Long time, no speak peeps. Having just finished college and entered a full time job, blogging has definitely taken a step back in my life over the past few year. But when PrettyLittleThing* got in touch about creating some editorial content inspired by the summer holiday season, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to team up with my lovely friend Zoe and shoot some new pics.
Although I've no holidays planned myself, it was fun to dress up and pretend I'd been whisked off to Ibiza, London or Berlin- not Dublin 8, where these photos were actually taken.
Destination: London
Heart print midi dress- PrettyLittleThing // Denim jacket- vintage // Boots- Asos (old)
Destination- Ibiza
Cat eye sunglasses- PrettyLittleThing // Orange belted bardot dress- Pretty Little Thing
Destination- Berlin
Crop top- Penneys (old) // Culottes- PrettyLittleThing // Layered chain necklace- PrettyLittleThing // Shoes- Adidas
Photography: Zoe Holman (instagram.com/zoehlmnphoto/ / zoehlmn.photo)
Rachel x
In collaboration with PrettyLittleThing. Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.
Destination: Holiday - Three outfits inspired by three cities
8.06.2018
Long time, no speak peeps. Having just finished college and entered a full time job, blogging has definitely taken a step back in my life over the past few year. But when PrettyLittleThing* got in touch about creating some editorial content inspired by the summer holiday season, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to team up with my lovely friend Zoe and shoot some new pics.
Although I've no holidays planned myself, it was fun to dress up and pretend I'd been whisked off to Ibiza, London or Berlin- not Dublin 8, where these photos were actually taken.
Destination: London
Heart print midi dress- PrettyLittleThing // Denim jacket- vintage // Boots- Asos (old)
Destination- Ibiza
Cat eye sunglasses- PrettyLittleThing // Orange belted bardot dress- Pretty Little Thing
Destination- Berlin
Crop top- Penneys (old) // Culottes- PrettyLittleThing // Layered chain necklace- PrettyLittleThing // Shoes- Adidas
Photography: Zoe Holman (instagram.com/zoehlmnphoto/ / zoehlmn.photo)
Rachel x
In collaboration with PrettyLittleThing. Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.
Enjoying your own company is something that takes getting used to. From simple things to eating alone to the bigger, scarier notion of solo travel, learning to enjoy your own company can be difficult.
I remember the first time I sat and had dinner alone. I was in London for London Fashion Week, my first solo trip. The friend I was staying with was in college and I wanted to eat somewhere nice. I remember noticing how strange it was, because my phone was dead. I didn't have that blanket of endless scrolling for protection- it was just me and the food. And it was completely fine.
I love people watching. It's something I do every day and probably one of the biggest distractions in my life. Sometimes I'll make up background stories for people as they go about their everyday lives, creating an imaginary narrative for a fictional character in my head.
Wearing; Blazer- Bershka // Top- thrifted // Skirt- Pretty Little Thing // Boots- ASOS
In first and second year of college, I was always seeing or dating or texting someone. Nothing ever really lasted more than 3 months, with maybe two months max in between finding someone new. But since I've come back from America, there's being nothing. Nada. Maybe it's a good thing, maybe I've upped my standards, maybe I just know what I want in a person now.
When you hear about people taking a break from dating, it's usually to 'find themselves' or what they want. After 8 months of being a singleton, I can guarantee that I don't feel any different than I did before. But I've learned to enjoy my own company more than ever before. I've become closer to my friends, spent more time with my family, focused on college and my career.
Being alone doesn't equal loneliness, and I'm glad I've finally figured that bit out.
Rachel x
being alone.
4.13.2018
Enjoying your own company is something that takes getting used to. From simple things to eating alone to the bigger, scarier notion of solo travel, learning to enjoy your own company can be difficult.
I remember the first time I sat and had dinner alone. I was in London for London Fashion Week, my first solo trip. The friend I was staying with was in college and I wanted to eat somewhere nice. I remember noticing how strange it was, because my phone was dead. I didn't have that blanket of endless scrolling for protection- it was just me and the food. And it was completely fine.
