In the latest instalment of the series, plus size model and blogger Louise O’ Reilly talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

I

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

While doing my degree in international relations in DCU, I really just fell into being a curvy model. I steadily started booking jobs and I signed with a really great agency, Morgan the Agency. Then I ended up getting booked for a job in the UK for a big UK catalogue. While on that set I was put in contact with Models 1 in London who represent really big names in the industry from there everything started to take off. I signed with my eight international agency just last month. Two years ago I set up my fashion blog, Style Me Curvy to give a different take on fashion and to showcase fashion for all sizes. So whether you’re a size six or a size twenty, you can still find fashion for you on my blog.

Your career highlights…

Signing with Models1 was a huge thing because then everything fell into place after that with all the international agencies. It was also a great moment for me personally as body image and body positivity is very close to my heart.

Signing with Models1 was a defining career moment for Louise, Photo Credit, Aaron Hurley Photography

FASHION

Your style…

It’s quite girly but biker. I absolutely love leather jackets and biker boots. I do like to be comfortable but at the same time, I love to be able to put on a pair of high heels and feel girly and pretty. Lately, I also find myself opting for more comfortable pieces that can take you from a day to an evening event easily.

Your style icons…

I love Victoria Beckham and Olivia Palermo. I love the way the two of them work fashion so well and how they can make anything look good, even if it’s just a basic pair of jeans. I also admire classic Hollywood stars like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

Your favourite piece…

One is definitely my H&M leather jacket, you can dress it up or down with absolutely anything and it’s amazing for travelling. The other is a denim dress I picked up this summer in River Island. It’s just beautiful and it works both in the summer and with a pair of leggings if it’s cooler.

Louise favours a combination of biker and girly in her fashion choices

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day. I mainly use La Roche Posay, Vichy and Clairins. Once a week I would use a light exfoliator as well as a good face mask to keep my skin feeling fresh and healthy.

Your favourite products…

Vichy’s Idealia moisturiser and Life Serum are my cult products at this stage as they just really suit my skin type. When it comes to makeup it would have to be Lancome’s Hypnose Mascara and Mac face and body foundation.

LIFE

Me time….

My schedule is pretty 24/7 so when I get to take some time out I enjoy going to the movies with my boyfriend, going out for a nice dinner and catching up with the girls.

Your hobbies…

I recently got my hands on a DSLR camera recently for my blog and I’m just playing around with that at the moment. But I really enjoy it and figuring out what all the settings are while getting some work done.

Louise plans to spend more time on her budding photography hobby

Your favourite restaurant…

Pichet just off Dame Street for really beautiful and unique cuisine or Saba as I’m a huge fan of vegetarian and Asian dishes.

Your favourite holiday destination…
I absolutely love Thailand, for relaxing, the cuisine and just embracing a different culture. I went for the first time when I was just 7 as my dad used to do a lot of work out in Asia. It became a regular place for me as a teenager so I would love to go back soon.

Your stress-busting tip…

Definitely getting away from my laptop, switching off my phone and getting to the gym or even going to the cinema and getting engrossed in a really good movie.

HOME

Your ideal home decor style…

My dream home would be modern minimalist with a twist of girliness. I also love beautiful statement pieces and I have a lot of beautiful coffee table books that I’ve collected over the years in fashion so I know they’d be standout pieces.

This statement mirror is one of Louise’s favourite interior pieces

Your favourite piece…

A beautiful statement mirror, that sits over the bed. It’s a real statement interior piece and so unusual and modern and I absolutely adore it.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: LOUISE O’ REILLY appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, So Sue Me’s Suzanne Jackson talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I was made redundant in 2009 from the recruitment industry, so I was trying to find something that I could get my teeth into. I saw a part time temporary receptionist job with 98fm so I decided to apply for it as I’d always wanted to get into the media world. I got the job, and it eventually turned into a really exciting job with me becoming PA to the two CEO’s in 98fm and Spin 103.8 .I was going to loads of premieres and cool events so off the back of that I was getting to meet loads of celebrities. That inspired the idea for the blog, a girl in the media world, what the celebrities were like, what they were wearing etc. I started it one rainy day in July four years ago and it’s just all taken off since then.

Your greatest achievement…

My greatest achievement has definitely been my best-selling book. It was the Christmas bestseller last year for six weeks in a row. And I never in a million years thought I would bring out a book, so when the opportunity came along I obviously grabbed it with both hands but then when the book sold the way that it did, it was just incredible.

Suzanne’s greatest highlight to date has been her book which was last year’s Christmas best seller

FASHION

Your style…

I’m such a high street girl, so everything I have in terms of clothing is high street. I love an effortless classy style with skinny jeans, masculine blazers, cool little t shirts and pencil dresses. I would invest in designer pieces like handbags and shoes but I always wear high street clothes.

Suzanne describes herself as a dedicated high street girl when it comes to her wardrobe

Your style icons…

I love Victoria Beckham, I love the clothes she wears and how she pieces outfits together. She always looks so elegant.

Your favourite piece…

Skinny jeans, I must have a hundred pairs in every colour! My favourites are my skinny jeans by Koral Los Angeles. They’re the nicest pair of jeans I’ve ever had, they’re gorgeous and so comfortable. I think a girl always looks good in a nice pair of skinny jeans.

Skinny jeans are Suzanne’s must have wardrobe item

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

Every single day I cleanse, tone, use a serum, moisturise and use an eye cream and spf. My current routine includes the Elemis apricot toner, the Kinvara Rosehip serum, Darphin moisturiser and my eye cream is by Thalgo. I also wear SPF every single day of 30 minimum and during the summer I would use 50. I also use the GlamGlow mask once a week alternating between the mud mask which is exfoliating or the hydrating mask.

Your favourite products…

My must have hair product is my Uniq1 leave in conditioner. I just find it brilliant because I have extensions and such long hair, so I can’t blow dry my hair without it. I also just love lipstick as I think it just dresses you up straight away! At the moment I love my pink MLS 02 NYX lipstick which is just perfect for a really cool summer look.

Suzanne favours lipstick for making you feel instantly dressed up

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

I close down my laptop and iPad and put them in my office so I can’t be distracted by work, then go out for dinner with my boyfriend and chill out over a meal and a bottle of wine. I also love to take my two dogs for a walk down to Malahide Castle.

Suzanne loves taking her dogs Coco and Harper for a walk to chill out away from work

Your hobbies…

I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies as I’m so busy at the moment, but I go to the gym as frequently as I can and go to classes like Pilates or Body Pump.

Your favourite restaurant…

I love Opium, the food is gorgeous and the cocktails are to die for. If I’m having a night out and want to go somewhere fancy I absolutely love going there.

Your favourite holiday destination…

I went to Egypt with my boyfriend last March to stay in a five star luxury complex. It was my first time going somewhere completely different to the usual holiday destinations like Spain and Portugal, so it was real experience. The weather was amazing and we did a safari trip, went on camel rides and drove through the desert on quad bikes, it was just unbelievable. But I think it might be topped by New York where I’m heading for the first time next week.

Quad Biking through the desert was one of the highlights of Suzanne’s trip to Egypt

Your stress-busting tip…

Definitely have a relaxing bath. I light lots of candles, put on some relaxing music and get into the bath with bath bombs or aromatherapy oils and it just totally relaxes me. It also helps my back which can really ache from working so much on the computer.

HOME

Your style…

It’s a very modern style apartment with lots of really cool angles. The sitting room has a cool New York vibe, with a massive New York image on the wall and embroidered New York skyline cushions. I have candles everywhere and there’s a lot of gold, including some really cool gold wallpaper.

This image is Suzanne’s favourite item in her home as it makes her feel like she’s looking out the window to New York

Your favourite piece…

I love my New York City picture. I used to have it over my desk at my old house and it just looks like you could be looking out the window onto New York city. It’s huge and it just looks really cool, it wasn’t even expensive I got in Ikea but it just really looks the part.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: SUZANNE JACKSON appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Fashion and Celebrity Illustrator, Holly Shortall talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil and was just always drawing away. I did fashion design for a year when I left school but it just wasn’t really for me. I fell into retail and started building a career for myself in visual merchandising, but in May last year I knew that something drastic had to change. I said to myself, you know you want to be doing your drawing, so how are you going to do it? So I started drawing my friends that were kind of well-known and tweeting them the pictures so they could retweet it. Then I started doing bigger celebrity drawings and tweeting them to the celebrities and it all grew massively from there. I started getting jobs with Cosmopolitian and Kim Kardashian shared my drawings. It’s all really happened in one year which is kind of mad.

Your career highlight…

Definitely watching E! News and seeing them talking about the illustrations that I had drawn. To be at home watching with my whole family and seeing them talk about my drawings was wild. It was absolutely surreal. When I had done the drawing of Kim Kardashian and she posted it, I was on such a high but then you think gosh I’ll never be able to top that moment and then I did, so it was amazing.

Holly left her career in visual merchandising to follow her passion for drawing

FASHION

Your style…

It’s always been the same really I love a relaxed kind of style. I’ve always liked my lip piercings which I’ve had for years. I love leopard print; black; bowler hats; pointy boots, that kind of look. I’d rarely wear colour, leopard print is my favourite colour that’s what I always say.

Other than black Holly says that leopard print is her favourite colour!

Your style icons…

I try not to look at anybody as an icon. I like the Olsen twin’s style but I’m not very trend led. I think some fashion has become very trend driven, but for me, I don’t like to have the same as everyone else, so I do a lot of shopping in charity shops and places like that. I just focus on being comfortable, what works for me and wearing what I love.

