Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
We're currently 13 days into the new year and guess who's still reminiscing about the past? I know I'm a little behind but I really wanted to do this post before we got too far into the new year. I saw InTheFrow do this and a couple of other bloggers do something similar and I felt it was the perfect way to share some of my highlights from the previous year without going on a long warbly post.

January: Life & Death @ Kew Gardens


February: Chancellor's Dinner, LFW Mulberry event
& LWFW (London Fashion Week Festival)



March: Filmed a Beauty Blogger Video & Found my voice

April: 36 Hours in Bath

May: Finished decorating my room & Shooting in Notting Hill 

June: Traveling along the Cote d'Azur & a Spainish holiday

July: Marc Jacobs Daisy event at Somerset House, Weekend in Liverpool & Notion Summer Party

August: Azzedine Alaia exhibition + going it alone

September: Moved house for the first time, Crazy Rich Asians VIP screening & Back to Uni

October + November: Jorja Smith concert & Became a Radio Presenter 

December: Christmas in the new house!


Thank you to everyone who made my 2018 special. I didn't realise just how much I had accomplished last year. I loved looking through all the pictures and it's definitely given me some blog post ideas. So, thank you to all my friends, you are the best support network. Thank you to my Mum, Dad and brother. Thank you for all the love on my blog too. 2019 is the year of content.

Love, Aoife x





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.





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

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


Going on holiday? Wondering what essentials to pick up before you go? With the holiday season officially underway, I’ve compiled a list/ edit of some of my favourite holiday items that will make your holiday that extra bit sweeter.

Spool Me Over, Essie (Nail Polish)

One of my favourite things about going on holiday -as cheesy as it is- is doing my nails. I love picking out a new colour and having a fresh coat that will last even after the holiday. Spool Me Over by Essie is a gorgeous pink. It’s not as bright as what I usually wear but this colour gets better as the days go on and the slightly faded look really compliments a tan. 


Effacular Blur, La Roche-Posay (Makeup base)

Finding some sort of coverage whilst on holiday can be a bit tricky as you’re pretty much going to sweat everything off. One solution is to spend a lot of time prepping and baking to prevent it. But, who can really be asked to do that? I’ve been using Effacular Blur for a while now and it’s been great. The BB cream can also be used as an SPF (suncream alternative). Double whammy; as you get your coverage and your skin is protected from the sun. It can look a little dry at first -if you look really closely- but it soaks up those pesky oils throughout the day. Making you look better throughout the day, something you don’t get often. It has a light-weight mousey texture and is a perfect base for any look.

Sea You Later Floppy Hat, Accessorize (Fedora)

I feel like everyone should have a fedora/ floppy hat. They’re not only fashionable but practical too. (Protecting your scalp from the sun, etc) It’s hard to find the perfect one that fits right but when you do, it’s great. Inspired by Meghan Markle and Dakota Johnson, I had to add a fedora to my holiday wardrobe. This one by Accessorise is adorable with the little tassels along the writing, Sea you Later. Fedora’s are everywhere this year and you can find them in H&M, Zara and Primark. They also make extremely cute Instagram pictures.


How To Be An Overnight Success by Maria Hatzistefanis (Book)


What is a holiday without a book? Every holiday deserves a new book and my pick is How to be an Overnight Success by Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of luxury skincare brand Rodial and Nip + Fab. Maria takes you through all the steps in how to be a success in business and personal branding. I have been loving self-improvement books lately; anything that teaches you about you, about blogging, fashion, you name it. There’s so much to learn and not just about yourself. Some people enjoy escaping with a bit of fiction, but for the moment, I’m happy to add a little self-discovery to my holiday.

Tan Strappy Gladiator Sandals, New Look (Footwear)

There is always that one pair of sandals in your shoe collection that lasts for years and for me, it’s my New Look pair. Gladiator sandals are a summer wardrobe staple and having them in tan makes them extremely versatile. You’ll struggle to find something that doesn’t go with them. The last pair of tan sandals I bought from New Look lasted ages and I wore them everywhere, all summer long.


Those are my holiday essentials, what essentials are you taking away with you?


Love, Aoife x

Apologies for the weird tints in the pictures. They're not very Spring-like or vibrant - something was wrong with my camera xxx
When the first signs of Spring appear, I get this giddy excitement bubbling inside because Summer is just around the corner. The days are starting to warm up, the suns decided to shine it’s warm rays down on us and everyone’s mood starts to lift.

One of the things I hate about winter is that everything is so dark and gloomy. For the entirety of the four-month season, your mood is down and your wardrobe becomes a sad state of three trusty jumpers you know are going to keep you warm from the blizzard outside.

When Spring starts to appear with the longer and brighter days, you can start introducing new brighter colours into your outfits building up to your Summer wardrobe.


This Spring, wear lighter colours and softer materials to channel the new brighter season. Hit up the pastels and use blush colours to add a little life back into your wardrobe. Floral is always on trend for Spring so don’t be afraid to dip in and out. 

Another big trend for this Spring is Denim and you’ve probably seen it everywhere in the shops. So whether you're rocking some mom jeans or a creative colourful pastel piece, grab yourself a little denim to play with this season.

One of the things I love doing at the beginning of each season is buying a few items that set off my wardrobe. This time around I picked up a pair of high waisted vintage cut ripped jeans (a bit of a mouthful) from H&M. They're gorgeous and a complete 180 from the look I usually go for but Spring is a new season and you can adapt your style to the new season’s settings. 



I also picked up this cute wrap crop top from Forever 21. The material is so soft and I love the cream colour with light blue strips, I think it really channels the essence of spring. It's quite a light material so I think paired with the jeans and some flats will work on a lovely warm spring day. 



Lastly, like I mentioned earlier, Spring is a mood lifter and an easy way to instantly brighten any mood (I find) is to have a bright colour on your nails. One of my favourite pastel shades is Barry M's Cashmere. It’s a subtle pink, not too dark or too pink; the perfect shade. It also reminds me of blossom which is one of my favourite things about Spring!

What do you to get ready for Spring?

Love, Aoife xo

P.S- Sorry for the unexpected hiatus, uni has just consumed my mind for the last month with deadlines but I hope to get back to regular posts soon. Stay tuned! x