I love people watching. It's something I do every day and probably one of the biggest distractions in my life. Sometimes I'll make up background stories for people as they go about their everyday lives, creating an imaginary narrative for a fictional character in my head.
Wearing; Blazer- Bershka // Top- thrifted // Skirt- Pretty Little Thing // Boots- ASOS
In first and second year of college, I was always seeing or dating or texting someone. Nothing ever really lasted more than 3 months, with maybe two months max in between finding someone new. But since I've come back from America, there's being nothing. Nada. Maybe it's a good thing, maybe I've upped my standards, maybe I just know what I want in a person now.
When you hear about people taking a break from dating, it's usually to 'find themselves' or what they want. After 8 months of being a singleton, I can guarantee that I don't feel any different than I did before. But I've learned to enjoy my own company more than ever before. I've become closer to my friends, spent more time with my family, focused on college and my career.
Being alone doesn't equal loneliness, and I'm glad I've finally figured that bit out.
Rachel x
“Loads of the girls in work are like her. Real sensible types, all from down the country. One of them wears her county jersey every casual Friday and then throws on a pair of earrings for going to the pub afterwards.”
According to authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen, that’s one of many descriptions of what an ‘Aisling’ is.
Described as a ‘small town girl living in a notions world’, Aisling is a heart-warming girl from the country that moves up to ‘the big smoke’. We all know one, whether from college or work or even one of your own friends. Based on the popular Facebook group with the same name, Oh My God What A Complete Aisling is akin to the Irish version of Bridget Jones.
She works a 9-5 job at PensionsPlus and goes out every Saturday at home with her best friend Majella, who’s lost more phones than she can count. It’s double vodkas and diet coke while she’s in the local at home, or a Coors Light in McGowans of Phibsboro if she stays up for the weekend.
After seeing all her friends and half the town of ‘Ballygobbard’ get engaged or married, Aisling has had enough. She’s been with her boyfriend John for as long as she can remember, and there’s no sign of a ring on the cards.
A trip to Tenerife with John turns out to be the holiday from hell, so she flees to Dublin in search of something to turn her life around.
All of a sudden, her life has turned upside down. She decides to move up to Dublin for good (“because that N7 would have your heart broken”) and finds herself living with Sadhbh from HR and her friend Elaine. Aisling is thrown into the deep end of oversized smock dresses and vegans, a world she’s never seen before.
She heads to Berlin with her new housemates, exploring underground bars and the life of hipsters. She couldn’t be further from Tuesdays at Coppers, but she gives it her all and embraces her newfound life.
The number one bestselling book isn’t just a humorous tale of Aisling’s trials and tribulations, but one that can only be described as wonderful and scarily relatable. A death in the family throws Aisling off course, and her broken heart is one she has trouble mending.
The Facebook group the book is based on has over 48,000 members to date. Since the book was released last August, the authors have signed a two-book deal to continue Aisling’s tale, showing that readers want more of Aisling’s life.
Breen and McLysaght are right- we all have an Aisling in our life. Maybe we’re the Aisling in our group. It’s a book that will have you rolling on the floor, but might make you shed a tear. Because while we’re laughing, we’re laughing with Aisling, not at her. She’s the kind of girl you wish you had as your best friend.
Rachel x
(originally written for The College View)
Oh My God What A Complete Aisling | Review
“Loads of the girls in work are like her. Real sensible types, all from down the country. One of them wears her county jersey every casual Friday and then throws on a pair of earrings for going to the pub afterwards.”
According to authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen, that’s one of many descriptions of what an ‘Aisling’ is.
Described as a ‘small town girl living in a notions world’, Aisling is a heart-warming girl from the country that moves up to ‘the big smoke’. We all know one, whether from college or work or even one of your own friends. Based on the popular Facebook group with the same name, Oh My God What A Complete Aisling is akin to the Irish version of Bridget Jones.
