FARAWAY PLACES | TROUBLE FREE TOWELS FROM TESALATE

If you’re anything like me then the long and seemingly never-ending spell of cold weather has got you browsing the internet looking for holidays while happily dreaming of warmer climes and mocktails on the beach… 

It’s official - I am now counting down the days until vacay-time and can’t wait to hit a golden, sandy beach! My little one V loves long days on the beach and we can often be found playing games and dipping in and out of the sea throughout the day when on holiday.  

However one of my pet peeves when spending a day frolicking by the seal is sand - sand and I have a kinda love/hate relationship - I love the feel of it beneath my feet and one of my favourite things to do on holiday is to watch the sunset on the beach, however, I hate how everything in your bag ends up covered in sand – especially when you have little ones who seem to have a knack for getting sand everywhere! 

So when Austrailian brand Tesalate kindly sent me two of their sand repelling towels for me and V to use on our holidays my beach-tote packing certainly stepped up a notch!  

Tesalate towels come in 30 variations and their 2018 collection will keep you totally on trend. They’re loaded with vibrant prints and gorgeous patterns, and look fab spread across the sand, rolled up in a basket bag or draped over a sunbed.  

Not only do they look the part, the other thing that makes Tesalate completely-irresistible is the AbsorbLite microfibre which means sand easily slides off the towel, making them perfect for everyone - even the most active of kids! Oh and if that wasn’t enough, they are also fast-drying too and dry faster than a regular towel (although each towel is still able to absorb one litre of water, meaning no more wet bags or car seats on the journey home - yay!).   

Tesalate is also super light and comes with its own nylon drawstring pouch so you don’t need to worry about it taking up too much space in your bag – meaning there is even more room for those other beach essentials and there is no risk of them getting covered in sand (hallelujah!)  
For fabric care you can either tumble dry on low or do a cold machine wash - without the risk of fading.  

I already have ours packed and ready to go – whether I am lounging by the pool or soaking up some rays at the shore, this is one essential I don’t want to be forgetting! Get yours here:  www.tesalate.com  
 

FACE | GLOW AESTHETICS OPENS

GET THE GLOW!

Whether or not you opt for that extra needle in facial aesthetics in the form of fillers and anti-wrinkle injections (AKA Botox),  the processes are here to stay, but as the industry grows it is important to consider where you have treatments done, and by whom!

This week I got the chance to pop along to the launch of the new GLOW Aesthetics clinic at the Culloden Estate and Spa and met with Emma Kennedy and William Trainor, both experienced hospital nurses who have been working in aesthetics for over a decade.

Their new clinic, located in the sumptuous surroundings of the Culloden spa, offers Teoxane fillers for lips, cheeks and jawline as well as Botox for all the usual areas, should you wish to try it; plus a range of cosmeceutical Treatments to make your skin glow!

And as I always like to try new things that I've not ventured into before, I have decided to give the derma-planing a go, and will report back in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile check out the full treatment and price list here - and quote GLOW20 when booking to get £20 off your first treatment. Whoop! Call 07719326507 to book.

FURNISH | MAVERICK WITH FABRIC

In an era of all-beige and all-white interiors (or, if you’re me, all-grey), Swedish furniture and furnishings experts IKEA have partnered with Savile Row tailor William Hunt to create suits using IKEA textiles and fabric to encourage people to bring their personality and overall sense of style into their home with IKEA products. The really fab suits, (pictured below), are certainly  unique, and have been created using SOFIA, ROSENRIPS, NEDJA and KUNGSLILJA fabrics, which mirror existing products by the retailer including POÄNG chairs, STOCKSUNDT sofas and bedding. 

The Saville Row partnership comes hot on the heels of a new IKEA survey which shows NI as being one of the most confident regions in the UK when it comes to styling at home. In fact, 91% of shoppers in Northern Ireland are confident enough to express their personality in home interiors décor, making us the most confident region of the UK, with London proving to be the least (64%). However, those who were not so confident when it comes to decorating gave reasons such as not knowing how to include colour and patterns in the home that suit their style (64%) and not knowing what is on trend (10%). IKEA is now helping those who are curious about colour and particular about patterns to find out their personal every day style and bring it into their home, simply and affordably, using textiles.

Carol McSeveny, Textiles Leader, IKEA UK & Ireland who started her career in IKEA Belfast said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of people playing it safe when it comes to decorating and furnishing their home. But, when the home can act as a canvas for self-expression, why keep things beige and boring? People use fabric in fashion to show off their personality and we want people to replicate this in their home through textiles.” Carol continued; “We are excited to be working with William Hunt as he is the ultimate “maverick with fabric” and has demonstrated, through the IKEA suits, how textiles can be used to express yourself and your home”

William Hunt said: “I love the idea of people taking fashion and style and embracing it by taking it further into their homes. Our partnership with IKEA is important as we are encouraging the public to push themselves just a little, and to show off their character in their own homes. We create heroes out of ordinary men and women through our suits, and likewise the IKEA suits create heroes out of everyday textiles and furniture”.

If you’d like to take the maverick personality test, and get inspired by IKEA’s textile style feed, including watching the latest clever TV commercial, just visit Be a Maverick with Fabric online. Plus, a limited number of the stunning IKEA X WILLIAM HUNT suits will be available for the public to get their hands via an online competition on the IKEA UK website: www.ikea.com/gb/en/ikea/threepiecesuit     Entrants must simply answer a question about how they express their personality in the home to be in with a chance of winning. #wonderfuleveryday.

FACE | OH LA LOLA!

As I write this there is a glimmer of sunset sunshine resting on the horizon and, being the ever-optimist, I am doing a little sundance and hoping that the never-ending winter may finally be coming to an end (well, a gal can always dream…)

So, as we start to look towards longer (and hopefully warmer) days ahead, I have been revamping my makeup bag with the help of my lovely beauty godmother LOLA by Perses.

LOLA by Perses first came into my radar when I was checking out their website (www.lolamakeup.com) and the pretty NARS-esque packaging caught my eye. A UK-based brand, the cruelty-free beauty line is the brainchild of a creative team of talented British make-up artists who created it with the aim of producing quality makeup at reasonable prices. So when they kindly sent me a few items to try I was more than a little bit excited!

So, without further ado, here are some of the Lola products I have been trying out this month;

LOLA PERFECT SKIN – ILLUMINATING BASE

The Lola primer comes in a small tube – only 15ml - but don’t let the size put you off, as you only need a small amount to cover your entire face. I added a pea sized amount to the back of my hand and the first thing I noticed was the gorgeous velvety texture. It applies easily to the skin and instantly reduces the appearance of any large pores and fine lines – meaning it automatically gets a thumbs up from me!
It also managed to keep my makeup in place all day (even through umpteen meetings and with the heating blasting in the office, which is no mean feat!)-  and it left my skin with a gorgeous subtle glow.
You can also use it as a highlighter making it the perfect multi-purpose product in one tube!

