Fashion Fun in Galway!

Hi Ladies,

As you may know, Recessionista Styling are part of an Irish Blogger's Network called Into The West Bloogger's Network which was set up by a fellow Irish blogger, Sinéad Carroll from Yummy Mummy Fashion & Lifestyle Blog and we love writing for the different themes the network suggest and working as part of bigger community! What a fab idea! We especially love how supportive all the bloggers are of each other, its nice to see women empowering each other for a change! So when Sineád invited us to a fashion evening in one of her favourite stores PIA Galway,  we jumped at the chance to visit the West!

                                                 

                                               

Unfortunately, Sam, the hair and beauty brains of Recessionista Styling, couldn't join me in Galway due to work commitments so I dragged my lovely other half along instead (he didn't mind I swear)!

We booked a nice four star hotel that we found on Trivago on the outskirts of Galway city, called The Pillo Hotel and off we went! We got a great deal for two people staying for one night, with breakfast and a king size bed for about €90. The hotel was lovely, nice and clean and conveniently located close to the city centre. We had breakfast in their Olive Tree Bistro the morning we were leaving and it was delicious! The staff were very friendly and it was great value for money too!

 

 

(Photos: www.pillohotelgalway.com)

Now to the fun part, the fashion evening was set to begin at 6.30pm and when we arrived we were greeted by the fabulous Sineád from Yummy Mummy Fashion and Lifestyle Blog as well as Denise, the owner of PIA Galway. We put our names and numbers into a draw to win some fabulous spot prizes then made our way around the store to see what caught our eye!

The first thing I noticed as we began to explore the store was the make up counter, yep you read it right, Tara from Cara Pharmacy was on hand to show us the brilliant range of Benefit Cosmetics that they have in store, and she topped up the lippy and liner for all the ladies on the night!

Although this was a Yummy Mummy event, the room was filled with women of all ages and honestly PIA Galway have beautiful clothes and accessories to suit every age group! I had my eye on quite a few dresses and fell in love with the yellow dress that store owner Denise wore on the night (below). I would highly recommend PIA Galway, especially for occasion-wear, my boyfriend literally had to drag me away from the floor length dresses!

As we browsed around the store, we were greeted by two lovely ladies from Rustic Grub who were armed with glasses of champagne and stood proudly behind a table over flowing with fine food and snacks, needless to say this is where Karl spent the next ten minutes of the night, nibbling on all the beautiful homemade snacks!

Sineád from Yummy Mummy Fashion and Lifestyle Blog was hosting the event and she was in her element! Sineád worked the room, moving from guest to guest chatting and giving styling advice as well as keeping a watchful eye over the event to ensure things were running smoothly but she need not have worried as it was perfect! Sinéad was also a finalist in the RSVP Magazine /Oasis Style Blogger competition last year too and won best dressed on the night of the awards and it was well deserved too. Living up to her Yummy Mummy reputation, this event was no exception as Sineád dazzled in a fierce red dress from PIA Galway.

There was a fashion show in store too, showcasing the variety of looks available from the Spring/Summer 2014 collection now available in store. The models Megan and Ellie did a fantastic job! The looks included smart casual and occasion wear too!

     

    

  

As if that wasn't enough, there were tonnes of giveaways on the night with prizes from Valair Hair , Jessica Cooke Health and Fitness , Irish Rain Natural Cosmetics , MeeMaw Bags , Blank Canvas Cosmetics and Cara Pharmacy!

I was lucky enough to be the winner of the Blank Canvas Cosmetics Brush Set and what a prize to receive! The set includes 9 different brushes ranging from HD blending brushes to brow brushes and everything in between. Now as I am no make up expert, our beauty writer (and MUA) Sam is going to use and review all 9 brushes and will post her findings to our brand new website in the next couple of weeks!

The amazing photos you see in this blog are all the hard work of Patrick Lennon Photography and I hope he doesn't mind us sharing them with you! His shots are fantastic and you can see the full album from the night here!

