Ooh La La Magazine Blog Awards

Hey guys, so you might know there is a new Irish magazine on the market, Ooh La La, and basically it centres around all things fashion and beauty. Next month they're going to be having their very first Irish blog awards, and it would mean the wooooooooooorld to me if you could vote for me as Best Newcomer.

All you need is my URL, my name and my email which is all on my blog :) They're going to be picking 12 finalists for the awards and it would be a dream just to even get nominated.

If you like my blog, please vote here :) You can also vote my clicking the badge over there >>>> or below :)

Thanks soooooo much guys.

                                                                     

                 

-Orlaith

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Flash Update

Apologies for the lack of news on my blog guys, I've been absolutely swamped lately!
I'm moving over to London tomorrow for a month, I'm starting an internship in the fashion magazine Ponystep (which you can creep on here) so I'm all over the place trying to get myself sorted. Believe me, trying to fit a month's worth of clothes, makeup, shoes and accessories into one bag is not easy.

I start next Monday, so I'm hoping to do a bit of blogging before that and give you all a quick update of London and the fasssssshion of course :D I'll try do some outfit posts while I'm over there and I'll take a few snaps of the city :)

Until next time, why don't you check out some of these blogs from other Wexico girls?

• http://tanyiatalks.blogspot.ie/
• http://shesanaddict.blogspot.ie/
• http://spreadgoodvibess.blogspot.ie/

                                                                    -Orlaith :) xoxo

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How to wear: Monochrome

Minimalism will forever be a fashion favourite, so it's no surprise that the monochrome trend has swept the fashion stakes once again for S/S '13. Balancing a very simplistic palette, based on the black & white craze, monochrome is being shown everywhere from catwalks to sidewalks this year. 

It's possibly one of the easiest trends to pull off in my opinion, so ladies, you can all breathe a sigh of relief! Between stripes, graphic prints and of course, colour blocking,
this trend ticks all the boxes. What I adore about this style is that is can easily be transformed from office-chic to nightclub-ready in a matter of a few small changes. 

Dating back to the 60s, the monochrome trend was born and brought to life by the iconic, Twiggy. It was at this time the monochrome-era had begun.

For a day-time look that you want to wear in the office, I would choose a print top with black skinnies or cigarette trousers (my new fav)  It's simple, on-trend and when you're waking up at 7am, it's extremely easy to throw on! Pair it with a statement leather handbag/satchel and a pair of pointed courts and you're on you're way  to being the office bombshell!

Office/Day-time look

                   

                

This trend is great to play around with, so if you're looking for something more fun, maybe something you want to hit the tiles in, then I suggest you mix it up with a bit of colour blocking. As much as I love the trend, it can become a little monotonous. So add a little colour into the mix! If you're working your wet-look, leather leggings with a black mesh top, shake it up by adding a pop of colour either through your shoes, a clutch or you're jewellery (just not all three, or else you'll look like Sesame Street threw up on you!) If you want it to be a bit more under-stated, I would go for a pair of white sandals and maybe a neon yellow/ orange clutch for an ultra chic look.

Night-time look

                              

If you click the pictures, it'll link you to the website :) 

                                                                        -Orlaith :) xoxo 

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Penneys for Asos

The day has come my friends, Asos has finally picked up Penneys/ Primark for their online store! While it may not seem like a major deal to many of you, it is a breath of fresh air to us Irish folk, as we all know that the British Primark offers a much better selection, than our little 'ol Irish Penneys!

€13.26
Usually not a fan of bodycons, but this one is fab!

While only offering 70 odd items on the website at the moment, Asos hopes to double that to 140 in the next few weeks. The online fashion store has also reported a 45% increase in sales since taking on the discount store, a mere three-months ago.

As Asos is known for its quality merchandise, and can often be a little pocket-pinching, it's refreshing to see a little bit of change on the website. I can't help but be thrilled myself, let's just say Penneys in my little hometown of Wexford isn't something to be excited about!