Your favourite piece…

My top three would be a leopard print dress that I got in a charity shop, it’s just amazing, and girls have told me it looks like something you’d pick up in Topshop for €150, but really it was a fiver. Also my Fenn Wright Manson leopard print coat which I just love and a beautiful sequin jacket from the Dublin Vintage Factory that will be amazing coming into winter and Christmas.

This leopard print dress is one of Holly’s favourite items in her wardrobe

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I’d be quite good with my skin. I do use wipes to remove makeup, even though I know there’s a big thing about not using them now. Then I do the usual cleanse, tone and moisturise. My skin has being acting up a bit since I quit smoking six months ago, so I’ve gone back to using Clearasil to keep that under control. But I’m 25 now, so it’s probably time to start looking at some anti aging too.

Your favourite products…

I adore make up and I absolutely love Sleek make up, so definitely my favourite product is the Sleek contour palette. I’d recommend it to everyone. It’s a blush, contour and highlight powder palette. Cream contours did nothing for me, so this is amazing. It’s the best thing ever and so reasonably priced, it makes your skin look amazing.

LIFE

Your me time…

I literally just draw. I work from home, so nine to five I’ll be doing commissions, my website everything like that, but once five o clock comes I’ll be in front of the TV and doing my me time drawing. So that’s when i do my celebrity pictures. That’s just how I relax and I just love doing it.

Your hobbies…

Probably just socialising, going for dinner, wine, coffee and gigs with friends.

When she’s not working Holly loves spending time with friends

Your favourite restaurant…

The Kitchen for brunch, Pichet for lunch and Crackbird for dinner!

The Kitchen is Holly’s go to for brunch

Your favourite holiday destination…

My top two would be Amsterdam with my boyfriend for my 21st birthday, that was amazing and it was just so different from Ireland. And I also just came back from an amazing holiday in Spain with my whole family. So I love going away with my boyfriend, but also the big family holidays.

Holly loves travelling with her boyfriend or with her family

Your stress-busting tip…

I always try and say to myself that there are people out there with bigger problems. So I try and just get over myself and don’t sweat the small stuff. Like anyone else I do get stressed, but while people here do have problems but we have it pretty good so I try to appreciate that.

HOME

Your home decor style…

It’s quite an eclectic mix as my boyfriend is a musician so it’s a mix between his love of music and my love of fashion.

Holly’s space is a mix of her love of fashion and her boyfriend’s love of music

Your favourite piece…

Definitely my closet, I recently did a major re organisation so it’s all colour coordinated and organised and I can see at a glance what goes with what. By trade I had been a visual merchandiser, but I hadn’t brought it into the house but I have done now on the wardrobe and it’s great.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: HOLLY SHORTALL appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

Brid McDonald

Fresh from showcasing her creations at her graduate show, up-and-coming fashion designer Bríd McDonald is a name you are going to be hearing a lot more of over the next couple of years. This month, Bríd chatted to RSVP about the fascinating inspirations behind her designs, her excitement ahead of working with the acclaimed Joanne Hynes, and Ireland’s budding fashion scene.

How would you describe your style?
My style is quite minimalistic, quite tailored. My collection this year was quite androgynous, but feminine at the same time.

In terms of designers, who has had the biggest influence on your work? 

I’d say Alexander Wang, J W Anderson and Helmut Lang, because they have the same kind of minimalism going on. I like their simple shapes and fabrics.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs from? 

I’m more of a visual person, so I would be inspired by things around me, whether it be graffiti on a wall, or something like that. I need to have it in front of me; I’m not very conceptual. This year, I was inspired by my dad’s workshop. There was paint spilled all over the floor and on the walls, which inspired my colour story, and then the work wear like boiler suits and jackets inspired my silhouettes and outfits. There is a general feeling of excitement buzzing about the Irish design scene right now.

Who is really leading the charge in Irish design at the moment? 

Well Joanne Hynes is quite big at the moment. I’m actually going to be doing an internship with her this summer. I won an internship to work with her for six months, so I’m really excited about that. It’s definitely an exciting time for design. Since I’ve been going to Griffith College, I’ve noticed our designers are getting a lot more attention. Every year, everyone is saying that the standard is getting higher and higher every year, so that is really exciting. A couple of girls in the college this year also won awards. I think fashion design is getting really big in Ireland at the moment. We’re starting to get recognised again and it’s cool that it’s not for your typical Aran jumpers!

There is a certain glamorous image that tends to go with studying and working in fashion. Now that you’re a graduate, what advice would you pass on to someone who wants to get involved in the fashion industry?

Before I started studying it, I just loved everything about fashion and the art world in general, but I didn’t realise it was going to be as tough. You put a lot of hours into it and, as the years go on, it gets tougher. If something goes wrong, you just have to get over it and figure out how you’re going to fix it straight away. You can’t really take things to heart. And a lot of it is about personal taste; someone else might not like what you come up with, but someone else might love it. Basically, the workload is huge but you do get a lot out of it – you get to see your collection going down a catwalk afterwards, and that’s such a good feeling; to see it all come together. When you’re making something, people love to come and see it, and that’s the most exciting thing in the world, seeing it come alive.

You’re coming out of college at a difficult time economically, and entering into a very competitive industry – does the financial side of it all worry you?

It does kind of worry me to a certain extent, but I’m more focused on the work. I think if you work really hard on anything, you will be rewarded. And I think if you love fashion design, even if you’re not being paid for it, you’ll work those weekend jobs in a restaurant to get yourself through it. I know that someday I will get there – hopefully – but if you put the work in, you’ll be rewarded. I’m not too worried about the recession as such, I think we’ll glide over that.

Joanne Hynes

Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?

I would like to work for a big company. I don’t think I’d be too interested in working for a small Irish designer. Obviously I’d like to get the experience of working with them, but as a long-term career I’d like to travel with the job. I’m not really sure of where I’d like to go at the moment – I think I’ll just see where the design life takes me. I just want to learn as much as possible for now.

You have a pretty hectic schedule. Are there any health and beauty products that you rely on to keep you looking fresh and feeling healthy?

Moisturiser, definitely, for your face to stop it from getting dry because you’re constantly running out in the cold or the rain, to and from workshops and stuff. I use a really good one by No 7. Dry shampoo is another must-have. In terms of make-up, Lancôme mascara. If you’re wearing foundation on your skin every day, and you’re working with garments, it tends to rub off on them. So if I were to put on make-up it would just be a case of curling my lashes and putting on mascara.

When you’re not busy designing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Oh god, I haven’t had spare time for the last three years! I forget! I used to enjoy running, hopefully I’ll get back into some sort of fitness regime. Just normal things like watching movies, going to the cinema.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Where, for you, the most stylish city in the world, and why?

Probably Milan. The Italians love to dress themselves and their children really well, and I really like that about them. Everyone always looks very chic, and they really go in for that minimalistic look.

Who is the most stylish celebrity in the world, in your opinion?

Somebody like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. I love them. They’re always dressed really cool. They used to have a big spotlight on them, but not so much anymore. I just always love what they step out in.

If we were to look inside your handbag, what would we find?

Obviously I have a sewing kit; fabric wipes; a spraying a mask – I was doing a lot of spray-painting the other day; threads, scissors, hand moisturiser and measuring tape. I carry my workshop around with me, it’s endless! I also have buttons that my dad made me for my final collection, scattered at the end of my bag.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

I remember being on the phone to my dad one time when I was really stressed in college. He told me, “Believe me Bríd, it doesn’t get any easier”, and that calmed me down a bit. In any job you work in, you’re going to be stressed. It made me look at stress in a different way, and it was something I took on board over the four years.

The post My Style: Brid McDonald appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Freelance Nail Artist, Pamela Laird talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

It started with my mum really. She opened up the salon we’re in now, the Beauty Parlour, about twenty one years ago, so I grew up here in the salon. Nails were always the thing I was passionate about, I loved coming in and having them done when I was younger. I’d come in after school and help out, then when I was in third year in school I did my first nail course, so it really just evolved from growing up in the industry.

Your greatest achievement…

Winning the best nail technician at the 2014 Image awards, nails hadn’t really been recognised in the beauty industry as separate to make up before that. There are professional nail awards within my industry but for it to be a public thing was amazing.

Pamela credits her mother Yvonne, as the reason she got into the industry

FASHION

Your style…

I’m very girly I love dresses, heels and pencil skirts. Also rather than sticking with whatever’s in fashion, I go for what works for me, so if something suits me I will stick with it.

Your style icons…

I would die for Kim Kardashian’s wardrobe, I love everything she wears. I look to her for everything, because she’s so glamourous and she’s curvy and I’m quite curvy. I feel like if she wears something and gets away with it I can too. A lot of fashion icons are very slim so I feel like she’s a more average girl shape.

Your favourite piece…

Definitely a pair of gold Louboutins. They were my first ‘real shoes’ that I bought and I’ve actually worn them to death but I love them!

Pamela adores Kim Kardashian’s style and fell in love with the pencil skirt/crop top combo after seeing it on her

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

It’s being the same for years, I’m pretty strict with my skin because I just grew up with it and it’s been drilled into me. Also, I have dehydrated skin so I can’t get away with scrimping on any of the steps. If I miss one, it shows on my face. GlamGlow is the biggest new addition to my routine, they have three different face masks and I use one of them at least once a week, if not more and they make my skin glow and are amazing.

Your favourite products…

I definitely love the Chanel Les Beiges Powder, it’s one of my favourites. It goes on over your foundation and brightens it up without looking heavy. I also love Guinot skincare, especially their moisture, the Crème Hydra Beaute. I alternate serums but this is one product I’ve used for as long as I can remember. And of course a bit of MAC, I think everyone needs a bit of MAC in their life.

Pamela love’s Chanel’s Les Beiges Powder and of course their nail polishes!

