Belated Family Christmas

I was like a giddy child on Christmas Eve waiting to fly home; I couldn't sleep a wink (albeit my flatmate's party may have somewhat influenced the sleep deprivation), and I arrived at the airport 3 hours early resulting in me snoozing in the waiting lounge like a hobo. This naturally led to some crankiness on my part, and me having a bitchin' sesh with an old lady (who reminded me a lot of my Granny) moaning about the squealing brats and FOUR babies that were about to board our flight...

All of that ructions was worth it though because there was light at the end of the tunnel; my Mammy and lil' sister Laur surprising me by picking me up from the airport :) The day could have turned out miles better if my flight had been an hour earlier because I could have been crowned the 200th millionth traveler and won a few bob...However, I did get whisked off to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre where Mam bought me a Pandora ring (The Princess Tiara ring - see post Pandora Wish List) so that quickly slipped my mind!

I got spoiled rotten with Christmas presents! Santa was way too good to me; a GHD at last, See by Chloe perfume, and my beloved Stradivarius coat my Mam managed to get on sale (see post Strad Wonderland). My most treasured present of all is a Graduation photo album my Mam had made for me. My sisters' even surprised me with their outstanding presents; a Benefit makeup set, a New Look clutch I had my eye on (a mixture of a happy coincidence and loving sisterly senses), and a pair of tan Chelsea boots. BEST CHRISTMAS EVER !!

I arrived home to Ireland like Santa Claus with a suitcase brimming full of presents. I got my Mam and sisters' Scottish Tartan stockings filled with random bits and pieces, and they seemed to go down well! I treated Mam to a Dune handbag satchel, matching purse, and leather gloves - who else is going to spoil her if not her daughters!?

I would like to say thanks a million for everyone who is reading and following my blog, it means the world to me :) 40 Bloglovin' followers and 14 Blogger followers - Not too shabby at all!

See ye 2013, you won't be missed...
2014 you WILL be my year!
Happy New Year all!

raebelle
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Scottish Christmas

So here I am. In Scotland all by myself. In my bunny onesie..

This is the first ever Christmas I haven't been at home and it's really bizarre. On a good note for me, it doesn't feel like Christmas. My Christmas starts this Sunday when I fly home for belated festivities with my family.

All my friends flew homio to be with their family but luckily I had one Aberdonian chum who kept me company on Christmas Eve last night. Pub tea and Christmas cocktails instead of Midnight Mass - very weird sensation altogether!

My angel of a Mammy didn't disappoint with the Christmas stocking she handed me a few months ago. I'm so proud of my willpower that I didn't manage to open it until this morning! I was feeling a little blue yesterday so I treated myself to a maroon tribal scarf from River Island <3 It was in the sale so I instantly felt obliged to soothe my cravings and have a little something else to open this morning...

My stocking was filled with Irish chocolates that me and my sisters always eat Christmas morning, mini Santa's and Xmas socks - who doesn't need socks!? I have to say Mam surprised me with the cuddly Christmas decorations, although that bearded Santa is somewhat creepy!

With all that mad weather recently I might not have even made it home anyway. Trains and flights were cancelled everywhere so maybe it was a blessing in disguise because that would have been even more disappointing. Sure even Niall Horan himself, a 1D'er, didn't even make it home for Christmas!

 

Today my non-Christmas will consist of watching Disney movies, stuffing my face, and wrapping my family's presents, with a bit of housework thrown in for good measure.

 

Only 4 sleeps until my Christmas really begins...

 

raebelle

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Strad Wonderland

 

I have always had a soft spot for Zara's sister brand Stradivarius. Their A/W13' Fall collection screams English heritage meets urban cool. Zara's demographic consists mainly of the sophisticated and classy career woman. Whereas Stradivarius is more relaxed in terms of style and appeals to multiple groups such as teens, students, and lost souls trying to establish their own identity.

These are my two coveted coats of the season. The checked wool piece got the seal of approval from my Mam when I tried it on so that's definitely a WIN! I like the contrast of the cream shearling like collar against the muted browns and greys. The patterned option on the right resembles my current coat but I don't care, purely because my current coat doesn't have a collar as cute and as cosy as this one! I also like the slim lined nature of this coat.



