EXCLUSIVE: My #BeautyBlossoms AVEDA Consultation and Hair Salon Experience at Brown Thomas!

Beauty Blossom:

It was a busy day of work and meetings made all the more easier to navigate with the promise of a pamper session right in the middle of it all in one of my favourite Dublin haunts. This welcome reprieve from the norm came in the form of an exclusive invitation to an afternoon consultation with Aveda at the Brown Thomas Beauty Blossom Event.

The Location: The Beauty Garden, Brown Thomas, Grafton Street.

This exclusive consultation was with the highly skilled Deborah Jordan, Aveda Ambassador and Creative Director of Miss and Co. Hair Salon in Waterford, Ireland.

About the Brand:

Aveda is a natural beauty company, with offerings in skin, hair and make-up.

Founder Horst went from successful and celebrated salon owner to founder of a natural hair and beauty brand whilst recovering from burn-out on a retreat in India. Horst had developed an appreciation for the power of wellness to promote balance to the mind, body and spirit from a young age through his herbalist mother.

Having moved to the states later in life from Austria, he developed his first clove shampoo in a kitchen sink in Minneapolis together with Shiv Nath Tandon whom he met in India as well as some doctors of Ayurveda. All have continued to work for Aveda since the early seventies.

A Brand is Born:

In 1978 Aveda was born through this well timed collaboration. The vision? To bring beauty professionals products that would be good for them, their guests, the Earth and its communities.

My Aveda Experience:

I was excited for the opportunity to try a new haircare brand and better still, try some natural haircare from a brand I have long heard rave reviews about.

Upon arrival I was warmly greeted with a cup of delicious Aveda Peppermint and Liquorice Tea and lead to my seat.

I then met with Deborah for my consultation and first up was a debrief on my hair, discussing everything from it’s current health state, manageability etc and any style requests I had. I had recently done a blog post on New York Fashion Week Hair Trends as done by Aveda at shows such as Jenny Packham, Public School, Charles Youssef and Leanne Marshall. I requested the beautiful and intricate Cobra Braid as featured in that post, to be done on my hair. Deborah agreed the look would suit me and my style and set about getting to work.

Next step was to de-stress. The Aveda Blue Oil was applied to my wrist points and I was told to close my eyes and inhale the calming benefits of the oil whilst a short but welcome Indian Head/ Shoulder massage and some limb stretching were performed. #bliss

The Process: Get the Look!

Aveda’s Shampure was applied to sections of my hair and massaged into the scalp area around my head, followed by a brief, gentle back-comb of each section for a magnificent amount of volume.

Shampure is  dry shampoo which achieves what dry shampoo is designed to do but also gives a nice dose of volume with it. Application can be easily and evenly distributed, due to the packaging allowing targeted and accurate application of each section. Bonus: hair feels and smells incredibly clean and fresh with a slight herbal scent
to it that doesn’t overpower at all. Hair is left shiny – not matte and lacklustre looking like some other dry shampoos can leave hair.

 

The Result:

I was astounded at how well the NYFW Cobra Braid re-creation turned out! Needless to say I was deliriously happy with the results from the volume, to the hairstyle itself and the overall Aveda experience – plus to know it was all natural haircare used to get the look, felt amazing.

Hair Health:

Deborah also performed a hair health check, scanning and mapping out my hair follicles for an accurate reading on hair density, and overall hair health. I scored very high and am delighted (and relieved – hello beauty blogger here!) to report my hair health is  excellent!

{Density is captured and rated on a scale of one-five…five being excellent.}

{Snapped: the delightful Deborah Jordan and I at the #BeautyBlossom event, Brown Thomas, Dublin.}

More pictures from The Brown Thomas #BeautyBlossom event:

Massive thanks to Deborah Jordan and Aveda for having me! I’m always grateful and excited for an opportunity to try a new experience! If you’re around Waterford pop into Miss and Co. Salon, for a gorgeous Aveda experience and tell Deborah I sent you!

Have any of you tried Aveda products before or are you a newcomer like me? If so, what are your faves?