Asos are offering a selection of both mens and womens wear at the moment, and I'm absolutely in looooove with some of the pieces - definitely perfect little summer pieces that are the price of peanuts! (Try say that fast three times!!)

Here's just a few snip-its of what's online right now!

€10.60

€7.95

Absolutely love these two pieces. I'm really into this American jersey trend, that seems to be everywhere at the moment. Very cute with shorts or skinnies, just for a laid back look! This midi skirt is a total winner in my opinion. The statement print really works with it and what I really love is that it is a piece that can be brought from day-time to night, with just a few minor changes!

These two dresses are so cute and perfect for the summer. Both rocking the cut-out panels and staying up to date with the spots and aztec prints. Easy and affordable, sure how could you go wrong? Both priced at €19.88, I will most definitely be investing!

€22.53

Love. Love. Love. Normally, I'm quite apprehensive about prom dresses, because they can be either unflattering depending on material, or uber short (even with my little short legs!) But I think this one is absolutely, drop-dead gorgeous. And who would think it's from our humble, little Penneys? The print is absolutely stunning, and the cut-out above the dress adds a little sex-appeal at the same time. A classy, very chic dress, I think it's a must-have for Summer. I always find I never have enough of these dresses, depending on a family get-together, or a sunny day at the Races, a dress like this is never easy to find. It's both smart and cute, and for under €25 bob?......Yes please.

€10.60

€17.23

The last two pieces I chose, are just simple, easy-to-throw-on items, that can work with just about anything. I love coral, it's my absolute favourite colour for spring, and that's why I chose this little, skater dress. I would probably grunge it up a little bit with some biker-boots and a leather jacket, because let's face it, with our weather, we're never gonna be able to wear this without a billion layers on! I recently saw this top in one of Lily Melrose's haul videos, and I thought it was a wow-piece. I'm a little obsessed with monochrome at the moment, so when I saw this I just had to have it..however, my local Penneys disappointed me and didn't have it in stock! Love the polka-dots, but I'd probably purchase this a couple of sizes larger, so I could work an over-sized look.

There is so much more gorgeous pieces online, so take a look here :)

                                                                                 -Orlaith :) xoxo

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Blog awards Ireland

Hey guys, so today the nominations open for The Blog Awards Ireland 2013, and I would really, really love if you guys would consider nominating me for an award. There are a variety of categories, ranging from best political blog to fashion blog, so there is tonnes of opportunity to vote for your favourite Irish blog.

I really want to start blogging on a more day-to-day basis, and that's what my plan is going to be for over Summer. So if you like my fashion/beauty blog, or my personal blog (which you can find here , please check it out! ) please consider nominating me.

Suggested nominations

• Best Newcomer blog
• Best Youth blog
• Best Personal blog - My wordpress blog
• Best Beauty/Fashion blog
• Best Blog post

Nominations only take a few minutes to fill out and it would mean the world to me.
Thanks a million you guys :)

You can nominate here

                                                                  -Orlaith :) xoxo
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etailPR blog competition

To mark the celebration of gaining 1,000 followers, etailPR are running a competition for a free blog design/layout!
If you're a part of the etailPR blogging community, why don't you go and enter the competition to be in the running for this amazing prize! Only 40 minutes left, so hurry!

You can find the link to the competition here :)

Good luck!
                                                                      -Orlaith :) xoxo
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Summer trends: Sport luxe

River Island €40

So I decided over the next few days, I will post my favourite Summer trends and maybe give you guys some inspiration on how to wear them. To start off, I'm gonna jump in head first with my current, favourite trend - Sport-luxe. This trend isn't necessarily just suited to summer, personally I wear this all year round, and I think it suits just about every season. What I love about this trend is that it's so comfortable and adaptable to the changing seasons, or in terms of Ireland/UK the changing hours! Whether you want to rock a crop-top and leggings in Spring, or through on a varsity jacket, accompanied by disco pants and a beanie for Winter, this trend is most definitely a winner!

