October 2014

Time to mix yourself a Ghouls' Goblet Cocktail from Smirnoff this Halloween!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

I love my cocktails as any of my INSTAGRAM followers will know!! Which was why I was beyond excited when those lovely people over at Smirnoff sent me a very special Halloween themed cocktail mixing kit to try out their latest cocktail.......the Gouls' Goblet!!

I do love my vodka based cocktails such as Martini's and Cosmo's, as well as the Halloween cocktail "Apple Bite" which Smirnoff created last year so I was really excited and surprised when a courier arrived at my door with this years mixology kit!

This Halloween, Smirnoff has come up with an equally spine-chilling, hassle-free cocktail. With the moonlight demystifying the terrible tales surrounding cocktail making, you no longer need to be petrified about emptying your bank balance for elaborate glassware and extravagant ingredients. As this really is a hassle-free cocktail to make!

So brush off the cobwebs from your old jam jars and egg cups; as Smirnoff has brewed up the perfect hassle-free cocktail using items that can be found already in your pantry. Specialised equipment and mastering the witchcraft of mixology is a thing of the past – all you need is a little know-how to create great tasting drinks!

Smirnoff Ghouls’ Goblet

Don’t be alarmed when you see these creepy creatures at the bottom of your glass! The ghouls’ goblet will ensure your guests get a fright, tricking them with this tasty treat. This eerie tonic will provide a perfect spell with its sweet and sour sensations.

Ingredients

Tall glass (or martini glass, but apply half the measures of the below)

Ice

35ml Smirnoff No.21 (one egg cup measure)

150ml Ginger Ale

2 Orange slices

2 Lemon slices

5 Sweet gummy worms

Method

Take an ice tray and add your worm gummy sweets to each square, then fill with water

Add 1 to 2 drops of different food colouring in each and place in freezer

Once frozen add ice cubes to glass with all other ingredients

And there you have it - a deliciously frightening, easy drink that you can recreate at home this Halloween.

If you decide to try the cocktail for yourself I'd love to see your photos so please share them on Twitter and tag me @loulouvance!

Happy Halloween!

For more information visit facebook.com/Smirnoff and for more drinks inspiration visit uk.thebar.com.

Massive thanks to Hannah Irwin from Smarts Communicate for such a fabulous gift and supplying all recipe details & relevant photographs.

Attending the VIP Launch Party of Argento's New Flagship Store!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

What girl doesn't love a little sparkle in her life to brighten up the day?? Well anyone who is a regular reader will know I love my bling, and I'm always on the lookout for striking and unusual jewellery to elevate my ensemble's!

Jewellery store Argento first opened in 1997 and a year later I made my first trip instore with my mum to buy a piece of jewellery for my 18th Birthday! Owner Pete Boyle was a joy to shop with, not only could he tell me all about my new pendant, but he could even tell me it's history down to the very trade show he sourced it from!

Seventeen years later and few people walking past Argento’s new flagship store on Belfast’s Royal Avenue will know that the successful brand, which today has forty three stores across the UK and Ireland, started just footsteps away across the street, as a market stall. The successful entrepreneur now employs 386 staff and works with international brands such as Pandora, Nomination, Thomas Sabo and Michael Kors as well as retailing product designed in-house or sourced from suppliers right across the globe.

Over the years I've amassed quite a collection of jewellery from the brand, I'm totally addicted to their "Charmed" collection and in love with their new "InnerPower" range! I have also treated my wee mum to lots of gifts from there too!

So I was really excited when I heard the news that the Belfast City Centre store was to be completely transformed into their new look flagship store, and even more excited to discover I was invited to their VIP opening party!!

Speaking about the re-launch, Pete Boyle said: A large part of our company ethos is in the appreciation of design, and so I put a lot of focus on the interior design of the new look store. We’ve stripped walls back to bare brick and used reclaimed wood and steel beams which were painted in a unique Harland and Wolff yellow to give a subtle nod back to the city where the business started - as well as looking good against our grey. This is a truly unique shop-fit and there is not another one like it in Belfast.”

“We have plans in place to continue renovations of all existing Argento stores along with new stores in Scotland and England, so the company is looking forward to another exciting year in 2015.”

The new look store is edgy, spacious and modern, whilst retaining a welcoming and inviting mood, and I could see the store was buzzing as I arrived for the party!

It was seriously like being a kid in a candy store, statement necklaces adorned the walls while enticing glass counters contained all manner of sparkly things to catch my eye, I honestly didn't know where to start!

