Black and White






This week was something of a busy one but nevertheless very exciting! 
From interviews to project planning, I was running from one thing to the next but all in the name of progress. 

Speaking of interviews, I wore this rigout to a second-round meeting, which proved to be a very successful one. 
I am so grateful, thrilled and super excited to say that I scored the job! 

The position is one that couples my love of fashion with my flair for business and marketing. 
A little over a year ago before embarking on my Masters in Marketing, my ambition was to find my place in the world of fashion marketing. I knew it wouldn't be easy, hell I didn't even know it was possible! But here we are and I am delighted that all of my experience, education and grafting over the past number have years have aligned to make this new role a fitting one for me! 

Interview dressing can be tricky. Dare I say, stressful! 
If you're like me and the thoughts of a pants suit or proper workwear makes you nauseous, you have to approach this subject from a different angle. 
It is important to remember three things - dress appropriately, be yourself and show some personality, and be comfortable. Each one is self-explanatory I think? 

My dress code was: fashion forward, impeccable grooming. 
I opted for a clean and smart monochrome colour scheme (appropriate - tick!), a touch of laid back bohemian goodness in my cape (be yourself - tick!), and indeed the outfit was super comfortable. 

Now on to the next phase - planning my working wardrobe...
Challenge accepted! 


**********
Velvet Cape with leather detailing - Zara
Blouse (worn underneath) - Zara 
Leather Culottes - Zara
Mules - Zara (old season, similar here) 
Bag - Vintage Chanel 



Photos by Tobi Balogun, Instagram @tobi_specs 


Reflection






It's been a little too long since my last post, nevermind the last time I actually got to go out and shoot! So happy that I finally got around to it, and I'm feeling more enthusiastic about blogging again - Yay!
I took a little trip to the sea front in Clontarf (Dublin), which is so beautiful, and it just seemed like the right place to take some shots. 




The past few weeks have been a bit strange and out of the ordinary for me for many different reasons. As such, I have been really focusing on living life to the full, and improving on every aspect of everyday. From career planning to exercising, from rejuvenating stifled passions to embarking upon new and exciting adventures, and from enjoying the simple things to leading a happy day everyday, the last few weeks have really brought a new perspective for me. 




For the past four years (at least!) I've always been a 'go, go, go!' type person. Not one to take an extended break or much downtime. That is until now. Haven taking a month off to rest, to relax, to reassess and to rejuvenate, I can see now how time really is a healer, and I am feeling much the better of it! 





On that note, I am looking forward to what is in store with enthusiasm, anticipation, excitement and an open mind. Life is for living, as the saying goes - I hear that! 

**********

Vintage Kimono - Shutterbug Vintage
Shearling Collar - Folkster  
Bralet - Folkster (similar here and here) 
Leather look pants - Zara 
Boots - Asos (similar here)


Photos by Tobi Balogun (Instagram @tobi_specs)








Boohoo Spring Summer 15


Styled by Sinéad: The Pinstripe Coat








(Coat: Asos; Denim Shirt: Penneys/Primark; Culottes: River Island; Mesh Heels: Folkster; Bag: Vintage Chanel) 
I attended the Boohoo.com Spring Summer 2015 Press Preview this week in the Morrison Hotel, Dublin, and what a lovely evening it was! 

Live DJ, yummy nibbles and drinks, and a whole lot of brand new styles, you could say I was in my element! 

So many gorgeous colours, amazing patterns, fantastic range and really good quality pieces arriving on the site in the coming weeks, the beckoning summer is certainly on the way! 

The true boho at heart, the new 70s inspired bohemian range is to die for. Suedes, fringe, tribal pattern designs, denim accents and so much more, I can't wait to pick up a couple of pieces. 

The Boohoo sportswear lines are fantastic too, I was very pleasantly surprised at how good the quality is yet the designs are innovative, daring and downright awesome! 

I've done a quick round up of my top picks for the season, cannot wait for them to land online! 










