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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Grunging Up SS'14

 

In my 2nd year of studying Fashion Management I got to fulfil a lifelong dream and visit London. Not only was I going to the Capital with all my classmates but we were attending London Fashion Weekend Autumn Winter 10/11. Words cannot describe my excitement at the time - despite the fact I was so ill and looked like I had two black eyes from sleep deprivation! The cobbles leading into the venue, the Courtyard and the displays - it was like a fairy tale. Up and coming designers showcase their collections at the Weekend and back in 2010 Canadian designer Mark Fast was one of them. Fast forward 3 years and he's presenting his SS14' collection during one of the most coveted Saturday night evening spots.
 
The mood of the collection was 90's grunge. 'Edward Scissorhands' style bedhead hair and dark lips evoking a sense of androgyny. Clearly Spring/Summer is in need of some edgy TLC - it's not just for A/W. The collection consisted of cut out dresses, crop tops and bandage skirts, black stripes, and fringing. A subtle colour palette of greys was utilised and bursts of neon yellows were thrown into the mix.

Speaking of grunge, it's only right we discuss Dame Westwood. Oh Vivienne, you never fail to make an impression and make your mark every year on the fashion world! Lily Cole opened the show in what can only be described as interpretive dance? Enter deathly styled models with outlandish hair and red talons. The show opened with androgynous pieces which I instantly fell in love with.



Similarly to Kiely SS14, some of Westwood's creations features hints of orange zests. Possible SS14 colour palette perhaps? Despite grunge inspiring many of Westwood's collection, flowers were a main focal point and sparkles were even incorporated! In a stark contrast to the models make-up, Westwood introduced flowery detailed shirts and dresses roughened up in powerful style. The Safari trend was incorporated (again like Kiely) with beige high waist pants and braces, and the flowery patterns were based on a rich khaki/evergreen backdrop.

One of my particularly favourite looks is the white embroidered ensemble with the words 'Climate' splashed across the front. The environmental message was powerfully conveyed as Westwood isn't one for subtly. We hear you loud and clear!



raebelle
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Irish Designers LFW SS'14

All hail the Irish! Irish designers were at full force at LFW. Day 2 of London Fashion Week saw Kiely and Anderson showcase their eagerly anticipated Spring/Summer 2014 collections. Orla Kiely is renowned for her 60s twist pieces and colourful patterns. This collection proved no different, only including a new decade to the scene. Kiely presented her SS14' collection at a London Gallery by creating her own little world in a safari-esque scene. The models flaunted their acting skills by casually playing with the props; cameras, cards, nets. The setting had a homely quality despite the unusually exotic setting, and the vintage props added to the ambiance.



The vibe oozed feminine and youthfulness with adorable cotton knee high socks and pink berets. The collection featured girly dresses with tan belts cinched at the waists, cute shirts and A line 50's skirts. The safari theme consisted of the usual colour palette of pastels, baize and khaki. However, the sandy platform was filled with zebra patterns, monochrome sets (YAY!), and bursts of orange zests and pinks enhanced the girly appeal. Casual t-shirts and prim buttoned up shirts were styled with full, wide skirts. Kiely never fails to incorporate colourful patterns and textures in an outlandish fashion!

This will be J.W Anderson's third year since his capsule women's collection. J.W's SS14 collection took a minimalistic approach in regards to colour options and deconstructed pieces, but hints of shiny fabrics were incorporated onto A Line skirts. However, the base of the outfit remained on a white canvas reflecting the minimalist mood of the entire collection. Monochrome isn't going anywhere! The show commenced with billowing sheer fabrics and tiered creations. This feminine approach was quickly followed by contrasting dismantled and tangled pieces, full length dresses with noticeable splits, and
pleated leather combinations.

raebelle
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Victoria Beckham Spring 2014

 

I have finally managed to catch up on NYFW 2014 shenanigans. I have been scrolling through all the shows picking out my favourites so I can share them with you :) By far my most anticipated show has been VB. Victoria Beckham stole the show at New York with her new Spring 2014 collection. She has most definitely reinvented herself from Posh Spice to a renowned and influential designer. Although she was always my favourite Spice Girl - I had her signature bob for years as a kid (albeit at my Mam's discretion), had her in Barbie version with her statement LDB, and followed suit with the Pob years later!

There was a variety of dress shapes to choose from - much less structured than her signature body cons. Loose and flowing short dresses with thin spaghetti straps graced the catwalk followed by shift and tunic style dresses with flared hems. Dresses were sharpened up with belts at the waist to evoke a sense of power. An array of wave and pleated mini skirts followed the dresses in similar style. So pretty and much more girly than we are used to from VB!

