The summer shoe bonanza...

Hey Everybody, 

I don't know about you but the recent change in weather is panicking me as I suddenly realised 'I don't have my summer wardrobe ready!' More important than that, i haven't got a sandal to my name. Those of you who know me , know I'm an ankle boot kinda gal and I love a bit of platform. Ideal for winter, not so much for summer.

So, I scoured the net and lusted over about 100 pairs til I finally found , in my opinion the ultimate summer shoes and there's something in there for everybody :)

1) The Gladiator sandal. 

It makes it's glorious return and knows no bounds, channel your inner Russell Crowe.  I'd team these fab Topshop ones with a denim skirt and a loose tee for a relaxed summer feel.

2) The Seventies wedge.

Since the 70's has made a triumphant return, i felt it only right to throw a 70's wedge into the mix. Wedges are surprisingly comfy and are a very easy way to instantly lengthen your legs as well as looking summery and stylish. Win win. I love this Topshop pair. Wear with flares if you're brave enough ;)

3) The Caged heel.

Lets face it, love her loathe her, we have Kimmy K to thank for the soar in popularity with these heels. Every girl (girly or not) should own a pair of. Dress them up with a pencil skirt/dress or down with a pair of ripped jeans. And just cause it's summer , these blue Zara pair are a perfect alternative to black.

4) The Stan Smith.

Due to their massive comeback, look to these when choosing your summer sneaker. Their popularity continues, with people wearing them with all different types of outfits. They're a comfy yet stylish alternative to a shoe and the white colourway keeps them looking summery. Wear with light tailored trousers or a simple over sized tshirt dress with white socks.

5) The Metallic Brogue.

I'm a sucker for a brogue and these ones are my current faves. The platform sole and the colour makes them dressier than an average black and gives some length to your legs. Team these Zara Beauts with a pair of culottes and a crisp white shirt for a minimal summer feel.

6) The Peep Toe Platform.

If you're into a slightly grungier style and find it hard to find a shoe that is a bit less girly to team with your look, look no further than these beauty's from Public Desire. Wear them with anything and everything to give your look a bit of edge.

7)The Platform Slider.

Remember the confusion that swept the nation last summer when Birkenstocks actually became cool to wear? Well that craze hasn't gone away just yet, and with so many high street retailers offering nicer alternatives it makes them so easy to wear. These Public Desire pair are perfect for summer holidays and the poolside.

I can't cope........ No actually i can.

This blog post is going to be slightly different because it's regarding an issue that's quite close to my heart.

I don't know how many times a day i say 'I can't cope' or send and 'ugh' to my boyfriend in a text message and quite frankly , it's getting exhausting.

Mental health used to be a taboo kind of a topic but the more i'm learning about it , the more i realise how many people are suffering with anxiety and depression and overall are just stressed. Don't get me wrong i love a moan , (don't we all) but i'm slowly realising how much it's draining me.

Speaking from a personal note, i find myself being negative quite a lot and over the most silly things like my inability to get into an exercise habit or not having time to do my college work, having to work on Sundays (absolute pet hate) and not getting to spend time with my favourite people more.


Now the easy way to react to this is to play the pity party, feel sorry for yourself , moan , eat , watch the most random crap on Netflix, sit on your bed while you torture yourself looking at how ''Everybody's life is easier and more fun than yours", well the truth is that it's not , and looking through everybody's Instagram pictures of their perfect lives is not what it seems.

Instagram , Facebook , Tumblr are THE WORST things to look at when you're feeling down about yourself, you end up on some random Victorias Secret models page and you're looking at pictures of their lives and comparing it to yours. Not to mention the people you know but only from Instagram, we all do it and i'll be the first to put my hand up and say i've definitely wasted precious time comparing myself to other girls i see on Instagram who are most probably doing the same thing. It's a vicious circle, it's unrealistic and it is certainly not good for you.

So as of right now i've decided to put a stop to it. Thinking negative thoughts attracts negative attention therefore thinking positively must attract positive attention right?

I'm going to try my upmost best to make the  best of my day because , without sounding like a cheeseball, i don't know what will happen tomorrow and being a a moany negative hun certainly isn't doing me any favours.

