Christmas Dresses not for you?

St. Stephen's night last year, I opted to wear a trouser/top combo as apposed to the traditional Christmas dress. The weather is getting so cold, I'm very tempted to do the same this year!

Last year I was very traditional in my black and gold. For me, these colours really are a must at Christmas time! I love my gold jacket so much. It will defiantly get a few trips out this year! 

Florals and leather are two trends that have had a major impact on the winter fashion scene. From leather tops, skirts to trousers you really can't go wrong with this trend. 

Trousers - Missguided // Top, Clutch, Chain - All River Island

Sticking to my black and gold, if wearing a dress is not your thing for many festive nights ahead, remain looking gorgeous and sexy in leather trousers and  a figure hugging mesh leotard. I am totally head over heels in love with River Islands fab top and its the perfect way to make a statement this Christmas. Although the sleeves are long, you are still baring skin through the mesh material. The gold baroque style, is perfect for the party season. Styled with a metal trio foil clutch, barely there heels and a gold choker, this outfit is perfect to celebrate in style.

Two Piece , Clutch, Ring - All River Island // Shoes - New Look

Florals are far from being traditional Christmas style, but rules are made to be broken! Two piece suits are the perfect way to ooze confidence and prove you have style. I am totally in love with two pieces. They are a brave choice. The black material sets of the winter white floral design on these pieces creating a feminine feel. Styled with burgundy t-bar pumps adds block colouring and a touch of class. A splash of lime adds fun to the outfit getting you in the party mood. A statement ring adds a touch of quirkiness. 

(origin:sugarscape)

(origin: sugarpop.com)

Two of celebs, Rosie Fortescue and Rita Ora, sporting the two piece trend.

I cannot wait to get paid this Friday, I really have to get my Christmas wardrobe in gear! I have purchased one dress which I will share in a couple of weeks with you. I am going to my first Christmas night out this year! 

Would you opt for a two piece this Christmas?

LOVE CAT

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The Perfect Ring

It's the all important question in many relationships, "will you marry me?" I do find myself looking at engagement rings on line or staring in at rings on shop front windows. One thing does astound me though, is the price many rings are, and is this a realistic ask? 

For those that want to get married, it will be the most special ring in your life that you will wear with pride maybe even holding your hand up in the air to show it off,but would you be willing to show it off if it cost under a certain budget? I asked a few people their thoughts on buying this all important ring and I got very mixed reactions! One person I spoke to said he felt a pressure to spend a certain amount on an engagement ring. One woman I spoke to said price didn't matter as long as she loved her ring. I have met people who have gotten engaged and well lets just say they have felt the need to tell me their ring was expensive. Of course, I was delighted to hear this because we all know the more money you spend the more you love someone! One couple I spoke to, decided to get engaged and went shopping and purchased the ring together. I spoke to another lady who said, price didn't matter to a certain extent. I do agree we don't want a ring whose stone is going to fall out or one that makes your finger black from wearing it!

I am no diamond expert and honestly I can't tell the difference half the time between what's an expensive diamond and what's not. I have seen rings costing close to €10,000 on jellewers windows.  I was never an expensive person and I never will be. I will never be the the person flaunting the price of my ring. Price is not the deciding factor on whether I love the ring or not, it's design and the fact that my partner spent time choosing this ring for me is what will win my heart.

I have heard people say they can't afford an engagement ring but really where did all this hype and pressure, to splash the cash come from? It is one of the biggest marketing scams, diamond companies of course set the rule, 10% of your annual salary or three months salary is what one should be spending. According to The Dailymail, the average engagement ring costs three weeks salary. The extra pressure to buy a diamond ring, confuses me. What about the other beauties of the earth such as pearls, sapphires and cubic zirconia? Diamonds are a girls best friend. Are they really if your engagement ring puts your partner in depth and you can't purchase your dream wedding dress? 

non diamond engagement rings!

perfect ring

Diamond Heaven

Which is your favourite ring above? One costs a whopping €8,000 and the other €750. Can you tell the difference? Of course types of diamonds change the price, but with both resting on 18 carat white gold it's a big unnoticeable difference! 

