The Real Elle Woods!

The Ladyboys of Bangkok: The Greatest Showgirls Tour 2019!

Monday, November 04, 2019

Time to get your glam on as the Lady boys are back in town and celebrating turning ‘21’ with The Greatest Showgirls Tour 2019!

Always a highlight of my social calendar this year will dazzle as The Lady boys of Bangkok transform into 16 of the most glamourous showgirls, adorned with crystals and sequins galore, to showcase tributes to some of our favourite divas including Kylie, Beyonce, J-Lo, Madonna, Whitney Houston and Rihanna.

Dreams will be stirred as audiences are served a smorgasbord of routines – from M People to Little Mix to the Pussycat Dolls. And this year the dazzling cast are joining by the UK’s only dwarf drag queen, Jamie John.

Always a night to dazzle and sparkle, this year’s line-up of routines are set to have me dancing and singing the night away as we are transported into this glamorous world, filled with extravagant costumes and dazzling routines, with lots of giggles too!

Tour promoter Binky Beaumont can’t wait to see the Lady boys ‘come of age’ in this latest production.

He said: “When artistic director Philip Gandey opened The Lady Boys of Bangkok at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1998, the success of the show was mind-blowing. After a few amazing years, demand was really high from other cities for us to bring this one-of-a-kind production to them as well.

“For its 21st year we are bringing audiences a show that is even more glitzy and glamourous, and we even have four new cast members! Every year there is a new theme, and ‘The Greatest Showgirls Tour’ allows us to celebrate our favourite divas.”

The Lady Boys wear over 400 impressive costumes in the show, and a full-time seamstress is employed to keep them all in check. But the Lady Boys of Bangkok isn’t all just about glamour. There’s side-splitting comedy, and plenty of audience participation.

With more songs and big-scale musical production numbers than you could point a perfumed glove at, The Lady Boys of Bangkok adds a splash of colour to the black-and-white normality of everyday life. And the entertainment of The Greatest Showgirls Tour soars from start to finish, with its complete celebration of individuality and pride.

Having been a regular attendee for years now I cannot wait to once again party the night away at the hottest ticket in town, The Ladyboys of Bangkok!

(Review to follow).

Coming to a town or city near you, Belfast dates are as follows: Saturday 2nd to Sunday 17th November 2019.

Monday to Thursdays - daily @ 7.30pm.
Fridays/Saturdays @ 7pm & 9pm.
Sundays @ 6pm.

Full tour dates and booking information at ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk.

Thanks to Ladyboys of Bangkok for all relevant press info and review invitation.

Defining Luxury: Decoding the World of Luxe!

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Luxury (NOUN):

1 A state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense.

1.1 count noun: An inessential, desirable item which is expensive or difficult to obtain.

1.2 in singular: A pleasure obtained only rarely.

"Luxury” is a term we hear all the time in modern society, but is often misunderstood. In today’s Instagram obsessed world it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of a designer or luxury product: suddenly everyone is talking about the latest "Must Have" items and we find ourselves seduced by the marketing of the brand and it’s aesthetics. In a world where a picture is worth a thousand words, we sometimes forget to appreciate the most important story of all……. The true value of what lies beneath the shiny surface of that belt, bag or dress you are lusting after.

Luxury by its very definition is rare, an item or experience that is exceptional, beyond our wildest expectations and as a result is revered and respected. However it’s so easy to get caught up in the hype of luxury, the power of marketing and the pressure to conform in our social media obsessed society. We see everyone with the logo belt or red soles, the bee trainer or the quilted bag and before you know it's value is defined by it's popularity and brand. We forget to look beyond that hype and consider what it is that actually makes it “luxurious”.

More than ever we are becoming a society that seeks to make socially conscious decisions when it comes to our purchases. From ethical sourcing of raw materials and production regimes, to fair pricing and sustainable purchases, we as consumers are wanting to make informed choices when it comes to our spending power. As someone who has been obsessed with designer fashion my whole life, every luxury purchase I have made has always been a considered one. Before I ever bought my first designer bag I knew all there was to know about it, from the leather used to make it, through to the custom made zips produced for it. For me that bag was more than just a label, it was a representation of the finest craftsmanship and skill, producing a true work of art that would be with me for a lifetime. The intrinsic value of luxury for me comes from an understanding, respect and appreciation for the exceptional skills required to create something rare and special.

As many of my regular readers will know, All too often we get so caught up in the prestige of a label and forget to look beyond it to fully appreciate what actually makes that dress, bag, or even a meal or cocktail so remarkable and worth it's price tag. With that idea in mind “Defining Luxury” was born. A monthly post on ‘The Real Elle Woods” where I examine the true meaning and value of modern luxury in today’s society.

