Happiness

Just thought I would share some of the happiness that I have had the pleasure to encounter over the past few days and I am so grateful to everyone who impacts my life. I am so grateful to have wonderful family and friends who are there for me in good times and bad and count my blessings everyday.

Some of these are very simple and others would need too much explanation to go into them on a blog, but anyway here goes. The other night I went to cinema with a friend who know who she is and we do as we always do chat about the trivial and the important and set the world to right over pizza ... the usual. The happiness comes into it when we are always the same with each other and manage to always always ("it means more when you say it twice" - Stepmom) have some side hurting laughter. This is the best and I am forever happy knowing that I can just cry and laugh with this person but more often than not there are some belly aches from laughing too much.

I am sharing a #100dayshappy with two other friends on Facebook and posting just simple things like the ability to go for a walk and enjoy the sunshine and the country or share in the successes of others. I love this and it make me happy for the day and more important positive for the day. I think we so often get bogged down with negativity that we forget to be happy with the things we have rather than hoping for something we don't.

I love exercise and this evening is my Anti-Gravity yoga time with The Fitness Factory Ratoath

Anti-Gravity Yoga

, when I say I love exercise I do mean gentle enjoyable exercise, I am not a sweat bunny in the gym, those of you who have met me would be well aware of this. Anti-Gravity Yoga is the one time in the week that I am only thinking of what I am doing and allowing my head to go anywhere else as most likely I would fall from the hammock. It is hard work even though this picture would not give that impression but it is one of the best things I have ever done in my life.

Female Entrepreneur Association - TIP of the DAY

I am also so happy to be working on a new project for development, I can't give too much information here as yet but when it is ready you will all know about it without fail. In saying that there are a few pages that I follow on Facebook for a little inspiration everyday and these are two ladies that I recommend if you are starting out and in need of something to keep you going everyday. What Will Be with Bee and The Female Entrepreneur Association



There are many people who keep me focused and they will know who they are without mention and I am grateful for them all and their support.



So if I can recommend anything it is just to be happy and I know that can be easy said when you may have many issues and problems but let me tell you I have been there and while they don't go away by being happy they certainly somehow seem a little easier to carry.

A Little Flutter

Ascot is over and it is now time to start planning for the next big race meeting of the season, The Galway Races. I have taken a spot check around some of our local boutiques to see what is on offer for the perfect outfit for ladies day

Kate Cooper - Blondelles Ratoath

Ladies who love to have their arms covered will adore this wonderful lace covered dress by Kate Cooper, available at Blondelles, Ratoath. Such a stunning collection and can be teamed with citrine yellow to make it really stand out from the crowd such as this double clutch from Stella &Dot.

Citrine Clutch - Stella & Dot 

Make a bold statement with this stunning dress by Fee G available at Crinabel, Dunshaughlin. The powerful print on this dress is a great statement but can be easily matched with cobalt blue accessories, check out Fortuna, Dunshaughlin for great head pieces both for hire or purchase.

Fee G - Crinabel Dunshaughlin

Sommerville - Stella & Dot

Moncho Heredia - Kasura Ashbourne

The simple elegance of this dress by Moncho Heredia available at Kasura, Ashbourne with matching jacket will complete any race day look. Team with the elegant  Sommerville Necklace from Stella & Dot to complete the look and you are ready for a little flutter on the gigis.

Above is latest article in Forum

Laid Back Festival Fun

Festival season is upon us again, Summer is officially here, fun is at the ready. So before you head off on your weekend of Indie Rock, Dance or whichever your music tastes allow why not let me bring you through some great festival fashion looks.

