Author Archives: Avril

The Church Catwalk: Communion and Confirmation style

girl_pretending_to_be_an_angel_with_a_halo_0071-1008-1315-0213_smu

So it’s that time of year again in Ireland, the rite of passage that is Confirmation and Communion season. (Full disclosure here, I opted out of all the catholic stuff many years ago so I won’t be partaking myself, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still help with some outfit planning!)

I don’t know if it’s just me but confirmation and communion celebrations seem to be getting bigger and bigger every year. Not bigger in the sense of flashiness that the Celtic Tiger days enjoyed  with limos and marquees, but more so in the importance in the family calendar as an EVENT! And with any big Irish event, it’s the mammies who will usually do the lion’s share of the planning and organising, including stressing about “The Outfit”.

The biggest factors to take into account when planning your outfit are as follows:

  • It’s usually a really early start – you don’t want to be a sweaty melty mess by 2pm
  • It’s in a church - so you need to be respectful and church appropriate
  • There are children involved!
  • The event will be held in Spring/Summer – so even though the Irish weather is unreliable at best (and generally shite at worst!) you will need to inject a bit of colour and freshness
  • There will be eating, drinking and a fair bit of standing and moving around involved - this is not the day to go for the bet on bodycon number and 6 inch heels

So keeping all the above in mind, here’s a few of my tips and outfit ideas for you. It is a big day for you and you want to look and  feel your best (and photos last forever!!!) so why not pull out the stops and wear something that makes you feel amazing and suits your personal style.

  • The Prep 

I am a born organiser and control freak and firmly believe there is no such thing as being too organised for any event or planning too early. You will be up to you eyeballs organising your precious offspring and partner and planning the celebration meal/party so make time for you!!!!! Go shopping, try things on, look at styles you like on Instagram or Pinterest, order online to get your size. Work back from the big day and  book  your appointments. I insist you have nails, toes, blow dry and tan done at least!!! If you can manage to squeeze in your make up application on the morning then go girl, but at least get the other stuff done in the days leading up to D-Day.

  • The Practicalities

Mama is going to be on duty big time on the day so you need to be practical when it comes to the outfit planning. If your kids are anything like my kids then EVERYTHING will get passed over to you to “mind”. So you need a big handbag where you can dump cards, tissues, rosary beads, spare hair clips, bottle of water etc.. You also need shoes that you can wear all day and run around after younger kids in as well as stand around in at the church and school. This is not car to bar territory trust me! I love my shoes and always feel like a bit of a sell out or a granny if I go for the comfy option so you need to be smart and go for a heel that has a platform support, a wedge or block heel or just a really comfy shoe that you can rely on.

And now for the outfit suggestions. This is just a selection to get the thinking caps on, remember everyone has their own personal style and now is not the time to go for a completely out there look or something you would never usually wear as you will just end up feeling awkward. Be yourself, be comfortable, wear a colour that you know suits you, get dolled up so you feel glam and then sit back and let the compliments flow and enjoy yourself.

 GREEN QUEEN

Green is the absolute colour of the moment and it is such a fab, fresh colour for Spring/Summer. You can’t go wrong with choosing bright green for the big day. Here’s a few different ways to wear it, full on green or as a  background colour with a nice floral print.

Green lace dress Warehouse

Green lace dress Warehouse

mangogreendress

Green silk wrap dress Mango

greendusterriverisland

Green duster jacket River Island

THAT’S A WRAP  

A wrap dress is so flattering on all shapes and sizes and a nice wrap style with sleeves is perfectly church appropriate. Once you pick a dress then it’s all about glamming it up with fab accessories to really take it to the next level.

Cream wrap kimono style dress - Closet London

Cream wrap kimono style dress – Closet London

Oriental style wrap dress HandM

Oriental style wrap dress H&M

Blue wrap dress Warehouse

Blue wrap dress Warehouse

two tone wrap dress Bella Dungarvan

Two tone wrap dress Bella Dungarvan

SUITS YOU SIR 

Why not consider a suit style for the big day. This is definately my kind of style, a bit different but very dressy and feminine if you go for the right fabrics and colours so you won’t look like you’re heading for the  boardroom.