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

I shop, I’m pretty bad like that. Like my most used expression is “what did you buy recently”. I always joke with my clients, nothing haunts you like the thing you didn’t buy. Shopping is what I love to do, and if I become obsessed with an item, I will eventually own it!

Your hobbies…

I go to the gym. I work out with Sophie in Number 17 on Merrion Square, and it’s an important thing for me especially when I’m very busy. I can pop in there for half an hour in the morning and it keeps me sane, especially when I’m working very long days.

Your favourite restaurant…

Definitely Alfies on South William Street I’m obsessed.

Your favourite holiday destination…

Last year we went to the Dominican Republic and I totally fell in love with it, so we’re going back this year. It was just pure luxury and so relaxing, you don’t have to think, just eat and drink all day.

Your stress-busting tip…

I think probably put on a box set, I love to just sit there and chill out with my boyfriend and waste a Sunday in bed all day, with something like Dexter or True Detective.

To de stress Pamela loves chilling out and watching box sets with her boyfriend

HOME

Your style…

My personal space is kind of a mix between a walk in wardrobe and a bedroom. My wardrobe takes over the room, like I’m very organised so it’s all colour or style coordinated, but my room is basically a walk in wardrobe with a bed.

Pamela jokes that her love of shopping means her own room has become a walk in wardrobe with a bed

Your favourite item…

I love my bed, it’s big, white and so comfortable. And my dog is always on it so it’s my favourite place!

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: PAMELA LAIRD appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Marketing Communications Manager at ŠKODA Ireland, Ciara Walsh talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

When I was doing my undergraduate degree in DIT, I took an internship in the Marketing Department of News International for six months & I loved every minute! I then went on to do the M.Sc. Marketing Practice in Smurfit. I was one of the lucky ones; upon graduating I landed my dream job as Marketing Communications Manager at ŠKODA and I haven’t looked back.

Your greatest achievement…

This year we launched the ŠKODA Cycle Series, a series of seven leisure cycle events around Ireland. It was something we really wanted to do as a brand and it was a tremendous success. I love to hear people’s feedback and so far people have really enjoyed getting out on their bike with us. They are fun events for all types of cyclists. The craic is mighty as is the après-cycle!

Ciara pictured here with Škoda Yeti Driver Vogue Williams, considers herself lucky to have secured her dream job straight out of college

FASHION

Your style…

A day at the office normally means a classic shift dress, normally black and I jazz it up with a necklace. I love chunky necklaces, they can totally transform an outfit – I’ve picked up some gorgeous ones over the years in Zara, H&M and Penney’s. At the weekend, I dress casual, yet smart: Jeans with a blazer or leather jacket. For the winter months, I have a few oversized coats which I am looking forward to wearing again.

Ciara favours a casual but smart style when she’s not working

Your style icons…

I wouldn’t say I have any real style icons but Olivia Palermo is someone I think always looks great.

Your favourite piece…

I recently bought a long oversized sleeveless faux fur gilet from Zara. That’s my favourite piece at the moment. I also have a Pink oversized coat from Penney’s which I am looking forward to wearing when it’s a little colder.

One of Ciara’s favourite items in the Winter is an oversized coat

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I have quite dry skin so use E45 body lotion every morning. I cleanse, tone, moisturise every day using Simple products. I have sensitive skin and find that these are quite light and suited to my skin tone.

Your favourite products…

My favourite hair product is Kérastase Ciment Thermique. I use it on the ends of my hair before blow-drying to make it silky soft. My signature scent is Jo Malone Lime Basil & Madarin it is a really fresh, fruity scent. My beauty hero are the range of M.A.C make-up brushes that I received as a present last year – they have made such a difference to my makeup application.

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

I just love getting behind the wheel and going on a long drive. I’m either listening to the radio or connecting my phone to the Bluetooth and calling friends.

Your hobbies…

I caught the cycling bug a year ago and bought my first road bike. I took part in the ŠKODA Cycle Series this summer and worked towards completing the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in July, which I did. Cycling is great… I love that you can get out on the bike with friends, chat and get exercise at the same time.

Ciara caught the cycling bug this year after launching the Škoda cycle series and it’s now one of her favourite hobbies

Your favourite holiday destination…

My family has an apartment in Marbella, Spain so I go there a lot. It is our home away from home. I also enjoy going on a skiing holiday with a group of friends. They’re always fun trips.

Your favourite restaurant…

There is a little Irish run restaurant in the Orange Square in Marbella called the Orange Tree. It is small, with great food and buzz. My favourite is their Gambas Pil Pil.

Your stress-busting tip…

I go to the gym about four times a week. I have a personal trainer session once a week to keep me on my toes as well. I really enjoy it. I always have a great sense of achievement afterwards.

HOME

Your style…

I like mixing old with the new. I went on a furniture “up-cycling” workshop about a year ago to learn techniques on how to “up-cycle” old furniture. I bought a couple of pieces from the lady who ran the course including an old office locker that is now a pretty side table.

Your favourite piece…

We reclaimed an 8-foot tall mirror from a clothes shop who were renovating their store and changing the fixtures and fittings. It’s huge, especially considering I am so small at 5ft.

The post RSVP’s Women Of Style: Ciara Walsh appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Fashion stylist, Amanda Kevlin talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…..

I started off in my teens as a model and continued part time when I started working. My first job in the fashion industry was when I was 17 in the Design Centre in the Powerscourt Town house Centre, Dublin. It was such an exciting place to work and I loved every minute of it. It was where many of the most successful Irish designers including Limerick born couturier Synan O’Mahony started their careers. I then went to for Louise Kennedy at BT’s and at her flagship store on Merrion Sq. I was always styling different shoots over the years and then became the stylist for RSVP magazine.

Your greatest achievement….

I have organised different fashion events for various different charities, which have raised a lot of money over the years for some great causes. I’m always so proud to be involved with these events and happy that with the help and support of others, they are a success and always feel a real sense of achievement. Apart from that, for me, it’s being a Mum.

Amanda has built up a successful career as a fashion stylist

FASHION

Your style…

I would describe my style as edgy chic. I’m quite casual, but would always have something that will make a statement and dress up my look. It could be a pair of boots, a blazer, a statement pair of earrings or an oversized handbag. I love colour and textures and I’m a big accessories person. Even when I’m styling shoots I will work a look around a pair of earrings or boots. There will always be that piece that will stand out and make a statement. I also love high fashion looks like a really well cut bow tie blouse with a big sleeve and tight cuff, these pieces can be worn casually but are also perfect to dress up a more formal look and still be fashionable.

Your style icons……

One of my favourite style icons is Olivia Palermo. So chic but effortless.
In Ireland, I really love Roz Purcell’s style. She is so beautiful and stylish to go with it.

Your favourite piece…..

My favourite piece is a full length dress by Synan O’Mahony that he made me for the VIP style awards. I loved the colour, shape and it had a beautiful big bow to the side and his signature corset built in.

Amanda’s favourite piece was created for her by Synan O’ Mahony

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…..

I don’t really wear heavy make-up during the day if I don’t have too. I prefer the natural make-up look. The first thing I will do when I get home from work is throw my hair up into a pony tail and use my Clarins foaming cleanser, followed by, toner and moisturiser. I also drink a lot of water. I really notice a difference when I drink loads of water and thinks it’s the best thing you can do for your skin. I have a facial steamer too that I use every couple of weeks, it leaves my skin feeling so soft afterwards.

Your favourite products……

It’s Clarins all the way for me.

Amanda swears by Clarins products and lots of water to keep her skin in top condition

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time….

My ‘me’ time is when I’m in the car on my own with the music up full blast.

Your hobbies……

I always loved being in the garden, even as a teenager. It’s so relaxing! I would love to have more time to spend in the garden and learn more about it.

Amanda has loved the outdoors and being in her garden since she was a teenager

Your favourite restaurant……

My absolute favourite restaurant is the Trocadero restaurant on St Andrew St in Dublin with great food, fantastic service and is a real treat.

Your favourite holiday destination…..

I was recently in Italy, in a town not far from Rome and we had such a great time. The weather was fabulous, so many gorgeous restaurants and so relaxing. I love everything about Italy. I also travelled around Asia when I was younger and I always say that my heart is in Japan! I lived there for a long time and it’s my dream to go back and visit again one day with my family.

Your stress-busting tip…….

There are a few things that would work for me, a good work out at the gym or a long walk on the beach. A good laugh with my bestie, there is nothing quite like that. But really, I try not to let too many things bother me that much. I like to keep things simple to begin with. Simplicity is the key!

Amanda loves to laugh with her best friend to relieve stress

HOME

Your style….

I don’t like things too clinical, minimal or too modern but don’t like too much clutter either, it has to be cosy and inviting. A bit like my fashion style, I like to mix old with new. The colour schemes are shades of duck egg blue with creams/beige. I love textures like suede, velvets and carpet where possible although it’s not always practical. I also adore Persian rugs and have a blue and cream one in my living room. They really help to pull a colour scheme together and are fabulous and timeless!

Your favourite piece….

My blue Fatboy beanbag, It is so comfy to hang out on! Something I couldn’t be without is my Philips juicer. It’s so easy to use and clean.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: AMANDA KEVLIN appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Co-Owner Of Online Accessories Boutique Glitz n’ Pieces  Grace O’ Sullivan talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

Just a little under a year ago I began my first year in college studying Entrepreneurship & Business in I.A.D.T with my good friend and business partner Ellen Weber. Since we were younger we always wanted to own our own business. Within two months into our college course we were really determined to make this happen. We believed there was a gap in the market for affordable accessories for women. We got in touch with a great web designer and we sat down and designed our website and everything really took off from there!

