Shopping

While we were in Dublin we of course had to do some shopping. Our original plan was to head to Dundrum but this didn't work out in the end. We happily stayed on Grafton Street, floating in and out of the shops and listening to the street performers. 

The Fitzafrenic

I couldn't wait to get in to Inglot!!! I finally made my first Inglot purchase. I bought a highlighter. It is fab! I love it. It is my first one and I have yet to use it for a night out but ye'll be the first to know about it! I also tried a pink/purple lipstick which I loved but it was sold out :( It was lip liner number 60 and lipstick number 419.  I guess I will just purchase it the next time. 

Highlight no. 59

This unfortunately is the only picture I have of the lipstick!

I headed for Topshop to purchase the leather quilted skirt that I mentioned in a previous blog post but that was SOLD OUT too. I was having a very unlucky day. Then we bought macaroons in Brown Thomas. 'Ladurée' must have the nicest macrons EVER. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures because we ate them so fast!

Macarons

And we popped in to Starbucks as we don't have any in Cork city itself. 

Volcano Choir

It was a spontaneous move by Shane, my boyfriend, to purchase two tickets to Volcano Choir. I came out of work one Saturday with the notification centre on my phone full of tweets. It was very strange. I read them as fast as I could and the end result was that we would be heading to Vicar Street. I was delighted. I LOVE concerts. The atmosphere, the crowd, the music, singing along to the lyrics and the merchandise. I try to purchase a t-shirt at every concert that I attend. We had a fantastic two days. I had never been to Vicar Street before but I had heard that it was a small venue. This made me very excited. I love gigs in small venues. Its so intimate and loud! 

Temple Bar

We had never been out in Temple Bar before. We had walked through during the day but not at night. While we were in Dublin we took the opportunity to go there. We popped in to a couple of pubs but decided to stay in Gogarty's. It was so stereotypically Irish but that's what made it fun. Traditional Irish music and Guinness. 

Yes, I did end up with an Irish flag on my face but I HAD to!

A very impressive bar man!

Shane & I

And then he did this....

Me in Temple Bar

Then, it was time to head to Vicar Street. We had a fifteen minute walk. It was ok except for the fact that I chose style over comfort and my feet were literally talking to me. We finally arrived. We got a drink at the bar. Shane chose 'Bushmills Whiskey' because it had a connection to the lead singer, Justin Vernon's father. Then we bought merchandise. 

Emily & I 

Volcano Choir t-shirt

The stage, the anticipation, the wait....

Shane drinking his whiskey

When they came out on stage

Justin Vernon

The concert was AH-MAH-ZING. Their songs just transport you to another world. Its just you and the music. Nobody else. If you have never seen them before.. GO GO GO! Or buy their album! 

Heres a link to one of their songs.  Their two albums are called 'Repave' and 'Un map'. Check them out. If you haven't heard of Volcano Choir you may know Justin Vernon from Bon Iver. Shane bought a vinyl of their album Repave and I simply cannot wait to hear it. 

A post for the men out there!

It is hard to find a pair of shoes/boots. It is like trying to find a pair of jeans. You want them to last forever and look good with everything. Here are 5 shoes/boots that may send you in the right direction when looking for a pair for yourself.

1. Converse

Classic Converse

Ryan Reynolds wearing Converse

Converse are a great choice of shoe for a dry day. They are a comfortable shoe but still stylish at the same time. What more could you want? 

2. Vans 

Classic Vans

Niall Horan wearing Vans in black

Vans are similar to converse. However, I find that they are slightly more comfortable. Both Vans and Converse come in a range of colours and are both at similar price points. 

3. Desert boots

Desert Boots

Robert Pattinson wearing desert boots

The Desert boot is yet another stylish but comfortable footwear choice. They can be bought with sheepskin lining to add an extra bit of warmth coming in to winter. I'm not sure how this style would fair in the rain but nevertheless you would still look good.

4.  Sturdy Boot

Timberland Earthkeeper Boot

Scott Disick & Kanye West wearing Timberland

I chose 'Timberland' because it is a brand that I think is becoming increasingly popular at the moment. The Kardashian family all have a pair, even the men. As can be seen in the picture above. These boots would last a lifetime. They are comfortable, waterproof and very cool.

5. The Brogue

Traditional Brogue

Usher wearing a Brogue with a modern suit

The brogue is a shoe that you may not wear everyday but when you're stuck for something to wear with a suit these shoes will save you. Here they are shown in tan and white but can be found in other colours too. 

I hope this blog post helps you to find the perfect shoe for you!

Make-up Remover

For a very long time I used make-up wipes before going to bed. But no matter how many times I wiped my face, there was always some make-up left. I tried a milk and a toner formula that was very good but my face just began to get oily. Recently, L'oréal have released products for people in their 20's. Finally. Their website is really nice to use. 

The products that I have tried so far are: 

3-in-1 Purifying Micellar Solution

This is a product that I just decided to buy one day because I really didn't want to use make-up wipes anymore. And, its brilliant. All you need is a packet of cotton wool pads. There are so many other products for cleaning your skin in this range that I have yet to try but the 3-in-1 is just so good that I haven't needed to change. Sometimes I feel my face is a little dry after using it so I do moisturise afterwards. 

Day Moisturiser

I got this moisturiser to go with the Micellar solution as they are apart of the same range. I used to use the 'Revita-lift' moisturiser. Although, it was for older skin I still liked it. This moisturiser was definitely lighter but it didn't last half as long in the tub and is still quite pricey at approximately €18. I always wait for the offers in Boots and/or the offers in other chemists around Cork. 

Saturday's Purchases

There's nothing like a bit of retail therapy! I just love it. Although, it can be dangerous at times... My bank account does tend to get a scare every now and then but, it is totally worth it.

Today, I just bought a few Christmas-y items. It was so chilly today that it felt like Christmas was in the air. I have also found a few pieces on the Asos website that I can't wait to snap up. My reason for waiting is that I am going to Dublin next weekend and I don't want to purchase anything just yet in case I find something better up there. 

Black finger-less gloves 

Definitely will try to incorporate these into my Christmas Day outfit!

Cannot wait to wear these as soon as December starts!

I couldn't resist purchasing these!

Alfie's Christmas Jumper

Alfie :) 

A cosy night at home tonight.

 These are the few items that I bought today. Just small items to start the Christmas shopping. Below are my items to watch. These are items that I hope to get in the near future. All of these pieces are timeless and ones that you would be able to wear for years!

Quilted leather skirt 

 Can be found here.

Aran knit jumper from Asos

Can be found here.

I have found BOOTS! I cannot believe it. 

Asos Apostle Boots

I have been contemplating purchasing a pair of Chelsea boots. However, I think this pair combines the style of both a brogue and a Chelsea boot. Of course missing the stretch lining in the middle. I cannot wait to get them. I just hope that they look as nice in the flesh as they do on the website. 

Burgundy Chelsea boot

This is also a pair of boots that I may purchase. It is nice to have a choice. I think these two boots would go with EVERYTHING. Both of these boots can be found on the ASOS website.