Accessory Hero: The Cross Body Bag

Styled by Sinéad - The Cross Body Bag


(Photo by Sarah Orr; Outfit: Fedora and Cape - Folkster.com, Dungarees - Zara, Bag - Vintage Chanel)








(Images via Pinterest) 

Lusting, drooling, dreaming of all the beauts above made me realise how intrinsic a good cross body bag is to your wardrobe! 
Small and dainty yet juuuust the right size to hold all of your everyday essentials (as opposed to hauling around the kitchen sink!)

Ok, so my dream round up may be a little above budget at the moment, but a girl can hope right? 

My advice if and when you decide to invest (note my assurance - they will be mine!), I say go big or go home! 
Not in the sense of size but more so in the sense of choosing the right one for you in the pattern, colour, shape and texture you looooove! 
That pony hair Chloe Drew bag or the YSL Python Tassle bag - just too much - I adore <3 

These pretty little things last a lifetime so you want to feel that sense of excitement every time you wear yours! 

Now to check the piggy bank...! Happy lusting! 






Styled by Sinéad: A Bridal Affair














I am so excited to share with you all the fruits of an amazing shoot that I worked on just a few weeks ago! 

With Folkster launching its new styling studio above its Temple Bar store here in Dublin, and with the arrival of incredibly beautiful new bridal gowns, this shoot captured the essence of the Folkster bride - and how fantastic are the final images? 

The beautiful Mary-Kate is breathtakingly serene, seductive and downright beautiful in these final shots by the very talented Anouska Proetta Brandon. 
I get a lil' shiver when I see them still! 

With the styling studio having launched over a fortnight now, thus far the experience has been so very fun with such lovely customers! And getting to work in a great styling space with the most spectacular dresses doesn't hurt either?! 

Folkster is the exclusive Irish stockist of Theia Couture by Irish designer, Don O'Neill, whose dresses are just...*SWOON*
Tarik Ediz is the second designer carried by Folkster, with beautifully embellished designs that dreams are made of! 

Needless to say the wedding dresses have me besotted! Furthermore it is so lovely to be a part of a brides big day, in helping her choose her perfect gown! The tears and the champagne do ensue and the experience is really beautiful. 

The above photos host just a selection of the gowns currently in store, and there are appointments available by contacting bridal@folkster.com! 

*****
Model: Mary-Kate Lanigan @1stOptions
Photographer: Anouska Proetta Brandon
Stylist: Sinéad Kelly 
Shot on location at Folkster Dublin. 


Starting Afresh










(images via Pinterest)

A new year beckons, and in an indirect way signifies a fresh start, a chance to embrace change, and a time to focus on the new experiences and opportunities that lie ahead.

I'm taking the new year to reflect on all that is good in my life right now, all of which I am so undeniably grateful for!

For 2015 I want to be inspired, I want to learn, I want to grow.
I am about to embark on the second part of my Master degree, alongside working two jobs part time and I am ready for what is coming my way!

I have made some small resolutions that I hope to incorporate into my daily routine, that I know if I can keep the, consistent these small changes will have tumultuous rewards!

I am excited, I am eager, I am ready for the adventures! Above all I am grateful for all that I already have and all that is to come.

Happy New Year!

X



The LLD - Little Leather Dress

Styled By Sinéad: The Lil Leather Dress


Fedora & Leather Dress, Folkster.com//Jacket, Asos//Boots, Zara
(Photos by Sarah Orr)




(Photos via Pinterest)



The LBD, the LWD, the...LLD? 
That's right - LLD - Little Leather Dress! 
You heard it here first?! 

The little leather dress is probably one of the most versatile pieces you could have in your wardrobe. 
Wear it everyday, from day to night, in the workplace or at a party, this lil gem will rival your favourite pair of skinny jeans when it becomes your trusty all-kinds-of-everything wardrobe staple. 

BUT there are some rules involved! 

Here's your handbook - how to wear your LLD:
1. Look for length - midi length, knee length and mini length work wonders, so lots to choose from! 

