NEW YEAR, FRESH START

NEW YEAR, FRESH START

Good to be back on my blogg!! 

I haven't posted for a while, laying low on here after loosing my amazing Mum in 2018.  Massive change for us all to adjust to.  My Mum taught me how to sew in 1st Class and she never ceased to be my inspiration and encouragement throughout my career and everything else besides.

To ease myself back I have put together some of my favourite looks from last year which I designed at my studio.

Royal Ascot is THE place to be to hat watch and there are some new trends on show.

The trend of wearing Halo Headbands and Beaded Headbands shows no sign of slowing down following the Duchess of Cambridge wearing a beautiful halo piece to Prince Louis' Christening.

Blush Silk and Beaded Headband 

Black Wired design

Black Silk Abaca Headband 

Here is a selection of Racing Looks showcased by Olivia Danielle Boutique with my Racing Hats in the run up to the Galway Races.  Modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency.

Every year I have the pleasure of designing a hat for Mandy Maher from Catwalk Modelling Agency.   I choose a block yellow straw and silk headband style here trimmed with butterflies which work perfectly with her fab suit and yellow sandals. 

A classic wide brimmed Suzie Mahony Designs Wave Hat designed all in red to enhance the dress detail, worn by Rebecca Rose Stylist at the Galway Races.

Thank you to all the models above from Catwalk Modelling Agency.

This year make your hat your crowning glory, let your hat bring the whole outfit together. 

Whether you wear a bespoke design or a studio piece, have it styled to suit you and your personality.

Wearing a hat should be fun!!

I hope you enjoyed my first blogg of 2020!! and Happy New Year !!

Suzie x

'Ladies Day' HATS / STYLE Galway Races 2017

LADIES DAY AT THE GALWAY RACES 2017

It was a manic few weeks in the run up to the Galway Races this year.  However much you plan your outfit for the day it always comes together at the last minute!!  

This year for the first time in over 15 years I didn't attend ladies day!!   

Attending the races is brilliant but when your working right up until the Wednesday night late, you can only do so much.  I was certainly there in spirit with lots of beautiful ladies wearing my hats. I attended the races on Friday and also a number of events during the week so I didn't miss out.

I love sharing some of the looks from my customers for Ladies Day.  The biggest Ladies Day Competition in Ireland sponsored by The g Hotel Galway.  Ladies wear hats every day now to the festival but I wanted to do a showcase for Ladies Day because there was such a variety of styles and hats on display.  I love to see the complete look head to toe so here are a few for you to enjoy.

Fiona Glynn - Fit and Fabulous - wearing one of my new designs which I tweaked to work with the detail on her dress, love her green bag!

Lorraine was the lucky winner of the Clarenbridge Oyster Pearl this year and as a result I sponsored her hat for Ladies Day,  I styled her lemon dress with a Navy and Lemon Silk Hat, Shoes and Royal Bag from my studio collection.  

I love butterflies and designing this stunning silk hat for Caroline Glancy I used the colours from the butterflies on the coat to create a splash of colour with a Bespoke silk Suzie Mahony Designs Hat.  Her outfit is from Olivia Danielle Athlone.  

Orange is one of the best colours on Dearbhla Silke from Catwalk Modelling Agency,  I ignored her height with this hat because it is Ladies Day!!  Think she looks amazing.

Tara Moran and the Team from Maximum Media got all their hats from my studio this year.  Tara is wearing a red Suzie Wave hat.

Rosanna Davison wearing a soft Gold Headpiece I designed to complement her look for Ladies Day.

Judy Fitzgerald looking radiant in blue with a white Percher I designed with loads of height using wired feathers, flowers and silk swirls.

I have had so many complements about this look on Katie Geoghegan who was chosen by Bairbre Power as a finalist for the Best Dressed Competition.  I introduced this striking red angular hat because red is fabulous on Katie with her dress from Harper.  So delighted for her.

Eileen Lundon - Olympic Saddlery - wearing Suzie Mahony Designs for Ladies Day.

Aoife O'Hanlon Top 10 Finalist for the g Hotel Best Dressed Lady Competition

Aoife's hat is a bespoke Red trimmed with lots of flowers and silk swirls.

Ladies attending Ladies Day are a very important part of the attraction and atmosphere and indeed the style for the overall week at Galway.   I love the addition of the selfie wall this year, maybe we need another one near the Fashion Action!!   

