October Edit

Hey guys! 

Is it just me, or did October just fly by? I hope you all had a good one. I thought I would do a quick catch up post. The last month has been a busy one between events and meetings as well as some other projects in the works, I haven't had as much time to blog as I would like. 

Last weekend was the October bank holiday weekend here in Ireland and my sister was home from Nice. It was lovely to catch up with her and hear about all she is getting up too. I also had to do some work for Eventbrite . So the weekend went pretty quickly but it was a good one. Between catching up with my sister and working on a travel section with Eventbrite it has really started to give me the travel bug. Starting my dare I say it New Years Resolutions early, I want to travel more. Scratch that I am going to travel more. 

October was filled with a number of blogger events, which I was only more than delighted to attend. One of which was the Blog Awards Ireland which I was made a finalist in the 'Best Fashion Blog' category, much to my surprise but I was so delighted. The event was held in the Tivoli Theatre , it was 1920's themed and people really went with the theme which was fun. I guess people are in the Halloween spirit so dressing up was easy and fun! I wore a black cape that was very kindly gifted to me from Boohoo. Even though it was a 1920's theme I wanted to keep it modern and classic. I loved wearing it and felt super stylish! I then wore a silver flapper dress from Forever 21. My Mum bought it for my sister a few years ago and she didn't like it so I kept it and wore it once for a New Years Eve night out. As soon as I saw the theme for this event I knew I had to wear it. My lace up heels are from Penney's and my clutch was also from Forever 21. 

I went to the event with Sandra from My Style Pursuit she was finalized in the 'Best Beauty Blog' category. We had such a good night. We stayed in Dublin for the night and of course we had to do a bit a shopping before we left. An other blogger event I had this week was 'Beauty Brunch' with #itwbn and Joanne Larby. It was an other brilliant day. I swear these girls never fail to disappoint. You can read about this event here. Speaking of bloggers I also got to attend a Flormar masterclass with Grace from FacesByGrace. She is an amazing makeup artist and so professional. And just if not more lovely and bubbly than on snapchat! I was delighted to finally meet her. 

Between all of these events, meetings and blogging I am also going through a career change or career enhancement whatever you would like to call it but I will for sure fill you all in as soon as everything is finalized. So yes October has been a super busy month but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

"The busier you are, the more productive you are!"

Until next next...

Your stylishly! 

Kerrie x 

Bella and Vogue 

Beauty Brunch at The Ardilaun Hotel Galway

Hi Everybody! 

About two weeks ago I attended 'Beauty Brunch' with Joanne Larby aka 'The Makeup Fairy'. The day was organised and hosted by Sinead and Saibh from itwbn.ie. It was an #itwbnBloggerEvent, if you have been following me for a while you will know that I have attended a lot of these events and just how much I love attending them. The network has only been running for a little over a year but it really is going from strength to strength. It is the perfect place for bloggers and businesses to network and promote their brands, sharing their stories, getting advice  and giving advice. There is something to learn from every person you meet and since joining this network work it as certainly taught me this. 

Blogging for some can be very lonely especially for those in the west of Ireland as people outside of the blogging community don't understand what it's really about, how much work is involved, the pressure and what it takes to really put yourself out there. Don't take me wrong I know that we as bloggers put ourselves in this position when we start our blogs and I'm not being down on people outside of the community when saying that you may not understand all that goes on. I just think that when you have a blog you will have more of an understanding when you've been trying to work on a post or design of your blog and something goes wrong the stresses and frustration it causes. I know Sandra from A Modern Mommy's World  and My Style Pursuit  can certainly relate! (Haha!) I am sure that there are plenty of things that people from the none blogging community have going on in their lives that I would be clueless about that maybe they could teach me or that you have your own network of people that you can share your interests with. 

That is just one of the reasons why I love the whole Into The West Blogger Network  so much. I was so nervous the first time I was going to one of these events. I had only just started blogging and felt intimidated before I had arrived as I had read and followed a lot of bloggers who were attending the event also. I knew how amazing and professional they were and here was me a complete newbie. Little did I know how welcomed and at home I felt as soon as I walked through the Radisson Blu's door. Everyone in the network is so like minded. We might not all have the same goals and dreams or all be beauty or fashion bloggers. But we are all ambitious and have dreams as cheesy as it sounds, its true. It so refreshing to be surrounded by positive and motivated people who want to build you up not tear you down. Everyone is interested in hearing about your blog and your life  and know one is in competition with each other. Everyone takes something different from each event and each speaker and I think Joanne Larby was the perfect person for this event.

Joanne is a Makeup Artist, Stylist, Model, Teacher, Author, Blogger... phew did I leave anything out? She really is one motivated and well rounded #GirlBoss. Seriously she would give Beyonce a run for her money with all she achieves in one day. I started following Joanne when I was in college so I think she was only blogging a year then. Even back then she was one determined lady squeezing so much into her life and not letting her self get pigeon holed into one career path. That is the first thing that drew my attention to her she is such a hard working lady with brains to burn.