This whole pressure of buying a ring with a certain price tag gets me thinking, have people forgotten exactly why they are wearing the ring in the first place? Like a lavish wedding, but that will be a rant for another day!!

Remember, i

f buying diamonds, please purchase conflict free diamonds!

Let me know your thoughts 

LOVE CAT

XXXX

Kala Gel Nails Limerick

One of my worst habits in the world is when my nails reach a certain length I'm chewing on them.  Being at work and wearing no make-up and seriously dressing down, it would be nice to have some bit of glamour in my everyday life! I had been thinking about getting gel nails done for a long time but I was reluctant to so as many salons are charging €50 for a full set and €40 for a refill. To even justify spending this every three weeks was a thought that was not even going to come into my head. Well that was until my friend, Lisa, recommended a salon she goes to.

 Kala Gel Nails is a limerick based nail salon situated on Thomas St in the city center. At €30 for a full set of gel nails and only €25 for a refill, this is the perfect location to have your nails pampered. Being a gel nail virgin I had no idea what to expect! I must say the service, I received in this salon was exceptional. Karolina, Kala's nail technician is not only very accommodating to last minute appointments but she also offers are very welcoming service and offering great advice. I have been to her twice and she has been so obliging to doing the designs I bring in with me. She has a great eye for detail and offers brilliant advice to applying the final touches to your new set of gel nails. 

I highly recommend this salon to any one who is thinking of getting gel nails or already has them. With a wide range of  gel colours, glitters and nail accessories you are sure to be walking out of Kala's Gel Nail Salon in style!

Here are designs I have had so far!

I'm already scouring the internet looking for inspiration for my Christmas nails. Watch this space!

Be sure to check out and like her face book page.

facebook.com/pages/Kala-gel-nails-Limerick

LOVE CAT

xxxx

Christmas shopping OOTD

My last post was finding your perfect Christmas dress and coincidentally I met my sister in law  today for a catch up and a Christmas dress browse! Sequins are every where, but some shops really take the biscuit and charge an arm and a leg. I never got how dresses of the same material and similar design can vary so much from shop to shop. I guess labeling has so much to do with it! She didn't pick one up today but I can't wait to see what she does get eventually!

I love my high waisted trousers from River Island. I have been looking for a stylish pair of  black trousers for a long time. Black trousers can look very office like, but the cut and shape of these is very fashion forward. I adore the gold buckle detailing, a main factor to my purchase. River Island have these style of trousers in many designs. They have a houndstooth pair that flew out the door and I really hope they come back in! Every one should have white shirt in their wardrobe. I love the sophistication and character it brings to an outfit. What do you think of the green necklace with the green jumper? I wasn't sure about it at first, but I really like it. The thick gold chain breaks the two greens together. I'm wearing another one of Catrice's lipsticks. Orange is a great alternative to red. I've kept the rest of my make-up natural for my day look. 

Trousers - River Island

Jumper - Topshop (old)

Shirt - H&M (old)

Necklace - Awear

Lipstick - Catrice Ultimate Colour 060

LOVE CAT 

XXXX

Dress To Impress This Christmas!

It's that time of year again, ladies! Yes the time where all of us girlies are out to dress to impress, to up stage the office bitch and have every one's eyes peeled to the best dressed, you of course!! It's Christmas party season! Believe it or not, I rarely have Christmas work parties, doing shift work it's impossible to organise a night out for all but plenty of nights out will be had to take it's place! 

It's almost like planning a wedding outfit, we all want that dress that will have people gasping and have heads turning. It's hilarious that nine times out of ten women dress up to impress each other. Women come in to a bar and every man AND woman eye her up! 

The competition stakes hit even higher when it's the Christmas party because really, when do work colleagues see you at your hottest. The extra effort is  really made and hair and make up appointments are all organised weeks in advance. 

I have created five looks that I hope you all will like and will give you inspiration and ideas to the style and trend you are hoping to rock your Christmas party with this year!

dress - asos // all accessories River Island

My first look is Gatsby inspired and who can't resist a bit of 1920's glamour. The embellished detailing on this stunning black number, create's the Christmas sparkle in uber sophistication. It's a short number but the high neck compliments it. Added with ever so sleek and on trend silver barely there sandals, black jewellery, red lips and an exquisite clutch, it's a head turner!

