Pyjamas are awesome. And there’s nothing I love more than the feel of soft slinky pj’s rubbing against my skin. All through the summer, when I wasn’t busy wearing an oversized tee, I was rocking a short satin cami set. But you get the point, pyjamas are awesome and I love them.

The other day, I was asked by Hunkemöller* to review a pair of their pyjamas which I jumped at the chance to do. Hunkemöller is a lingerie company who make everything from lingerie to sportswear, pyjamas to swimwear. They make beautiful pieces and cater to a range of styles and sizes from small to large. So, if you’re after something cute, they have it, or something a little sexier, they have that too. They are an overseas brand who also have a base in England. Check out their collections.

I was so excited by this prospect that I spend ages scouring through their site trying to find something. There were so many pieces to choose from but I knew, as soon as I spotted it, that a pink floral playsuit was the one for me. On the model, it was slim fitting (in a flattering way), cute and feminine; exactly my style.

My order came surprisingly quickly and was wrapped beautifully in some tissue paper. I’ve ordered pyjamas online from other shops in the past and they hadn’t put this much effort into packaging it and making it feel special.


I love the lace trim detail on the neckline and lining the shorts; it gives it a cute and feminine feel. It also has a tie detail down the front which you can tie how you like.

The playsuit itself is made from a viscose material which is a mix of soft cotton and elastic. It’s soft against the skin and lightweight. Probably not the most useful in the current cold climate but it’s ideal if you don’t like wearing heavy pj’s, like me. Having said that, with an all in one, you don’t have to worry about the top riding up, keeping your belly nice and warm.


I ordered an extra small since I’m roughly a 6 and it fits well. It’s quite snug so if you’re more of an 8 than a 6, I’d go for a bigger size. It has an elasticated waist which sits nicely on my hips and causes the top to fall in a flattering way. 

The straps on the back are adjustable so you can pull it tighter or wear it a little looser. I find that wearing it a little loose makes it more flattering as it falls in the right places. The straps are also crisscrossed which, I didn’t realise, make it SO comfy to wear!

Overall, this is the perfect piece for me. I hadn't heard much about Hunkemöller before they approached me but I'll definitely be checking out the rest of their collections. Plus, with Christmas on the way it might be a great place to check out. 

Love, Aoife x


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*DISCLAIMER: Hunkemoller gifted these pyjamas in exchange for a fair review on my blog. This review has been written with 100% honesty. I was not financially compensated for this post and will not receive any monetary award if you click on any of the links within this post. 

The only thing blaring through my headphones until about a month ago was music. Now, it’s podcasts. While they have been around for some time, podcasts have become quite a phenomenon in recent years. The momentum continues to grow with more listeners tuning in and more podcasts saturating the market. The good podcasts are a little harder to find with every podcast catering to what it seems like every type of person in the world. Whether you’re on the way to somewhere or waiting between lectures, podcasts are the perfect company. And if they’re done well, you feel right there with the presenters. Here are five of my favourite lifestyle and fashion podcasts.

ONE // The BoF podcast (a.k.a. Business of Fashion)
The Business of Fashion, or the BoF for short, is like The Economist equivalent for fashion. They publish business-related news about fashion, providing insight into issues among the industry as well as movement within top brands.

In their podcast, they interview industry professionals from former models, Liya Kebede, to famous designers, including Katherine Hamnett and Alexandre Mattiussi of AMI. Their podcasts provide listeners with insight into their guests’ lives – how they grew up, what attracted them to fashion and where do they see the industry going, to name a few. Their guests relate to the current affairs in the fashion industry, keeping you in the know of what’s going on and who the key players are.

Fave episode: Derek Blasberg's plans for YouTube / Marco Bizzarri on China's Role in Gucci's $10 Billion Plan.

TWO // Table Manners with Jessie Ware
This has to be one of the funniest podcasts I have ever listened to. Between singer Jessie Ware, her Mum and a celebrity guest who sit around Jessie’s kitchen table; they have me in stitches. They have a good natter about everything under the sun from work and what's going on in their lives to their favourite dishes. Which has me dreaming about delicious food for the rest of the day. You can also catch the dirt on your favourite celebrities.