Hoss Maxi available Utopia Boutique 

Taking a trip to Dunshaughlin to Utopia Boutiques to discover this stunning maxi by Hoss Intropia. This is such an easy look and teamed with some gladiator sandals, a sun hat and a cropped denim jacket you are perfectly ready for an easy living festival.

www.stelladot.eu/deborahruddy

www.blondelles.ie

I love this dress from Jensen available at BlondellesRatoath, it just has that relaxed vibe about it and teamed with neutral shades you are ready to hit a beach festival in colour. Rock this bag from Stella& Dot and you have no worries about where you are going put your towel, sun cream etc.

www.saphyreboutique.ie

The final of my looks are from Ashbourne, with Saphyre supplying the clothes and Shoe Be Do the shoes you are onto a winning look with this urban chic T-shirt, teamed with relaxed boyfriend jeans and high tops.

www.shoebedo.ie

Sutton Neckpiece
www.stelladot.eu/deborahruddy

My favourite jewellery piece to wear is this Sutton Necklace available from Stella & Dot, which goes with all of the outfits as it is so versatile that you can wear it five ways, long, short, it separates, it is a must have for any wardrobe.

Whichever is your favourite remember to support your independent retailer who will send you rocking to any festival. Enjoy the Summer of music!

Credits :

Article available on The Forum sign up www.yourforum.ie 

The Perfect Fit

Geoghans, Navan

Stepping into Geoghans in Navan, Co. Meath you would be forgiven in thinking it is just a recent edition to Trimgate St., however they have been there for over sixty years and going strong. Initially only open as a men's outfitters they expanded into home-wear and now ladies fashion that overtakes the first floor. 

Hidden within this wonderful store in the heart of Navan,Geoghans are expert in all things prevailing to the undergarment.  A family run business who have qualified lingerie consultants providing you with that extra quality service. They have everything to offer you the ultimate underwear experience stocking brands such as Triumph, Lepel, Schiesser and Waites.

The expert bra fitting service instantly puts you at ease and provide you with a selection so you instantly feel confident in your choices. They offer ranges from Bridal, Everyday, Maternity and Shape ware and their selection is wonderful, from delicate floral colours to standard in black and white, delicate sassiness to functional Geoghans, Navan is a must visit.

Credits:

- All underwear Geoghans, Navan, Co. Meath - http://www.geoghegansofnavan.com/

- Styling - Deborah Ruddy - http://deborahruddy.blogspot.ie/

- Hair - Jason Green

- Make Up - Mark Anthony

- Model - Danika Skeen 

- Photography - Sarah Tracey http://sarahtracey.ie/

- Location - Cafe en Siene

From Old to New

Last week I had the pleasure of being asked along to a class to learn some new painting techniques, unfortunately I could not make the day itself but was super lucky to get some one on one teaching the very next day.

Painting Techniques from the colourbarn
https://www.facebook.com/happydaysdesignandcolour

I found my way to the wonderful #ColourBarn in conjunction with HappyDays Design in North Kildare and was ready for action, I learned techniques such as crackle glaze, decoupage, stencilling and distressing. The warm welcome I received at the ColourBarn immediately set me at ease as some of these techniques I had not tried before and was ready to learn.

Armed with my painting gloves and paintbrush I was set to work and loved each and every moment of the transformation that was coming to life over the day. Looking around the room I could pieces of furniture that were in mid flow of transformation and looking stunning. Inspiration was hanging from every corner of the room and I did not stop smiling from ear to ear for the day.

Leaving the ColourBarn with my new skills I was inspired to not just throw away pieces that may have become old or jaded but to up-cycle and re-invent them to stunning new elements within the home or the garden. I could not recommend the course enough especially if you are looking to up-cycle pieces but not sure what to do, Adele, one of the course instructors will guide you to places you never thought you could go.

Check out their facebook sight for more up-coming courses and I would say sign up early as these are going to be full. I can only say I love love loved my day at the ColourBarn

Boarding Bag

I just wanted to share my love for this Bag from Stella & Dot, I cannot believe the size and quality of it. I recently used it for a training day, which after I had a networking event and I did not want to be carrying notes etc. to the networking event.

How does she do it Bag from Stella & Dot
www.stelladot.eu/sites/deborah ruddy 

Quickly emptied the contents of my hand bag in which contains creams, hairbrush, the usual suspects, Ladies I know you appreciate this. I set off early morning train, before which I discovered it was raining so popped the umbrella in and lucky was colour co-ordinated with the inside of the bag and it fitted nicely into a little side panel so even when it was wet it did not interfere with the other items in the bag.

