Armani Flash Sale

I never ever thought I'd ever have the opportunity to be writing about power house design label Armani but that's just what I'm here to do today.

A few days ago I received a lovely invitation to attend the Preview of the Armani Flash Sale being held in The Outlet, Banbridge. 

Thursday 2nd of August until Sunday 5th August 2012

After giving my sincere apologies that I wouldn't be able to make it (and believe me I really would have loved to!) I sat pondering, what on earth would one wear to something like this?

I, personally, have never been to anything like this but if I were to attend a preview of something like this I'd feel the need to dress up, though not in a party type fashion. Think smart. Ladies who lunch but who aren't afraid to touch upon controversial subjects. Sorry! My head is running away with me!

I picked a Collection at Debenhams pencil style dress, which I ninja won on Ebay a while ago. 

Necklace from www.lifesbigcanvas.co.uk

Fuchsia Clutch Bow Bag from Internacionale

 

Iron Fist's c/o www.fyfo.co.uk

Pencil style dress by Collection at Debenhams

Would I do?

So, for a while longer mine eyes shall not set upon true power house labels such as Armani but one day I will get to lightly brush past the exquisite garments, I have an idea that a fair amount of dreamy sighing would be done.

In the meantime, if you are in the vicinity of The Outlet, Banbridge this Thursday to Sunday, why not pop in and see what they have to offer. Up to 90% discounts? You'd be mad not too......

Let's leave it there shall we ;)

Sera

xo

Pearls and a Little Black Dress

Something that had me stumped for quite some time when I started taking an interest in my own style was accessorizing. It was a maze to me. I never even wore a watch if I'm honest. Maybe a necklace or earrings on a special occasion.

I'm still quite restrained on the accessory front. I don't have the collection to be stacking layers but also I don't think it would suit my personality at all. I'm a staple accessory kind of girl. 

Today I have the perfect little accessory for you all. I really absolutely do!

Guaranteed to transform any outfit you put together!

Step 1: Take one Little Black Dress

Step 2: Take one Detachable Pearl Collar

My mother gave me this one but I have found a link for you all should you decide you need one in your life: Detachable Pearl Collar Ebay

Add some light makeup, a slick of red lipstick and whatever shoes you fancy (just for the record I didn't fancy any so I'm in bare feet here - I do not recommend going out in bare feet!)

And voila! 

Pearls and a Little Black Dress

The cute little dress was given to me by a wonderfully beautiful woman by the name of Suzie, I owe her at least a cocktail ;)

Simple can be cute. 

I think every girl should have at least one version of the detachable collar in their wardrobe. Instantly transforming any staples. Party season? Keep it in your bag and pop it on over your basic black top, ready to mix in a flash!

What are your accessory staples?

Sera

xo

Our Day Out

My little man had us up at 5.30am Sunday morning (he's not been well) so having to get up at the crack of dawn certainly gives you time to think about what your plans for that day are.  Whilst having my first cup of tea a thought occurred to me. I hadn't been to my childhood home in over 7 months. It's not a lifetime away, I don't have to get a boat or a plane or anything. It's an hour and a half drive (on a good day) from where we currently live. 

So, since we were up early and I was feeling positive I suggested we head down for the day.

And that's just what we did!

I thought I'd share some pictures of my travels with you.

I snapped these little Golddigga pumps up in a Studio sale for £5 and they are the coolest, most wearable shoes I own. In fact, they are now the only pumps I own. I even donated my red Matalan pumps to my Mum.

The wee Dude himself chilled out in the back with my Cosmopolitan sunnies on. 