To put it bluntly , Shit happens but it's how we deal with it that makes us who we are so if you're feeling down or stressed and it's affecting you to the point of eating your fourth Chinese of the week , talk to somebody, go for a light jog (or a walk if you're me ), listen to your favourite song and do not let it control your life because nobody likes a whiner.  :) X

New Year.... Fab face

Hi everybody ,

 hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years , I've been so busy working and doing assignments that I've neglected you all for the past while but I'm back now so you can stop freaking out. ;)

Have you ever looked at some body's makeup while you Instagram stalk (don't pretend that you don't) or in person and think it is incredible but you can't pinpoint exactly what it is that's making it look so nice? Over the past few years working in makeup I've really learned that it's the little things that make the biggest difference in a persons makeup so hopefully my next few tips will help to tweak your makeup and give it that something extra.


Number 1)...... Hilight the absolute life out of your cheekbones.

The best product to ever exist in my opinion. I always remember looking at peoples skin and wondering why it looked so glowy and fresh and wondering why my skin looked so dull in comparison. The answer.... hilighter. If you're hungover and your skin is dehydrated from drinking and you have to actually get up and function and look somewhat human . the answer... hilighter. (Sensing a pattern here?). Dab a little (or a lot) onto the top of your cheek bone and across your cheek, down your nose and in the tear ducts of your eyes to brighten them and it's an instant remedy for dull skin.

My faves: 

 

(Left to right, MAC Cream colour base in Pearl, MAC Cream colour base in Hush and Charlotte Tilbury Hilight and Sculpt powder.)


Number 2) .... Liquid liner (VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT)

Now, for those of you that know me (i can hear all the MAC girls laughing at this as i write it, especially Jenni) , i never ever ever or very rarely leave the house without my signature winged liner and truth be told, the reason why is because it makes you look more awake It's the one thing that totally transforms an eye shape. If you're using one in a pot , you need the right brush to go with it and i use an angled brush to get it really precise. LINER QUEEN FOREVER!

My faves :




(Inglot gel liner in #77 is my favourite because it's so black and it doesn't budge)


Number 3).... The right nude lippie.

I love me a good lipstick and it's definitely something i don't leave my house without. If you find the right one that suits your complexion you'll wear it for the rest of your life. Once you have a good nude on , you can wear your eyes as dramatic as you want. I feel like lipstick is one of those things you can't have enough of but 'The One' is hard to come by. I've been lucky enough to find a few 'The ones' and i love them all for different reasons. Nudes come in shades like light pinks, peaches , beige's and light browns so go in and try a few on to be sure to be suuuure.

My faves: 




 

(Top row left to right , MAC Shy girl, Kinda sexy, Peachstock. Bottom row , Velvet teddy, Creme cup.)


Number 4)... The right liner to go with aforementioned lippie (GO AWAY KYLIE JENNER.)

. Once you've found the right nude lipstick that you love , you need to go for a lip liner to match it, it will act as a barrier between your lips and your skin and define the lip  line more. If you colour in your lips with the liner and put your lipstick on over it , it will stay on longer and the colour of your lipstick will be more intense. I feel like it gives your makeup a more professional finish , just don't apply it while you're in the car, steady hand required.

My faves:
 





(Top row left to right, MAC Soar , Plum, Stripdown. Bottom row, Whirl, Stone.)

Number 5) .... Good Eyebrows are key.

Ever the controversial body part, good brows are extremely hard to come by , but the ones that are done properly are the people who's makeup looks the nicest. Once you master a good brow, you're ready to take on the world (or at least the day.) My advice to you on this subject is, go into a makeup counter you like and trust, ask somebody who knows their shizz and find out once and for all what you need to make your brows the best they can be. I normally just put some shadow in mine for some definition but there are a lot of good affordable pencils out there too.

My faves:


(Mac Lingering eyebrow crayon, Spiked brow crayon, Brun eyeshadow, Deep brunette eyebrow gel).




I know personally, mastering all of these things is what helps my makeup look nice so i hope it helps you too. Go fourth and be Hun.

