The Real Elle Woods!

The Global Party comes to The Fitzwilliam Hotel with Stylish Aplomb!

Saturday, September 27, 2014

You could say that I'm a bit of a party girl........glitzy parties, stunning ensembles, fabulous cocktails and opulent venues are all my idea of heaven and so it was with great excitement that I opened my invitation to this years Global Party.......known as "The world's largest invite only VIP Charity event!".

The concept behind the Global Party is simple, bringing the world's elite together to party in style, to create awarness and raise funds for charitable organisations around the world! Last year I was privileged to be invited to the first ever Global Party to be held in Northern Ireland (click HERE to read about it!) and I was beyond excited when I received my invitation to this year's event!

This year it was to be held in the ultra modern and opulent Fitzwilliam Hotel, I have been lucky enough to be invited to some amazing parties staged by The Fitzwilliam Hotel in the past, most notably their 5th Brithday "Casino" themed party (click HERE to read more!) and so I was very excited to see what The Fitzwilliam Hotel had in store for their Global Party!!

With a fabulous #GlobalGlamour dress code I knew I had THE perfect dress for the event (Karen Millen naturally!) and I couldn't wait to attend......then disaster!! I only went and fell ill with a massive dose of the cold! Instead of being surrounded by glamorous guests I ended up surrounded by a blanket and hot water bottle, complete with thumping head and runny nose! *sob*

However while I may not have been there in person I can however share with you some of the official photos from the evening's proceedings!

The Fitzwilliam Hotel's Global Party consisted of an intimate fashion season preview of some of Autumn/Winter's hottest trends with Cool FM presenter and fashion stylist Rebecca McKinney treating guests to a sneak peek of new season delights from The Walk in Wardrobe in Banbridge! Owned by Laura McPolin, The Walk in Wardrobe is one of NI's best kept style secrets, dressing many of NI's top models and fashionista's for THE most stylish events of the season! I can't wait to check out the boutique for myself in Banbridge and I was so disappointed to miss their A/W preview!

Laura McPolin of The Walk in Wardrobe, Cool FM host/Stylist Rebecca McKinney & Siobhan O'Sullivan Director of Sales & Marketing at The Fitzwilliam Hotel. (All wearing outfits from The Walk In Wardrobe).

Host for the evening Rebecca McKinney talking through the hottest A/W trends!

Guests were treated to delicious canapés and drinks courtesy of Molson Coors, with DJ Steven Simpson setting the mood, while party goers entered into the spirit of the event with a lavish prize draw to raise money for Mencap!

DJ Steven Simpson.

Rebecca McKinney, Laura McPolin, Carol Magee & Siobhan O'Sullivan.

I have to say the event looked like such a fun evening and I so wish I could have been there in person to party in style with all my friends! The Fitzwilliam Hotel's events are always top of my social callender and I'm so sad I missed such a lovely event for such a worthwhile cause!

Massive thanks to Megan Taylor from Smarts Communicate for the invitation, press release and all professional imagery from the evening!

An Über Stylish Event at The Fitzwilliam Hotel's Fifth Birthday Party!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

If there's one thing this girl loves it's a good party, and I was over the moon when a very stylish invitation, illustrated by the fabulous Sara O'Neill arrived though my door inviting me to the über chic Fitzwilliam Hotel to celebrate the hotel's fifth birthday in style!!

The day began with a fabulous delivery of some seriously yummy, and specially designed mini birthday cupcakes and I couldn't wait to arrive at the party that evening to see what other surprises lay in store for us! Upon arrival, we were greated by a red carpet and a very dapper Fitzwilliam doorman held open my taxi door, sheltering me from the rain with his giant umbrella as I entered through their glass doors! (Why can't this happen to me every day!). Filled with stylish guests, we were treated to delicious canapés and glasses of bubbly as I mixed with my fellow guests and caught up with all my friends!

Myself with the lovely Gráinne McGarvey!

Sara O'Neill and Siobhan O'Sullivan with Sara's amazing illustration!!

But that was only the beginning.......as we moved into the elegant bar area, it was time for phase two of the party, a very special casino and cocktail themed evening! Think James Bond or as one of my friends at the Blackjack table pointed out, Ocean's Eleven and you'll have a good idea of what it was like! Time for Cosmo cocktails, and a spin on the roulette table, or take a chance that the cards were on my side with blackjack! It was such a fun evening, and one I most certainly won't forget!

