The Real Elle Woods! TEST VERSION

Indulging my Inner "Cocktail Girl" at Kua 'Aina!

Saturday, May 07, 2016

Anyone who follows my Instagram account will know that i'm a lover of fabulous food and cocktails, for me there is no better combination (unless you add good company into the mix as well)! There is nothing I enjoy more than indulging my passion for a perfectly mixed cocktail and delicious food and I am always on the lookout for somewhere new and interesting to try………

Enter Hawaiian restaurant Kua ‘Aina, the brainchild of Pail Di Francisci and Patrick Gray! Northern Irish born and bread these two boys have already established the Kua ‘Aina brand in London with two restaurants and thankfully for those of us in NI, they have brought the concept back to Belfast!

Their new restaurant has been open for a few months now on Level 2 of Victoria Square Belfast, and I have to say it’s definitely a welcome addition to Victoria Square!

But enough of the background as I'm sure you all want to know what this little "Cocktail Girl" thought of the food and more importantly the cocktails! Well myself and a few of my fabulous blogger friends were very kindly invited along to meet Kua ‘Aina’s London-based cocktail master, who came over to Belfast exclusively to walk us through their bespoke cocktails as well as the classics!

First off I opted for a “Hawaiian Storm” cocktail. This rum based cocktail definitely packs a punch, but still has a lightness across the palette with the welcome addition of a little ginger beer! The hint of ginger really complimented the robustness of the rum finished off with a kick of lime which created a perfect balance on the palete!

Next I wanted to test them to see how well they could handle a classic cocktail, as a martini girl I thought I would give their take on an Espresso Martini a whirl and I wasn't disappointed! The addition of Kahlua (a rum based coffee liqueur) gave it a wonderful rich flavour and the coconut cream created a fantastic froth to the finished cocktail!

However my stand out cocktail of the night has to go to the Avocado Wave! Now I do love my tropical fruits, but I had no idea just how unbelievable a combination this was going to be! Again this was a rum based cocktail, but what really stood out for me was the gorgeous thick and creamy consistency! So cool and refreshing, the mix of mango, orange and lime perfectly blended with the avocado and rum to create a cocktail that was far too easy to drink! In fact it was so good I ended up having four!!

What can I say the fashion blogger side of me is never far away………

Matching my “Avocado Wave” cocktail with my Balenciaga triple tour bracelet and Balenciaga Mini City handbag! Hehe!

With Kua ‘Aina’s “Happy Hour” in full swing, it was now time for some food! I was looking forward to trying out their Hawaiian themed menu, and if I'm honest I wasn't quite sure what to expect!

First off lets talk about the starters, I loved the beautifully crisp and juicy coconut king prawns, in fact I could have sat and nibbled on these all night!

The salt and pepper squid was delicious too, no sign of it being overcooked and the salt and pepper coating was delicious, while the cool salsa and tortilla chips were a welcome counterpoint to the delicious prawns and squid!

As for my main, well I opted for something from their legendary “Lava Grill”, I was immediately drawn to the seared Ahi tuna: made from sashimi grade yellowfin tuna (I do love my sashimi!) it was served medium rare, and honestly it was cooked to perfection! Instead of a traditional burger bun I opted for artisan toasted bread supplied to Kua ‘Aina from French Village and it really did taste every bit as good as it looked!!

To say that we enjoyed ourselves is a bit of an understatement as we stayed at Kua ‘Aina long after our blogger event had finished as the cocktails and food were just sooo good! If you love a tropical cocktail (or you want to try a grown up milk shake (Jeff from Belfast Times swears by them!) then you have to try out Kua ‘Aina! Everything was delicious and I can't wait to go back, if only to get my hands on those coconut king prawns and Avocado Wave cocktails again!

To check out the Kua ‘Aina menu at Victoria Square Belfast check out their website at http://kua-aina.co.uk/.

A very big thank you to Brittany and Jessica for the very kind invite to attend Happy Hour at Kua ‘Aina! we had a ball!!

My Covetable Wish List from the Lidl SS'16 Esmara Collection!

