An Empire State of Fashion

Yesterday our day appeared to have a theme running through it. A theme we quite enjoyed so we decided to share it with you.

It all began when we were choosing our morning song selection (which is fast becoming a bit of a morning ritual for us) and we stumbled across one of our all time favourite songs from two of the most stylish people in the world, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, 'Empire State of Mind' . This song is clearly all about New York City, the people, the lifestyle, the fashion, the dreams and is quite a good one to set you on a positive path for the day.

(Picture: Google Images - www.favim.com)

Anyway, various songs relating to New York were heard on the radio throughout the day, and it was the setting for a couple of TV ads and shows that were on, but then, one of the best chick flicks of all time, 'Maid in Manhattan' was on E4 and we thought Hallelujah! It's a sign! So we made a huge cuppa, grabbed a box of maltesers and settled down on the couch ready to watch the always beautiful (and multi talented) Jennifer Lopez do her thing as a Manhattan Maid, who falls in love with a candidate running for senate! 

(picture: google images - www.ateonsoft.com)

It has long been one of our favourite chick flicks for many reasons: its set in Manhattan, it is very funny and light hearted, and it stars our idol, Jennifer Lopez. Ralph Fiennes (although a bit too old for us) is easy on the eyes too! Since we were little girls playing dress up in our mother's high heels one of our all time favourite movie moments is when JLo walks into the benefit gala wearing THAT dress!

(Picture: Google Images - www.andybridal.com)

Talk about a swoon worthy, show stopping, head turning, in the words of Bruce Almighty b-e-a-u-t-iful ball gown! We were more than inspired for this blog post after watching this movie for the millionth time last night and almost couldn't sleep with excitement and ideas buzzing around our heads.

We have decided to try to find some similar alternatives on a budget, as always here is what we got:

The first option we wanted to give you is to have the dress custom made by a US company Andy Bridal. Click the link for details about what they do!

Littlewoods Ireland have some cute alternatives, take a look!

This Forever Unique Waterfall Dress is a younger approach to the ball gown and is available for €349.

Lipsy VIP added fish tail detail to this embellished dress for €192!

AX Paris

Embellished Grecian goddess dress for £40 (approx €46)

Drop Back Dress with jewel detailing is available for £19.99 (approx €23)

Although we know these options are not an exact match, we absolutely adore them and these are the accessories we would team it with!

We adore this pearl clutch from The Button and Bow Factory for only €45!

Keep it bling with this 'Estelle Silver Clutch' for €60 from Drop Dead Gorjess

LilyWho.Com have these gorgeous CZ stud earrings for a budget busting €15!


We love this pearl and crystal occasion collar from Accessorize for £14 (approx €16)


 Keep the bling flowing from head to toe with these Jewel Trim Platform Court Shoes from Barratts for £35   (approx €40)



We don't know about you lot but we're off to spend all our wages and to find a ball to go to!

Happy Friday and as always, Happy Shopping!

xx