River Island €17

I believe nothing is more stylish, than a person who feels good in their own clothes. If you're not happy with your outfit, that's going to shine through your whole ensemble, remember confidence is key when it comes to fashion. So if you don't feel at your best in a tight body-con and skyscraper heels, ditch them for something you feel good in. (By the way, I do not condone wearing PJs in public, you may feel good in them, but let's just keep them in the bed, where they belong!) Sport-luxe is a real relaxed trend, consisting of baggy jumpers, hightops and over-sized tees, and when worn correctly, can look uber-chic.

River Island €24 

The trend first kicked off in SS12, with inspiration from the Olympics and the need for a fuss-free, chilled-out trend Sport-luxe was everywhere from the catwalk to the high street. During this time, Marc Jacobs released a collection of luxury sweatshirts that quickly became the season's must-have item, while other designers concentrated on incorporating lyrca, neon and two-tones into their designs.

And let's not forget the staple, marmite item of the trend, the high-top, wedges. You either love them or hate them,( or in case of many, many young girls, you can either walk in them or can't walk in them) but the high-top wedges are the key piece to this trend. Personally, I think everyone should give them a go, (sspecially if you're 5ft 2 and could use the boost!) they're so easy to incorporate in any outfit and you'll quickly be saying a farewell to your battered converse.

This look is easy to glam up and give that extra ounce of sophistication if desired, simply add a pair of thin-strapped sandals and over-sized leather bag for an ultra-chic look.

Here's a few items I've plucked off the web to give you some ideas. :)

Ragged Priest €18

Topshop €26

River Island €25

BooHoo €38

River Island €20

Zara €49.95

Don't forget to experiment and have some fun with this style! Post some of your ideas below :)

                                                                               -Orlaith :) xoxo
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FASHTAG

Came across this channel while I was getting lost in YouTube. Fashtag is a new fashion, style and entertainment channel which comes from Carnaby in London. Make sure to check out the channel and the Tumblr page.

Here's a video of Phoebe from Made in Chelsea, talking about her style. She is absolutely gas, love her! Enjoy.

-Orlaith :) xoxo

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Style Inspirations

My favourite style icons change as frequently as my bed-sheets, but lately I've been become somewhat attached to the following group of people. Ranging from A-list Celeb to your average, humble blogger, here is my current selection of my style inspirations.

Phoebe Lettice-Thompson

Not only is this little lady a fashion assistant in Condé Nast Publication and writing a blog for Tatler, she is also one of the newest (and most stylish) characters on the Bafta-winning TV show, Made in Chelsea. Unlike her wealthy counter-parts on the show, Phoebe oozes a laid-back persona, rocking a sport-chic look but also not afraid to go full out glam at Mark-Francis' incredible soirees. Her mix of high-street and high fashion pieces collaborates perfectly together, making her a leader in the fashion stakes. If you've got an hour (or five) to kill, check out her tumblr page. Her photography is amazing, not to mention there are a few shneaky pics of the MIC cast on hols! Believe me, she will become an instant girl crush.

Lily Melrose (LLYMLRS)

An idol to many in the blogosphere, Lily Melrose, or llymlrs as she is known to her followers, has been on our radar since 2009. One of the first bloggers, I began to follow on the internet, Lily has always been an idol of mine. Her style can vary from over-sized tees and leggings to fully-fledged faux fur and killer heels. Frequently blogging her OOTDs, Lily never fails to be bang on trend, while giving us fun ideas to play around with. The launch of her YouTube channel confirmed her as one of my favourite style icons, not only because of her fun and quirky outfits, but also because she comes across as such a down to earth girl, thumbs up Lily! 

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie is probably the one celebrity I consistently admire in the fashion world. I suppose, I generally don't really like A-list fashion, as it is either uber-expensive and unrealistic or just not in touch with my own personal taste. However, ever since The Simple Life, (yes, yes I know it was absolutely ridiculous but hey, we all have our guilty pleasures! ) I have loved Richie's style. Seeing her grow from young socialite, to an accomplished fashion designer and mother, her style has grown with her and has only got better and better. For me, Richie inspired a lot of the Boho trend, (mixed in with the Olsen twins of course) and the comeback of over-sized sunglasses. Richie's blog on her website  is definitely something to look out for, she centres it around fashion mixed in with family life and events. 