Mustard slouchy style  suit from River Island:

yellowblazerriverislandyellowtrousersriverisland

Silky kimono style suit from Zara

zarakimonojacket zarakimonotrousers

Pink tailored suit Zara

pinkzarasuitjacket pinkzarasuittrousers

 A FEW MORE IDEAS……………..

Very nice black  and red dress from H&M that’s very Spanish in style and would be lovely with red accessories and a nice red lippie

hmblackreddress

If you’re style is a bit more conservative or formal then this preppy style skater dress from H&M would be very nice with a black or white blazer over it and bright green shoes

hmgreenblkpreppydress

 

Gold is such a classy colour and a lovely daytime colour too as it’s soft and subtle. Best on darker skin tones  (i.e. get the spray tan done!)  This patterned gold dress is from Mango

mangogolddress

I’d love to hear your thoughts or outfit planning ideas so please comment or let me know if you are on a mission for find something specific and I’ll happily help with the research.

Happy shopping and enjoy your big days

Avril x

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping tips – What to buy this Winter

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Happy November! Now that it’s officially Winter and party season has arrived, I’ve put together a really quick shopping guide to cover off the major trends to help you shop for your Winter wardrobe!  Just follow the tips below and you’ll be ready to rock in no time.

Velvet:

Velvet is EVERYWHERE this year. If, like me, you are of a certain age, you’ll probably have flashbacks of being trussed up in an 80′s velvet flouncy dress at Christmas time. But strangely enough, rather than being allergic as a result, I am really loving the velvet obsession. Its so luxurious and dressy and perfect for occasion wear at Christmas but it can also be dressed down too with casual accessories. It’s so sexy and gothic and dark,  you’ll deffo end up fancying yourself just a little bit wearing velvet.  :)  All the high street stores have embraced the  trend with gusto so you can dip your toe in the trend in  the form of a little clutch for party season or a velvet choker,  you could keep it simple in a plain black velvet skirt or dress or go full on 80’s glam in a bodycon coloured number, coat or boots.

Me in my €18 Penney's Velvet dress

Me in my €18 Penney’s Velvet dress

 

Burgundy

Burgundy is the colour of the season! Think rich claret tones and dark deep reds – very “Interview with a vampire” and actually goes very well with the velvet trend above. To really nail the fashion victim style this year think a rich, deep burgundy velvet number. Keep this colour in mind if you’re investing in a new winter coat, boots or handbag as a change from the standard black.

Michael Kors Plum Leather Handbag

Michael Kors Plum Leather Handbag

Over the knee boots

Again these are EVERYWHERE!!! Not for everyone, but if you’re going to do Winter boots then get stuck in to the over the knee trend. Usually seen on the nine foot tall model gang, it can intimidate us shorter arsed ladies, but they actually work well on all heights. Kourtney Kardashian is a huge fan and she is tiny. If you want to play it safe, go for black and wear over thick black tights or leggings with a plain baggy jumper-dress to keep it understated.

Kourtney rocking her overknee boots with kids in tow - no excuse for us!

Kourtney rocking her overknee boots with kids in tow – no excuse

Velvet boots €69.95 Zara

Velvet boots €69.95 Zara

Wrap coats: 

While the military style has always been a firm favourite of mine, unfortunately buttons are out of favour with the fashion crew this year. Think big lapels, feminine wrap styles and big belt tie fronts. If you’re investing in a new coat this year then you can’t go wrong with a cross over wrap style. Head straight to Coast and Ted Baker – an investment winter coat from either will last you for years!

Limited Edition Cashmere Wrap Coat €179 Zara

Limited Edition Cashmere Wrap Coat €179 Zara

Burgandy wrap coat €395 Ted Baker

Burgandy wrap coat €395 Ted Baker

Camel: 

This is the other colour obsession this season. So if you are going to invest in a new coat then a camel wrap number will hit the style jackpot. Again, a nice change from black, goes with everything,  suits all skin  tones and is softer and warmer than harsh black.

Camel coat Ted Baker

Camel coat Ted Baker

Coast Camel Coat

Coast Camel Coat

Winter florals:

Flowers are still in but the pretty spring summer prints have been ditched for edgier, bigger flower prints. A strong floral print on a black fabric is perfect for this season and breaks up the head to toe black hole we’re all guilty of falling into from  Halloween onwards.