Dress - missguided // all accessories - River Island

Silver is such a cliche colour for Christmas but it has to be done! I'm not a very "matchy matchy" person but I do think that all silver sets off this dress. Platform ankle boots are an excellent way to elongate pins and compliment a skater skirt. A large diamond cuff will add extra bling as will a heavy embellished clutch. It's Christmas so the more glitz the better! I love knuckle rings, they elongate fingers and are so stylish. Apply a dark purple lipstick for a dramatic effect.

dress - missguided // All accessories - River Island

There had to be a sequin number popped into this collection! I think this deep silver number does the trick. It's low V neck is compensated with the dress's long sleeves, exuberating sophisticated sexiness. Paired with again gold barely there sandals, wandering eyes will be in for a treat. The ruby ring adds a nice pop of colour and makes a statement when worn on the index finger.

Dress - missguided // All accessories- River Island

When your not into the glitz and glam of Christmas yet still want the wow factor, I think this striking cobalt dress will do the trick. Leopard print goes with just about anything and It cimpliments this dress very well. Add a diamante ring from River Island with clashing green and a pair of barely there sandals with a gold bar across the toes. This adds further glam to the outfit without going over the top.

Dress - Missguided // All accessories - River Island

I have left my favourite until last! This dress is stunning!  Burgundy is so big right now and it compliments any skin tone. The velvet top and chiffon skater skirt create a girly look, with a statement gold panel belt to accentuate the waist. The deep neck plunge effect is the perfect detailing to dress to impress. Burgundy lips will set this dress off and will draw attention to your face. Add platform boots with over the top glitzy accessories to sail through your Christmas party in style. This dress, unfortunately is sold out but keep an eye out on the Missguided website to see when it is back in. My eyes will be glued!

Have you bought your Christmas dress yet? What are you wearing?

LOVE CAT

XXXX

I can see why Bella wanted to be a vampire!

I haven't done an OOTD outfit in so long. When I have days off work, it is so much nicer to hang around the house in my pyjamas's or throw on an old hoody when heading to the shops. Positive thinking is so important for a healthy you and a positive mental health and well my  Pyjamas and dressing gown addiction of late is not very healthy at all! So, I have told my self, because I work all the unsociable hours God created, I must have at least one day a week where I am dressed well and I have my make-up and hair done. We'll see how long this lasts. Although I must say, at work I wear no make-up, wear old clothes and my hair is fired up any way that is easiest and well I'm sick of looking like I was just dragged through a field! I had cropped trousers on yesterday with ankle boots. I didn't put tan on my ankles since it's winter and that would be silly (says the one who is plastered in fake tan on nights out), when I looked down it was like I was wearing white socks. There is a Lily Cole pale and then there is me pale (I applied an effect to the pictures below so my skin looks not so pale, I'm a cheater!). I would love to meet famous red heads of the world and ask them what skin regime do they swear by. Goal in life, to be twilight pearly white! I can see why Bella wanted to be a vampire!

I'm loving black at the moment and I am normally anti black but it is so chic, I can't resist! I don't know about you but I have so many crop shirts and tops from the summer that I can carry into the winter. This denim shirt is cropped but I popped a long black cami underneath. It creates extra warmth and hides what the winter does not need to see. Body tops are also an excellent way to create extra warmth. Penneys/Primark stock various colours at great prices.

Penneys/Primark have really upped their game this season with incredible jewellery for incredible prices. This stylish baby was only €6. It's burgundy threading means its bang on trend and its collar effect means it can be worn with buttoned up shirts and high and low neck tops/dresses.

I treated myself to another one of Catrice's lipstick, at only €4.49, these lipstick's are worth every penny and the colour is so true to the stick. I have so many colours, a natural shade was needed and I'm in love. A natural shade is great if you don't want extreme eyes and lips or even if you just want natural day make-up.

