Playing the Fashion Games @ Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols Dublin celebrated their annual Summer Party on Wednesday night, with over 500 guests in attendance to savour the stunning seasonal fashion in-store.
To celebrate this fun event, for selected purchase made, you had to pick a Harvey Nichols medal at random from the till point. This qualified a discount from between 15% and 50% on Fashion and Accessories or 15% on beauty and perfumery immediately added to your purchase? It was a chance for ladies and gents to stock up on their attire for Summer nights and skin healthcare regimes, in a party-style environment.


I loved the huge chess set outside the door. All the little kids outside did too!

My bright outfit for 'the Fashion Games'

I decided to wear my new ear cuff seeing as it was a special occasion!

 Saxophonist Aneta Moran mingled among the crowd adonned in a sultry red Herve Leger bodycon dress. The guests and press such as myself included had come to play ‘the Fashion Games’. Kind of like the Hunger Games but with clothes, beauty products, accessories and therefore-  a happy ending.

A natural pull for me was of course the stunning Michael Kors leather bags and wallets that are bright shades of sunny orange and muted pink. They would add a splash of colour to any outfit.

A new clutch-crush for me was the 'Sam Edelman' handbag collection. I loved the clutch as it is quite compact, slick and contemporary and would pop when teamed with a safari-print Kaftan or LBD.

I had a complementary gin summer cocktail while I checked out brands like Juicy Couture and Wildfox which had a lot of statement tee's in their collections aswell as of course the sought after Alexander Mc Queen skull-print scarves, now available in velvety fabrics in striking colours such as a burgundy and opal combo, but naturally the black and white classic will continue to be a wardrobe staple for the elite.

I also tried on a pair of fuschia neon Jeffrey Campbells downstairs in the footwear department. In my opinion they are the best trans-seasonal look you can acquire south of your ankles. Maybe I am a tad biased...

Look we all have our addictions.

 I had a glass of prosecco while interviewing some very lovely ladies on the counters in the beauty department who implored me about their own best beauty buys. One or two may have converted me I have to say. Those ladies are very persuasive!

My Harvey Nichols beauty samples for trial

Emma at the Eve Lom counter assured me that cleansing is the most important part of your skincare regime. Eve Lom cleanser was once described by Vogue as 'the best cleanser in the world. I have tried and tested it ladies and I am siding with Vogue on this one. My skin was left with a luxuriant velvety yet clean feeling. There wasn't residue left my skin looked noticably more healthy and my pores minimised and refined. As an evening regime on a daily basis, Eve Lom seems like the best choice for gentle thorough cleansing that doesn't dehydrate the skin. It's a win win situation.

The Elemis Tri- enzyme  resurfacing serum I have fallen fast and hard for.
Predominantly because the results are very obvious, it's brilliant for oily skin or hormonal skin. It stimulates a deep exfoliation without the grains works naturally on the skin without chafing.

Also the Elemis pro-collagen marine cream is one of the top anti-aging creams in the world. You can avail of a spa treatment in Harvey Nichols with this international best seller. The facials in Harvey Nicholls do a full skin analysis your face map shows up any problem areas/sun damage,etc. and your treatment is delivered to be benificial to high Elemis standards. Their spas and products are a household name. The exotic lime and ginger hand and body lotion from Elemis is gorgeous as it is a refreshing ,hydrating, stimulating combination of lime and ginger. Very relaxing. Their bath milk sweet-smelling and is reminiscent of cleopatra! you can cool it in the fridge and use it as a lather or bathe in it, it effectively soothes sunburn and reduces the itching and redness of both psoriasis and eczema without irritating the skin. The products are non camedogenic so you won't drag imperfections to the surface of your skin! that can be a common fear with skin products. But Elemis is all natural which I love! Pop in and talk to Orla at the Elemis counter in Harvey Nichols, she has great expertise and is a friendly welcoming beauty therapist.

Have an Elemis milk bath - it's good enough for Queen Cleopatra... even in animated form!