I am often asked why I choose to spend my money on luxury fashion, fine restaurants and expensive cocktails (to name but a few of my vices) but it is my hope that these monthy posts will help to decipher the world of luxury and provide a glimpse into it’s true value and worth. It’s not just a red sole that makes a Christian Louboutin shoe so desirable, just as the double CC clasp we all recognise on a Chanel bag is only the starting point for why it has earned iconic status. Ever considered why a Patek Philippe watch is so expensive, well to understand that we need to discover what lies beneath those ticking hands. This is what “Defining Luxury” is all about, a journey of discovery, decoding the world of luxury and exploring why it is worth the price tag it commands. From fashion to lifestyle, every month we shall discover what goes into creating a luxury item, and the customer experience that goes alongside it.

My first post in the series will feature one of my favourite labels as I delve into the world of Olivier Rousteing’s “Balmain Army”, where I hope to give a glimpse into just what goes into bring his breath-taking designs to reality and sharing with you some of my favourite Balmain pieces from my wardrobe!

“Defining Luxury” will be officially launching at the end of March, featuring in depth reviews and interviews from some of the best names in the luxury sector and I cannot wait to share this world with you all!

All photography by Adrian Quinn Photography.

OOTD Diaries! Boho Style and FASHIONWEEK Dreams!

Friday, October 12, 2018

Style Diaries: Crimson Flush!

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Sometimes the fashion planets align and you find yourself falling hopelessly in love with an outfit the second you lay eyes on it. . . .

The feeling you have when you find yourself wearing THE ultimate ensemble is never to be underestimated. Your dress is cut to perfection, it’s colour perfectly suiting your skin tone, while the accessories match so perfectly you would be forgiven for thinking they had been custom made! Even your cosmetics perfectly complement the outfit, right down to the Tom Ford lipstick and Nails Inc. pedicure on your toes!

Finding THE killer outfit isn't easy, and on those rare occurrences when everything seems to perfectly come together you know you have something special!

However the perfect dress is hard to find, not only do you need to find a style you love, but the fit and proportions of the dress are equally as important, and for someone like me who is so petite it can be a difficult combination to find. I knew the second I saw this dress that EVERYTHING worked, I couldn't believe how well it fitted my petite frame, showing off every curve of my body creating a powerful and sensual silhouette whilst still being cute, feminine and effortlessly chic!

I loved how structured the guipure lace dress is, creating a strong tailored look whilst staying playful with lots of ruffles and frills. It’s sexy mesh detailing and open back giving the dress an edgy and contemporary feel, while the crimson colour really popped against my porcelain white skin.

Accessories wise I wanted to maintain a perfectly co-ordinated look and I achieved this by carrying though the dresses crimson hue in both my shoes and vintage clutch bag. I even matched my Tom Ford lipstick (in shade Smoke Red) and my Nails Inc. polish (Queenstown Road) to my look! (what can I say I’m all about the finer details!)

Both my clutch bag and shoes were vintage pieces from my collection and were a play on textures from the intricate bead work on the clutch through to the contrast snakeskin and suede on the sandals, adding another level of interest to the overall look!

Of course an outfit this stunning needed a worthy debut, and where better than the opening night of West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK in the majestic surroundings of Belfast Cathedral! It’s a cliché I know, but I felt a million dollars as I strutted towards my FROW seat, feeling empowered and strong in an ensemble that creates a seamless powerful connection between mind and body.

This is the power of a truly good outfit, you not only feel like you can conquer the world, you know you can!

Photography: Adrian Quinn Photography.

OOTD Diaries: FASHIONWEEK Empowerment!

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Top 10 at 10! Time to Celebrate with Victoria Square!

Monday, March 12, 2018

Born to Shop. . . . . . .

What can I say, I love to shop! For me there is nothing I enjoy more than indulging in a little retail therapy in my favourite stores. Shopping shouldn’t be a chore, but rather an experience and an opportunity to discover new trends and products from the brands we love.

These days we tend to take for granted the belief that we can shop whatever we want, whenever we want it but that hasn’t always been the case. I remember the frustration when so many of the brands I loved were not available in Northern Ireland and the excitement I felt when Victoria Square opened in Belfast 10 years ago and brought with it brands such as Ted Baker, REISS and the Apple Store to name but a few.

For the first time in 2008 I now had access to brands that had been so elusive to me in the past and I remember how exciting it was to finally see these products in person! I remember vividly visiting CRUISE on Victoria Square’s opening day, enjoying glasses of bubbly and spending the afternoon trying on Jimmy Choo sandals and bags, as far as I was concerned I was in fashion heaven and more importantly I was blown away by the standard of customer service across all the stores of Victoria Square!

Photo Adrian Quinn.