Me in my M&S floral two piece - blouse and trousers

Me in my M&S floral two piece – blouse and trousers

Floral cold shoulder top €40 River Island

Floral cold shoulder top €40 River Island

River Island Floral Cami

River Island Floral Cami

10 Questions With…Nikki Quinn MUA

Nikki Quinn is one of the *glammest* ladies I know. She also happens to be a seriously talented and experienced makeup artist and trainer for one of the leading cosmetics companies.

Nikki Quinn

Nikki Quinn

Nikki helps Irish ladies look and feel amazing every day with her makeup wizardry, but unfortunately, none of us happen to have a Nikki waiting in our bathroom for us every morning, and apart from a really big event or wedding, rarely get our makeup done properly.

I grabbed a few minutes with Nikki to pick her brains and get her best tips and tricks on how we can all take our makeup game to the next level. After all, we’re not getting any younger so our daily war paint is no longer an indulgence but a real necessity.

1. It obviously helps to work with the best canvas possible so having great skin to start with is half the battle. What’s the BEST tip you could give any lady to improve her skin/complexion?

My mum told me to start wearing an eyecream in my early 20′s and i really feel it has made a difference to how my skin looks and feels around the eye area.  I also suggest taking a little more time for the prep work. We’re all usually in a rush and we sacrifice prepping the skin for makeup and rely on a foundation alone to do all the work for us.  I honestly believe that a quick skin preparation routine before applying makeup is essential. A good cleanser, serum, moisturiser and primer followed by a mattifying eye cream and a lip conditioner will set you up for success every time. It may seem like a lot but it lays the foundation for foundation!!!

2. What’s the biggest complaint your over 30 clients have about their skin, and how can make-up help?

The under eye area is a common issue for most women and men in their 30′s. We can have discolouration, textured skin, fine lines, puffiness…. the list goes on! My top tip is to correct the colour around the eye area using a colour correction cream. I recommend MAC prep and prime highlighter pens in ‘Bright Forecast’ and ‘Light Boost’ depending on your colouring. Once this is applied a concealer can then be used.

macprepandprime

MAC Prep+Prime

3. Come on we’re all dying to know – what’s the biggest makeup faux pas that us Irish ladies are ALL making?

I think Irish women know more about makeup techniques than ever before and have some serious skills. It’s the maintenance of your makeup brushes!!!! Your makeup will never perform at its best without some good tools. You don’t need a lot: a decent foundation brush, a blush or bronzer brush and 2-3 eyeshadow brushes should do it for you and wash them at least once a week.

4. We all use foundation every day – but we’re all terrified of buying foundation – what should we look for and what questions should we ask the sales assistants in store?

Knowing the difference between texture and coverage. We all want flawless skin but it doesn’t mean wearing a full coverage foundation. Ask them to swatch a few samples on your jawline for the right colour match. Do not try on the back of your hand as this area is a totally different tone and texture to your facial skin. Think about the texture you would like… A natural skin look, a dewy glow or more of a matte look. Always ask to take a few samples home and try them for a few days. Foundation can be an expensive purchase so its important to get it right. And remember you can have a few different foundations that suit different makeup looks… you don’t have to be stuck with one brand or one product! We wear our skin everyday so why not have a wardrobe of foundations to pick from.

5. Small kids/a busy job/ a long commute equals a quick make up job in the car for most of us. What are the best short cuts for quick make up jobs on the go?

MAC Strobe cream for a moisturised and highlighted skin. A mineralise powder foundation for less mess and easy application, a lash curler and defining mascara again to avoid clumpy lashes and messy amounts of product. And a cream blusher for cheeks which can also dab onto lips is a great multitasker.  And be careful if you’re driving!!!!

MAC Strobe cream

MAC Strobe cream

6. Glam in 60 seconds – what’s the one thing a lady can do to add a bit of WOW for an evening look to make a change from the everyday nude/natural look? 

A glamourous lip colour can change a look from day to night so quickly. Use a lip pencil to outline the lip and give a defined shape and apply a strong colour for some va va voom! Go bold or go home on this one!!! And if you’re feeling brave pop a bit of clear gloss on the centre of the lips for some extra pout.

7. As women get older they need to start investing in quality make up products and tools. What’s the best investment for the make-up bag?