<<<<<<<Checkered Coat £79.99 --------------------- Combined Coat £79.99>>>>>>>
 

Stradivarius also combines fashion and comfort effortlessly with their stylish jersey tops. They are long lined and loose, perfect for snoozing in lecture theatres or lazing around the house. The scoop neckline is also ideal for us busty ladies. And the benefits just get better and better because they are affordable; prices vary between £9.99-£15.99. Total bargain!

Unfortunately Aberdeen hasn't had the honour of being graced with a Stradivarius solos store. No doubt I will be constantly scanning the Strad website until the day their Christmas sale starts so I can nab some of these beauties to add to my collection :) Or my little sister may be a doll and keep an eye out in the store back in Kildare for me...

raebelle
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Family Reunion

I finally got to take a sneaky trip home to Ireland...to surprise my beloved Godmammy for her 50th birthday. And keeping it secret for an entire month was definitely worth the wait! So far, in this year alone, I have made not one, but TWO people cry with surprise by flying home for their birthday. I'm loving that feeling of accomplishment and happiness :)

I'm not gonna lie, I had a total PDA moment when I met my Mam at the bus stop. It had been 5 long months since I had gotten a Mammy hug so I feel it was completely acceptable! I got the biggest smile when we picked my lil' sis up from school - I say 'little' but she's actually 17 - however I just still think of her as my baby sister because I moved to Scotland when she was only 12. She even took a half day for the special reunion, bless.

I got to put the glad rags on and wear my new Warehouse guna >>>>>> However, the wear itself was severely disappointing when my cousin noticed two massive holes in the back of the dress. The stitching came away from the back black panels on both sides... Jaysus, I felt like a whale but it wasn't like I was bait into the dress like!? Luckily Debenhams were more than happy to refund the faulty dress but it was still sad to part with it... The sales Advisor said it was lucky I kept my receipt. I was quick to respond that I also work in retail. Enough said.

Me with my sis Laura, cousins Michaela & Niamh, and the Birthday girl Mary

I have the loveliest Mam in the world. I'm missing Christmas this year for the first time ever so I'm going to be a total Grinch. It will be the first Christmas in the new house, and I feel like an outsider as it is, so will be shit that I can't be there with them. Nonetheless my Mam has gone above and beyond by presenting me with my Christmas stocking early so I have 'a little something to open Christmas morning'. Bless her cotton socks! Apparently she went on Penneys (Primark) mission so I have 'my real' stocking when I come home for New Years...I feel very spoilt :) Yet I'm seriously gonna struggle with the anticipation of opening said stocking...It might be a good idea for my flatmate to take it hostage for me until D Day?!

raebelle
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Stocking Fillers

I have been collating my Christmas wish list and Pandora is always a safe bet if anyone's stuck for ideas...

*hint hint*

I'm lost without some pretty rings on my fingers to twirl around. Pandora's AW13' collection is a wonderland for all ring lovers. I love having rings with meanings and memories attached to them. My first Pandora ring was my green May birthstone from my Mam last Christmas. Then my lovely Mam got me another one to add to the collection for my Graduation. Anyone who knows me would surely go for a present that incorporated the title 'Princess' or 'Fairy tale'? I adore all things flowery and swirly. These stacker rings encompass all these qualities.



 

Princess tiara ring £40

Oxidised silver flower ring £30

silver ring £40

Fairy tale ring £50

I'm having a love affair with two toned rings at the moment. My beloved Michael Kors watch I got for my 21st is gold but all my rings are silver, so I like the idea of incorporating two toned rings to compliment my watch. I love the leaves and flowesr motifs on these rings in particular. In an ideal world I would snap the rings below up in a heartbeat but there price tag is hefty enough...God damn my expensive taste!







 

Silver carat 14ct £100 & Sterling silver 14ct gold, onyx and diamond £130

raebelle
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New Season Bag

I am completely and irrevocably in love with this bag...

It transcends perfectly into the AW13' punk trend with it's gold trimmed zip features and chain handle. It also has suede-like/pleather panels which increases my love for this piece of arm candy. I have been on the hunt for a slouchy bag for a while now, and it just goes to show that good things do come to those who wait (see previous post).