She works a 9-5 job at PensionsPlus and goes out every Saturday at home with her best friend Majella, who’s lost more phones than she can count. It’s double vodkas and diet coke while she’s in the local at home, or a Coors Light in McGowans of Phibsboro if she stays up for the weekend.
After seeing all her friends and half the town of ‘Ballygobbard’ get engaged or married, Aisling has had enough. She’s been with her boyfriend John for as long as she can remember, and there’s no sign of a ring on the cards.
A trip to Tenerife with John turns out to be the holiday from hell, so she flees to Dublin in search of something to turn her life around.
All of a sudden, her life has turned upside down. She decides to move up to Dublin for good (“because that N7 would have your heart broken”) and finds herself living with Sadhbh from HR and her friend Elaine. Aisling is thrown into the deep end of oversized smock dresses and vegans, a world she’s never seen before.
She heads to Berlin with her new housemates, exploring underground bars and the life of hipsters. She couldn’t be further from Tuesdays at Coppers, but she gives it her all and embraces her newfound life.
The number one bestselling book isn’t just a humorous tale of Aisling’s trials and tribulations, but one that can only be described as wonderful and scarily relatable. A death in the family throws Aisling off course, and her broken heart is one she has trouble mending.
The Facebook group the book is based on has over 48,000 members to date. Since the book was released last August, the authors have signed a two-book deal to continue Aisling’s tale, showing that readers want more of Aisling’s life.
Breen and McLysaght are right- we all have an Aisling in our life. Maybe we’re the Aisling in our group. It’s a book that will have you rolling on the floor, but might make you shed a tear. Because while we’re laughing, we’re laughing with Aisling, not at her. She’s the kind of girl you wish you had as your best friend.
Rachel x
(originally written for The College View)
Nostalgia. "A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a person or place in the past," or so Google says.
For me, it's a blessing and a curse.
Nostalgia is like looking through old photographs without needing them there in your hands. It can be found in memories, in people, in a place, in an old ticket stub.
It's nice to look back and think of all the good memories made, the moments passed. We're constantly reminded how precious life is and that we should accept each moment as it comes. Sometimes, at the time, you don't appreciate what's in front of you. But fondly reminiscing about the past can help that.
I'm a hoarder. On my walls in front of me as I write this are old concert tickets, ranging from Paramore to Wolf Alice and Hairspray the Musical. Beside me are polaroid photo prints detailing my life from 6th year to last year. At the time, some of the people in the photos were my favourite people, and now I can't remember the last time I spoke to some of them. I keep telling myself I should print new ones.
In that sense, nostalgia is a curse. It's a constant reminder of the people that are gone, of things that didn't go right. Of bad timings, missed opportunities and regrets. Sometimes I find myself thinking so much about times in the past that I fall down a spiral and forget to enjoy the moment of today.
That's the worst part about nostalgia- once it grabs you, you forget to enjoy today.
While I look back and think about how much I miss certain times and places and people in my life, I know in a few years time I'll think the same about today.
Because that's the most comforting thing about nostalgia- knowing that some day in the future, today could be a memory I miss.
Rachel x
nostalgia.
3.16.2018
Nostalgia. "A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a person or place in the past," or so Google says.
For me, it's a blessing and a curse.
Nostalgia is like looking through old photographs without needing them there in your hands. It can be found in memories, in people, in a place, in an old ticket stub.
It's nice to look back and think of all the good memories made, the moments passed. We're constantly reminded how precious life is and that we should accept each moment as it comes. Sometimes, at the time, you don't appreciate what's in front of you. But fondly reminiscing about the past can help that.
I'm a hoarder. On my walls in front of me as I write this are old concert tickets, ranging from Paramore to Wolf Alice and Hairspray the Musical. Beside me are polaroid photo prints detailing my life from 6th year to last year. At the time, some of the people in the photos were my favourite people, and now I can't remember the last time I spoke to some of them. I keep telling myself I should print new ones.
In that sense, nostalgia is a curse. It's a constant reminder of the people that are gone, of things that didn't go right. Of bad timings, missed opportunities and regrets. Sometimes I find myself thinking so much about times in the past that I fall down a spiral and forget to enjoy the moment of today.
