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?

Brand Crush: Warby Parker.

When the brand contacted me, I had heard their name before but I knew little about them. A quick browse of their site immediately won me over - great design, collaborations with the likes of Beck, matching each pair bought with one for someone in need and uber-cute campaigns...need I say more?

Going back to the charity aspect for a moment - they've actually donated over a million frames now via the Buy a Pair, Give a Pair incentive which sees Non-Profit partners given a donation with each Warby Parker purchase to buy glasses and pass them on to entrepreneurs they've trained in countries such as India and Guatemala. This means they're not just throwing money cluelessly at charities but building a system that creates jobs as well. I love that the brand is a For-Profit not only determined to deliver good design and good service at lower prices but to also positively affect the wider world.

Bonus: They're carbon-neutral.

Bonus bonus: They sell a monocle. I'm not even shitting you.

Be still, my beating heart.

Eyewear has been such a big part of my life. Since I got laser-eye surgery two years ago, I've really missed my glasses. Don't get me wrong - it's an amazing freedom to not need them! But, still. They were a comfort blanket. And part of me since I was seven. So, I sometimes long for a pair once more. On the flip-side, for the first time I can wear sunglasses and I do so almost every day now - no matter the season.

As I have this deep connection to all things eyewear, I feel I have the right to share how I would style glasses. I've chosen two pairs - eyeglasses and sunglasses - from the Warby Parker Waterways Collection which I'm kind of obsessed with. (I'm a bit of a Waterbaby so the dreamy, underwater campaign images are majorly doing it for me.) So, here goes!

So, what do you guys think? Crushing as bad as me? Check Warby Parker out on facebook and twitter and consider carefully your next eyewear purchase!

Festival Necessities.

With Glasto behind us and many more festivals yet to come, here are my essentials for survival and style.

1. Glitter.

Love it. Embrace it. Become one with it.

2. Hair Chalk.

Like the glitter, this allows you to temporarily go crazy with your look...and then wash it away when the festival is over.

3. Statement Sunglasses.

In general, sunglasses are a wardrobe staple for me and for festivals, they're even more important. You're outside, possibly hungover and it's hopefully going to be sunny. Necessity. Then, when you're trying to pack light, they can be a great way of taking an outfit to the next level.

4. Docs.

Docs have taken me through many a festival and gig. They're better and more durable than wellies and you'll feel it less if someone stand on your foot.

5. Hair accessories.

Because second day hair is great, third day is...less so. Everyone and their aunt is over flower crowns but I think cute alicebands are a sweet, playful alternative to suit any look.

6. A coat.

If you're in Ireland or the UK, you're probably going to need one. Be honest with yourself, be realistic, be dry. Ones that can pack away or are light are your best bets.

7. Light layers.

Leggings, tanks, baggy sweaters - these things will be essential for temperature and weather changes. Build up your outfit starting lightest layers first and leave yourself the opportunity to add or lose more. A festival is shit when you're cold or damp...but then, maybe I'm getting old.

8. A flannel shirt.

Following on from above, flannel shirts are an easy layer to add warmth which can be easily worn around the waist when unnecessary and can double up as a waist-belt.

9. A towel.

Look, you'll probably get wet at some point, this is just so key I barely need to say it. Do I?

10. Baby wipes.

To bathe, to remove all that glitter, to wipe at drink stains when someone in a pit spills on you...it's obvious but it's a major essential.

What are your festival necessities?

Otiumberg.

I never endorse or discuss things I don't believe in completely. Normally, they're things I've spotted online while tumbling/having no life/reading magazines etc. However, more and more, I'm emailed by companies about their products or platforms. I will only ever share things with you Lilettes that meet my discerning standards, I won't spam you or show you things that aren't 100% awesome.

On this note, I introduce you to Otiumberg, a jewellery, gifts and accessories site which has been extraordinarily skillfully curated. Just launched last month, it is the brainchild of three London-based sisters. It ships all over the world and prices start at under £20. How am I meant to be good when everything is SO PRETTY?! Ah, you tempt me overly!

Anyhoo, below are my picks of the best of the best from the site and some lovely images I've plucked from them.

Enjoy, and try not to go too mad!

http://www.otiumberg.com/

Meadham Kirchhoff - it's all in the details

How gorgeous are the Meadham Kirchhoff close-up shots? I'm continuously a big fan especially of their attention-to-detail - an important factor if you're gonna do maximalism right. And, boy, do they! Have a peep, have a creep, have a drool.

Also, buttery yellow knee-high socks? Yes.

(Images via vogue.co.uk)

July Photo Diary.

Weekend packing

So, last weekend I was away in the West of Ireland with friends. High maintenance is neither my style nor an option when sharing a house with 12 other people so it was necessary to pack easy, wearable, interchangeable options. As per, I packed wayyy too much yet managed to fit it all easily in a backpack. I largely stuck to a tank, boyfriend jean and light knitwear formula but also had dresses on hand in case dining got fancy (it didn't).

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

Loving and living in the oversized tees that Topshop have for this season. There's a slit in this one but  wearing leggings with it is still forgiveable. I love me some slouch with sex appeal. And, yes, I am trying to be Kurt Cobain with the sunglasses - minus the drug habit and severe stomach problems. I would like the song-writing genius though.

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.