A very stylish night at Action Mental Health's "Style at Stormont"!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Picture the scene: slowly walking up the opulent steps to the majestic Parliament Buildings, Stormont, not to attend a political meeting, but instead to attend a magnificent fashion show........well this may be the stuff that fashion dreams are made of, but last week it became a reality!!
Now in their 50th anniversary year and celebrating being chosen as the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission’s inaugural Charity of the Year, Action Mental Health hosted a glamorous night of fashion in the prestigious surroundings of the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, and the evening most certainly didn't disappoint!
The great thing about this particular event, was that it not only helped to raise money for an extremely worthwhile cause, but it also helped to raise the profile of the charity and awareness of mental health issues! Fellow fashion blogger Gemma-Louise Bond shared her own personal struggles with depression after suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, and we also got to hear from the CEO of AMH, David Babington, giving us all a welcome reminder as to the reason why we were all there! While the entertainment for the evening came from the hugely talented James Huish, Belfast’s very own “Bublé!
Mingling amongst guests during the drinks reception I was acting in my "StyleWatch" guise for Belfast Times, snapping away at all my fellow stylish attendees! It was also my privilege to be asked by AMH to judge their "Best Dressed" Competition! Not only did my uber stylish winner Sharon Geddis receive a fabulous large basket of sugary treats from Dolly's Retro Sweets, she also received the stunning handmade "Lizzie" necklace from Rebro Jewellery! Massive thanks to both for donating such fabulous prizes! Click HERE to read the post in full!
"Best Dressed" Winner Sharon Geddis, wearing a design by local award winning designer, Ruedi Maguire, pictured alongside her prizes from Dolly's Retro Sweets and Rebro Jewellery.
Photograph taken by myself.
As the evening's "Style Judge" I was once again wearing my favourite label, Karen Millen! I sported their stunning red signature stretch satin dress (DP156) and paired it with their stripe mini box bag (GL217) which perfectly complimented the red colourblocking in the dress, and finished the look off with diamanté and nude satin "Ruthe" shoes from Aldo!
Myself wearing Red signature stretch satin dress (DP156) with Stripe mini box bag (GL217), both Karen Millen finished off with diamanté and nude satin "Ruthe" shoes from Aldo.
Photograph of myself taken by Kerrie Mann.
Florals were given a modern twist in neon colours and Ted Baker's floral print could be seen emblazoned on dresses, swimsuits, Mac's and bags, giving the trend a young and fresh look! Stand out for me being Ted Baker's striking floral Mac! The perfect way to stay stylish in our rather wet weather! While at the other end of the spectrum, the monochrome trend was out in force for anyone not brave enough to work the neons!
Candy cane hues of pinks yellows and creams captured the mood of girly, yet sophisticated looks, in unstructured flowing dresses which made me long for the good weather to make an appearance!
The stunning models from Tracey Hall’s Style Academy models were prepared for the catwalk by the talents of the Peter Mark hair team, Crème de la Mer beauticians and award-winning make-up artist Paddy McGurgan, who's work I've been a fan of for years and is honestly a genius with a make up brush!
A hugely enjoyable evening, I was so pleased to have been a small part of such a fantastic event and I sincerely hope Action Mental Health make "Style at Stormont" an annual event!
Unless otherwise stated all photographs taken, and kindly provided by Stephen Potter.