Pictured celebrating are (L-R) Siobhan O'Sullivan, June Burgess and Cian Landers from the Fitzwilliam Hotel.

I've been to the Fitzwilliam Hotel many times for various events and I can certainly see why in it's five years the hotel has welcomed celebrities like Katy Perry and Chris Martin, had over 320,000 guests from across the globe, and has served more than 110,000 cocktails (some of which have been to me!!!) since it first opened to the public in March 2009!

Of course no Real Elle Woods post would be complete without talking about what I wore to the event! As always when it comes to a chic and stylish affair, I opted for my label of choice, Karen Millen!! No other label has such an incredible selection of chic cocktail dresses to choose from and this time I decided to be the lady in red! What I love about this particular dress is the luscious red satin, oozing luxury and opulence! It's contrasting red panelling giving the dress a modern graphic feel! Accessories wise there was no better match than my Karen Millen stripe mini box bag, and I gave the look a funky edge with my L.K. Bennett red suede and leopard pony skin peep toe sandals! As for my jewellery, well for such a glam evening there was only one choice.........diamonds!!!

Red signature stretch satin dress (DP156) with Stripe mini box bag (GL217), both Karen Millen; selection of my diamond jewellery, set in white gold, and L.K. Bennett leather and pony skin "Cheyne" peep toe sandals.

A massive thank you to the Fitzwilliam Hotel for a truly wonderful evening, you guys certainly know how to throw one heck of a good party, here's to five successful years and many more to come!!!

For further information on the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast please visit www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/FitzwilliamHotelBelfast.

Massive thanks to Hannah Irwin and Amy Black from Smarts Communicate for the invitation and all relevant imagery! Photography by Darren Kidd, PressEye.

"New Year, New You" event at The Fitzwilliam Hotel!

Thursday, February 06, 2014

After the excesses of Christmas many of us begin the year with a list of New Year Resolutions centered round creating healthier lifestyles, myself included! Which was why I was so excited when I received an invitation to a motivational evening to encourage healthy lifestyles for 2014 hosted by the chic Fitzwilliam Hotel!

Yours truly in the elegant surroundings of The Fitzwilliam Hotel!

The evening centered round three speakers covering three main areas: exercise by boxing champaign Brian Magee, healthy eating from Paula Heaney of Skinny Malinky's Real Juices and a motivational talk by local adventurer Hannah Shields!!

Peter Cardwell, Fiona Heaney, Siobhan O'Sullivan, Paula Heaney, Hannah Shields & Brian Magee.

On arrival we were treated to glasses of bubbly and THE most delicious healthy canapés served from the hotel bar! It was the perfect chance for me to catch up with fellow bloggers, press and friends after the Christmas period!

Myself with Suzanne Savage.

The evening was hosted by the fantastic Stephen Clements from CityBeat and proceedings began with Brian Magee, boxing champion and founder of Magee Health & Fitness, who demonstrated expert techniques for home exercise! Next Paula Heaney, director of Skinny Malinky's Real Juices, shared nutritional tips and recipes for home juicing! We even got to sample some of their seriously yummy juices: their "Lean Green Detoxifying Machine" made from apples, pears, celery, courgette, cucumber, kale, kiwi and parsley and the "Carrot Kick Start" made with carrot, apple, ginger and lime!

Stephen Clements & Brian Magee.

The evening ended with inspirational story-telling by local adventurer Hannah Shields, who enthusiastically recounted her experiences of climbing Everest and racing to the North Pole! I was enthralled as she told us about her expeditions and held my breath when hearing about her encounter with polar bears!! (If you think they're warm and cuddly like the Coca-Cola bears, think again!!) Listening to Hannah really gave us all the passion and motivation to believe we're capable of anything we set our minds on, here's to new challenges for 2014!!

A fabulous evening, massive thanks again to The Fitzwilliam Hotel for hosting such an informative and inspirational event!

As for what I chose to wear well it was a typical January evening and so I wanted to make sure my ensemble was both warm and stylish! Of course my label of choice was once again Karen Millen, this time in the form of their über glamorous leopard print coat! I paired it with my cosy snow leopard cardigan and accessorised it with my bag of the moment, my snakeprint studded handbag! I opted for trousers rather than my usual dresses and went for a pair of very chic and sexy leather leggings, finishing the look off with my favourite pair of skyscraper leather shoe boots!!