My favourite range: Argento's "Arabesque" collection!

Of course it wasn't long until I was sipping cocktails and catching up with friends, I even had the chance to meet founder Pete Boyle again and reminisce about the original store and discuss how the Argento brand has evolved over the years, as well as hear more about what to expect from this Autumn/Winter!

Cocktail time!

Posing for photos taken by the lovely Bremdan Gallagher!

Having a good catch up with model Alex Catherwood!

As for what I chose to wear to the event, I went for my favourite pair of statement jeans, my metallic pair from Karem Millen, paired with a new star jumper I received for my birthday! As for accessories, well I had to take the opportunity to show of some of my Argento pieces and my "InnerPower" carrier with the open star coin perfectly matched my jumper! To finish off the look I went for my favourite snake print tote and limited edition metallic cuff, both from Karen Millen!

Indigo Collection Star eyelash jumper by Marks & Spencer, "InnerPower" large rose gold crystal carrier pendant with ball chain and tricolour open star coin from Argento, Snake print stud box bag (GR139), Buckle cuff (ZQ014 - Ltd Edition not made available to purchase), & Metallic Jeans (PQ055) all from Karen Millen.

It was such a fun evening and I loved having the chance to see round the new look store, but best of all those lovely people at Argento actually let me choose a piece of jewellery to take home with me!! I was really tempted by their stunning "Dirty Ruby" statement necklaces but one piece stood out for me from their "Arabesque" collection, the Argento Rose Gold plated on stirling silver Arabesque Clover Necklace! (Click HERE to purchase). Not only was it beautifully crafted but it reminded me of the über expensive brand Van Cleef and Arpels who have made the clover design so popular amongst us bloggers! I hope my photos do the necklace justice as it's totally stunning and I've already lost count of the number of compliments I've received when I've worn it!

Argento Rose Gold Arabesque Clover Necklace.

Argento Rose Gold Arabesque Clover Necklace & the rest of the Argento "Arabesque" collection.

Again a massive thank you to Argento and to CMPR for throwing such a lovely party for us all, and if you have the chance to visit the store, definitely do you won't be disappointed!

A massive thanks to Christopher Wilson from CMPR for press release & all relevant imagery!

The Chelsea goes BURTONESQUE this Halloween!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Get the Victoria Beckham look for less from Karen Millen!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Kingsmill livens up lunch for busy Belfast shoppers!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Fashionable fun at the Next Press Day!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Next celebrate their new Nortern Irish Next Day Delivery service with a v special Press Day in Belfast!

If there is one thing I love about being a blogger it's press days! The chance to see behind the scenes if you will, with special previews of upcoming collections as well as a chance to meet the teams behind our favourite labels and tell them directly what we think about the brand!

Unfortunately living in Northern Ireland I find that most Press Day's will take place in Dublin or London.....however there are some brands who see Northern Ireland as an important region and really value us Northern Irish customers by staging events righthere in NI!

One such brand is Next and I had the pleasure of attending their latest Press Day event last week! Treating us all to a fabulous breakfast in the lovely Robinson & Cleaver Restaurant I had the opportunity to meet up with the Next team and to check out a special preview of their Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear and Christmas home decor lines!!

We were also there to celebrate Next introducing their new next day delivery service to Northern Ireland!! This I'm seriously excited about, there are lots of online retailers (one in particular springs to mind) who have lots of fast track delivery options on offer for mainland UK, then when you say delivery is to Northern Ireland you find you're stuck with only the basic standard delivery, waiting up to (and in some cases over a week) for your delivery to arrive!!!!! #ShoppingHell

Well Next now offer the option of next day delivery to our fair shores for any order placed up to 10pm the evening before! The genius of this is that not only can you get all your Next items super quick, but also all the other brands from their "Label" section, such as LK Bennett, Oasis and Warehouse to name but a few!

It's so nice to see a company like Next investing money into our region to make sure we receive the same service as our mainland counterparts and I really applaud them for doing that!

Of course when I was there I also got to check out some of the key pieces from their A/W collection! This season it's all about texture and embellishment and Next have this trend totally nailed! I also had a great time checking out the Childrenswear too as I'm lucky enough to be petite enough to fit into the collection, which has lots of really fashion forward pieces! (Plus it's cheaper too as there is no VAT to pay!) Win/Win in my books!!

Loved this monochrome spot skirt from the Next Childrenswear line!

We also got a glimpse into the "Next" Christmas with all their fabulously festive Christmas decor!

