The Launch of & Other Stories in Dublin!

I've loved & Other Stories for years now but I've largely had to admire it from afar. The older, cooler sister of H&M and hipper, younger sister of COS, it's a brand that appeals to fashion girls the world over. Its clothes are cool and trendy but not so of the moment that they fall out of fashion immediately. It is home to an awesome (cruelty-free) beauty section that is ever-expanding and offers candles, fragrances, bodycare products and beautiful mid-range makeup. And it does designer collaborations better than most of its peers, choosing to work with cool and edgy brands and stars like Rodarte and Lykke Li.

Up until now, however, I've really only ever been able to enjoy the store on mad-dash visits to the Oxford Street brand between shows at London Fashion Week: always hasty, panicked and at peak times where there is an overwhelmingly large crowd.

This will, happily, no longer be the case. As of Friday at 12pm this week, the first Irish branch of the store opened on Grafton Street and I couldn't be more excited. The street needed fresh blood anyway but you couldn't really ask for much fresher blood than this! The press pre-launch was held the night before and the presence of such a wide spectrum of the Irish fashion crowd would suggest that I am, by no means, the only one who was psyched. It's always interesting to be at such an event where you see pretty much everyone in the industry here gathered in one place - were there time, it'd be the perfect place for people-watching as the range of style was truly fascinating! But it also goes to show how universally loved and acknowledged the brand is.

Fun as the launch was, however, (there was big tubs of Moet on offer - you know it's a ritzy event when real Champagne is cracked out) I can't wait to go back on a quieter day. It was so packed that I could barely get around. I can say, from the scan I did that night, that it is the place to go for beauty, elegant outerwear, party shoes, truly gorgeous bags and timeless knitwear - these are the areas where the stock selection for the Dublin branch are definitely the strongest.

If you're shopping for friends or family this Christmas that are cool girls (or aspire to be cool girls), I recommend hitting them up!

*

Liked this post? Want more?

Follow me here using google friend connect or bloglovin.

Or follow me on tumblr - twitter - facebook - instagram.

Perfect Party Hair with Platinum

Last week I dropped in to Platinum's Perfect Party Hair event and heard about their extensions, salons, products and upcoming projects. Then we were talked through three looks that could be created for the party season using said extensions and products.

Throughout, I was fascinated. I've been considering extensions for a while now, missing the incredibly long hair that I cut over a year ago, despite having enjoyed my shorter hair since then. I get bored of my hair so quickly that I'm always thinking about what I'm going to do next and, often, am attracted to extremes: from long to short and short to long, light to dark and dark to light. By the end of the presentation, I wanted extensions even more and left that evening, thinking that I might just bite the bullet and commit. It was only in later research that I realised I wash my hair too often and am far too lazy to style my hair, making permanent extensions somewhat impossible.

Yet, I didn't come away from the event without anything that I could actually apply to my own situation and hair. In the gift bag that I was given upon leaving, there was one particular product that I have fallen utterly in love with: the Platinum Fix & Finish Fixing Spray.

First of all, I love the fact that it is a spray with decent hold that isn't an aerosol. Secondly, you get quite a lot of bang for your buck as each bottle is relatively slim but has a lot of product in it. And, finally, a couple spritzes as I brush my hair after showering is enough to ensure that it air-dries smooth and neatly. It's basically the perfect product for someone lazy, like me, who doesn't really style their hair on a regular basis but also suffers from fly-aways and hair with a mind of its own.

I was immediately impressed upon using it but, after almost a week of use, it has really become indispensable and I grab it every time I wash my hair.

If you are looking for extensions, Platinum really do offer top-of-the-range hair and application, but for someone as lazy as me, I'll have to just make do with their rather excellent range of homecare products.

(This product was given to me as a press sample. However, I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own.)

*

Liked this post? Want more?

Follow me here using google friend connect or bloglovin.

Or follow me on tumblr - twitter - facebook - instagram.

Alex & Ani Liberty Copper Collection

Blogger launches probably seem glamorous from the outside. And they probably are, for most people, but I seem to constantly embarrass myself at these things and shouldn't really be allowed outside on my own without an escort. At the launch of Alex & Ani's new Liberty Copper Collection in the Kilkenny Design Centre on Nassau Street last Thursday, I managed to, once again, make a tit of myself.

The launch was happening during a customer evening and there was lots going on; there was candyfloss, popcorn and retro glass bottles of Coke being passed around, the Bugle Babes (a trio of ladies in forties military garb) were singing ragtimey tunes, Dara Kenny was painting the New York skyline and totes were being screen printed with an image of the city by Damn Fine Print. Cue my arrival in the midst of this, a wave of social-awkwardness washing over me and my turning to the snacks in lieu of human interaction. Sadly, when I reached for some candyfloss, six sticks had melted together and after a flustered interaction with the girl handing them out, I was told to take the lot. Which is why I spent the rest of the launch walking around with a giant melted glob of candyfloss in my hand, trying to juggle my camera and be taken seriously...

...sigh...