Snow leopard cardigan (KK208), Leopard print coat (CR069), Snake print stud box bag (GR139) all from Karen Millen, Vintage leather leggings & "Proud" shoe boots from Topshop Premium.

Massive thanks to Hannah Irwin from Smarts Communicate for press release and all relevant imagery from PressEye.

Day 1: Fashion Cocktails & Una Rodden's Instillation kicks off Belfast FASHIONWEEK AW'13 in Style!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

In it's 9th year and 16th season West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK firmly remains top of my fashion callander!! Over the years FASHIONWEEK consistently delivers when it comes to it's schedule of shows and events, and this year we not only had the main shows, but lots of fringe event's too!

FASHIONWEEK opened with a bang hosting a glamorous cocktail party: "FASHIONWEEK At The Fitz" for fashionista's attending the opening night's Independent Boutique Show! Having been at the stylish Fitzwilliam Hotel for the FASHIONWEEK launch, I couldn't wait to attend and we weren't disapointed, with their barmen mixing specially themed FASHIONWEEK West Coast Cooler cocktails, as DJ Steven Simpson set the musical tone!

Enjoying a FASHIONWEEK inspired West Coast Cooler Cocktail! (Handbag Jasper Conran).

Then it was off to The Meter House for a very special event indeed featuring established designer Una Rodden! Best known for her iconic designs, working with luxurious fabrics, perfectly draped and cut in jaw dropping creations! Una is one of those designers who perfectly walks the balance between fashion as art, but still rooting her designs in wearable creations designed to make a woman feel fabulous!

Her designs have been seen on many a catwalk, but this time her aim was do do something different! To create a fashion instillation to evoke the mood and feel of her Autumn Winter '13 collection, something which would resonate with her clients, and create a lasting impression with them........and so began her collaboration with visual artist and filmmaker Neil Kerr!!

To say I was impressed was a massive understatement!!! As someone who has been to numerous fashion events it was a true joy to be at something so creative and visionary. It felt as if we had been transported to New York or London as live models posed and moved around the set, while imagery from her recent photoshoot with Neil played on the walls! It had a wonderful edgy feel, due to it's set design but retained an intimate feel between audience and model, allowing us to get up close to see the exquisite detailing on each of the dresses! Ending on a high with the viewing of Neil's specially commissioned fashion film showcasing Una's amazing work!!

While I do love attending all the catwalk shows, it was fantastic this time round to be able to catch up with friends over cocktails and to visit Una's amazing fashion instillation! Her collaboration with the hugely talented Neil Kerr was an artistic match made in heaven and I sincerely hope they continue to work together!

A great way to begin FASHIONWEEK, it was fantastic to have such a varied start to proceedings! Then I was off to the Ulster Museum for the first catwalk show of the schedule featuring Independent Boutiques! (But that's for another post!)

Fitz Fashion Fix for Autumn, Autumn/Winter Trends from Victoria Square!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Fitzwilliam hotel recently hosted an exclusive evening to celebrate fashion at its finest and beauty at its best by offering guests a sneak peak at Victoria Square’s upcoming Autumn/Winter collections from The Square. I was lucky enough to be there for NI Gossip Guy to report on all the latest upcoming trends!

Smirnoff cocktails, Peroni and light bites were enjoyed by guests in the awarding winning Fitzwilliam bar while Rebecca and her team of experts previewed their collections. We enjoyed a chic catwalk show, compared by Victoria Square’s personal stylist Rebecca McKinney, with models showcasing her stylish trend predictions suitable for every fashionista’s wish list.

As a regular shopper in Victoria Square I love it's mix of high end and high street brands and so was very much looking forward to see which trends she was rating and how she would style them!

Top of Rebecca's Autumn/Winter hit list of trends were graphic prints, worn top to toe for maximum impact, or incorporated through handbags or shoes, showing there is a way to wear prints that will suit everyone. Leather was also key, from dressed down glamour in leather look leggings to sophisticated leather pencil skirts, this is a trend that's set to stay! I've been a big fan of the lateher trend fo a while now and seriously loved the leather look leggings, a total bargain from H&M! Colour featured heavily, simple silhouettes given an injection of colour, with hues of red and cobalt blues, while masculine tailoring gave dressed up looks a relaxed feel.

Menswear saw the heritage trend continuing, with sharp tailoring contrasting perfectly with countryside tweeds, creating a perfect dressed down look. While separates like waistcoats can be styled in various ways to create a multitude of looks!