Aveda is available at Brown Thomas and various other department stores and independent salons in Ireland.

I hope you enjoyed this Beauty Chat and if you try out Aveda Tweet me: @DublinGail or tag me on Instagram: @littlegforce with pics, I’d love to see your experience!

Thanks for stopping by!

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

*Not sponsored.

Meeting Charlotte Tilbury & a Tutorial by Celeb Make-up Artist Nelson Catarino?!

 The Meeting:

Strolling into Brown Thomas on the way to the famed Christmas shop, I let out a gasp upon spying none other than Charlotte Tilbury herself at the make-up counter. I did a double take and quickly went about seeing if I could meet her!

I thought: “What are the chances? Possibly a once in a lifetime shot eh? DO IT!“

Gift Guide: The HOLIDAY EDIT – LUXURY Gifts for HER!

With Grafton Street Dublin illuminated in all her glittering glory, a welcoming beacon to the masses of bustling Christmas shoppers, and the Brown Thomas Christmas window treatments decorated in their festive trim, I am well and truly in the Christmas spirit!

That said, I know Christmas Gift buying can be stressful for some so, if you’re stumped for gift ideas for the ladies in your life or perhaps you’re like me and love scoping out something special to put on my own wishlist – don’t fret, I’ve done all the work for you.

Give the gift of great looking skin, fine fragrance, or a taste of France in more ways than one…the list goes on!

For your reading pleasure I have put together a Gift Guide Series for all of my readers, to impart some gift giving inspiration, take the stress out of gift ideas and sprinkle some festive cheer about! Check out my first Instalment: A Jo Malone Christmas – for luxury beauty inspiration from a brand that is coveted, especially at Christmas!

This edition is The LUXURY EDIT for HER. My advice?
Lists at the ready…

Macaroon Magic!

Pretty Food And Pretty Accessories?! That’s a Wrap!

Laduree: a blogger fave and will no doubt go down well with most of the female population. Pretty, delicious and accompanied by gorgeous accessories. What’s not to love? #winning

{Macaroons and Key chain set available from Laduree Dublin.}

Giving it Welly!

Stylish wellington boots from classic to cosy courtesy of Hunter Boots. Every fashionistas dream when the heavens open. A fashionable welly, who knew? Hunter did that’s who!

A BOOT-iful way to tackle the winter weather whilst remaining chic and totally Instagrammable…ticking all the boxes.

P.S. Christmas Tip! Living in London or just visiting? Check out the Hunter store on Regent Street, London for free wrapping service with every purchase.

{Shearling Lined Hunter Boots.}

Joyful Jewellery:

Every woman loves a bit of sparkle at Christmas so when it comes to gifts, jewellery really is a no-brainer!

Acclaimed jewellery company Thomas Sabo celebrate their renowned Charm Club’s 10th Anniversary this year with literally every charm imaginable in the collection.

{The Thomas Sabo Love Bridge Collection.}

Their Love Bridge Collection is the latest release and is simply stunning.
Make moments last and get your special piece engraved – similar to declaring ones love on a love-lock on the streets of Paris, the message can be anything from a celebration of love, to friendship and everything in between.
Want to know more? Check out my write up on the Love Bridge Collection Launch in July and find what piece instantly made it onto my Christmas list! #christmasinjuly Here’s hoping…

Top Tip: Complimentary engraving is available, ask in-store for details.

Caravelle New York:

Countdown to the New Year in style with highly regarded U.S watch makers, Caravelle New York, who are gradually rolling out their merchandise around Ireland.
Gorgeous, fine quality watches without the hefty price tag?! SCORE!

{I got up close and personal with some of Caravelle New York’s watch selection after my panel at BLOGGERCONF! My heart is set on this beaut…}

Makeup Wishes:

The hotest limited edition makeup releases.

The “no makeup, makeup look” isn’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future. Neither is Strobing.

For the die-hard make-up lovers in your life, the limited edition highlighter below will go down a treat Christmas morning and is sure to be met with shrieks of palatable joy! You can thank me later.