Got to the training day in the hotel and was so hot so in to the bag went my cardigan and jacket no problem was still closing with ease. On the training day received a lovely goodie bag, which I may add was sizeable so that was also popped into the bag as later I did not want to be carrying a load of things to my networking event.

I got to the networking event more notes and business card they were easily popped into my bag, notes in the normal area and business cards along side my phone in a good size pocket. Winner !!! So much so that I was just thinking with Airport restrictions and only allowed to have one bag when boarding I think this would be the one... and even better it is stylish too.

Summer Extras

Darling Maxi - Available Kasura

Chantilly Cuff
 - www.stelladot.eu/sites/deborahruddy

The weather is starting to warm up and it is time to consider what additions to add to your wardrobe this time of year. As always adding value to your wardrobe is the most important, but we always welcome a bit of fun and pieces that are easy wearing. Here are my three picks for an addition to your Summer wardrobe but items that will give you longevity.

Loving this maxi dress from Darling, available at Kasura,Ashbourne. It is a dress that will work hard in your wardrobe, accessorise it with some great jewellery pieces like this Chantilly Cuff from Stella & Dot for an evening look. However it will equally work for a relaxed holiday over your bikini and ready for some relaxation along the beach with a book.

I just love this look from Jensen, available at Blondelles,Ratoath. Light denim jacket, t and cropped trousers and you are ready to jet set on that holiday. Not going to look like you arrived from a cold country but not going to look crazy if it is raining on the way to the airport. This look will serve you well, one of those easy-wearing outfits that can mix and match in your wardrobe well.

Jensen - available at Blondelles 

InWear - available at Crinabel

InWear, available at Crinabel, Dunshaughlin always have great piece this time of year. This print dress from the label is so versatile giving your wardrobe the light, bright sense of Summer it requires. Team it with cropped leggings and a gladiator sandal for a cool casual look or pop on a neutral heel and team with a bright jacket for a Summer work wardrobe.

Summer, we think of Sun Glasses, Sun Hat and a good factor but take some time over your wardrobe and always look stylish, have fun and enjoy.

Above Article featured in The Forum 

Monochrome Nominees

This week I decided to delve further into two of Ashbourne's Meath Style Award Nominees to see what all the fuss is about. What I found was everything from St Tropez elegance to Jungle inspired prints.

Saphyre Boutique specialise in the plus size lady but have a range to suit every size so certainly worth a trip inside. Shoe Be Do have a collective of wonderful shoes not only for adults but a great range for children too. They stock names such as Heavenly Feet, sOliver, Marco Tozzi and the ever elegant Amy Huberman Collection.

Teaming together these two stores were a great fit with this injection of colour from Shoe Be Do for the St. Tropez black jumpsuit look from Saphyre. I absolutely adore the pop from the polka dot red shoe still picking up the white of the relaxed yet sophisticated sun hat.

The style of this Martine Samoun all white outfit teamed with muted Amy Huberman heels are the perfect elegant look for an evening dinner and drinks. The jungle print of these relaxed harem style trouser and top are perfect for holiday elegance as they are non crease items and yet look super sophisticated. The Hermes inspired print dress teamed gold hue shoes and bag gives a lady a comfortable, classic, chic style.

For holiday, wedding or any occasion these two stores certainly have plenty to offer and I just love their monochrome offerings. So go on have a search and treat yourself to some classics, they live longer in your wardrobe.

CREDITS:

- Styling - Yours truly

- Hair - Jason Green

- Make Up - Mark Anthony

- Model - Danika Skeen

- Photography - Sarah Tracey http://sarahtracey.ie/

- Location - Cafe en Siene

This article was printed in The Forum paper http://www.yourforum.ie/epaperview/825#/24/ 

Royal Style

Karl Bowe Modelling - Pat O'Byrne Suits

Getting married? Wondering what to wear as a Groom? Who will give the best service and advice? Well look no further than this hidden gem in the heart of Co. Meath, Pat O'Byrne Menswear, Trim recent winners in the Meath Style Awards offer a stunning range for Grooms to be.