LOLA MATTE LONG LASTING LIQUID FOUNDATION

The LOLA foundation was presented in a lovely frosted glass bottle and when I picked it up I was also pleasantly surprised by the weight – this definitely has the feel of a lovely luxury product so I was very surprised to see that it comes in at under £20!
The built in pump dispenses the correct amount of foundation so you aren’t left with lots of unneeded product, making it one of my favourites to date!

First up, the foundation has a lovely creamy texture and blended into my skin well using a beauty blender sponge. The soft-focus effect visibly reduces imperfections, fine lines and pores giving you an instant ‘gram ready complexion in minutes!
It also has oil-absorbing properties which helps minimise shine – perfect if you suffer from combination or oily skin.

I am extremely impressed by the foundation and it definitely competes with some of my favourites, and I don’t say that lightly! With the buildable coverage I was able to achieve medium coverage without losing the lovely natural finish which I love and it also feels super lightweight so you almost feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all! 

HIGHLIGHTING CONCEALER PEN

After applying my foundation I added this under my eyes to hide any dark circles (that may have appeared following the non-stop business of FASHIONWEEK where sleep was 4 hours pre night max…) and was instantly impressed. This liquid concealer was extremely light and blended flawlessly. Pearl-coated pigments left my skin glowing and the cream melted into my skin effortlessly. It is also perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

LOLA LONG LASTING INTENSE COLOUR LIP GLOSS

I am a big fan of lip gloss – especially in the summer, so I couldn’t wait to try these. I tried colours rose pink, pink shimmer and rose.
All of the glosses were highly pigmented and had long lasting water-shine; they also didn’t feel sticky on the lips, which I liked. All of these colours are tones I would normally wear and came up as soft feminine shades (The rose pink gloss had a gorgeous salmon pink hue, whilst the pink shimmer was a lovely peach tone – perfect for your holidays and lastly the rose was a subtle nude tone with high shine - great for everyday wear).
The glosses also contain hydrating Hyaluronic Acid which works in combination with an active vitamin complex to help condition lips and give a plumped appearance.

VERDICT

I am super impressed with the LOLA products and they definitely compete with some of my favourite products – albeit at half the price tag! The creators of the brand had an aim to make it easier for women everywhere to apply makeup effortlessly - and with hundreds of products, shades and options, I think it is fair to say they have succeeded.

So, if you haven’t already tried these products I would add them to your wish list pronto! They are available via their website and have also recently landed in Menary’s stores across Northern Ireland too, which is handy for my local readers. Enjoy!

FOLIO | THE COLLEEN BAWN

The Lyric Theatre continues its 50th year celebrations with a fantastically funny production of ‘The Colleen Bawn’, Dion Boucicault’s exuberant tale of desire, duty and betrayal, based on an infamous true crime.  The Lyric Theatre and Bruiser Theatre Company are back together for the first time since The 39 Steps, for this madcap, melodramatic, musical co-production. Boucicault’s masterful interweaving of plot and character, comedy and suspense, has been captivating audiences since it premiere in 1860. The F words team LOVED the play - and you can check out my initial video review here too - but first, some words from Jimmy Fay and Lisa May.

Executive Producer of the Lyric, Jimmy Fay, commented: “Don Boucicault’s The Colleen Bawn is a masterpiece of melodrama. It is as spritely and lovely as any ballad and has proved to be a timeless engaging entertainment captivating audiences in its outrageous plots and musical interludes since it first premiered in New York in 1860. We in the Lyric are delighted to again partner with Bruiser and their distinctive style on this wonderful play. Our first collaboration was the enormously successful The 39 Steps and the vibrancy of that production is also well suited to the exuberance of The Colleen Bawn. In fact, Dion Boucicault and this play in particular had a huge effect on the young Alfred Hitchcock when he saw it at the theatre in London in the 1920s. This year we mark the fiftieth anniversary since the Lyric opened its doors on Ridgeway street we plan a year of celebration, surprises and fun.”

Director and Bruiser Theatre Company's Lisa May commented: "Bruiser is thrilled to be back at the Lyric with the melodious mayhem of The Colleen Bawn.  This classic is filled with all the trademark shenanigans of a bashful Bruiser show, and is the perfect follow up to our 2016 collaboration with the Lyric, The 39 Steps.  Audiences can expect the same type of madcap melodrama, as our mischievous and musical cast fill the stage with laughs, love, and live music.  It’s been an absolute hoot to rehearse this timeless piece, and we’re sure audiences will enjoy the fast-paced fun as much as we do!"

A co-production by the Lyric Theatre & Bruiser Theatre Company
Written by Dion Boucicault
Directed by Lisa May
Musical Direction by Matthew Reeve

The Colleen Bawn runs from 7 – 28 April
Tues - Sat: 7.45pm, Sat & Sun matinee: 2.30pm

CAST:  BRYAN QUINN, ENDA KILROY, JO DONNELLY, PATRICK MCBREARTY, CAVAN CLARKE, COLETTE LENNON and MAEVE SMYTH

07 - 10 April: £13
Off-peak (Tues - Thurs & matinees): £15
Peak (Fri & Sat evening): £24.50
Students, unemployed people, and under 20s any performance except Friday and Saturday night: £10.00
Over 65's any matinee: £10

www.lyricbelfast.co.uk
Box Office 028 9038 1081

The Colleen Bawn is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.

FACE | THE ELIXIR OF LIFE

The word elixir usually conjures up images of a secret potion designed to prolong life or give the gift of eternal youth or beauty, and so it’s not a bad name for a clinic whose product can, essentially - albeit indirectly - do both to a certain degree.

I visited the Elixir Clinic in Wimpole Street, London just last weekend, and if you followed my Instagram stories on the day, (or now, in my highlights) you’ll know that, unlike the last time I had an IV vitamin infusion, I came to this one slightly dehydrated and fuzzy from a few glasses of wine the night before.

But I feel unfair starting with that info, because a hangover cure this is not, despite the rumours and hype created by Rihanna and Cara Delevigne, or previously by the Rolling Stones in their heyday when they enjoyed Dr Meyer’s famed vita-cocktails after a busy night rock n rollin’. Nope, this is a credible health and well-being treatment, and from a purely beauty perspective, it is akin to a super-facial or head to toe body treatment with all the work being done from the inside. (Although it does also make you feel wonderful, despite the night-before-wine, I have to say - curing headache, tiredness and nausea in minutes, as well as replenishing skin, hair and nails with zero calories, so it’s much better than a greasy spoon solution).

In short, it’s a 45minute treatment whereby a fusion of vitamins, minerals and amino acids are inserted into the bloodstream intro-venously. And just to cut to the chase, the results are bloody brilliant.  

