What can I say, I'm a girl who loves luxury and the finer things in life! From fashion to food, travel to home, I have always been a girl who appreciates good taste and fine craftsmanship, and for me nothing encapsulates this more then the Fabulous Fashion Teas at the five star Merchant Hotel.

Returning for their tenth year (or twentieth season!) the Fashion Teas combines a weekend of decadent food, bubbly and fabulous fashion, and of course yours truly was there to check out all the latest looks!

For the event I opted to wear one of my favourite brands, Karen Millen. This lace and silk dress, with it’s obi style waist band and gold thread lace overlay is one of my favourite pieces from my collection, and was styled with a delicate gold necklace, a hand finished gold “Aurora” disc bracelet, Karen Millen sandals and my beloved Jasper Conran handbag!


One of the best parts of the Fashion Teas is checking out all the pop up boutiques, as it means I can catch up with all my fashion friends, as well as getting up close to all the latest designs at the Fashion Teas! I fell in love with Chloe Dougan’s leather and chainmail collection, and Petra has really outdone herself with her latest collection from her label A.P.D Jewellery!

I was however quite naughty at the Walk in Wardrobe pop up boutique and after catching up with owner Laura McPolin I snagged myself a stunning white jacket from designer Rebecca Rhoades (available from Walk in Wardrobe)! Then it was a quick nip over to Lunn’s the Jewellers David Yurman pop up to try on some major arm candy!

David Yurman’s bangles are to die for and for a die hard arm candy fan like me I was in my element layering up my own personal stack of covetable bejewelled bangles! I also had the opportunity to personally meet with David Yurman’s Director of Styling Events, Travis Ngo for my own mini styling session! I have to confess I was seriously in love with all of the pieces he picked out for me and I came away with a wish list as long as my arm!


Then it was off to the opulent Rita Duffy Suite with Cathy, Nuala, Lauren and the rest of the girlies for the David Yurman at Lunn’s the Jewellers show!


As always the models from Style Academy looked effortlessly chic, while their hair by Andrew Mulvenna and make-up by Lacôme perfectly complimented each stylish look!



The afternoon consisted of lots of Veuve Chicquot Champagne and delicious melt in the mouth patisseries as we were treated to an array of fabulous David Yurman jewels exclusively available at its UK and Ireland stockist, Lunn’s the Jewellers in Queen’s Arcade.

While I am naturally drawn to bangles and bracelets, I also found myself lusting after an exciting mix of statement cocktail rings and bold neckwear stacked together to create a modern edgy feel to the brands heritage pieces.

For someone like myself who loves fine jewellery it was wonderful to attend a show where exquisite jewellery was the focus rather than just the clothes and Travis did an amazing job at styling each of the jewellery looks! The only downside is that I going to need some David Yurman in my life!

I had such a wonderful afternoon catching up with everyone at the event, and once again I have to congratulate the team at the Merchant Hotel for putting on such an enjoyable and elegant event! I for one cannot wait to attend next season’s shows in October!

The Merchant’s Fashion Teas will return once again to showcase autumn/winter fashion trends from a range of top local designers and boutiques on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October 2016. Fashion Teas with Harper at The Merchant Hotel, The Walk in Wardrobe and a joint show between local designers, Shauna Fay and Gráinne Maher have already been confirmed for the Autumn/Winter line-up. For further information and to book tickets, visit themerchanthotel.com or contact The Merchant Hotel’s events team on 028 9026 2717. 

Massive thanks to Sarah Fox for providing the press release, photo credit Kelvin Boyes at PressEye.

Welcome to my Style Diaries from all my fashionable goings on at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK! From covering the catwalk shows to attending WCCFW workshops and writing my Style Watch column for Belfast Times it’s been crazy but equally lots of fun too!

So if you want to know the styling inspiration behind each of my looks from FASHIONWEEK then keep reading!

Day 1 of FASHIONWEEK began bright and early as I was attending a special series of “Cutting It” workshops organised by LW Creative Consulting with thanks to WCCFW. It was a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a desire to work  within the fashion industry to get an unique insight into what it takes to make it from some of our country’s most accomplished fashion professionals.

I opted to attend the morning session which included talks by Róisín Murphy former buyer for Selfridges and Burberry; Steven Simpson: Rio & Brazil/Mr & Mrs Stitch.com; Designer Karishma Kursurkar; Ricky Woodside: photographer and creative director of 10Ten Magazine; designer Gráinne Maher and owner of Vault Boutique & Lewis Robert Cameron: fashion journalist and founder of Beyond Man Magazine.

Even for someone such as myself who has been immersed in this world for some time I found the talks hugely informative and would certainly recommend them to anyone who has an interest in working within the fashion industry!

