London Style Diary

Last week I had the pleasure of being back in one of my favourite cities in the world - London!  I used to visit regularly as it is only a short plane flight from Ireland, but since the birth of my kids I haven't been back.  I also stopped by Cambridge University for a few days for some higher learning     ( a Dementia Course for my job - it was fantastic, but I won't bore you with the details.)  

London is so stylish and cosmopolitan.  There are so many amazing shops and restaurants and the Christmas markets this time of year are great as well!  I wore some casual, yet chic outfits and flat black Chelsea boots from Zara because I did a lot of walking!  I personally love sparkle, especially around Christmas, so I incorporated this gold jumper and silver pleated skirt into my holiday wardrobe.  Hope you all are having a great holiday season! xo

Going to Hogwarts @ Kings Cross train station

The hallow halls of Cambridge University 

It wouldn't be London without a red telephone booth

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

LA Wedding Vibes

 

I'm writing this blog post from the luxury of gorgeous California sunshine!  We have been in Orange County for the last week on holidays visiting family and a few days ago I attended my cousin's wedding in downtown LA at the Oviat Penthouse.  This is an amazing art deco building with rooftop views overlooking the city's sky scrapers.  It is by far one of the most breath taking wedding venues I have ever seen!  The bride was beautiful, the atmosphere was electric, and best of all I was reunited with my grandmother who I haven't seen in over ten years!

 

My dress is from Self Portrait.  I have been waiting for an occassion to wear a Self Portrait dress because I am obsessed with their whole line!  My dress had a lace-like effect on top with ruffle detail on the skirt and a zipper so you could reveal as much or as little leg as you pleased.   I'm off to go enjoy some more sunshine! xo

 

 

 

 



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

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