It was such a fun morning, and Next even treated us all to manicures from the fabulous team at Jason Shankey too!

On the way out they gifted us THE most amazing goodie bags, and I was over the moon when I saw they had given me this stunning watch! On my petite wrist it perfectly creates the stylish oversized look which is so of the moment right now!

My new watch from Next along with my new skirt, how perfect do they go together!

As the Next store was only round the corner from Robinson & Cleaver I nipped inside to treat myself to something nice and ended up leaving with this total amazeballs skirt from their Childrenswear collection!! Click HERE to buy. (Apologies for the bad "changing room" photo)!

Next Gold Jacqaurs Prom Skirt.

Again a massive thank you to the team from Next for inviting us all to such a fabulous event and really spoiling us! Don't forget if like me you have no patience waiting for deliveries you can now get next day delivery online at http://www.next.co.uk! Happy shopping everyone!

The Lady Boys Of Bangkok Return to Belfast with their Sensational New Show – Red Hot Kisses!

Friday, October 24, 2014

For the past two years I have been lucky enough to see The Lady Boys of Bangkok perform here in Belfast, and let me tell you it's a show seriously not to be missed!! To say we have fun at it is a major understatement, if you love fabulous costumes and amazing dance routines you will be in your element and this year will see The Lady Boys of Bangkok return in November with their latest sizzling and seductive production! Feel the temperature soar as the stars burn up the stage in ‘Red Hot Kisses’ their brand new show for 2014!

Arriving to entertain Belfast like no one else can from Saturday 1st to Saturday 15th November in the Sabai Pavilion, Custom House Square, Belfast BT1 3FG. Returning to the UK for a record-breaking 16th season, the Lady Boys of Bangkok have become the country’s favourite touring cabaret show bringing their truly unique style of entertainment to eager audiences the length and breadth of Britain - from Inverness in the north to Truro in the south and from Newcastle to Belfast.

In an inferno of fun and frolics, this blazing hot production includes 16 of Thailand’s most beautiful and intriguing lady boys, performing a show like no other! (Seriously I've never seen so many people having so much fun at a show!)

As the cabaret room lights dim, the excitement raises – the Lady Boys are back in town!
The curtains part, and there the full glamour, glitz and glory those fabulous Lady Boys of Bangkok – 16 of the world’s most fabulous showgirls - who just happen to be men! – launch into their colourful, sexy performance with their brilliantly stylised humour that is cheeky but never crude.

With more than 200 specially designed lavish costumes – everything from fabulous feathers to designer-inspired couture – the eclectic mix of musical genres includes movie hits, superstar pop favourites and a dash of country and western added to keep the party glowing. With more songs and production numbers than you could shake your hips to, from Moulin Rouge to Flash Dance and Hairspray then at the blink of a mascara’d eye the pace changes as they glide through their unique Lady Boys of Bangkok tributes to Kylie...Katie …Tina …. Amy …..J-lo and even Robbie!

If it all gets a little too hot for audiences to handle, don’t worry – there are fully licensed bars to help cool down with an ice cold beverage, and if they get a little peckish the Sabai Pavilion’s resident chef will be delighted to ignite the taste buds with a mouth-watering range of authentic Thai cuisine. So you can really make a night of it!

Oh Yes! The Lady Boys of Bangkok’s 2014 party starts right here!

So what are you waiting for – book now for the best party night in town! MWAHHHH!

Book now to make sure you don’t miss out on the inspiring and captivating sight of the Lady Boys of Bangkok live on stage! Also check out our special treats and packages to make your night a unique experience you will never forget!

I myself will be attending for my third time, and if the last two shows are anything to go by it's definitely going to be a night to remember! So please don't miss out on this seriously fabulous extravaganza!!!

Having a little fun at last year's Lady Boys of Bangkok show, 2013!

Photograph by Brendan Gallagher.

Box Office open on site from Wednesday 29th October 2014
11:00am – 9.30pm dailyTelephone Bookings: 0871 705 0705 (10p BT per min)
Online Bookings: www.ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk.

Thanks to Christopher Wlison from CMPR for press release and all professional imagery.

My West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK Diary AW14: Day One....MeanGirls!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Ten years, eighteen seasons.......and here we are, celebrating ten years of West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK! Last week I had the pleasure of attending FASHIONWEEK, attending all the shows and hanging backstage with the crew and organisers! It was a whirlwind of events, but amazing to be a part of something which really has grown from strength to strength over these past ten years!

