Christmas Gift Guide Series 2016: BEST in IRISH!

{Christmas scenes: window treatments at Brown Thomas Grafton Street, Dublin.}

It’s beginning to look a lot like…

Looking for Christmas gift inspiration? Here’s the lowdown on the best in IRISH gifts – from Irish country chic to occasion wear, accessories and homewares, I’ve got you covered this Christmas and New Year! 

Magee:

Celebrating a staggering 150 years in business, Magee 1866 has a range of clothing for both the male and female fashion lovers amongst us inclusive of hats, scarves, gloves as well as key pieces such as their biker style jacket – pictured below.

Foxford Woollen Mills:

There’s nothing more satisfying than receiving a special, authentic gift and Foxford Woollen Mills have an array of gorgeous offerings in stunning colour palettes – from accessories such as über stylish gloves to cosy homewares such as festive throws and blankets as seen in their Nordic Collection – pictured below.

KYMAÏA:

Standout pieces from KYMAÏA are an updated version of fashion favourite ‘the cape‘ specifically catered as a sophisticated cover-up to compliment occasionwear, the sequin jumpsuit (as modelled by KYMAÏA Owner and Designer Kabira below) alongside beautifully tailored coats and dresses.

Custom Vintage:

This on-line gem has taken up temporary residence in Arnotts, Dublin for the festive season offering a personalised monogram service on their cashmere scarves as well as a host of other offerings and customisation services, so if you or a loved one adore personalised gifts go check ’em out and tell ’em I sent ya!

Beauty Belle:

Irish distributor of award winning Korean Sheet Masks, Beauty Belle has really made a splash this year with such masks as the Glacial SNOW Algae face mask. I have a review of this mask coming up but it’s safe to say it’s a winner and the perfect hydration hit for winter ravaged, dry or dehydrated skin and travel.

Vouchers & Tickets:

The Irish High Street has an abundance of shops to choose from for the Fashion and Beauty obsessed such as Penney’s, Zara, River Island, &Other Stories, Buffalo Shoe Lab, Brown Thomas, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Links of London, Peter Mark, H&M, Parfois, COS, Arnotts, Boots, Space NK, Dundrum Town Centre with Gap, House of Fraser, and Harvey Nichols or perhaps choose something like One for All vouchers. If you can’t figure out what to buy a loved one vouchers are a terrific go-to! Don’t forget the coffee addict in your life with vouchers available from Starbucks and the music fans with renowned music festival Body and Soul tickets on sale now as well as upcoming Irish concert dates from the likes of Justin Bieber, Guns and Roses and Bob Dylan!

{Buffalo Shoe Lab: Courtney Smith X Shoe Lab collection also available in Arnotts, Dublin.}

{Designer Re-sale: bags of style at Siopella, Dublin.}

Jewellery:

Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle especially at Christmastime?! I know I do, so I’m shining a spotlight on four of my favourite Irish jewellery companies whose products and backstory have won my heart.

BYOS by Melissa Curry

The Success Collection celebrating the empowerment and encouragement of women, with a tagline of ‘Be Your Own Success’ the pieces serve as a reminder, a talisman of hope and aspiration to the wearer on the daily.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be You.

ROXLUNA: by Emily McKeogh

From leather tassle earrings in an array of colours to initial necklaces and statement rings and necklaces ROXLUNA has something for everyone. A gorgeous display of both statement and delicate jewellery awaits at roxluna.com and I have a special discount code of 15% OFF EVERYTHING using code VIP15 on the site!

Liwu Jewellery: by Áine Breen.

The new ‘Native’ collection from Liwu Jewellery focuses on ancient Irish symbols believed to promote serenity, balance, progress and such.

Aine’s first collection was Chinese inspired and includes stunning pieces such as her ‘3 Lucky Stars’ necklace representing luck, prosperity and longevity. I am yet to treat myself to this piece but it is definitely on my wish-list!

With Liwu meaning gift in Chinese, each collection from this designer is filled with meaning and beautifully represented by each design.

The Shore Collection by Martina Hamilton:

Inspired by the coastline in Sligo, the Shore Collection by Martina Hamilton comprises of truly eye-catching pieces. The wave inspired and shell-like pieces really speak to me, being a lover of the tranquillity of the ocean and the texture and shapes of shells.

There you have it – my ‘Best in Irish‘ top picks for Christmas Gift shopping!

Who are some of your favourite Irish brands or companies?

I hope you enjoyed this post and got some major inspiration for gift buying…

Happy shopping!

Thanks for stopping by!

