Ona Rex BASE

I wrote about my friend Ashley's clothing and accessories brand Ona Rex back in December and since then things have been going from strength to strength with her SS16 collection and now BASE which just launched last week.

I was blown away when I saw the images from the lookbook, it really encapsulates the high end urban feel that inspires Ashley.  I wanted to know what the inspiration was behind the collection so I asked her to share her thoughts with me. BASE is the Ona Rex version of a "basics" collection, but not so basic basics. Ashley wanted to bring back some of her bestsellers from her previous BASE collections but in updated fabrics and a monochromatic colour palette so that they can integrate seamlessly into the wearers existing wardrobe.

Denim inspired the nostalgic, athletic feel to the collection which is apparent with the unisex Rex Pullover, a familiar nineties silhouette updated with the fresh fabric and Ona Rex patch on the back (a detail I absolutely adore, seriously, how cool is this piece?)

The Warren Snap Jersey is another unisex design which draws inspiration from vintage baseball jerseys but again the fabric completely transforms the piece into something so modern and wearable. The Trapeze and Meridian Dresses have returned with their flattering, easy to wear shapes that can be dressed up or down, with heels or runners. These dresses are those wardrobe staples that you could bring out for any occasion.

The Ruth Pant continues the theme of athleticism meets glamour with the sportswear inspired elasticated waist and contrasting stripe. The pants are tailored and in a linen fabric that make them that perfect mix of smart and casual.

The collection contains one accessory and that's the Galaxy Necklace, a stunning piece of hand sculpted acrylic on an 18K gold snake chain. This is another piece that was brought back from previous collections and is such a beautifully unique statement accessory. I actually have a Galaxy Brooch which Ashley kindly sent me as a gift and it's even more amazing in person.

I can't get over what a gifted designer Ashley is, I can only imagine to amount of work that goes into a collection like this. I hope you love the lookbook as much as I do. I adore the styling, photography, make up, everything. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing Ashley's vision to life. 

What do you think of the collection? Do you have a favourite piece? 

You can follow Ona Rex on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

Emma x

Lookbook Credits: 

Photography: Brett Warren Photography

Assistant: Ryan Smallhands

Beauty: Jessica Arnholt

Model: Cassidy with Amax Talent

Jewellery: Portmanteau Jewelry Collection

As It Breaks, The Summer Will Warm

I'm excited to present to you my first blog post of 2016, it's fitting that it's also my first outfit post using my new Canon 700D camera. I'm still getting used to all of the settings and having fun playing around with it and taking photos of my family over Christmas. I'm just so happy to finally have great quality photos back on my blog after almost 2 years of using a camera that was so frustrating to take a photo with. 

I based the entire outfit around my new Ona Rex Faux Fur Scarf. I blogged about my friend Ashley's clothing and accessories brand a few weeks ago and I finally got around to styling this stunning scarf I ordered from her before Christmas. I was blown away by the quality of the scarf when I finally saw it in person. It's so big and warm and versatile. I've worn it both casually over my coat and more dressed up as you can see below. Despite the party season being over I decided to dress up the scarf with my idea of a Winter party look. 

Top- ASOS Crop Top in Textured Rib (similar here and here)
Skirt- Missguided Metallic Midi Skirt (via ASOS)
Shoes- Marks and Spencer Limited Edition Crossover Block Heel Sandals
Faux Fur Scarf- Ona Rex
Brooch- Ona Rex
Earrings- H&M (similar here, here and here)
Ring- Vintage (from my Granny)
Lipstick- Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red
Fingernails- Essie Bahama Mama
Toenails- Essie On A Silver Platter


One of my absolute favourite things about Winter clothing is wearing different textures and it's something that I really wanted to play up with this outfit. I feel like the ribbed top, metallic skirt, faux fur scarf and velvet heels create such a fun combination.

You might remember I wore this crop top to the races earlier this year and I was looking forward to styling it again. I love how it makes what could be a classic evening look a bit more modern. I adore these tassel earrings, they were a very thoughtful Christmas gift from my boyfriend who remembered I said I loved them when we were browsing in H&M one day.

The heels were one of my two sales purchases this Christmas (the other was also a pair of shoes). I fell in love with these sandals when I saw them in a magazine a few months ago. I've had them on my wishlist since then and so when I saw them in the sale I bought them straight away. They're surprisingly comfortable considering I rarely wear heels and the ankle strap makes you feel really secure wearing them.

The finishing touches to the outfit were of course, a red lipstick, the stunning Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red Matte Revolution lipstick which is the most amazing matte formula I think I've ever tried.   I then used my Instyler to curl my hair, I love how quick and easy it is to use and it gives more volume than any curling iron I've ever used. I definitely recommend it if you like to curl your hair but hate how long it takes.


Let me know what you think if my party look! Happy New Year, I hope you're all enjoying 2016 so far!

Emma x

Ona Rex

Ona Rex is a women's clothing and accessories brand that my friend Ashley created a few years ago. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, she designs unique handmade pieces in beautiful fabrics with the focus on colour, texture and silhouette. 

Sadly, as a whole ocean separates us, I have never actually seen any of the pieces in person (although that will change very soon as I've just made my first purchase!) But I can see from the images Ashley posts on the Ona Rex Instagram account that there is so much hard work and attention to detail that goes into every piece she creates. 

Holiday Base is her fourth collection and it's my favourite yet. Consisting of metallics, faux fur, silk, tweed and lurex, the pieces in this collection would be ideal additions to your Winter/ Holiday season wardrobe. 

The Metallic Swing Dress and Ribbed Silk Trapeze Dress would both be amazing party dresses. If you're tired of wearing black, red, lace and sequins, these could be a great unique choice to set you apart over the party season. I love how they've been styled in the lookbook with sixties inspired make up and glittery boots. You could also add tights if needed, a red lip or statement jewellery. The dresses are so minimalist that there are so many ways you could style them. 

The Anastasia Button Up and Anastasia Shorts worn together would make an effortlessly cool alternative to the typical sparkly party dress, just add an amazing pair of heels and tights if you're from a colder climate and you're party ready. Both can be worn separately too if you fancy a more fitted pair of trousers or perhaps a more glitzy top with the shorts. I adore the gold piping detail and the box pleated back and collar on the top. 

I can't wait until my order arrives and I'll definitely be styling it in an outfit post once it comes. You can follow Ona Rex on Instagram and Facebook and check out the online shop too. 

It's so important to support up and coming designers who are trying to get their creations out there. I love that so many Irish designers are having success in other countries so it would be great to return the favour. 

What do you think of Ona Rex, is there anything that catches your eye? Do you ever buy from independent designers?

Emma x