Anyhoo, if we ignore my little bout of social disfunction, I'm sure a trend or theme has already become apparent. New York was brought to Nassau street to celebrate the launch of Alex & Ani's very limited line of jewellery that features recycled copper from one of the city's most famous landmarks; the Statue of Liberty.

And how, pray tell, did the brand end up with recycled copper from a world famous monument? They were on the ball, that's how. When the Statue of Liberty was recycled between 1984 and 1986, to celebrate its centennial, the original copper supports were replaced with stainless steel and the copper was removed. Alex & Ani were clever enough to seize the opportunity and bought up the copper.

Now, they have produced a limited line of 26 special pieces using the copper that they purchased.

As per the brand's usual ethos, this line has a deeper message; it is the Carry Light collection. The design of the charms on these pieces features a torch and flame that is an exact replica of Lady Liberty’s torch and is a powerful symbol of hope.

The line is super limited due to the nature of the material used and each stockist was only granted a certain number of pieces. Kilkenny were given the most in Ireland but there still aren't many knocking about, which is something to keep in mind if you are interested in the line.

To me, jewellery with a sentiment behind it is really meaningful and personal as a gift, in particular, and I think that this line is the ideal thing as a present to someone in need of a reminder that there is always hope or, maybe, someone with whom you share a fond memory of New York.

*


Liked this post? Want more?

Follow me here using google friend connect or bloglovin.

Or follow me on tumblr - twitter - facebook - instagram.

Easilocks Homecare Range Launch - High-quality Extensions and Haircare with a Conscience

There are certain things that I always get behind and like to support here on this blog. Anyone who knows me or has been a long-time reader will be familiar with these things that I am so passionate about and it really is important to me that beauty and fashion have a conscience.

Easilocks ticks a lot of boxes and has a lot of conscience. The brand is Irish, started by a young entrepreneur who worked his way up, cruelty-free, vegan friendly and all the hair extensions in the line are made from ethically-sourced human hair from around the world (largely Russia and Mongolia).

The company was started by Irish award winning hair stylist Shane O'Sullivan, who started out in the industry at age thirteen in his family owned salon (also named Easilocks) in Dublin. Having worked in the industry and with extensions, in particular, for years, he noticed that they could be better and spent five years designing a line of high-quality extensions that could be used at home.

Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength and can boast Gigi Hadid, Margot Robbie and a whole host of other celebrities as fans.

The range of extensions is large with lots of pieces that can be added to instantly change a look and are available in a wide selection of shades and tones. In addition to this, Easilocks has also now launched a range of products and tools to help take care of your extensions and your own hair at home.

I attended the exceptionally packed launch a couple of weeks ago and, though I could only stay briefly, was amazed by the crowd and buzz of excitement. Bloggers and press were getting extensions put in to try them out first-hand, drinks were being had and Shane was on hand to answer questions personally.

Admittedly, I didn't get a chance to personally try out any of the extensions but I have been using the press samples I received on the evening on a daily basis since then: a rather impressive-looking copper styling brush and their Rose Gold Oil.

The brush is nice enough but a little big considering how short my hair is now and how bad I am at hair styling. However, the Rose Gold Oil is an absolute star product for me. I've been using hair oils for around 6 months now to help maintain the softness and smoothness of my hair and tame fly-aways and there have been a few I've really liked. This one, however, smells like an absolute dream, as well as performing well, which is why it has become my go-to. Seriously, it smells so good. I love me a spicy rose scent.

If you're interested in extensions or haircare but can't afford to entirely break the bank, check Easilocks out.

(The items briefly reviewed here were given as press samples. However, I was not paid to write this post and all opinions are my own.)


*

Liked this post? Want more?

Follow me here using google friend connect or bloglovin.

Or follow me on tumblr - twitter - facebook - instagram.

Youngblood Cosmetics Launch + Brow Artiste Review

Just before I headed off to fashion week I attended the launch of Youngblood Cosmetics to hear all about the brand, how it started, what it stands for, their hero products and what is launching in the next while from their MUA Daniel Chavez.

I was already majorly intrigued by the brand, having received press releases about it for a few months, but had never personally tried any of their products or seen them in action IRL. One of the particular selling points for me is that Youngblood was established by a former medical aesthetician, Paula Youngblood, who made sure that the formulations of their products would be both effective and kind to the skin. And, importantly, they are also a cruelty-free brand.

The launch itself was very entertaining (in spite of the unnatural heat that had a packed room of beauty bloggers perspiring their makeup right off) and Mr Chavez is an absolutely gas character. Tara O'Farrell interviewed the MUA about the brand and his own particular tips and tricks of the trade before he demonstrated some of the products on model Claire Treacy.

Key take-aways from the whole thing? Apparently a brow can never be too arched and there is no such thing as too much highlight, blush shades are made for mixing, and a good base does most of the work in a makeup look.