Your greatest achievement…

It has to be seeing our website up and running and receiving orders from all over the world. I also get really shocked when I see celebs follow our social media accounts. Gracie Andrews and Fran Parman from T.V show TOWIE followed us on Instagram the other day and I was really in shock! I keep asking myself how they found our online boutique.

Grace has been blown away by the success and positive response to their online boutique

FASHION

Your style…

During the week I like to dress quite casually as I am really busy working and studying in college so I like to feel comfortable in what I am wearing. You will see me with a pair of Dr.Denim jeans, a top and converse. I always feel a scarf can change the look of an outfit too! When I am going to any events with work or a night out with the girls I get really dressed up. I can’t seem to go out on a night out without a pair of heels on!

Your style icons…

Victoria Beckham, Pippa O’ Connor, Vogue Williams and Glenda Gilson.

Your favourite piece…

Has to be an orange bodycon dress with grey detail that I wore to my cousin’s wedding in Marbella last summer

This orange dress is Grace’s favourite item in her wardrobe

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I always cleanse after wearing make-up. My Mum uses Liz Earle products so I tend to steal her potions and lotions as I feel they are so good and make your face super soft. My boyfriend’s Mum Jacqui got me hooked on Crabtree and Evelyn hand creams. I think they’re amazing as they don’t leave you feeling sticky and dry really fast.

Your favourite products…

I love the real techniques brushes for applying make-up. I also love the Naked Palette by Urban Decay and couldn’t live without my Urban Decay setting spray for nights out.

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

I love going out with the girls. They always give me a good laugh and we always have a good time on a night out. I also like having chill out nights watching movies and ordering food with my boyfriend. It’s so busy that it’s sometimes nice to relax at the weekend.

Your hobbies…

I love shopping and going for strolls in Dun Laoghaire with my boyfriend Darragh and his little dog Lucy!

Your favourite restaurant…

It has to be Pasta Fresca. I just love Italian food!

Your favourite holiday destination…

It has to be Marbella. I go every year to my Parents apartment and it’s basically my second home! I spent most of the summer over there with Ellen checking out the style and working on expanding our business.

Grace considers Marbella her second home and spent most of last summer there making business plans

Your stress-busting tip…

My Dad always says to me “how do you eat an elephant? You eat it bit by bit.” I always think of this when I have lots of work to do and deadlines to meet. It makes you feel less overwhelmed. I also think walking is really important! Especially if you are in an office for most of your day.

HOME

Your style…

Cosy Chic. The living room is where I relax when I am at home. I love getting into my pyjamas and putting my feet up to watch television!

The living room is Grace’s favourite place to chill out

Your favourite piece…

It has to be our Buddha Lamp. I think it’s really unique and it adds a calming effect to the living room.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: GRACE O’ Sullivan appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Owner and Editor of The Beauty Dial, Edel Cox talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I came back from travelling around Australia, New Zealand and Asia in 2010 to do a Masters in PR in DIT. As part of this we had to do work experience so as I had a huge interest in the beauty and fashion industry I approached stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick to gain experience with her.  I then went onto work in PR with some of the top beauty brands in Ireland. As my love and knowledge for Beauty and Fashion grew, I decided to set up my blog www.thebeautydial.com. I now have a team of writers that help me keep The Beauty Dial up to date on a daily basis and I work on it every evening. I still work in PR with Fuzion Communications who have offices in both Dublin and Cork so my time is split between the two counties which allows me to promote The Beauty Dial up and down the country. It’s gone from strength to strength since I launched it and I am very proud of it so fingers crossed it continues to grow at the same speed.

Your career highlights…

Being shortlisted for the Best International Fashion Blog at Cosmopolitan Blog awards two years in a row, 2013 & 2014 . I couldn’t believe it as there was almost 50,000 applicants and The Beauty Dial made it down to the final 8 two years running. This sort of recognition is huge as I never thought The Beauty Dial would be as big as it has become and I’m so grateful. Also my weekly Beauty & Fashion Page in the Dublin People Newspapers is also a highlight for me.

FASHION

Your style…

Very classic and not over the top. I love dressing up and getting glam for a night out. I think leather is great, whether it is a leather jacket, skirt or trousers they never go out of fashion. For more causal days I love skinny jeans and a nice top or a casual skirt and ankle boots, something that is very comfortable but still stylish. I love shopping and a getting a good bargain and buy all my clothes from high street stores in particular River Island, Topshop, H&M and Zara. Shoes and Boots are my weak spot as I think your footwear can really make an outfit and you can never have enough shoes.

Your style icons…

I love Victoria Beckham’s style, she always looks so stylish and dresses very appropriately for every occasion. Her designs are stunning and so flattering. I also love Laura Whitmore’s style, she likes to have fun with her style and is not afraid to try different looks.

Your favourite piece…

My favourite purchase of this year is a tropical colour dress I got on www.houseofcb.com. I got it for a wedding and the mixture of colours running through it allowed me to mix and match it with different shoes and accessories so I got a few wears out of it. It is so comfortable and pulls you in in all the right places.

This tropical print dress is Edel’s favourite item in her wardrobe

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and every night. In the morning I also use a serum, I am using the Vichy Aqualia serum at the moment which I absolutely love as it really hydrates my skin for the day ahead. I use ‘That Girl’ primer from Benefit which gives the skin a gorgeous glow before applying my foundation. The foundation I use is Mac Studio Fix which contains SPF 15 which I think is so important. I also try and use a face mask once a week.

Your favourite products…

I have so many, its hard to choose. I can’t go anywhere without my Cocoa Brown 1hr tan, it has been a lifesaver for me on so many occasions and I love the deep, natural colour it leaves. Roger & Gallet dry oil has been a favourite of mine for years, it is luxury in a bottle and leaves your skin so soft and beautifully scented. For a night out, I always use Benefit ‘High beam’ to highlight my cheek bones and brow bones, and Benefit ‘they’re real’ mascara is amazing. When it comes to lip colour, my favorites at the moment are Mac Rebel lipstick, NYX Merlot lipstick and the Max factor colour elixie lip glosses. Finally, I couldn’t go anywhere without my Urban Decay make-up setting spray.

Edel loves getting her glam on for nights out and special occasions

LIFE

Your hobbies…

In the last year I have really grown to love the gym, something I never thought I’d say. I signed up to do personal training in Dennehy’s Health and Fitness in Cork with Steve Barry who is our Fitness & Nutrition writer on The Beauty Dial. He really is an expert in what he does and his enthusiasm and love for fitness really does rub off on people. I noticed a huge difference in the way I look and feel and ever since I actually enjoy working out in the gym.

In the last year Edel has discovered a love for the gym

Your favourite restaurant…

My time is split between Dublin and Cork so I’m going to cheat and pick my favourite in each. My favourite restaurant in Dublin is a place in Swords called Mastersons, It is always busy, the food is delicious and so reasonable. The staff are so nice and there is always a great atmosphere in there. My favourite restaurant in Cork is Eco’s in Douglas, it is a small intimate restaurant that I just love. The food is so tasty and its so popular that you will be lucky to get a table any day of the week.

Your favourite holiday destination…

I love Marbella and have been there a few times. I am going to Bali in November so this might overtake Marbella as my favourite holiday destination.

Your stress-busting tip…

Go for a walk on the beach. There is something so therapeutic and relaxing about going for a walk on the beach, its a great way to clear the head and forget about your worries.

Edel loves to unwind by taking a walk on the beach

HOME

Your home decor style…

I love a modern style decor that is still cosy. I love statement pieces of furniture and I think less is more when it comes to home decor as I hate clutter.

Your favourite piece…

My favourite piece is my work station where I do all my blogging. It matches in with the rest of the room and I have set it up so I have everything I need in one place.

Edel’s work space is her favourite area in her home

The post RSVP’s Women Of Style: Edel Cox appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Assets Plus Size Model, Tia Duffy talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I saw a plus size competition for Simply Be on Xpose and decided to enter. After the competition I was then signed by Assets Agency and Agencies abroad and it’s all just taken off from there.

Your career highlights…

I spent some time working in New York City as a model and I was attending castings with models signed with Ford models. I also met a lot of Americas Next Top Model contestants. One model I stayed in touch with was Aminat Ayinde, who came second in the competition and we both shot a documentary about different sizes in the industry. This was a highlight as I remember watching Americas Next Top model with my Mam at home so it was great to meet her and work with her.

FASHION

Your style…

I am almost six foot tall so I usually wear a two piece outfit to change it up a little. I am big fan of colour blocking. I always colour block my outfits and match my bag with my shoe colour. I find taller girls with bigger frames can really pull off high waist jeans and skirts and trousers. Overall I would be a jeans and blazer type girl for casual wear, American Appearal Disco pants and body suit for a girly night and a high waisted pencil skirt with a Zara blazer for dinners and dates. I also love bangles and wear them with everything.

Tia favours two piece outfits and colour blocking in her style

Your style icons…

Nicole Scherzinger is my style icon. Her style is edgy but classic and sexy at the same time. I love the way she colour blocks with her new range from Boo Hoo.com.

Your favourite piece…

My favourite outfit was from a shoot I styled myself. The blazer is the classic Zara blazer I previously mentioned. The skirt is from H&M and the top underneath is from Pennys. This outfit is my favourite as it more or less sums up my style, the colours I go for and how I piece my looks together.

This look styled by Tia is one of her favourite outfits

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

A have extremely sensitive skin, so at the moment I only use non scent soap and water. Anything I put on my skin irritated it in the past and I’ve tried everything under the sun so my dermatologist suggested no products at all and for me it works.