Gail. xx

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

BYOS image: © Melissa Curry.

Custom Vintage image: © of CV.

Disclaimer: I do consultancy work for BYOS in Marketing/Comms capacity. The Beauty Belle Face Mask is a PR sample. ALL opinions however are expressly my own as always!

NEW in FASHION: The COS Collection of Style – SS16 Preview!

Longing for brighter, warmer, sunkissed Spring days? I’ve got just the remedy! Feast your eyes on the exquisite new season collection from COS.

The Event: the COS SS16 Press Preview.

The Date: 12th November 2015.

The Location: Kerlin Gallery, Anne’s Lane, Dublin.

Held in the beautiful and appropriately minimalistic surroundings of the Kerlin Gallery the collection became the art and breathed life into the stark canvas of the room.
The perfect vibe to accompany the Spring/Summer 16 showcase by COS, a brand known for its premium, minimalist chic approach to apparel at a high-street price point.

The Welcome:

A warm hug and the offer of a delicious Chai tea on arrival coming in from a damp and blustery day, was the beginning of a wonderful afternoon taking in all things COS at the COS Press Preview for their SS16 Collection. Delightful.

The Overview:

Celebrating Essentials and Reinterpreting Calm at COS This Season.

The Collection:

Women’s wear is treated to a theme of reduction and reinvention in a palette of blush, cream and sandstone hues. A pared back naturalistic approach to the collection sees the company highlighting an evident organic, effortless and functional appeal – sure to make this collection a stand-out for the pretty, practical and chic lovers amongst us!

Elegance simply abounds in this collection…

Organic Oragami Approach.

A stand-out piece for me was the pearl linen silk shirt, falling in folds that elegantly drape around the neckline.

Back to Basics: Nude Rules.

Sandstone hues take inspiration from the organic shapes of sand dunes seen in Renate Aller’s photographs and results in garments organiclly structured and delivered with a calming influence.

With a firm focus on a reduction in details, and the use of luxurious fabrics such as silk, the collection is simply stunning.
Neutrals in summer are always in style.

Raw Denim:

The collection sees denim celebrated for it’s functionality, desirability and simplicity. Denim is set to be a HUGE trend this SS16 and is layered throughout the collection right down to the accessories!

The Accessories:

Knotted leather sandals in grey or white.

Angular, metallic jewellery featuring details such as compressed, recycled denim adds another contemporary twist to the collection.

{I love this angular take on the jewellery, this piece in particular!}

Menswear:

Tailoring, fresh silhouettes, car coats and boat necks feature strongly in the Menswear Collection for summer.

The overall vibe to this press event was sheer elegance complimented by a chic and minimal approach to the presentation, perfectly complimenting the brand. I am looking forward to picking up a a couple of pieces from this collection and incorporating them seamlessly into my wardrobe capsule collection.

This was one of my favourite press events that I have attended. I cannot get over the overall attention to detail. From the presentation of the collection calmly and eloquently communicated by the PR representatives for the company, the aesthetics of the show place adding an almost ethereal feel to the event, to the welcome spread of a selection of teas and nibbles laid out, complimented with a seating area.

A calm, cool and chic presentation – to be honest I expect nothing less from COS.

The collection is rolling out in-store from February – so not long now to wait!

What are some of your favourites that stand out from the collection? Tweet me @DublinGail/Tag me on Instagram @littlegforce or leave your faves in the comments section below!

Thank you to Baluba for the invitation and the Kerlin Gallery.

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

Gail.Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

#LFW Series Part 2 – Irish and International Designer Paul Costelloe: Presentation S/S16 Collection.

Fashion, Fun and Frolics!

Welcome back to my LFW Series! This time we’re taking a look at the sensational Paul Costelloe SS16 Collection.

The Experience: London Fashion Week 2015!

Stepping out of a black cab onto a busy Regent Street, I gathered my thoughts, took a breath (an attempt at composing myself) and adjusted my outfit. Looking ahead I caught sight of the venue where Paul Costelloe was set to showcase his S/S16 Collection. Paul Costelloe…renowned designer.
My first London Fashion Week.
I felt good, if a little jittery.

The Date: 18th September 2015.

The Paul Costelloe show was the second show I was to attend this eve after The Unfold Presentation Preview, another Irish Design Showcase.

The Location:
Café Royal, Regent Street, London.

More than just a café: The stunning venue that is Café Royal.

The Guest List:

Guests in attendance were: I attended the show alongside members of the media, buyers, bloggers, VIP’s and celebrities.