Jacket - Penney's/Primark (old)

Shirt - Primark (London)

Trousers - Zara (old)

Boots - River Island

Necklace - Penney's/Primark

Lipstick - Catrice Ultimate Colour 190

LOVE CAT

XXXX

Do It Yourself This Christmas #2

Yesterday I posted about D.I.Y. gifts for those all important women in your life. Men are so much harder to shop for and they are certainly so much harder to create gifts for, but here are my favourite D.I.Y. gifts for that special man in your life! These gift ideas are brilliant as stocking fillers or just a simple token.

Personalised picture clock

seevanessacraft.com

I absolutely love this idea. It's a simple way to create a lasting memory and keep it over time!! I think choosing a photo from when I was child is so special as it relays the past and very special moments. Find directions here

Grill rubs

kojo-designs.com

Have you a man in your life that loves his meat? Then this is the perfect stocking filler for him. Home-made grill rubs made from scratch are an ideal gift to get him standing in front of the cooker for once! Find directions here

Vinyl bowl

casasugar.com

This is the perfect gift for anyone who has a lover of music in their life! It is so simple to make. Use it either for storage or hang it on the wall!  Find directions here

Chalkboard Mug

wit&whistle.com

This is a fabulous gift to write lovely messages every morning for a loved one. Find directions here

Coffee Cup Photo Sleeve

theobjectproject.com

This is the perfect gift for any man who loves his coffee and wants his dearest close to him at all times. It's a personal gift and you can find directions here

Personalised Cuff Link

smallfineprint.com

If you have a father or brother who loves to look well in shirts, this is the perfect gift. Add pictures of loved one or their favourite football team. Find directions here

Bottle Cap Coasters

theatreprojects.blogspot.ie

Any beer drinkers in the house? Then keep their beer caps because this a great and simple gift. Choose from their favourite beer or different beers from all over the world. Find directions here

I hope you like these creative Ideas and if you are a child making these gifts make sure you have adult supervision.

LOVE CAT

XXXX

Do It Yourself This Christmas #1

It is very clear that Christmas shopping is well under way. I live very close to a shopping center and the traffic on the weekends going in there has been increasing. The crowds in there today was manic. I've never been an early Christmas shopper, I usually leave it till the last few weeks where I spend my time running around like a headless chicken! Of course, it doesn't stop me making an extra special effort with the gifts I will buy. I met my brother and he's girlfriend who told me they are making home made gifts for each other. I think it is such a lovely idea and it's very personal. My oldest dog Ali got very sick during the week and spent a few days in the vets which cost a small fortune. This put me thinking, should I do D.I.Y. gifts this year. After a small bit of research I have found some amazing gift ideas that I would love to share with you. These are more for female friends but I pop a post up soon to suit the man in your life!

Gold Leaf Paper Bowl

kellimurray.com

This a clever and easy gift idea that suits any age. This bowl is pretty but of course you can design it any way you want. Perfect for storing jewellery, make up or hair accessories! Find directions here

Picture Coasters

foammagazine.com

This a wonderful gift to seal your memories forever or stir them up while drinking a cup of tea! See what I did there!! Find directions here

Home made Honey Lip Balm

hiphome.blogspot.ie

I think any one would appreciate this gift. The cold winter weather reeks havoc on our lips and what better to create soft kissable lips than natural honey lip balm. Find directions here

Tassel Bracelet

thanksimadeit.com

I am totally in love with this idea. Not only is it super stylish, they are so easy to make and you can use so many different colours. Find direction here.

Geode Rings

stateofunique.com

These are the perfect stocking fillers for any fashion forward woman. These are fabulous and have to be the easiest gift to make ever. They are the perfect accessory to any Christmas outfit. Find directions here

honestlywtf.com

Floral never dates and it has survived this season. With the bright winter morning sun why not treat a friend to a pair of customised sunglasses. Perfect for any festival goer next summer. Find directions here

If you are a child making any of these make sure have adult supervision.

LOVE CAT

XXXX

Parfois!