This podcast is very raw from the chair scraping on the floor to cupboards opening and closing and the rattle of crockery, all of which makes it feel like your right at the table with them. 

Fave episode: Stefflon Don.

THREE // Feminists Don’t Wear Pink
…and other lies. Scarlett Curtis, author of Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies, a collection of essays from empowering activists, actresses and influencers featuring Adoah Aboah and Saoirse Ronan. Scarlett brings the book to life in her podcast interviewing inspiring women about what feminism means to them and why it matters. As well as what feminist lies they’ve heard/ been told. Despite feminism being perceived as a heavy topic, this podcast is incredibly light, insightful and throws out all the pre-conceived notions you know about feminism.

I’ve just started reading the book and I love it already. It’s all about what feminism means to these women and the relationship they have with it. I’ll probably do a review on it when I have finished reading it.

Fave episode: Saoirse Ronan.


FOUR // The Sunday Social
Is blogging dying? What’s life like after Love Island? Why is the media transfixed with trans women? Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber Lucy Moon encourages the conversation around pop culture trends in music, film and entertainment. Lucy brings guests – from fellow bloggers, YouTubers, authors and love island contestants- to feature in her episodes.

This podcast is a little more intellectual than Table Manners and more serious than Feminists Don't Wear Pink but it's great nonetheless. Lucy speaks very fluently and smartly on the subjects. I think the Sunday Social is aptly named as it's the kind of conversations you can imagine having over a relaxed Sunday breakfast. The kind with a cup of coffee and a newspaper in front of you.

Fave episode: Is blogging dying?

FIVE // Fashion No Filter
Camille Charriere and Monica Ainley, both fashion journalists, give a behind the scenes glance at how the industry operates. Useful if you want to know more about one of the world’s exclusive industries. In a recent episode, the duo interviewed Eva Chen, head of fashion partnerships at Instagram. She has been popping up on a lot of the vlogs and articles I tend to read. She, in short, is the go-to girl at Instagram keeping up you up to date and aware of algorithms. On top of that, she has one of the most impressive CVs, climbing her way to the top national magazines before moving over to Instagram. 

Fashion No Filter keeps fashion at the focus of the podcast, discussing topics that very much at the centre of the fashion world.

Fave episode: Behind the Instagram Algorithm with Eva Chen.




I have wanted to do a review on a beauty subscription box for ages! I can’t tell you what has stopped me but you’ll have to excuse me for being a bit late to the party. Not only am I late to the Glossybox party but I will be reviewing September's box (Back to School edition) when it's now November. Great time keeping, Aoife.

What is Glossybox?

Glossybox is a beauty subscription service based in the UK and I think they have it in a few other countries too. Each box will cost you £10 plus postage. Every month they release a new box featuring five select products that are worth over £50. Some are miniature sizes and other full sizes. Occasionally these boxes come with a theme such as September had a Back to School theme and October has Halloween.

Products inside:

Your Facial Mini Scrubber- I love this! I have been using it for a couple of weeks and my skin is glowing! It is much smoother and my skin is looking clearer and purified. Facial brushes/ scrubbers are set out to lift away dead skin cells and encourage blood flow to the face, hence my newly found glow. The perk of the Your Facial is that the writing on the label will come off when it's time to replace it which I think is a really good idea because it's something I'm always forgetting.

Grow Gorgeous, Scalp detox- This is the product that I am most excited to try. I have heard of exfoliating your scalp before but never did I think I would do it. This is the mini-size version with the full 190ml costing £28. It smells gorgeous and reminds me of a Percy & Reed Conditioning mask I used to have. I have yet to try this out but I'll let you know how it goes.

Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes- I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I found a pack of wet wipes in the box. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting from a beauty subscription box. But never less, wet wipes can prove quite helpful especially since this pack is small. Perfect for slipping into your bag.