With lots of exciting new trends, guests couldn't wait to hit the stores in Victoria Square to shop the new pieces!

Experts from renowned global beauty and lifestyle brands in Victoria Square and House of Fraser were also on hand to advise on the must-have products and top make up secrets for looking on trend all season long.

For anyone who is still in need of a fashion fix, Victoria Square will be further staging a Autumn/Winter Fashion & Beauty Spectacular taking place on Saturday, 28th September 2013 within The Square! High impact fashion shows will be taking place throughout the day (1pm, 3pm & 5pm) so make sure you save the date!

Massive thanks to NI Gossip Guy for asking me to cover the event on their behalf, as well as Smarts Communicate and Victoria Square for the invitation!

Fashion Fans flock to the Fitzwilliam for the Launch of West CoastCooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK AW13!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

We all have heard of the company Apple, and their many devoted "Fan Boys"! Well I have a confession to make.........I'm a self confessed West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK "Fan Girl"!!

Now in it's sixteenth season, I have found myself in attendance at most of them and rarely missed a season! FASHIONWEEK was my first ever catwalk show, and since then I've been totally hooked!! Over the years i've seen FASHIONWEEK grow from strength to strength and seen it in it's many homes, from the Potthouse, to Baby Grand, the Europa and even the City Hall, to name but a few, and most recently the iconic Ulster Museum building!

For me, FASHIONWEEK will always hold a special place in my heart and is my favourite time of year, I can think of no better way to take in the season's hottest fashion trends than from it's ever fashionable FROW! It was therefore with tremendous excitement that I headed off with fellow fashion fans to attend the FASHIONWEEK AW'13 Media Launch in the Fitzwilliam Hotel!

West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Marin and fellow models looking pretty in pink!

Photograph by Stephen Potter.

This year FASHIONWEEK will be running from 10th-13th October and promises to be one of the best yet, with a jam packed schedule of events running across various locations. The brunch launch event showcased a selection of looks from participant retailers and designers while director Cathy Martin outlined key looks for the season ahead from Ireland’s favourite fashion event. From winter blues to lace, sumptuous leathers, tartans and Christmas reds! However the standout trend was girly pinks, with many of the country's top fashionista's at the launch sporting the trend (including FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin), while yours truly went for winter blues in a Karen Millen cobalt blue knit snake texture dress (snakeskin is also a top trend for AW13, especially in accessories!)

Pictured at the Launch of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK were models Kellyanne wearing red jumpsuit from Next worn with Nor Lisa Scarf as belt; Carys wearing red lace dress from Oasis with Gráinne Maher headpiece & cuff and Finola wearing luxe red evening gown by local designer Shauna Fay.

Photograph by Stephen Potter.

Karen Anderson, brand manager for West Coast Cooler, which sponsors the events said: “The winter months can always be a bit gloomy, but at West Coast Cooler we believe that your winter wardrobe doesn’t have to be gloomy too, so I’m looking forward to another fast-paced and exciting autumn/winter FASHIONWEEK.”

Cathy Martin, director of FASHIONWEEK added: “We have a very busy schedule this season – and we have teamed up with Belfast City Council’s Restaurant Week to share some events, which is great for the city as a whole – but ideal for foodies and fashionistas.

“I can’t deny that it is a difficult time for many of our retailers, particularly independently owned stores, but West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK allows designers, retailers and fashionistas to come together and celebrate all things fashion. It’s a great marketing tool for retailers, and our fashion hungry audiences certainly love it!”

She added: “In terms of trends to look out for this season, the key colours and patterns include deep reds and burgundy, pale pink hues, plaid and leopard print. Texture is important too and we can expect to see leather, velvet, lace and chiffon as well as lots of embellishments. As for shapes, design and cut - the turtleneck and polo neck are both back, and new this season are sexy thigh high splits on skirts and dresses as well as large oversized coats and capes.”

Stand out for me was a butter soft Marc Jacobs leather dress from CRUISE and the high impact look of a gold metallic leather skirt and mustard polo neck combo from Mexx. Whilst the girly side of me adored the super cute and girly pretty in pink look from Liberty Blue and Una Rodden's stunning designs who never fails to amaze every season!

Model Sarah in a Marc Jacobs leather dress & Alexander McQueen gold skull cuff - all from CRUISE.

Photograph by Stephen Potter.

