into their outfits. 

Have you ever been to the races?

Emma x

Miss Fancy Pants

I'm a big fan of Essie nail polishes, I don't know anyone who has tried them and not liked them. The formula, lasting power, brush and colour range make Essie polishes some of the best I've ever tried. I saw Miss Fancy Pants on somebody, I can't remember who and I ordered it straight away. It's described as a "refined, chic greige" on the Essie site and I couldn't have put it better myself. For me, it's the perfect understated nail colour. 

Do you have a go to neutral nail polish? What are you wearing on your nails right now?

Emma x

Turn Our Golden Faces Into the Sun

This is the last set of outfit photos we took in France. We took them just outside our little Gite on a sunny but windy day. It feels like so long ago now. 

Dress- Monsoon

Headscarf- Accessorize

Sandals and Sunglasses- Marks and Spencers

Nails- Essie Cute As A Button

Lips- Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Unapologetic

I loved this cotton broderie anglaise dress from the moment I saw it and I've loved wearing it on the really hot Summer days. It's the kind of dress that makes you feel great as soon as you put it on. These patent mint green sandals were another love at first sight purchase, they aren't the most comfortable sandal but I just love how they look, especially the little detail of the silver heel. The Essie nail polish and Revlon lip colour have been Summer staples for me, I can't recommend either highly enough. They also both happen to match the dress perfectly.

What have been your Summer wardrobe and make up staples?

Emma x

Dreams Unwind, Love's A State Of Mind

I chose this outfit based completely around this amazing Esprit hat I received from Surfdome.com. The outfit ended up having a seventies feel to it hence the post title lyrics from Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon which are also fitting considering it's Halloween later this week.  Have a look here at Surfdome's array of hats for Autumn/Winter. 

Photos by Donnacha

Hat- Esprit c/o Surfdome

Sunglasses- eBay

Fur Collar- Chicwish

Jacket- Marella (charity shop)

Dress and Boots- Marks and Spencer

Bag- Coach (via eBay)

Rings-Vintage

Earrings and Bracelet- Accessorize

Watch- Fossil Georgina

Lips- YSL Rose Baby Doll Glossy Stain (review coming this week)

Nails- Essie Velvet Voyeur

We've been so lucky with the weather so far this Autumn. Apart from the rain and wind, it's been quite mild so I'm enjoying wearing light layers at the moment. I've been having a lot of fun recently, hanging out with friends, going out more than I usually do, work is going really well and I've been making the most of new challenges every day. I feel really lucky. I'm going to Paris very soon and we've been trying to organise what we're going to do each day so I'm getting really excited about that. I've been watching The Mindy Project which has quickly become my new favourite show and listening to a lot of Pixies, Elliott Smith and Fleetwood Mac. I've had lots of great exciting opportunities because of blogging, which can sometimes be scary but I really want to embrace it all and enjoy it. It's been so much fun and so rewarding!

Tell me how you are!

Emma x