Cali Style Diary

I recently returned from visiting my home towns of Los Angeles and Orange County.  It was such a relaxing holiday since we stayed at my parents house and they helped mind the kids so we could sleep till noon and party all night - just kidding! But, I did have an amazing time!  There was a heat wave in Cali and the style vibe there is so laid back.  I wore shorts and T-shirts most days.  It's crazy to think for us over here in Ireland, but there was no need for jeans, closed toe shoes or anything heavier than a cardigan at night - pure bliss!

I would like to share with you some of my favourite spots back home. . . I always spend loads of time in Laguna Beach, Malibu and Santa Monica.  These are the cutest beach towns in my opinion.  For food, I have to eat as much sushi as humanly possible (try Nobu in Malibu for a treat!).  I always get a burger and fries from In-and-Out.  This place is a Cali institution and the freshest, healthiest take out you will ever eat.  I also have a penchant for authentic Mexican food and frozen yogurt.  As for shopping, my favourite American stores are Nordstrom, Anthropology and J Crew.  Check them out on line.  What are your favourites to eat/ do/ shop while in SoCal? xo

Bag and dungarees Penneys @Lake Mission Viejo

Top and vest Anthropology//Bag Chanel @Nobu Malibu

Laguna Beach

Nobu Malibu

Top River Island// Shorts H&M @Laguna Beach

Burgers and fries at In-and-Out

@Santa Monica

My favourite food ever - yellow tail sashimi @Nobu Malibu

Ibiza Style Diary: Part 2

I've been back from holidays now for a few weeks, the tan is starting to fade and I'm beginning to get used to the fact that the log awaited Irish summer is just not going to kick in!  So it's about time to revisit these pictures of sunnier climes and dream of a tropical paradise!  My Ibiza style diary part 2 focuses on my night time outfits.  Since I have kids and went to Ibiza out of season, before the clubbing scene kicks off in late May we mainly relaxed at night, had a nice meal and a few drinks and were fairly sensible.  I really loved the old town - the cobble stone streets and white washed buildings transported me back to another time.  Early May also hosts the Midevil Festival and there was a carnival atmosphere with street performers and artesian craft booths.

Now for my outfits!   I mainly wore relaxed light fitting pants and jumpsuits, nothing too dressed up or fancy.  I loved this Jumpsuit from Next, it was less than 30 euros.  I packed a few dressier options as well, but didn't even get a chance to wear them.  For shoes, I wore flats or wedges because we walked everywhere- what better way to see a new place than walking! Next time I won't even pack the heels!  Happy travels xo

Top Penney's// Choker Top Shop//Pants Zara

Ibiza old town

Ibiza old town

Ibiza Style Diary: Part 1

Hello everyone!  I've just returned from the most relaxing and beautiful holiday in Ibiza and I have loads of style pics to share with you!  This first post I'm dedicating to my daytime, casual beach outfits, and it was all about a laid back boho vibe.  Boho is huge this season and I feel that this vibe totally gels with Ibiza. My holiday wardrobe was all about crochet, fringing and suede.  I just really wanted comfortable outfits for chilling at the beach and flat sandals for lots of walking.  I also love a good beach cover up because, I'm not gonna lie, after having two kids and stuffing my face all winter, my body was far from beach ready! Most of my holiday wardrobe pieces are super affordable (I shopped mainly at Penney's, Missguided, and other high street shops - see details below).  