A quality serum and primer are essential. A serum will hydrate the skin, treat any aging signs, brighten the tone of skin and even out texture. A primer will smooth out the surface of the skin and support your foundation in performing better. A variety of lip pencils are a must as the lip line starts to fade as we age so this will ensure we maintain a fuller looking lip shape and a lash curler to make the most of your lashes.

8. Which celebrity is the most requested “look” you get asked for? 

I always get asked for the JLO glow or the Gwen Stefani red lip and liner look. Both stunning woman and true make up inspirations. Its great to be influenced by celebrities makeup styles and trends but remember the filters!!!! No one really looks like that.

Gwen and JLo

Gwen and JLo

9. Should we be changing up our make-up routine for Winter versus Summer or using different products? If so, what?

We can feel so different in every season so yes I’d say have some Summer shades that work for you and your wardrobe and then some winter ones too. Your basics should stay the same i.e. foundations, powders, concealers etc. but have some fun with eye colour, lip colour and blush.

10. And finally, who is your personal style crush?

I have quite a few actually…. I loved Miley Cyrus’s look with her cropped blonde hair, immense lashes and vibrant red lip. It was so brave and bold and quite the contrast to her Disney image. I think Gwen Steffani is timeless and looks unreal at the moment. In terms of style, I love Olivia Palermo’s style – so elegant yet bang on trend. On Irish shores, I think Glenda Gilson looks fab lately on Xpose. I love her casual approach but she always looks classic yet comfortable. My ultimate goal!!

Nikki Quinn is a makeup artist and trainer and has over 15 years experience in retail, fashion shows and wedding makeup. You can contact Nikki and find out more about her personal makeup services or group makeup lessons on her website www.makeup4u.ie 

A Mother’s Morning Prayer

Inspired by Tina Fey’s brilliant “Prayer for a daughter” from her book, Bossy pants (if you haven’t read it, get cracking!) I thought I would pen a new morning prayer, for the frazzled working moms on their daily pilgrimage to crèche/school/work.

The morning rush is definitely not for the faint hearted and no morning  is complete without a daily dose of “For Fucks Sake!!” or “Sweet Jesus!!” so why not combine the natural pairing of prayer and expletives into a mother’s morning prayer:

angel

A Mother’s Morning Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, let everyone sleep tight, all night,

So that mommy may be woken gently by the dulcet tones of her 6.45 am shrieking alarm, and not a moment sooner,

Hallowed be the 5 minutes of peace for mommy to shower, brush teeth, dress, do hair at the speed of light,

Hallelujah if mommy finds a pair of ladder-free tights,

Give us this day some docile, obedient children, so that the morning remains calm and tantrum free – no pukes, no fighting, no wrestling into clothes, no bribery

Let your celestial lights blind their eyes so that they do not get distracted by TV or computers,

Give us strength Lord, to lug the many, many bags of stuff to the car, but also give us the wisdom, to not forget any of the many, many bags of stuff,

Please Lord, let the gentle warm winds of heaven blow so that the car is not frozen over or covered with snow!

Deliver us Lord, a day free from planking, so that everyone jumps joyously into car seats, buckling up in jig time, and that mommy’s muscles and sweat ducts remain in their unused state.

Lead us not into Satan’s black cloud of panic and rage, but allow us to be smugly pulling out of the drive by exactly 7.46 am,

Give us no cause to shriek “For fucks sake” at a flashing fuel light, for we have no time to stop today Dear Lord,

But please do grant us at least one red light so that we may attempt some half arsed make up job before interacting with the public,

Now grant us every other green light so that we can get to work on time!!!!!!

And forgive us, as we curse at all the f***ing traffic/f***ing buses/f***ing bikes that are sent to test us. Every.Single.day!

Deliver to us Lord, the kind of independent, obedient children, who skip happily into crèche and NOT the kind who decide they love mommy waaaaaaaay too much to ever be parted from her leg.

Give us this day, our daily bread, otherwise known as a crushed granola bar in the car, while enjoying some me time, listening to Ian Dempsey and attempting to finish our make up.

Lead us not into the office, without a quick coffee pick up for a nice skinny latte , while wondering HOW the hell this has become the highlight of our day!!

And deliver us Lord, please please please, a few minutes to kill, so that we may check our phones, cry over our banking app, curse the crèche fees, the pittance of a childrens allowance and the bastard children that bleed us dry.