Take a day trip and have lunch in Trim Castle hotel and relax in the safe hands of Pat O'Byrne, he and his team offer a wonderful hire service from €90 with one to one consultation. Their personal service offers a comprehensive selection of wedding suits, waistcoats, neck-ware and accessories. Their understanding of a wedding is superb and while they have suited many an Irish Groom they also work for the Groom who wishes to take his wedding to sunnier climates abroad.

Pat O'Byrne's sophisticated style works throughout the whole store so it is the perfect place to put together a first class outfit for your honeymoon. With first class brands such as Magee, Douglas, Meyer, Casa Moda, Gant and Remus Uomo to name but a few.

Pat O'Byrne has been in business since 1979 and the friendly and personal service that every customer receives as they enter makes you always want to go back again and again.

This article was available in Meath Chronicle - Inspire Magazine http://www.meathchronicle.ie/

Credits:

- Menswear - Pat O'Byrne, Trim, Co. Meath (046) 943 1853

- Styling - Deborah Ruddy

- Hair - Jason Green

- Make Up - Mark Anthony

- Model - Karl Bowe

                - Henriqui Oliveira

- Photography - Sarah Tracey www.sarahtracey.ie

- Location - Cafe en Siene

FOR THE LOVE OF DENIM

Wizard Jeans - Available Saphyre Boutique Ashbournewww.saphyreboutique.ie

What is it that makes us fall in love with denim, the cut, the colour, the style? In my opinion it is one of the hardest working fabrics in the fashion world. However it can be difficult to find the right jeans for you but there are some amazing brands out there so take your time and find the right fit for you. Much like cosmetics women tend to be loyal to a brand of denim and this is down to fact that it takes so long to find the right brand that works for your body shape.

Salsa Jeans -
 Available
Utopia Dunshaughlin

I love denim not only is it a super casual fashion item but it is so easy with the right jean to make for a super stylish night out on the town outfit. Denims for a night out I think should be of a darker nature and more structured with tailored style. A straight leg and heels can be very classy teamed with a shimmery or soft chiffon top can compete with the best of dresses. If you feel that the straight leg is too much if you are top heavy or hippy then find a balance in the leg with a slight flare leg or boot-cut. Trust me there is a leg to suit all body shapes so take the time to shop and bring a friend you can trust to be honest with you if you are not confident.

There are great ranges to sculpt your shape, some give you a lift in the derrière department, some to hold your tummy but aim to buy the best you can afford as denim offers longevity to your wardrobe. Light blues and colour are great coming into Spring time they really lift your wardrobe and go perfect with this Seasons pastel shades. Here are just a few from our great local independent boutiques who offer you such a range that you won't have to travel far to find the right fit for you.

Street One Jeans - Available Blondelles Boutique Ratoath www.blondelles.ie

Above is my most recent article with The Forum newspaper : http://www.yourforum.ie/epaper

Bedroom Tranquility

I recently attended a summit in Dublin Castle that re-kindled my excitement for interiors, their wonder, beauty and how they can set a mood. While we all may not have the budget of a Castle it certainly set about inspiring me to write this piece.

One of my favourite rooms in the home is the bedroom as it can be designed in many ways, some for passion but we all need to remember the function of the bedroom, which goes without saying is for tranquil sleep.

How do we achieve tranquility in a bedroom? Starting with a blank canvas look at the natural light in the room and study this throughout the day is it a room that gets the sun the whole day around or is is a north facing room that never sees the warmth of the sun dancing on it's walls. For me this can be the most important factor when planning a room and the colour tones you choose.

While a bedroom should be cool, calm and relaxing there also is no harm in introducing a colour of passion but be careful that it is not taking over the room as the function of resting and sleeping may be disturbed. Tones of nature can be best to choose from when planning a relaxing space such as blues and greens that are seen together everyday when we look around us i.e. sky being blue and grass being green.

Dressing bedrooms are very much a personal choice as some people love bed cushions and others hate them so reach a compromise if you are sharing a room. Paintings/Pictures on the walls should be relaxing and not stimulating so maybe something like a tree lined walkway or a stream as your minds eye will visualise relaxing along side them.

www.colortrend.ie - for great colour selection

From the samples in the images you can the difference when using colour, left shows the earthy tone of the walls along side the natured images create a calming effect even though the bedlinen is strong in colour the other tones keep it under control. Right is a much more muted room but has soft blues and silvers and even the bedlinen is calming even though it has a busy print. Nothing is taking over and both are good examples of bedroom tranquility.