Susan Flanagan wearing all Ivory Phoenix_V Dress with an accent of Gold.  Her hat is embellished with ivory roses and gold silk swirls.  Her LIPS gold clutch is also from my studio collection.  Susan was also chosen as a finalist at the Galway Races Best Dressed Dressed Competition.

There is so much effort and planning for ladies for the day it is such a shame we only see a few chosen or highlighted.   Social Media  is probably the best forum to catch a glimpse of the style,  wouldn't be great to see more of our Racing Ladies on the TV, a little balance like they achieve at other race meetings around the world.

I was delighted to have customers picked for Best Dressed, designing hats for race meetings throughout Ireland and further afield for the past 15 years, it's still the one closest to home that is the sweetest!! Galway. 

The showcase of Millinery at the Galway Races puts us on the International Stage when it comes to quality bespoke designs.   Looking forward to seeing even more as the racecourse continues its development for 2018.  Exciting times ahead!!

Thank you for reading my blog.

Suzie x

First Furlong Millinery Showcase 2017

First Furlong Millinery Showcase 2017 

The First Furlong Event is one of the highlight of Raceweek in Galway.  Held each year on the Tuesday of Galway Race Week at the Ardilaun Hotel.  Showcasing the best of Galway Millinery with Catwalk Modelling Agency to a fabulous audience all in support of Breast Cancer Research.

I have been part of the event since it started, now in its 7th year and look forward to many more happy years supporting it. Organised by the brilliant team at the Ardilaun Hotel everyone is spoilt from once they arrive from 12 noon with sparkling wine drinks reception surrounded by the Guinness Jazz Band.  Guests all dress up and wear hats ready for the Races and enjoy a sumptuous four course lunch with wine.  

 

Selfie time with our Guest Lisa McGowan Lisa's Lust List who is wearing a hat I designed for her dyed to match her orange dress and cerise accessories. 

Lisa McGowan from Lisa’s Lust List judged the ‘Raciest Lady’ and ‘Bookies Favourite Gent’ sponsored by Anthony Ryans. Entertainment included a special performance by classical tenors Duo Vocis featuring Frank Naughton and Sean Costello.

I love catching up with lots of familiar customers.  Siobhan McDonagh stunning in pink.

Lynn McLoughlin from Anthony Ryans and I enjoying the sunshine.  Lynn is wearing the new collection from Anthone Ryans Green Jumpsuit with a #suziemahonydesigns Black Bow Hat.

This lady always looks so stylish.  Tina Munroe wearing a gold pheasant hat from my collection.

Maria Kelly - Ardilaun Hotel, Lisa McGowan, Lynn McLoughlin and Jennifer Skeffington from Breast Cancer Research.

Every girl loves a diamond!! 
Lisa checking out the bling on display from Noel Finan Fine Cut Diamonds. 

Another beautiful look Helen in nude pink wearing #suziemahonydesigns Vogue Hat.

Our MC for the Day Mandy Maher of Catwalk Modelling Agency.  Wearing soft pink dress from Olivia Danielle.

Mandy Maher and Lisa McGowan 

Millinery Showcase with Catwalk Modelling Agency, featuring Galway’s most popular milliners including Suzie Mahony Designs. 

The Suzie Mahony Designs Hat Collection for the Millinery Showcase with Catwalk Modelling Agency.

I always take this opportunity to introduce new designs and edgy styles to the event, giving the audience a unique taste of hats available from my studio.  Emerald Green Wave embellished with lots of sparkle. 

After a brilliant afternoon guests are taken treated to an evening at the Galway Races on shuttle buses.  Proceeds from the event support Breast Cancer Research (formerly NBCRI), a charity that is positively impacting future outcomes for breast cancer patients by funding world-class breast cancer research at NUI Galway.


I work with these ladies throughout the year so I think I deserve some love!!  jokers. xx

Hope you enjoyed my blog.

Suzie x

Ascot Dress Code: Style & Hats

There is only one Ascot

As long as I can remember I have followed the style, the pomp and all that comes with it from Ascot each year on our screens.  I love it, from all the style and Royalty to the beautifully groomed horses from around the globe.  It is top of my 'to do' list so fingers crossed I will attend in 2018!!!

Clients attending Ascot want the perfect hat and styling the complete look is all part of my role as a Milliner at Suzie Mahony Designs. Designing a hat that works for them and the occasion.