That's the worst part about nostalgia- once it grabs you, you forget to enjoy today.
While I look back and think about how much I miss certain times and places and people in my life, I know in a few years time I'll think the same about today.
Because that's the most comforting thing about nostalgia- knowing that some day in the future, today could be a memory I miss.
Rachel x
While the rest of red carpet season saw black dresses and tuxedos for the #TimesUp movement, stars took a break from black and burst into colour for the 2018 Academy Awards.
Every year, the eyes of the fashion world gaze upon the Oscars red carpet to see what trends emerge and what designers are having a good year. Some celebrities are affiliated with designers (like Jennifer Lawrence and Dior), so the guessing game ends at what colour or style they’ll wear on the night. Others are a complete gamble. I’ve rounded up some of the key trends spotted on the red carpet this year, so you don’t have to.
Metallics
Shades of gold, silver and bronze were a key trend this year at the Oscars. Jennifer Lawrence stunned audiences in a silver and grey Dior dress, while Molly Sims was a vision in an embellished, plunging Naeem Khan gown. Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot opted for a fringed, metallic Givenchy dress, accompanied with silver accessories.
Red
Some celebs decided to match the carpet they walked on by opting for shades of red. Award-winner Allison Janney opted for a long Reem Acra gown, while Meryl Streep chose a similar option with Dior. Leslie Mann took to the carpet in Zac Posen, matching her lipstick to her dress.
Bows
Although not a winner on the night, Ireland’s own Saoirse Ronan was a vision in Calvin Klein. Her nude-pink dress was simple at the front but the large bow at the back added the wow factor. Emma Stone shocked viewers by opting for trousers, but the belted waist really brought the look together. Nicole Kidman looking stunning in a vibrant blue Armani gown.
Rachel x
Oscars 2018 trend report
While the rest of red carpet season saw black dresses and tuxedos for the #TimesUp movement, stars took a break from black and burst into colour for the 2018 Academy Awards.
Every year, the eyes of the fashion world gaze upon the Oscars red carpet to see what trends emerge and what designers are having a good year. Some celebrities are affiliated with designers (like Jennifer Lawrence and Dior), so the guessing game ends at what colour or style they’ll wear on the night. Others are a complete gamble. I’ve rounded up some of the key trends spotted on the red carpet this year, so you don’t have to.
Metallics
Shades of gold, silver and bronze were a key trend this year at the Oscars. Jennifer Lawrence stunned audiences in a silver and grey Dior dress, while Molly Sims was a vision in an embellished, plunging Naeem Khan gown. Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot opted for a fringed, metallic Givenchy dress, accompanied with silver accessories.
Red
Some celebs decided to match the carpet they walked on by opting for shades of red. Award-winner Allison Janney opted for a long Reem Acra gown, while Meryl Streep chose a similar option with Dior. Leslie Mann took to the carpet in Zac Posen, matching her lipstick to her dress.
Bows
Although not a winner on the night, Ireland’s own Saoirse Ronan was a vision in Calvin Klein. Her nude-pink dress was simple at the front but the large bow at the back added the wow factor. Emma Stone shocked viewers by opting for trousers, but the belted waist really brought the look together. Nicole Kidman looking stunning in a vibrant blue Armani gown.
Rachel x
With the arrival of the biggest snow storm Ireland's seen in 40 years, I've found myself with a lot more time on my hands than usual. And so, I'm trying to use that time to write things that aren't local news stories or college articles.
I remember back when I used to blog frequently, there was a point when I scoffed at beauty reviews. If you're a long time reader, you'll remember I originally started out writing about nail art and makeup reviews (usually from the bargain basket from Tesco). After some time, it felt like everyone and their mother had a beauty blog, so I told myself- no more beauty on the blog. But now I've grown up and I'm no longer as obnoxious as I used to be. So without further ado, here are some skincare products I've been loving lately to tackle that dreaded winter skin.
