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Maisie Williams's disco ball bag

Did you see Maisie Williams's amazing bag at the Game of Thrones S5 premiere?

The fun-size disco ball comes from Lulu Guinness and if you're feeling flush, you can find it at Luisaviaroma.com for €340 or House of Fraser for £295.

Outlander costumes - fashion inspiration



If you're an Outlander fan with even the slightest interest in the show's costumes, Terry Dresbach's blog is required reading.

She's costume designer for the show, and through her blog she illuminates the huge amounts of work required to pull the costumes together, and the compromises needed to balance historical accuracy with the practicalities of filming.

As well as insights into her life and work in Scotland, her blog features tons of photos, sketches, design concepts and research. There's also a great post where she answers a criticism about authenticity and the validity of her research.

Drape front blouses: fabulously flattering

Now, this is a trend I can get on board with.

Drape front tops or blouses can look effortlessly cool if you dress them down with a pair of skinny jeans, or totally chic and professional if you team with a pencil skirt and heels.

Not only that, but they're super flattering and easy to wear. And as they're all over the high street, you won't be short of options.

Topshop has a great range of long and short sleeved tops, including versions for tall girls, petite girls, and even mums-to-be. (This makes me wonder why Topshop don't have a plus size range. As far as I know, sizes only go up to a 16.)

I love this dusty lavender shade.  Unfortunately it's out of stock online, but I did see it in-store just yesterday - might be one to snap up if you see it?



Surf inspiration: Silvana Lima catching some air at the Roxy Pro

Brazilian surfer Silvana Lima made the first 10 of the year at the 2015 Roxy Pro Gold Coast.


She followed up her air reverse with a series of cutbacks, earning her the perfect ten: full marks from each of the judges.

Silvana will next surf against Stephanie Gilmore in the quarter-finals - let's hope for some more sick moves then!

Not sure about this trend

Fashionistas, if you've been paying any attention at all, you'll know there's a massive 1970s vibe coming through for Spring-Summer 2015. Boho is back, flares return, and denim is everything.

As part of this though, there's a micro-trend I'm really not sure about. At all.

I'm calling it the "partly see-through pants with matching top look", which should be self-explanatory.

Without more ado, the photographic evidence.

Exhibit A-sos (geddit?): ASOS Crochet Flares


Okay, I admit I can kind of see this working as an Ibiza hippy look, but only if worn by a supermodel type whose beauty routine consists of coconut oil. You know - if you crossed Gisele Bundchen with Hollywood flower child Shailene Woodley.


Exhibit B: Topshop - Sheer Striped Flared Trousers by Rare




This, however, I cannot understand at all.

If you can figure it out, please leave a comment.


Brown Thomas Extraordinary Beauty: Mac Cosmetics and Shu Uemura haul

Eyeshadow palette from Shu Uemura and lipsticks from Mac's Toledo collection



It's that time of year again, when beauty addicts find themselves captivated by the shiny new season offerings on cosmetics counters.

Brown Thomas are celebrating with their Extraordinary Beauty event. There are complimentary makeovers and makeup lessons, visiting makeup artists, and personal beauty stylists on hand.

You might have seen the Beauty magazine with today's Irish Times. Otherwise, expect to see a copy in the post if you have a BT loyalty card, or pick one up in-store.

I popped into the Dublin store on the very first day of the event, which runs until 15 March. (This also happens to be Mother's Day. Just sayin'.) Naturally, I didn't leave empty-handed.

The Mac Toledo Collection has been out for a while in the States but has just launched here, and includes some striking red lipsticks. I seem to be on mission to collect every red lipstick in the world, so couldn't resist grabbing the Opera and Victoriana shades.

They're quite similar, with Victoriana being a touch warmer, while Opera leans more a little more towards a cherry red shade. Both are strongly pigmented, with a mostly matte finish.

The eyeshadow palette from Shu Uemura is eye-wateringly expensive, but if you do the maths based on individual shadow refills, you're getting six eyeshadows free, plus the double-ended brush. (Also softening the blow when I bought it were a free lipstick, brow appointment and sample of the iconic Shu cleansing oil.)

The palette mixes shimmer and matte shades, with a great range of neutral tones from lightest to darkest. Apparently, you can swap out individual shades in the palette with refills.

I might be eating beans on toast for the next week, but at least I'll be able to look good while I do it!