I would just like to say a massive congratulations to Sinéad (Yummy Mummy Fashion and Lifestyle Blog) and Denise from PIA Galway for running such a successful event and thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of it! Sinéad mentioned on the night that she wants Galway to know who she is, and at this rate, the whole country will know who she is by the end of the year as she is taking the blogging world by storm and we couldn't be more proud!

Keep up the great work Sinéad!

(www.yummymummy.eu.com)

Megan (and Karl)

Recessionista HQ

xxx

Buy for your boy

Hi ladies!

With it being Valentine's Day today I thought I’d do a little post to mark the occasion. 

I am not totally against the day itself surprisingly even though I've worked in retail for so long and most people in the industry just dread it. I actually don't mind IT, although the thoughts of being brought out for a meal on the 14th and being squeezed into a table no bigger than a 4 year old's school desk where you can hear the couple beside you breathing, sort of makes me cringe. I do think its nice to celebrate with some sort of gesture.

I want to recommend some fragrances as a gesture for the man in your life. Whether you've been happily married for 20 years or you’re still just getting to know each other, you will still want to get a little something for him to show you appreciate all the roses, chocolates and jewelry he “might” shower you with later today. 

Recent scientific studies have shown that 1/3 of us will spend €50-€150 on our partner for Valentine's Day, so these fragrances will be well within the budget for what a lot of us will want to spend.

I’ve picked 3 mens fragrances that are sure to impress. They are suitable for men of all ages and smell absolutely divine.

Fahrenheit by Dior

This was launched in 1988, selling 1.4 million bottles in the first 3 months in Europe alone, and still remains one of the best selling mens fragrance of all time. It has a long lasting, distinctive scent. It is a woody, floral, musk fragrance with lavender, mandarin orange, nutmeg flower and cedar top notes. Honeysuckle, sandalwood and jasmine middle notes. Amber, musk and patchouli base notes. Even though its been around for this long it still smells very modern and vibrant compared to newer fragrances.

Price: €81.00 for 100ml

Available from all Dior counters nationwide

L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent

A woody floral musk fragrance that was launched in 2006. It is a very sophisticated yet warm and inviting fragrance that has a bright and sparkling freshness yet not overpowering. The top notes are ginger, bergamot, and lemon. Middle notes are spices, white pepper and violet leaf. Base notes are tonk a bean, tahitian vetiver and cedar.

Price: €81.50 for 100ml

Available from all YSL counters nationwide

HUGO Red by Hugo Boss

“Red Means Go” This sweet, fresh and oriental spicy fragrance is exciting and dynamic. It’s fruity and vibrant yet quite sensual with great longevity. Launched very recently in 2013 for the man who wants to unlock his daring side. With metallic, grapefruit, pink pepper and galbanum top notes. Rhubarb, cedar, pineapple and metallic middle notes and tonka bean and amber base notes.

Price: €52.00 for 100ml

Available from Debenhams

Interresting fact to know. The smell of a fragrance from a man has proven to be the most important feature to attracting a woman :)

I hope you all have a great valentines day!

Love Sam x

The Anti- Valentine

Hi Everyone,

So as you may have noticed from my recent post The Anti - Fairytale , I am not the most romantic person and as a result of that, I am totally against the dreaded day that is Valentines Day!

(Image: www.singlemindedwomen.com)

Now once again before you jump to conclusions let me clarify a few things;

1) No, I'm not single and bitter.

2) No I'm not just single.

3) No, I'm not just bitter either.

4) No, I am not some crazy spinster cat lady.

5) I don't even have a cat.

6) Yes, I have had romantic Valentines experiences in the past.

7) No, this is not anything to do with my boyfriend

8) I swear I'm not a cat lady.

Phew, now we've got all that cleared I can explain!

(Please note from here on in I will only refer to Valentines as 'V-Day' as I can't even bring myself to type the word any more without almost throwing up).