Women Empowering Women - YES - Love that

Last Friday I went to join with a new network, something I was always involved in when I had the boutique but was only attending sporadically since closing, it was a network of women who decided it was high time we came together and empower each other. Hosted in the Yoga Room in Ratoath by the lovely June Crawley and Bee Flanagan, I entered the room knowing some of the people but wanting to make it my mission over the evening to speak to people I did not know.

We always feel comfortable in our own surroundings and with people we know but last Friday I decided to step out of the comfort zone a little knowing I was in a very safe environment. The first person I spoke with after saying hello to the usual suspects was Edel O'Malley a photographer who was lovely. I spoke with her a little about the type of photography she does and it is mainly wedding and portraits but we spoke about the fact that I style photo shoots on occasion and it is always good to have someone in mind so I delightfully took her card.

Feeling a little more comfortable on my quest to speak to new people I noticed another lady had come in and she was in Insurance and then another in accounting and so on and so on. Speaking with people who are craft orientated and doing sales for smaller companies to make-up artists to people who produce soap, own fitness studios, hairdressing, boutiques and even some former and current politicians to the mix. All in all a great bunch of women empowering each other to be the best they can be and support one another and local business, all the things I love to see.

Bee Flanagan opened the proceedings by all of introducing ourselves and what we do at this point I felt more than a little out of my comfort zone..... what do I say ..... I don't have my product yet and how would I define myself. I was listening to everyone say who they were and what they did I began to feel very comfortable with these women they all wanted something similar to what I wanted from the group and happy to tell people what they did. Empowered, when it came to my turn I stated my wants from the group and told them I had a boutique in the village, since closed, I still do some fashion writing and styling and currently on the crest of my wave of going forward with a new business. I left them dangling a little on that and fingers crossed all will be revealed soon.

Then Bee introduced herself and while I was familiar with her What Will Be With Bee I delighted to learn more about her PALS Programme a really empowering programme and great to see that corporate bodies have picked up on it too. Just as it was getting into the part with all the showcases of the businesses I had to leave to drop my nephew over to his friends house for overnight stay, life just sometimes takes over. So I was sorry to miss the remainder of the meeting and am really looking forward to the next one.

One thing I can say is get involved in your local group, get together with like minded people who want to move things forward and support each other you never know where it will lead too. Check out the list below for some of the great businesses who all have a woman driving them forward.

Simply Healing  http://simplyhealing.ie/
Antonia Gavin Hair Co. https://www.facebook.com/pages/AntoniaGavinHairCo/231420646903601
Time Capture https://www.facebook.com/TimeCaptureHandCraftedGifts
Tiaras and Wellie's https://www.facebook.com/tiarasandwellies
Forever Amber https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forever-Amber/387374184668669
Craft Cottage http://www.craftcottage.ie/
Carries First Step Fitness https://www.facebook.com/CarriesFisrtStepFitness
OBK Accountants http://www.obk.ie/
The Fitness Factory http://www.fitnessfactory.ie/index.html
The Yoga Rooms http://yogaroom.ie/hatha_yoga.html
Yoga Room Santuary https://www.facebook.com/theyogaroomsanctuaryratoath
Blondelles www.blondelles.ie
Lorna Flood Fitness https://www.facebook.com/lorna.floodfitness?fref=ts
What Will Be With Bee www.whatwillbewithbee.ie 

This is just a sample so much more.

What is in it for Mum?

Communion and Confirmations are around the corner and Mum's are sorting everything out for their beloved and their big day and wondering "what will Mum wear" for the upcoming event. Don't panic our local shops have a selection of splendour.

Strike a pose with Kasura, Ashbourne that has the beautiful selection of Kate Fearnley dresses I especially love this blue lace overlay dress with sash detail. Keep simple nude accessories for understatement but if you really want to stand from the crowd pop it with fuchsia colours to really make that wow statement. 