For me seeing a new store opening is like a child receiving a new toy, it's so exciting! I was in The Crescent Shopping Centre located in Limerick today and I noticed that  "Parfois" has been opened. Of course I had to have a look inside and it probably has to be a new favourite of mine! Parfois is a Portuguese accessories store for women with two hundred stores all over the world in France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Philippines, Georgia, Kosovo, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Serbia, Egypt, Morocco, Ireland, Angola and Mozambique. Stocking jewellery, hand bags, hats, scarves, sunglasses, shoes, boots and hair accessories. It is simply AH-mazing. My favourite part of the shop is their fedora's, they stock a great range and so many styles to suit so many people. It is a very bright store with excellent lighting which makes it's so attractive. Items are displayed in a great way that you can take in all products and you won't miss a thing! I will need to do a Parfois haul very soon! The official opening day in Limerick is tomorrow so make sure your in early to take a peek! Do not fear if you do not live in Limerick or Ireland for that matter, they have an excellent online store, click here! 

Let me know what you think of Parfois.

LOVE CAT

XXXX

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Those five seconds changed my life forever.

My parents are invincible! They have always been and always will be there! Sort of like a Wonder Woman and Super Man! Those five seconds of my life changed all that, when my father told me he had prostate cancer. I was sitting on a stool in our kitchen. I told him he would be OK, I cried a little and then went numb. It was almost like my body wrapped me in a cocoon for those few minutes. I rang a friend, I had to say the words "my dad has cancer". 

Cancer is such a scary word, even though treatments have come such a long way and survival rates have increased  that horrible thought of "will he survive this?" jumps into your mind. Cancer is like the elephant in the room, we couldn't see the cancer but we felt it's presence. I thought about it a lot and talked about it a lot but I couldn't feel. Feel what? Feel strong emotion and I know now it was was because deep down I knew he would be alright, but also it was completely out of my control. I did not have the power to fix him. Doctors, medication and God had that. I'm in no way religious, I do not practice my faith, but there defiantly is a greater good at those pearly gates. My dad was diagnosed in the very early stages of his cancer, his consultant was amazing and within weeks after an operation and time spent in hospital he was home recovering. This is where the story ends, or so I had hoped. 

When I thought of some-one recovering from cancer, I thought of some-one falling off their bike, getting back up and going on their merry way. The body and mind goes through such a huge trauma trying to heal and process the physical aspect of cancer but also the mental aspect. I can't speak for my father but I can speak for myself and how this, as my father's child has changed my life forever. I suffered anxieties early on in his recovery, every time my phone rang, "is dad alright?" , the constant worry of my father,not my mother but my father. These are very natural of course, Cancer had closed my eyes on my superman and opened them up to life, to reality, to personal journeys many had, are and will go through. My parents are wonderful people and I am so grateful and blessed to have them in my life. Does it take such a drastic thing to open your eyes to see what you truly have? Maybe it does, it did for me. It's thought me to enjoy every moment and enjoy the relationships you have with your parents. Life has strange ways of teaching us lessons, and showing us new paths and it has ways of opening up different worlds and perspectives. November or should I say Movember is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Action Prostate Cancer is run by Cancer.ie raising awarenss and funds for research into this cancer. There is so many ways, you can raise awareness, grow a moustache! Ladies, dye your hair blue! One in eight men have the chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, it's important to get screened.

 I knew nothing about this cancer until my father was diagnosed. Here are some facts direct from cancer.ie

"Most people in Ireland know someone who has been affected by prostate cancer. We want to encourage men to be more comfortable with an area of their health that is often neglected or ignored:

• Prostate cancer rates in Ireland are the highest in Europe and amongst the highest in the world
• In 2010, 3,125 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland
• Irish men have a 1 in 8 chance of developing prostate cancer (to put this in context, Irish women have a 1 in 10 chance of developing breast cancer)
• After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer in men
• Prostate cancer is often a slow growing cancer, particularly in older men, and symptoms may not occur for many years
• Prostate cancer is 90% curable if it is treated in its earliest stages
• The cumulative risk of a man developing prostate cancer before the age of 50 is 1 in 485. Before the age of 70 is 1 in 13
• Prevention is better than cure. While doctors still do not know what causes prostate cancer, links have been made between family history of prostate cancer, age (risk of prostate cancer increases after 50 years), and men of African ethnicityAll men over the age of 50, or men over 40 who have a first degree relative with prostate cancer or those of African ethnicity, should consult with their GP"

Do you like my moustache?!

