September 08, 2015

Lidl Autumn/Winter Fashion Event- In Stores Starting This Thursday

September 08, 2015/ Claire Spence

Lidl launched their first fashion collection last spring, and it was a great success for them. Classic macs, coloured jeggings and smart striped tops all sold out quickly. I really liked their choice of pieces for that season, so I was excited to attend their autumn/winter fashion launch this morning.

The showcase was held in Belfast's Sixty6 cocktail lounge, at the peak of four or five flights of stairs. I think everyone needed a sit down by the time they got up there! But the trek was worth it, to get a sneaky peek at what will be in our local stores in the coming weeks, starting with these items this Thursday.

The rest of the collection will be released over the coming weeks until November, so if there is a specific item you've set your heart on, you might have to make weekly Lidl trips to catch it.

This is the £14.99 leather look jacket I had seen on other blogs from the south and fancied. It's also available in tan which would be my choice.

And you know I love my leopard. There are tops, fine knit sweater and jeans in leopard print for this winter.

YI love this tshirt. I'm addicted to stripes so I simply HAVE to get this when it hits my local Bangor store.

One of my other favourite pieces was the dogtooth wrap. There are wraps coming instore in various colours and designs, and the wool is great quality, it doesn't feel like it would ball up. They'll be £22.99

I love the women's collection but I find the kids wear a bit hit and miss. The quality is fine and the prices are great, but they just don't appeal to my style. This hooded top obviously did though- but I want one in my size!

The men's wear is great too, and complimentary to the women's looks.

So here are some of the items that should be instore from this Thursday. The leather look jackets I mentioned and the tan stretch trousers are on my list.

September 07, 2015

Shrimps' Faux Fur Dream World Is Coat Lust Heaven

September 07, 2015/ Claire Spence

I'm prone to hyperbole, but oh my god aren't these the best scarves and coats you've ever seen in your life?

Shrimps is British designer Hannah Weiland's imagination gone wild, with scarves akin to the two tone furry wonders that Prada had a few seasons ago. Until they have a sale I'm only dreaming, but I'm adding Shrimps to my favourite British designer label list which is topped by the fabulous Rodnik Band.

August 21, 2015

I Took My Mini-Fashionista to the West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK Launch Event

August 21, 2015/ Claire Spence

Thursday was a glam day for us. As school is still off, Michael came in tow with me to the launch of the West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK. Held in a very cool little venue in Belfast City centre, the launch was jam packed with glamorous, groomed fashionistas; and that was just the men!

Little Michael has accompanied me to events like this before, and I assumed he would be the only child there, or at least the youngest, but another lady had her little baby with her in its stylish pram.

Michael was very excited by the fact there was a frozen yoghurt stand where he got yoghurt and fresh strawberries; he loves a good freebie, just like his mum!

The launch event ran through the time table of FASHIONWEEK, which begins on the 15th October, and you can get all the info about shows and events on the Belfast Fashion Week website.

We got to see some of the key looks that will be showcased at this, the 20th year of our capital hosting a fashion week. I loved the acid brights, but I am also partial to a good tweed. Suede was another of the themes for this coming autumn and winter. Looking forward to October to catch some shows & be inspired to revamp my wardrobe.

These trousers were my favourite piece in the whole show

Suede in all colours will be big this autumn

July 27, 2015

Cactii & Painting-by-Numbers Themed Jewellery Collections? YES PLEASE!

July 27, 2015/ Claire Spence

How kitsch and cute are these two collections from FinestImaginary ? Which pieces tickle your fancy? Photos by Holly Booth.

March 05, 2015

Lidl Are Launching a Fashion Range. Would You Wear It?

March 05, 2015/ Claire Spence

This morning Lidl NI launched their very first fashion range, in a stylish event held in Made In Belfast. You know my Lidl love runs deep, but even I was surprised how affordable, wearable and how many of the pieces I loved.

All those stripes and spots! My favourite! The Venice Collection is tailored for me!

The accessories and shoes are great, and sure to be snapped up quickly in your local store.

There wasn't a traditional catwalk show, instead a stylist talked us through some of the pieces as we had a chance to feel the quality and textures of the pieces. We all agreed that we were happily surprised. The fabric quality isn't budget at all. The pieces would look right at home in Mango or Zara, rather than in a supermarket aisle. They haven't snipped corners, some of the vests and singlets are lined! You wouldn't see that in some high street stores. And the price points are cheaper even than other supermarket clothing ranges.

I think this is the year for a floppy straw hat, and it might as well be an affordable one.

The ranges also extend to men's wear and children's pieces for the summer.

Ranges will preview on

http://www.lidl-ni.co.uk/

I have my eye on these purple pumps. Sure they are for kids, but they might go up to a size 4, right??

And would you believe, even Lidl lingerie.

It was also lovely to see some of my blogger pals, as I haven't been working much recently. Now I'm throwing myself back into The World of Kitsch, so hopefully we will see each other again soon!

November 14, 2014

Steam Punk On the North Coast

November 14, 2014/ Claire Spence

Monday 24November th: 7.00pm, Foyle Theatre, Strand Rd Campus

North West Regional College’s Foyle Hair & Beauty Academy presents STEAM PUNK - a mesh of Victoriana and modern machinery, mixed with a futuristic twist. For months Level 3 hairdressing students within the Foyle Hair & Beauty Academy have been developing styles for this one off catwalk show, which will be complemented by performances from NWRC’s very own talented drama students.

The retro-futuristic looks will be showcased during a stunning catwalk show, and for the first time, NWRC Barbering students will be styling models for the show. The event follows hot on the heels of Derry’s first Fashion Fest and tickets for the event cost just £3 per person and always sell out so early booking is advised. To book your tickets contact Liz January on 028 7127 6311.

November 09, 2014

The Ultimate Onesie from Marks & Spencer

November 09, 2014/ Claire Spence

I'm a big fan of onesies. I spied this beauty last week on the Marks & Spencer Instagram feed, and knew it had to be mine. I picked one up thanks to M&S yesterday, and it's everything I could have wanted. The faux-fur is super soft, and the anti-bobble fleecy material that makes up the body of the sleep suit is peachy, velveteen delicate yet cosy. I'm calling it the Ultimate Onesie.

It costs £27.50 and you can order online and have it delivered in your size (ranging from 8 - 22) with FREE DELIVERY to your local M&S. Now when I picked mine up in store I was a little worried (excuse the pun) as I'm only 5ft4" and it's a TALL one size fits all type garment. But somehow it works. The onesie is lightly elasticated at the waist and ankles, so it doesn't sag or trail, even on tiny ladies like me. While I'm talking about it, I'm going to admit something that's probably not very cool, but I get all my jeans from M&S Denim Collection. They have a comprehensive sizing guide and three different leg lengths available for each dress size. So I can wear a 12/short and not have my jeans soaking up rain water, trailing along the pavement.

But back to onesies, check out the kids' and men's jammies they also have available. All non-bobbling, all soft and snuggly. Perhaps get everyone a new onesie for Christmas Eve night, then they'll all look smart in he Christmas Morning photos.