Your favourite products…

My must have make up products are my MAC primer and foundation, Bobbi Brown and Urban Decay are my top picks for eye shadows and Estee Lauder for lipstick. To contour I love the contour kit from Crown brushes and the mini brows set from Essence is a must have for brows in my opinion. I also think having the right brushes is essential to getting the perfect make up look, I love my brush set from Crown brushes.

Tia’s must have’s for nights out include Mac, Urban Decay, Bobbi Brown and Estee Lauder

LIFE

Your hobbies…

I love music! I played the piano and sang from a very young age. I trained in the Gaiety School of Acting and Waltons School of Music and I loved studying the art of stage and acting. I love performing and theatre. I also love writing poetry and stories. I have about 50 poems and love to read them back as they remind me of special people and different stages of my childhood.

Your favourite restaurant…

Pacinos Restaurant up near Grafton Street. Italian is my favourite food. I used to meet my boyfriend there for meals when we first met so it has the most sentimental value to me as well as being located in the heart of Dublin City.

Your favourite holiday destination…

Florida! I have lost count on how many times I have been. I love the weather and the people are so nice. I’d be lying if i said I didn’t go for the shopping!

Tia loves Florida for holidays and for the shopping!

Your stress-busting tip…

Make sure you surround yourself with positive people and people who know your worth and enjoy watching you succeed. Life is full of jealous people and to be aware of negative energies and get rid of them is the best thing you can do for yourself. If I am overwhelmed with work and tired I will relax in a nice bath with a Yankee Candle and make a playlist of songs and just unwind for a hour. Just setting aside a few minutes a day just for myself helps me to relax. Leaving your mobile on silent and watching a good movie with popcorn works for me most weekends.

HOME

Your home decor style…

I moved in with my boyfriend almost a year ago. Since moving in I’ve transformed the entire place. There are loads of personal touches like a wall of pictures of our best memories. I always have a Yankee candle burning too. For me, once a room is painted bright and the space is used well it’s perfect for relaxing in.

Your favourite item…

I collected all the rose petals from flowers I’ve received from my boyfriend during our relationship and put them into an old glass jar. It smells amazing and looks really unique. I love sentimental items that have meaning.

Tia loves using sentimental items like flowers to create meaningful touches at home.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: TIA DUFFY appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Presenter and Stylist, Lorna Weightman talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

 CAREER

Your path into the industry…

My path to the industry wasn’t what you would call, routine. Having been a model all through my teens, I always had an interest in fashion, but in college I didn’t see it as my first career. I graduated from Trinity College in 2004 with a degree in Business and Economics and I joined a Big Four accountancy firm, and studied to be a Chartered Accountant and qualified as an ACA in 2007, but in my heart I was always creative and I needed to explore that. I set up my blog as a hobby in 2009, while still working full time. Over the years, it gained a great following and I found myself being asked to provide comments to newspapers and radio stations. In 2011, I gave up my full time job to try and make it in the fashion world, and thankfully it paid off due to a lot of hard work!

Your greatest achievement…

In my previous career I would have to say I’m really proud of myself for sticking with my education. My accountancy exams were the toughest I had ever done. My finals were four, four hour exams in four days! But fast forward to 2014, and I think my greatest achievement is succeeding at a job with no experience or credibility, and making a success of it. I’m very ambitious, so when I put my mind to something I will do everything I can to make it work.

FASHION

Your style…

I never know how to answer this one as my style changes all the time! But, that said, I think my style is quite timeless. I love a well fitted blazer and skinny jeans, pared with ankle boots. It’s a clean look, that’s reliable and suits pretty much every occasion.

Your style icons…

My most significant style icon is my mum. She taught me everything I know about fashion, how to style, how to accessorize and how to walk in high heels! I experimented a lot with fashion when I was younger; I dyed my hair pink and went through a goth stage which never really suited me. But Mum said nothing, and let me discover what style was in a natural way without interfering.

Your favourite piece…

I own a collection of vintage Hermes scarves that belonged to my grandma. They are the epitome of elegance and a representation of her style. I treasure them.

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I’m super meticulous about my skin routine as it tends to break out still, even though I’m 32! I cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day, no matter how late it is, or how tired I am. I use a Philisophy cleanser, then a gentle exfoliating toner from Clarins, and finish with Clinque moisturiser. I give myself a peel every week that’s made from natural fruit acids to help keep my skin at it’s best.

Your favourite products…

Oh I have so many! I’m loving Philiosophy at the moment, and my skin is drinking it up. But one of my all time favourite products is the cleanser by British skincare brand Oskia. It’s so natural and I can feel an immediate difference in my skin after I use it.

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

Sadly, I don’t get a lot of me time. When you work for yourself, those times seems to be quite rare. So, I value my time off when I have it. I am an avid reader; I devour books. At the moment I am re reading all my favourite classics like Wuthering Heights, Parade’s End and Tess of the D’Urbevilles. Reading relaxes me, and I sleep soundly after gobbling up a page or two.

Your hobbies…

My new hobbie is SPX pilates which I am doing at Pilates Plus Dublin and I am loving it. It’s a torturous work out but I feel great after it. I have done pilates before but nothing like this. I hurt in muscles I did not know existed!

Your favourite restaurant…

In Dublin, I love San Lorenzos; its Italian food is setting the bar very high. They make the most amazing baked scallops! Yum. I spent a lot of time in London, and I love going to Boca di Lupo in Soho. Sitting at the pass watching the cooking process is fascinating.

Your favourite holiday destination…

Most definitely Italy. I spent my honeymoon there and over three weeks we travelled though Milan, Liguria, Tuscany (Lucca and Chianti) and finished in Verona. I love city breaks! It’s so exhilarating to explore a new city, learn about it’s culture and history. Thanks to my job, I do get to travel so I’ve been to some amazing places this year like Berlin, Prague and Warsaw.

Your stress-busting tip…

A run; there is nothing like channelling all your pent up energy into your runners along the pavement. Yes, it’s tiring, but I think it transforms any mental stress or frustration into physical endurance. It totally takes your mind of any worries.

HOME

Your style…

We live in a lovely one bedroom apartment, that is, let’s say, cosy so we don’t have a lot of room to play with. But I love it, it’s my little nest with my husband. I’m in the process of redecorating so I’m building moodboards to tackle the bedroom first. I’m going for cool tones, which are calming in a bedroom. I have some of my own touches too, I lined a wall with my favourite Vogue covers from the last ten years, and framed them. I also live with a sports fanatic so fashion is on one wall, and rugby on the other.

Your favourite piece…

I have this fruit bowl that was carved out of one piece of wood. It was a wedding gift from our close friends and it sits proudly on the kitchen table. It’s one of those pieces you will have forever I think; original and timeless.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: LORNA WEIGHTMAN appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, stylist, columnist and presenter, Courtney Smith  talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I always knew I would work in fashion from an early age… it was the only thing I was ever passionate about. I used to sketch dress designs in school, learned how to sew by the age of 16 and made loads of my own outfits and then naturally went into fashion design in college. I went on to become more interested in the finished product so did a postgrad in fashion media and styling in London College of Fashion. I then got a job as head stylist for a London boutique. It was there I first got my taste for styling celebrities.The following year I moved back to Dublin and set myself up as a freelance fashion stylist. The first few years of business were the most difficult to really establish myself as a credible fashion force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Your greatest achievement…

Every month I have a new greatest achievement. I think it’s important to always strive to achieve bigger and better than before. When I got my first Brown Thomas campaign shoot 4 years ago it was a huge deal but naturally you work to keep landing the big jobs and big campaigns. Travelling to far flung locations like Miami, Oman, Dubai, Cape Town, New York etc and to be paid for it is also something I have always wanted to do so I am really living my dream job.

FASHION

Your style…

My style is still evolving as I get older but there is always a bohemian element. I adore the seventies and all the clothes from that era. Anything shaggy, embellished, kimonos, fringed etc.

Your style icons…

Bianca Jagger, Marianne Faithful, Nicole Richie, Kate Bosworth and Rachel Zoe.

Your favourite piece…

Hard to choose; I get attached to certain items. I have a gold claddagh ring I always wear that belonged to my mum. Other than that it’s probably my vintage kimonos which are irreplaceable or my irish designer pieces like my Tim Ryan jacket or Helen Cody bodice I wore to the Style Awards.

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I use mainly Kiehls products at the moment such as their toner and face scrub and moisturiser. But I also love Clarins flash beauty balm and wear Rosehip oil on my face before bed. I’m not that strict with my daily skin routine but recently tried the Oxegen Facial in Therapie Clinic which is unbelievable to give your skin a radiance boost.My must do tip is to remove all my makeup before bed no matter what!

Your favourite products…

Makeup wise I swear by Revlon photofinish foundation, i’ve been wearing it for years and usually mix it with an illuminator like the Charlotte Tilbury wonderglow. I also use the Charlotte Tilbury sculpt and highlight palette and feine flick eyeliner. Other than that I love the Makeup Forever brushes and lipsticks.

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

I love nothing more than cuddling up on the couch with a Thai takeaway, cheese and crackers and a bottle of red wine. That’s my Saturday night in downtime. Bliss!

Your hobbies…

I don’t have a lot of spare time as I tend to work most Saturdays, so its a 6 day week for me. I love to spend my spare time catching up with friends. I enjoy TRX training 3 days a week too.

Your favourite restaurant…

I adore Fiorentina on Parliament Street in Dublin at the moment, their oysters and fish dishes are to die for and they really know their wines. Or for the best steak in Dublin try the Trocadero. For a great atmosphere and cocktails Alfies on South William street. For Sunday brunch it’s either Whitefriar Grill or San Lorenzo’s on Georges Street. Best Pizza is Paulies Pizza in Ballsbridge. The list is endless, I am a foodie and I love eating out.