The workshops took place at the Gasworks and while I was there I took the opportunity to grab some street style shots with Adrian Quinn as it was THE perfect backdrop to showcase my look for Day 1 at FASHIONWEEK!

As it was a daytime event I went for a dressed down look, opting to work seasonal pastels contrasting with lots of textures: chiffons, leather and tweed to give the look a modern twist!

Mixing high end with low end, I took a simple chiffon Paisley patterned dress from Primark and added a deliciously butter soft leather obi belt from Rio/Brazil to give the dress shape and show off my tiny waist!

Next I channeled my inner Coco Chanel by pairing it with a super cute tweet fringed cropped jacket from Karen Millen, perfect for my petite frame and gave it a little nod to Chanel with my diamanté brooch!

Sticking with my love of all things designer I went all out with accessories! I do love my designer shades and these all black versions from Balenciaga are super chic! Next to bring out the blues in my dress I opted for my Gucci jacquard GG scarf, while my tresaured Chloé mini “Paddington” handbag perfectly complimented the neutral tones of my outfit!

Jewellery wise as always I was wearing my Gucci Diamond G watch, Rachel Galley Allegro star friendship bracelet and diamond tennis bracelet, while my other wrist was adorned with my latest acquisition, a gorgeous “Return To Tiffany” Tiffany & Co bead bracelet!

Such an effortless look which I always love to wear, I think a girl can never go wrong with a classic tweed jacket, and when it comes to elevating a look to that next level always invest your money into your accessories!

If there is one thing I believe in strongly it’s in the incredible wealth of creative talent we have here in Northern Ireland. As a blogger I’ve been privileged to get to know many of our top Northern Irish designers, and I believe it's vital that investment and support is given to next generation of design talent coming through our universities and collages!

That’s why I love attending the graduate shows, not only is it a really fun night, but you always see some incredible designs. These kind of shows gives graduates the opportunity to flex their creative muscles and really go to town with some seriously amazing designs, creating a truly show stopping event!

In case you didn't know, we are heading ever closer to the hotly anticipated Ulster University Graduate Fashion show which will take place at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on 26 May. I’ve been lucky enough to attend this show for the past 4 years and it always has the wow factor, this year it’s taking place in a new venue, the Europa Hotel and I'm so excited to be able to give you all a sneak peek at some of my favourite pieces from the forthcoming show!

Catching my eye is Gemma McAllister’s “Network Collection”, a series of pieces which can be added or taken away through button fastenings from the main body of the outfit creating multiple looks, while the timeless chic of Jeremy Huddleson’s “Decadence in a time of Crisis” is definitely a look I would love to wear myself! Last but by know means least is Sarah Walker’s “Ambedextrous” collection which caught my eye with it’s intricate and detailed panelling, creating a beautifully tailored, slightly futuristic look! (I'm seriously coveting those leggings!)

Stephen King MA Des RCA, Fashion Lecturer, Belfast School of Art at Ulster University said: “The students’ work on the catwalk will no doubt be a proud display of their unique style and individual vision. With some truly inspiring and creative pieces including knits, prints and jaw-dropping silhouettes in the mix, the students are sure to wow the audiences."

Final year student Amy Scanlon talks of her collection: “From the conceptual idea in my head, to putting pen to paper and sketching out a 5 piece collection, right through to the uncountable and pain-staking hours at a knitting machine, it’s cathartic to come full circle now as we prepare for our pieces to come alive on real life models, with professional hair and make up to create a full fashion theatre experience.”

Classmate Roseanna Crawford adds: “Having the show brings the whole project from academia to the commercial world, and it has certainly helped me learn the importance of things like commerciality versus creativity for example, so it is such a fantastic way to finish our degree and help launch our fashion careers.”

The students will see their collections modelled on show producer Cathy Martin’s CMPR Models with hair perfectly styled by the inventive team at Andrew Mulvenna hair and beautiful make up looks created by the talented artists at MNX Pro.

Tickets are on sale now at just £15 per ticket, which includes a fabulous goodie bag and are available from https://getinvited.to/ulstergraduatesfashionshow2016. Hope to see you all there!

Massive thanks to Christopher Wilson at CMPR for press release and all relevant imagery.

When it comes to any fashion bloggers calendar there is a certain time of year that we all look forward to………FASHIONWEEK!! Twice a year, fashion lovers, media and industry professionals come together to celebrate and discover the latest trends in fashion.

For me I love this time of year for three reasons, first like everyone else I cannot wait to discover the latest upcoming trends, secondly I adore catching up with all my media and fashion friends and thirdly it’s an opportunity to really have some fun with my personal styling and wear some incredible outfits!