Physical take-away? Youngblood's iconic Brow Artiste (RRP €37.50), one of their Hero Products. At first, I was surprised by the price on the press release and thought it was kind of expensive. Then I compared it to similar products from the likes of Benefit and found that it is actually in pretty much the same price bracket. I've also used a lot of other similar kits in the past and, have to say, I genuinely think this is one of the better versions on the market. The packaging is sleek and sturdy and is slim and compact enough to travel well. It is also big enough, however, that the mirror in the lid is one I would actually use. Normally mirrors in compacts are so irritatingly small that I never use them but I found myself using this one. Similarly, brushes and tools in kits are usually crap but the double-ended corkscrew and angled brush has a slightly longer handle and is quite handy, as is the little tweezers.

The formulation of the powders and wax is designed to be gentle so that it will be suitable for both those with sensitive skin and people who may have just had their brows plucked, waxed or threaded and have temporary local sensitivity. The two shades in the brunette kit look very similar but the ashier colour is light enough for those with brighter hair and the darker shade built up nicely so that it worked even with my rather dark hair. I can't say that the wax alone was effective in taming the movement of my brows or getting the shape completely down but, then, only the strongest formulations are up to the task and I expected as much. 

I've found myself reaching for the kit every time I've done my brows since I got it and that's the best compliment I can ever give a product.

(This product was given to me as a press sample. However, I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own.)

*

 Liked this post? Want more?

Follow me here using google friend connect or bloglovin.

Or follow me on tumblr - twitter - facebook - instagram.

The #BestVersionOfYou With Lloyds Pharmacy

A week ago I spent the morning breakfasting with Lloyds Pharmacy as they explained their new #BestVersionofYou campaign. We walked around chatting to reps from the retailers that will be stocked in store, took in some personalised advice and had the campaign and its message explained to us by Maeve Madden, face of the initiative and model and personal trainer.

What really pleased me, in particular, is that the campaign is not only relevant and something many of us worry about, but the way it's being discussed is much healthier and positive than the message that we are receiving from all angles. This campaign is not about being skinny or just losing a lot of weight. It is about being the best version of you, about being healthier, happier, about having more energy and enjoying your life.

Earlier this month, Lloyds actually surveyed 1,000 Irish adults about health and wellbeing and found the only 18% felt that they eat a balanced diet and get enough exercise. And, with Ireland set to be the fattest nation in Europe by 2030, health  and a balanced lifestyle are obviously a concern for most of us.

In the face of this, however, Lloyds don't just want to sell us some "detox" teas that cost several times more than they should, they want to engage more fully with the public and help us figure out dietary plans, supplements and methods to make our lifestyles healthier. There are a number of healthcare testing services in-store such as Body-Mass-Index, blood pressure and cholesterol testing and ongoing advice from in-house pharmacists. In addition to this, there will be dedicated Health and Wellness stores across their network of pharmacies around the country - initially being available in 25 of their branches.

The emphasis here is taking your health in your own hands and improving your life, not worrying about numbers on a scale or a label inside a garment. While I'm inherently skeptical of anytime health is sold on the back of profit and marketing campaigns, at least the sentiment here is a lot more positive. And in a world of dizzying mixed messages and varying reports, it's always good to be able to have ready access to experts willing to help tailor advice to you about what you actually need.

*

 Liked this post? Want more?

Follow me here using google friend connect or bloglovin.

Or follow me on tumblr - twitter - facebook - instagram.

15 Years of Armani Beauty + AW15 Launches

Last week I got to spend time going through the Armani Beauty AW15 launches and having them applied on my face by Thoa Tran, one of their head MUAs and all-around lovely person. These products are particularly special this time around as it is also the 15 year celebration of the brand!

Based on the solar eclipse, the Eclipse collection for AW15 is inspired by sun, shadows, darkness and light. This can be seen literally reflected in the Eclipse palette which is champagne with bronze pearls. In addition, the collection has 3 nail colours, 4 liners, 4 eyeshadows (in liquid form), 2 brow shades and a navy mascara.

All of the colours are rich, deep, warm and complex but still remain a little adventurous and playful. The liners, in particular, with a gold shade that will be perfect for Christmas parties and festivals alike and a gorgeous midnight blue that has my name written all over it. The eye tint shadows, as well, are stunning. In fact, they need to be swatched as their appearance as seen in the packaging doesn't even hint at how gorgeous they are! Rarely are my swatches so distinct, pigmented or pretty. Check them out below and you'll be dying for them! The orange is surprisingly wearable and Thoa mixed it with the gold to wonderful effect on my lids.

It's also 15 years of the Luminous Silk foundation which was the first product launched by the brand. The formula remains a tightly-guarded secret which other companies try, and fail, to replicate constantly. It also remains a best-seller, fifteen years on, which says a lot.

If you're looking for make-up with colour in a very adult, sophisticated way that manages to stay fun for AW, keep an eye out for the collection! Also, keep an eye out for the series of 15 Armani Artistry videos on Youtube, celebrating the brand's birthday and giving you insider make-up tips and hacks!

(Thanks to Thoa for helping me focus my camera, doing my make-up, the pep talk and staying late to fit me in!)

*

Liked this post? Want more?

Follow me here using google friend connect or bloglovin.

Or follow me on tumblr - twitter - facebook.