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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here we are at the beginning of a New Year and wondering where it might lead, well one thing for sure is to ensure that we guide our own path along the way and be happy. I am looking forward to what 2014 has in store and for the first time in a long time I am feeling very positive about the New Year.

At times I think we get carried away on what did not happen in the previous year and while I have had many a let down in 2013 I think I can say with strength that I have taken steps to move forward and be open to a world of so many possibilities. The power of saying yes opens up so much and taking a chance in that yes can open even more doors. At the end of the year I sat and watched the wonderful documentary on a very strong young man Donal Walsh, someone who fought time and time again a difficult disease but had the strength to come on national television and speak about his anger about teen suicide.

While I can understand the difficulties teenagers face, I could also understand Donal's frustration with their choice in taking away their opportunities for a brighter future. This young man had the strength and courage to stand up for what he believed should not be happening while he was fighting for his life to stay alive, I have full admiration for him and would hope that his message reached so many of the hearts of our young Irish teens. Watching this documentary reminded me again just how grateful I am for all that is in my life, my family, my friends, my colleagues and most of all myself.

Life can pass you by and you can forget how much you are worth to all who surround you but most of all how much you are worth to yourself. Pay homage to that every now and again and celebrate the achievements you have made no matter how big or how small. Moving forward to the New Year with positive perspective is how I want to move forward in life. Happy New Year all!!