Wide-Eyed and Blind: Galway Fashion Trail S/S 2016

Last November I made my way over to Galway for my first Into The West Blogger Network event, the Galway Fashion Trail. And, not only did I have a wonderful time and enjoy the support/camraderie/craic of this Network of bloggers, but the whole event was so successful, in general, that it was quickly decided to replicate it once more - this time to close out the very first Galway Fashion Week.

So, earlier this month, I packed my bags and headed back to beautiful Galway for the Fashion Innovation Awards, a day of ambling around the city and then a Blogger Breakfast hosted by Colm Quinn BMW before hitting the Galway Fashion Trail for the day.

The lads and ladies at Colm Quinn were super-kind and put on a rather impressive spread for us bloggers while we ran around like lunatics taking selfies and photographing smoothies and beautiful cars...I'm sure we seemed a little insane to outside observers but they were very amiable about the whole thing. And, then, they were nice enough to ferry us all into town in a parade of BMWs, past a bewildered general public. As sponsors of the whole fashion week, they really went above and beyond in making sure everything ran smoothly.

First up on the ITWBN and Galway Now Magazine organised Fashion Trail was The Style Studio at Don't Call Me Dear, an event and occasionwear-focused store with very friendly staff that are intent on helping you find the perfect outfit - no matter the occasion, your age or your shape. The expert team in store is ready to help you style a complete look and will even close the shop down to allow for a private shopping experience should you so desire.

We then moved on to Willow, one of my favourite stores in the city where you can find a really well-curated collection of cool European and Asian labels at a variety of price points in exceptionally cool and well-designed surrounds. You'll find casual clothes downstairs and, upstairs, occasionwear from brands like Ted Baker. Personally, for both Fashion Trails, Willow was the highlight - the coolest, the youngest and most interesting garments in a really pretty setting.

After that, we popped into Choice and spied the pretty dresses, sharp tailoring and elegant ensembles while eating mini-cupcakes and sipping on Prosecco - all enhanced by a showcase of Cathriona King's exceptional millinery pieces.

Once we quickly popped across the road to Kilkenny, we were treated to some more wonderful Irish millinery from Ti Tighe as well as a sampling of the brand's eclectic and masterful mix of Irish design and international brands in pretty florals and bright pops of colour for spring.

But, if you're after colour, Pia is the place for you. Here you'll find flirty dresses perfect for nights out, dressier pieces for special occasions, cute accessories and the ever-popular Freddy Jeans which were all accompanied by the wonderful jewellery of Vivienne Martin. Other stops along the route included Galway fashion institution, Treasure Chest, which saw their characteristically elegant attire paired with the millinery of Suzie Mahony; the wide variety of shoes and hats from Gosh Shoes and The Hat Shop; and Colette Latchford's ever-chic stock, showcased with Brid O'Driscoll's millinery.

To finish off the day, we headed to The Skeff for some delicious little bites and amazing cocktails before I had to hop on a train and head back to Dublin.

Thanks to everyone for having me and all the organisers/stores/models/assistants/designers/fellow bloggers involved - you all really know how to spoil a gal and make her feel welcome!