Love Ciara :)

x

One huns guide to feeling festive when you're no longer a child.

Hey Everybody,

I've decided to park the beauty and fashion for this one because it's a special time right now and i'm finding it somewhat difficult to feel festive (my fellow retail peeps i feel you). I know this time ten years ago i'd be on a totally opposite buzz but i think we need that feeling back.

I've compiled a list of a few things i think we all need to feel festive and christmassy so lets get back on the buzz everybody? Just me? ... OK cool.

• Buy a Candy Cane latte from Bewleys

I'm all for a fancy hot beverage because let's face it, plain coffees are boring. But this one from Bewleys literally is Christmas in a cup. I don't know how they make it and i don't want to because the mystery is all the more appealing. If you're on your lunch on Grafton Street or you're just shopping , please just get one. I promise it's worth it.

• Watch Christmas films.

Now this one is clearly a given, you know you all don't need to be told. Have a movie night and watch both Home Alone movies. Love Actually, Elf, Muppet Christmas Carol (yes i said Muppets), Miracle on 34th Street. It's the most effective way of feeling festive.  "KEVIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!"

• Sample the atmosphere.

If you work in retail like me and you're sick of shops, try go into town just one evening and take a look at the Grafton Street lights, The Brown Thomas windows and head down to the Dublin Docklands Christmas market which starts the 13th of this month. The hot apple cider is amazing and the atmosphere is so cosy. You could also go to see Peter Pan in The Gaeity but maybe have a child in tow just incase.....

• Buy a Christmas themed Yankee candle.

Yankee Candles are life. Especially the giant ones. I genuinely get so excited smelling all the different ones when i go into the shop. The Christmas ones are heavenly ( Fireside treats, snowflake cookie, Christmas cupcake, marshmallow, cinnamon , sugared apple). Go buy them all, your mam will love you. When i find the giant one's on sale (cough hickeys pharmacy cough) i feel like i've achieved something in life. 

• Go ice-skating.

Who cares if you're like Bambi, just go and make a show of yourself clinging to the side of the rink being terrified of the little children that suddenly become like pros everytime there's a rink in the city centre and whizz around you terrifyingly. It's gas and it's festive. 

If anybody has skated in the rink in the picture below, i hate you.

• Listen to Christmas FM.

On your way to work, download the app or listen in your car. "Its the most wonderful time of the yeaaaaaaaar". Who cares if you have to listen to them in work, don't be a scrooge. 

94.3 , do it!

• Wear glitter.

As i've said before, glitter is fab when worn properly. Be in in your clothes or your makeup it's the only time you can without looking like you're trying to be Elsa from Frozen. If you're wearing it on your eyes, keep in on your eyelid and put it on over something sticky so it will stay on. I normally dab a tiny bit of Duo glue on my eyelid and put the glitter on over.

• Wrap your presents yourself.

None of this gift bag malarkey, wrapping presents while listening to a few Christmas songs will 100% get you in the Christmas spirit and even if they're wrapped badly, at least you tried right?

If none of these fun activities work for you, I'm afraid there's no hope for you and you should no longer take part in Christmas (But of course they will because my ideas were fantastic and brilliant.)

XXX

My favourite hobby...Online shopping.

Hey huns,

Im sure you have all noticed over the past few years clothes shopping has changed from trawling through rails, to sitting at home with a cup of tea and opening up the laptop (or using your smart phone) , -i tend to use the laptop because i find it far more exciting to see my purchases on the big screen and just browsing away to your hearts content.

Online shopping is bigger than ever and the excitement  i feel when i hear the doorbell and I'm still in bed, open the curtain slightly, see that yellow DHL van or my UPS delivery man who knows me by name and leg it downstairs to see my new goods. It's almost as good as Christmas. Almost.

I find that shopping online is therapeutic and there's a vast shopping world out there that needs to be explored. Clothes that you'd never in your wildest dreams find walking up and down Henry Street.

So if you're struggling for your Christmas party outfit or you're just sick of walking into Topshop and seeing the same stock over again and looking the same as every girl out there , here are my top websites to shop on.