‘But why not just pop a vitamin pill?’, I hear you ask. Well, one of the problems with oral supplements is that they're not fully bioavailable - in other words, they're not fully absorbed. By delivering them intravenously, the bioavailability is 100pc; you're injecting it directly into the veins. The body absorbs exactly what it needs and no more - so there is no chance of overdoing it.

We don’t know exactly what the content and ratios of each of the VitaDrip formulae are, but there are medically pre-designed combinations for Adrenal Fatigue, Immunity Boosting, Mood Boosting, New Motherhood and Jet Lag, among others. The combinations were created by the clinic’s founders - two former Harley Street nurses - and they have locations in the Middle East as well as three locations in London (at The Ned Hotel in the City and within Harrods Wellness Centre, as well as the Marylebone clinic that I visited).  I plumped for the Fitness drip, but there is  also a bespoke option in which you can have a drip made to your exact requirements on  that particular day.  As you can imagine, the benefits are enjoyed and prolonged with a healthy diet  and proper hydration.

The downside? Needle-phobes may need to look away as the small cannula is slotted into place and hooked up to the type of IV stand often seen in hospitals. My left arm veins wouldn’t take, so we had to hook up the right arm, but it wasn’t painful at all, in fact the only disadvantage was that I couldn’t text or email as the arm has to remain outstretched and straight, so I was forced to lie back and just relax. Quelle Horreur!

And then, just an hour after entering the clinic with a dull head and feeling tired, I left with a spring in my step and slept like a baby that night.

So, to conclude, does the drip actually work - or is it money down the vein? In my opinion - it TOTALLY works. I felt fantastic and really rejuvenated and I would challenge anyone not to feel the same. Many people claim to see immediate differences in their skin and hair, although to be honest I didn’t, but then I wasn’t looking, plus my skin is quite well hydrated anyway.

The cost isn’t massively prohibitive either - the last clinic I went to charged around £500, but the pre-mix VitaDrip with pre medical screening at Elixir costs approx £200. One of my favourite slogans at the moment is ‘You think wellness is expensive? You should try illness?’ and this is a perfect example of prevention rather than cure, when it comes to health and wellbeing these days.

For a full price list and further information, please visit www.theelixirclinic.com

FACE | GOING GREEN

I have chosen to go ‘green’ this St. Patrick’s Day, but not necessarily in the context of the colour of the Emerald Isle… Instead, I have recently been given the chance to try out two brands, namely Inika and Evolve - Organic Beauty, which are green in the sense that they are cruelty free and vegan make-up/skin care ranges consisting of products for the face, eyes, lips and hands. 

The Inika products are 100% Halal and come in a luxurious, classy black and gold packaging which is made from recycled materials (and is also cruelty free). The Evolve product is hand made using 99.7% natural products. And as I love all things organic, I couldn’t wait to try out these gorgeous products with no nasties to harm my skin along the way. 

I got to try a gorgeous blush and two different eye products from Inika, along with a blemish serum from Evolve, all of which helped me look my best with less harmful chemicals applied to my face.

Inika Loose Mineral Blush – Red Apple (£23)

Inika says: - ‘Containing light reflecting pigments to give cheeks a gorgeous glow, it will promote a healthy warm glow while adding texture and radiance for a natural finish’. 

As this blush is finely milled, it allows for a beautiful blend on the skin. It is free from oil, alcohol, fillers, fragrance - and preservatives too, prioritising the health of your skin (which we could all benefit from). For application of this blush you can apply to the cheeks as desired, however as it is highly pigmented - so a little goes a long way. This shade (Red Apple) in particular gives a deep rosy glow on the cheek adding life to your complexion. It was very slightly too red for me, but I’d wanted to try the shade anyway to test pigmentation depth, and in any case, there is also ‘Blooming Nude’ and ‘Peachy Keen’ which would be more my usual shades (check them out online, they are really fab colours). Additionally, if the loose blush doesn’t tickle your fancy, Inika also has a range of stunning baked blushers to help you achieve the desired glow in a way that is suited to you.

Inika Pressed Mineral Eye Shadow Duo – Gold Oyster (£22)

Inka says: - ‘Each shadow boasts a high performance mineral colour that is rich in pigment, crease-proof and long lasting.’

This gorgeous warm toned duo shade is the perfect ‘go-to’ eye shadow, as you can easily use both shades to create a simple yet stunning every day look (which you can also pop in your handbag). The shadows are great for sensitive eyes as there are no added harmful chemicals and as they are ‘crease free’, those of us with hooded eyes or matured skin can rely on these without fear of smudges or a dreaded patchy eye look. For application, Team Inika recommends that you use a base - the Inika Perfection Concealer, or simply your preferred concealer or primer, for best results. The pigment of this particular shadow is nice and natural, which allows for building the product’s intensity as you like it, plus it makes blending easy - mistakes are easily fixed.

There is a selection of seven shades available in the Mineral Duo Shadow collection, ranging from these golden warm tones to much more cool tones to achieve whatever look you wish. If you’re indecisive like me and don’t want to limit yourself to two shades, you can also opt for their ‘Day to Night’ palette which offers a variety of 7 (mostly warm toned) shades - perfect for the most natural look right up to the most intense look.

Inika Certified Organic Eye Pencil – Graphite (£14.50)

Inika says: - ‘Handcrafted pencils with natural plant ingredients and mineral colour blends. Soft and creamy texture that wears all day without smudging’.

With coconut oil as the key ingredient of this product, it is hard to go wrong - and it makes this pencil so perfect for the most sensitive eyes. This shade, ‘Graphite’ is a gorgeous grey, which I think is perfect for everyday wear as it is not too dark yet still adds definition to your lash line. With a creamy consistency it gracefully glides on to the lash line with no drag when applying. I love that you can apply it to the lower lash line, above your lash line, or generally all over the lid for a more smoked-out dramatic effect. It is long lasting and smudge free, perfect for a long day at work or even for a special occasion. Paired with the duo shadows you can achieve a full glam look if you top up.

With nine shades in the collection, ranging from the darkest ‘Black Cavier’, or the most colourful ‘Pure Purple’ to brighten up your eyes, these liners are suitable for any time of day or occasion. Again, if the pencil liner doesn’t seem appealing to you, Inika also offers a liquid liner if that is your preference. 

Good news - at the minute if you subscribe to ‘The Healthy Revolution’ mailing list on the Inika website you will be first in the know about offers and new releases and you’ll receive £5 off your first order with FREE shipping.

Evolve Organic Beauty- Blemish Serum (£22)

Evolve says: - ‘This natural yet powerful skin treatment can be used on blemish prone and congested skin at any age as well as oily and combination skin to decrease sebum production and blemishes, leaving skin clearer and helping to protect skin from future breakouts’.

In other words, this can be described as handmade heaven in a bottle. It is recommended to apply this ‘rainforest rescue serum’ to clean skin morning and night, however if you have an unwanted spot that you need banished before an important event, you could apply this throughout the day as necessary for fast results. Within a day or two, your blemish will be visibly better with little inflammation. This serum is unlike other blemish care products due to its organic nature, and it does not sting or irritate skin making the little extra price worth it. As it’s a serum, I know those with oily skin will fret - however it is totally suitable as it is a non-oil based serum with a great consistency.