Lorraine who was a representative for Gucci Flora let me in on a little secret.... that by placing perfume cards you recieve into your lingerie drawer there will be a beautiful scent off all your intimate items! It's a pretty good tip because I certainly prefer spritzing myself when I am trying perfume mainly because spraying on a card feels wasteful. But now I have an idea what to do with those five million perfume cards that have taken up residence in the depths of my handbag!

Lorraine also introduced me to the new Gucci Flora perfume range which boasts an array of citrus, floral nature –inspired fragrances. They are a mixture of delicate and sensual. Gucci Flora Pink was my personal favourite.

DJ Bubbles was playing  catchy tunes downstairs in the footwear and clothes department. DJ Bubbles was also conveniently located near the bubbly. A tad ironic maybe? ;)

The BBQ at the Café Terrace was a hive of activity post-party, buzzing as people devoured the tasty burgers up for grabs. I was a busy bee. A large crowd also retreated upstairs to the First Floor Restaurant to enjoy tapas and cocktails.

Thank you Harvey Nichols for an amazing day and night - I definitely walked away from the Fashion Games feeling like a winner!

xo L

Ruby Ruby 'Ruby Rouge'

I love that 'ruby, ruby, ruby' song it always reminds me of my favourite boutique based in Gorey - Ruby Rouge! I decided to write about Ruby Rouge because I think they are one of a kind which truly should be commended and put out in the universe! Their stock ranges from preppy casual, office and flirty to red carpet.

Why does a shiny shoe make all girls swoon like Cinderella? Us ladies are like magpies!

Like peaches and cream, sunshine and ice-cream or a tan with a white bikini. Some unions are unanimously and unequivocally a match made in heaven. Like you slipping into a dress that makes you feel a million euro.

My Birthday Dress from Ruby Rouge

For my 21st Birthday Party I found my 'Prints Charming'. A pink oriental structured dress with a unique colourful print. I fell irrevocably and irreversibly in love with this garment. But like any relationship that resulted in infatuation, I have to give credit to the kind person who introduced me to my significant other (my 'Terani' couture dress) Thanks to 'Ruby Rouge' - a stylish fashion forward boutique located in Gorey, Co. Wexford. The staff are glamorous and helpful, the shop's interior and exterior is like that of a doll house. It definitely pulls a true girly-girls heartstrings. Or brings out a side of you that longs for dresses, adorable accessories including parasols, pumps and heels, clutches, ladylike blouses, chiffon,  frills, tutu dresses, poodle skirts, pearls and many more. Who said conservative, sexy, playful and feminine cannot reside with the same retailer? Whether you want to look glam for a night on the tiles, ladies day at the races, a special party/wedding or event you are on to a winner. Clothes are an extension of your personality - so it's time to meet your match!

'Terani' dress

Carvela metallic peep-toe heels from BT2's

My 21st Birthday theme was 'Alice in the City'. It was a mixture of 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Sex and the City'. I'm not going to lie the theme was built around my dress, even the cake coordinated with it! It was a great night I really felt nice in my birthday outfit thanks to my favourite boutique! I teamed the dress with victory hair rolls, fuschia lips and high platform Carvela heels.

My birthday cake by 'Cakes by Karen'

Another special event that needed a very special dress was the Smedia Awards 2011. I was so excited to be nominated for an award for my IFTA's one hour documentary. I wore a white dress with large bow detail from 'Ruby Rouge'  that exuded a mixture of Carrie Bradshaw glamour teamed with 1950's Hollywood class. I knew this dress would suit more than one special occasion.

Me and host Kathryn Thomas

 And alas I had another opportunity to wear my white 'Terani' Ruby Rouge number just a few months later. It was looking lonely in my closet and needed a night out. I went to the Griffith College Graduation Ball which to my excitement had a 'Hollywood' Theme. It was a night of champagne and blackjack - it was very different and a little bit of a thrill but I was also happy to be getting to wear my precious dress for a second time. It is important to get value for your money and enjoy your purchase more than once! What I love about Duchess Kate Middleton (affectionately known as K Middy in some circles) is that she knows that if a dress makes you feel good and you like it you should definitely get your money's worth and wear it more than once. Why not? :) I teamed my dress a red lip, soft curls and with crystalled Karen Millen heels to complete the look.