Your favourite holiday destination…

Has to be Maui in Hawaii… I’ve only been once but I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Your stress-busting tip…

Exercise, whether it’s a gym class or a walk it’s the only thing that really helps when I am stressed! That…. Or a large glass of red wine!

STUDIO

Your style…

I keep my studio pretty relaxed, its mainly white with a wooden floor but it’s full of images of my work on the walls to inspire me and I have a wall of shelving for all the different books and boxes full of styling bits I need.

Your favourite piece…

I love the coffee table my sister got me for Christmas last year, it’s an old cable reel so it looks like a giant spool of thread and still has all the stamp marks on it so it’s rustic looking.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: Courtney Smith appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, fashion and beauty blogger, Alex Quinn,  talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

My background is in Public Relations but I always had a huge love for fashion and makeup. I trained as a make-up artist in LA Make-up Academy and took up doing bridal make-up part time. But it really all started for me when Becky (the other half of Pink Elephant Blog) and I decided to write a blog together. Now the world of fashion and beauty is my everyday life and I absolutely love it!

Your greatest achievement…

Even though I often forget about it, the blog and it’s success is probably my greatest achievement so far. Becky and I built the website up from nothing with very little help and had to teach ourselves everything from basic web design to photography. Pink Elephant Blog won an award for the Best Lifestyle Blog this year and that was the cherry on top!

FASHION

Your style…

My style is constantly evolving but mostly it is, what I would call, comfy chic. I am always on the go so as well as looking stylish I want to be comfortable.

Your style icons…

I love Kate Moss, the Olsen twins and Blair Eadie from Atlantic Pacific but I don’t really follow trends as such. I mostly wear things that make me feel good.

Your favourite piece…

At the moment it’s my ripped Top Shop Leigh Jeans and my Zara leather jacket.

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I’m a huge skincare geek so my skincare routine is quite elaborate. I use a light cleanser in the morning and then I would tone, use serum, moisturiser and eye cream. In the evening I remove my makeup then double cleanse with a balm or oil, use an acid toner, serum, moisturiser and eye cream. I love a good face mask on the weekend too.

Your favourite products…

I have so many beauty favourites! Some of my old faithfuls in the skincare department are the Clinique Take The Day Off cleansing balm, the Elemental Herbology cleansing oil, the Pixi Glow Tonic and Kiehl’s Creamy Avocado Eye Treatment. I also love bold lipsticks, my favourites are MAC Rebel and Lady Danger. I could go on and on….

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

Me time usually involves my dogs, the couch, a glass of wine or a hot chocolate and some decor magazines. Perfection!

Your hobbies…

One of my big passions is cooking and baking so that’s what I do in my free time. I also love photography, I take my camera everywhere and take photos of absolutely everything (to my husbands dismay). At the moment I am trying to get better at food photography and food styling.

Your favourite restaurant…

I have so many! I love Matt the Thresher’s (they do the best mussels!) and for a special treat it has to be L’Ecrivain. I’m also a huge fan of cocktails and love going to the Vintage Cocktail Club, The Liquor Rooms and The Exchequer – they all have great food menus as well as amazing cocktails!

Your favourite holiday destination…

Italy! I’m all about food so I love traveling to places where I can eat gorgeous food all day, drink fantastic wine and enjoy the sun.

Your stress-busting tip…

A long hot bath always helps me when I’m stressed. I put some of my favourite Aromatherapy Associates bath oils in for extra relaxation, play some smooth music and have a glass of red wine.

HOME

Your style…

I would say my style is quite relaxed and eclectic. I love modern nordic design, a lot of light and basic colours. I also have a huge soft spot for anything in gold!

Your favourite piece…

I think my favourite piece at the moment is my desk. It’s white with gold angled legs, I adore it! It won’t be my favourite for too long though – I have my eye on a beautiful mid-century bar cart, which will be my new love once it arrives in my house!

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: ALEX QUINN appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Make up Artist and Model, Tara O Farrell talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry:

I always had a huge interest in make up and got my first job on a makeup counter a good few years ago. It was there my passion grew as I realised the impact make up could have on women and how they felt about themselves.While I was working I started modelling, i was getting booked for a few jobs a week so decided to go freelance as a make up artist and model.

Greatest achievement:

I have had some really interesting experiences over the years. One of my most exciting experiences was performing in Wembley Stadium. I sang and played the bass in a band for a few years and we played in some really cool venues but Wembley was definitely a special moment. I also went back to college a few years ago to study business and marketing. I was working full time and studying so was really proud of myself when I got an honours degree.

FASHION

Your style:

I would describe my style as quite simple and classic. I like to invest in pieces that won’t date. I don’t follow trends or buy items that are going to date. Simplicity is key for me but I do like to add a bit of an edge to my look with a leather jacket or biker boots.

Your style icons:

I love Miranda Kerr for her classic elegance but also always keep an eye on what Kate Moss is wearing as I love her effortless rock chick style.

Your favourite piece:

It’s so hard to narrow it down to one piece. I have a gorgeous silk DKNY jacket that I fell in love with. I also recently got a pair of Freddy jeans which are amazing, they give you such a good shape so I know I will be investing in more shades.

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine:

I used to suffer with bad skin so I really take good care of my skin now. I love Pixi Glow tonic for brightening the skin and Glam Glow thirsty mud to keep my skin hydrated. I use Green Angel eye gel daily also. I also drink a lot of water which is essential for keeping the skin nice and plump.

Your favourite products:

I’m addicted to anything from the Glam Glow range. I’m also a big fan of Buff HD foundation as it photographs so well and gives the skin coverage without looking heavy. I’m also loving NYX butter lipglosses at the moment they don’t feel sticky at all and come in a gorgeous selection of shades. As a make up artist I would be nothing without my brushes so I love my Blank Canvas brushes.

LIFE

Your me time:

Every week is different for me and can involve a lot of travelling and late nights so I really appreciate my ‘me time’. I love nothing more then watching my favourite programme with a cup of tea and some chocolate. I also love going out for a nice meal with my boyfriend or pottering around the shops with my mum.

Your hobbies:

I’ve never been very sporty but I do enjoy walking with my dog. I have my voice trained so I do love to sing whenever I can even if its just around the house. I am a huge music fan so absolutely love going to gigs.

Your favourite restaurant:

I am a huge foodie and love nothing more then going out for a nice meal.Last night I went to a new restaurant on Camden Street called ‘Delehunt’. It was probably one of the nicest meals I have had. Its traditional irish food with a twist in a beautiful setting. Its a real experience from start to finish so I will definitely be going back there before Christmas.

Your favourite holiday destination:

My parents have a place in Quinta do Lago in Portugal, so I always look forward to going there every summer. I’ve been to New York once and have made it my mission to go back as soon as I can. I fell in love with everything about it.

Your stress busting tips:

I try to not let myself get too stressed. If I ever feel like I am starting to feel a bit stressed I will have a cup of tea and some chocolate and try talk myself out of worrying. If that doesnt work I will ring my boyfriend or my mum and have a moan and they will make me feel better. I never keep anything bottled up.

HOME

Your style:

I would like to think my house is cosy and quirky. It’s an old cottage with lots of little nooks and crannies. I love picking up unusual pieces that I will have forever.

Your favourite piece:

I recently invested in a painting by a talented Irish painter Shane Berkery. I absolutely love it.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: TARA O FARRELL appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, artist and teacher, Zara Mc Daid  talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

As my day job I work part time as a secondary school art teacher in Donegal. I use my free time outside of teaching to work on my paintings, illustrations, blogging and writing my magazine and newspaper columns. I have always had an interest in the arts, fashion and creativity. I find that I have struck a nice balance between teaching art and working on my own art and other projects. My ultimate goal is to make a living by collaborating my love of art and fashion in some way. For me, art and fashion go hand in hand. It would be a dream to make a living solely from my art, writing or fashion, or possibly all three combined, so I am just waiting for the right opportunity to come along and enjoying the journey so far. I am currently kept busy making new paintings for an upcoming group exhibition which takes place in January in Co.Cork.

Your greatest achievements…

In the past two years I have been very lucky to have to my work featured in several nationwide magazines and last month I was approached to take part in an interview for ‘Irish TV’ on Sky which was a great experience. I am very grateful for the different opportunities I have been approached with such as writing a weekly column for the Donegal News newspaper as well as a monthly column for Sligo Now magazine. Another highlight in my art career was when my work was selected for an exhibition in Times Square New York in 2012 and one of my paintings was displayed on the iconic Times Square billboards. That was an amazing experience and it gave me the push I needed to start getting my work out there which spurred me on to start showing my work online with my own blog where I have a gallery displaying my paintings, illustrations, articles I have written, and sharing my DIY and fashion tips. The aim is to share creative ideas in art and fashion and to showcase that to a wider audience as well as to hopefully inspire people to be creative.

FASHION

Your style…

I would describe my style as versatile. What I wear depends entirely on my mood. I like to have fun and be creative with fashion. I don’t think people should take fashion too seriously. I enjoy putting my own twist on fashion trends. Last month I took part in Darren Kennedy’s new show #TRENDING and I loved the whole experience. On the show I was part of a panel of four ladies discussing accessories, which couldn’t have been more up my street as I love jewellery and have an embarrassingly large collection of necklaces! I also love dabbling into D.I.Y fashion and I often write about creative ways in which you can up-cycle and change different outfits. I love making my own jewellery and in the past year I have made several D.I.Y statement necklaces.

Your style icons…

I love Jessica Alba’s laid back casual style and I adore fashion icon Mira Duma for her creative and unique styling.

Your favourite piece…

Hands down my jewellery collection!