These types of organic products mentioned are definitely the way forward in skin care and make up technology, as they’re suitable for sensitive skin and also aren’t harmful to the environment. I most certainly will be going green with the help of these organic goodies in my beauty bag this St Patricks Day. Will you?

FASHION: I HAVE THIS THING WITH SHOES. WHITE SHOES.

I HAVE THIS THING WITH SHOES. WHITE SHOES.

Despite living in one of the wettest (and therefore potentially muddy) countries in Europe, I have this thing for white shoes. My First Holy Communion shoes were my first ever pair of really special shoes that I got to help choose myself and, looking back, wearing them that day was probably the first time I felt that now-common feeling with shoe purchases, ie, that they changed how I felt and looked at myself, in the way that a great pair of shoes can give confidence or a wee ‘I-can-do-anything’ boost to anyone, aged 8 or 80. So perhaps there is some deep link back to those wünder schuhe, or perhaps I just like white? I mean I wore white skinny jeans à la Elizabeth Hurley for pretty much all of the 90s...  Either way, these are my latest obsessions. 

I hope you like… (Click on the pics to buy) 

1. Snakeskin Cowboy Boots, £229, Gestuz at ASOS.com - https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cy4ck5cevjp

If staying ahead of the fast pack is your end goal, let Western inspired cowboy boots be your weapon of choice this season. The subtle stud detailing of this Gestuz pair, show the world that you mean business while the ankle grazing nature of the shoe wins points for versatility - we’re talking worn with jeans, blouses, maxi dresses or leather. However, cowboy hats are reserved for fancy dress only. 

2. Dxn Vintage Trainers, £75, Saucony at ASOS.com - https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cy4cqrcevjp

Stan Smiths set the standard high for the white trainer trend. So high that almost everybody has a pair and while they remain a classic, individuality is the driving force that keeps personal style alive, making saying no to these Saucony trainers increasingly difficult. I’m ready to reboot the ever-present white trainer trend with muted tones and retro runners. 

3. Nike Air Max 95 Trainers, £120, Nike at ASOS.com - https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cy4cvicevjp

The Dad trainer, the ugly trainer, the ‘I really need to have those’ trainers - whatever you want to call them, there’s no doubt that the overblown silhouette trainer is taking the street style world by storm. Balenciaga and Gucci have given their two cents on the matter and as for the Louis Vuitton Turbo trainer - that’s a whole other matter. Nineties nostalgia is here to stay, especially when it comes to our footwear. 

Styling tip: Wear with an oversized hoodie, straight leg jeans, trench and these trainers - done and done. 

4. Multi Buckle Heeled Western Boots, Miss Selfridge at ASOS.com - https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cy4dcycevjp

Fendi, Ganni, Armani and Calvin Klein all looked to the wild west as inspiration for their recent collections so it was only a matter of time before the high street followed suit and thank goodness they did. These purse string friendly pair of western boots serve as the perfect gateway to a trend everyone wants in on. Not far from the classic Chloé Susanna boots, these will allow you to subtly tap into the trend and create timeless looks season after season. 

5. Leather Cowboy Ankle Boots, £99.99 at Zara - https://www.zara.com/uk/en/leather-cowboy-ankle-boots-p11121301.html?v1=5928509&v2=719531

No one does designer dupes quite like Zara so it’s no surprise that these beauties look familiar. Reminiscent of Phoebe Philo’s SS16 collection for Céline and at a fraction of the price, the angular features and sleek finish of these Zara boots make it hard to resist that infamous ‘Add To Basket’button. Whether leather or denim is more your vibe. there’s no deny thing that these boots were made for walking. 

FOOD | FIGHT FOOD ENVY AND ENJOY THE FINEST LOCAL PRODUCE WITH THE #IRISHFLIGHT MENU AT BELFAST’S CLOTH EAR PUB

Whether you’re visiting Belfast or a local resident seeking super food in the city centre, then I’d suggest you look no further than the #IrishFlight menu which has recently launched at the traditional surroundings of The Cloth Ear in Waring Street (part of the Merchant Hotel).  The affordable menu, which pairs three small plates of the finest local produce matched with three iconic Irish tipples, costs just £15 per person and features the finest of Irish ingredients.

Created by head chef Ian McAdam in partnership with the flavour gurus from GUINNESS, Roe & Co. and Hop House 13, ‘The Irish Flight’ has been designed specifically for those who struggle to decide what to choose and invariably end up with food envy when plates arrive at the table. ‘The Irish Flight’ consists of three small plates each perfectly matched with carefully selected premium beers and whiskey which enhances the character and flavours of the food:
 

PAIRED WITH GUINNESS

Salted smoked oxtail potato croquettes
The rich beefy taste of the oxtail is an excellent match for the rich roast character of the iconic stout.

Vegetarian Option: Chilli and olive arancini
With salty olives and smoked Scamorza cheese from Toons Bridge Dairy in Co. Cork, this dish pairs perfectly with the smooth malty texture of Guinness.

PAIRED WITH HOP HOUSE 13 LAGER

Mini brisket burger
Made from 100% pure Irish beef from Country Armagh, topped with mature cheddar from Fivemiletown Creamery. The rich flavours perfectly complement the refreshing, aromatic extracts of Hop House 13.

Vegetarian Option: Tomato, basil and roast pepper bruschetta
The fresh crispiness of the Belfast-baked sourdough base pairs exceptionally with the sweet fruity aroma of this favourite tipple.

PAIRED WITH ROE & CO. BLENDED IRISH WHISKEY

Scotch Egg
Created with sausage meat and Cavanagh Free Range Eggs from Enniskillen, this luxurious mini bite pairs deliciously with the soft spice and warm hints of vanilla from Roe & Co.

Vegetarian Option: Panko crusted avocado
Light avocado with smoked paprika and Achill Island Sea Salt from Co. Mayo, matches superbly with the creamy textured notes of vanilla in Roe & Co.

Seeking a unique way to present ‘The Irish Flight’, this quintessential Irish bar partnered with John Piekaar, a designer and craftsman from Co. Down to create unique handmade wooden serving boards.

Head Chef Ian McAdam said: “We are lucky to have phenomenal local produce in this part of the world and I feel a personal responsibility to champion that. For the authentically Irish flavour combinations in ‘The Irish Flight’ we use only highest quality produce from Moira, Enniskillen and Hillsborough to name just a few. This is an offering that we feel will be appreciated by local food enthusiasts and appeal to the many visitors of our city who would like the opportunity to experience the best of Irish produce. Open to international influences but inspired by local ingredients, ‘The Irish Flight’ offers a modern interpretation of an Irish menu. We look forward to indulging our customers in this special collection of great tasting food paired with premium beers and Irish whiskey.” 