'Jovani 'White bow dress

Karen Millen crystalled shoes

Well ladies if you are looking for casual or party finds, Ruby Rouge is your one-stop-shop for your fairytale wardrobe! It's true - Fairytale's do exist!

Happy Shopping Ladies! 

xo L

You can click here to find 'Ruby Rouge' on facebook

Taylor Momsen - Make- up and Style Tips!!

Taylor Momsen was a cutie in The Grinch - do you guys remember how cute and innocent looking she was? Before she became a rebel and grew about 10 feet taller.
I gave her make-up look a go. But wow does this lady wear her dramatic eye-make up, or does it wear her?

 In Gossip Girl Momsen played a very multi-faceted character as Jenny Humphrey. The actress is currently on a leave of absence from the show and working with her band 'The Pretty Reckless' supporting Marilyn Manson on tour. Thats a big leap from playing a social- climbing New York school girl. Taylor has admitted she gets hecklers at her shows shouting at her to take her top off and she surmises the most effective way to shut them up is to tell them she 'isn't a stripper and to shut up!' A once delicate looking svelte flower has become one hell of a tough cookie. Maybe you need a tough shell like that in show business?

Taylor Momsen

Her gothic queen look is very dramatic but sexy. She wears motorcycle boots or doc martens, LBD's, fishnet tights and cocoons herself in band tees with band names like AC/DC and The Rolling Stones, VERY old school rock. She also lives in leather jackets and dark hot pants and embodies the spiky trend that is dominating the style stakes. Taylor Momsen's snow white skin, neutral lip, platinum hair and black-kohl framed eyes is distinctive and very rock chic. The leather layering look will be very hot for autumn/winter 2012.

 It is fun to play around with and draw inspiration from Taylor's make up to a certain degree but there is a fine line between sultry smoky eyes and looking like you have been punched in the eyes repeatedly. Eyeliner can smudge in a very bad way when applied liberally. I tried out the look but I bronzed my skin instead of washing it out with pale foundation.

My Taylor Momsen attempt

My eye make-up close up

I also tried to accentuate underneath the eye with kohl pencil to make my eyes look larger and more doll-like. In the second look I didn't use black eyeshadow all over the upper lid I used white and shaded above the upper lid crease with grey.In your make-up bag - to do a smoky sultry eye - this is your wishlist of what you will need, first off you need black kohl pencil, an eyebrow pencil (brown/black) black liquid eyeliner, an eyeshadow pallet - white eyeshadow, grey eye shadow, black eye shadow, fake eyelashes (size depends on the look you are going for)

Zoom-in of my minimal version of the 'Momsen' eye make up

I  highlighted underneath the eye-brow with white also. 'Essence' and 'Catrice' eyeshadows are a steal at just 2.99 eur. I pencilled my eyebrows with light brown 'essence' eye pencil to accentuate them.

My less- heavy dark Taylor Momsen inspired look

Try the look out at home ladies! Rock up your look in your styling & make -up. Tweet me on @lauramullett any pics of your own glam rock make -up pictures! I would love to see them. You can also check Lipstick Gossip out on facebook!! Click here!

xo L

Don't go mad go Miinto - Ireland's new fashion website

Miinto.ie brings together all of your favourite independent fashion boutiques so you can shop for your favourite brands, from your favourite shops, online at any time! 

Their mission is to give consumers 24/7 access to their favourite brands, from their favourite fashion boutiques, across the whole Island of Ireland.

Sounds like a plan if you ask me! ;)

Click here to go to the Miinto website to check out their fab new additions!

I was so excited to attend the Miinto Launch last week in The Lost Society in Dublin for a glamorous night where a mutual love of fashion and supporting Irish Boutiques was on the menu. Miinto, a new Irish online fashion retail company is going viral on the internet as the scrum for the latest attire for this season begins....

