Wearable Whistles

High-street store, Whistles, have launched their autumn/winter collection that features timeless pieces that balance looking polished and with

wearability – welcoming the return of the pared-back, highly versatile wardrobe.

The collection features sharp tailoring, fluid dresses and texture-rich fabrics.

The Belfast store is located on the ground floor at Victoria Square, so don’t forget to pay it a visit on your next shopping trip.

Below are some of my favourite pieces from the collection:

Fashion Pick Of The Week

Boots Are Back!

The summer weather has been a bit of a let down, to say the least. My summer wardrobe barely got a look in and I am already yearning to get back into my cosy autumn apparel. I had bought the on-trend ballet pumps and platform sandals to wear during the summer months, but to be honest, I just can’t wait to get back into boots. The high street stores have been bringing in their autumn/winter collection of boots, from biker-style to classic heels, so I will be on the lookout for my go-to boots for the season ahead.

Dune London, Tilings boots, £200.

Albie shiny croc boots, Whistles.

Cowboy boots, £89, Marks & Spencer.

Fashion Pick of the Week

This weeks Fashion Pick of the Week is Studs.
Clothes and fashion accessories are being adorned in studs for a rock chick look. This will be coming through for autumn/winter with big fashion names such as Loewe and Hermes featuring studs in their catwalk collections. The hardware trend gives feminine fashion a bit of edge, in the words of Sandy in Grease…Tell me about it, stud!
Black Kylie stud denim shirt, £79, John Lewis.
Stud bag, £39.50, Marks & Spencer.

Fashion Pick of the Week

Going For Gold
Inspired by the Paris Olympics and the medals scooped by team GB and team Ireland (how incredible were our NI representatives by the way!), this week’s fashion pick is…gold!

Metallics have been a steady fashion trend, but we will see gold really coming through in the autumn and winter months ahead.


Tammie gold satin trouser suit, £106, Rebecca Rhoades
Gold pearl buckle pointed shoe, £70, Oliver Bonas
Gold metallic trousers, £22.50, F&F.

Image Skincare’s – DAILY PREVENTION™

IMAGE Skincare’s latest launch, DAILY PREVENTION™, was designed to make daily suncare

protection slot into any routine and the award-winning brand considered every type of client when it redesigned the range.

The Advanced Smart Blend Mineral Moisturiser SPF 50 was developed as a colour-correcting daily moisturiser with the brand’s new XOSM™ Technology and is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as safe and effective sun protection.

 Physician-formulated and dermatologist-tested, this colour-correcting formula offers coverage that effortlessly adapts to all skin tones while boasting IMAGE’s highest level of sun protection. Specifically designed to be gentle on sensitive skin, the Smart Blend is perfect for compromised skin post-cosmetic procedures such as microneedling, peels, and laser treatments.

Key Features

  • Protect against UV rays & Blue Light
  • Neutralise redness by 21%
  • Soothe with green seaweed, holy Thai basil, & lady’s thistle extract
  • Boost Hydration with vegan squalane derived from sugarcane

Powerful ingredients such as Ectoin, protect against free radical damage and shield oxidative stress, while Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate brightens and fights signs of ageing.

Micro-algae, one of the most beneficial antioxidants found in nature, and Acetyl Zingerone, another potent antioxidant, help the new product boast incredible anti-pollution properties

 

DAILY PREVENTION™ Protect and Refresh Mist SPF 30

 

IMAGE Skincare Daily Prevention Protect and Refresh Mist is a hydrating dry-oil SPF 30 with XOSM Technology™ for touchless reapplication that goes on clear with a glowing, barely-there feel.

  • This hydrating dry-oil spray goes on clear and absorbs quickly for a beautiful glow
  • Protects against the effects of UV rays and blue light
  • Meadowfoam seed oil helps lock in moisture to leave skin soft and supple
  • Great over makeup and SPF reapplication on the go

ABOUT DAILY PREVENTION™

Comprising of six cutting-edge products, the range introduces a proprietary, patent-pending, protection-boosting complex that amplifies its antioxidant potency. With a focus on daily dual defense these products deliver anti-ageing hydration and sun protection, fostering healthier and more radiant skin.

The exciting new range includes a colour-correcting mineral high protection daily moisturiser, hydrating and matte SPFs, both tinted and untinted, a hydra silk ultra-defense spf, and a hydrating mist spf30 for top-ups on the go.