Speaking at the official launch event held last night, Jorge Lopes, Diageo Northern Ireland Country Director said, “We’re seeing record numbers of visitors arriving into Northern Ireland and only recently Lonely Planet named Belfast as one of the top travel destinations for 2018. This exciting new menu from The Cloth Ear offers visitors the chance to taste quality Irish produce at its best – the true taste of Ireland. We are confident that GUINNESS, much loved and known as the taste of home, coupled with the crisp and full-flavour taste of Hop House 13 Lager and the warming notes found in Roe & Co. Blended Irish Whiskey are the perfect match for this new menu. Chef McAdam has worked hard to create a selection of beautiful mini plates that will really tantalise the taste buds and compliment the rich character and flavours found in our drinks.”

This new dish compliments The Cloth Ear’s ever-expanding food offering following the recent launch of ‘The Vegan Supper Club’, another speciality menu consisting of three course vegan selection paired with a choice of vegan wine or beer.

 ‘The Irish Flight’ costing £15, is now available from 12noon until 8:45pm Monday-Saturday and 12:30pm until 8:45pm on a Sunday.

FILM: THE POST

If you need one reason to watch The Post then consider this – this is the first film that Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep have made together. If you need another reason then it’s directed by Steven Spielberg. If you need a third reason; it’s excellent. 

The Post is the story the Washington Post’s struggle to publish the Pentagon Papers – a leaked report stating that the White House had lied to the American public for years about the Vietnam War. The Post and the New York Times had to fight all the way to the Supreme Court to publish what was one of the biggest governmental cover-ups in history. 

So of course this film is every bit as slick and stylish as you would imagine with three such big hitters involved. Spielberg has cleverly captured the current zeitgeist in a film set 40 years ago. The themes are all about free press and not allowing government to run roughshod over a nation – sound familiar?. Oh and there’s the thing about women too. 

I’ll admit I didn’t know anything about Katharine Graham before I saw this film, but now I want to know everything. Daughter, wife, mother, widow and chairwoman of the board. She was the owner and publisher of the Washington Post and the difficult decisions about whether or not the paper was breaking the law came down to her and editor Ben Bradlee, played by Tom Hanks. 

The film is her journey from struggling to find her way in an almost entirely man’s world, to finding her voice over all of theirs. Of course Meryl was nominated for an Oscar for this, it’s the kind of thing she does really well and I loved seeing her on-screen metamorphosis. I’m not surprised that Tom Hanks wasn’t nominated. It’s not that he didn’t give a good performance, I just felt that there wasn’t much substance to the character. 

I have to admit I love films like these. I love seeing offices full of typewriters and rotary telephones, with absolutely everyone smoking everywhere. I love the hairstyles and the clothes and how long it takes to do anything because they don’t have computers. 

The Post isn’t the sexiest story around. There aren’t any explosions or unrequited love stories. But I think it’s an important film to see in terms of US history and the history of women. Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s certainly a compelling film to watch. 

FILM: GAME NIGHT, A COMEDY YOU NEED TO SEE!

I’m not really one for a cringe worthy comedy. Slapstick isn’t my thing and just makes me feel awkward. Most comedies leave me unamused and are immediately unforgettable. 

Which is why Game Night certainly wins a prize for being the most surprising film I’ve seen in a while – it’s funny. 

And when I say funny, I mean really, laugh-out-loud, struggle-to-catch your breath funny. 

It’s a great story. Married couple Annie and Max – played by Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman – regularly host game night for their friends. Max’s annoyingly over-achieving brother Brooks comes to town and throws the murder-mystery party to end all parties – particularly when it turns out his own kidnapping is real. The couples must race against time to find and free Brooks.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. This is a predictable plot and you’ve probably figured out the twist already – you haven’t. This is a slick and surprisingly believable offering from the duo that wrote Horrible Bosses. This time they’re directing as well as writing. Don’t worry, it’s better than Horrible Bosses, so much better. There are no ridiculous tricks and stunts here. We see three very ordinary couples find themselves in a quagmire of gangsters and drug dealers and panic accordingly. 

There are some seriously slick scenes in this movie. Watch out for the keep-away game at the Eyes Wide Fight Club house. Also see Max and Annie dealing with the removal of a bullet, a scene that makes them utterly believable as a married couple. 

I want to tell you more about this film. I want to tell you about the creepy next door neighbour and the Faberge egg. I want to tell you about Annie’s Pulp fiction moment or the squeaky hamburger or even the world’s weirdest game of charades but I can’t without ruining the whole thing, and even then I wouldn’t do them the justice that the film does. Go for the giggles in this one.

FASHION | COVETING THE KIDSWEAR AT M&S

It’s rare that fashion flips on its head and mummies are genuinely coveting kids’ clothes, but looking at the latest swimwear collection from M&S for girls, I am wishing I was 30 years younger right now. (And on a beach with lots of ice cream and sunshine it’s fair to say). 

Read on for my fave picks from this brights-done-right collection from one of the nation’s favourite stores. They look super cool for girls and I am pretty sure, having spoken to a few mummies this weekend, that the size 6 and 8 adults among them are definitely going to be trying to squeeze into the age 16 sizes.
Just click on the pics to buy - plus, remember there’s no VAT on kids’ clothes, so it’s a double whammy, win-win situation if you can fit into them!

Last Spring I worked on a fashion show for MaxMara, which had a tropicana theme with lots of palm leaves across printed fabrics throughout the collection. The theme was evident across a few international fashion houses and made it to some high street stores, notably Zara, for grown ups, by about September.  But it hasn’t gone away, and our recent weather makes dreamy tropical prints all the more attractive (along with aforementioned beach). I can just imagine these two swimsuit options with tanned limbs and tan sandals and an oversized hat plus shades. What’s not to love?!

Leaf Print Swimsuit £14 - £20

Palm Leaf Print swimsuit £8 - £11

And if I didn’t know that the M&S garment production lead time took longer than a few months, I’d be easily duped to think that their collection of rainbow swimwear came straight off Christopher Bailey’s AW18 final collection for Burberry. The stripes are bold, bright, sassy and strong and will make a statement on any beach or by any pool - and I cant help imagining myself in that stripe raincoat at a summer festival.  

 Striped Swimsuit £7 - £9

 Rainbow swimsuit £7 - £9

 Rainbow Striped Swimsuit £9 - £11

Striped Pure Cotton Dress £12 - £16

Striped Fisherman Mac £24 - £28

One last style which would look super cute on a kid, but just as nice on a grown-up, is this Audrey Hepburn inspired sailor bow swimsuit. A classic style with handy pelmet peplum frills to avert attention from the hips, which little girls rarely have like we do of course, so we absolutely demand this style is replicated for us mummies!