And I have the 'Handyman' at work to thank for it; if he hadn't been meddling around with the lighting I wouldn't have left the dimly lit staffroom at lunchtime to go for a wander around the shops. It was a toss up between this New Look beauty and one from River Island. I have hoards of RI bags so I thought I'd give New Look an aul' chance.

There was a fiver off the bag that day which made my heart flutter because, as we all know, I'm a sucker for a bargain. However, I was a bit cheeky and flashed them my out-of-date student card...It's not my fault they failed to check the date. Happy bunny me :)

It's ideal for airport hand luggage as well because it's so roomy and I can squeeze the bejesus into it!

raebelle
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Christmas Adverts 2013

I am in awe by the all spectacular Christmas advert creations this year!

1: My favourite, without a shadow of a doubt, is Marks & Spencers magical Christmas scene as it had me completely entranced from the get go. M&S launched the highly anticipated creative campaign on Thursday, inspired by fairy tales and all things magical. The cutest dog ever, presumably posing as the white rabbit or Toto, leads Rosie Huntington-Whiteley down the 'rabbit hole' and so the magic begins...

Have a peek yourself because you're missing out if not >>>>>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Xw1IL3oh0

The eerily gothic music set the scene perfectly - think Tim Burton style - and provided a stark contrast against the fairy tale themed masterpiece.

Rosie suddenly undresses on her travels down the rabbit hole, gracing us with her incredibly envious body and her own lingerie collection, but 'Alice' soon arrives in Wonderland to a tea party full of M&S food and cute accessories all dolled up again in M&S attire.

Enter David Gandy himself all spruced up looking rather dapper as the Mad Hatter at the dinner table, followed by him as the sexiest Aladdin I ever did see floating along on a magic carpet, and finally as a not-so-scary Scarecrow.



And as if the advert can't get any crazier, Helena Bonhan Carter emerges and sees red at the tea party, and later reappears as the Wizard of Oz in a burst of green haze. Coincidental that she dons the festive colours of the season on both occasions we see her...

Pure Genius: An advert full of nostalgia, fairy tales and sparkle.

2: Morrison's new Christmas advert featuring Ant and Dec has also been cemented as a favourite of mine, purely down to song choice. Beauty and the Beast is my all time favourite film in the whole entire world so when I heard a gingerbread man crooning away to 'Be Our Guest' I was instantly hooked!

>>>>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTLjulVbbE4


3: Christmas adverts can't be scrutinised without including the renowned John Lewis advert. Pure perfection as always ensuring their iconic status has not been lost. This advert evokes a sense of nostalgia and childhood memories. Think 'The Animals of Farthing Wood', only a bear and a hare are the protagonists. It really is an adorable, and cleverly manipulated advert. And Lily Allen returns to belt out a ballad as well. What's not to love? Gwan, I dare you not to shed a tear...

>>>>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqWig2WARb0&feature=player_detailpage

raebelle
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Scottish Shenanigans

I just want to say a mahooosive sorry for the lack of updates recently. Last weekend my cousin, Niamh, flew over for some Scottish banter, and the trip was fueled with copious amounts of vodka and yummy flavoured shots (Toasted Marshmellow is still my firm favourite!). I'm still recovering....But it was worth it! I haven't been on Irish soil in almost 5 months so it was amazing having a lil' piece of home over here :)

The troops came out in full force to make Niamh's trip a weekend to remember. I can always rely on my besties; a South African and a Scotsman. We got taken on a historical wander around a quaint fishing village and frolicked along the beach. It's safe to say the seagulls made my cousin feel fair uneasy, they are huuuuuge here in Aberdeen! Battered mars bars were tried and tested, Irn Bru shots were had, and we danced away to cheesy 90's tunes.

    

I very much believe in fate and what will be will be.
My cousin was my lil' good luck charm in finding this dress...

I have been lusting after this Warehouse dress for weeks; the shape, the colours, the style. I am completely smitten. The slim black panels  and the shape of the dress elongate the figure, and the pattern is adorable. Berry is the colour for this season.

However, I am a bargain hunter at heart and could not justify that amount of cash on one dress. A dress I don't even have an occasion to show it off at.