After stopping in and dropping Riley off at my parents house (first time ever leaving him during the day, second ever time leaving him full stop) we headed into Newry, Buttercrane specifically. Now, this was a huge challenge for me. Both in leaving Riley and navigating and dealing with a busy shopping centre. And busy it was. It was nice to see the hustle and bustle up to a point, then it did get overwhelming and we left sooner than intended but I managed to get a nosy around Primark. Some fantastic pieces in for next season already. A personal favourite was this bag, I was bowled over by the sheer amount of bags on offer in the Newry store. You could easily spend a fortune so I quickly exited though Lee came away with a hoody and a T shirt which, when he got to the till, turned out to be further reduced in the sale. He's still harping on about his bargain lol

Lee was busy snapping away sneakily whilst I replied to some tweets over coffee. Turns out there are a substantial percentage of people on my Twitter Timeline  either from Newry or the surrounding area! It was pretty cool to share the homeland love for a bit.

As I mentioned I couldn't really purchase in Primark because I'd already found a dress I'd been admiring in DV8 Ballymoney for absolute ages. I saw it months ago and it stuck in my mind so much when I saw it as part of the Sale display in the Newry store, well, it was fate.

Not a great pic I know *slaps wrist* I came out with 2 bags. 1 bag from DV8 with the cutest dress and 1 bag from Ann Summers. We weren't there long and I did get incredibly flustered near the end but I'm glad my husband and I had the chance to just dander, looking around us and taking our time if we felt like it. It was nice but honestly? After a half hour I wanted nothing more than a wee man cuddle <3

Tiring but much fun!

Sera

xo

Going for Gold

As I type this I have taken refuge from a Twitter gone Mad. In a truly great way. Everyone is tweeting their pride and giggles about the Olympics Opening Ceremony. It has been a stunning and spectacular display and I, personally, was proud to be part of it even if it was just by watching.

So what exactly is my contribution here?

I'm so glad you asked!

Whilst experimenting with make up during the week I hit upon a secret formula for what I think is the longest lasting eyeshadow I've ever worn.

I applied these products on my eyelid at approximately 1pm. By 11pm when I was removing my make up it was still there.

These magic potions? Right here ;) along with a glorious little polish the lovely Jacinta sent down this week :D

So we have the Catrice Browno Mars

GOSH Waterproof Eyeshadow Pencil: Going for Gold

and No. 7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in shade 65 Truffle

I hope I shouldn't have to point out the nail polish goes on your nails :P

It's so incredibly shimmery! Both inside and outside. You certainly need a top coat though to prevent chipping.

And so onto where I tell you about the amazing eyeshadow...

I applied a layer of the GOSH eyeshadow to my unprimed eyelid and just blended a little with my finger.

I then used my Real Techniques angled brush to brush a layer of the No. 7 shadow OVER the GOSH eyeshadow.

The result?

 

This photo was taken at  about 8pm that night. Pretty much 7 hours since applying it and as you can see though my eyeliner has faded slightly the eyeshadow is still in tact. 

In case you are wondering, and because a few have asked, the mascara I'm wearing here is the fantastic little budget friendly NYC Sky Rise Mascara

Great mascara! All round just a real does what it says on the tin. It's fast turned into my daily mascara. The wand is particularly brilliant, thin and tapered and absolutely perfect for getting good coverage on your bottom lashes. And at just £2.49 at www.superdrug.com it's well worth shelling out for. Come on. Trust me on this one, you will not regret it!

And there you have it! 

Gold Medal in going the distance.

Hope you enjoyed the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games as much as I did!

Sera

xo

The Cutest Things

How does the saying go?

The best things come in the smallest packages

It's applicable in so many respects but it especially rings true about the lovely gift I was sent by Sinead Martin, Stella & Dot.

Sinead was lovely and offered me a pick from her collection. Now, Stella & Dot ranges right up to expensive stunning pieces but they also cater to those of us who have to budget a little more. There is something for everyone.

This little Silk Base Ombre Bracelet just stood out because of it's stunning simplicity. And I don't know if you can see it in the picture above but it did come with a tiny silver feather charm. Sinead was so lovely and included a more generous size feather charm for me as well. I was delighted to receive this as I have a long running association with Feather Imagery...

