Modern Witch

Last night I went to a ghost tour at Shankill Castle (which was unbelievably good fun) and dressed as a witch. 

You read that right. 

Now, as I wasn't sure if anyone else was feeling the holiday as much as I and dressing up, (in fact, I was kind of certain they weren't) I chose to go as a modern witch. Witchy but not costumey. Passable for my everyday wardrobe but embracing hallowe'en. Think AHS Coven. Witch-glamour (both the spell kind of glamour and the regular sort).

I've always been kind of obsessed with witches. I loved novels about them, shows like Sabrina, The Worst Witch, Charmed, and movies like The Craft, Hallowe'entown, Hocus Pocus etc. etc. I was also known to read history books on witch trials as a little girl and did my Leaving Cert history project on the Pendle Witch Trials. I even briefly considered converting to a branch of Wicca as a teen. And I think I still long to be a witch.

So, obviously if I needed a non-costumey costume, it was the way forward.

And I kinda love how the whole thing turned out below.

Flower crown (because I'm a Supreme and all must bow down) - Primark, Coat - Vintage, Jumper - Primark, Brogues - Primark, Leather leggings - Vintage, Rosary - A gift from Granny/leftover from punk/goth teen years/one of my faves.

Whatcha think? Passable as an AHS Coven-style chic-witch?

Schlubbin'

A couple weekends ago, I went home.

I really needed the trip, too.

I had fallen while trying to catch a bus on my way home on the Thursday evening and I was covered in bruises and nasty scrapes. When it happened, I was so startled I began to bawl like a baby in the street. Luckily, my uncle was able to come get me because I was pretty shaken up by the whole thing. But I really just wanted my mammy to hug me.

So, when I did finally get home, it was all about affection, good food and company and being comfy and at ease. When we went for lunch on Sunday, I was doing my trademark luxe schlubbing. Basically, this involves super-soft and breathable fabric choices with loose fits made somewhat more elegant by pairing them with a more structured jacket (still in a casual material like denim here), statement sunglasses and my uber-gorgeous Newbridge bag.

Bag - Newbridge - Sunglasses - Topshop - Denim Jacket - New Look - Top - Topshop - Trousers - Primark/Penney's - Sliders - Heavenly Feet

What do you wear when you need a bit of comfort?

AW14 Shopping List

I've already posted on the looks I'll be going for this AW but I thought I should also mention some of the key pieces I'll be injecting into my wardrobe. To me, these are indispensible for the coming season and some will also be great investment/non-agey pieces to boot!

1. Penney's/Primark Coats.

Love the Irish landscapes of the AW campaign, love the outerwear even more. They killed it this year. I want all the coats. The three I've gone for here are a pale pink Celine-esque number, a vintage-inspired faux-fur mod-like piece and a timelessly androgynous navy duffle.

2. Sailor Moon themed everything.

Because that equals cute, ne? This tee is from Lookhuman.com and is one of many, many tees, sweathers, bags and pieces of jewellery centred around Sailor Moon that I've fallen crazy in love with. Gimme.

3. A solid midi.

The mini may be the cut of the season but I like the proportions of a midi more at the moment. The khaki Topshop number is cute and manageable but the Lennon Courtney is the real one I'm after.

4. A pair of New Balances.

They've been on my list for a while now. Practical enough to run in...cute enough to wear when that inevitably doesn't work out.

5. Witchy/Nineties School Shoes.

These types of shoes were all the rage when I was eleven or twelve. I direly wanted a pair but my much-cleverer-than-I mother refused to buy them for me as she knew I'd never be able to run around the playground in them (ie What was I thinking?) Now I think (probably) I could do it. Vagabond were the brand of the day and I kinda wanna commit to the full childhood dream and get a pair now.

6. Grown-up heeled Chelsea Boots.

I live in ankle boots in the winter/always and I've been working my way up to a kinda proper heel so a classic Chelsea with a bit of height is what I'm after next. 

7. Hats.

I always want more hats but I've two sorts in mind: A classic Irish tweed number specifically from Evelyn the Arty Weaver and a stetson like this one from HIGH. NEED.

8. The Statement Jumper.

Specifically, this one from NATALIEBCOLEMAN. In love from the moment I first saw it.

9. Capes.

Yes, they're a thing again! I'm still searching for the perfect one but this Lennon Courtney capelet would sure go a long way towards quenching the need!

So, what will you guys be buying this AW?

Wide-Eyed and Blind Summer 2014 Lookbook - Summer Whites.