Sailor Bow Swimsuit £10 - £14

FOOD: CATHY'S CRAZY COLCANNON

My daughter used to love all kinds of pureed vegetables as a baby and toddler, and then when she went to school she discovered white bread, sugary sweets and seemed to develop a dislike for all the healthy vegetables she’d once adored. In an effort to get her back on track with vegetable fibre in her diet, I began to add pureed courgette to pasta sauce or mix peas and carrots in with curries, but a popular choice at my house with her and her wee chums when they visit, is Cathy’s Crazy Colcannon - my own take on the popular Irish dish. 

Ingredients 

• 1 x chunky leek
• 1 x cup of petits pois peas (they’re sweeter than garden peas) 
• Two handfuls of spinach 
• Mashed potato - you can boil about 4-6 potatoes and mash them with butter, but when I’m in a rush I often buy pre-made mash from the supermarket. 
• Butter - loads! 

Directions: 

Chop the leek in small slices and put into a hot pan with butter. Fry and stir until soft and golden (and they sometimes taste better as they start to caramelise and brown a little). If you need to ‘hide’ the vegetables from the kids, then, once cooked, pop the leeks into a blender (I use my Nutri Bullet) and whizz for just 20 secs. Pour into a large serving bowl along with the mashed potato. 

In the same pan, add another knob of butter and, once melted, add the spinach and then pop a plate or lid over the top to let the steam from the spinach help cook the leaves. Cooking spinach like this only takes about a minute, so keep an eye on the pan, making sure to stir a few times. Once soft, pop into the potato mix, (or if you’re ‘hiding’ the spinach, then put the cooked leaves into the Nutri Bullet or blender and whizz these up for about 10 seconds too, then pour into the potato and leek mix). 

In the same pan again (I’m all about saving on the washing up) add a third knob of butter and then put the peas in here until they’re warm and brightly green. They can go in from frozen, but it really is best to defrost them (just add hot water to the cup once you’ve measured them out and then strain before heating in the pan). And, no surprises here - pop these into the potato bowl or serving dish too, then mash the whole lot up with a fork; adding more butter to taste, or even a wee drop of cream/milk if you have some  in the fridge. We love butter in my house, but like everything, it’s best to consume in moderation. 

To save a bit of time, you can put everything into a larger wok all together, but leeks take longer to cook than the spinach and peas, so give the leeks a few minutes on their own and then pop the peas and spinach in towards the end. 

The original and traditional Colcannon recipe is said to be potato, cabbage and scallion (spring onion),  but this recipe is totally versatile and you can add whatever vegetables you have in the fridge as long as the flavour isn’t too strong for vegetable detectives - pureed courgette works well; and spring onions instead of leeks are great too. When I make this for grown ups, I often keep the skins on the potatoes and do a crushed potato mash with the greens throughout. This retains the most nutritious part pf the potato of course. 

I love to eat this on its own, as I don’t eat too much meat, but it’s great with pork and leek sausages or Valentina and her friends seem to love it with chicken Kiev or fish fingers. Whichever way you enjoy it, rest assured you are definitely getting 2 or 3 of your five a day in all at once. Enjoy!

FOOD: PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BALLS

Peanut butter protein balls (Makes 12 balls) 

Ingredients

·         6 Tbsp natural peanut butter

·         1 cup That Protein peanut butter protein powder (That Protein is a local product, although any vegetable protein powder will do) 

·         3-4 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk

·         60 grams dark chocolate, or about two thirds of a regular sized chocolate bar (85% or higher cacao is ideal)

Directions

Melt the peanut butter in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. (This is an optional step; it just makes the peanut butter easier to work with). Add the protein powder, then slowly stir in the almond milk until the mixture is sticky, but not liquidy at all.

Shape the dough into around 12 x 1-2 inch balls and place them on wax paper to keep them from sticking. Cover and put in the fridge for 30 minutes (or stick in the freezer for 15 minutes).

When the dough is chilled, remove from the refrigerator and melt the chocolate using a bain-Marie. This is usually my daughter’s duty as she loves to lick any leftover chocolate. And that’s totally allowed. Dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate, covering them completely.

Return the chocolate-covered peanut butter balls to the wax paper, stick in the fridge, and let cool. They don’t have to be perfectly shaped, but that’s the joy of them! 

Eat and enjoy! 

These are delicious with hot chocolate or on their own and are great for kids and parents alike. If, like me, bread (or gluten) makes your tummy bloat, then they make a wonderful and relatively healthy alternative to a big scone or a sticky bun. They’re vegetarian  (and can be vegan if you choose vegan chocolate) and are full of good fats which are good for brain power.  Plus, this recipe is not fixed - you can add in chopped or blended dates, goji berries or other fruits, nuts or seeds if you want to get more fruit fibre into your diet (or your kids’ diets).  

https://thatprotein.com

FASHION | OSCARS 2018 BEST DRESSED: THE TOP GOWNS OF THE NIGHT

Last night saw the stars of the silver screen out en masse for the Academy Awards 2018 in Los Angeles. Millions watched around the world as The Shape of Water was the biggest winner of the night. We were obsessed with some of the sartorial choices and spent ages choosing our faves, so without further ado, here are our pick of the best!

Margot Robbie stunningly channelled Grecian glamour in this custom Chanel piece. The dress had gorgeous beaded straps  and a crisscross skirt and Margot completed her look with a clear Chanel clutch and Chanel Fine Jewellery.

Alison Williams went old Hollywood glam, stepping out in a gorgeous nude Armani Prive couture gown with a long train. Styled by Cristina Ehrlich, the actress wore her hair in a wavy, deep side-parted 'do for her first-ever Oscars. 

Lupita Nyong'o stole the show at the 2018 Oscars wearing a fierce gold Versace dress that was custom made for her. The designer number featured a slit up one leg and chain-ink details across the bodice. Lupita topped off her regal outfit with a Versace clutch, Alexandre Birman heels, and Niwaka fine jewllery. 

Saoirse Ronan graced the red carpet in this pretty pink dress by Calvin Klein. The dress featured a strapless silhouette and gorgeous bow detailing. The talented  actress completed her look with court shoes by Christian Louboutin in the same pale pink hue. 

Jane Fonda dazzled at the 2018 Oscars in a white gown by designer Olivier Rousteing with beautiful pearl detail. The Coming Home legend and two times Acedemy Award winner showed of her amazing physique in a figure-hugging dress with elegant sleeves and dramtic shoulder pads. 

She has dazzled at over a dozen Oscar ceremonies in the past and this year was no exception as Nicole Kidman stunned in one of the most memorable gowns of the night. The strapless form-fitting navy Armani  Privé gown featured a dramatic sweetheart neckline and a thigh-high slit.

Emily Blunt's 2018 Oscars look was so good it deserved a golden statuette of its own! The actress wore a fabulous Schiaparelli confection that was sweeter than a spoonful of sugar. As she prepares to remake the beloved Mary Poppins film, the Victorian neckline perfectly channelled the prim and proper icon. The dress featured some delicate applique around the torso and bow-like sleeves and was presented in a soft blue-tinged grey tulled. The actress completed her look with delicate crystal blue chandelier earrings. 