The new XOSM™ Technology optimises the delivery and penetration of potent antioxidants like Ectoin, micro-algae, and highly stable vitamin C—creating a robust second line of defense against environmental stressors.

IMAGE Skincare’s DAILY PREVENTION™ line will be available on www.imageskincare.ie and at professional spas, salons and clinics nationwide.

PRICING
 
DAILY PREVENTION™ Advanced Smart Blend Mineral Moisturiser SPF 50 €85.50
DAILY PREVENTION™ Protect and Refresh Mist SPF30 €53.50
 

 

DAILY PREVENTION™ Protect and Refresh Mist SPF 30
DAILY PREVENTION™ Advanced Smart Blend Mineral Moisturiser SPF 50

A full list of IMAGE stockists & clinics can be found here: https://imageskincare.ie/find-a-pro/

 

‘Lore’: Annie Leona’s Folklore Fashion Exhibit

The Island Arts centre in Lisburn offers host to this unique fashion exhibit this August, promising to offer ‘femininity, folklore and romance’.  As you weave your way around this exhibition, you will experience a world where myth and reality blur as Annie Leona breathes new life through her craft and creativity.

Inspired by rural Irish backround, Leona has captured the beauty of mythical imaginings and serene landscapes in her ‘fairy tail’ fashion designs. Leona’s influence has risen from deep-rooted childhood memories and the natural beauty that her home has to offer.

In honour to her heritage, Leona uses the highest-quality 100% Irish linens in which she aims to capture the highest quality in the creation of her clothes, whilst incorporating ethical methods of production to ensure her pieces ‘stand the test of time’.

Diving into a world of fantasy, Leona’s exhibit will showcase high-quality designs backed by an undoubtable passion for her craft and is sure not to disappoint.

Leona will also be leading a creative workshop on Saturday 31st August, for those who want to learn further about the creative process and skill that lie behind her mythical collection.

Thoughts of Home Collection
LORE collection

Annie Leona at her Exhibition Launch
Annie Leona at her Exhibition Launch

Also on display are a selected variety of Annies debut collection, ‘Thoughts of Home’ which Launched in 2022 after her appearance on BBCs A Stitch through Time. This collection is “an honest and true appreciation of Ireland’s natural beauty and the secrets that it covets… I wanted to harness this intangible feeling by paying tribute to all of the beautiful places I am so lucky to call home from the orchard fields of Co. Armagh to the ragged Cliffs of Donegal”.

Annie Leona’s new ‘Lore’ collection launches September 2024 available to view at: www.Annieleona.com

To keep up-to-date with events and workshops happening at the ISLAND Arts Centre follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook | @islandartscentre

Fashion Pick of the Week

Leopard Print
Leopard print has come in and out of style for years and it has been making a comeback for 2024. The powerful print oozes ‘femme fatale’ and plays into the recent ‘mob-wife’ trend that has been prevalent with Gen-Z. Leopard print had the reputation of being ’tacky’ but it is all in the styling… for fashionistas, leopard print is definitely chic!

River Island have a selection of on-trend leopard print pieces.

Brown Leopard Print Suede Trainers £50, River Island
Brown Shirred Leopard Print Blouse £36, River Island
Brown Leopard Print Frill Trim Slip Midi Dres £50, River Island
Brown Leopard Print Relaxed Straight Jeans £48

AyuGlo Unveils New Gradual Premium Tan Formula

AyuGlo is excited to announce the launch of its new Gradual Tan, a beautiful, buttery moisturiser designed to provide a natural-looking, streak-free tan. This innovative formula is packed with high-quality ingredients sealed with the Guaranteed Irish symbol that nourish and protect the skin while delivering a beautiful glow.
This gradual tan offers a subtle and controlled approach to achieving a bronzed hue, building colour slowly with each application. This allows you to customise your tan to your desired level, ensuring a more natural and seamless finish.
This fantastic formula features a blend of luxurious ingredients known for their skin benefits, including wine extract, which is rich in polyphenolic compounds that act as powerful antioxidants, helping to protect the skin from free radicals and promoting a healthy, youthful appearance. Truffle extract, sourced from the prestigious regions of South-France and North-Italy, is renowned for its richness in amino acids, minerals, and valuable sugars. This extract offers tonifying and moisture-balancing effects, enhancing the skin’s overall condition. Shea butter, provides excellent skin conditioning properties, delivering deep hydration and improving skin texture. Additionally, sunflower oil, which is known for its emollient properties, spreads well and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue. Enriched withVitamin F, the sunflower oil nourishes and uplifts the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
For best results, wax or shave 24 hours before use. Ensure skin is clean, exfoliated, and free from moisturisers, deodorant, make-up, or perfume.
Apply the tanner using a mitt in circular motions, starting from the ankles upwards. Allow the product to dry before dressing and allow to develop for 4-8 hours.
AyuGlo’s Gradual Tanner 200ml (RRP €16.95) is available fromwww.ayucosmetics.com, Ayu Cosmetics Stores in Kildare Village