I have a Love/Hate relationship with the month of February, I love it because it is the month of mine and my mothers birthdays and its the shortest month of the year, but I hate it because I have to endure the vomit inducing and extremely pink and heart filled marketing for the dreaded V-Day. 

 

(Image: www.zwani.com)

So to all of you people celebrating V-Day, what exactly are you celebrating? What makes the day special for you on a personal level? Probably NOTHING.

I feel sorry for the men and women that find themselves under severe pressure trying to find the perfect gift for V-Day, hoping they choose the right card/flowers/heart shaped chocolate/(insert your own stereotypical gift here). People tend to spend the weeks leading up to V-Day stressing about if their partner will remember the day, if they will get flowers delivered to their office, if their V-Day will be more romantic than their frenemies is, if their other half will even remember to get them something or remember to book the highly coveted window seat of some swanky restaurant,  but why? Once again I ask, what are you celebrating?

Commercialism, that's what. You are stressing out about a made up day that means absolutely nothing to anyone! Why? All because huge corporate card and confectionery companies tell you to. That's why.

I am in love, so that's not my issue with V-Day, but I won't be spending the day or night with my boyfriend, nor will I get a card from him. 

A friend suggested that we do home made cards so as not to buy into the commercialism, but I can't do that, because even that would be partaking in a day that in my opinion does not exist. My other half can rest assured that he cannot fail tomorrow, as we simply don't do V-Day, not even a text will be sent between us tomorrow that contains the dreaded V-Word. I vaguely remember spending our 1st V-Day together eating pizza and playing FIFA with my other half's best friend, NOT celebrating the day that was in it and I wouldn't have it any other way!

He's a lucky one isn't he?

(Image: www.etsy.com)

Anyway, would you lot not prefer for your other half to surprise you with flowers on a day that you need cheering up rather than a day like tomorrow where he/she only does it because they think they'll be kicked out if they don't?

So as you all sit their preparing/stressing out about/ getting your hopes up about tomorrow and all that it has in store, I can sleep soundly knowing that when I wake up, tomorrow is Friday and the weekend is almost here!

Lotsa Love,

Megan

Recessionista HQ

xxx

Feeling 22

Hey Ladies!

So this week I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday and although it wasn't what you would call a 'big' birthday, to me, it was big and I'll tell you why! As you may already know from my previous post about my 2014 'Bucket List' I was a wee bit nervous about turning the big 22, not because I think 22 is old, but because all my life I had imagined at 21 I would have graduated college and be living an adventurous and exciting life traveling the world! 

(Image: www.favimages.net)

Twenty one was supposed to be my year, a year of fun, adventure, new countries and new experiences. I did manage to graduate with my honours degree before I turned 21 but the traveling the world part didn't happen. Don't get me wrong, 2013 was an amazing year and I had many fantastic opportunities from swimming with Alligators to being on TV and Radio, being a finalist in the RSVP/OASIS blogger competition, doing a Fashion Styling course, starting work with a radio station, meeting NEYO and so much more! I've been blessed, but back in December, a sudden panic came over me, I was about to turn 22 in less than two months, and what had I done? What had I achieved in life? It felt like I'd spent the previous 21 years at home watching TV and not achieving anything (okay so sometimes I'm a drama queen I didn't quite feel that bad but still).

(Image: www.sayingimages.info)

After lots of talks with some of my closest friends and family, I decided to do something about it and by the end of 2014 I will have accomplished some things on my bucket list and I intend to spend the year trying new things and taking every opportunity that comes my way! 

One of the biggest things I hope to achieve is learning how to be happier as I am a natural worrier. I worry and over think about the smallest things and I can be an awful moaner sometimes. Learning not to rely on others to make you happy is probably one of the best life skills you can attain! So far so good as I have started exercising regularly and have already begun trying new things in every aspect of my life, from my wardrobe to my career and everything in between, but I can't fill you in on that stuff just yet!

