28 Jan 2015

Into The Woods


Two things I've been mad about recently - neutral palettes and denim shirts!

I'm a huge fan of neutrals - give me anything black/white/camel/cream/beige/grey and I'm a happy gurl. This camel coat is definitely my ultimate neutral piece. I was kinda on a roll before Christmas managing to get my paws on a few great staple coats in Zara and this was one of my purchases. It's super warm & very cosy but manages to transform any outfit from 'meh' to 'chic as hell' straight away. I get so many compliments on it.

I'd also been keeping my eye out for the perfect denim shirt for forever and happened to find one this past week in Rapport. I didn't want something that was too clean cut, so the fact that this looks a little worn works perfect for me. I'm in love with the wrap front and low cut neckline... and can we talk about the little buttons on the cuff? Adorable.

Hope you're all having a great week. I'm currently curled up at home with a cup of tea having a little snow day after my brother and I got caught in a mini-blizzard (exaggerating, but not that much) while shooting this look. It's freekin' freezing outside.

Let me know what you think of the outfit!
Are you a fan of the denim shirt or do you think they should be left back in the 90s?

XO, G.










Denim Shirt | Patrizia Pepe
Jeans | Topshop
Boots | Zara
Coat | Zara
Bag | Prada


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21 Jan 2015

GREY DAY


If there's one colour I wear a lot of it's black but surprisingly my closet is home zero (that's right, a big fat 0) black coats. While I was over in Paris last weekend I spotted this little gem out of the corner of my eye and couldn't pass it up. The tailoring in the coat is ridiculously good and the zipper detailing with little flashes of white gives it an extra something that you're not going find anywhere else. If there's one place you're guaranteed to get a really great quality coat at a reasonable price, it's Zara.

I paired my new purchase with a super simple black top, my go-to Topshop jeans (ridiculously comfortable, you need some - believe me) & this fab Eugenia Kim hat (I'm in love) for an easy breezy casual look but I think it'd look fab over a little dress and some fierce sandals when the weather gets a little warmer.

Hope you're all having a great week! I'm still wriggling my way out of my holiday vibe - Paris on my mind. Haha. You can check out everything I got up to on my Instagram (username: @gracedenny) - I'm using it SO much these days!

Happy Wednesday!

XO, G.







WEARING:
Coat | Zara 
Jeans | Topshop
Boots | Zara 
Bag | Prada



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14 Jan 2015

My Travel Essentials


You know that saying 'Paris is always a good idea'? Well it is. It's one of those cities that sets a certain spark alight inside me, from the architecture, to the history, to the fashion. Paris always inspires me to do bigger and better things and I just can't stay away from it.

That being said, I'm sure you can guess why a 'travel essentials' post is popping up on the blog today! I'm making a start on the travel section of my 2015 goals by hopping across the water to the French capital for the weekend. As we speak, I'm trying to wrap up a weeks worth of work as I'm leaving in the wee small hours of tomorrow morning so I'm doing some forward planning and starting to pack my carry on bag.

I don't think you can ever be too prepared when traveling - it makes life so much easier. Hopefully you can pick up a few ideas for what to take with you on your next trip!

1. BOOTS & A SCARF: A great pair of slip on boots are always a plus when it comes to traveling. Every time I go to the airport I always get asked to take my shoes off no matter what I'm wearing so it helps to have something easy to get on and off. I also never leave for the airport without a big blanket scarf. Planes can get chilly very quickly so I always use my scarf as a blanket. It's also frickin' freezing in Paris at this time of year, so it helps to be wrapped up when you get off the plane!

2. IPHONE, IPAD & EARPHONES: Always great for in flight entertainment on short flights. Pop your earphones in and jam out to some music or catch up on some work on your iPad.

3. SUNGLASSES: I never travel without a pair of sunglasses. Depending on the time of your flight, you won't always have time to... or want to put on makeup. Sometimes hiding behind a great pair of glasses is the perfect option.