So you can imagine my sheer delight when destiny intervened and I discovered my dress in the sale. As luck would have it I found it in the sale rails...in a size 6. Devastation briefly took over until I spotted another one lurking in the corner...in my size!

The moral of the story is good things come to those that wait!

Now I just need to find an occasion to wear it to...

I also wanna say thanks so much to all the readers out there as I've now had over 2,000 page views!!!

raebelle
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Lusting after MK

I am being cruelly tortured everyday on my travels to and from work: a store window display decorated with beautifully arranged Michael Kors handbags. I am in agony, practically drooling, every time I walk past. The wonderful thing about Kors' handbags are their affordability so the possibility of obtaining one is somewhat achievable. It's refreshing to have an affordable luxury fashion brand on the high street! Realistically I could potentially save for a handbag on my own if I had the will power to do so.

I love the structured nature of the Hamilton style. They are so sophisticated and practical. The chain and leather shoulder strap is what dreams are made of. You know well that it wouldn't snap on you! I like the classic simplicity of the gold trim and logo engraved lock detail. Kors' offers such a wide selection and an array of colour options to choose from. I'm stuck as to which one I love the most; I have always fancied the classic tan but the coffee coloured style has recently caught my eye...



I'm not a fan of the logo detail design, it's too much for me. I understand people want to flaunt their purchase and let it be known of its quality and cost. I just find it slightly overkill with a hint of tackiness. Reminds me of a time when chavs desecrated the Burberry brand.

The Selma satchel also looks fierce enticing as the shape is bang on trend for AW13'. I love the vibrant fuchsia option but I'm also lusting after the dark colour option with jewel studs, which is perfect for this season's punk trend. However, I would prefer to buy into a Kors bag based on its versatility, colour and style so it is completely irrelevant if it is the 'in style'. It is a once in a lifetime purchase so classic is best.


All I want is a piece of MK arm candy...

Do I have the strength to save!?

raebelle
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Mens Shoes

Rolled Apron Leather Lace Up Shoe
 

I am successfully reinventing the male species style in Aberdeen one shoe at a time. It evokes a strong sense of power when a customer buys a pair of shoes you have personally chosen. Especially after defending your case remarkably well. It's almost empowering!

The world of men's shoes and choices is somewhat limited; Loafers, boat shoes, slip ons, lace ups, high-tops...I almost feel sorry for them that they don't share the same excitement of us ladies when we shoe shop. There's nothing like it when your heart skips a beat when you see the new collection glistening on display or slip on that perfect 'will go with everything' court shoe. What I don't understand is how men seem to get it so wrong when their choice availability is so narrow. Essentially there are four men's categories: formals, casuals, boots and trainers. These categories get subsequently broken down into different styles and colour options to potentialise purchase. This is all that is required of the male - two simple steps! 





Square Toe Leather Boat Shoe
 

The men's shoes we stock are of premium leather, and the Dune Black range is handmade using luxurious Spanish leather - an easy sale really! Dune have a vast range of styles and colour options to suit every need. What I find unfathomable are men's taste buds. A customer came in wearing the unimaginable; navy trousers with black shoes. Luckily I was there to steer him down the right path and offer a range of suitable and smart brown shoes. He bought without hesitation :)


Changing the world slowly but surely.

raebelle
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End of an Era

Monday signified the end of an era. A whole four years of my life dedicated to studying fashion and partying...GONE!!! I will be lost without my mid morning lazy lectures, halls, student discounts, and being allowed to act the eijit just because. It's strange not starting back this month.

I even missed Freshers Week this year because of the new job, and mainly the fact it always falls the week before pay day so that makes life difficult. Completely impractical! It would have been somewhat acceptable for me to participate in Freshers shenanigans as I'm a recent Graduate. I doubt it would be a decent look to party with teenyboppers any other time. All I can hope for is my lil' sistah letting me gatecrash her Freshers Week when she starts Uni in two years time...

First year of Uni was great craic altogether; foam parties, pub crawls, midnight strolls on the beach, all nighters. Student life lived up to its high expectations. What more could a girl want?! Moving across the sea by my lonesome was scary and exciting as hell at the same time. I adjusted quickly despite a messy long distance break-up but I powered through eventually. I have the most amazing friends over here. My wee, albeit slightly dysfunctional, Scottish family.