 

(Image: www.vuible.com)

As someone who has avoided the colour pink as much as humanly possible for at least 6 years now, I decided to take the risk, bite the bullet and buy a pink dress for my birthday celebrations (start as you mean to go on and all that jazz). I'm not going to lie, wearing pink was totally out of my comfort zone, but I got such positive feedback on the night that I decided to share it with you!

This was my first time ever to wear a bandage dress and all I can say is WOW! I will definitely be investing in more! These dresses are amazing, they pull you in exactly where you need it and give your figure a nice smooth outline, it was so comfortable to wear and the strong material meant that when you sit down and stand up and dance throughout the night it doesn't budge! I loved the mesh detail too, it really adds to the look of this dress!

I ordered this beauty of a dress from Gorgeous VIP last Wednesday and it was delivered to my door first thing Friday morning, which makes it perfect for your last minute shopping needs! The dress fit perfectly, as if it were made for me and the best part; it was in the sale!! I couldn't believe my luck, this dress is reduced from €129 to just €52!!

Gorgeous VIP have loads more bandage dresses as well as accessories and tonnes of different style dresses, the service is impeccable and I couldn't recommend them more highly! We are huge fans of their on site blog too so be sure to check it out for fashion, beauty, celeb and lifestyle posts!

Being the Recessionista that I am, I teamed this dress with some brand new heels from Penneys!

These heels were an absolute steal at just €15 and are in most Penney's stores now!

I kept my accessories simple with my Michael Kors watch and brand new Kardashian Kollection bracelet!

I had a fabulous birthday and I hope it is a sign of things to come, in the words of Taylor Swift..

I'm feeling twenty twoooooo

(Image: www.toutlemon.de)

I have got lots of plans for the rest of being twenty two and I can't wait to share them with you all, but for now, I need to catch up on some sleep!

Megan

Recessionista HQ

xxxx

Would you go to Great Lengths to get Great Hair?

Hey ladies!

Its been a while since I published a post but this one is definitely worth the wait!

A lot of people have been asking me to do a post on hair extensions, and which ones i use in particular.

I have tried nearly every method of hair extensions available on the market. The first ones I ever tried resembled something Bob Marley would wear (I think most girls my age did). Those braids were all the rage back then! Since then I've tried clip ins, keratin bonds, micro beads, weft of hair attached by tape, weft attached using glue and even weft sewn on to the head.

(Image: www.euronaturals.ca)

(Image: www.kristenlock.com)  

   (Image:www.18inchhairextensions.com)

The clip ins are one of my most used methods. After I have keratin bonds removed I usually apply clip ins (human hair) to give my hair a break. Clip Ins can usually can last up to maybe 6 months depending on how often you wear them and wash, style and expose to heated stylers. They aren’t always the best for your scalp as the metal clips can rub off your scalp with repeated use and eventually even create bald patches where the clips are worn.

The keratin bonds (individually installed strands of human hair) usually you could get anything from 2-3.5 months out of these but you have the possibly of matting with this method. For various reasons, mostly not caring for them properly, the bonds can soften and start to matte into something resembling a birds nest at the back of your head! Ugh, not good! This method though is the norm for most extension wearers. I love these due to the fact they are attached to your head and you don’t have to remove or alter throughout the day and when you tie your hair up you can’t see all those hideous rows and clips sticking out. It looks more realistic really. The hair is generally of great quality but one thing I have learned is definitly to get them removed professionally. I usually go to Hotlox hair extensions for my own clip ins and keratin individual bonded hair extensions. I would say they are the best quality in budget hair in Ireland.

What led me on to try the next brand or method of hair extensions, was when I was pregnant and feeling like i really really wanted to have a hair makeover once this little one was born. I wanted to get some fab “because I’m worth it” hair and after a lot of research i decided that Great Lengths seemed to be the way to go. They seemed to be the “Rolls Royce of Hair Extensions”.

 I had my first set applied in a very well known salon and absolutely fell in love with the hair i got. I loved the colour match. The cut was amazing. The only down side was I suppose the price and I felt if i was going to pay that much I would have left feeling like I was royalty but that wasn’t the case.