You see that’s the thing about Victoria Square, it's so much more than just bricks and mortar, it’s the people who work in it that truly bring it to life. I remember how 10 years ago I attended a special “Friends and Family” Preview evening at House of Fraser, with my best friend David, not only did I get the opportunity to see the store before it opened to the general public, but it was the beginning of some amazing friendships too. From Danielle at Links of London to Maggie at my beloved Karen Millen concession I not only walked out of House of Fraser with fabulous purchases, but dear friendships too that have lasted far beyond their time working at HoF.

Photo Adrian Quinn.

That’s what makes Victoria Square so very special, from House of Fraser to Aspinal of London, Lunns The Jewellers to CRUISE their customer service is second to none, and for the first time I experienced what it was like to have long term, trusted relationships with Sales Associates. They took the time to get to know me and my tastes, they gave me honest advice when something didn’t suit me, or would source the perfect bag or cuff that I so desperately wanted to add to my collection. Victoria Square for me epitomises world class Customer Service and for this very reason it will always hold a special place in my heart! As they celebrate their 10th Anniversary this month I thought this would be THE perfect opportunity to look back at some of my many fabulous adventures at the Square!

So here it is, in no particular order my Top Ten at Ten!

Photo Adrian Quinn.

10. Personal shopping.

I love to build relationships with the stores I shop in and this moved a step further in 2011 when Victoria Square launched their Personal Styling service. From the comfort of their super chic personal styling suite, shoppers now had the opportunity to experience THE ultimate styling experience, picking up lots of styling tips and tricks from their In House Stylist. Over the years they have had 3 fantastic stylists (Judi Graham, Rebecca Mckinney and most recently Katherin Farries) and I have been privileged to become friends with them all. If you need a style overhaul or are looking for something special I cannot recommend Victoria Square's personal styling packages enough! (plus they’re great fun too!)

Getting feedback from Victoria Square's 1st Personal Stylist Judi Graham on this AMAZING Hervé Léger bandage dress.
(Photo Stephen Potter.)

My first meeting with Victoria Square's 2nd personal Stylist Rebecca McKinney at an event at Coast.
(Photo Stephen Potter).

Checking out some stylish fashion with current Personal Stylist Katherine Farries.
(Photo Darren Kidd PressEye.)

9. Appletiser StyleFix Fashion Show.

I was always a big fan of the Appletiser StyleFix Roadshow and I was so excited when it came to Victoria Square. I remember falling in love with a full length Hervé Léger gown and making a beeline to House of Fraser as I just had to have a pair leather shorts I spotted on the catwalk! This show also marks a special place in my heart as it became the subject of my first ever blog post (you can read the post HERE) and marks the beginning of my blogging career.

Photo Stephen Potter.

8. Meeting International Fashion Designer Amanda Wakeley!

As someone who is deeply passionate about high end designer fashion, it was amazing to have the opportunity to actually meet acclaimed fashion designer Amanda Wakeley at CRUISE when they hosted a special event showcasing her designs. Guests were also given a preview of some of her next season pieces straight from London Fashion Week. That evening I had the opportunity to try on one of her catwalk sample's from LFW (an amazing bias cut silk evening gown with Swarovski detailing) and chat with the lady herself! Such a down to earth and friendly woman I remember how excited I was when Amanda complimented me on my silk blouse, and how passionate she was about her work.

My Karen Millen outfit at the Amanda Wakeley event.
(Photo Stephen Potter)

7. CRUISE 30th Anniversary Party.

As you can probably tell CRUISE is one of my favourite stores, if you are a lover of high end fashion it is THE best place to shop designer pieces in Northern Ireland. I was privileged to not only attend their exclusive 30th Anniversary party in 2011 but I also featured in their Street Style shoot campaign by photographer Les Garçons de Glasgow which appeared throughout their UK stores to celebrate this milestone!

CRUISE 30th Anniversary Party.
(Photo Stephen Potter).

6. When VOGUE came to the Square!

Any fashionista would jump at the chance to attend a VOGUE party and in 2012 I had the opportunity to do just that when Victoria Square staged VOGUE’s Fashions Night Out! A strictly VIP only event, The Ivory hosted THE ultimate Fashion Party and just like those SATC gals we sipped on Cosmo’s and enjoyed an exclusive fashionshow showcasing the very best of Victoria Square’s fashion and up and coming local designers. It was such a memorable experience to sit FROW at such a stylish event!

Photo Kelvin Boyes PressEye.

5. Hosting the ManTime Catwalk Show at The Ivory Restaurant.

One of THE most stylish reataurant’s in the city, The Ivory located on the 3rd floor of House of Fraser was the venue for Northern Ireland’s first all male fashion show. As someone who was more used to sitting FROW it was such an eye opening experience to have the opportunity to host the show and work with some of my favourite stores on the project (CRUISE, House of Fraser, etc.) I truly loved every moment of it! I remember fondly partying into the wee small hours at the after party, it was definitely a night to remember!