Bang beauty, Brow Cream in Milk Chocolate- Personally, I would not trust myself with a brow cream. The texture is very creamy, as you'd expect from a brow cream. The only thing is that it wasn't as soft as I thought it would be and you have to dig a little to get some product out. The shade is a little dark but I like the end result just the same. The product also comes with a mini angled brush for application. 

Karl Lagerfeld lip liner- I don't really wear much on my lips so lip liners are more of an occasional thing when I do. This is the first lip liner I have used that isn't a pencil. It's a gorgeous deep pink colour and it's soft and creamy to apply. Unfortunately, I think it's a tad too dark and pink for me.

Beauty Pro, Bubbling Cleansing Mask- Face masks are a godsend. Honestly, the most perfect invention. I once did a bubbling face mask with my friend and it was quite a fun catastrophe. When you first apply the face mask, it looks like any other sheet mask. But then it starts to foam. And before you know it, you have two inches of foam coming out of your face!



Final thoughts:

I quite like the idea of receiving a parcel every month with a bunch of goodies inside. Even though you are buying it, you don’t know what you are going to get so it’s a bit of fun opening it. Plus, the box itself is adorable and very aesthetic. 

Is it VFM? In some ways it is, the products inside are collectively worth over £50. That's five times as much as you pay for the box! On the other hand, they may supply you with products that you won't use or never intended to buy. Personally, I'd see what other boxes are selling and look at other reviews before taking the plunge. I love the concept of a beauty subscription service but GlossyBox can be a little gimmicky.


What do you think of beauty subscription services?

Love,  Aoife x

 


There’s nothing quite like getting me out of a blogging rut than doing a skincare post, my favourite kind. I sort of took an unofficial blogging break to get things and my life back in order. After taking some time to myself, I have come back inspired and motivated to get back into blogging. For this blog post, I wanted to share some common skincare mistakes that I’m pretty sure that we are all guilty of doing at some point in our lives.


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Not removing your makeup- How many times have you laid down in bed, got all comfy and wanted to just go to sleep except you've forgotten to remove your makeup and wash your face? We've all been there. But not removing your makeup is far worse than disrupting your almost sedated state. It only goes downhill from there, unfortunately, as your skin is most likely to get worse and you'll probably find some breakouts. There's a post on Good Housekeeping you can read to learn all about the detrimental effects.

Insisting you need to buy a whole skincare range- But it looks pretty though *crying emoji*. Great skincare products are designed to complement other great products. I've learnt that if a product is good enough and lives up to what it says, it will work on its own without the aid of the other products in the range. 



Thinking a good skincare routine will solve all your skin problems- Trust me, it's more than just the lotions and potions you put on your skin every morning and night. The truth is, good skincare is more than just how often you wash your face. Although that really does help. It's about diet, the body's hydration, mental wellness etc. Set yourself a challenge of drinking more water in a week and see if there's a difference in your skin.

Sun cream is only for the sun- Except it isn’t. We all use sun cream in the summer, we put it on our arms, legs, shoulders and faces. Sun cream is designed to protect us from UV rays which are the cause of sun damage and skin cancer. It’s important to wear sun cream all year round to protect your face from UV rays. You may not be able to see or feel them, but they are there. Remember to slap some on before you next go out. If you don't believe me, check out the real doctors here.

Using toothpaste to get rid of spots- Is it just me who thought this was a hack? I'm sure my friend told me about it. As it turns out, it's anything but a hack. The acidity in toothpaste actually causes your skin to erode, removing healthy layers of skin. I found out the hard way when my chin was left peeling for about a week. I couldn’t even cover it with makeup as it continued to peel throughout the day. There’s a reason it’s called toothpaste and not multi-purpose paste.


So there you have a list of five common skincare mistakes. How many are you guilty of? Got any to add?


Love, Aoife x

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The other day I was looking around on InTheGloss when I came across a post by Anna Stevenett, who after trying all forms, had written about her experiences with different types of hair removal. Click to read the original post, The Best ways to Remove Body Hair. Anna divided her opinions into pro’s and con’s of each method that she had tried. It was quite a fun read so I thought I’d do the same.