      

 It wasn’t til a later time when i spoke to a friend that I realised that there are many salons around the country that do the exact same extensions for a fraction of the price. After speaking to a trained Great Lengths extensionist i became aware of their pricing guidelines. A salon can charge whatever they want to apply these extensions but they have a minimum that must be charged in order to prevent salons from going into a price war and undercut each other. Makes sense really. Its a good idea to shop around for these extensions. 

They do insist you call in for a consultation to quote you on a price for your hair. Every single person needs a different amount of hair and therefore would be different prices. I found that for my own hair I needed 6 bundles, where a full head is classed as 4 bundles, so they couldn’t possibly give an accurate price over the phone.

I had my consultation for my 2nd set of Great Lengths and I was delighted to find out that with my local salon it was maybe up to a third less than what I had previously paid. My new favourite little hideaway for hair “Plush Hair Waterford” is where I went. Lisa who owns this salon (from her home) is so professional and down to earth and her prices are very good! I can’t recommend her any higher for the amazing job she did on my hair. I went for a longer length than last time, which was 50cm mixed with 40cm but i had to get it cut as this length proved to be too long for me to manage. 

I think the 40cm is definitly enough for most girls and I will stick to that length when i get my 3rd set! :) I can safely say that i would definitely go to “Great Lengths” to have great hair!

Love Sam x

(Before and after picture courtesy of Plush Hair Waterford)

All about Betsey!

Hi Everyone! 

So as you know, we have been talking a lot lately about our new site, new name and new format and the suspense is absolutely killing us! But as promised, while we wait, we will be doing a few posts here and there to give you an idea what you can expect from our whole new look!

On our new site, we will be doing feature pieces on designers, stores, businesses, models and more! 

Today, one of my favourite American designers, Betsey Johnson, followed our little blog account on Twitter and then sent us a Direct Message too! I'm not gonna lie, I had a 'fan girl' moment (and by fan girl moment I mean I literally jumped out of my chair and ran around my boyfriend's sitting room screaming with excitement). Betsey had posted a pic of her working out with the caption:

"As fashion week gets closer I'm getting stronger..Blasting classic Kanye West definitely keeps me in the zone! Xox"

Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a huge Kanye fan, and I'm a particularly big fan of his earlier albums like College Dropout and Late Registration. So when I saw Betsey's tweet I immediately asked her what was her favourite song, to my surprise she followed us and sent me a mail! I am still in shock! So I decided to write this wee little post all about Betsey and her work, so you guys might love her too!

(Image: www.pagesix.com)

I came across Betsey Johnson a couple of years back through watching fashion programmes on TV and reading lots of articles online and I immediately loved her! 

At 71 years young, Betsey is one of the most influential fashion designers of her time. She breaks the rules and pushes the boundaries of fashion and is known for her 'out of the box' designs and eccentric style!

Johnson's career started the Summer after she graduated from college when she became an intern for Mademoiselle Magazine. She quickly moved on to designing, and her career went from strength to strength as she designed for Manhattan Boutiques, and was involved in many fashion movements including Andy Worhol's underground scene. Fast forward a couple of years and Betsey had opened her own store and launched her 1st fashion line.

Numerous awards (including the 1972 COTY award and the 2009 Medal of Honour for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion award)  and collections later, in 2012 Johnson celebrated 40 years of her brand.

Betsey is infamous for doing cartwheels at the end of her runway shows too!

Starting to see why  I love her? 

(Image: www.photobucket.com)

At the moment I am lusting over her latest shoe collection Blue by Betsey Johnson!

Check out a few of my favourite pieces from Blue below:

If you're not a glitter or shoe addict like me, she also has jewelry, clothes and accessories, lingerie and swimwear too!

You can see her full range and keep up to date with her blog here:

www.betseyjohnson.com

I'm off to bed now, still smiling that THE BETSEY JOHNSON mailed me today, and we have a love of sparkles, Kanye West and shoes in common!!

Love, Megan

Recessionista HQ

xxx