Hosting ManTime Catwalk Show at The Ivory Restaurant.
(Photo Stephen Potter).

4. When FASHIONWEEK met Victoria Square.

My regular readers will know just how much of a die hard fan I am of West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK, and my all time favourite FASHIONWEEK show would be their underground Car Park shows at Victoria Square. FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin was definitely ahead of her time when she chose to stage FASHIONWEEK at such an edgy and urban venue. The atmosphere was electric and I felt like it could have easily been a catwalk show at any one of the International Fashion Week's.

3. Afternoon Tea at the Square!

I have always loved how Victoria Square like to think outside the box and I remember how excited I was when a courier arrived at my door with my invitation to attend their Spring Fashion Tea event at the Square in 2014 (the invite was a vintage style china tea cup and cupcake!)) The perfect instagrammable event, Victoria Square was transformed into an English country garden complete with grass, white picket fences and fabulous fashion of course! I can think of no better way to enjoy spring fashion than with cupcakes and tea! (Click HERE for my full blog post)

Photo Darren Kidd PressEye.

2. Victoria Square’s ultimate Style Soiree!

I've been lucky enough to attend numerous catwalk shows over the years, and this was one of the best! For one night only Victoria Square transformed Elmwood Hall at Queens University into a fantastical Autumnal Fantasy World to showcase some of Victoria Square’s hottest looks. The catwalk was adorned with Autumnal leaves while an elusive Mr Fox sang and introduced the evenings proceedings. Such a fantastical show it was unlike any catwalk I had ever seen and truly set the bar for catwalk events in Northern Ireland!

Photo Kelvin Boyes PressEye.

1. Becoming a “Kingsman” with Lunns The Jewellers.

Ever since my first purchase from Lunns The Jewellers in 2008 (my diamond Gucci watch) I have loved shopping with them. A family run business they are passionate about watches and fine jewellery and pride themselves on first class customer service. Last year they partnered with Tag Heuer for the launch of the new “Connected Modular 45” watch, and hosted an exclusive “Kingsman” party for invited guests! We partied in style and even had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Limited Edition Tag Heuer Connected 45 Kingsman watch as featured in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”. Of course no movie themed party is complete without a movie night, and so Lunns also invited us to a special screening of the new movie at Odeon, Victora Square complete with Lunns popcorn!

So there you have it, just a few of my many memories at Victoria Square! It’s hard to believe that Victoria Square has been here for just 10 years as it feels as if it's iconic glass dome has always been a part of the Belfast skyline. Victoria Square revolutionised the retail landscape of Northern Ireland and it’s impact has truly changed the way we shop. It has always been my favourite shopping destination in Northern Ireland and I’m so happy to see them celebrating such an important milestone in their journey! Thank you Victoria Square for all the wonderful memories and I look forward to celebrating their birthday in style! (details of their events below).

Share your Victoria Square memories on Facebook @victoriasquarebelfast Twitter @Victoria_Square and Instagram, @victoriasqbelfast using the hashtag #VSQ10

Throughout the month of March, Victoria Square is saying thank you for the memories with a host of exclusive events and over £10,000 worth of giveaways to celebrate its big birthday.

Over the next few weeks, shoppers will benefit from a fantastic range of promotions, offers, giveaways and events, as Victoria Square goes into full on celebration mode, with the mall bedecked with an impressive floral installation. During the 10th birthday month, customers will also have the chance to win an array of prizes and VSQ experiences. A massive £10,000 worth of Victoria Square prizes will dished out through giveaways on the mall and in partnership with Visit Belfast, Cool FM and Q Radio. A special arcade machine in the centre from 16th-25th will offer visitors the chance to win fantastic gifts, ranging in value from £5 - £500, with proceeds going to Victoria Square’s chosen charities for 2018.

Victoria Square’s iconic dome is acting as showcase area for a range of prize-winning artistic creations, submitted through a public art competition to mark its 10th birthday. A Mother’s Day Fayre on 10th and 11th March and Easter activities kicking off on 30th March will bring further buzz and excitement to the centre during the 10th anniversary month.

For further information, visit www.victoriasquare.com

The Ladyboys of Bangkok: The Greatest Showgirls Tour 2019!

Defining Luxury: Decoding the World of Luxe!

OOTD Diaries! Boho Style and FASHIONWEEK Dreams!

Style Diaries: Crimson Flush!

OOTD Diaries: FASHIONWEEK Empowerment!

Top 10 at 10! Time to Celebrate with Victoria Square!

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