Galway Fashion Trail

Galway Fashion Trail

I attended the Galway Fashion Trail on 5th November and here is my blog of the day.

This was my first time to be one of the blogger group for the event with ITWBN and it didn't disappoint.  Saibh and Sinead (ITWBN) did an amazing job coordinating the 20 VIP Fashion bloggers for the day, some travelling from other parts of Ireland.  It was lovely to meet up again with some familiar faces.

Organised by Galway Now Magazine the Galway Fashion Trail featured 8 fashion shows with Catwalk Modelling Agency throughout the city.  Its a real treat to get to see the shows from 'the other side'.  I'm usually behind the scenes styling my hats and accessories, this way I could enjoy the whole experience of the trail.  We are all familiar with the larger stores in Galway but for me the trail was about showcasing the variety and style on offer from Galway Boutiques.  They do give us choice but more importantly they offer quality which will be in your wardrobe for seasons to come!!

We were fuelled up for the day at Colm Quinn BMW showroom at 9.30am!! yes on a Saturday morning, but it was well worth it.  We were given a fantastic Bloggers Buffet Breakfast.  They even had a photobooth for some fun pics with Newell Events.  Here we had the opportunity to get up close to the BMW range in the showroom, of course it would be rude not to sit in and try out a few!! Fabulous cars.  I met with our Major Mr Larkin who was taught by my mother in national school!! Small world!!

In style the ITWBN bloggers were chauffeured into town and dropped to the first of our Fashion Shows at Collette Latchford Boutique, a well established ladies store in Galway and showcased some of the key labels she stocks including MarcCain and Onjenu.

We moved on to Greene's Shoeshop in the shopping centre for the next show with The Galway Hat Shop.  All you need for winter with cosy woolly hats, scarves and boots / shoes from Greenes.  We all popped into the Hat Shop to have some fun trying hats on.

One of the highlights on the trail was The Treasure Chest.  An Iconic Galway store celebrating 50 years in business this year with the amazing Mary Bennett at the helm.  Mary greeted us in style and we enjoyed some great fashion looks for smart/casual with felt hats showcased from Suzie Mahony Designs.  Here I also got to meet up and coming designer Colin Burke, a giant of a lad with great chat, it was lovely to meet him, his work is stunning and I look forward to seeing more of his creations in the future.

Mandy Maher from Catwalk Modelling Agency and Sinead Carroll Irish Blogger Agency both wearing their Suzie Mahony Designs Trilby's out and about for the Galway Fashion Trail.

Willow was our next stop and we were in for a treat with some very classy looks and occasion dresses.  Love this look worn by Eliska.

We were all looking forward to Lunch at Caprice Cafe.  I met Vicki on arrival and we were treated to a buffet lunch.  Here I won the beautiful Zoeva Makeup set from Matt O'Flaherty's - amazing prize and I can't wait to try it out.

After a well earned rest our next show was Rococco where we saw some trendy fashion and some of the house interior items they sell caught my eye. Quirky pieces that would add some character to a room.

Around the corner Choice Boutique and the Kilkenny Shop had the balloons out for us.  Choice showed us layered looks for winter, with lots of options: bags, scarves, jackets looking fab with shoes from Prego.

It really did begin to look like Christmas in the Kilkenny Shop,  I love rummaging through this shop at Christmas time, great gifts for everyone.  They spoilt us by gifting each blogger a beautiful Dyrberg/Kern Ireland ring from the COMPLIMENTS Collection.  The rings consist of a gold, rose gold or silver band at €20 and the toppers are €40-55 each. I can't wait for mine to arrive.

Harper was ready for our final show of the day.  Modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency the girls showcased dresses and headpieces for all occasions to a packed store.

The wrap party was hosted by The Front Door.  A wonderful day of fashion and fun, thanks to ITWBN, Galway Now Magazine and all the businesses involved in making it such a great day.

Try and pop into some of these lovely shops when you are next in Galway.

I really enjoyed the experience and I hope you enjoyed my blog.

Suzie

Winter Accessory Styling Ideas

Winter Accessory Styling

Autumn/Winter Colours are my favourite, the tones of the garden and outside, burnt oranges, maroon, camel, browns, copper and much more.  All these tones work together so well in nature and there is no reason they won't work for us when accessorising.

I was delighted to welcome Ruth Kemple to my Studio recently for an afternoon of Winter Styling using Accessories from my Suzie Mahony Designs Collections.

Ruth writes a Beauty and Lifestyle blog called The Beauty Kemple and we had great fun putting together some ideas.  We even did a live video on the day which was great fun in the wind!!

Khaki and Black:  

I choose this wool felt trilby trimmed in black for a casual winter daywear with Ruth's Khaki jacket but teamed it with one of my beaded collars to add a pop of colour with the white shirt, jeans and black boots.  

Lovely trendy look, just mix and match and it comes together. 

Perfect for a day out shopping or lunch with friends, very comfortable but stylish.

This season it is really on trend to wear hats everyday and for me the Trilby is perfect, its so warm made from pure wool felt and it looks smart, to give it an edgy look just tilt the front slightly over one eye and step out in style.  

Felt is soft and it will mould to your head as long as it is not too tight.

Faux Fur and Red:  

For a touch of opulance we used a beautiful faux fur collar over a camel coat with a striking new AW Red Bow Percher Hat.  Great look for the winter racing season.  You certainly wouldn't look out of place at Leopardstown or Cheltenham.

Black Widow Hat: 

This time we went for a style to suit both Winter Wedding or Winter Racing.  This black pillbox hat trimmed with over the face spot merry widow veiling really catches the eye.  With a faux fur jacket, leather back and again the black boots to finish.  To introduce a little sparkle Ruth wore one of my beaded collars in silver/black. Of course you could wear any colour dress with these accessories and an elegant court shoe or classic trouser suit and ankle boot.

Burnt Mustard/Black:  

One of my favourite looks of the day was mixing this unusual Mustard silk wave hat with the beaded collar in Mustard/Black tones.  A black bag and your accessories are complete with a simple dress or suit for winter weddings or races.  

Without the hat the collar is a great item to use with a simple shirt or jumper to brighten up your look. 

Beaded collars have been part of my studio collections for a number of years when dealing with private clients, but this year it seems we are finally appreciating how wearable they are.  You can have a collar designed in any colourway to work for your wardrobe.  I also design pearl/formal collars which transform a look for  a special occasion or even bridal designs in soft ivory/metallics.

These are just some of the looks we tried out, you should mix and match with your wardrobe accessories and see what you come up with.  

Adding different textures and a little colour will change everything.

Thank you for reading my blog I hope you enjoyed it.  Suzie