{Caggy Dunlop and Tiffany Watson dressed in coats from the Paul Costelloe Woman SS16 Collection were in attendance.}

The Show:

Upon entering the establishment I bumped into Darren Kennedy on the stairs and I was feeling a little flustered like Cinderella at midnight, as I was running late for the show (logistics between the Unfold Presentation and this show were tight!) We spoke briefly – introductions and about the show, with Darren’s departing words “breathe and enjoy your first experience of London Fashion Week!” Wise words.

Upon entering the show-room I was greeted by staff who informed me with empathy that I had in fact just missed the catwalk show but could personally view the collection as it would be displayed in a moment. Missed the show? Devastated. Über accommodating of the reps though.
However, all was not lost…not only did I get an up close and personal look at the collection but I got to meet and chat with the man himself!

For your viewing pleasure I’ve tracked down some images and provided you with a taste of the catwalk show entitled “New Reflections” (below) coupled with my up close and personal look at the collection. Wait until you see how magnificent it is! You’re welcome.

The Collection:

I work with the best in the industry, I never compromise. I feel this collection highlights just that. – Paul Costelloe

Collection Overview:

60’s neon vibes and geometric shapes juxtaposed with soft, feminine print and elegant pieces, a veritable kaleidoscope of colour!

Collection In Depth:

Paul Costelloe uses futuristic fabrics as his focus for SS16.

With a nod to the 60’s, Costelloe has experimented with neoprene fabrics in this 30 piece collection in bright, bold colours highlighting his signature tailoring in feminine A-line dresses, statement sharp coats some with funnel necks with slash detail and playful jumpsuits. With a change in vibe and a focus on high hemlines, if you can’t tell already , it’s all about the legs in this collection!

Elegant, streamlined silhouttes in a palette of various stunning hues from bold purples, lilacs, shimmering duck egg blue and kelly green to bright almost neon, orange.

In a romantic twist to the collection, Costelloe highlights ultra short lengths in light delicate jacquards for a fairytale ending.

Catwalk Creations!

Made for Walking: Stunning Moda In Pelle heels and white wedge sneaker style boots featured strongly on the catwalk.

The Finale:

BTS: Hair and Makeup:

What accessories and trends will be hot next season?

I overhead some questions asked of Paul, so here’s the goss!

When asked what will be an accessory trend for SS16 Paul says that:

Apart from a beautiful Paul Costelloe handbag, backpacks will be the trend of the summer as they’re young and fresh.

When asked what fashion trends are hot for S/S16?

Clean lines, simplicity and minimalism will be a big fashion trend.

My style in a nutshell…S/S16 trends, that are right up my street.

The Perusal:

 

Meeting an Icon:

It was a dream come true to get to chat with Paul Costelloe. Having long admired such quality and elegance of a Paul Costelloe piece – courtesy of the most stylish lady I know, (and who I got my style sense from) – my mom, this was another “pinch me” moment. Here I was at London Fashion Week, chatting away with fellow Dub and renowned designer Paul Costelloe!

I got to chat with Paul about the move from (and our love of the aesthetics of) Somerset House to the new main location of London Fashion Week, the logistics that go into producing such a show at London Fashion Week, the venue he chose to showcase at and of course – his divine new collection.

Upon hearing I had flown from Ireland and in fact missed the actual catwalk show, Paul was genuinely dismayed and the gentleman that he is, graciously invited me to his shows I’d like to attend in the future. How cool is that?
Epitomé of cool. #LikeABoss

Paul was a pleasure to talk to, engaging, passionate about his craft and informative – always with a playful, glint in his eye!

Tell me did anything catch your eye? If so, what pieces stood out to you? I’d love to know!

The After Party:

Following the show I ran into TV’s Xposé presenter Glenda Gilson and ended up celebrating a successful day of shows together and having the chats with her. Down to earth, with a cracking sense of humour and even more stunning in real life.

My friend Lorna of Fashion Boss Blog who was working LFW, also joined us a little later when she finished up her day.

{Pictured: Lorna Duffy of Fashion Boss Blog, Glenda Gilson, my friend Marilyn and myself after the Paul Costelloe Show.}

Massive and eternal thanks go to Paul Costelloe and Trace PR for having me in attendance for my first London Fashion Week 2015 and to the lovely staff at stunning Café Royal, London.
It was an honour.

Thanks for stopping by guys and I hope you enjoyed me taking you along with me for a taster of my first LFW!

Gail.Xx

Images: © *Trace PR, Paul Costelloe.com and Gail O’Connor.