4. SKINCARE / HAIRCARE: Flights can make your skin and your hair look horrific. I usually end up breaking out / looking like I've been dragged through a bush when I get off the plane (being slightly dramatic here). To avoid this, I like to use face wipes (Simple are my favourite) to take off any makeup I have on. I also like to apply some moisturiser & lip balm to keep my skin super hydrated. I never go anywhere without a hairbrush, hair ties & some miniature shampoo & conditioner (hotel shampoo & conditioner is a nightmare). Having some perfume on hand to freshen up is also a plus.

5. WATER: Again, flights can be so dehydrating. I like to down as many bottles of the stuff as I can.

6. WATCH & PASSPORT: Because you don't want to be late for your flight... and you want to be able to get on the plane when you get to the gate!

7. MINNIE MOUSE EARS: ... optional. Haha.

What do you like to carry with you on flights?
Have I missed out anything important?

Let me know in the comments!

XO, G.



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12 Jan 2015

Golden Globes 2015 Best Dressed



IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE!
You guys, it's officially awards season - the time of year when all of us wannabe Fashion Police get to exercise our critical muscles and suss out the good, the bad and the ugly looks that strut their way down the red carpet. Last nights Golden Globes was littered with lot of very safe options that didn't excite me at all but a few daring ladies decided to take a risk and step out of the box... and it payed off. Here are a few of my favourites from the evening!


Emma Stone In Lanvin
110% my favourite look of the night. Why? Probably because it was the most unusual / unexpected choice for a Golden Globes red carpet - but I think she totally pulled it off. Emma's Lanvin jumpsuit was, in simplest terms, ridiculously cool. Tailored cigarette style pants paired with a silver embellished bodice and topped off with a bow train to the back - the whole thing just embodies her cool, chic character. She also gets 5 gold stars for keeping accessories to a minimum and letting her hair and makeup tie the look together (yes, I'm looking at you Salma Hayek - Queen of over accessorising).


Julia Goldani Telles In Carmen Marc Valvo
Stunning!! Love the colour, love the cut, love ev-er-y-thing. The 19 year old actress made the right choice in opting for something slightly more edgy than your regular ball gown style dress - a plunging neckline and jewel toned colour stood out in a flood of pretty 'meh' dresses. Again, I give her kudos for not over accessorising - a statement ring and red lip were the perfect combination!


Diane Kruger In Emilia Wickstead
The epitome of old Hollywood glamour! From the figure hugging silhouette topped off with a full train to her retro pin curl waves - it totally blew me away. I mean, come on - the dress pretty much looks like liquid silver, what more could you want. 


Jennifer Lopez In Zuhair Murad Couture
Oh J-Lo, you did not disappoint. You can nearly always depend on this lady to bring a bit of sex appeal to the red carpet. This nude beaded gown complete with plunging neckline and thigh high slit has J-Lo's name written all over it. The amazing cape-style train was a great addition to balance the sass with a bit of elegance. Also, those Stuart Weitzman sandals - LOVE! 


Matt Bomer In Ralph Lauren Black Label
I had to have a male favourite. I do love a navy suit and the tailoring here is impeccable. Topped off with a silk bow-tie and contrasting black lapel, Matt's was by far my favourite suit of the evening. 

Who were your favourites last night?
XO, G.


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8 Jan 2015

This Year I Wanna...



  • Start drinking coffee - I love the smell, so it can't be that hard right?
  • Travel - NYC here I come.
  • Improve my photography - I've found a new love in my camera.
  • Read more books (good old paper books - not online).
  • Post more personal style posts on the blog - Fashion has my heart.
  • Try new foods - hey maybe salads can taste good too.
  • Be more positive.
  • Make a change to my hair.
  • Be more proactive in the morning time (the little things. haha).
  • Build another MAC eyeshadow palette.
  • Say YES to more things.
  • See another musical.
  • Pay more attention to my YouTube channel.
  • Keep improving my makeup skills.
  • See more of Ireland.
  • Become a Disney princess 
... okay the last one was a tad unrealistic, but a gal can dream! Haha

What are your plans for this year?
Let me know in the comments!

XO, G.




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7 Jan 2015

ONE


It's official guys, grace'd turns one tomorrow.

