NEW in Fashion: #HOFSS16 Discover New Season Style From The Brands at House of Fraser.

#HOF House of Fraser SS16 Press Preview Morrison Hotel Dublin Ireland

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With the promise of a heatwave here in Ireland, salute the arrival of summer with the SS16 Collection from House of Fraser!

I am in the process of making a concise list of key, classic pieces that I want to add to my capsule wardrobe for summer and an invitation to the House of Fraser SS16 Press Preview more than delivered.

The Event: House of Fraser SS16 Press Preview.

The Date: March 2nd 2016

The Location: The Morrison hotel, Dublin.

The Collection Overview:

Capsule pieces, practicality for the workplace, weekend wear, travel essentials – all are catered for in this stunning collection. Leather, lace, suede, print, all feature highly with neutrals playing an integral part in this playful and practical collection from House of Fraser.

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Swimwear: includes new addition Sea Folly!

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New Additions at House of Fraser!

Home to many well known and well loved labels such as Biba and Linea, exciting new additions such as Kenneth Cole and Sea Folly have made House of Fraser their home just in time for summer!

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My TOP Picks!

From basic wardrobe staple pieces to key summer essentials, these are my top picks from the Press Preview.

Biba:

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Linea:

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I hope you saw some summer staples for your wardrobe in this post from House of Fraser and if so, tell me what!</strong

Thanks for stopping by guys!

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

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

COS SS16 Style Collection Press Preview, Kerlin Gallery, Dublin

COS SS16 Style Collection Press Preview, Kerlin Gallery, Dublin.

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

COS SS16 Style Collection Press Preview, Kerlin Gallery, Dublin

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.

COS SS16 Style Collection Press Preview, Kerlin Gallery, Dublin.

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.

COS SS16 Style Collection Press Preview, Kerlin Gallery,  Dublin.

The Overview:

Celebrating Essentials and Reinterpreting Calm at COS This Season.

COS SS16 Style Collection Press Preview,  Kerlin Gallery, Dublin.

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…

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Organic Oragami Approach.

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

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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.

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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!

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The Accessories:

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Knotted leather sandals in grey or white.

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

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{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.

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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.

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BEAUTY ALERT! The Debenhams Beauty Christmas – Press Preview! #DebsBeautyBuzz

Debenhams Christmas Beauty Press Preview 2015

Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015 #DebsBeautyBuzz

A Winter Wonderland…of Beauty!

With the Christmas festivities right around the corner, (yes folks I said the C word), the stores are prepping for the unveiling of their Christmas releases.

That said, can you imagine my excitement when an invitation hit my inbox, to preview some exciting new beauty releases just in time for the upcoming festive shopping period?!

The Event:

The Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview. #DebsBeautyBuzz

The Date:
Wednesday October 20th 2015.

The Location: The Pillar Room, Rotunda, Dublin.

Debenhams went all out with the Winter Wonderland theme. Warm, welcoming hues came from the rooms decor and the candlelight flickered and danced around the room. What Winter Wonderland would be complete without an ‘icy feel‘? This came courtesy of blue lighting which softly illuminated the room from white feathered lamps and strategic ceiling lighting. All the while Michael Bublé crooned and Christmas tunes swelled from the sound system.

Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

Prosecco flowed and glimmers of sparkle came from an array of silver glitter balls which adorned the room adding to the Winter Wonderland theme.

The scene was set and the Christmas cheer was in abundance!

Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

The Products:

Awaiting guests perusal was a plethora of offerings from various brands, spaciously and beautifully showcased all conveniently located under one roof – Debenhams.

Emma Hardie skincare #DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

YSL was well represented with fragrance, make-up and skin care offerings!

Just look at the colours of these lipsticks! Each one…stunning. The ‘kiss’ packaging of the Love Edition Palette is über cute, flirty and fun! Don’t you just love?!

YSL Christmas Makeup Collection #DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

The new Black Opium fragrance is simply gorgeous. The scent is completely different in the bottle than it is on contact with the skin. From a sweeter tone in the bottle, upon wearing, it takes on a fresher, darker note courtesy of the addition of coffee. Yep, coffee! Best not replace it for your Starbucks though eh…?!

The YSL Youth Liberator Serum. I have heard unreal things about this entire skincare line especially the serum – and it comes highly recommended to me, so might be one to try out guys. I know it’s on my list!

YSL Youth Liberator and Black Opium perfume. #DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

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The Kissing Station?!

Too Faced Cosmetics Melted Lipstick Kissing Station at Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

TooFaced Cosmetics surprised guests with a super cute Kissing Station at the event.

Guests were invited to pick a colour shade from the Melted Lipstick range and kiss a piece of card which was then framed as a memento from the event.
A genius marketing move…and I loved it!

Too Faced Cosmetics Melted Lipstick Kissing Station at Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

Urban Decay: Vice 4 Palette:

The palettes from Urban Decay have legendary status amongst makeup lovers with everyone having an opinion and a favourite Naked palette, mine being the original Naked (although the smoky looks wicked).

The next palette release from Urban Decay is part of the Vice series and is the Vice 4 palette which when swatched reveals beautiful shades that I didn’t think would be very wearable but are in fact incredible and will suit all eye colours! An example of this, is the bottom two on the left, I loved these two mixed when I swatched them on the night!

As always with an Urban Decay release, there’s huge excitement surrounding this palette. Icing on the cake? There’s not long to wait guys as this beaut is available from TOMORROW, 28th October 2015.

Urban Decay VICE 4 Palette #DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

Vita Liberata:

This brand needs no introduction to those who are die hard lovers of fake tan. However, this new product is the talk of the beauty town and you need to know about it!

Trystal Bronzer by Vita Liberata:

The Claim:

A bronzer that gradually tans your face, as you use it?! Whaaat?