My outfit for the snazzy Miinto Launch Party

Managing Director James Galvin, also the mind behind just-eat.ie explained 'Miinto' is a very exciting business venture as High Street retail sales are down in Ireland by over 30% since 2008, this company aims to help boutiques to showcase what they have aswell as a convenient delivery service. He implored the significance of www.miinto.ie and the how it is supporting Irish businesses.


You can sort out your styling while sitting pretty at home! What more could a lady or gentleman desire? I love the fact that the element is unisex. For men and women who are on-the-go it really takes the stress out of shopping. Sarah Faulkner of PR and Marketing for Miinto.ie and Nicole Ellis Operations Manager were both professional and informative on the night (aswell as uber stylish) as they explained all the gorgeous brands now available on the website and both the practicality and convenience of shopping online.

Sarah Faulkner, myself & Nicole Ellis

'Off the Rails' RTE TV personality Brendan Courtney was in attendance aswell as the miinto in- house models Gary Talbot and Esmé Mansergh-Wallace who were among the chic party guests. The stunning Rozanna Purcell gave a helping hand earlier in the day to help launch  Miinto.ie.

Gary Talbot, Rozanna Purcell & Esmé Mansergh-Wallace



Irish fashion boutiques such as Indigo & Cloth, Sirona Boutique, Diffney, Lara’s Fashion Boutique and Blush Boutique are now on board. The Miinto Group currently operates in seven countries with over 9,000 boutiques and 1,000 brands. It plans to continue its international expansion. How exciting for all those fashionistas out there! All in all I had a great time and left feeling style inspired. Check out miinto you won't be disappointed.


Aswell as going to www.miinto.ie 

You can contact the team on:

T: +353 (0) 1465 1996

 facebook.com/miintoIE

 twitter.com/miintoIE

xo L

Inspired by Grace Kelly and Carrie Bradshaw - The Turban Trend

We all love to follow trends and try to map out what is coming next. When Grace Kelly became a princess she wore them regularly, When Carrie Bradshaw explored Abu Dhabi in Sex and the City 2, she wore one. When Karolina Kurkova glided on to the red carpet at The Met Ball in NYC this season like the supermodel she is - she also wore one. Turban's are back and more stunning than ever. Topshop S/S12 and high end designers such as Louis Vuitton are embracing this trend but it has been led modestly by the vintage stores who have long been resurrecting glam old world style and making it shiny and innovative again.

Style icon Princess Grace

Sarah Jessica Parker - Beloved New York Fashion Queen

Karolina Kurkova - Victoria's Secret Model

This trend can work both for casual and party wear. I went shopping with a yummy Butlers vanilla coffee in hand yesterday and wandered around the shops adonned in my fawn turban and an oversized vintage denim shirt, python leggings from Topshop and snowy white converse - the casual everydaywardrobe staple. But for a night out I plan to team it with a black bodycon dress, an oversized clutch and faux diamante jewellery. Turbans are versatile, cute and also hold your hair in place with a sprig of retro inspiration.

Heaven in a cup! 

My new fawn turban

Don't we all love the way certain classic items never go out of style? Style is interpretative and evolving and ever changing but it always comes full circle and returns back to its roots. 1940's glamour is my fashion fetish, my passion. From the gowns, to the pencil skirts to the sheer ladylike Marilyn Monroe essence of it all. I always loved Grace Kelly and her style since I was a little girl. My Mam had books, postcards and old photographs of her in our house when I was growing up. Her brother Bill O' Connor was Princess Grace's bodyguard on her visit to Ireland in the 1961 with Prince Rainier. My Uncle Bill described the screen siren as 'the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.'

The style of Grace Kelly will always be revered and replicated as her silhouette was always that of a not just a Princess of Monaco but a Style Queen of Hollywood. Whether she wore a turban on the beach or with a ballgown on a film set she exuded class and well, Grace.

The turban is now dominating the style scene, would you like to experiment with this trend?

xo L