Model Ruta in a gold leather skirt & mustard gold polo from MEXX worn with Melanie Bond Necklace.

Photograph by Stephen Potter.

Model Meagan in a pink dress by Liberty blue & local designer Susan Black necklace.

Photograph by Stephen Potter.

Of course the question you're all asking is what can we expect form this year's shows? Well as always we will have high impact catwalk show's which are once again returning to the iconic Ulster Museum. Showcasing the very best of N.I's Designer Boutiques, as well as the ever popular High Street Heaven show and last but not least our hugely talented Northern Irish designer's show also feat. the Diet Coke Design Award finalists!

New to FASHIONWEEK's schedule is the Fashion Friday lunch demo at James Street South, coinciding with this year's Restaurant Week, along with a private FASHIONWEEK cocktail party at the Fitzwilliam Hotel: "FASHIONWEEK at the Fitz!" On Saturday fashionistas will have the opportunity to pick up a vintage treasure at the Fashion Souk, while all us designer junkies will have the chance to view the latest designer delights from CRUISE at the Fashion Tea in the opulent Merchant Hotel! This year Style Sunday, an event I rarely miss has moved to SHU Restaurant and will include a four course gourmet meal, mini fashion show and advice from the country's top style experts!!

It was fantastic to attend the launch event for this season's FASHIONWEEK, and lovely to catch up with all my friends on the day, as well as people watching to see what fantastic outfits my fellow fashionista's were wearing!! (Watch out for my upcoming "Style Watch" on Belfast Times from the launch!)

I of course was wearing my favourite brand, Karen Millen!! Blue is one of the colours carrying through to next season, so I decided to wear my snake texture knit dress (KQ136), as with it's 3D effect snake texture I was hitting two major trends! This body con design works perfectly with my petite frame, and is one of those dresses I always feel great in! Following the texture trend through I accessorized with a fantastic statement necklace from MIMCO. Their "Wilderness Drape Necklace" combines thick silk cord, chain mail and gold and silver textured leaves, giving my ensemble a welcome autumnal feel! My metallic leather buckle cuff (ZQ014) tied in perfectly with colour palette of my necklace, and as a girl who loves her skyscraper heels, I went for my super high "Beano" platform sandals from Dune! My handbag was another one of my personal favourites, my blue ostrich bag (GJ174), again from my beloved Karen Millen!

Wearing Snake texture knit dress (KQ136), Buckle cuff (ZQ014 - Ltd Edition this version not made available to purchase) & Small ostrich bag (GJ174) all from Karen Millen. "Wilderness Drape Necklace" from MIMCO with "Beano" platform sandals from Dune!

Photograph by Brendan Gallagher.

Photograph by Alwyn Spence.

Photograph by Stephen Potter.

Check below for the full show schedule. Further details about it and the Diet Coke design competition are all available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com 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.

West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK Full Show Schedule:

Thursday 10 October 8pm, Designer Boutiques show.

Friday 11 October – Fashion Friday Lunch demo – James Street South Restaurant.
Friday 11 October 6-8pm Fashionweek at the Fitz! Private cocktail party with prizes up for grabs TBC.
Friday 11 October 8pm High Street Fashion Show, Ulster Museum.

Saturday 12 October 10am - 2pm – Fashion Souk at Spire’s Mall.
Saturday 12 October 2pm – Fashion Tea, CRUISE designer emporium at The Merchant, showcasing Victoria Beckham, Armani, Vivienne Westwood, Marchesa etc
Saturday 12 October 8pm NI Designers show and winner announcement of the Diet Coke Design Award, Ulster Museum.

Sunday 13 October 1pm – 5pm Style Sunday, SHU Belfast.

Massive thanks to CMPR for my launch invite & to Lisa Bell at CMPR for providing the Press Release & selected imagery.

Images very kindly taken and provided by Stephen Potter, Alwyn Spence and Brendan Gallagher.

The Global Party comes to The Fitzwilliam Hotel with Stylish Aplomb!

An Über Stylish Event at The Fitzwilliam Hotel's Fifth Birthday Party!

"New Year, New You" event at The Fitzwilliam Hotel!

Day 1: Fashion Cocktails & Una Rodden's Instillation kicks off Belfast FASHIONWEEK AW'13 in Style!

Fitz Fashion Fix for Autumn, Autumn/Winter Trends from Victoria Square!

Fashion Fans flock to the Fitzwilliam for the Launch of West CoastCooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK AW13!

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