Cara Delevingne

Possibly my favourite celebrity in the world. Ever. I may be a little bit in love with this girl.....not trying to sound creepy or anything. Cara has literally taken the world by storm in the past year, and has the rulers of the fashion world include Karl Lagerfield and Anna Wintour in the palm of her hands. (If you don't know who they are, I suggest you look them up, they're kinda a big deal.) Normally, I detest the supermodel style, with the exception of Kate Moss..because it's Kate Moss, I just think it gives off a really negative image of a certain kind of people and young teenagers go to extreme measures to aspire to be these sort of people. However, Cara throws a complete spanner in the works when it comes to the standard 'model image.' We usually see her giving interviews, while chowing down on a hearty burger and chips, and is rarely pictured without a can of coke in her hand...and yes..that's FULL FAT coke we're talking about. She's an absolute rockstar in her own nature, and her besties which include Rihanna and Rita Ora are right there with her. Cara's style epitomises what we should look for in ourselves, comfortable and sexy. Although, if we all looked like her, it wouldn't be hard! What I really love about Ms Delevingne is that she can go from walking into a fashion shoot with a pair of grubby Converse and a Ragged Priest beanie and be transformed into a total supermodel. 

Louise Thompson

Another character from MIC, (I'm a little obsessed, I know), Louise Thompson has climbed the style ladder incredibly in recent years. The pint-sized fashionista (She's 5ft if anyone is interested) founded Pocket London, a range of denim jeans with a high-end touch. Louise's style has a cute/trendy feel to it, but isn't afraid to sex up her look when it comes down to it. Having done her fair share of modelling and collaborated with different designers and retailers, such as Goddiva, to produce her own fashion ranges, Louise is quickly becoming a household name on the UK fashion scene. Her style is much more 'put-together' as opposed to her on-screen colleague, Phoebe and prefers a more high-end, Chelsea look. However, with a bit of elbow-grease and scouring fashion rails, Louise's look is relatively easy to pull-off. All you need is a few staple pieces; a great pair of jeans, a simple cream shirt, blazer, loafer-pumps and an over-sized bag to finish off the look.

Who are your favourite style icons? 

-Orlaith :) xoxo

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Back to brunette

So after nearly a year and a half of rocking the ombré trend, I decided to finally kick it to the curb and go back to my roots (See what I did there? ;) )

I've had ombré in my hair since February 2012,at the time it was just kicking off in the fashion world with celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Jessica Biel and Ashley Simpson dawning the look. The hairstyle was accompanied by a relaxed attitude and a very low maintenance style, which allowed this look to become so popular.

After a few short months, the style rocketed into the fashion world taking storm over tumblr and giving so-called hipsters a new medium to experiment with. People began to add different colours to the ends of their hair, in turn tye-dye also began to creep back into our lives. After the release of the ombré home colour kit, the hairstyle was nearly on every Tom, Dick and Harry in the country! It wasn't long until some quirky designers decided to put the trend on the catwalk, however this time it wasn't through their hair, it was through their clothes. The ombré craze was everywhere during A/W 12, and also filtered through to Spring/Summer 2013, however I think it's now time to let the trend bow out with grace and for the sake of all our sanity, leave it in the past.

After seeing a few questionable celebrities' ombré dos, ahem Caroline Flack..ahem, I decided to give it the boot and go back to my original brunette-self. While most people would rather give their left arm than go dark during Summer, I went against status-quo (so hipstaaa) and went for a mocha-brown colour. Needless to say, I think I made the right decision. Not only is my hair in much better condition, it's also easier to manage and the colour works with my complexion perfectly.

If you're thinking about saying goodbye to your ombré locks, I say go for it!

                                                                      Before and after pics :)



              -Orlaith :) xoxo
                       
                                                                                                         

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