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

'Cause When You're Standing Oh So Near, I Kinda Lose My Mind

I was in France at the end of May staying just outside the lovely little town of Écommoy in the Loire Valley. We stayed in a Gite on the grounds of a Chateau for 11 days and then in the Chateau itself on our last night. It was the longest I've been off work since I started working there seven years ago and it was exactly what I needed after the rollercoaster that's been the past six months or so. 

Here is the first of four sets of outfit photos we took while we were there. 

Photos by Simon and I

Kimono, Skirt and T-Shirt- H&M

Bag- Next

Sandals- Clarks

Sunglasses- Primark

Nails- KIKO Sun Show Nail Lacquer in 471 Juicy Pitaya

Lips- KIKO Velvet Mat Lipstick in 605 Orange Red

I got this kimono in H&M a few months ago and I've worn it so much since, it's so light and comfortable and perfect for those Summer days when there's a bit of a chill in the air. I got this bag at a Next press day and I absolutely love it, the longer strap is detachable and there is a smaller wrist strap so it can be used two ways. It's the perfect bag for when you only need your phone and wallet (and a lipstick). 

I've also been wearing these Clarks sandals a lot as they're so comfortable when I'm on my feet all day in work. I bought the lipstick in KIKO while we were in Le Mans as well as some other things that I will be reviewing soon. I loved it after wearing it only once, such a beautiful vibrant shade and so inexpensive. I really hope KIKO come to Ireland soon.

A big thank you to Simon for taking the photos for me, I think he did an amazing job for his first time!

Emma x

Next Christmas Collection

Last Wednesday evening I went to the Next Christmas Collection event in the beautiful surroundings of the Cliff Townhouse. The room was decorated beautifully and included pieces from Womenwear, Menswear, Childrenswear and Home Decor. There was also a Tropical Popical nail bar and Christmas cookie decorating from Thunders Bakery. 

As you can see the Christmas accessories collection was very opulent. There were black, gold, silver, purple, velvet, sequinned and bejewelled necklaces, watches, evening bags and shoes. 

As you would expect fabric and texture were a big feature of the collection with fur, jacquard, sequins, silk, tulle, leather and velvet. There was a good range of colour with monochrome, black and red, camel, soft pink and purple as well as the old reliable black. There was a big Highland inspiration to the more casual items with a lot of tartan, dogtooth, check, wool and tweed. 

The Home collection for Christmas really drew me in with all of the bright colours, candles, Christmas decorations, gifts and fairy lights. It got me really excited for December to come around. My favourite item was the Teapot cushion above. That is definitely going on my Christmas wishlist!

Despite not having as much of an interest in men's and children's fashion, the collections for both were gorgeous. I especially loved the men's footwear. All of the pretty girls dresses reminded me of how much I loved getting my new Christmas dress every year. The children's Christmas jumpers were so cute! 

I met the lovely Marta from Addicted to Fashion Forever. You can read her post about the event here. 

My good friend Vanessa came with me, we had a great time drinking wine, decorating our cookies and chatting to the lovely ladies from Next- Rebecca, Chantelle and Vicky. 

If you're near a branch of Next pop in and grab the gorgeous lookbook featuring the stunning Arizona Muse.

Thanks to the lovely ladies from Next for inviting me along and a huge well done on organising such an enjoyable evening!

Is there anything from the collection you have your eye on?

Emma x