I remember this day last year so clearly - sitting down (after being super sick over Christmas) to try and get a blog design perfect (and far from perfect it was) so that I could start posting the day after (check out my very first blog post HERE). I'd been mulling over the idea of starting a blog for forever as I'd been reading them for years and had always wanted somewhere to document my love of beauty and fashion... and the more interesting parts of my life. Haha. Finally, with a little push from the fam, I created my own little corner of the internet. 

Although I haven't been able to post as often as I'd have liked over the past year, I'm pretty proud of what I've accomplished. To be totally honest, I didn't think anyone would read my posts - so the fact that people come back here each time something new appears makes me so happy! 

Towards the end of year numero uno I even managed to force myself into posting more beauty / lifestyle / chatty content over on my YouTube channel - again, I'd always wanted to do it but had to give myself a little kick in the bum to actually start. I'm not sure if it's just because of the new year, but the idea of just taking the bull by the horns and going for things, no matter how stupid you feel, has been really appealing to me lately. If you never do it, then you'll always wonder what if!

I've set myself some pretty ambitious goals for 2015 when it comes to the blog and I'm super excited to start showing it some real attention! 

On that note, I'd love to hear from you what you'd like to see appear on the blog this year? More personal style posts? Reviews? Travel diaries? Whatever suggestions you've got, puhhlease throw them this direction (aka. let me know in the comments - haha).

As always, thank you so much for taking time out to read my posts & comment! You really make my day!
Lets hope this year has plenty of exciting things in store!

XO, G.

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6 Jan 2015

The Alexa Edit • NAILS INC


I think just about everyone has a little bit of a crush on the girl boss that is Alexa Chung. Something about her just screams chic, quirky and badass all in one. So when this little box of gems landed on my lap I was more than excited to gain just a little bit of her coolness.

Nails Inc's 'Alexa Editions Collection' is full to the brim of luxe polishes and top coats chosen by the woman herself. But before I get into the nitty gritty, I'll get straight to the point admit that, although for the most part I kinda loved this set, there were a few disappointments... but you're just gonna have to read on to find out what they were. The suspense. Haha.



If you didn't already know, I've got a tiny little obsession with both packaging and, randomly, the names of nail polishes and this collection satisfies all my weird loves! I was partially shocked with the 'not your ordinary Nails Inc' packaging - they seem to have changed from the crappy round bottles to this more sophisticated square bottle (from what I see on the Brown Thomas website). To be totally honest I was getting a little sick of Nails Inc over the past couple of months and had started to shift my loyalties back towards Essie, but NI have kinda saved their asses with this move. Hopefully it's a permanent one!

The packaging completely embodies everything Alexa from the quirky 'what looks like florals but is actually samples of the polishes' stripes on the side of the main box, to the heavy gold metal polish toppers. Also... with names like 'Alexa in Wonderland' & 'Sleeping Beauty', I was taken straight away. The inner child in me was having a field day.



(R-L: Alexa Cashmere 'Sleeping Beauty', Alexa Edit Winter Lilac 'Once Upon A Lilac Dream' & Alexa Edit Night Sky 'Midnight In The Secret Garden')

First for review are the three opaque polishes. Honestly, I've got no complains whatsoever about these. All three apply super opaque - so you can be guaranteed that two coats will work a dream. The brushes are great too - not too small and not big enough that you're gonna paint half of your fingers along with your nails! I'm a bit of a lover of all things neutral and muted, so 'Sleeping Beauty' & 'Once Upon A Lilac Dream' are right up my street. While the blue tones have a glossy finish, the powder pink tone has more of a rough, frosted finish - apparently it's supposed to mimic Cashmere (hence the name)... I don't really get it but still a nice finish! Haha.

Now for the top coats... and this is where things get a little muddy.

 (R-L: Alexa Hearts 'Queen Of Hearts', Snowflake 'I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas', Alexa Stars 'Wish Upon A Star' & Alexa Holographic 'Alexa In Wonderland')


Ugh, WHY NAILS INC, WHY!? I really wanted to love all of these top coats. I'd started pairing them with their opaque buddies before I'd even taken them out of the box! But our love affair just wasn't meant to be because this happened when I swatched them...