Ascot set the dress code rules each year and these rules are respected and adhered to which gives us all the fabulous spectacle that is Ascot!!.

Each enclosure within Ascot Racecourse has a different character and dress code, from The Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Windsor Enclosure and Village Enclosure.  

The outfits and hats at Ascot are as talked about as the racing itself.  Keeping up with current fashion trends this year Ascot have added the Jumpsuit as part of the allowed dress code list.  

Royal Ascot Style Guide 2017

THE HAT

Hats play a huge part in your overall outfit when attending Ascot.  Large hats styled elegantly with your outfit can look amazing.   If you have the confidence to wear a fabulous hat then attending Ascot it the perfect opportunity to do so.  

Accessories bring your outfit together, try different jewellery and bag styles to complement your look.  

Top Tips for your Ascot Hat:-  

Make sure it sits comfortably and securely on your head.  Attending Ascot is not the time to be fiddling with your hat, you must wear it at all times so try it on beforehand.  Extra elastics or headband options can be done to avoid any problems when you get there.

The Ascot Dress Code 2017

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.

• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.

• Jackets and pashminas may be worn, but the dresses or tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code of having one inch or thicker straps.

• Trouser suits are welcome.  They should be full length and of matching material and colour.

• They must be worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines of not being strapless or sheer.

• Hats should be worn.  A headpiece which has a base of 4" or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times. 

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure. 

• Midriffs must be covered.

• Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4" Dia)

• Shorts are not permitted.

Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2017

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a wonderful time at Ascot 2017.

Suzie x

Racing Style Tips for Ladies Day

Are you Ready for the Races?

This Spring Racing Season is upon us and the fashion stakes are very high.  You want to stand out, look amazing and enjoy every minute.  I'm sharing my Racing Style Guide with you, some tips to help you look the best on the field.  The perfect 'look' takes planning but rest assured I am here to help bring it all together with the perfect HAT!!!

The Racing Season is always spectacular and in recent years we have seen more and more emphasis move from the fillies to the fashionistas!!  Check out the ladies days 2017.

Dressing for the races takes planning and the last thing you need is hassle with your HAT!.

1. Themes/Weather:

Familiarise yourself with the race meeting you are going to attend.  Style your look to take in any specific theme requirements for the day.  Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Great Pic from The Galway Advertiser from the Galway Races
featuring Suzie Mahony Designs on both ladies in Red! Mary Lee and Sophie Small.

2.  Dress for Your Body Shape:

This is the most flattering way to complete your look.  Use tones that complement you, especially near your face and in your hat.  Think classy and elegant.  With low necklines consider the hemline to the knee or just below.

Mandy Maher Catwalk Modelling Agency Judging at The Galway Races wearing Umit Kutluk with Suzie Mahony Designs

Mary Lee wearing Nude Pink Lace Dress with Suzie Mahony Designs Hat.

3  Accessories:

This season accessories are really coming to the fore.  The right combination of accessories will make or break an outfit and you need your Racing Fashion to be perfect.  Matching shoes and bags are often the perfect choice for an elegant look or choosing a vibrant bold shoe and bag style/colour will transform a look with the right dress and hat.  Your most valuable accessory is your 'smile'.

Sarah Jane Moran Wearing Olivia Danielle Suit with Suzie Mahony Designs Hat

Angela Dowd Finalist wearing Suzie Mahony Designs

4.  The HAT:

Your hat is your crowning glory at the races and above any other accessory it sets you apart.  At Suzie Mahony Designs I style the complete look with my clients.  Wear the correct hat or headpiece to add that 'wow' factor to your outfit.  Don't let your hat overpower your outfit.  If you opt for an amazingly creative hat then keep the rest of your look balanced so it works well together.  Make sure your hat is comfortable to wear, I use special cushion pads on my headbands for clients or special strength elastics.  Allow time for your Milliner to design and make your hat.

Emer Nash all in Creams wearing Suzie Mahony Designs

5.  Grooming is GOD!!  

Judges are in search of the complete look and that includes the perfect Nails, Hair and Makeup.  Don't let your hard work go to waste choosing and styling your outfit without the finishing touches.  Do your makeup to last all day.  Remember 'not to prime is a crime' !!

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you have a very enjoyable racing season!

Suzie x