- Superdrug 'calm skin' 2 in 1 moisturiser & serum
I've honestly been raving about this product since I accidentally discovered it before Christmas. After coincidentally writing an article on the effects stress can have on the skin, I decided my skin was just that- stressed. I spotted this line of Superdrug's own brand and decided to give the moisturiser a whirl. Of all the products listed, it saved my skin from dryness and I can't get enough of it. Better yet, it cost less than €5 too!
- Urban Decay 'rebound' prep priming spray*
I got sent this product recently to try out, and as a huge UD fan, I knew I'd probably like it. I'm really lazy when it comes to applying makeup and always forget to use a primer, but I find this spray does the trick. It's the perfect end to my skincare routine and start of my makeup! I find it adds a last minute freshness to the skin and prevents my makeup looking cakey or settled.
- Revo watermelon lip balm
I stole this (unused) lipbalm off my lipbalm hoarding sister and I feel like I've become addicted. At first I wasn't too keen on the watermelon taste, but now I can't stop applying it. It's the only lip product I've used over the colder months that's actually left my lips looking and feeling better.
- Garnier rose water toner
I feel like toners were a must have a couple of years ago, but it's been years since I've used one myself. I picked this up randomly one day and it's definitely helped to put some moisture back into my skin. The rose scent is gorgeous too!
- Superdrug 'Vitamin E' gentle oatmeal exfoliator
Another bargain beauty buy, this exfoliator is my hangover saviour. I only use this once or twice a week so not to damage my skin, but I love using it after a night of partying. There's nothing worse than post-drinking skin, and this makes my dead face look alive instantly.
Rachel x
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.
My favourite skincare picks for dry, winter skin
3.02.2018
With the arrival of the biggest snow storm Ireland's seen in 40 years, I've found myself with a lot more time on my hands than usual. And so, I'm trying to use that time to write things that aren't local news stories or college articles.
I remember back when I used to blog frequently, there was a point when I scoffed at beauty reviews. If you're a long time reader, you'll remember I originally started out writing about nail art and makeup reviews (usually from the bargain basket from Tesco). After some time, it felt like everyone and their mother had a beauty blog, so I told myself- no more beauty on the blog. But now I've grown up and I'm no longer as obnoxious as I used to be. So without further ado, here are some skincare products I've been loving lately to tackle that dreaded winter skin.
- Superdrug 'calm skin' 2 in 1 moisturiser & serum
I've honestly been raving about this product since I accidentally discovered it before Christmas. After coincidentally writing an article on the effects stress can have on the skin, I decided my skin was just that- stressed. I spotted this line of Superdrug's own brand and decided to give the moisturiser a whirl. Of all the products listed, it saved my skin from dryness and I can't get enough of it. Better yet, it cost less than €5 too!
- Urban Decay 'rebound' prep priming spray*
I got sent this product recently to try out, and as a huge UD fan, I knew I'd probably like it. I'm really lazy when it comes to applying makeup and always forget to use a primer, but I find this spray does the trick. It's the perfect end to my skincare routine and start of my makeup! I find it adds a last minute freshness to the skin and prevents my makeup looking cakey or settled.
- Revo watermelon lip balm
I stole this (unused) lipbalm off my lipbalm hoarding sister and I feel like I've become addicted. At first I wasn't too keen on the watermelon taste, but now I can't stop applying it. It's the only lip product I've used over the colder months that's actually left my lips looking and feeling better.
- Garnier rose water toner
I feel like toners were a must have a couple of years ago, but it's been years since I've used one myself. I picked this up randomly one day and it's definitely helped to put some moisture back into my skin. The rose scent is gorgeous too!
- Superdrug 'Vitamin E' gentle oatmeal exfoliator
Another bargain beauty buy, this exfoliator is my hangover saviour. I only use this once or twice a week so not to damage my skin, but I love using it after a night of partying. There's nothing worse than post-drinking skin, and this makes my dead face look alive instantly.
Rachel x
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.
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