Birthday Celebrations

Back in April 2006, Ulster Tatler covered one of the most fashionable events of the month. Lara Salmon attended Style Academy’s 15th birthday, which was held at the Potthouse’s Sugar Room, with a splashing red dress code.

Jill Morgan and Christine Bleakley

In attendance were broadcaster, Christine Bleakley, Fiona Hurley former Miss Northern Ireland, UTV’s Julian Simmons, PR director Cathy Martin and Style Academy managing director, Tracey Hill.

Lara Salmon, Fiona Hurley, Julian Simmons and Cathy Martin

 

Tracey Hall with Moira and Ashlee from Style Academy

 

 

 

 

 

Ivona adds a dash of extraordinary style to Down Royal’s November Festival of Racing

County Down woman is crowned bottlegreen Best Dressed on Ladies Day

 

Down Royal saw fashion fanatics from across the island of Ireland dress to impress in their autumnal frocks and fascinators at this year’s ‘Best Dressed’ competition sponsored by premium soft drinks brand bottlegreen.

 

Ivona Moore from Kilkeel was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘Best Dressed’ title on Ladies Day which took place on day two of the renowned Ladbrokes Festival of Racing.

 

The judging panel for this year’s contest included Cool FM Presenter and fashion enthusiast Rebecca McKinney, 2023 Miss Northern Ireland winner Kaitlyn Clarke and Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks, part of The SHS Group.

 

Following the glitz and glamour of the infamous competition Ivona took home the ultimate ‘Shop, Stay and Spa’ weekend experience generously sponsored by bottlegreen. The package includes a luxurious overnight stay for two at the Culloden Estate & Spa including breakfast, a 50-minute ESPA spa treatment, a bottle of champagne and an eight-course tasting menu with accompanying wine pairings. Ivona will then treat herself to a shopping spree at Victoria Square with a Personal Shopping Experience and a voucher worth £1,000.

 

Ivona stunned the judging panel with her outfit featuring a striking maroon ensemble with dress from Club L London, co-ordinating headpiece and clutch from CC Millinery, shoes from Mango and coat from NA-KD.

 

Commenting on her win, Ivona said: “I’m absolutely delighted and quite frankly extremely shocked to be crowned this year’s Best Dressed Lady.

 

“I have a love for all things fashion and beauty and to be crowned the winner of the ‘Best Dressed’ competition among all these gorgeous ladies is such an honour.

 

“A huge thank you to all the judges for awarding me with this prestigious title.”

 

Commenting on this year’s Best Dressed Lady competition Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks and The SHS Group said:“This is the first year bottegreen has sponsored the ‘Best Dressed’ competition and I have been blown away by the spectacle of style we’ve witnessed.

 

“It was extremely difficult to select an overall winner but the style and elegance of Ivona’s outfit made her stand out as the unanimous choice. Huge congratulations to Ivona on this fabulous achievement and I hope she enjoys her relaxing ‘Shop, Stay and Spa’ weekend treat.

 

“It has been a pleasure partnering with Down Royal as title sponsor of the ‘Best Dressed’ competition and we’re delighted to have played our part in adding a ‘dash of the extraordinary’ for all the ladies in attendance.”

 

Kathyrn Holland, Commercial Manager at Down Royal Racecourse added: “The Ladbrokes Festival of Racing is a highly anticipated event both in terms of sport and style in Northern Ireland, and across the two days we have witnessed not only some fabulous fashion, but some outstanding horse racing.

 

“This year’s ‘Best Dressed’ competition, sponsored by bottlegreen Drinks, showcased some of the best frocks, fascinators and footwear we’ve seen, and Ivona blew the judges away with her sensational style.

 

“Huge congratulations to Ivona on being crowned this year’s winner and we hope she will enjoy her very deserving prize.”

