Plaid-a-Plenty

Hey everyone, hope you've all had a good weekend?
It seems a lot of Christmas trees went up this weekend, haven't quite got to that yet myself, still choosing colour scheme!

I have been doing a bit of research though, as I had a request for advice on plaid shirts. And no better time for a bit of plaid than the festive season, right?

www.asos.com

Penneys/Primark

So, I've been looking around to find a few different styles and colour combinations to suit all tastes. I have my eye on some of these myself, so have a peek and see what you think.

www.newlook.com

www.forever21.com

The first and obvious choice for December is red, and whether you prefer navy or black, you'll find at least one you like, I'm sure of it! I've put a few sample looks together to show a few styling options so you can get the most from your chosen shirt..

www.newlook.com

The failsafe option of jeans is an easy option and one I usually go with, but you can branch out to leggings, a denim or knit skirt for alternative day wear. 

www.forever21.com

How about trying leather trousers or even some tailored trousers or pencil skirt - to bring your plaid into your work wardrobe as the holiday season approaches.

I particularly like the pleated skirt option below, one of my current obsessions! Once I find my perfect shirt, I'll be trying this one. I'll let you know how it goes :-)

And last but not least, if a plaid shirt isn't your thing, or you prefer a more neutral option, don't forget accessories can be a great way to add a trend in to your outfit..

Autumn updates

Cosy cardis. Chunky knits. Rich berry shades. Massively oversized scarves. Hot chocolates. Fluffy pjs. Scented candles. Hot chocolates. Oh, already said that one. 

Just a few things I associate with Autumn, the more pleasant features of the season. 

Unfortunately this time round, I've been restricted to online browsing and making my own hot chocolates at home as the season arrived. That said, it doesn't mean my bank balance is safe just because I can't physically get to the shops. 

I've already built up quite a wishlist for when I am released back out into the wild. 

It's a Wrap

Looking for new ways to style my favourite colour for Autumn.. 


I absolutely LOVE this blush pink wrap dress from Topshop. Tried it on in store on one of my wheelchair-using days. Unfortunately although a good fit, it wasn't ideal for sitting in a chair. Perhaps with some skinny jeans or leggings to offer more coverage and protection from the elements?
It could also be layered over a bodysuit for a bit more warmth as the days get colder.

Love this combination of pink and burgundy for Autumn, inspired by the tones of the Burberry bag - a bit out of my price range, but maybe someday.. 

As always, I try to find a high and low heeled shoe option, and burgundy brogues are already a feature of my wardrobe - mine are from Penneys but similar to this Boohoo pair. 
Do you have a favourite colour you'd love to incorporate into your Autumn/Winter wardrobe?

Back to Reality?

So, this week saw one of those unsettling life events for me, the return to work after more than a little time off. 

Two years as a fashion student have come to an end (for now) and the public servant is back in the office. 
Well actually, it should have happened a few months ago but life came up with one of those blips that turned me from student to patient before I was quite finished being a student!

Making the Papers.

Amid a busy week of assignments and deadlines, I was absolutely delighted to see my first article(s) published in the newspapers!  

The articles about our "Made By Stylist" assignment and photoshoot, and our "Streetstyle" assignment were featured in the Dublin and Wicklow Voice Newspapers, under "My Favourite Things". 

Not a bad week's work if we do say so ourselves :)

Ladies' Styling Day May 15th 2015

I recently had the pleasure of attending a ladies’ day event for ladies with spinal cord injury in a rehabilitation setting. 

We all love a bit of pampering now and then whether we admit it or not, and no disability should get in the way of that. 

The event was very well attended, with guest speakers and workshops in the morning, followed by health and beauty sessions in the afternoon. 

Experts in the health and beauty field gave their time to provide hair styling, make up applications and manicures.  Other options available included massages, clothes stalls and advice from occupational therapists on gadgets to make everyday life a little easier.  Products on display included clothing from Marks and Spencer, tools for applying fake tan, hair styling gadgets and dressing aids. 

My role as a stylist at the event involved chatting to both staff and patients on all things fashion and style related.

Some very interesting queries came up, regarding ideas for easy dressing with jackets or underwear, and my own personal challenge of choosing practical but stylish footwear. 

I really enjoyed the afternoon, providing colour consultations and sharing common experiences of all things fashion related. What better way to spend an afternoon, and in a hospital environment too!

One piece of advice which particularly stood out for me was an excellent tip shared by one of the ladies at the event. An ingenious invention which she devised for her daughter who has some mobility difficulties and finds dressing can be a challenge.  This is a relatively easy alteration which could be used on many items to make life a little easier in the mornings, or when getting ready for a night out.  Pictured here is a jacket, with extra matching zips inserted along the side seams and underneath the arms.  These zips can be opened fully to allow the wearer to easily insert both arms with minimal stretching or movement, and then discreetly closed back up to blend in with the garment.

This trick could also be used for other items such as blazers or cardigans etc.

Thank you to this lovely, ingenious lady for sharing her tip with us and allowing us to pass her ideas on.

Check out some links below to items we viewed on the day, and some handy gadgets we discovered.

Thank you so much to the ladies at the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Spinal Injuries Ireland, looking forward to the next event already, with lots of ideas to work on in the meantime!

Hair Dryer Holder

Lotion and tan applicator

Check out Phelans Mobility Aids in Ireland for these and many more gadgets