I finally got to meet her a few minutes after I arrived to the Ardilaun Hotel . She walked straight up to a group of us and started chatting away, she asked us about our blogs and events and really made a effort to get to know us. She couldn't have gone out of her way more to make us feel welcome. After chatting to her for a while we got a chance to enjoy the 'mocktail reception' with the most delicious fruit punch and lemonade. As we were enjoying our mocktails we browsed a few of the stands.

My Lady Bug  was the first stand. It is a monthly subscription box with all of your 'time of the month' needs including herbal tea and chocolate. How cute! The next stand was the infamous Solaris Tea. I have always loved herbal teas so I knew I'd love this brand but girls and guys at my table for the last two events didn't until they tried this tea. Next up was the Kinvara Skincare, you all know I love this brand. Athlone Town Center also had a stand, I am ashamed to say I have never been but after meeting the girls it is definitely on my to do list for my Christmas shopping. We then sat down for brunch and had yummy sweet and savory treats. I was at the Benefit table. An other really cute touch from Saibh and Sinead. They really do think of everything.

Once we finished our brunch Joanne took to the stage to tell us her story. She told us all about her impressive career path, everything she's studied, about how hard she's worked to get to where she is today and what it takes to be a successful business lady. Joanne speaks in a firm but polite manner which I think is very important when you want to be taken seriously in business. I think it is Irish culture to be very easy going so we're a little afraid not to step on any ones toes, but if you want your brand to be taken seriously and you want to be a success you have to be confident and believe in yourself or nobody else will.

Benefit table 

Blogger goodies

Beauty Brunch 

Dream, Believe, Achieve 

Joanne also spoke to us about body confidence and how she stays so motivated to keep herself fit and healthy. Joanne has a lot of projects on the cards at the moment as well a writing a book and a lot of events during the week. We all wondered how does she fit it all in? She sets goals for herself to achieve every single day and feels better being overwhelmed with the amount of work she has to do than having nothing at all. Joanne also talked to us about being self-employed, taxes and accounts and all that fun stuff that comes with admin. 

She spoke to use about dealing with the 'haters' in the most mannerly way possible all while looking at the brighter side of  life with a big smile on your face. Joanne filled us in on her thoughts about snapchat and thankfully there's a lot more bloggers that feel about it the same way. We had a live Q&A while seeing the real funny and friendly side that we see on social media but much more in person! She really is so kind and genuine and a real inspiration to young women every where. She has accomplished so much in her live and isn't ready to stop yet. She really is someone I would look up too. 

Bloggers Goodies! 

We were given fabulous 'blogger goodies' on the day which I am still going through and will review over the next couple of months. I love really trying products out before giving you all my thoughts about them. So keep your eyes peeled! 

Until next time...

Your stylishly 

Kerrie x  

Bella and Vogue 

24 Hour fall city guide - Westport

(Photo credit: irelandroots.com)

Hi Everyone! 

I hope you are having a lovely Sunday and are enjoying the long bank holiday weekend so far. Westport in Co. Mayo is the perfect getaway for a long weekend stay be that anytime of the year. Even though it is a well known spot for tourists it is just as appealing to locals and people living outside of Co. Mayo. The town has so much to offer for people of all ages.

The CastleCourt Hotel  in my opinion is the most well known hotel in Westport. It is a 4* hotel located in the the town on Castlebar Street just a five minute walk from all the shops, restaurants and bars. The CastleCourt Hotel is situated in its own grounds with its sister hotel Westport Plaza Hotel . There is the most beautiful courtyard surrounding both hotels which is perfect to sit back and relax out doors with a delicious coffee or a drink while the kids play. It is also the perfect place to take photos of your wedding day. The CastleCourt Hotel is the most popular wedding destination in Westport. If you've been here you will see why!

The resort also has a leisure center known as the C Club which has a 20 mtr heated indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a steam room and a gym. Perfect for getting your swim or workout in while you're away or some fun for the kids to burn off some energy. There is also a gorgeous spa - Spa Sula, perfect to relax and unwind in the luxurious settings. Carrying out a wide range of treatments for all your beauty and relaxation needs. There is also a number of different restaurants and late night bars in the hotel too. Castle Late Night Venue used to be a night club but is now a late night bar which has djs, and live bands. With its cool atmosphere it is the perfect place for a celebration. be that a birthday party, hen/stag party or just a Saturday night out!

I love both hotels and would highly recommend staying in this resort if you are staying in Westport. I think The CastleCourt Hotel is more wedding focused but the Westport Plaza Hotel is less formal but still has that luxurious feel to it. It is more modern then The CastleCourt but in both hotels you will get exceptional service and the perfect nights stay.

There is also a number of events that take place in The CastleCourt Hotel such a wedding fairs and business seminars. The next business seminar that is taking place is the Mayo Business Awards. This event is taking place on the 6th of November and all businesses across the country can enter. This is a brilliant event to promote your business and network with some of the top business people in the country. Tickets for the event can be purchase on EventBrite.