Shaving- 
Pro’s: Quick and simple. It is one of the cheapest methods too. When done properly, your legs can feel silky smooth.

Con’s: On the other hand, it can be massively time-consuming. If you want it done well you need to exfoliate, shave and moisturise. All of which cannot be done in under five minutes, I've tried. Plus, you're bound to get cut every time you shave and end up with missed patches.


Waxing- 
Pro’s: As painful as it is, I love waxing. I love how it lasts for two/ three weeks. If I could afford it, I would get it done every time. Honestly, the greatest thing ever and the hair grows back softer as well.

Con’s: Pretty hurts I'm afraid. And unfortunately, waxing can hurt like hell. The good news is you will find over time that your pain tolerance increases. The bad news is it might take a while to get there. Waxing can become quite expensive depending on what you get. But it's completely worth paying to get it done in a salon rather than it at home.


Hair removal cream- 
Pro’s: Hair removal cream feels like a more softer approach when it comes to hair removal. There’s no blade involved which means you are less likely to cause any physical damage to yourself. Hair regrowth is a little slower compared to shaving but it's not a huge difference.

Con’s: In short- it smells. Hair removal cream comes with a very particular scent and it’s not the most pleasant of smells. When using the cream, you are often sat immobile on the bathroom floor waiting for it to work. If you move, you risk the chance of smudging the cream everywhere.


Epilating- 
Pro’s: After only managing to epilate a small section of my shin, I found the hair didn’t fully grow back until almost a year later. Crazy, I know.

Con’s: The most painful form of hair removal ever! Just the mere thought sends shivers down my spine. Not only do you have to deal with the physical pain but the buzz of the rotating head still sets goosebumps everywhere.


No hair removal-

Pro’s: It clears up a huge chunk of time and can be quite empowering.

Con’s: Unfortunately, personal preference has me leaning toward methods of actual hair removal. Since the hair on my legs tends to irritate me, it doesn't stick around long.



So there are my opinions and thoughts on the four methods that I have used. The best kind of hair removal is down to personal preference and choice. I'm curious about the other forms of hair removal out there. Laser and Sugaring are down on my list to try next.

Comment below your thoughts on hair removal and if you’ve tried any other methods.

Love, Aoife x


The Design Museum is currently showcasing the talents of Azzedine Alaïa in Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Alaïa sadly passed away last November (2017). The exhibition was co-curated with the man himself showcasing his Haute Couture and Ready To Wear collections from over the decades.

But first, what is Haute couture? Haute couture translates to 'high sewing' or in other words 'needlework'. Haute couture garments have been made to order, sewn by hand, and are fitted individually to the customer. One of the many reasons as to why couture is so exclusive and has a high price tag. Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa began his haute couture career at Christian Dior (under Yves Saint Laurent) and later at Guy Laroche before establishing his own fashion house.

I visited the exhibition a few weeks ago and it is absolutely breathtaking! It's held in this large open space and divided into mini sections, each containing a couture collection. I loved walking around the room, around the masterpieces. The silhouettes were ridiculous. Each dress was figure hugging and clung to the curves of the mannequin. I felt so inadequate surrounded by them as they stood propped up on podiums. Each mannequin had been cut to fit the dress which gave the impression it was standing up by itself. It was like each piece demanded attention and respect. For the designer and the craft.




My favourite collections from the exhibit were Exploring Volume and Sculptural Tension, Alaïa's final haute couture collection (above). Exploring Volume had a Hollywood feel, of glitz and glamour. I also loved the contrast in Sculptural Tension, between the resistance and solidity associated with metal and the delicacy of the chiffon and stature of the dress. The most unusual collection was Other Places, Other Cultures. One of the items had been made from a hair-type material; it was a little bizarre but intriguing at the same time.


Student, £10.75. Adult, £14.50. Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Until 7th October. Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG, London. Find out more at the Design Museum.

Love, Aoife x


I absolutely love how my bedroom has turned out! Everything about it is perfect and so much better than I was expecting. The room was completely renovated; walls re-plastered, window frame painted and the floorboards underneath were white-washed. All of which is a far cry from the navy carpet and dark green walls before.