1)   Nasty gal.

http://www.nastygal.com/

This is the holy grail of websites, now opened it's own shop in LA, is by far my favourite website of all time ever. Stocking everything you need to stand out and look amazing at the same time. It varies from very expensive to moderately priced but it's so so worth it.

They tend to break my heart from time to time when i get charged customs at the door but we wont speak about that.

Make sure you turn the currency on the page to whatever is your chosen currency to avoid confusion.

2) Missguided

http://www.missguided.eu/clothing


If you haven't already heard of missguided where have you been living? Its the best website for the cheaper option. If you want a really nice outfit that you know you'll only wear once and you don't have all the money in the world this site is my go to. I have to admit their shoe selection is amazing as well as their accessories.

Please note just like Nasty Gal and most other sites, the models are not your average girl so try be realistic when you order tiny dresses and killer heels.

3) Motel Rocks

http://www.motelrocks.com/

This website i never really bothered with until i actually saw them featured on Nasty Gal, and once you know it's on that site it's a sure winner. I love this website again for their price range and they have some amazing co-ordinates. Like missguided they have a lot of stock similar to the high street but they put a more funky twist on their clothes. Perfect for outfits over Christmas and perhaps an aul New Years Eve number.

Priced in sterling so easy to work out and it's really fast shipping!

4)Wasteland

http://www.shopwasteland.com/

This website has a similar layout to Nasty Gal and similar styling. As far as i'm aware it's Australian but they stock a good few brands like Jeffrey Campbell and Unif. This isn't expensive at all compared to your average high street brands and the stock is so unique. It's especially amazing towards the summer with all of their festival style clothing. 

I always find great styling tips on these sort of websites and great ideas on how to out outfits together.

5)MyMumMadeIt.

http://www.mymummadeit.net/

This website is slightly smaller but the clothes are so beautifully displayed it's so hard to not look at every item on the entire site. It's a great website for a more casual look but you could certainly dress their items up. The price point is so amazing as the clothes look way more expensive and they have amazing basics.

All the stock is originally designed so you 100% wont catch another website selling the same thing. They're also a very minimalistic style so if you prefer a more understated look you need to check this out.

6) Monki

http://www.monki.com/

One of my personal faves at the moment. It is the same company as H&M so as you can imagine their price points are amazing.  I know they're featured on ASOS aswell but it's not as much stock as the website has. Monki is huge in Asia and it's slowly taking over Europe. Perfect for occasion wear and more casual wear.

I find the clothing quite big fitting and oversized so keep note to order a size down.

These are all my currant faves for something that bit different but i want to add a few more tips to avoid any upset or trauma upon your beloved order.

Track it. 

Websites will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number so keep an eye on its delivery to avoid it ending up in South Africa.

Be aware of customs.

The customs will get you, especially outside of the EU, it's painful but necessary. So when the delivery man knocks on the door, have some cash on you just incase.

Check size guidelines.

Make sure you check the sizing on each website, American shoe sizes are different to UK sizes and a small in some clothes could be a UK 10 and the extra small could be an 8 so please check.

Send it back.

If it doesn't fit you, please wrap it up nicely and send it back. Most places send you the details in the package plus the address to send it back to and you'll get a full refund.

aaaaand remember...

The likes of Topshop and Zara have more stock on their website so i always check the sites as well as the actual shops because i know they have more to offer.

Happy Shopping :)

xxx

Christmas must haves according to a hun.

Okay so, if you're like me and as soon as pay day hits you already have a list as long as your arm of things that you wanna buy that you've seen throughout the month and you add up how much things will cost and the conversation in your head (well mine anyway)

"K so i have 600 euro for two weeks seen shoes in topshop and i need a new coat and i need an outfit for my Christmas party and i need new foundation and maybe new lipstick , so all that comes to 400 euro so i can 100% live off 200 euro for the rest of the month can't i?"

NO, NO YOU CANT.

I'm trying to teach myself how to budget and just buy a couple of things that will last me the winter season and not to buy things on a whim. (I am the biggest impulse buyer ever.) So here's my list of what i think you need to get you through winter time and still have money to actually buy your lunch in marks&spencer and not raid your kitchen at home looking for your pot noodle to bring into work the next day to "save you a few quid".