{Beauty MUST-HAVE: Becca Cosmetics Champagne Pop Jaclyn Hill Highlight Powder.}

Jo Malone:

The ultimate in luxury product pampering is anything from Jo Malone. From candles to body care, not forgetting her highly coveted fragrances, a gift from Jo Malone is a special, indulgent treat at any time.

Give Them The World!

Who doesn’t relish the chance of escaping it all with a break away, be it for a long weekend or longer? I certainly don’t and what better gift than a travel voucher, giving the recipient the chance to pick their dream destination…and hopefully we get to tag along eh?!

The World Awaits: with a voucher from The Travel Department available over the phone, online or in The Travel Shop in Arnotts, Dublin.

Stand-out destinations for me (apart from my beloved Boston) include:
Iceland and a chance to capture a glimpse of the astonishing and illusive Northern lights. With a memorable trip this would make!

Italy: from its cosmopolitan vibe and chic city feel to winding, narrow streets (best explored by foot or bicycle) dotted with small cafés perfect for people watching in places like Lake Garda (definitely on my list of “Places to See Before I Die”) Italy is a true destination place and has an abundance to offer and discover…

Cruising the Rhone: stopping off to take in the romantic and historical sights of Paris and Normandy, a different take on travelling around these French gems.

Afternoon Tea:

Make time for your loved ones and create memories with a special couples afternoon tea, a special treat day for your mom or an afternoon of girly chat with your besties/squad– an elegant afternoon tea always goes down well Pre or Post Christmas and well…any time of year!

{Pictured: Afternoon Tea at The Westbury Hotel, Dublin.}

What would be your FAVOURITE gift from my luxury list? Let me know in the comments! Mine? Any of them, although I’m quite partial to a trip away or a bit of jewellery!

As always thanks for stopping by.
I hope the run up to Christmas is a joyous one for you and yours!

Gail. Xx

Links You’ll Love: Shop the Post! 

Hunter Boots UK

Thomas Sabo: Love Bridge Collection.

Carvelle New York

Becca Cosmetics

Jo Malone at Brown Thomas

The Travel Department

The Westbury Hotel, Dublin.

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
Images via: Laduree Dublin, Hunter Boots UK, Becca Cosmetics, The Travel Department, The Westbury Hotel.

Gift Guide: The HOLIDAY EDIT 1 – Christmas with Jo Malone London!

‘Tis the Season with Jo Malone!

Being a film lover, I adore the opportunity films bring to thoroughly immerse myself into the ebb and flow of their plot, character arcs, and the general atmosphere. I am transported. Transfixed. Soaking up the opportunity of escapism no matter what the genre…and especially so at Christmastime!

Some of my favourite Christmas films like Miracle on 34th Street (the 1994 version starring the late Richard Attenborough) or Serendipity (starring Kate Beckinsale), always have me envious of the (film version) department store experience – beautifully decorated, brimming with gorgeous gifts and offerings all beautifully wrapped in distinguished boxes immersed in quality tissue paper and tied up smartly with a bow usually in a block coloured or festive candy coloured ribbon.

Thankfully, I get my fix of the closest thing to this film version experience at Dublin’s Brown Thomas, the Irish home to Jo Malone London, complete with impeccably dressed and courteous, doormen!

Christmas with Jo Malone:

If you can’t treat yourself or a loved one to a little luxury at Christmas then when can you?!

Jo Malone is the epitomé of indulgence and luxury for me and a highly coveted item year round amongst us beauty lovers.

Ever Wanted to Try Jo Malone but Shied Away?
I’m here to tell you I think this time of year is the perfect chance!

One thing I particularly adore about Christmas is the generous gift sets available in the stores allowing us to try a new brand, re-discover an old fave or try a little something that has been out of our price range previously. The Joy!

These gift sets from Jo Malone will not disappoint with an astounding price point for such quality of offerings from a luxury brand, presented with finesse and wrapped in the signature Jo Malone box – even more excuse to indulgence in some opulence, like we need an excuse eh?!