While the Holographic & Snowflake polishes are sitting pretty, the Alexa Hearts & Stars are just dying in the second row. Holographic and Snowflake apply just like the opaque polishes and would work perfectly as a statement nail - no fuss or flapping around trying to get things to stick.

But Hearts and Stars... just no. Both top coats need about sixty million coats (slight exaggeration) before anything at all seems to come out of the bottle and to be totally honest, I don't have the patience for that! They don't apply, at all, like they are advertised to. You've got to fiddle around with the polishes forever before you get any form of a nice even distribution of shapes.

I did try my best to get them looking purdy, but I really wish they turned out better!


Putting aside the stress of fiddling around with two of the top coats, I do love this little set. It's one of those collections that you'll leave sitting in the packaging because it's too pretty to remove - the perfect little polish display. For the most part, the polishes are fab and because of the way they applied, I feel like they'll have a pretty decent lasting time.

Also, HUGE bonus to get all full-sized polishes in a set instead of the mini-bottles!

Buying these individually will set you back €17 - €18 in Brown Thomas. I can't find the euro price anywhere (I'm told it's sold out in BT) but you can purchase this gift set on Selfridges & Co. online for £45 which is an absolute steal, so get on that!

Did any of you get this box of beauties under your tree this Christmas?
What'd you think of the top coats?

Let me know in the comments!

XO, G.



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5 Jan 2015

New Years Eve • What I Wore


Happy New Year Everyone!

I took a mini blogging break over Christmas - just to enjoy the festive period really. I don't think I need much more of an excuse, I'm the merriest little elf you'll ever meet and just adore this time of the year so I love nothing more than absorbing the atmosphere of Christmas. But I'm happy to be back again & I'm super excited to kickstart my second year of blogging.

For my first post of 2015 I wanted to share a little snippet of how I rang in the New Year. To be totally honest for the past couple of years New Years Eve has been a bit of a fail. Last year I spent the countdown sprawled out on the couch sick as a small hospital and the two years before were just a little bit... meh?! But this year was a good one...

Confession time. I'm a little bit of a granny when it comes to going out, especially on the 'big Christmas nights'. Don't get me wrong, I love to get dressed up and have a few drinks but the whole idea of roaming around waiting for taxis at the end of the night and spending half of your time out rammed into a tiny bar that is literally hotter than the Sahara, with people spilling drinks over your new outfit (that you obviously had to wear out because you got it for Christmas) doesn't really appeal to me. Haha. Yep old Granny Denny here would much rather go out for a nice meal and have a few drinks at a table where you can actually hear what someone's saying to you! Haha.

... I didn't realise how ridiculously boring that would sound. Tell me there are at least a few other grannies out there! HOLLA! Please? Haha.


This year my family (all other halves included) took a little spin down the country to spend NYE in the capitaaal - Dublin. We stayed in one of our favourite hotels and went for a meal in our favourite restaurant (Marcels - HERE's a post on that little food haven) and rang in the New Year in the hotel bar! Honestly that's my idea of a great night - good food, family, live music, a few drinks and most of all, getting dolled up.

As we were going for a meal, I didn't want to wear anything too short - just because I'm too tall for that shiz and I really can't deal with the awkwardness of pulling down the bottom of my dress before I flash half the restaurant every time I get out of my seat. Haha. So for a safe option I went with a black knee length swing dress from River Island (that I got 4 years ago - 10 points to me for recycling). I'm in love with the heavy beading along the hem of the dress and lets face it, nothing beats a loose fitting dress when you're tackling a 5 course meal. I paired it with a simple black strappy sandal, also from River Island, and my Michael Kors oversized watch.

So there it is, my last outfit of 2014 and my first of 2015. I'm so excited for the year ahead and have a very ambitious list of things I'd like to accomplish within the next 12 months. I don't know about you but something that makes me very excited is the thought of all the good things that could happen!

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and productive 2015. Let's all kick some ass!

XO, G.



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