Please share this post to raise awareness!

LOVE CAT

XXXX

Budget vs Bling. What's your face?!

Budget vs Bling. What's your face? Are you nifty at spending hours and picking out the best budget cosmetic brands in your local chemist or are you the type that is straight to the brands counter describing your wishlist and clipping your purse open is your only chore? I am mainly a budget buyer but I won't lie I like a bit of bling! Although, I have recently being learning a great appreciation for high street brands and my pocket agrees! I love make-up, I love all the products, can I apply them properly well I'll lie say yes!!! 

Here is a list of my all my favourite face and lip products to suit all budgets!

Highlighter: `My life changed when I discovered my first ever highlighter, Benefit Watts Up (€36), the effect it had when used on my cheeks, just under my eyebrow and down my nose-AMAZING!! Highlighter is the one thing you have to in your make up bag, and if you don't have one get one NOW! I am totally head over heels in love with Catrice Cosmetics at the moment. They have thought of every beauty product for all skin types that are a must and OMG they are fantastically priced! This highlighter by Catrice works a gem. It is so easy to apply, has such a cute name "fairy dust" and is so slim it's easy to store and for a neat price of €4.49, do I need to say more!

Foundation: Foundation is probably the number one must have product in any girl's make-up bag, it is for me. I am very pale with freckles. It is so important for me that I keep my natural colouring and my freckles are not covered over. Since the dawn of "Cat applying make-up"  time, I have always used MAC, NW20 Studio Script (€34) to be exact! I always got complemented on it. Since I moved jobs, I now get payed every second week so I've had to learn how to budget. I recently read a review on a friend's blog, Love.Life on Rimmel's Wake me up foundation, read it here. For a favourable sum of €10.99, this foundation has helped me to learn budgeting very well! It is so light you will not feel it on your skin and the colour is just perfect for me. I wear the palest shade!

Contouring: I am still learning to contour properly, it's one thing that can completely change the shape of your face. I go from flat cheeks to incredible cheekbones in minutes! Of course pulling a fish face for pictures also helps! They say a shade or two darker is best to contour but I go a bit darker simply because on nights out I wear fake tan and apply darker eye make up and foundation. Isa Dora is perfect for achieving this look and for such a large product for €19, it's a buyer pleaser. The little gem on the right is a blush by Essence cosmetics, €2.50!!! Not only is it an amazing bargain, my contouring for some reason always gets complemented when I use this! Suck in your cheeks and apply just below the cheekbone and blend! 

Mascara: I have only ever used one mascara and will only ever use one mascara Rimmel extra super lash, €6.99. I used Lancome's Hypnose tester mascara (normal size retails at €27) once but I couldn't betray my old faithful! Rimmel's mascara really extends your lashes. It does what it says on the tin!!

Primer; Primer's work! The difference they make is unbelievable! I always used Gosh's primer a sweet €12 but I was converted to MAC's Prep+Prime. At a steeper price of €36 it is amazing. It's pump action extends the life of the product, it's not greasy at all and drys super fast! It's perfect!

Blusher: We all need blusher in our lives especially in this frosty weather although the cold air might contribute to further pink cheeks! When I can, I splurge out on Estee Lauders' brand of blusher, it is expensive at €45 but so worth it! When I need to budget Lidl's brand of blusher €4, is colour perfect and long lasting.

L-R Ultimate Shine 230, Ultimate Colour 110, Ultimate Colour 060

Top-Bottom 230, 060, 110

Lipstick: Catrice's range of lipsticks are great and they have fab winter colours. What worries me about cheaper brands is the colour is not as strong on the lips as it is on the lipstick itself, but this is not the case for Catrice. All their lipsticks are of high quality and all at €4.49. 

Eyelashes: Last but not least, false eyelashes! If I'm on a night out and I am not wearing a pair of these I feel naked! How sad!! On the left Penneys/Primark full look lashes are only €1.50, it's insane and they are so good! On the right, Inglot's lashes are a bit pricier at €12 but they are worth the purchase! 

Links: Catrice
           Essence

What are your make up must haves?

LOVE CAT

XXXX