Christmas must haves

1) The party shoe. (which , in my opinion has to be the fluffy shoe.)

Carrie Bradshaw /90's eat your heart out. These are so cute and so dressy. Wear them with leather trousers, dresses, skinny jeans , culottes, hell even wear them with your Penny's pyjamas. My fave shoe of the season. Festive and fun.

These two are from Missguided (left) and Topshop (right).




2) The statement runner

I have a new found love for cool runners (thanks to my bf cause he has the best collection ever) but i think they can totally funk up your average daily outfit and they're so comfy. It's actually okay to wear Adidas Stan Smiths again. Who would have thought?

If you check out the unbelievable Brown Thomas Marvel room (full of stuff i can't afford bar these unreal runners.)Mary Katranzou for Adidas is a fab (and affordable) funky runner that will help you look so stylish aswell as keep you comfortable and will help jazz up your outfit if you don't feel like dressing up.




3) The Bold Lip. 

Makeup again so it is. Even though i love fashion ,gorgeous makeup is vital if you want the whole look and it doesn't get more statement than a bold vampy lipstick. Good lipliner is necessary with this as it will hold it on longer.

There's so many to choose from but if i had to pick (you obviously all know i'm going to say MAC suprise suprise)

  

(L TO R) MAC Diva lipstick , MAC Rebel lipstick & MAC Heroine lipstick. All to be accompanied with either Nightmoth or Currant lipliner.


      


4) The leather trousers.

Sadly i have not found my perfect pair just yet due to lack of funds and the sheer effort it takes to get them on in a fitting room (Ross from friends moment anyone?). However it has to be said that they're such a wearable item to have because they go with almost anything. They're almost a more glam black skinny jean. So go fourth and search until you find a pair that you can actually sit down in (firstly) and make you look like Catwoman (secondly). Priorities please.





5) The Fur.

Winter is the best time for fur and it also adds so much to your outerwear such as your standard black coat or your ancient leather jacket. Personally this year i like the ones you can get in brighter colours because i always wear black and they add a touch of excitement to my outfit but a classic black one is also a must.

I love this one from River Island.



6)The Sparkly Eyeshadow

Like i said in my very first post, i loooove glitter as much as Elsa from Frozen but it can be tricky to wear without looking like a ten year old. I absolutely adore MAC pressed pigments especially in ''Blonde Streak''. It's a gorgeous pale silvery gold with reflects glitter really finely pressed into the shadow. I normally just use it on my lid and do all my blending with matte colours like Cork and Brown Down in your socket line. Please always leave shimmer to the eyelid only.

(Pictures do this no justice, you have to see it to appreciate it)




7)The Chunky knit

This is my ultimate favourite lazy outfit. Be it a jumper or a dress , it is the easiest and most cosy outfit you will find. Ideal for cold mornings and generally going about your daily business. I especially love the high necked ones because i don't have to worry about fake tan. Even better is if you buy one from the mens section and pair it with your leather trousers you'll look extra glam and feel extra snug.





8) The Dressy Top

I always find when i'm going somewhere that's classed 'dressy casual' i'm like "what does that even mean??" and i always go for chunky boots, either black leather trousers or skinnies and i'm always , without fail , stuck for a top to wear. Well being the festive season and all, you cant go wrong with a shimmery (i said shimmer not sequins, there's a difference) top. It just makes your outfit that little bit dressier and there's so many to choose from at the moment.  Who even invented the term dressy casual anyway?

I'm loving this one from Folkster.





9) The statement earring.

This one is perfect if you're like me and your wardrobe is black, black and more black because it's a quick update to a simple enough outfit especially if your hair is up. Throw it in a messy bun and then your earrings will really stand out. Be careful when you're shaking all over the club to Beyonce as it may get caught in somebodys outfit. (I'm speaking from experience).





10) The Camel Coat.

This is one of those things that when you wear it, you just look rich. In winter , your outerwear is your most important because it's what people see the most. It's important to invest in a good coat and what's more glam than a camel coat.You can swan up and down the street thinking you're fab. The longer the better and also (the warmer). Throw it on over anything and you're good to go.