This is a tattoo I got when I was 18. At the time I wrote a lot. Lyrics for songs that were never composed, poetry that even I can't look at now and short stories that would make Mr Grey blush. I'd decided to get this image as representation of a Quill and of simply a feather, to symbolise emotional freedom from certain things in my life. It was my first tattoo and I remember every moment.

So yes! I was really pleased at receiving the little feather bracelet (you could pick different charms)

It's easy to wear and of course, having ridiculously tiny wrists isn't an issue as it's a wrap ribbon!

I've been wearing it every other day since I got it.

Now! I must tell you this bracelet is now sold out but don't despair I have a surprise coming at the end of this post!

The new Autumn Collection has now launched with Stella & Dot so be sure to keep a look out for my picks of that collection and remember stylists come to the comfort of your own home! Together with friends and family you can have a fantastic night looking at all the glittery goodness Stella & Dot have to offer. 

Even more? If you're interested in becoming a Stella & Dot Stylist and want to explore it as a career? You can do that too! 

To book a Trunk Show (where Sinead will come to your home and you host a party AND get freebies for hosting!) or to enquire about becoming a Stella & Dot Stylist follow the link...

www.stelladot.com/sineadmartin

Sinead really is lovely, lots of emails back and forth to her and I can guarantee you'd have a great night in her company!

So, onto the really exciting news!! Another Stella & Dot lovely has so very kindly provided a great giveaway prize for you all!!!

What could it be!?

1 winner will receive their very own SOLD OUT silk base ombre bracelet with little feather charm!

I have this bracelet in my possession right now and am itching to get it to one of you lovelies asap so get entering!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A huge thanks to 

Sinead Martin, Stella & Dot Independent Stylist

and

Grainne Maskey,  Stella & Dot Independent Founding Stylist

for my lovely new bracelet and a seriously cute Giveaway prize!

Happy Friday!

Sera

xo    

Bitches be Bitchin

Have we all seen Mean Girls? If you have you'll be aware of the term Frenemy. The term harps right back to that age old saying 

'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer'

I've been reminiscing about a year ago, back to when I hadn't even considered blogging in this capacity, about Fashion, Style or beauty products, in fact, I probably would have laughed had someone suggested it at the time.  Then I fast forward a year to the present day and I'm sat staring at my computer, jumping back and forth to different social networking sites contemplating the great meaning in life and all that jazz... I find myself thinking about this blog and how it's already opened so many doors for me whilst steadily being there as the fantastic outlet it started out as. In fact it's helped me grow as a person, without a doubt. The therapy blogging can provide is paramount to none I've experienced to date. For half an hour or so a day it gives me the perfect release from whatever issues I'm facing. It's a precious moment of escapism I have grown to really love and look forward to each day. 

Whereas this is all lovey dovey and airy fairy there is a down side. Since beginning this blogging journey here I have also both experienced and watched the one certain trait that has been played out in books and movies throughout time. 

Girl on girl hate.

I'm pretty sure you'll all know at least one girl who fits the bill. Is nice to a point and then it's cutting, catty and quite frankly rude comebacks to anything you have to say?

How do you deal with them?

I'm a trier. I normally, to an extent, will give the benefit of the doubt but more times than not I get stung. And more times than not I won't regret trying in the first place because it's who I am.

There are always going to be girls disliking other girls, what is truly concerning to me is about how personal we sometimes take these comments or events. Why do we let them affect us!? And there starts the circle of self esteem bottoming out. 

Internet bullying, schoolyard bullying, it's all the same. It shouldn't be happening in our back gardens, our estates, our press, our schools, our blogging communities, our workplaces, social networking sites and I really could go on. The problem is extensive. It is rotting our sisterhood and I for one am fed up, sick and tired of seeing it, of experiencing it and to be honest of reading and watching it. 

Been really catty lately? It's not big and it's not clever. 

I'm done with girl on girl hate.

On Safari

I finally managed to pin down a rare 5 minutes of Sunshine to bring you this OOTD!

One of the big trends I'm seeing in all the magazines at the moment is the Safari Trend.