 

Panels of colour featured in various pieces. The colour palette consisted of injections of pink and bursts of red/burgundy accents amongst beautifully tailored monochrome-tastic pieces. As you can probably already gather I LOVE black & white! The only print visible was a gold diamond motif that transcended throughout the collection.

VB I salute you!

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Cheers!

raebelle
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Dune Autumn/Winter13' Booties

It is required I choose a suitable pair of shoes from the company for my new job. And when I say suitable I mean as stylish as hell. As ambassadors for the brand we have the duty to make the collection as enticing and appealing to customers as possible. So I wasted no time in lusting after the collection to find my perfect pair for Autumn/Winter 13'. I felt I needed to find a pair of boots that will evoke a sense of authority and style given my new role. So, without further adieu, say hello to my pretty little Nods...

NOD

They are the most comfiest ankle boot I have ever encountered and are so practical but with a statement edge. It's all about monochrome prints this winter so these are the perfect fit! Also my work outfits must all be black so they add a much needed burst of colour, and compliment the outfit. These beauties are £89 and also come in a black leather option if the print is too eccentric for you? I find the ankle boot is the most transitional Autumn/Winter investment you can buy. You can still throw your summer dresses on and roughen the look up with a pair of boots.



PENDULUM
Zip and buckle detail ankle suede boot

PEETONS
Lace up heel leather ankle boot

TRILBURY
Contrasting collar leather riding boot

 

PRETS
Brogue Chelsea boots

These are a montage of the other Autumn/Winter boots I am drooling over in the store at the moment. Pendulum are due to arrive in a red colour option so I might hold out for those gems :) Peetons have rough, ready and punk written all over them. I live in brogues so Prets brogue Chelsea boot seems like an ideal winter boot for me. And as for the Trilbury riding boots...Well I have always wanted a pair for as long as I can remember. You'd think I'd be sick to death of riding boots having grown up horse-riding and competing but I love them! They evoke childhood memories for me which only makes me want them more...

What to choose next? There are so many choices that I can't decide. Help??

Gwan and click the blue 'join this site' button to follow me and keep up-to-date on posts :)

 

raebelle
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A Dunette

So I survived my first week at Dune and I'm officially a Dunette! Great first impression being ill on my first day at my new job but hopefully they will forgive me? There has already been talks of a management 'night out' so maybe I can redeem myself then? Or make matters worse. Although I think my Irish charm has grown on them already despite the plague I have brought into the store...


It's the little things that remind you you're working for an affordable luxury brand. The company have produced their very own bottled water - 'A drop of Dune'. Now that screams power and uniqueness. The packaging is even on trend with a monochrome checkerboard pattern. So cuuuuute >>>>


A DROP OF DUNE
 

I was overwhelmed by the amount of responsibility management has thrust upon me. They trust me with keys, tills and everything in-between. I feel so grown up! And there is a substantial amount of paperwork to complete. I enjoy increasingly my product knowledge and making myself aware of the company's bestsellers and volume lines so I will ease into it well! I am very excited to hone my visual merchandising skills and make the displays all pretty and appealing :)

I have told I need to be more 'assertive' which is a scary thought. I need to develop a management style...Any ideas ?? I have a team of 10 girls to motivate, inspire and assist so there's quite a lot of pressure. I have to drive sales and conversion to achieve daily targets. However, I am looking forward to the challenge!


Never forget where you come from. I found a lil' piece of home buried beneath shoeboxes; My hometown. It made me smile. I find this find a good omen >>>>

NEWBRIDGE SHOES!

Be a gem and click the blue 'JOIN THIS SITE' button after yer finished having a read of this post if you have a Yahoo or Google account >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Count it as your good deed for the day! You may find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow if you do...

News on my uniform shoes to follow....Comfort and practical. Or bold and brave. What to choose??

raebelle
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Buried Treasure

On our first official flatmate outting in the new 'neighbourhood' it consisted of my flatmate earning money through 'Cash for Clothes' and myself spending money. Shocker! However, this was money well spent - thanks to my flatmate's bad influence that is. It turns out charity shop PDSA is a goldmine for buried treasure. We discovered an array of shoes, keepsakes and surprisingly lovely tops.

The pride and joy obtained from the little gem is a beautifully tailored Warehouse blazer for a mere ₤10.99. I consider it to be oversize as it is a bit large but I prefer that style. The collar panels features studs which is perfect for the coveted Autumn/Winter Punk trend. And the pockets are actually real (I love pockets! I hate those fake pockets that are stitched together)! It will go perfectly with all my new work dresses. Sophisticated much?


PDSA is now firmly planted onto my weekly shopping destinations list. To whomever good Samaritan is chucking out Warehouse pieces please keep up the good work for the sake of my ever expanding wardrobe!

raebelle
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