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

My skincare routines have varied over the years. I have tried many different products but to be honest I find that fresh air, enough sleep and drinking lots of water is all you really need for good clear skin. I also recommend a day or two entirely make-up free every week to give your skin time to breathe! At the moment I have been trying out natural ‘coconut oil’ and I have noticed my skin is a lot softer and blemish free since I have started using it. However, as it is quite oily I only use it twice a week before bedtime. Lately, I was treated to an amazing facial in ‘Genesis beauty salon’ in Donegal and I have noticed my skin instantly looked brighter and so fresh after it and still feels great so I am going to make it my mission to go for facials more often.

Your favourite products…

The foundation I wear at the minute is studio fix by MAC , I find it is great for nights out as lasts longer than other foundations I have tried.  I would also recommend ‘Green Angel’ skincare products. Green Angel is an award winning luxurious range of Irish skincare which are based on the fusion of Irish seaweed and natural essential oils. I have been using these products for years and my favourite is the Aloe Eye Gel.

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

Like most girls my ‘me’ time involves treating myself to little beauty treatments such as getting my nails done or of course shopping! I love spending time with my family and friends and I love going for beach walks on Rathmullen and Portsalon beach when I get the chance. Donegal has the most beautiful beaches. My ideal Friday night is chilling out with my boyfriend and watching a good film with a glass of wine after a busy week! I am really looking forward to Christmas to take a break from everything and catch up with everyone at home.

Your hobbies…

Besides painting and sketching, I love dabbling in a bit of jewellery and accessory making, I find it very relaxing. I enjoy running too but I love nothing more than hanging out with my fabulous friends, boyfriend and family.

Your favourite restaurant…

Eala Bhan restaurant in Co.Sligo is beautiful and they have the best coffee!

Your favourite holiday destination…

In October Rory and I took a trip to Bratislava in Slovakia for my birthday, it was a bit random, but there was a personal joke behind him choosing it!! The architecture in the city was stunning and we visited the local art galleries and markets. Thankfully Rory is very supportive and encouraging of what I do so he happily strolls around the local craft markets and galleries with me. We both really enjoyed the trip and I would highly recommend it for a weekend city break.

Your stress-busting tip…

Go to the beach. Fresh air and a run are the best stress busters!

HOME

Your style…

I love the shabby chic look.

Your favourite piece…

I love a large mirror that my sister bought me as a Christmas present last year, it’s made entirely out of magazines, it is very unique.

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: ZARA MC DAID appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, stylist and personal shopper, Natalie Svikle talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I always knew I wanted to work in fashion but life took me on a few detours where I ended up with two degrees that have nothing to do with fashion. I always had a gut feeling that fashion is what I’m supposed to do in life and after the second degree almost enrolled in Central Saint Martin’s to study fashion design. However, I took my parents’ advice and got a job in retail just to get a taste for the industry. What I discovered was that it’s not fashion itself that fascinates me but the effect it can have on people. It was then that I knew that I’ll turn my biggest passion – making people look beautiful, into a career.

Your greatest achievement…

Building a successful business while raising a child. My daughter, Loretta, was only a few months old when I ventured out on my own. I still wonder how I managed to keep my sanity. Nevertheless, I’ve been steadily reaching my objectives ever since and my 3 biggest ambitions are about to come to fruition – I’m launching a YouTube channel, a jewellery line and another lifestyle business with my close friend. All within the next 2 months!

FASHION

Your style…

My style is heavily influenced by my mood. I love dresses but in simple clean structures. Most of my day looks would evolve around a blazer, it is such an easy piece to wear, be it with a pair of jeans or a dress. Half of my wardrobe consists of classy smart pieces while the other one has a distinct rock chic vibe. But regardless what I’m wearing, I’m not myself if I don’t have the heels on. I can have the nicest outfit on but it will never feel right if it’s not completed with a pair of stilettoes. I’m so used to heels that I sometimes even put them on when working from home. It immediately puts me in the work mode.

Your style icons…

I can’t say I have a style icon, but I’d take Kate Moss’s wardrobe in a heartbeat.

Your favourite piece…

If my house was on fire, I’d probably have to be dragged by the hair out of it as I’d try to save as much as I can because I love most pieces I own. The pieces I treasure the most were given to me by my family and closest friends. I’m currently going through a stage of having a love affair with my All Saints sequin skirt. It just goes with everything!

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

Is religious. My mom was always telling me that the things your skin will forgive you for doing to it in your 20s, will hit you with a vengeance in your 30s. So I’ve always been very sensible and looked after my skin properly. I’d never go to bed with the make-up on, even if it’s 4 am and I feel like death warmed up. In fact, I’ll probably even end up doing some sort of a mask just to compensate for the long night.

Your favourite products…

I tried so many different products but always keep going back to Liz Earle range. I absolutely love their Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. Right now I’m using Nu Skin products and am very pleased with the results so they are my solid favourite as well. My friend recently got me hooked up on Laura Mercier make-up, I feel naked if I don’t have their mineral powder on. I’m also a red lippie addict and absolutely love YSL lipsticks. I’d sooner leave the house without the phone than no lipstick!

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

‘Me’ time is a very rare treat in my schedule. So I try to enjoy small things like an occasional bath with oils and salts or a massage. But secretly I love nothing more than going to the cinema on my own or hiding from the outside world with a good book in some cosy coffee shop. But any free time I have, I try to spend with my little princess.

Your hobbies…

My work is my fun. I’m constantly working on a variety of different projects and I get a real buzz from seeing things come to life. When I do have time for something else, I love taking old pieces from my wardrobe and jazzing them up – customizing, altering, redesigning, adding some décor, whatever it takes to give them a makeover.

Your favourite restaurant…

I don’t have a favourite restaurant because I rarely go back to the same place twice. With so many restaurants out there, I’m always tempted to try something new.

Your favourite holiday destination…

I try to go on at least two holidays a year to a place I’ve never been to but there is something about Paris that keeps bringing me back. I brought my daughter there last year for her first city break so now I have even more special memories associated with the place. If I ever move away from Ireland, it will be to Paris.

Your stress-busting tip…

Even though I spend hours in the car, I find going for a spin very soothing. Not in traffic hours of course! Empty road, scenic views and a good tune on – great not only for busting stress but also for productive thinking. Half of my best ideas and decisions came to me while driving!

HOME

Your style…

I love light colours in interiors but also love a pop of colour. I find blues and greens very calming so always try to include those colours in some shape or form. I exhaust my creative mojo at work so when it comes to interior design, I stick with clean simple lines. Countless toys scattered around the house add questionable flavour to our interiors but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Your favourite piece…

Probably my white leather couch. It is the most unpractical thing but is so comfortable!

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: Natalie Svikle appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, model, presenter and parenting columnist Alison Canavan talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I began modelling at 15 after winning a “head to toe” (old RTE show) competition. I then went on to represent Ireland in the Ford Supermodel of the world competition at 16. I started working in Paris soon after that and have since travelled the world as a model. I have lived all over the world including London, Paris, New York, Australia and South Africa. My career has since branched out into many areas including presenting, writing and numerous business ventures including a studio called Spirevision on O’Connell Street in Dublin. All my articles and videos can be found on my website www.alisoncanavan.com

Your greatest achievement…

Being lucky enough to become a mum to an incredible little boy James. As far as career goes I always had a dream to go to Trinity College and this year I was lucky enough to lecture there. I gave a talk to the midwives on the module of motherhood and mental health. Speaking about issues I am passionate about is very rewarding and I feel very honoured to be able to to this.

FASHION

Your style…

Simple and classic. I wear what suits me not what’s in fashion. I love Karen Millen because their dresses fit me like glove!

Your style icons…

Audrey Hepburn, Princess Grace and Jackie Kennedy

Your favourite piece…

A great LBD you can’t go wrong with a little black dress. You can dress it up or down and is the perfect travel item.

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

Cleanse, tone, serum and moisturise. I believe that beauty starts on the inside so I drink warm lemon water every morning to help flush my system. There is no point using fancy products if your diet is not good.

Your favourite products…

I have recently just gone back to using Yonka products. I absolutely love them they have an amazing dry skin spray on toner that I take everywhere with me. I also love Skin Ceuticals new antioxidant night-time serum.

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

I love to meditate it’s a great de-stressor. I really believe it’s a tool that’s underused especially since nowadays our lives are so hectic. Finding any time for yourself theses days can be hard but its essential.

Your hobbies…

Reading, writing, meditating, eating out and travelling. I’m currently studying nutrition so I’m devouring all books and movies to do with food, health and well being!

Your favourite restaurant…

There’s a great new restaurant just opened in Dublin called The Pembroke that has great food. I also love Milano’s. myself and my son go there for a treat but he calls it bilanos!!

Your favourite holiday destination…

Travel is my passion and I’m lucky enough to be a travel writer for the Mail on Sunday. I write about family destinations so James gets to travel with me. We recently just returned from Soma Bay in Egypt where the water was crystal clear with beautiful white sandy beaches. I love south Africa and Hawaii too. We live in such a beautiful world it’s a shame not to travel and try and see as much as we can.

Your stress-busting tip…

There are two things that work for me, writing and meditation. By writing I mean writing a list of things I’m grateful for. It keeps me focused on the positive and its always reminds me how lucky I am. This is a great tool if you suffer from depression.

HOME

Your style…

I live in a cottage and I adore comfy and cosy homes. I like my home to be comforting and comfortable.

Your favourite piece…

My new Natuzzi cream leather couch. Perfect for snuggles with James while we watch our favourite movies. I also have a dresser I restored and painted that houses all my books. I love books!