 

I worked in a hotel bar during Uni two years making crazy weekends off limits so it clashed with socialising with Uni classmates. So my nights out were constituted by weekday mayhem with my co-workers instead! I actually preferred it that way though because they were all a sound bunch and are now my closest friends. Most of the girls in my course seemed to have cash to burn and 'Daddy's credit card' so it was difficult to fit in and go to expensive bars. Whereas, myself and the hotel crew are all grafters (and mostly Irish)!

So in tribute to my student life flashing before my eyes I decided to take advantage of my student card before it expired. I will miss it's presence in my life. I'm a bargain hunter so discounts make me all warm and fuzzy inside. And, lets be honest here, student cards are the perfect excuse to buy anything because you get a whole 10% off! New Look supplied me with this gorgeous flowery kimono for a last minute outfit update for a night out >>>

Dorothy Perkins presented me with some jersey basics that were bang on trend; monochrome and berry shades. I have decided to rise above the fact that burgundy was the colour of my school uniform. Throwing a piece of nostalgia into your wardrobe can only be a good thing? It's such a staple colour this season, a nice warm tone to wear in the dark evenings >>> It also satisfies my pleather love affair with the leather look panel detail. I'm tempted to buy it in an array of other colours even without the discount...


Leather Look sleeve top

I dragged the lads to the cinema to abuse my student card in there one last time. It was a fierce emosh evening altogether! We went to see James McAvoy's new flick 'Filth'. Shows what it says on the tin. Total mind fuck! Controversial as hell but powerfully executed. I even found myself relating to the raw Scottish humour - that's what 4 years of living over here will do to ye! My Social Work mate quickly began scrutinizing the protagonist. Worth a watch. Epic. Although I felt as if it had all been a messed up dream by the end of it.

Buh byeeee student life, you will be dearly missed!

Anyone else feeling lost being student-less!?

raebelle
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Retail Therapy

As if my flat couldn't get any worse...

The paper blinds in my bedroom fell down.

Turns out they were 'cleverly' hung up with sellotape.

The window is too high up for me to fix said blinds with 'trusty' sellotape.

I also have permanent bruises from the springs on my mattress digging into my legs.

I wouldn't class myself as a quitter. I have tackled much worse in my life than trying to defeat some arduous blinds. However, the mental torture of the task left me quite frustrated. My instinctive coping mechanism sprang to mind...Retail therapy is in order! Shopping is still cheaper than actual therapy, don't you know?

My plan was to just stroll along the harbour, with the refreshing sea breeze brushing against my face and see where I ended up. However, my feet subconsciously seemed to know the direction in which my heart yearned for: River Island. I have been lusting after this oversized cardigan pictured below (I would not constitute this as a jacket despite RI's description) for the past few weeks. The fact it has been perched on the rails for a while doesn't bother me. I want it. Being curvy means I crave layers - that's why I love Autumn. I can layer pieces to my hearts content and not look like I'm about to board a Ryanair flight by wearing all my clothes due to the ridiculously small carry-on allowance!

I'm having a love affair with imitation leather this season. Actually my winter jacket last year has pleather (plastic leather) sleeves so it has been an on-going affair (post to follow soon). However, the sleeves on this cardigan are just a black jersey material but from far away it could pass for leather, yes!?

Two important people helped in the decision-making process: (1) Elle helped kindly by offering a 25% off discount card in the October issue, and (2) a good friend back home gave me a gift card for my birthday which has been picking up dust in my purse since May! It is incredibly satisfying to finally buy something I have had my eye on for a while. I am not familiar with the whole subconscious planned impulse buys, more so the unplanned, so this makes a nice change. So thank you special people :)



Black Boucle Colour Block
Oversized Jacket £35

Aberdeen Freshers week is in full swing this week as we have two prestigious universities. Stores were offering discounts and promotions. So inevitably an unplanned impulse buy occurred as a promo skirt caught my eye. What intrigued me about the skirt in question is the unusual material (I assumed it was pleather) but in actual fact is a 'scuba' skirt. The silhouette is quite flattering as the skirt hem flares out perfectly.