For the FASHIONWEEK launch I wanted to opt for something cute and feminine, channelling the trend this season for rich, embellished fabrics and feminine silhouettes! The focal point for my look was my dress, a stunning Lavish Alice mini dress in beautiful summery pastels and luxe brocade from The Boudoir, Dungannon! Once I had decided on my dress, the rest was easy, luxe co-ordinates in similar colour hues, from my stunning Chanel diamanté brooch to my Hermès green croc "Collier De Chien" cuff to my Tacori emerald ring! Of course no look of mine would be complete without a gorgeous handbag in tow and skyscraper heels, and I did sneak in a little high street in the form of my multicolour Chanel style tweed jacket from Primark!

I loved the wing detailing on the back of the dress, and how well the outfit came together with my various accessories which I feel really finished off my ensemble! Last but by no means least was the most important part of my look, my stunning new haircut by the hugely talented Caroline Doherty at Jason Shankey's!

Not only is Caroline a close personal friend of mine, she is also a true miracle worker when it comes to hair styling! My new cropped hairstyle is not only chic and modern it is super easy to look after! Literally it is maximum impact, minimum upkeep ! As the official hair sponsors of FASHIONWEEK I cannot wait to see what catwalk looks Caroline and the rest of the team at Jason Shankey come up with for the shows!

I hope you all have enjoyed checking out my outfit from the official press launch and don't forget to follow me on all my social media to check out my looks at all the shows this March!

Unless otherwise stated all photographs are by Adrian Quinn Photography.

I'm often asked how I got into the blogging world, well if I'm totally honest it was a combination of factors, my hard work and determination being foremost but also the support and advice of those who were already in the industry who gave me an insight into exactly what was I was getting into! (Trust me blogging is so much more than attending VIP parties and fashion shows)!

Having the opportunity to quiz those who had been through the same journey I was about to embark on was invaluable and I'm so pleased that this season West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK and LW Creative Consultancy will be running a series of "Cutting It" Workshops and Seminars on the first day of FASHIONWEEK (Thursday 10th March) geared towards those seeking careers advice or inspiration/information on careers in the fashion, film & costume industry locally!

With many of my personal friends taking part as the guest speakers I can confirm anyone wishing to attend the workshops and seminars will be in for a treat as everything from styling to designing, fashion buying and editorial writing will be covered by the leading lights in the Northern Irish fashion industry!

For more information, contact BFW on 02890421509 or alternatively click on the LW link HERE to book your place!

It may still be freezing, but the sun is shinning and Spring is just around the corner! So with that in mind I've been chatting with West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIOWEEK Director Cathy Martin ahead of tomorrow's SS'16 press launch, to get her own take on the top trends for SS'16 and which trends she'll be embracing this season!

This season sports an eclectic mix of trends on the international catwalks and Cathy has broken them down into her favourite eight! From dark florals to eye catching sequins, latino ruffles to suble off the shoulder looks, there really is something for everyone!

So in advance of tomorrow's press launch, here is Cathy's breakdown of the top trends we're all going to be lusting after this season!

West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK will be taking place from 10th-13th March 2016, tickets can be purchased via the links on the official website: www.belfastfashionweek.com or alternatively by calling the Belfast Welcome Centre box office on: 028 90246609.

Massive thanks to Cathy Martin at CMPR for taking the time to answer my questions and for usage of her trend boards!

All I want for Christmas is..............FASHIONWEEK SS16 tickets!!

It’s hard to believe we've reached that time already but, as we celebrate Christmas, fashionistas who like to stay ahead of the game are checking out the top trends for SS16!

Those in the know are already snapping up their West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK tickets for its 21st season this Spring/Summer, and I’m really pleased to share with you all a sneak peek of what to expect this coming March!

On Thursday 10th March, fashionistas will be flocking back to BFW HQ as FASHIONWEEK welcomes the return of it’s ever popular Designer catwalk show, followed by High Street Heaven on Friday 11th March! For 2016 watch out for top trends including everything from colour popping brights to pale pastels which are all expected to hit the catwalk this March!

But that’s not all, as this season boasts a fashion filled schedule with the talent behind Northern Ireland’s top designs anticipating the announcement of FASHIONWEEK’s Fashion Awards, the second in the event's history, plus popular events Sushi Saturday and Style Sunday will return alongside a brand new and exclusive 'Fifty over Fifty' show, so there truly is something to suit every stylista!

I for one cannot wait for the FASHIONWEEK Fashion Awards and checking out all the top trends at the catwalk shows, as well as attending the official launch this January where the full show schedule will be revealed!

