So what's a girl to do I hear you ask??? Karen Millen of course!!! My favourite label, it never lets me down when choosing the right look for the various fashion events I attend, and so I went searching in my wardrobe for THE perfect ensemble!!

First the dress, I wanted something that was daytime chic, in seasonal colours! I opted for graphic stripes in neutral tones with just a hint of red to give it a pop in one of my favourite styles from Karen Millen: a body con bandage dress!

As it was January I needed a stylish cover up to keep out the chill and I couldn't wait to wear my new faux pony leopard print coat from Karen Millen!! I cannot praise this coat highly enough, super luxurious, everytime I wear it I feel like I should be climbing out of my town car in New York to party the night away with the SATC girls!!

Next to tie in the leopard print of the coat and the pop of the red I wore THE most stunning pair of peep toe sandals from LK Bennett!! Anyone who reads my posts will have seen these sandals pop up time and time again with various outfits, they're just so fabulous I can't stop wearing them! With their mix of textures: leopard print pony skin, suede and leather and skyscraper high heels, I make a statement with my very first step into a room!

Accessories wise I chose to wear my InnerPower rose gold & crystal pendant from Argento, the innovative part of the pendant is that fact the they contain interchangeable "coins" allowing you to totally change the style and look of the pendant! When it came to my arm candy I decided to stack two of my favourite cuffs, the first is my rose gold Mulberry "Bayswater" suede cuff, the second is a recent purchase from CRUISE, a Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard ID black leather cuff!

Of course no outfit is complete without a seriously covetable handbag and I loved how well my snake print stud handbag from Karen Millen went with both my dress and coat, a fashion marriage made in heaven! Bought last year I've used it constantly since getting it, it's exotic leather finish and multi faceted studs really elevate it to a whole other level when it comes to "arm candy"!!

I hope you enjoy looking at the photos from the event and my choice of outfit for the launch!!

FASHIONWEEK's press launch always marks the beginning of the fashion social callender here in NI and it was the perfect opportunity for me to catch up with friends, fellow bloggers, stylists, designers, photographers and models all of whom were extremely excited to hear about the upcoming shows and celebratory events to mark FASHIONWEEK's tenth year! I was also extremely privileged to be interviewed by the lovely Katie Larmour for FASHIONWEEK TV!!! Watch the video HERE.

FASHIONWEEK itself will be running from 19-23 March across various venues in Belfast, including catwalk shows, an afternoon tea, it's iconic Style Sunday event and an epic evening at Stormont, Parliament Buildings celebrating FASHIONWEEK's tenth year!!

Speaking at the launch, director of Belfast FASHIONWEEK Cathy Martin said:  “I feel very proud to be standing here today as I announce the schedule for the seventeenth season of FASHIONWEEK and the beginning of its tenth year.  When I created FASHIONWEEK at my kitchen table in 2004-2005, I could only have dreamed that it would become the much celebrated and anticipated event that it is today, and it’s been a pleasure to watch it - and all those who have been involved, including designers, models and many other creatives - evolve and flourish over the years.  I’m looking forward to showcasing the talents of our local designers and new spring/summer collections from our high street stores and local designer boutiques, but also to ‘giving back’ a little with our Charity Challenge and to let loose some fantastic creativity with Paddy McGurgan’s theatrical make up show.  These extras, as well as some new plans for Autumn, will help celebrate what has been a remarkable decade for FASHIONWEEK.”

Wednesday 19th March: Local Designers and Independent Boutiques Catwalk Show with Harrison, Blush, Rachel McKnight, Diamond Dolls in Banbridge, Nor Lisa, CRUISE, Grainne Maher and Larissa Watson all confirmed to take part. (Ulster Museum).


Thursday 20th March: High Street Catwalk Show with The OUTLET, Banbridge, Benetton, Marks and Spencer, George at Asda and Next, among others. (Ulster Museum).


Friday 21st March: Paddy McGurgan's Make Up Show & Charity Shop Challenge to be held in Stormont's iconic Great Hall!!!