‘Tis the Season with Jo Malone – and here are some highlights:

Have you tried anything from Jo Malone before? What are some of YOUR favourites?
Mine? I’m quite partial to the colognes in Pomegranate Noir, Blush Suede and Peony, Dark Amber and Ginger Lily, Velvet Rose and Oud and Wood Sage and Sea Salt. The candles are phenomenal too with a magnificent throw and a favourite for Christmastime is the Pine and Eucalyptus Limited Edition scent.

Jo Malone is available in-store and on-line at Brown Thomas Dublin and if visiting in-store, don’t forget to stop awhile and peer at the renowned and highly anticipated Christmas window displays at Brown Thomas, a nostalgic tradition of mine since childhood. 

Thank you as always for stopping by and for reading my blog guys! I hope you are starting to get into the spirit of the season! I know I am!
Until the next post, I’ll love ya & leave ya.

Gail.Xx

Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

*Not sponsored – I just love Brown Thomas and Jo Malone and wanted to share in a Gift Guide/for your info capacity!

FASHION IN DUBLIN: The Launch of Dublin Fashion Festival 2015! #DublinFashion

The Date:
Wednesday 12th July 2015:

The Location:
City Hall, Dublin.

A host of fashion’s finest gathered on a beautiful, balmy summer’s eve at City Hall to celebrate the Official Launch of Dublin Fashion Festival 2015. From high street to Irish Design, we were treated to a show-stopping array of fashion to feast our eyes upon! Truly an event not to be missed and I was delighted to be in attendance.

The Fashion Festival will run from the 7th-13th September 2015 – a full week this year!

City Hall itself is a fine example of Georgian architecture standing tall in the heart of Dublin, with palatial grandeur and stunning design and artistry, from floor to ceiling. I am an avid admirer of this type of architecture having been brought up from a young age to appreciate the architectural prowess involved in it’s structure and indeed its place in Irish history.

The Event:

Upon arrival I got some quick snaps, before mingling. I opted for a classic outfit choice one which I deem chic enough for such an event, yet I was comfortable in – always wear what you’re confident in ladies! I wore head to toe Dunnes Stores and Penneys.

The Face of the Dublin Fashion Festival was revealed and is none other than the lovely Pippa O’Connor-Ormond!

The entrance hall was bustling upon arrival with an array of faces from the world of fashion.

Moving into the main hall it was a bustling hub of activity with a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement in the air! I mingled and met some lovely people who I’d only “known” on-line. It’s always refreshing to actually meet face to face!

Emma O’Farrell was covering the event for Outfit Connector.

Image courtesy of Emma O’Farrell.

CEO of Dublin Town Richard Guiney was first up to speak with a welcoming speech and introduction to the concept of DFF.

Next up was Clyde Carroll who is the front man for Dublin Fashion Festival. Clyde spoke of the aim of DFF:

We aim to bring people back into the city to shop and socialise again. – Clyde Carroll

Clyde also humbly thanked his team who pulled off such a huge undertaking and all of the sponsors of the festival.

Last but by no means least was The Face of the festival herself, Pippa O’Connor – Ormond. Dressed in a chic jumpsuit and killer heels (all courtesy of Arnotts, Dublin), Pippa spoke about her delight at being The Face of the Festival and how honoured she was to have been selected.

Pippa also reminisced about her childhood memories of shopping the streets of Dublin with her mother and that special feeling of sparkle she always felt, especially at Christmas-time, a memory that may have resonated with a lot of us who grew up shopping in Dublin at Christmas, I know it did with me!
The city for me, always took on a magical, fairytale-esque vibe to it at Christmas…and still does to this day. It is truly special.

The Show:

The fashion show was a dynamic and delightful whirlwind of: 70’s Glam, Boho Chic, feathers, sequins, capes, monochrome, chunky sky-high heels, leather and lace. Autumnal colours of burnt orange, mustard, plum, red and green were sprinkled throughout the collections, with various shades of white taking centre stage amongst some of the collections.

The silhouettes of each outfit blended seamlessly, beautifully showcasing the latest offerings from the high street to Irish Design.