Thanks a mill for all the support lately by glancing through a lil' snapshot of my life and thoughts! If you want to follow you can find me on twitter @RaebelleByrne or follow the blog by clicking the blue 'join this site' button on your right :)

Happy Saturday!

raebelle
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One Month Already!

It only took my one month anniversary for me and some of my besties to finally crack open some champers to toast my new job. Funnily enough the yummy champagne in question was given to me as a leaving present from my old job...Quite symbolic don't ye think? And who knew it only takes 3 decent sized wine glasses to demolish a entire bottle?!

Work has been crazy. I'm finally getting to terms with all the paperwork and trading reports which I feel is an accomplishment given the short amount of time! I'm also getting my name bouncing through the mists of cyberspace in the company by getting involved with emails, issues and whatnot from HO. Positively I hope!

I had one minor hiccup when I practically decapitated a shoe rack. It wasn't my fault...Honestly. It may have slipped by my mind to move the rack before closing down the exterior shutters down. Honest mistake! I'm pretty sure my Manager saw the funny side of it. On another note I also forget the fire alarm code so the store was ringing for a good 5 minutes when being tested. I hope I didn't scare away any potential customers during that incident!

On the bright side I'm smashing daily budgets which I'm thrilled about! There's a great boost in staff morale when the store's doing well so I'm delighted to be apart of it. Hopefully I'm having some influence over the girls and motivating them to perform well. I still need to fine tune my 'management style'. Struggling is an understatement. I don't know if I'm being too friendly with them. Maybe I need to boss this shit up? Suggestions anyone?!

The sheer excitement when new lines arrive in store never gets old. Unwrapping bags from its careful packaging, removing all the stuffing from inside new boots and caressing all the soft scarves. My favourite task is finding these new lines a new home on the shop floor. Visual merchandising is something I am passionate about so I am very keen to design displays and create stories.

I'm getting there. I would use the phrase 'slowly but surely' except it doesn't seem fitting because I have learned an extensive amount within a short few weeks already!

Roll on another jam packed month.

raebelle
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LFW Round Up SS14

I have been so preoccupied at the new job that I have missed all the shows. I haven't been as involved as usual. Although I have been excited of designers showcasing their collections I have been quite lazy in getting around to viewing them. 

A customer purchasing a pair of suede ankle grazing boots reminded me of Vivienne Westwood's show when she presented her immaculate red purse to pay for said boots. If only my life could consist of merely viewing the shows and writing reviews. I would have all the time in the world to drool over the chiffon creations and silk sensations. Alas, real life means working a 9-5 job (which I am thoroughly enjoying), coming home to an quiet flat (apart from the screams of a demon baby downstairs), and sleeping away the troubles of the day.

Fashion Week is a means to escape everyday life and bask in the wonderful musings of designers that inspire the world - despite critics objecting and some people not even aware of their powerful influence. I look forward to February and September every year. If only I actually had the time in the day to catch up with the shows!

To sum up LFW SS14 I have chosen a handful of my favourite designers, the first being Miss Katrantzou. Shoelace print graphics in purple and blue hues, contrasted by ditsy flower baby doll dresses. The collection was a mesmerising patterned and voluptuous wonderland!

The duo that is Meadham Kirchoff diffused military and prairie-esqe inspirations that will inevitably be the perfect transitional key pieces that will take us from the harsh winter to SS14. Double-breasted blazers, black PVC and pleather collars, with military buttons opened the show and I was instantly drawn into the bizarre world MK created. I was expecting an androgynous collection, only for embroidered vintage pieces and delicate Victorian monochrome dresses to follow. Knee high red and yellow stockings, and vibrantly colour plaited hair, added to the childhood allure of the collection, as well as injecting a burst of colour.

Simone Rocha is considered a household name where I come from since her 2011 debut. A beautifully talented designer who hails from Ireland (makes me extremely proud to be Irish)! Her SS14 collection consisted of a minimalistic black and white colour palette. Who says Black is just for winter months? The embroidered crochet white dresses and transparent jackets was a refreshing contrast from the opening androgynous punk pieces. What I found tantalising was Rocha's introduction of mossy green pieces reflecting the country landscape over in the West of Ireland. Injecting Irish heritage into the collection made me slightly homesick, but in a good way!

raebelle
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