Hey! So, I'm pretty excited for this - my first lookbook! Summer to me is all about being light and airy and what with my tendency to never trust myself with the responsibility of wearing white and Wimbledon everywhere...well, I decided to go with three all-white (almost) looks. It's a pretty striking thing to wear, ensuring you stand out from the crowd and makes you look much more polished. Plus, it shows off any summer glow you might have going on.

I styled three different girls or three different facets of my style depending on how rigid you are to one look or not. One is uber-girly and cute, one is boyish and one has a little more bite to it - tipping my hat to my punk roots and all! Not all of the clothes are still available in stores but I'll note where things are recent purchases.

Enough babbling already! I hope you like my first lookbook.

(Italics indicate recently  purchase items.)

Dress - Charlise, Sliders - Heavenly Feet, Headband - Present from my sister, bought in Spain.

Cardigan - Primark, Tank - Illustrated People, Topshop, Trousers - Deck by Decollage, Shoes - Topshop, Headband - Tiger, Sunglasses, River Island.

Shirt - Pimark, Jeans - Paul Smith, Sunglasses - Topshop, Shoes - Next.

Which look is your favourite? 

Luv from Luvocracy xoxo

So, I've mentioned Luvocracy briefly before - it's a unique online shopping platform that lets you organise your lust haves and share the things you're feeling (kinda like Pinterest or Polyvore) as well as shop online. And best of all, they find you the best prices online!

My latest Luvocracy Collection, "Spring Essentials", has been getting a lot of love. No surprises there, I've got great taste. But above is just a sample of what you'll find on there. 

I got a sample of Roses de Chloe a while back and it's the perfect flowery, delicate scent for Spring - definitely my fragrance pick for the season! The collection will make my obsession with Topshop nail polishes apparent and I've chosen my favourite colours as well as an iPhone case inspired by the bottle. SO CUTE. TanOrganic's Oil Arganic is THE BOMB. I recommend for keeping your skin and hair perfect for sun and sea. I'm still obsessed with Tony Moly's Bunny Balm Bars and want every flavour. EVER. The collection is home to my other beauty and skincare picks as well as the clothes I'm digging. Comfy pastels that are easy to style are so the way forward!

Luvocracy and I have teamed up to offer you the opportunity to win $15 Credit to shop their site (which can be paired with the $10 credit to use on purchases of $20 or more that you'll be given when you sign up)!

Here's what you'll need to do:

1. Sign up for Luvocracy but make sure to do so through the link to my collection: http://www.luvocracy.com/Wide-eyedandblind/collections/spring-essentials  (This is the essential part - you must make an account through this link in order to be entered into the draw!)

2. Sure, go ahead and find my account at http://www.luvocracy.com/Wide-eyedandblind/collections while you're at it and Trust me!

3. Follow me here on blogger and like the facebook page if you haven't already!

4. Share the competition if you feel so inclined!

Good luck xxx

*Giveaway ends Mon, March 24. Winners will be chosen at random by Luvocracy and notified via email on Tuesday, April 1 Giveaway rules. Non-US residents are now eligible (I made sure for you guys) but you must be 18 and a new Luvocracy member.*

Outfit post - That rare and wily beast.

An outfit from the other day - quite cutesy but made up of classic, timeless pieces. It's a good example of the days I wear something very put together when all I'm doing is emailing and stuff at home. The boots and bag are some of my all-time favourites and are pretty stand-out pieces on their own. To avoid the look becoming overly busy, I maintained a largely neutral palette of browns, greys and cream. The blue of the dress is the only real colour. A Ralph Lauren piece that is a show-stopper on its own, it equally styles well when layered with other pieces. The material is shirt-like and so crisp and lovely. 

On a side-note, sorry I've been so crap about posting. I've been both busy and mopey - a deadly combination! Expect more in the coming days.

Dress - Ralph Lauren - Jumper - Vila - Belt - Zara - Beret - Penney's - Boots - New Look - Satchel - I can't find a label. 

Hey, sun, where you been at?

Top - Urban Outfitters - Skirt - Topshop - Sandals - Barratt's - Belt - Vintage - Sunglasses - Men's section of Penney's - Bracelet - Baptism gift. 

Belle being super-adorable.

Peasantly surprised...

...is how I felt when I picked up this peasant blouse. I used to have an awesome one made out of this gorgeous linen-like fabric but I stupidly thought I'd never wear it again and got rid of it! Therefore I was doubly pleased with this find for a fiver! It's like a girlier version of something Isabel Marant would put out with its subtle embroidery - a summer classic!

Reeeeal comfy.

A super-comfy outfit from the other day. It photographed weird, probably the camera angle, so the proportions look all wacky. The last full-length is probably the most accurate. Another take on the pyjama influence trend with lots of soft cottons, loose fits and some worn-in vintage oversized denim.