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