For it's eighteenth season FASHIONWEEK moved to a new venue, a converted warehouse in Bruce Street which I hope will become their new home for many seasons to come! With "Brand Alley" allowing us to satisfy our craving for a little retail therapy, to the Zen pop up sushi and cocktail bar, it felt like everything had been risen to a new level, and with new events added to the traditional FASHIONWEEK schedule, there was so much for myself and my fellow fashionistas to enjoy!

On Day One we were treated to a special charity screening of the movie "Mean Girls" which just like FASHIONWEEK was also celebrating it's tenth anniversary! In association with Odyssey Cinema's who managed to track down a copy of the movie we were treated to as much "pink" Cherry popcorn as we could eat along with our customary West Coast Cooler drinks (just had to be rosé!).

The evening was in aid of cancer charity Pretty 'n' Pink, and for those of us who had known it's founder Noleen Adair (who sadly passed away this June), the evening was a fond reminder of her zest for fun and laughter with audience members really entering into the spirit of proceedings, shouting out some of the movie's best known quotes as we laughed and giggled throughout the movie!

What can I say......."On Wednesday's We Wear Pink"!!!!

Photograph by Brendan Gallagher.

Myself and the lovely Marian Mawhinney from Pretty 'n' Pink catching up!

As the screening took place on Wednesday 15th October it was a chance for us to embrace our inner "plastics" and wear pink! Well I figured I had two options, I could play it safe, or really enter into the spirit of proceedings...........so I went all out wearing pink from head to toe, from the pink pedicure on my toes to my NEON PINK HAIR!! yes you did read that right, PINK hair!!! #OnWednesdaysWeWearPink

Pictured with my new pink "hair" (AKA a pink bob wig), necklace was a present, bonded lace panel dress from Warehouse, Balenciaga giant gold cuff in colour Rose Corail lambskin leather, stripe mini box bag (GL217) Karen Millen and L.K. Bennett leather and pony skin "Cheyne" peep toe sandals. Photograph by Brendan Gallagher.

Lets just say my pink hair caused quite the reaction when everyone saw it for the first time, and while I had lots of fun rocking the look, I must confess I did return to my signature brunette locks for the rest of FASHIONWEEK! Hehe!

Such a fun and girly evening and all for such a worthwhile cause I couldn't wait to return to BFW HQ for the rest of the shows!!!

"Into the Woods" with George’s dark fairytale trend: sneak peak at what to expect at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Model Phoebe Tan this week showcasing some of the latest trends from the George Autumn/Winter collection which will be seen on the runway at Belfast’s premiere style event, West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK on Saturday 18th October.

Today is Day 4 of West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK and is the turn of the High Street to show off their top trends for the Autumn/Winter season!

With lots of retailers taking part it's always a hugely enjoyable show and I'm really looking forward to seeing what George have come up with for this Autumn/Winter! You may remember I had the opportunity to interview the George Design team last year at FASHIONWEEK (click HERE to read) and I cannot wait to catch up with the team later this evening for cocktails and sushi!

But before then, I thought I would treat you all to a sneak peek at some of the trends and looks you can expect to see at tonight's sold out show!

The ever-popular brand is creating tons of fashion buzz with a lookbook which includes pretty pastels, dark floral prints and woodland motifs evocative of Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fables.

Kim Walsh, Regional George Manager for Northern Ireland, commented, “Our latest Autumn/Winter collection is full of chic, must-have pieces and we’re planning on showcasing some of this season’s coolest trends. From sweet pale tones and shadowy floral prints to oversized coats and woodland designs – there’s a really beautiful ‘dark fairytale’ look running through the collection which is perfectly on trend for Autumn/Winter ’14.”

The powder blue textured coat (pictured above) has already created a major stir at the FASHIONWEEK press launch and I'm super excited to see the rest of the collection on FASHIONWEEK's ever stylish catwalk!

Cathy Martin, organiser of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK, said, “With Belfast FASHIONWEEK fast approaching, we’re thrilled to welcome George back to the runway this season as we know our guests will be in for a real treat! Our new-look headquarters on Bruce Street will hopefully act as a stylish backdrop for proceedings and this year we’ve an exciting new twist with the launch of our ‘boutique alley’. The George team will be on hand after the show to offer fans a close up look at some key looks.”

So if you were lucky enough to secure a ticket before they sold out make sure to check out the George pop up shop at FASHIONWEEK's "Brand Alley" where you can shop the looks direct from the catwalk and I shall see you all tonight!

Massive thanks to Marty Byrne at Morrow Communications for press release & all relevant imagery!