Picking up the gong for Best Support Actress, Allison Janney stunned at the 2018 Oscars in a gorgeous red Reem Acra dress. 

The show-stopping gown featured a plunging v-neckline complete with flowing, floor-length sleeves and had a dramatic train. Allison completed her look with a matching Roger Vivier clutch and Jimmy Choo heels, although perhaps the most attention-grabbing part of her ensemble was her sparkly jewellery which cost over $4 million dollars! Wowzer

What did you think of the looks on the red carpet? Who was your favourite? We can't believe #awardsseason is over!

AND THE OSCAR FOR THE BEST DRESS GOES TO...

As Holywood (and millions at home) prepare for the biggest awards night of the year, I decided to take a look back at some of the most memorable dresses to ever grace The Oscars' famous redcarpet. From Gwyneth Paltrow in that Ralph Lauren to Lupita Nyong’o in Prada here are my faves... 

First up, in the 1999 awards Gwyneth Paltrow chose this beautiful soft pink taffeta gown by Ralph Lauren. Paltrow picked up the award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and accessorised her look with stunning Harry Winston jewels. The look divided commentators but it was so perfect for her WASP-y shape and personality at the time. And here at The F Words it will always be a classic.

1999 - Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph Lauren

The 1954 Academy Awards saw Audrey Hepburn shine in this stunning gown by Hubert de Givenchy - who went on to dress the talented actress for seven of her later films. The dress featured a gorgeous floral pattern finished with a skinny belt. Hepburn won ‘Best Actress’ for her role in ‘Roman Holiday’.

1954 - Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy

Beautiful Spanish actress Penelope Cruz wowed in her dazzling, blush feathered Versace gown in 2007. She looked absolutely flawless in this dress which oozed opulence and immediately earned a place as one of the most iconic dresses to ever grace the Oscars' red carpet.

Emma Stone slayed in this dramatic Giambattista Valli gown back in 2012. The strawberry red/fuchsia colour against her skin and hair colour was bold, add to that a statement bow, a perfect updo and a Louis Vuitton clutch and, voila! There is nothing we don’t love about Emma’s look!

Also making a statement was Halle Berry in her dress for the 2002 Academy Awards, where she took away the gong for Best Actress, and wrote history by being the first black woman to do so. I loved this Ellie Saab dress at the time, but not so much now - however I thought I would include it here anyway, because it was so of its time. With hindsight, the dress was super daring and wowed onloookers;  plus she deserved all the attention that night in this show-stopping gown with its satin train, sheer top and some modesty-covering embroidery. 

Cate Blanchett looked every inch the Holywood Queen as she stepped onto the 2014 Academy Awards' red carpet. She paired the beautifully embellished gown by Armani Prive with subtle makeup and tousled waves; creating some super styling waves of her own. 

Rachel Weisz looked simply beautiful wearing Vera Wang at the 2007 Oscars. The year before she had won a Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in The Constant Gardener and this time she returned to the red carpet to present an award. 
Her champagne coloured dress was beautifully embellished with diamante detailing on the bust and a short train embellished with plaited satin and tulle. She completed her look with a loosely-waved updo and berry-stained lip. With its figure-hugging cut and draped bodice the new mum looked every inch the glamorous Holywood star. 

Back to red again - and the year 2013 when Jennifer Anniston wore the colour of love as she stepped onto the red carpet with then beau Justin Theroux.  The strapless Valentino creation was simple yet glamorous with its romantic red hue and full bodied skirt.

The world fell in love with relatively new actress Jennifer Lawrence back in 2013 (lucky for some!) when she tripped and fell in this stunning Dior gown; (shame some are falling out of love with her of late, for showing off a bit of leg, but hey - that's a whole other blog).  The intricate design and daring silhouette looked incredible on her beautiful, youthful and athletic frame, so it was no surprise that her Oscar gown knocked her right to the top of all the best dressed lists - and lists of actresses that designers wanted to dress. She stuck with Dior for 2014 though (when she fell AGAIN!)... 

I have saved my (so far) all-time favourite Oscars look for the 2014 awards and Lupita Nyong’o's powder blue PRADA dress, which totally stole the show at her first time nomination for her role in Twelve Years a Slave. The gown, with its stunning floaty fabric, soft tone and plunging neckline will go down in red carpet history. And PS - her green dress at the Cannes Film Festival is one of my favourites on that red carpet too. Girl got style! 

WONDERBOLD HAS SOME WONDERFUL WALLPAPERS - IN STOCK NOW!

With the fashion world going crazy for monochrome right now, this striking Pied De Poule Wallpaper by WonderBold will certainly make a powerful statement in your home.  Pied De Poule translates as 'Houndstooth', a classic fabric design that is well known and loved in the fashion & design world - plus, this design is available in three pattern sizes, Small, Medium & Large; so the only question which remains is, how bold will you go?

Designed by Emanuele Pangrazi and made in England to the highest standards, this smooth, matt, non-woven wallpaper makes the perfect backdrop for a contemporary room design. Plus, the paste the wall, (not the paper) method makes for a very easy application - no pasting table necessary. Pangrazi’s second paper design for WonderBold which I adore (and which also falls within the monochrome category) is the Black Optical Stripes wallpaper. It really is just perfect for anyone seeking to make a statement on their walls, and the bold chevron design simulates an optical illusion effect on an urban concrete background.

Moving away from monochrome but bringing texture and depth to your interior is the stunning Twist design which simulates a 3D stone effect. And finally the fabulous Scratch Wallpaper - M by WonderBold -  will certainly make a powerful statement in your home or office … The unusual cracked paint effect is perfect for bringing an industrial edge to any interior scheme. This cool Magenta version is bang on trend, but it is also available in another 4 fab colours - Cyan, Black, Yellow & Green. Check it out at  www.limelace.co.uk

And finally the fabulous Scratch Wallpaper - M by WonderBold -  will certainly make a powerful statement in your home or office … The unusual cracked paint effect is perfect for bringing an industrial edge to any interior scheme. This cool Magenta version is bang on trend, but it is also available in another 4 fab colours - Cyan, Black, Yellow & Green.

Check it out at  www.limelace.co.uk

FASHION: H&M's STUDIO COLLECTION DEBUTS AT PARIS FASHION WEEK

Are you like me and love designer clothes but cant afford the high-end price? Well, get ready to be #obsessed with the H&M’s latest Studio Collection!

The high street brand debuted its latest designer collection at Paris Fashion Week this week at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.  The show was inspired by the urban grace and traditional minimalism of Japan. 

Fashion icons Alexa Chung, Daisy Lowe and Joan Smalls were in attendance, dressed in head-to-toe H&M for the hotly anticipated occasion. Work wear tailoring, free-flowing fabrics and statement knits added to the sense of balance between minimalistic design, colours and movement.