EventBrite  is the largest self-service online ticket company in the world helping people find and plan events. Check out the event management page here. It is a website and also an app available as a free download from the app store on IOS or in the play store on android. It is so easy to use and in my opinion the best app or website for booking tickets. Being a blogger I have to go to loads of events and I always use Eventbrite without fail to book them I downloaded the app on my phone so that when I book a ticket I don't need to print it out. I can save it in my EventBrite app or my passbook and just present it when at the event. Its simple! I would definitely recommend businesses to use it when planning and organizing events as it takes the pressure off and makes it easier for everyone. 

So now that you have your hotel booked and know where to get your tickets from what are you going to do while you're here? Westport House is full of fun for all the family. With acres of land set amongst lush gardens and a Pirate Adventure Park, there is something to suit everybody. Walk through the grounds and rich mature wood lands or take a tour of Westport House where the legendary Pirate Queen of Connaught Grace O'Malley reigned here in one of her many castles. Even if this is something you aren't really interested in, I think you should go a see it a least once. Its really cool to see how they used to live. The grounds are orgeous to have walk through and a number of events are taking place throughout autumn and winter this year such as Halloween Fest and Winter Wonderland. There is also camping facilities and much much more which you can find out about here.

Westport Town

Westport town is full of unique boutique, cute cafes, old fashioned sweet shops and quirky restaurants, as well as traditional Irish pubs and shops.

Carraig Donn  is one of my favourite boutiques in Westport. Its clothing is usually for an older age group but as the store is progressing they are getting more brands in like Only and Vera Moda. They have a home decor department upstairs with traditional Irish pieces with a modern day twist. They also have a gorgeous jewellery collection carrying Ireland's largest jewellery brand  Newbridge Silverware.

Cutest Irish Bakery 

Cutest Bookshop 

Mocha Beans - Best Coffee! 

Westport really does have such a variety of thing s to do. You will definitely need more that 24 hours in this little town. I couldn't even list all the shops and restaurants you need to visit. You really are spoiled for choice. A lot of people also come to Westport to climb Croagh Patrick and to walk, run or cycle the 'Green Way'. Croagh Patrick is a challenge but it is something really worth doing, you will feel such a sense of achievement once its completed and if you take your time and enjoy the journey you wont feel the time go by. The 'Green Way' is a scenic route around Westport with beautiful views which is the perfect excuse for getting you workouts in outdoors. 

Have you ever been to Westport? If so what are your favourite spots? I'd love to know! 

Until next time...

Yours stylishly

Kerrie x 

Bella and Vogue 

Dreaming In Blush

Hi Everybody, 

Happy Friday! I hope you all have a brilliant weekend. This weekend and all of next week is a busy one. On Sunday I finally get to meet the very inspirational lady Joanne Larby who is the makeup artist, stylist, model, blogger and so much more behind "The Makeup Fairy". We will be having 'Beauty Brunch' with Into The West Blogging Network in The Ardilaun Hotel. I am so excited to see her and of course meet up with everyone from #itwbn. Next week there is a lot of exciting events on one of which is they "Blog Awards Ireland". You my lovely readers voted for me and I have made it as into the final eight for 'Best Fashion Blog' , it still hasn't hit me yet! But I am very grateful to you all and am so excited to go! 

As you've probably already gathered I am fashion obsessed. Blush is my favourite colour. It is my guilty pleasure as well as my comfort colour. More often then not you will see me wearing this colour with cream even throw the winter months. I am obsessed. I think it is so pretty, I just love it. So today as I was browsing through the online shops I could see my bank balance getting lower and lower but just like Carrie Bradshaw "I like my money right where I can see it... 

So I decided to put together a little shopping/wish list of some of the most gorgeous blush clothing around... Happy Shopping!

Bella Notch Detail A-Line Skirt  

Sleeveless Belted Duster Coat

Scallop Hem Mini Skirt

Crepe Culottes

Oversized Jumper

Knitter Jumper

Wedged Runners

Blush Tote

I will probably find more pretty items to buy before the night is out, but here is what I have found up to now. Is there any other blush lovers out there? If you are I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

Yours Stylishly 

Kerrie x 

Bella and Vogue 

Sleeveless Coats

Hi Everybody, 

Sleeveless coats are really trending right now. They were popular all summer and thankfully they are here to stay for A/W15. I for one am loving this trend, but when it first arrived I thought they would be hard to style. But after lusting after them for a while I decided to give in and buy one. What I found since my purchase is just how versatile they are and how sophisticated you look. I want to wear them every day. Celebrities are wearing them, bloggers are wearing them, everyone's wearing them. All you need to do is find a colour you like and a style that suits you. Now all you need is a little confidence and own it! 

Street Style | Inspiration 

My top picks from the high street 

PrettyLittleThing | Andi pink sleeveless lightweight waterfall jacket

Misguided | Sleeveless wool blazer camel

PrettyLittleThing | Vari black long line sleeveless tailored blazer

Misguided | Double breasted sleeveless wool maxi coat grey

River Island | Beige knitted faux fur collar gilet

River Island | Light grey sleeveless coat

What do you think of this trend? I'd love to know your thoughts and if you have bought one recently or have seen any more other than the ones I have pictured above I'd love to hear about it, just leave you comment below! 

Until next time...

Yours stylishly

Kerrie 

Bella and Vogue x