Saturday 22nd March: Afternoon fashion tea showcasing designer looks from CRUISE to be held in SAPHYRE, Lisburn road.

Sunday 23rd March: Style Sundy four course gourmet luncheon accompanies trend forecasts, a mini fashion show and seasonal style tips at SHU Lisburn Road.

However I'm most excited about Friday's show in Stormont as I've actually be asked to take part in the Charity Shop Challenge!!!! *squeal*!!!!!!

I remember the first FASHIONWEEK I ever attended, watching the models grace the catwalk.....never in a million years did I ever imagine I would have the opportunity to see looks I personally styled on their iconic catwalk! For me it's a dream come true, made all the more special by the fact that I'll be creating awarness for my chosen charity, Heart Foundation!!

The Charity Challenge concept was created by Cathy to bring together ten fashion bloggers or stylists with ten charities and their retail stores to create a collection of ten catwalk-worthy outfits each. Cathy said: “I can’t wait to see what classic, quirky and vintage ensembles our exceptionally creative stylists will come up with.  Actually, we started off with the goal of ten charity partnerships to celebrate our tenth year, but I’m delighted to say we now have twelve. And all the outfits shown on the catwalk as part of the Charity Challenge will be available to buy (via donation) on the night at each charity’s pop up store, so as well as exposing what great finds there are in store at some of these gem shops, we’re hoping that the charities will sell the entire collections to make some much needed funds.” Cathy, who will fund the Charity Challenge production herself, has supported charity over the years through FASHIONWEEK tying in with Mencap via the Style Sunday event, as well as breast cancer charity Pretty in Pink, which collects donations at all shows.

As for what I was wearing at the launch I opted for my favourite label once again, Karen Millen!! With one of my favourite bandage body con dresses! (Click HERE to read more about my outfit!)

The full show schedule is available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com along with details of this season’s trends plus links to all participant retailers and sponsors.  Catwalk tickets, which cost £20 (or £25 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler. 

Massive thanks to CMPR for the invitation to attend, and for supplying the press release and all catwalk photographs by Brendan Gallagher!

Like most people I always enjoy keeping an eye on the latest celebrity fashion trends and how they're styling their looks together! In the build up to Christmas and the New Year lace was a massive trend, translated through super elegant and sophiscated silhouettes, from The Great Gatsby to Downton Abbey, lace was EVERYWHERE!

For someone like myself it was a trend I loved, as I tend to gravitate towards quite refined looks! But that doesn't mean that lace is limited to just formal looks as was proven when singer Este Haim wore London based label BASTYAN's "Wren" dress when "HAIM" performed on Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny concert!


BASTYAN was founded in June 2009, and concentrates on designing contemporary pieces focusing on sharp tailoring and sexy femininity. Singer Este Haim chose to take what I would consider to be a very refined dress that wouldn't look out of place at an elegant cocktail party, and gave it a young, edgy, rock chick feel! It just goes to show what a difference styling and attitude can make to an overall look, and Este definitely was rocking this look with serious attitude! LOVE IT!!!


For more information on BASTYAN check out their website http://www.bastyan.co.uk/ Or follow them on Twitter: @BASTYANfashion and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bastyanfashions

Of course my first thought was what was I going to wear??? But that was an easy one to solve......Karen Millen of course!! The next question was whatever was I going to do with my hair??? Most of the time I wear it down, in sleek variations of a bob haircut, but for such a glam event I really wanted to up the style stakes, and so I headed down to the ever fabulous Denise McCluskey, Owner of Michéle International for her expert advice!!

Denise has been my hairdresser now for many years, and is no stranger to ACA, having closely worked with many of Alison's top models over the years, as well as looking after numerous Miss Northern Ireland's hair so I knew I was in safe hands!!