Friday, May 06, 2016

As a fashion blogger I am extremely lucky to have the opportunity to attend various press days and it’s always so much fun to check out all the new collections ahead of their launch into stores! However last year there was one press day in particular that really stood out from the rest……..the launch of Lidl’s debut fashion collection: Esmara!

Earlier this year Lidl Northern Ireland unveiled its highly anticipated Esmara spring/summer 2016 fashion collection at an exclusive press launch at The Merchant Hotel, following the sell-out success of its debut collection last year.

Regular readers will know that I’m a true labels queen at heart, however that doesn't mean that I'm not adverse to mixing my high end with high street and since it’s debut I have found myself adding more and more pieces from the Esmara range to my closet! Last Summer it was their faux leather knee patch leggings which caught my eye, I wore them continually last year and they still look fantastic to this day! Click HERE for my full review.

While in Autumn Winter it was their gorgeous merino wool capes which became my hero piecse, super soft to the touch, they were both cosy and luxurious and worked a dream when belted or draped over my stylish ensembles! This season however has been their strongest yet, and at their exclusive media launch of the new collection I found myself with quite the wishlist!

The launch party was the perfect opportunity for bloggers and media alike to check out the full collection over a super stylish breakfast, and I found myself loving their cute cami tops, lace shorts and gorgeous swimwear!

The collection is inspired by the Tropical Deco architecture of Miami and the contrasting bohemian blue hues of the Mediterranean, shoppers can expec an eclectic selection of key season staples and stunning swimwear, the majority of which will be available for a very purse-friendly £7.99 or under. While first wave of products from the collection went on sale from March 10th, it was the pieces which are to be launched in May/June which really caught my eye!

Which is why I wanted to take his opportunity to share with you my own personal “wish list” of the pieces I’m hoping to get from the Esmara collection! I hope you enjoy checking out my must haves and please do let me know if you get any of them too!

Released on 12/05/16

I love the intricate cut out detailing and sexy lace up backs in these stylish peep toe shoe boots! They will look sooo good with Summer shorts or cute summer dresses!

Brown Caged heels £11.99.

This cami top I instantly fell in love with, it hangs beautifully and looks fabulous with the Esmara lace trimmed shots, worn with summer flats for a laid back Miami feel or dressed up with heels for a super chic look! This look is under £8!!!!

Cami top £3.99.

Worn with super skinny jeans or with last year's faux leather leggings, this crochet jumper will add a welcome pop of colour into your wardrobe!

Crochet style jumper £5.99.

Released on 32/05/16

I do love my arm candy and this cream handbag is a super stylish tote which will work with a multitude of looks! Here it’s styled with a bikini, but it will also work equally well with a chic city suit, or a relaxed weekend style!

Handbag £13.99.

Released on 06/06/16

For anyone who loves a serious pop of colour then this bikini is definitely a winner! The top is padded creating a fantastic shape and as both are sold separately you can insure the perfect fit!

Neoprene bikini top £3.99.

Neoprene bikini bottoms £2.99.

Released on 13/06/16

These shorts were my favourites!! Made from a super soft cotton, with their delicate lace detailing they will always look effortlessly chic, and at only £3.99 I will be adding both the cream and the black to my closet!!

Lace trimmed beach shorts £3.99.

Released on 23/06/16

Last but by no means least is one accessory every girl needs in her Summer wardrobe, a summer hat! In a classic white colour this will take you from the beach to a stylish garden party via St Tropez or Dubai!

Floppy sun hat £5.99.

I hope you enjoyed checking out my current Lidl Wish list, if like me you are coveting any of the pieces listed above make sure to head down early to your local Lidl NI store as they do tend to sell out fast!

A massive thank you to Rachel, Susan Hannah & Josephine for the kind invite to attend the

Lidl Esmara SS’16 launch breakfast as well as providing me with all the product info!

Spotlight on The Future of Northern Irish Design!

Thursday, May 05, 2016

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!)

The Network Collection" - Model Joy Ellis, Designer Gemma McAllister.

"Decadence in a Time of Crisis" - Model Joy Ellis, designer Jeremy Huddleson.

"Ambidextrous" - Model Joy Ellis, Designer Sarah Walker.