In decorating my room, I wanted to create a light and open space. Something feminine and chic. I love that typical Parisian style and the soft palette of neutral colours and textures. I wanted to include elements of this in my room so I added a couple of black accents (curtain rail, bedside table, photo frames) to contrast the light grey and to add chic feel. To magnify the light and airy feel, I opted for linen curtains. They don’t block out any light and are more of a design feature than anything practical. I love how they let the light shine through and create a glow in the room in the morning.

My favourite part is the area around my bed. It’s the perfect place to snuggle up in the evenings especially with the Christmas tree lights wrapped around the headboard. Above the headboard are a couple of Desenio prints. I am completely in love with them! The ones I have chosen are bold, elegant and feminine. All of which complement the ambience of the room.


Love, Aoife x
There is something magical about the French Riviera. From the blueness of the sea, the natural beauty of the coastline and the atmosphere; it can't be experienced anywhere else. Nice is a gorgeous city and my holiday there was a dream. My bestie and I had so much fun travelling around.


The best way to explore a city is on foot. One the first day, we found ourselves doing exactly that; exploring the local area and scoping out a couple of bakeries for us to grab a cheeky pastry or two. With the sea covering one side of the city, it's hard to get lost and we left our map in our bags most of the time.  Check out the Russian Orthodox Church, Villa Masséna Musée and Place Masséna to make the most out of your visit.

Travel tip- Did you know you can download an offline version of Google Maps? It was life savour on our holiday especially as I struggled to get an internet connection.


One of my favourite activities from the holiday was renting a Velo Bleu (city bikes). It was cheaper than we thought and a really fun way to explore the coastline and city. We cycled along the Promenade des Anglais, which wraps around the whole coast of Nice, up around this hill and around the harbour on the other side. On top of the hill are some amazing views of the city below. We also spotted the #ILoveNice sign where, of course, we had to take a few pictures.


No holiday is a holiday without a trip to the beach. Throughout the day, we kept finding ourselves wandering down to the beach to listen to the waves. The beaches are pebbly but it's comfier than you'd think. There are a few private beaches along the coastline which are ideal if you're looking to completely unwind for the day. Or for a more casual affair, you can sit on the pebbles, sunbathe and soak up the sun. There are a couple of sandy beaches only a short train away in Cannes or Antibes.


On one of the days, we visited Cannes. It was about €10 each for a return. It was a pretty chill day as we walked around the harbour, Le Vieux Port, picking out which yachts we wanted to own and discussing our yacht lifestyle. 

We wandered over to the Palais des Festivals, famously known for the location of the Cannes Film festival. Next to the Palais is a little park which is a gorgeous oasis of tall palm trees and vibrant green grass. Along the pathway, you can find paving stones with celebrity handprints and signatures, sort of like Cannes’ own walk of fame. On the other side of the road is where you can find all the designer stores: Chanel, Gucci, Dior and Fendi etc. 

For the rest of the day, we chilled on the beach soaking up the relaxed atmosphere until it was time to go back.


On our last day, we sat on the beach to listen and watch the waves. We managed to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sun as it set over the horizon. It was a magical end to our wonderful trip. Nice is one of the most relaxing places I’ve been too and I can't wait to go back again.

Check out my Lookbook here.

Love, Aoife x




One of my favourite things about London is that it is constantly changing. You can spend a whole lifetime discovering the city and you’ll still have never discovered it all. I’ve grown up in East London and I never really saw the best parts of it or at least I didn’t know about them.

A few years ago, I set out on this adventure that I would explore what London has to offer and that always took me to either central London or over west to my favourite borough of Kensington and Chelsea. But the way I see London now has changed.

I am lucky enough to write the blog for a luxury fashion brand based in East London -they're quite a big deal. The content I am writing is about places and people in East London, the very best of, uncovering secrets, kind of like a guide to the East End. And it’s made me fall back in love with the Eastside.



I’ve always known the East end is special. There’s a sense of community when you walk through each borough and that’s one of the things I love. 