As my dress was an elegant satin strapless number we decided on a chic Upstyle, swept up to perfectly showcase my long neck and statement necklace made from keshi pearls and semi precious stones. However to keep it from looking too formal Denise cleverly kept it quite unstructured at the back, giving it a relaxed and modern feel! Sitting in my salon chair It was like a Who's Who of models who were also in having their hair styled for the party and I even caught a sneak peek at the current Miss N.I, the lovely Meagan Green's fabulous retro glam hairstyle!

When Denise was finished I was over the moon with the end result: chic, sophisticated, elegant, but still young and modern, it was exactly the look I was going for and I couldn't wait to head out to the party!!

As for my outfit, I of course opted for my beloved Karen Millen, wearing a dress which is one of my all time favourite looks, a fabulous deep blue strapless dress in luxurious satin, which always turns heads when I wear it! I accessorised it with my keshi pearl and semi precious stone necklace, and a matching blue satin bow corsage box clutch, also from Karen Millen! The look was finished off with my satin and sequin blue peep toe shoes and I was all set to party the night away in style!

I had such a fabulous time at the party, catching up with friends in the fashion industry and checking out all the stunning outfits everyone was wearing, I especially loved the striking black and gold sequined dress current Miss N.I. Meagan Green was wearing, and the daring plunging neckline of Jayne Higgins gorgeous LBD! The evening included the Annual ACA Model Awards and I was so pleased to hear that the lovely Joanne Salley (who is such a sweetheart!) had won the Lifetime Achievment Award! Then with all the formalities dispensed with, it was time for the DJ to blast the tunes as everyone hit the dance floor!!

Massive thanks to Alison Clarke & ACA for my invitation to the party & for permission to use photographs taken on the night.

However in the back of my mind I knew it reminded me of something I'd seen before, and turned out I was thinking of the Victoria Beckham black halter strap dense ribbed jersey fitted dress! In fact i'd even "Style Spotted" the lovely Velda Murdock wearing the very same dress in my piece on the CRUISE (store) "Summer Style" Party for Belfast Times! (Click HERE to view).

The Victoria Beckham version has similar double straps, and is also body con in design, and certainly has a similar feel to the Karen Millen tuxedo suit pencil dress!

However that's where the similarities end, as the Karen Millen dress has a very chic v neckline (rather than VB's high necked dress) which is mirrored in it's V shaped front panel, and who could forget those perfectly placed peplums at the hips accentuating a woman's curves and tiny waist!

However the best part was the price, as this stunning Karen Millen dress was a mere £85 in the sale, and as soon as I tried it on I knew it was a total "must have"!!!! This is a dress that would be perfect for any lady wanting to make a statement in the office, or would work equally as well as a super chic dress for dinner or a stylish cocktail party!! I can't wait to wear it!!

As for styling, well I thought it would be rather good fun to channel my inner "Posh" and work it a la Beckham! Below are two looks, the first features Victoria Beckham's black dress, with one of her signature bags, and her favourite shoe label, Christian Louboutin! The second is my Karen Millen number featuring accessories all from KM!

Let me know what you think, which dress is your favourite!

Having seen the winning finalists creations on the catwalk at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK AW13, I was blown away by the sheer level of creativity, detail and workmanship in each of the intricate designs and was so excited to see them appear again on the red carpet!!

Both the students' designs were created exclusively from recycled or reused materials for the eco conscious Junk Kouture competition and won the Red Carpet prize at the Grand Final in May. The Irish schoolgirls were joined on the red carpet by royal guests and the cast and crew of the new film based on the life of Nelson Mandela, 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'.

The Crystal Ghost dress, cleverly made out of paper and polystyrene cups, made the leap from art room to red carpet via a year of success with the Junk Kouture competition. The girls who made it heard about the competition, which seeks to give aspiring young designers the opportunity to work with junk materials to create wearable fashion art, through past successful applicants from their school who reached similar achievements. Cathy Brennan, who was delighted about her dress's appearance in London said: "It was such a great experience and one I'll never forget! I can't believe I went from making this dress in school, to the catwalk and onto the red carpet with celebrities. Entering Junk Kouture is best thing I've done and I'm so proud of myself Megan for getting this far."