Kate Fearnley - Available at Kasura

New to the local shopping highway is Picket Fence Boutique in Dunshaughlin, supporting Irish with this stunning Niamh O'Neill dress in fabulous fuchsia. This dress has a lovely sleeve detail for all those who are conscious of their arms and the pretty bow detail makes this dress a statement on its own. I would advise keeping the accessories neutral to allow this dress reach its full potential.

Niamh O'Neill - Avaialbe at Picket Fence

'

Step out in superb style with this Divas dress available at Blondelles, Ratoath. This dress will take you anywhere and I especially love the splash of colour, it is not over fussy and you can pick any of the colours to team with it. Yellow being one of the colours of the season would be a brilliant match and make that special day one to remember for Mum too.

Divas Dress - Available at Blondelles 

These are just a sample of the great looks coming through our hard working local stores this season but get in fast and bring some colour to the Season. 

Above column available in The Forum paper. 

Body, Mind and Spirit

We are now over a month into what we called New Year's Resolutions, something I try never to set myself as I normally fall of the path middle of January. This year I set myself one, to create positive energy. "Positive Energy" I can hear you all say???? and before now I would be in complete agreement.  I feel I have been so blessed in life to have a great family and a wonderful set of friends who at more than one time or another have seen my tears and held me up to keep going.

I practice yoga and before this year it had only been once a week in an Anti Gravity Hammock, where I get to feel weightless for an hour and am assisted with the help of a hammock into stretches that I could never hold. I am the only one in the class each week who counts down the seconds quicker that my Yoga Guru Tara to finish of a stretch that I am in agony in but it puts a smile on everyone else's face I know they were all thinking the same "I can't breath into this pain any longer". However I love my Anti Gravity class and can't wait for the next one.

Flying at AGY - Fitness Factory Ratoath a Great Place to Start

This year I started to practice more yoga on my own at home, I did not set myself any major goals other than to practice at least three times a week be it for 10 minutes or longer but nothing further and so far that has worked out.

I find my centre and just be in the moment as I practice and by the end of the session I have positive energy. It is new found and sets me up for the day. It is important to be good to yourself and de-stress as much as possible and yoga is a great way to do that. I also find things like cooking and baking work for me too so hence why I need the yoga.   :)  Whatever it is that you find that you can only be in that moment and concentrate on the task at hand do that as a way to re-focus the mind and provide positive energy.

Yoga Practice - Centre your mind and Focus

I am working on my thoughts too, as someone once said "we are what we think" and while that can sound strange I realised it is so true. It can be hard sometimes to filter out the negative thoughts but doing this is really worth while, I now tend to look at problems in a whole different light and now call them opportunities. Surrounding myself with positive people was another great way to drown out the negative noise and once again create positive energy. So let go of the negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones even something from "I'll try to do ...." to "I will do ...." can have a very positive effect.

Spring Sorbet

Ti-Mo, Available at Utopia, Dunshaughlin

The fresh new horizons of Spring are starting to show signs from new buds appearing on the trees to birds busily tweeting in the air. Yes we can officially talk about your Spring Summer wardrobe as Winter Sales start to draw to a close.

2014 Spring/Summer is bringing us a delight of sugar sorbet tones from dusty light mauves to the sweet soft tones of peach, pinks and corals. As the evenings stretch and everything becomes a little brighter so too should our wardrobe. Invest in pieces that can be worn or layered with your current heavier Winter wardrobe; pinks with soft greys for example are a great way to start introducing the fashions of the Spring into our current wardrobe without feeling you are inviting a cold to come stay. It is these subtle introductions that will enable us to welcome Spring / Summer without giving us a shock.

The soft and elegant tones from Ti-Mo, available at Utopia, Dunshaughlin are stunning but maybe rock it with a tougher shoe or boot to give it that edgier feel. The sophisticated tones in this seasons Marc Cain collection, available at Jennys, Ashbourne welcomes Spring Sorbets without you feeling like you are in kinder-garden. Sorbet tones can be difficult to pull off but ensure that the colour is good for your skin tone and if you still feel it is not for you introduce it with accessories the easy way for keeping you bang on trend. 