Now, I must say a little bit about the trip itself.  I have absolutely fallen in love with this island!  Ibiza is so much more than a party destination and it offers loads for families and those who want a relaxing holiday.  I stayed in Play D'en Bossa which is the longest beach on the island and home to some of the most glamorous beach clubs (Nassau, Coco Beach and Ushuaia, to name a few).  Although we had kids, we still got to chill at these clubs and listen to great music during the day while the kids played on the beach.  My absolute favourite restaurant/ beach club was El Chiringuito because the setting and food was amazing plus it has a kids club too!  I have tons of good recommendations if anyone is interested just drop me a mail. . . xo

Crochet top Penney's

Tp[ and bag Penney's// Denim old

El Chiringuito beach club

Dress and necklace Missguided

Swimsuit and cover up River Island// Shorts Penney's

Coco Beach club

Winter/ Spring

It's that awkward time of year when it's definatley still winter outside but all the stores are stocking spring clothes.  I am California dreaming - planning holidays and looking forward to longer days and warmer weather.  I picked up this striped dress and hat in H&M.  It's part of the new SS stock and would be great for holidays, but I also wanted to show how I would wear it with black tights, a belt and boots for colder weather.

I partnered with Campbell Jewellers in Dublin on this post and am wearing a Daniel Wellington watch from their store.  I love the rose gold face and the stripey band fit in with the holiday preppy Hampton's vibe I am feeling at the moment.  The great thing about Daniel Wellington watches is the variety of interchangable straps you can get in both striped fabric or leather.  I am excited to announce that Campbell Jewellers will be giving all my readers a 15% off discount on all purchases for the next 30 days (great before Valentines day, hint hint!).  Just use my code "thestyledoctor" on their website. xo

Watch Daniel Wellington from Campbell Jewellers// Bracelets H&M, Cartier

Festive

Last night I went out for a work Christmas party.  I love this time of year, because people always put in extra effort to be social and I get to and mix in lots of different circles.  It's also an excuse to get the glad rags on and who doesn't love that!?! Unfortunately this year the theme of the party was Xmas jumpers.  I didn't have an Xmas jumper, nor did I want to go out and purchase one that I knew I didn't like and would never wear again.  Thus, this outfit was born.  I decided to wear this red  silk top with a bow because I thought it was a bit festive and looked like a Christmas gift.  I paired it with a light pink leather look high waisted skirt that I just bought in River Island and a Penney's faux fur coat that kept me really warm! Enjoy the holiday season! xo

Party Pants

I do love me a printed pant! And where better to wear this brightly coloured pair than while on holiday in a warm place.  I paired these "party pants" with a simple black top and my trusty leather jacket.  A leather jacket is a must have staple for any wardrobe.  I invested in this one from Sandro a few years ago and continue to wear it often.  It's worth spending a bit more money on this wardrobe essential as you can wear it year after year.  I also love the leather fringe detailing on this top.  Thanks for stopping by and Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Americans out there! xo

Seaside in Sitges

While in Spain, we popped over for a day trip in the seaside town of Sitges which is only a 30 minute train ride from Barcelona.  It is an adorable town with lots of character and is buzzing with life in the summer months.  The weather was actually quite cold so I had to throw on some leggings under my skirt and a leather jacket.  It was not the outfit I originally intended on wearing, and this may not be one of my best looks!  But hey, it was practical and even fashionistas have to improvise sometimes! xo

Top The Kooples, vest Zara,
The dreaded leggings with Birks - I don't recommend this look - but I got cold!

With my baby Luke 

A beautiful old church

Red Lips

I recently returned from a holiday in Barcelona and it's been tough coming back to the rain and gloom of Ireland after enjoying a week basking in the sun.  Barcelona is one of my favourite European cities.  It is full of all the things I love - top class Michelin star restaurants, gorgeous architecture (hello Gaudi!) and the best shopping (Zara, Mango and Massimo Duti are all Spanish brands - just to name a few).  

I wore this embelished T-shirt that I picked up in H&M for just 10 euros!  I love the textured sequins on the red lips.  I also decided to jump on the hat band wagon with this fedora from Penney's.  Hats are a great way to automatically make an outfit feel "cool", or at least I think so anyways!  There were so many amazing backdrops to photograph as well.  I will post more holiday outfits throughout the week,  xo

 

Fedora Penney's, shirt H&M, cardigan M&S, faux leather jeans The Kooples, brogues River Island