So if like me you want to secure your FROW seats and get FASHIONWEEK ready, you can get ahead of the game and purchase tickets HERE! Or alternatively why not drop a few hints to Santa this Christmas!

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via the links on the official website: www.belfastfashionweek.com or alternatively by calling the Belfast Welcome Centre box office on: 

028 90246609.”

Massive thanks to Christopher Wilson for press release & all relevant imagery.

This week marks the twentieth season of West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK AW’15 and I'm here to share with you 20 reasons why you shouldn't miss THE fashion event of the season! I’ll be covering all the shows as per usual so watch out for my smiling face on the FROW and check out all of my social media accounts for live FASHIONWEEK updates throughout the week!

1. FASHIONWEEK has seen many top fashionista's, models and designers grace it’s catwalk and FROW over the years, from celebrated designer JW Anderson to top model Sophie Anderton!

2. FASHIONWEEK is all about the new season trends, so expect to see lots of neon bright's, heritage tweeds and boho chic on the catwalk!

3. This season marks the debut of FASHIONWEEK’s first ever full Menswear show, including top brands Remus Uomo and DV8 taking part as well as local design talent such as Beyond Man Apparel, Jamie Russell, and innovative designs from some of the University of Ulster design graduates gracing the catwalk!

 

 

4. This season marks the return of the ever popular “Fashion Souk” so if you’re on the lookout for something a little different make sure to check it out at BFW HQ, Bruce St on Saturday 17th October!

 

 

5. Also taking place on Saturday 17th October at BFW HQ will be new body image symposium and workshop ‘To Be Beautiful’, featuring nutrition and body image experts as well as performer and body image campaigner Katie Richardson!

6. “Sushi Saturday: FASHIONWEEK The Director’s Cut” taking place on Saturday 17th October has found a new home……the ever stylish “Zen”! Having had a sneak peek at the specially created FASHIONWEEK menu, attendees are in for a fabulous lunch, complete with stunning fashion of course!

 

8. Over the years FASHIONWEEK has had many homes, from The Potthouse (can anyone remember  their glass floor!!!) to the Baby Grand, Stormont Parliament Buildings, and even the iconic Ulster Museum! Now BFWHQ is at Bruce Street, and with lots to do such as browse “Boutique Alley”, this location is proving to be a hit amongst fashionistas!

9. We have some amazing local designers who will be debuting their AW collections at FASHIONWEEK’s opening show on Thursday 15th October including Deux Cara and yours truly will be wearing one of their fabulous designs to the show! #fashionfrowmoment

 

10. Of course no FASHIONWEEK would be complete without the designer & independent boutique show on Thursday 15th October. Expect lots of cutting edge looks from our local design talent and lots of must have pieces from independent boutiques such as The Style Boutique and FASHIONWEEK favourite, Blush!

11. This season will see Italian restaurant Fratelli take over FASHIONWEEK’s pop up cocktail bar/eaterie, so expect lots of delicious cocktails and chichetti dishes!

12. Friday 16th October will see lots of exciting designs on the catwalk from our beloved High Street, from Oasis to Remus Uomo and not forgetting George at Asda!

13. For the second time Ireland’s largest online retailer Excel Clothing will have their very own stand-alone show on Saturday 17th October.

14. One of my favourite elements of FASHIONWEEK is finalé event, Style Sunday! THE perfect girly afternoon consisting of delicious food, fabulous wine and of course stunning fashion! This season the event will once again take place in the ever glamorous surroundings of Shu Restaurant!

15. Catwalk Style Vs Street Style! At FASHIONWEEK it’s just as important to check out the FROW as it is the catwalk! With many of NI’s top fashionista’s out in force, it’s so much fun to see how these “Style Queens & Kings” are rocking the latest trends!

 

16. FASHIONWEEK had a new makeup sponsor in the shape of SENNA Cosmetics with local make up artist Oonagh taking over the helm as lead artist, so expect to see the latest in make up trends from Oonagh’s fabulous team!

17. But what about hair? This season Italian hair brand ALFAPARF MILANO have brought together some of Northern Irelands’s top hairdressers - including Brenda Shankey, Michael Quinn, Bill Harris and Paul Stafford to create show stopping looks for the catwalk!

18. From FASHIONWEEK TV, to many of our top media publications and fashion bloggers, the press will be out in force to cover the shows, so watch out for those cameras and flashbulbs, I for one love reliving all the show action back on FASHIONWEEK TV!

19. Don't forget to check underneath your seat as you will find your coveted FASHIONWEEK goodie bags, full of stylish goodies!

20. Last but by no means least is the chance to catch up with everyone! I love catching up with all my fellow bloggers and friends at FASHIONWEEK and if you spot me wandering round, please come and say hello!