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! 

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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)

Summer Daze

Today was one of those rare occasions whereby the summer decided to grace Ireland with its presence, and what a day it was! 

Needless to say it was the first day of the summer I've donned a pair of shorts, and my milky pale pins got a chance glow in the glorious sunshine! 

I realise that it has been quite some time since I last posted - my Masters studies have taken over my summer to say the least. But alas, I am almost there! My final group thesis was submitted yesterday and all that remains is our corresponding presentation, which takes place next week. I can smell the freedom! 

Then, it is on to the next chapter! What that is or where that will be still remains to be seen but I do know that I am excited for change and intrigued by new adventures. 

Alas, I'll relish in the goodness of days like today, worry free days to take the time to relax and basque in the wonder of the summer sun. 

*****

Kimono, Belt and Vintage Levi's Cut-Offs - Shutterbug Vintage 

Fringe Sake Boots - Folkster

Vanessa Mooney Pendat - Folkster (similar here)

Top - River Island (a bazillion years ago!)

A Kimono Love Affair

Styled by Sinéad: The Kimono

 (Photos by Sarah Orr)

(Images via Pinterest)

Imagine for a second that you've had a dream come true. 

Now imagined that your dream-turned-reality can get better.

And better.

And even better! 

This is the only way I can describe my love for the adorned kimono.

Okay, it may sound a bit hyperbolic, but I'm trying to encapsulate and convey the pride of place the kimono, or in my case, kimonos plural, have in my closet! 

The kimono is that one amazingly versatile pieces that you're wardrobe will thank you for. 

Suitable for any event (I mean it!), the kimono will take you to a formal ball over a gown, it will take you up the aisle as a bohemian bride, it will take you to a summer music festival, and itwill equally take you to the beach over your favourite bikini. 

A piece for any season, wear your kimono in the summer as a light throw over any outfit,

 and add oodles of accessories. 

Come winter time, aka, right here right now, pop on a shearling or fur collar that will transform your kimono into a winter jacket, top it off with a fedora and you're done! 

The most amazing beauty of the kimono is the range of variety out there. 

Every colour, every shade, every texture - whatever you dream of and So. Much. More.

I currently have about 7 in my collection, and I look to them as investments. 

Each one so different from the other, yet each so special in their own right. 

A true love affair, a good kimono goes a long way! 

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(Some kimono inspo here, here, and here!)

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!  

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! 

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(View similar here, here and here)