It's the same with any trend, there are always ways to hint to a current style without having to jump in feet first. So bearing all this in mind it was a perfect opportunity to show you this 

Miami Cream Short Sleeved Dress by Vero Moda

Ok, admittedly at this stage there was hardly any sun at all but I couldn't pass up the chance to pop on the free sunglasses I got with last month's Cosmopolitan Magazine!

Aren't they cute! I hope I get more opportunities to wear them!

These necklaces are both from George at Asda and were significantly reduced in our local Asda a few weeks back. A subtle hint to another trend at the moment, accessory layering!

The belt was from Peacocks *sniff* I do miss Peacocks so much.

The cuff bracelet is also from George at Asda, whilst the beautiful aqua tribal ring was sent to me by the lovelies over at Adorning Ava. 

The dress itself is a more muted version of the Flamingo Dress I featured a while back, they're easy to wear and light so great if we ever do get warm days I'm so grateful to Room31 for surprising me with it!  And also? These dresses have pockets and are still available to buy 

Miami Cream Short Sleeved Dress by Vero Moda (LINK)

with a huge 50% discount when you

Enter SALE50 at Checkout

A hint to tribal and safari trends whilst making it functionable and fun!

Sera

xo

Wash Out

Following the kick off of the open and honest 4goesMAD season on Channel 4 Monday night I'm pretty sure it will be expected that I'd have a post to commemorate the occasion of Mental Health Stigma being so openly addressed. Bravo! It was programming at it's best. And it was a joy to see mental health issues being openly discussed on all areas of social media, can we have more of this?

I have no such post for you though. It is fantastic that are being honest, I try to do that a lot in life, be open and honest about mental health issues. It's the only way to own whatever challenges you face.

And that's all I've got for you today on that subject.  I will continue to address such issues in my own little way and have done posts regarding BiPolar Disorder before and you are more than welcome to check out a piece I wrote for Daily Waffle: Daily Waffle Bi polar Article

But for now? I really just fancied writing some fluff....

This Summer of ours disappeared before we even had time to get our pins out. If July is anything to go by I certainly am not expecting much from August!

So what do you wear when it's warm but also raining cats and dogs? Do you know what? I retract that sentiment. Cats and dogs are cute, cuddly and fill you with warmth. When we're talking about heavy rainfall we should have a saying that's a bit more gloomy. Don't get me wrong I love the rain, in fact I have a long running love affair with it, in the right seasons! I adore Autumn time for instance, I just don't adore it when it comes bang in the middle of Summer when I'm meant to be moaning about how roasted I am ;) 

I actually was out today doing something that fills me with more dread than you can ever imagine. I did the grocery shop in our local Tesco, on my own. My husband left me in but I trundled round that store by myself, navigating the aisles like a pro and only getting anxious a few times, though didn't have to leave the store. I made it through the wilderness.

So I thought I'd post a little OOTD of what I wore on this humid yet wet disaster of a Summers Day.

This cute little American Flag motif top came to me via that clothes swap with Christine. Now I have a long standing opinion on the whole flag motif clothing. As a rule I normally don't go in for it but I was quite surprised upon receiving this little top that I found I quite liked it. 

I'm also not normally a fan of cut out sleeves but I'm liking the little shoulder action!

As you can see this is the first time I've had my new 'do straight. This is literally because I don't have any tongs that work on it but I'm feeling it! It's a little edgy straightened so it definitely works for me in the sense of styling it both retro and modern.

I teamed my outfit with these great studded shoes from Everything Five Pounds. A great mid heel height for short bursts of daily wear these are fast becoming go-to's though admittedly it was a boots kinda day I still haven't found my perfect pair.

Accessories were wee bargains!

Gold Pyramid Bracelet from Internacionale (link)

Karma Tassel Bracelet from Argento (link)

Snapped up in the stores current sales.

I added this watch by Morgan at the last minute and have firmly decided I need more watches. It hadn't occurred to me before to use them as a style statement but I'm intrigued at what all is out there for us meticulous time keepers!