2. Cut is key! We want flattering, elegant, comfortable and effortless, so choose a cut that is right for you. We don't want no hoochy-mama skintight, dominatrix type looks up in here! Look for a skater skirt, cinched waist, long sleeve, interesting back details (I've provided images for inspo!)

3. Use your base - Your leather dress should be the basis for your outfit. So layer up, play around and create endless amounts of possibilities! 


The LLD is an all year round go-to piece. I tell you this from experience.
In winter, lash on your layers - pop a white shirt or a polo neck underneath, add your tights and your favourite winter boots, layer up on knitwear, and lash on those accessories. For warmer seasons, pop on a basic tee underneath and a light jacket, or, you know, wear it by itself! 
One little dress, so many ways to wear it! 

My LLD is from Folkster.com and is made from vintage leather which has been reworked into a button-down dress. The leather is so soft and love-worn, and the cut is extremely well constructed. I love it so much, I took two - a black and a navy version! You can shop it here!  





Accessory Hero: The Fedora



Styled by Sinéad: The Fedora


(L-R: Me, Jenn and Aoife - team fedora!)








(photos via Pinterest)



Anyone in need of a wardrobe hero? That one thing that can come to you aid whatever the occasion? The one-stop-shop, pick-me-up, suitable-for-all-weathers staple that comes to your rescue time and time again? 

Accessories! Your best friend when it comes to going that extra mile, and injecting that outfit with juuust the right amount of sumthin' sumthin'

In my first Accessory Hero edit, I'm talking about the fedora! 
Tried and tested and downright trusted! The fedora is my go-to for functionality and fabulousness! 

Come hail, rain or shine, this beauty will be your back up - Im not kidding.
Forgot your umbrella? Oops - oh wait I have my fedora! 
Sun getting in your eyes? Tilt that fedora brim and you're winning! 
Need a little shelter from the cold? Oooh fedora, you are GOOD! 

A very useful piece of advice I was once given was never to travel without a hat. 
Seems simple, silly even?! But how true it is! Cover up a bad hair day, eyes that squeal a sleepless night, or whatever it may be - bring a hat on your travels. (You can thank me later!)

The fedora comes in every shade and size, if you ask me, the wider the brim the better! 
I am sharing with you a photo of my two special friends and I. We took off on a road trip a little while back and ALL three of us showed up wearing various styles of fedoras! It was an amazing day out - this pic is one of my favouirtes - and our fedoras? Well, they got their fair share of attention - need I say any more? 

*******
Similar fedoras available here, here and here!

Feeling like a Mermaid


Styled By Sinéad: The Sequin Maxi Skirt


(Photo by Sarah Orr)




(Images via Pinterest)



Every girl dreams of being a mermaid at some point in their life, right? I, for one, am no exception to that wonderful dream. Oodles of shimmery scales, body-hugging beauty, glistening water droplets like diamonds on that fantastical tail...

What if I told you that fairytale lust can become a wardrobe reality? 

I'm being honest - commit to your inner sea princess, and take on the sequin maxi skirt! 

The ideal alternative to the norms of formal dressing, this garment will win a place in your heart (I promise!)

Whether you're sick of all of those dresses you've hoarded for all those spectacular occasions your social diary is never going to meet, or you're feeling like an injection of newness into your wardrobe - the sequin skirt will be your saving grace! 

For fancy wear occasions, a silk camisole and mahoosive necklace combo will be easy to rock; Or go hard on the bling factor and combine your skirt with a vintage trophy jacket (swoon!)

If it's a relaxed event you have in mind, a simple fine knit is your best friend, add a heeled ankle boot and you're onto a winner! 

And for the courageous among us, wear this beauty as an everyday piece - lash on a vintage rock tee, a leather jacket and your trusty converse for the ultra in glam grunge dressing.

Super versatile, and an all-year round piece, the sequin skirt is a timeless alternative whenever and wherever you choose to wear it! 

*******


(View similar here, here and here)