Boutique of Molly - Cold Shoulder Style

Hi everyone, hope you all had a lovely, enjoyable long weekend! Thank God we were blessed with good weather for parts of it! It's officially summer now so I don't care how cold it is, I'm wearing summer style haha!!

One of my favourite things about summer fashion is that you can be super experimental with colours and accessories. And the weather makes taking blog photos much easier haha!

A big trend this year, as most of you know is the "Cold Shoulder" look! And I have to say I am beginning to absolutely love it! I think it's a style that suits everyone because the shoulders and collarbones are such pretty features..

For this blog post I have collaborated with Boutique Of Molly for the second time since coming into contact with them. I really love working with them because they have such stunning, girly pieces but at the same time are very affordable.

I absolutely love this "Cold Shoulder" top from Boutique of Molly! It's so different and oh so gorgeous. I am obsessed with all the various details. The lace daisies, the bell sleeves, the tie up with a cut-out! It just makes a pair of average white shorts look that bit dressier!

My shorts are from Zara in the sale last year. Zara is by far one of my favourite high street stores and if I have any fashion advise for ye, it's to hit it up when they are having a sale. You will find absolute gems for half nothing!

My sandals were also a bargain buy! I had been looking for them for months last summer and had given up hope on ever getting them as they were sold out everywhere! Randomly enough then when I was in Parfois in Portugal I spotted them and they were half price! I get so lucky with sales..

I decided for once, I would actually do something else with my hair instead of just leaving it straight as usual lol.. I actually quite like this loose curl/beach waves look!! 

And how cool is this flower crown from Lushuaia.. Pity I've no festivals to wear it to!

Also cheeeccckkkk ouuuuut that highlight!! The SoSu Contour palette is actually my life! It is my absolute go-to when I'm getting dolled up. Best €30 I ever spent!

Ammm what is this hand doing?^^^^

 Kane loves to be in on the action too haha

Awwww please I can't handle how cute Kane looks in this photo! Posed at the perfect time...

Let's hope this fab weather continues..

Until next time,

Clóda

X

Cloda Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro for the Irish Cancer Society

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday!

So either you're friends with me on Facebook and already know or the title gives it away!

In October of this year, from the 3rd-14th, I will set off on an expedition with a group to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society!

BACKGROUND INFO : TREK

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Mount Kilimanjaro "The Roof Of Africa" stands at a mighty 5895m.

 This challenging trek takes us along the beautiful Machame route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the south, through dense tropical rain forest all the way up to the mighty snowcapped summit for simply breath taking views. This is a tough but spectacularly rewarding route.

We will stay in simple but comfortable lodges when not on Kilimanjaro. While on Kilimanjaro, we will be camping in high quality tents which will be provided/erected by porters.

This is a strenuous trek. Therefore, the more physically fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trek! The final ascent will require a combo of physical fitness, will power and relative strength. So, I will be walking for up to 6/7 hours a day for 6 days!! (Time to start training)

So I got the all-clear from the doctor, sent away my deposit, filled out an application form and I will be off to climb Kilimanjaro in less than 6 months time!

FUNDRAISING FOR THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY

I suppose to fill you in on how it all came about, I am signed up to the Irish Cancer Society's Newsletters and I stumbled across an email one day which advertised the Kilimanjaro trek. It was something that was always on the bucket list for me so I jumped at the chance to do it for a fantastic Irish charity!

This year, one person every 15 minutes will hear the words "You Have Cancer". Almost every single one of us know someone that has had cancer or has been affected by this disease. 

The Irish Cancer Society's mission is to eliminate cancer! 

The money raised for my trek will help fund cancer research programmes that will have a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Ireland.

With the support of many concerned people, so many developments are rapidly happening in the area of cancer research. Charities such as the Irish Cancer Society are moving closer and closer to a better understanding of what causes cancer and how best they can successfully fight cancer - and WIN!!

My fundraising target is €5,100. So in order to achieve this, I will be organising various fundraisers throughout the year - so if you have any good ideas please do let me know!!

For now though, I have set up an online fundraising page where you can make donations towards my trek. Even the smallest donation would be kindly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Here's the link to the donation page : https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/cloda-climbs-kilimanjaro-for-irish-cancer-society

.

.

.

I would like to provisionally thank anyone who will help and support me on this journey!

Watch this space!

Cancer - You're On!!!

Clóda

X

Dresses.ie SS16 Showcase

Hello everyone, happy Wednesday!

As some of you may know from following my Snapchat (cloddscan) and my Instagram @orangeobviouslyyy I attended the Dresses.ie Spring/Summer '16 event last Wednesday 2nd  March. I had such a wonderful day thanks to the fabulous team at Yellow Machine PR.

The collection incorporates 70’s fringing and 50’s florals, with pastels and leather, faux-fur with distressed denim, graphic prints and simple silhouettes.
The S16 collection from Dresses.ie has dropped and it’s making a statement.
 The new collection also showcases the superior quality and design that newly rebranded Dresses.ie is becoming known for.