The other day, I went down to Columbia Road Flower Market (for their next post) and I loved it. I had to wake up early on Sunday, around 7ish, absolute torture but I loved the already buzzing atmosphere that was there when I arrived. There was something special and unique about it. The sky was gently warming up and everyone was already wide awake. Not to mention that the market was lined with beautiful vibrant flowers.

The work I’m doing has led me to look at my hometown with new eyes. For some reason, I had it in my head that I was trying to escape east London. You never really heard much about what was going on and all the exciting things seemed to happen over West. And I suppose, my new work has led me to uncover everything that’s going on in the East. I do research, I stay up-to-date and it’s a pretty amazing place with lots of hidden secrets.

It’s definitely changed a lot from when I was younger, the hipster culture is growing and a lot of places have been gentrified but it’s definitely the place to be. After all, your night out is most likely to lead you into East London.

Check out what I've been working on over at Paradise Row Curates.

Love, Aoife x


If you’ve kept up with the latest beauty news then you know that Korean beauty a.k.a K-Beauty has become a new market favourite. Their quirky but phenomenal products are revolutionising the market and I am in full support of it.

One of my favourite Korean beauty products is the Faith in Face, I Need Relaxing Care pearl cellulose sheet mask. As far as sheet masks go, this is the most hydrating mask I have ever tried. When you take the folded sheet out of the packet, it is dripping in serum. It took me by surprise the first time I used it as I juggled with it my hands. The serum was easily and quickly absorbed by my skin, leaving it with a much-needed burst of hydration. The pack recommends that you leave it one for 15-20 minutes. It's longer than most masks but sitting down and not doing much for that time with a cooling mask on your face is seriously one of the most relaxing activities.

K-beauty is impressing everyone and it's obvious as to why. Not only do they have quirky packaging but they're selling quality products and adding fun back into beauty. I've only had a snippet of k-beauty and I'm excited to try what's next. 


Love, Aoife x

I've only been able to find these masks in person in TK Maxx but I have found them available on Amazon.

P.S- you can read more of my beauty reviews, here.

P.S- you might like my review of Jo Malone's velvet rose & oud candle.

Welcome to my French Riviera Inspired Lookbook! The French Riviera is a magical coastline with sparkly rich blue seas and an aura of wealth. One of my favourite things about going on holiday is piecing together looks that are influenced by the local culture. Harper's Bazaar describes the French coastline's style as "somewhere between nautical and Parisian chic." Here is my take.



Top - H&M
Shorts - H&M

This is my favourite look from the whole trip! Mostly because I feel it captures the essence of the French Riviera more than the other outfits did. I wore it whilst visiting the beautiful town of Cannes and felt very chic walking around. I love the simplicity of the black crop top with it's the straight neckline. The linen shorts add a nautical feel to the outfit, blending in to the heavy yacht scene along the blue coast.

Top - Forever 21
Shorts - H&M

This is the kind of outift I picture when I imagine myself cycling along the promenade; shorts and a cute top. Although it can be a little fiddly, I love this wrap top. The frills on the sleeves and the long wrap belt add a sense of youth to the outfit that is emphasised by the large floppy hat. And everyone looks cute in a good pair of shorts.

Top - H&M
Shorts - H&M
Sunnies - My own

When exploring any place you need to wear something comfy and practical but that doesn't mean you have to skip on style. Exploring cities are easier to dress for as you don't have to worry about mud and dirt. I really like this top as it has tie shoulder straps and a peplum bottom. It's cute, easy to pair with and the smocking detail at the top means a bra is not necessary. A nice change from being squashed into a bikini.

Dress - New Look (shop Similar)

You can never go wrong with a plain white dress. I wore this whilst visiting Monaco and simplicity (in fashion) is key over there. The buttons down the middle add a little character to the dress and allow you to play with the style, such as leaving the last few buttons open to create a slit in the dress. I paired it with my straw floppy hat from Accessorize and my brown gladiator sandals from New Look.


I also filmed a Lookbook which I'd love for you to check out! Watch it here.

Love, Aoife xo