So that was a rainy, miserable day with a few little surprises for me. That's the thing I love about writing here, it's such a fantastic way for me to discover who I am style wise!

Still getting used to the new 'do though. It's growing on me ;)

Sera

xo

My Quest

Since I can remember I have had a sincere love and adoration of Red Lipstick.

Everything about it. 

When I put on a Red Lipstick I instantly feel different. I am more aware of how I move, more aware of how I use my mouth and I find I even enunciate my words that little bit more. There is a sparkle in my eye when I wear Red Lipstick. And rightly so, from the dawn of day stunningly sensual women have smiled their little knowing Red Lipped smiles at us from the silver screen and beyond.

Today though I am here to talk about how difficult it can be to find your perfect shade of Red Lipstick. I know there are any amount out there and believe me, throughout the years I have tried a great many. However, I still find myself searching. 

I'm going to bring you a few that impress me. Now, please note! Impress me. That's all we're talking here at this stage...

I'll start with my least favourite and work my way up to my current favourite out of this selection

The Least Favourite award goes to MUA Shade 8

First and foremost I honestly find it lazy and more than slightly annoying when make up brands decide not to name shades. That'd be one of the most fun parts surely!?

This lipstick doesn't apply well at all, it almost drags over your lips (no matter how much you use it). Also, if you were thinking of applying it with a brush? Forget about it. If you manage to soften it enough for use I find there isn't actually much colour with this one. And it has absolutely zero staying power. You'll be lucky if you manage to keep it on after one cuppa / one kiss ;)

I am loving one of these Frenchie Lipsticks far more than the other and again these are annoying. Even though I really do like at least one that I own they are not named first and foremost. Secondly they're nigh on impossible to get hold off. Ebay seems to be the best bet for some reason.

My least favourite of these two is the orange based lipstick

Doesn't apply great and far too orange a tone for me. This was me layering it on by the way so it takes a lot of going at your lips to get a staying colour. And it doesn't stick around too long.

This is the Frenchie lipstick that I find I reach for quite often. The deeper red of the two it's actually quite a good wee lippy. I bought these for 99p on Ebay so really didn't expect much from them but as I've already said this wee one here is a staple of mine. It slicks on really well and has a nice moisturising feel to it. The colour also sits a lot better with me and it actually has some staying power which is great!

Sleek Makeup Shade 787 Vixen

This is a lovely lipstick to apply and I was grateful to receive it in a care package from a good friend. I don't wear it terribly often because it's a distinctly bright Red and again quite orange toned which with my pale skin and red hair just screams CLASH!

As I'm sure you can hopefully see, it's quite moisturised which is nice and when blotted properly really does stay a good few hours without reapplying. I'd be interested in trying more shades.

Miners, Matte Factor: Shade: Warm Red

These little Matte Factor glosses from Miners are quite brilliant in my opinion. Again, one of my go-to's. Without even blinking sometimes. They apply really easily and the applicator allows for good shaping. Once blotted these little glosses have fantastic staying power. And so easy topped up as well! Very budget friendly, Miners are a great brand and one I suggest you try out.

And that brings us to my current Favourite Red Lipstick

Deigo Dalla Palma

Shade 200

Rossetto Rosso Red

aka The Wicked Queen Lipstick from Snow White & The Huntsman Palette

I can not, and I do mean, can not, recommend this lipstick enough. It's vibrant, creamy and has staying power. I've been so impressed with it I find myself looking for excuses to wear it.

The coverage is great and it soaks in so well without losing that moisturised feel. I like a lipstick to feel like I'm wearing a lipstick and whereas this doesn't ''get in your way'' so to speak you are still aware of wearing something fabulous on your lips.

To conclude, though I have a favourite Red Lipstick in my current collection...

I still haven't found what I'm looking for.

(couldn't help myself!)

Have you been united with your one and only Red Lipstick yet? Or are you still wandering, searching, like me?

Sera

xo