Then grant us the wisdom to forgive those beautiful bastard children who were sent to test us, and let us rejoice by defiantly checking our Zara app to purchase  a new top, and remembering why we work……..so we can buy clothes and drink coffee!!!!!

AMEN

And on with the day………………

Musings from a Mom of Three (Or “Things that wreck my head”)

i have to scream

I have three young kids (three babies in just over four years!) so in my house we are really in the trenches at the moment. Obviously, every parent has their own individual challenges, no matter how many kids you have, and some kids are definitely higher or lower maintenance so it really can be the luck of the draw in terms of how easy or hard you have it. I will hold my hands up and admit that individually, all my kids are actually fairly easy and fall onto the lower maintenance end of the scale. However, collectively, it is a different matter and it can be very hard core!!

Recently, my husband was away for five days at a conference so I had the pleasure of sampling single parenthood for the duration. Despite my absolute joy every night once bedtime was done, I wasn’t long getting bored and a bit lonely most nights so on my last night before my knight in shining armour returned, I took to musing on what are the most annoying/frustrating/unexpected things about parenting that I have experienced in my 4.5 years so far of being a mom. Although I have no doubt that I will be dealing with a whole new set of challenges as the kids get older, here is my current list of things I will not miss about being a parent of babies/toddlers:

1. I f*****g hate Weetabix! Yes it’s healthy and good and I’m lucky that my 4 year old loves it and asks for it every day. But mother of Jesus, what is that shit made of. Firstly, it must be the most absorbent matter on the planet, each biscuit seems to soak up about 14 litres of milk In nano seconds. Then, it hardens to an indestructible cement, I mean diamonds have nothing on this bad boy! It gets everywhere, faces, hair, the table AND it does not come off without a fight! I have pulled off some impressive WWF moves in order to pin my son down while trying to wipe/scrape/pick the crispy flakes off his eyebrows! I might just take it upon myself write to the minister for housing and put forward my solution for the Pyrite shambles: Weetabix filler for all shoddy foundations and building work! You’re welcome Ireland.

2. See above and replace “Weetabix” for ” Play Doh”! Have you ever tried to scrape play doh from the sole of a kids shoe? Or pick it out of your carpet? Once you have, you will understand why I will never ever give Play Doh as a present and why I will kind of hate you a little bit when you give it to my child. And you obviously already hate me a little bit for doing so, so we’re even.

3. Ive fallen for all the promises and bought every cup and beaker going but am still yet to find a “Super duper non-spill no-leaks” sippy cup! My almost 2 year old has a promising future in NASA to test anti gravity equipment! Every liquid in our house has made it to floor.

4. There is nothing quite as annoying as a toddler who has decided they want to start talking to people on the phone! You will never have a phone conversation again without your little angel swinging from your leg roaring hello and bye bye REPEATEDLY! Cute when it’s your mom or sister, morto when your trying to make a dental appointment!

5. There is no feeling quite as amazing as the moment you find yourself in that crouchy/tippy toe braced/statue pose on the landing waiting for confirmation that there is SILENCE from every room! They are asleep! Cue solo (and silent) victory dance/twerking combo and a ridiculous level of excitement not really appropriate for 8.30 on a Tuesday evening when all that awaits is the washing up, mopping the floor and a recorded episode of Million Dollar Listing!

6. Four year old boys are ridiculously messy when they wee. How they manage to get it into the toilet while also simultaneously splashing the toilet seat, the floor, under the seat, their pants, jeans and shoes is beyond me!

7. Hell hath no fury like a little girl who doesn’t want to get her hair done. But just to make a complete asshole out of you, she will go to crèche with a knotty, sticky, birds nest and will return with a silky French plait because she spent the afternoon lying in her teachers lap getting her hair done. Go figure!!

8. Kids and remote controls – gaaahhhh!!!

9. I defy anyone to find me a work out as effective as the “sprint up and down the stairs 20 times a day” work out! The advanced version consists of also hanging one, two or even three children from various body parts for some additional strength training

10. The TSUNAMI of bodily fluids is relentless and endless. Nappies to change, puke to mop up, potties to empty, noses to wipe, dribbles to wipe, arses to wipe, soiled beds to strip………… I dream of the day when everyone is old enough to take care of their own shit…..literally!

So that’s my list for now. Tune in for future musings as the list evolves! Feel free to share your parenting best bits so far, nothing like a good old rant to clear the head.