Marc Cain, available Jennys, Ashbourne

Above is the latest article for the Forum paper see link here 

http://www.yourforum.ie/lifestyle/roundup/articles/2014/01/23/4019231-spring-sorbet--ss-fashion/ 

Showcase Ireland

Wow, wow and wow, I was blown away as I always am with the super talent we have in this country and my visit to Showcase Ireland 2014 was no exception. From craft to fashion, jewellery to glassware there was so much on offer.

As I entered I did not know where to look first but decided to start my day with a friendly chat with Donagh from The Handmade Soap Company . Donagh and his wife Gemma have brought this brand from strength to strength with their vintage style packaging and amazing quality products. My favourite smells from the stand this year has to be both their Kitchen Soap and their Garden Soap, scents to awaken the senses. Most of all I love their gift sets, they work for so many events, why not try this for Valentines Day and treat yourself even if nobody else will to their sensual range.

The Handmade Soap Company

Next I headed straight for the fashion hall where I came upon the Lennon Courtney stand, Sonya herself was on the stand but busy with a new buyer I hope so did not like to intrude but had a look at all the lovely wares, super collection. I sure hope that they had a good show, I love Irish Fashion we have so many good designers. Another stand that really caught my eye was the wonderful stand from long standing Irish brand MaGee with stunning wools and tweeds. 

MaGee Clothing - Photo Independent.ie

As I wandered through the stands I felt invigorated that Ireland is alive and awash with talent, even though I am aware of this it is nice to remind myself how great we as a small nation are. I was inspired and feeding of the exhibitors energy. 

Jewellery was another wave of talent, from new on the scene Chupi to the continuing talented Maureen Lynch, who I spent some time with speaking about her pieces. While speaking with her I discovered how well travelled she was and just how well she understands her craft. Her pieces are simple in form but are truly sophisticated and you can just feel the quality within each piece. I fell in love with her gold pieces and the simplicity of both her Circles and Eternal Collection. If you are looking for something a bit special I really feel Maureen's pieces are worth the investment. 

Eternal Ring Collection - Maureen Lynch 

I have to admit I felt very non-creative at the stand of Lauren Scott, Textile Artist. She hand crafts the most amazing pieces from textiles, bringing these animals so much to life. Lauren creations are quirky with a sense of humour and strikingly lifelike. I feel that Lauren Scott is a name to look out for in the future, I only wish I was as talented. 

Hedgehog - Lauren Scott, Textile Artist

Last but by no means least and really no where near the end of the wonderful talent that I saw at Showcase, really just a snap shot here. I was enchanted by Gary McCormack's stand Carve On by the sheer elegance of their products. Simple but superb workmanship, can't really say enough good things about them. They are environmentally conscious and use both new and traditional methods in their craft of bringing you tech accessories from natural materials. The stitching of their leather goods is superb and the original style carved from wood phone covers are stunning and no surprises an award winner at Showcase 2014 once again. 

Carve On stand at Showcase 2014

Keep supporting Irish produce and let the world see through platforms like Showcase the wonders that evolve year on year in this great country of ours.

 #supportirish #irishcraft 

Golden Globes

Looking through all the images from last nights Golden Globes, the style was wonderful and so many stood out but here are just a few of my favourites. Whites and neutral colours were huge again this season, however the following three were my stand outs. I loved the elegance of Carly Steed's with her sweet lace top detail and sweetheart dress top.

The simple sexiness of Margot Robbie makes this a stand out for me, all be the hem line a little too high for me. 

The waterfall drape of Rosci Diaz's dress is absolutely stunning and with pure elegance even down to her accessories makes this outfit perfectly stunning. 

In addition to the above some of the other dresses that stood out for me were from the wonderful designer Carolina Herrera, they are simple and elegant but equally very different to the run of the mill dresses. The ladies wearing these gowns are fully aware of their shape and best qualities, which enhances the radiance of both Taylor Swift and Julie Bowen, seen below.

Also I love this look while not traditional works so well for Diane Keating, not everyone could pull this look off. 

These are just a few of my favourites I would love to hear about who you felt stood out and well done to Ireland's own U2 for picking up their Golden Globe.