A Snapshot of Christmas 2013

StyleSnaps: Bargains and beauty spots

Sometimes I go a bit mad and let the € signs get the better of me. The cheaper the better. I love having a brag about how I got a beautiful item at the most ridiculous price. Most of the time these items get worn once and then live in the back of the wardrobe...

The New Black

All the basic black accessories one needs to build one's wardrobe upon!

Leather crocidile bag that holds everything, has large handle and goes with every outfit(free, jumble sale)...

 ....Sequinned waistcoat to add glamour to any outfit (€5, Vintage fair)....

 ..the pair of high waisted black jeans that everyone should own (present)...

...and some black disco shorts for nights on the town (Penneys, €5)

Graduation

Today, I am officially a graduate of a BA in Irish and Journalism!

Something Accquired

Not only have I benefitted from that time of year when I press the refresh button on my wardrobe for a new season, but I've acquired the cast offs of my aunt's wardrobe as well! Which is almost as good as the feeling of having bought a new item of clothing-no price tag and I like the challenge of adapting something to my own taste.

 Not sure about the peaking mid-drift. I shall have to think on it before I wear this in a public place (because of the cold if nothing else!)

Thinking of doing up a poll for "Best Skirt"...have to come up with a better title first!

Bargain Tip of the Week: The Essential Item

 
Waiting on a Sunny Day
Top-Present
Tights-€1.50, Penneys

Sunglasses-€7.50, HandM
Shoes-€13, MandS
Earrings-€14, Accessorize
Parasol-Present

So my calling in this life is to find the best bargains around. Seriously, if you question any garment that I wear you can be sure that it was obtained at some ridiculous price, by some inexpensive means or even for free. And over the years I have picked up many tips and tricks which I've decided to impart with you here-because let's face it; there are always sales, it's how you seperate the rubbish from the gems is where the real art of bargain hunting lies (the smiles and styles part!). 

So my first bargain tip to you is this: the essential item. The one thing in you wardrobe that come rain, shine, nights out or a day out-it can be dressed up, down, warm or breezy. These shorts are figure flattering and cheap (€5), yes, but thre are literally hundreds of €5 items out there. The trick is to make that bargain worthwhile in the knowledge that it'll enhance your wardrobe no end.

Tip #1: Don't buy for the sake of buying. Make sure your bargain find will serve you well!

Winter Wonderland
Jumper-Clothes Swap
Tights-€1.50, Penneys
Scarf-€4, Penneys
Collar-€9, Miss Selfridge
Boots-€20, Shoe Rack 

Wild Night!
Leopard Print Top-€3, H&M
Blouse/Belt-Clothes Swap
Tights-Present
Bag-€3, Penneys
Flower-€2, Funky Monkey
Shoes-€48, Debenhams

Walk in the ParkJacket-€9, Penneys
Scarf-€5, Laura Ashley, Charity Shop
Top-Clothes Swap
Tights-€2, Penneys
Belt-€4, Penneys
Bag-€9, Penneys
Boots-€20, Shoe Rack

These shorts have a lot going for them: the colour, the pleats and shape, the gold button detail-they go with everything!

Party time!

April came and went, thesis was completed, college was finished and celebrations were had soon after with the festivities that May had on offer....

Candy coloured nails!

Here are some recent purchases of mine that have served me through the party season! This particular forthnight saw me going to three 21st celebrations-phew!

Liam's 21st

Dress €9, Penneys; Underskirt-present, Penneys; Tights €6.90, Forever 21; Shoes, Primark

A homemade birthday gift! Fabric paint on canvas shoes (€6, Penneys)

Emily's 21st

Skirt €9, Penneys; Top-borrowed from mam, Belt €4, Penneys

eh-dancing?

Niamh's 21st

Dress €15, H&M: Belt €1.50, Dunnes Stores: Wedges €12

Looking forward to my party now :) Hey-what will my dress look like I hear you say? All in good time...

Hint #1

Debenhams €47

On the 30h of June I shall be marking my 21st year on this earth with a big party with family and friends- and the prettiest outfit ever worn. My mother jumped at the idea of making my dress and I am delighted and so excited for it's big unveiling! So hint by hint, I shall reveal to you the full 21st package-starting with the shoes(only a little peek though!)

Who says you have to splurge to go to the ball!

Shoes €15
Bag €5
Earrings €5 Heirloom
Hair and make-up: me!
Dress €4!
:)

20 years here, 20 years gone....

It is 20 years ago today that my biggest icon, Freddie Mercury passed away.

In my own 20years I have discovered and loved all that this man sang and wrote.

I still love you Freddie x

I've been going out a lot lately which is giving me a wonderful opportunity to combine everything I love: clothes, shoes, new bargains (red bag was €3!), friends and dancing! ;)


This little number is one of my proudeset creations-the combined cost of my entire outfit-I kid you not-cost €15. Oh yes, that's right!

Earrings were my mothers...

...top was €4 in Charity Shop...

...skirt was €3 in Penneys...

...heels were €5 in Shoe Rack :)

Night out cost a little more than that though ;)

The Way I Wore It Lately...

This figure hugging outfit gave me the edge and confidence I needed on a great night out I had with my sister and cousin a few weeks ago. Cat themed with my leopard print heels and feline earrings and I think the red tights give it something sassy! (thanks to Ellen for photographs!)

Dropped into Buckingham Palace 2 weekends ago with my mother and sister. London had a beuatiful sunny day for us and this outfit kept me cool and pretty :)Also, I got the chance to give my new sunglasses a go!

In a rare occassion where our wet, cold Irish weather suprised us all by, well, not being wet and cold but sunny and warm, I got to give this summer look a final outing. I love pastels :)

Black top-€4, Enable Ireland
Black skirt-Clothes swap
Red tights-€2, Penneys
Leopard heels-Present from Mam
Black belt-€4, Penneys
Cat earrings-€4, Madrid
Yellow bag-€11, Penneys

Tulle skirt-present from Mam
Green belt-€12, Madrid
Green top-€5, Madrid
Brogues-€5, Penneys
Pink cardigan-€10, Penneys
Scarf (Laura Ashley!)-€5, Enable Ireland
Sunglasses-€7.50, H&M

Gingham shorts-€12, Shotsy
Shirt-€1.50, Ennistymon, secon hand shop
Socks-Topshop
Pumps-€15, Mila's Shoes

New Shoes

Over the summer months I have acquired many a pair of shoes. How many pairs of shoes does a girl actually need? Probably a lot (LOT) less than I possess. But aren't they worth it? Like my mother says-no matter how much weight you put on, no matter if you have a bad hair day, bad skin day, a pair of shoes will always fit you and look good ;)

Black leather riding boots-€20, Shoe Rack

Suede Leopard Print Peep-Toes-Present from Portugal


Patent Wedge Pumps-€7.50, Enable Ireland Charity Shop
Suede Rust Heels-€15, Penneys
Black suede stillettos-€5, Shoe RackFloral, Baby Blue Peep-toe Pumps-€15, Mila's Shoes

Let that be then end of my shoe splurge for the whole of Winter! :D
Which are your favourite?