Monochrome dress: Oasis.

Designers carried within such stores as Brown Thomas, BT2, St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Arnotts, Powerscourt Centre, Debenhams, the Ilac and Jervis Shopping Centres, were showcased, along with looks from high street favourites Penneys, River Island, and Dunnes Stores to name just a few!

KYMAÏA: If you’ve read my Emergence Exhibition Launch and Fashion Show post, you’ll have seen a preview of the stunning collection from the Kabira Allain – KYMAÏA label.

KYMAÏA: The Lily Dress and Cala Cape.

KYMAÏA: The Bryony Coat, Iris Top & Lila Black Leather Skirt.

Image courtesy of Emma O’Farrell.

Image courtesy of Emma O’Farrell.

Suit-ably Stylish!

Impeccable men’s suits featured strongly in the show including designers such as Louis Copeland.

This dress from Coast is stunning and is a standout look for me. The neutral colour scheme is sophisticated and the movement of the dress is über feminine, just look at that swish!

Canon who are one of the sponsors of the event, were on hand providing complimentary snaps to guests and being a lover of photography, I’m thrilled with my keepsake!

Upon leaving, guests were gifted with a goodie bag and invited to The Meeting House for drinks.

A big thank you goes to Clyde Carroll, Daniel Fortes, and all of the DFF and Dublin Town teams, Jules Fallon, Elevate PR, and everyone else involved in the production of this stellar event. I can’t wait for Fashion Week!

Check out my Twitter @DublinGail AND for EXCLUSIVE video content from the show: check out my Instagram @littlegforce and the GlamForce Blog by Gail O’Connor Facebook page. If you LIKE what I do, why not give me a follow or a LIKE whilst you’re over there!

I hope you enjoyed this post guys, thanks for stopping by!

Until next time, I’ll love ya & leave ya!

Gail. Xx

Images © Gail O’Connor.
Thanks to Emma O’Farrell for permission to use a few of her shots.
Dublin Fashion Festival Logo images via Dublin Fashion.
KYMAÏA pics via KYMAÏA FB page courtesy of DFF & Louise Rawlins.
Shout out to my photographer friend and fellow blogger Damien Broderick for our impromptu photo shoot!

Models: 1st Option Models.
Hair & Make-up: Toni & Guy
Food: San Lorenzos.
Drinks: The Meeting House.
Event sponsors: Evoke.ie, Canon, Luas, CityJet, Naked Coconut Water, Toni & Guy, 98FM and Dublin City Council.

LAST MINUTE Christmas Gift Guide for HER – The LUXURY Round Up!

Like it or not people Christmas is upon us and if you’re like me and love everything Christmassy, you’re probably in the throes of gearing up for the the most wonderful time of the year!

I’ve made my list and checked it twice. Have you?!

If not, or if the thoughts of treading the streets for gifts, fills you with dread fear not, because I’ve done all the hard work for you! Below is my last minute gift guide from main presents to stocking fillers, my gift guide has got you covered.

First up:Who doesn’t love a bit of Bobbi Brown makeup?! The new Holiday Collection 2014 Gift Sets are sure to go down a treat this Christmas!

If you can’t splurge a little at Christmas then when can you?!
If you’ve got the funds then go for it, if not stick it on your Christmas wishlist and drop TONS of hints! And remember, subtlety is your friend people!

Bobbi Brown Holiday Collection 2014 Gift Sets.

The Plaid Scarf: A huge trend right now!
Linea at House of Fraser.

Pretty Day Planners: Kate Spade. Now available at Brown Thomas!

Makeup Brushes: I highly recommend these Blank Canvas brushes for any makeup lover!

The Body Shop: Gift Sets. Who doesn’t love The Body Shop?!

Benefit: Gift Sets. The best way to try all things Benefit if you’re a newbie to the brand. Bonus: they’re perfect for travelling!

Ugg Boots: The Ultimate in comfort! Available from House of Fraser, Brown Thomas and various other stores.

The Designer Welly! Michael Kors. If you’ve the budget to splurge on a present, these are pretty fab!