Speaking about the latest collection, Pernilla Wohlfahrt, H&M’s Design Director said: ‘It was exciting to see our strong statement of print and colour with clean lines inspired by Japanese design. We can’t wait to see how our customers around the world will be styling their favourite pieces.’

Both the womenswear and menswear that appeared on the catwalk will be available in stores around the world from 1 March. That’s next week - eek! 

FASHION | FEBRUARY FAVES

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a fan of late night browsing - and some of the fab finds from this month include these beauties. Take a look - tell me what you think!

1. Forever 21 Ruffle Jacket

While remaining Forever 21 may be something left to our daydreams, the youthful brand definitely knows how to keep feminine fashion super sophisticated. There’s no doubt in my mind that denim days have only just begun now that this denim jacket has entered the game. 

Take this otherwise “cutesy” item up a notch with leather trousers and stiletto boots. The leather will toughen up the look while the shoes remind everyone who’s boss.

Ruffle Trim Denim Jacket, £55, Forever21. Available at https://rstyle.me/~akx66

2. Chloé Rylee Cutout Leather Boots

Never can a girl go wrong with anything Chloé.

Former creative director, Claire Waight Keller broke many a fashion heart upon her departure from the brand last year. Thankfully, her replacement, Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s killer collections since have definitely softened the blow. These cutout leather boots played a starring role in the French designer’s debut SS18 collection for the brand. 

The thing about this brand is that it just makes sense. As Ramsay-Levi explains, “You don’t need to be a fashion person to get it.” It only takes one look at these boots to recognise that they’re the standout shoe of the season. Tell me you can’t already imagine the rails of outfits to be styled alongside these boots? Take the look straight from the runway with blouses and mini skirts or experiment by pairing them with floral maxi dresses. The contrast between feminine florals and tougher leather boots brings serious style points your way. 

Oh and that cutout feature you see at the sides and ankles? Incredible with bare legs (if you dare). 

Rylee Cutout Leather Boots, £995, Chloe at Net-a-Porter. Available at https://rstyle.me/~akx7a

3. Bauble Earrings

Warning: May provoke unnecessary Dad/boyfriend/most males uninterested in fashion jokes. 
You know the drill. You also know you’ll always beat them in a best dressed competition. So let them laugh, you’re the real winner here. Plus they’re not actually baubles… 

The key to this modern day ear candy trend is avoiding pieces reminiscent of “Do your ears hang low?” chants of childhoods gone by. Instead opt for more gravity friendly, glam pieces. These Bauble Bar earrings tick all of the boxes. Black is always in style and the chic film noir vibes both of these earrings are giving off make them the perfect entry into a trend some may be nervous about trying. 

For a simple day time look, try a plain white t-shirt, straight leg jeans complete with a red lip and slick low ponytail to really show off the earrings. As for the evening, you best believe it’s time to slip on that LBD and those killer heels. These earrings were made for the dance floor. 

Floretta Sequin Hoop Earrings, $38 dollars; Maraca drop earrings, $34 both Bauble Bar. Available at https://rstyle.me/~akx7e and https://rstyle.me/~akx7A

4. Pink Jumper

Q: How many trends can one jumper tick off? 
A: Pink. Check.
    Stripes. Check.
    Ruffles. Check.
    Sporty elements. Check.
    Instagrammable. Check.
    Enough to make me want to purchase. Check.

While spring is (thankfully) inching its way closer and closer, buying knitwear doesn’t seem the most logical sartorial move right now but between the unpredictable nature of UK weather and the increasing mention of magenta as the AW18 trend reports roll in, how could you possibly resist this investment buy?

Embrace the clashes of red and pink incorporated in this knit, pair with red wide leg trousers and pointed white boots to give this jumper the moment to shine that it truly deserves.  

Cropped striped jumper, £305, Maggie Marilyyn at Net-a-Porter. Available at - https://rstyle.me/~akx7h

5. The Chair

What’s one thing all fashionable females need in their dressing room? 

Incredible lighting for one. And for another, an adorable chair. 

To the outside world it may seem totally impractical but to the style squad in the know, this chair is a must. Add a blush cushion (heavy on the fluffy texture) and you’re ready to go. Now someone pass me a camera while I upload it to Instagram #interiorgoals

The Emily & Meritt Bow Chair, $269 available at https://rstyle.me/~akx7w

FOLIO ¦ GOING WILDE FOR ORIGINAL THEATRE

In this week's theatre review, guest blogger Emer Dooris (from Emer D blog - www.emerdblog.com) takes us back in time to Victorian London and deepest Hertfordshire in this brilliant adaptation of one of Oscar Wilde's most popular plays, 'The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' (to give it its full name!)...  Emer and I both enjoyed this show early this week at Belfast's Grand Opera House, one of my favourite theatres in the world, because it was the first one I ever visited - I can still remember the awe I felt at the rows and rows of seats to the sky. And like the theatre, this play is one of my favourites too, because I am a huge wordsmith and a massive fan of Wilde's clever puns and salacious satire, he has always featured on my ultimate dinner party guest list. Imagine the banter!

But now, over to Emer:

The Original Theatre Company's production of The Importance of Being Earnest is witty, charming and hilarious. As one of my favourite Oscar Wilde productions, I waited with bated breath to see what direction this production would take, and I was not disappointed.

My last viewing of this play was with an all male cast which added to the hilarious absurdity of the piece, but this time I was transported back to the original Victorian era and no gender swaps (neither direction being a bad thing, but I’m always interested to see how far the director is willing to change/challenge the characters and the actors.) From curtain up, the audience was transported to a luscious, decadent  set complete with wood panelling, chandeliers and hanging baskets. Add in a fantastic cast and the most amazingly outrageous costumes - which seemed to add caricature to the characters, (I was especially enamoured with the bustle on the back of Lady Bracknell’s dress which made this larger than life character a much more formidable force to be reckoned with) and you have a visual feast before the actors even mutter a word.

The genius of Wilde’s script with its perfect one liners and punch lines kept the audience giggling throughout the three act production. I'm not sure if it was opening night production/acoustic problems, or a voice projection issue, but the actors seemed at first a little meek and quiet on stage (audience members nearby remarked they were hard to hear), however, they soon relaxed into their roles by the first half of Act I and the pace and delivery of the lines came up to speed. Special mention should go out to the humorous facial reactions by Susan Penhaligon who played the down beaten, accident prone but love struck Miss Prism. Lady Bracknell, played with aplomb by ational treasure Gwen Taylor, was also fab. Jack Worthing was a voice doppleganger for Colin Firth and Algernon Moncrieff looked just as I would imagine him. I totally loved his dapper and dandy wardrobe.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable production with a well-versed and talented cast, I would highly recommend checking this one before the end of its very short run this Saturday 24th February.

Limited tickets available at www.goh.co.uk