Day two of West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK and proccedings got underway in the early evening with an intimate pop up store and mini fashion show by Argento!

Argento is one of my favourite stores, many years ago when there was only one store in Castle Street, Belfast I remember visiting owner Peter with my mum to chose something for my 18th Birthday! Since then I've been totally hooked and I've not only seen the business grow from its one store to a chain of stores throughout the UK, but it's range and variety of jewellery has substantially grown, from contemporary stirling silver to include costume jewellery, designer brands and Argento producing their own exclusive ranges of exciting jewellery!

I was therefore very excited to attend their exclusive event at FASHIONWEEK to get a sneak peek at their latest upcoming designs for SS14!!

Upon entering I was greated with the customary FASHIONWEEK West Coast Cooler drink and a glimpse at the new Argento SS14 advertising campaign, as well as getting a chance to chat with Argento representatives Lynsey Redpath and Ian Megrath!

Ian who not only works for Argento but is also a fellow blogger friend of mine walked me round the room talking me through each of the ranges from Argento as well as explaining the thoughts behind the designs and the process from initial design to finished product!

For instance, while statement necklaces remain popular, the SS14 spin on them from the Dirty Ruby range is to have a matt rather than a sparkle finish to the jewels, in mouth watering ice cream sorbet pastels and neon hues, mirroring the colours seen on the fashion catwalk!

Stackable bracelets and cuffs are also strong with layered friendship bracelets coming pre stacked with easy to use magnetic clasps, and crystal beaded coiled wire bracelets in rainbow hues to catch the eye!

I personally loved their new range of bangles from their Karma range that include "coin" charms, each with their own special meaning! Part of the range is to include special limited edition bangles with charms to represent some of our local charities, which I personally think is a fabulous idea!!

We were also treated to a mini fashion show, giving us an opportunity to see how fabulous the jewellery looked on the FASHIONWEEK models!!

It was great to see each of the new ranges up close and all us bloggers and fashionistas certainly had fun trying on and checking out all the stunning jewellery!

I was soooo chuffed when I learned that my special Argento goodie bag from the event contained a fabulous statement cuff from the August Woods range (all of my regular readers will know I'm totally OBSESSED with cuffs)!! I just had to try it on straight away!!

To say that I came away with a long wishlist is a MAJOR understatement and I can't wait to head instore to treat myself to some gorgeous jewellery!!!!

A massive thank you to FASHIONWEEK and to Argento for the invitation to attend the event, and to Ian Megrath for providing me with the imagery!!

Day 1 of West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK SS14! I was so excited to head off to the shows to check out the latest trends from our local designers, boutiques and High Street stores! But before the catwalk shows I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to the exclusive launch of Belfast designer and entrepreneur, Larissa Watson's Goddess & Swift's new city centre studio! 

Her beautiful high-end collection, which is now available to buy from the studio at Belfast’s Commercial Court, dazzled us fashionistas, bloggers and VIPs at the intimate launch before lighting up the catwalk just a few hours later as part of the popular designer and designer boutique catwalk show at the Ulster Museum.  

With over two decades’ experience under her belt, Larissa boasts some of the top, well-known international retailers as clients on her impressive CV with her collections having been stocked in Harrods, Brown Thomas and various other boutiques across Europe. But now the Belfast woman has launched her own studio and showroom on the same night she was showcasing her collection on the catwalk at Belfast Fashionweek!

Speaking at the launch Larissa said, “I’m delighted to welcome all my clients, old and new to have a browse at my latest collections at my new city centre studio.  

“This season’s collection incorporates pretty and feminine pastels and metallics.  There are also lots of beautiful printed silks and linens, statement prints and elegant lines.  The collection is feminine, luxurious and timeless and I‘m really pleased with how it has turned out.”

Already a fan of the label, I especially adore Larissa's exquisite choice of beautiful fabrics, and the beautiful free flowing nature of her pieces, producing something truly striking that every woman would feel special wearing! This season's pretty pastels and striking metallics, create truly covetable looks that are both of the moment yet will always remain timeless!

Environment conscious Larissa is passionate about using locally sourced materials, she said:  “I source and manufacture my materials locally as far as is economically possible.  It’s important to me to use the highest quality materials whilst keeping the label accessible.  Producing clothing of the highest quality - which is both classical and creative – as well as offering timeless appeal is of the utmost importance to me and the brand.”

It was such fun catching up with Larissa and having the opportunity to look around her amazing studio and showroom and I wish her every success with it! (Not that she needs it as both the studio and her designs are fabulous!!)

Goddess and Swift’s studio and showroom is now open at 9 Commercial Court, Belfast.

For more information on Goddess and Swift visitwww.goddessandswift.com