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.

How to Dress Like a Star, Lotus Boutique Dress Hire Launches in Holywood!

Wednesday, May 04, 2016

I have always been a firm advocate of wearing designer labels, not only are they beautifully designed, but more significantly they will be made with superior fabrics, and expertly cut, tailored and finished to create a truly stunning silhouette. However for most of us, having a wardrobe filled with designer dresses is a dream rather than a reality, but thanks to Lotus Boutique those covetable dresses may be closer thank you think………!!

Model wears Amanda Wakeley hibiscus sculpted gown with metal trim.

(3 day hire £120)

Photograph: Adrian Quinn Photography.

Recently opened in Holywood, Lotus Boutique marries the convenience of dress hire with the service of a high-end boutique to create the ultimate shopping experience for women! Customers can look forward to a bespoke experience to help them find the dress of their dreams, with one to one style advice to help them find the perfect dress for any event!

By focusing on designer dress hire, Lotus Boutique will allow customers to have access to a multitude of designer dresses at a fraction of the full retail cost. After all lets be honest how many of us want to spend thousands on one dress that realistically we are only likely to wear a handful of times!

Tamara Duncan, Owner of Lotus Boutique, comments, “With photos being posted to social media and event images appearing in the local magazines, nobody wants to be seen in the same dress twice. As every girl knows, if you have a couple of weddings and a formal dinner or two to attend in a month, the cost of buying a dress for each event can add up very quickly. Designer dress rental has exploded across the UK and US in recent years because it allows you to look a million dollars without any buyer’s remorse.”

With high-end names like Amanda Wakeley, Christian Siriano and Alexander Wang, which are exclusive to Lotus, the boutique is moving dress rental away from the glitzy, school formal styles most dress hire stores are known for, into the mainstream, where fashion savvy women can find the perfect outfit for any occasion, whether it’s Ladies Day at the races, a friend’s wedding or a charity ball.

Model wears Christian Siriano lux faux chinchilla halter dress.

(3 day hire £95)

Model wears Christian Siriano black lattice laser-cut dress.

(3 day hire £95)

Model wears Alexander Wang crepe black dress.

(3 day hire £95)

Model wears Amanda Wakeley hibiscus sculpted dress.

(3 day hire £95)

Bringing together the increasingly popular concept of consumer rental with the attentive service of a bridal boutique, Lotus makes hiring a dress a special experience for each and every client. Customers can check out the range of dresses on the boutique’s website, before making an appointment, where they are greeted with a glass of bubbly and given the run of the store to try on all the dresses they like.

Tamara continues, “With the convenience of online shopping, we’ve forgotten how to enjoy one of life’s simplest pleasures – the shopping spree. We want to make going out and trying dresses on an experience again. We want girls to bring their friends, take their time and really enjoy wearing some of the biggest names in fashion.”

Having known Tamara for the past few years, I know at first hand her drive and passion when it comes to fashion, and how important customer service is to her. Lotus Boutique has been a long time in the making. From her initial concept and extensive market research to find out what us Northern Irish ladies would love to wear, Tamara has sourced stunning designs from some of the world's best designers and I am so very pleased to see a hire boutique like Lotus opening in Northern Ireland! Like many fashion conscious ladies who live in Northern Ireland I have become increasingly frustrated at the lack of high end designer boutiques in Northern Ireland, and now for the first time we have a boutique specialising in hiring some seriously stunning designer frocks!

As a fashion blogger I continually find myself attending a multitude of events and it is increasingly difficult to constantly find something new to wear (especially when you have expensive tastes like me!) So for me having the opportunity to hire high end, cutting edge designer gowns will be a revelation! I already have my eye on a stunning Amanda Wakeley and a gorgeous Alexander Wang I spied at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK and I for one cannot wait to try them on for myself!

With wedding season just round the corner, now is the perfect time to pop in and pick the perfect dress. Be quick though as Lotus records what event each client attending so no-one ends up being seen in the same dress as anyone else.

Appointments can be made by visiting www.lotusboutique.co/book-online or by calling 028 9543 0010.

A massive thank you to Tamara for the press release and imagery.