You heard right!

This mineral bronzer adds coverage, warmth and everything a regular bronzer will do but this new technology that claims to gradually tan the skin, has me intrigued and as a bronzer fiend, I need to get my hands on this and try it out, a.s.a.p! Can you tell I’m excited about this product? The possibilities…

#DebsBeautyBuzz Vita Liberata: Trystal Bronzer Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

#DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

#DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

#DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

#DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

#DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

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24 Days of Happiness from The Body Shop? Yes please!

This “Countdown to Christmas” box-set would make a fabulous gift for lovers of The Body Shop or an introductory gift to this brand, especially for a work Kris Kindle (price permitting) as the recipient can actually countdown to Christmas each day!

The Body Shop Christmas Set 24 Days of Happiness. #DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015.

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GlamGlow at #DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

Marc Jacobs – Decadence perfume for Women:

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the design of this latest fragrance offering from Marc Jacobs?! A handbag for your handbag ladies! Swoon!

Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015. Marc Jacobs Decadence Perfume for Women

Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015. Marc Jacobs Decadence Perfume for Women

#DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015

#DebsBeautyBuzz Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview 2015 - Blogger and Beauty Writer Gail O'Connor with Bloggers Grace Mongey and Rosie Connolly
With fellow bloggers Grace Mongey and Rosie Connolly at the Debenhams Beauty Christmas Press Preview event.

Tell me guys, has anything taken your fancy and made it onto your Christmas list? Let me know in the comments! I literally coveted everything…Debenhams does it again!

Massive thanks to Emma Cunningham for the invitation, the entire Debenhams team and all of the individual brand reps that were so informative on the night!

I hope you enjoyed this little beauty babble and thanks for stopping by guys!

Gail. Xx
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.

FASHION TRENDS: The Preview of House of Fraser Autumn/Winter Fashion 2015!

House of Fraser AW 2015 Press Preview

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The Date: Wednesday 19th August 2015:

Wednesday saw me dashing about town dodging heavy downpours, umbrella in one hand, shades in the other. It could have been an Autumn day except for the sticky heat. Summer in Dublin…

The weather was fitting however as I was attending the House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview in the Dean Hotel, Dublin.

The Event:

I met with some of my blogger possë Lorna and Mei Ling and excitedly entered the venue.

Upon arrival we were greeted with Prosecco and given the low-down on the collection.

I browsed the room, scoping out my favourite labels and lusting after several pieces.

The Overview:

The in-house collections from House of Fraser collectively consist of “Weekend style”, classic separates, print, leather, embellished pieces and suede, these are some of this seasons latest trends and representation of such is maximised in each label. Silhouettes are stream-lined and clean in collections such as that from Linea.

Amongst the collection you will find pussy-bow blouses, cigarette trousers, blazers/jackets, cosy knits, embellished dresses and tops, coats adorned with panels of leather, ankle boots, and a vast assortment of handbags  – all in a palette of pastels and classic fall colours such as, rust, plum, green, merlot and camel – with winter favourite black never too far away.

A vast contrast of textures and colours, to delve into this Autumn/Winter – sure to please even the fussiest of shoppers amongst us, courtesy of House of Fraser!

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The Preview:

BIBA:

These particular pieces from BIBA (below) are actually exclusive to the Dundrum House of Fraser store!

BIBA Exclusive for House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview in Dublin

BIBA Exclusive for House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview in Dublin

My Biba Wishlist Pieces:

BIBA Exclusive for House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview in Dublin

BIBA Exclusive for House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview in Dublin

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My Label Lab Wishlist Piece: The Waterfall Leather Jacketstandout piece for me!

Label Lab Leather Waterfall Jacket at House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview in Dublin

Linea Weekend:

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My Linea Wishlist Piece: This is reminiscent of the iconic Chanel jacket, a feminine yet versatile piece that can be dressed down paired with a tank top, heels and skinny jeans for a brunch date or dressed up paired with cigarette cropped trousers or a leather skirt – hence I love it.

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Linea:

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My Linea Wishlist Piece: The cosy, sleeveless, long-line waistcoat. Perfect for work or play!

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Another BIBA Wishlist Piece: Blue snakeskin-effect trousers.

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Another favourite was this:

Suede A-line Pale Grey Skirt.

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Excess Baggage? No. Such. Thing.

With aforementioned autumnal hues such as plum, tan, merlot and raspberry featuring strongly throughout the AW2015 collections as well as monochrome, metallic and classic black, accessories and handbags are treated to the same colour palette.

Some of my TOP picks:

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The Blue Room:

Spaciously arranged, allowing attendees to peruse the collection at their leisure.

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The Outfit:

I am loving these platform-esque plimsole type shoes at the moment, casual yet smart and still giving me added height…yes please!

I love this ensemblé, the monochrome from head to toe, never goes out of style and I will definitely be recycling this look. My version and a modern take on power dressing! I got so many compliments on it too!

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A Haven for Homeware!

Not only were we treated to a preview from their in-house clothing collections, we were also treated to a sneaky peek at the new homewares pieces available for the coming seasons! Spoilt.

House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview Homewares

House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview Homewares

House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview Homewares

House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview Homewares

House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview Homewares

House of Fraser AW2015 Press Preview Homewares

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The collection is rolling out in stores at the moment and over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out in House of Fraser for your favourite pieces!

Massive thanks to Kenneth, Jessica, Natalia and all of the House of Fraser Team for their invitation and hospitality at the event.
The first of many I hope!

Thanks goes to the staff of the Dean Hotel also.

I hope you enjoyed this sneak preview post of what’s to come this Autumn/Winter from House of Fraser!

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

Gail. Xx

Photography & words: Gail O’Connor.

SHOP the Looks: House of Fraser