The post RSVP’s Women Of Style: Alison Canavan appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, presenter, producer and fashion writer, Emily O’Donnell talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

After a brief stint working in Consumer PR I decided to follow my first love Fashion, so I completed a Fashion Styling Course and began working as a Stylist for The Airwave Boutique Group, I also assisted Stylist Roxanne Parker for a year working for various fashion publications and styling celebrities and shows. I then began my own styling projects and was invited by beautycouture.ie to become their Fashion Writer. I was then approached by RTE who asked me to take part in a Reality show they were making about Girls working in Fashion and Media and filmed The First ICA Bootcamp show. Following this I was asked to be part of Xpose’s Fashion Panel discussing various trends. I really got a love for TV as I am quite the talker and love people so I did a course in TV Presentation, Production and Direction which I absolutely loved. After hosting various Fashion shows and events, I started working with Fashion One TV covering events such as The Dublin Fashion Festival and other high profile runway shows.

Your greatest achievement…

My Style Diary Project where I blogged a different outfit every day for 365 days, in 2013. It came about as I was getting a lot of emails any time I was photographed in magazines asking where I got my clothes, I broke a record as I am the only person in Ireland ever to do this so it was a great personal achievement. Interviewing Hunger Games Actor Alexander Ludwig for Fashion TV was also a huge career highlight. Also I have recently become an Ambassador for The Irish Heart Foundation’s On The Dry Campaign to encourage people to give up drinking to benefit their health and raise money for The Heart Foundation. It was an honor to be asked to take part along with a host of well-known faces.

FASHION

Your style…

My Style is probably best described as Classic with a twist, its constantly evolving and is dependent on my mood. I like things that are different and stand out from the crowd. I have been lucky enough to get some nice Best Dressed Accolades at events and in various publications including RSVP which is lovely as I do put a lot of effort into planning my outfits. I have them all in a scrapbook at home.

Your style icons…

On an International stage it would have to be Olivia Palermo for her ability to mix designer and high street and set herself apart from her counterparts and on Home Turf definitely Lorraine Keane, she has a great eye and I love her clothes. She told me at last year’s Style Awards that she really admires My Style which was lovely to hear as I’ve been a fan of hers for years and admire her career path too.

Your favourite piece…

That would probably have to be my Tim Ryan Jacket, my Joanne Hynes French Queen Necklace, or my recent purchase from Paul Costelloe a gorgeous gilet, closely followed by a Missoni Dress from Harvey Nichols and a Chanel Bag from Brown Thomas

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

Is fairly simple cleanse, tone, moisturise and then a face mask once a week I am lucky I inherited good skin from my mother

Your favourite products…

Anything from Lancome

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

Because I am out a lot  and dressed for events, I love nothing more than a nice bath, followed by my onesie and a hot chocolate and then a big lie in

Your hobbies…

I love singing and I am currently playing The Leading Lady in The Pantomime Old King Cole

Your favourite restaurant…

Chapter One I was treated to a meal there recently and it was simply divine, otherwise Canal Bank Cafe for their famous wings.

Your favourite holiday destination…

Paris for the people watching and the style or Portugal for some sun and relaxation.

Your stress-busting tip…

Sleep

HOME

Your style…

My apartment is quite minimal I share with two friends so its modern and minimal for us, My room is a lot more Maximalist though-full of clothes with the wardrobe being my prized possession

Your favourite piece…

My favourite home piece would probably be one of the trinkets my granny gave me

The post RSVP’s Women of Style: Emily O’Donnell appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, owner of stylegoesracing.com, Elaine Bury talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I started attending ladies days in 2012 with the first being the Fairyhouse Grand National. I found it really hard to get good information on sourcing clothes and accessories suitable for ladies day so I decided to start up stylegoesracing.com, in November of this year, that gave that information and helped other women feel comfortable attending ladies day without that fear of the unknown. Pulling back the curtain so to speak.

Your greatest achievement…

I recently won the title of Best Dressed Lady at the Punchestown Winter Festival 2014 but my greatest achievement was taking a friend from complete ladies day newcomer to two successive finalist placings on her only two ladies days so far. The advice I gave her is the advice I will be giving anyone who comes to stylegoesracing.com. It’s great to see that it’s a successful formula and can be adapted to any woman going to ladies days.

FASHION

Your style…

I’m quite a minimalist dresser, I favour clean lines and muted colour palettes for my day to day wear. Lots of creams, navy and tan! For the races, I go for super ladylike style. I’m a big fan of a balanced silhouette so I will always strive to wear either a pencil skirt with a cape or peplum jacket of a full 50’s skirt with a fitted top half. Two contrasting colours also play a strong part of my ladies day wardrobe as they are so eye catching and show up beautifully in photos.

Your style icons…

Diane Kruger is easily one of the most effortlessly stylish women out there. She puts such on a piece that could easily be a fashion disaster and wears it with sublime style and confidence. Victoria Beckham is also a favourite of mine. Her fashion lines are tailored, fit well, are beautifully coloured and are ladylike yet wearable for everyday.

Your favourite piece…

At the moment it’s this wine Virgos Lounge dress. It’s not a racing outfit, I bought it for a ball but it’s so glamorous that I fell in love with it. I’m tempted to get the bottom half of it altered so I can wear it to more events!

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

My skin is normally quite good but after a bout of junk food, it certainly shows up. Firstly, I swop between Garnier Soothing Cleansing Lotion and Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water depending on how much make-up I need to take off. The micellar water is great for a quick refreshing clean. I then just use Olay Beauty Fluid on top. If my skin is very dry, I’ll put some Vitamin E oil on it. It’s quite a basic routine but it works for me and my hectic schedule.

Your favourite products…

The micellar water is a big hit but make-up-wise I’m a big fan of the American brand E.L.F. They do really affordable but high quality products. I’m also constantly stocked up on Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and Benefit High Beam. My Catrice Brow Pencil also comes everywhere with me!

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

I have a horse so he takes up a lot of my ‘me’ time. I love being outside, whether it’s going for a walk or hacking out my horse. Myself and my partner are big movie fans so we try to watch a lot of the new releases.

Your hobbies…

I competing in showing classes with my horse and aim to get to a good few sidesaddle classes this year, fingers crossed. I did Hell and back for the first time in September and loved it, so I’m training to do another one in February. The mud and cold is a stark contrast to ladies days but they are brilliant fun and a good fitness motivator.

Your favourite restaurant…

La Bucca in Ratoath, hands down. They have the best steak and banana spilt in Ireland and it’s the cosiest dinner atmosphere you could look for. A close second would be Burger King though, they’ve gotten far too much of my money whenever I have to make a motorway service station stop!

Your favourite holiday destination…

Wellington, Florida. My sister lives in America and would be down there for work several months of the year. Probably, because it would mean I get to visit her, I love everything about the place from the gorgeous scenery to the smells. Even the noises coming from the baby alligators in the canals were nice in their way!

Your stress-busting tip…

If I’m getting really worked up, I write down exactly what I’m worrying about. Myself and my partner would then talk through exactly what I was worrying about and how to solve the problem. Taking a proactive step is the best thing you can do to relieve stress as you aren’t just sitting around worrying about it.

HOME

Your style…

I have quite a bit of cream and light green in the furniture and cushions. They are very refreshing colours together. I’m somewhat the opposite of my dress sense in my house, in that the place is cluttered with little knick knacks, photos and rosettes. I hate the idea of living in a showhouse, I want it to look homely.

Your favourite piece…

My sofa! It’s a huge L shaped corner couch and can fit about 11 people on it. There’s nothing better than snuggling up on it with a great big blanket and hot chocolate!

The post RSVP’S WOMEN OF STYLE: Elaine Bury appeared first on RSVP Magazine.

In the latest instalment of the series, Director of Born Clothing, Joan Lynch talks life, career and style with RSVP’s Blathin de Paor.

CAREER

Your path into the industry…

I started by opening a craft store in Ennis 15 years ago. 3 years later opened a costume jewellery store in Ennis followed by one in Limerick and Galway. In 2010 opened Concepts Ladies Fashions in Oranmore. Now the director of Born Clothing with 13 stores nationwide. With emphasis put on up to date fashion at affordable prices.

Your greatest achievement…

Outside of work achievements, having four wonderful kids.

FASHION

Your style…

I would describe my style as classic smart during the week for work. My favourite store for my style would have to be Zara. Their sophisticated and structured designs consistently means I never leave their empty handed. At the weekend I usually opt for more of a laid back style with knitwear and denims.

Your style icons…

Huge fan of Victoria Beckham. Love her understated and sleek style.

Your favourite piece…

It would have to be my Prada bag. An investment piece but a simple monochrome style and a practical everyday shape.

BEAUTY

Your skincare routine…

I’m a huge fan of microdermabrasion facials at Galway Laser & Skincare Clinic. Daily I cleanse and tone morning and night with Dr Hauschka products.

Your favourite products…

Perfumes would have to be my weakness with my favourites being Joe Malone Amber and Lily and Tom Ford.

LIFE

Your ‘me’ time…

For years my unwinding time would be a bath every evening.

Your hobbies…

Walking my little bichion Bubbles in Salthill and my newest hobby Pilates. A fun way to exercise twice a week.

Your favourite restaurant…

Morans On The Weir in Clarenbridge has the best seafood dishes in Galway.

Your favourite holiday destination…

For my 50th we visited the Maldives. The most relaxing and beautiful place I have ever been.

Your stress-busting tip…

The alternative medicine Reflexology would recommend anyone to try this.

HOME

Your style…

New England style with warm colours and French furnishings.

Your favourite piece…

No favourite piece but my favourite room would have to be my walk in wardrobe.

The post RSVP’s Women Of Style: Joan Lynch appeared first on RSVP Magazine.