Brian Conway and Eamon Downey

 The S16 showcase was curated and presented by top Irish stylist Brian Conway. While leading hair stylist Dylan Byrne of TONI&GUY and makeup artist, Sue Doyle of Stila, styled each of Ireland’s top models. These included Thalia Heffernan, Teodora Sutra, Raine Borges, Joanne Northy and Grace O’Mahony.

• 
• Myself and Ursula Walsh.

The event took place in Sam's Bar on Dawson Street, Dublin. The venue was absolutely stunning with quirky artwork, fascinating bookshelves and the perfect length for a catwalk.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the lovely Anthony O'Brien from Yellow Machine who made me feel very welcome. It was great to finally put a face to a name haha!!

One of my favourite things about attending press events is networking with like-minded people in the industry, especially other bloggers. I met Ursula from Mom Fitness Diary when I first arrived. We exchanged names, got photos and instantly hit it off. She's such a sweetie and it was great to spend the morning with her.

Next we were treated to a luxurious Parisian Style breakfast. It was absolutely delish!! There wasn't one shred of my croissant left behind haha!!

The absolutely fantastic tunes which were spun by top Dublin and Berlin DJ, Sinead Meaney set the scene for the fashion show which would shortly commence. Seriously check her out, what a talent!

With 6 different themes and 5 of Ireland's top models there were 30 Spring/Summer looks showcased in the fashion show! 

I am genuinely a little bit worried for my bank account after viewing the collection. They have such beautiful, versatile pieces and with 2 family weddings coming up in the summer I will most definitely be buying off of Dresses.ie

Here are some of my favourites:

 

Dresses.ie have moved away from its heritage as a specialist dress-only retailer, to embrace a ‘wider wardrobe’ of high-fashion looks. 

I'm delighted that they have, because this pretty lace two-piece is right up there on my wishlist.

Buy it here: Lace Two Piece

How elegant, classy, simple and beautiful is this tie front evening dress? The belt creates an hour glass silhouette which is complimented by the midi length!! The colour and shape would definitely suit all complexions, shapes, and sizes! But the best part for me are the slits in the sleeves, giving the dress that feminine edge. So chic!!

Buy it here: Pink Tie Dress


I would never usually be one for jumpsuits. In fact I've never actually bought one! It's not that I don't like them, but more so that I've never found one to suit my body type and height. Howeeeeever, there's a first time for everything ;)
I am seriously crushing on this stunning grey culotte jumpsuit from Dresses.ie
It's absolutely perfect for spring summer. Pair with some patent white court heels, white leather clutch and a bold purple or pink lippy for a pretty party look!!

Buy it here: Grey Plunge Jumpsuit


Now onto a more casual, easy-approach look!
There was never a stripe I didn't like! So I maaaay just need these pants in my life.. PRONTO! Absolutely loved  Brian Conway's choice of pairing them with a shiny navy bomber. It's very Kendall Jenner-esque.. In other words, super hot this season!
(Coming to Dresses.ie soon...)

 

Yes.. I do in fact have a stripe addiction... And I do love a bit of "cold shoulder" action.. So of course this playsuit was made just for me??

It's super versatile - can be casually worn with a pair of superstars and a beanie or dressed up with a pair of lace-up heels and bold makeup!! Also it would be wearable right through to Winter with a pair of tights and ankle boots.. So basically in Ireland's case, you could do that right now!

 

This is definitely the piece from the collection which I am BY FAR most excited about!!

This playsuit is SOOOO me! The colours, the large print etc. are just stunning in person.. And do you want to know the best part?? The crossover neckline is outstandingly brilliant for Flat-Chested Fiona's like me!!! EEEEEKKKK!!! 

I

HAVE

BEEN

WAITING

FOR

THIS

MOMENT

ALL

OF

MY

LIFE!

Sorrrrrrrrry for dramatising what looks like a normal playsuit, but it has a beautiful secret...

Right at the point where the "V" shape meets on the neckline, there is a button.. Yes, a button!!

For someone who struggles to find going out clothes with a mid neckline, this is a game changer. Most v-neck and plunge dresses/tops I wear have to be pinned to the very last for a night out cos I simply have no chest to hold it up haha..

Any other girls with small boobs will totally get me right now! I can't wait for it to go up on Dresses.ie. I think it will be immensely popular!!

Add "dressesdotie" on snapchat  for updates...

 The outfit I wore to the event! 

Waistcoat(€16), High-Waisted Pants(€12) & Shoes(Now €5) - Penneys

Top - Jacqueline De Yong

Handbag - River Island

The S16 collection starts at an affordable €35 and will continue to evolve as the hottest new trends hit Dresses.ie every week. Shoppers will also enjoy next-day, free-of-charge delivery on all ROI orders. 

To view the entire Spring 16 collection log on to www.dresses.ie or check out www.facebook.com/dressesie , www.instagram.com/dresses.ie or www.twitter.com/dressesireland

It was such a fabulous event, which I was truly honoured to attend! The effort that was made by Yellow Machine and Dresses.ie to run such a lovely/rrelaxing morning was second to none!!

I genuinely cannot recommend their new collection highly enough. The quality, the trends, the price. 

I can't wait to get shopping soon!!

Lots of love,

Clóda 

X