 

Ivona Moore from Kilkeel in Co. Down was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘Best Dressed’ title on Ladies Day which took place on day two of the renowned Ladbrokes Festival of Racing. The competition was judged by Cool FM Presenter and fashion enthusiast Rebecca McKinney, 2023 Miss Northern Ireland winner Kaitlyn Clarke and Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks, part of The SHS Group. Pictured (L-R) are Maria McAvoy, Faith Amond, Donna Mullan, Shileen McConville, Emma Murray, Ivona Moore, Rebecca McCausland, Nicole Mallen, Aimee Boyle and Judith Beckett.
Ivona Moore from Kilkeel in Co. Down was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘Best Dressed’ title on Ladies Day which took place on day two of the renowned Ladbrokes Festival of Racing. The competition was judged by Cool FM Presenter and fashion enthusiast Rebecca McKinney, 2023 Miss Northern Ireland winner Kaitlyn Clarke and Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks, part of The SHS Group. Pictured (L-R) are Kaitlyn Clarke, Rebecca McKinney, Ivona Moore and Sarah Lawson.
Ivona Moore from Kilkeel in Co. Down was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘Best Dressed’ title on Ladies Day which took place on day two of the renowned Ladbrokes Festival of Racing at Down Royal. The competition was judged by Cool FM Presenter and fashion enthusiast Rebecca McKinney, 2023 Miss Northern Ireland winner Kaitlyn Clarke and Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks, part of The SHS Group.

The Name’s Bond

Legend Lady Mary Peters cut the ribbon for the official opening of jewellery designer Melanie Bond’s brand new boutique in Dromore town centre. The newly-opened store in the heart of Dromore specialises in the designer’s handmade jewellery, Wearable Truth, alongside a range of clothing and accessories.

Hundreds of fans and customers gathered in the picturesque town for the official opening. Melanie Bond is a jewellery designer and maker with 20 years of experience, stocking a range of accessories and clothing in addition to her own jewellery line, Wearable Truth. Melanie also specialises in bespoke commissions, ideal for any occasion, and gifting. The opening of Melanie Bond Boutique is a major boost for Dromore. Guests were treated to live music and refreshments in the square before a fashion showcase, hosted by broadcaster Cate Conway, featuring fashion, accessories and handmade jewellery from Melanie Bond Boutique, along with fashion by Stephen Mageean Bespoke and millinery by Halo Studio (Dromore). 

Models Nuala Meenehan, Rebekah Martin and Laura McIlhagger made the town square their catwalk for the day! Hair and makeup was provided by Beauty Bank and Thee Salon (Dromore). Melanie Bond Boutique is located on Bridge Street in Dromore.

Effortless Updos: 5 Summer Hair Styling Tips for Quick and Chic Hairstyles

When it comes to Summer hair, it’s all about finding a look that is low maintenance, but maximum style!  With the right techniques and a touch of creativity, you can elevate simple hairstyles to capture the essence of the season.  Multi award-winning hairdresser Sharon Malcolm, the second female hairdresser from Northern Ireland to be inducted into the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame, shares her expert tips for styling your hair this summer.
1. Boho-Inspired Waves: Embrace the natural texture of your hair and achieve beachy waves by braiding damp hair before bed. In the morning, undo the braids and spritz on a texturizing spray for added volume and definition. Why not use a conical wand to add a curl?  Pull one side of the hair back and secure with a Cha Cha clip for an extra boho touch.
2. Stay cool this summer with a sleek high ponytail that exudes class and simplicity. For an added touch of elegance, take a small section of hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, cleverly concealing the elastic. This simple yet chic hairstyle is versatile enough to complement both casual outings and formal occasions.
3. Half-Up Crown: Channel your inner bohemian goddess with a half-up crown. Take the front section of your hair and a section from each side of your head, brush back and secure. You can lightly tease the front section and add some volume for a chic and versatile half-updo that’s ideal for festivals and summer nights out.
4. Scarf-Adorned Low Ponytail: Add a pop of color and style to a low ponytail by incorporating a vibrant scarf. Tie the scarf around the base of the ponytail, allowing the ends to flow freely. The scarf adds a playful touch of colour and effortless style to the classic ponytail.
5. Hassle-free Hair: Looking for a hassle-free look that keeps your locks in place without any irritation? Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to the effortless hold of a Cha Cha clip! Simply twist your hair at the nape of your neck, lift the ponytail and securely fasten it with a Cha cha clip. Unlike bulldog clips, which can snag and irritate your scalp, the Cha Cha clip offers a hair-friendly alternative. Its gentle grip ensures a secure hold while keeping you completely unaware of its presence.
Experiment with these summer hair tips and find the look that suits your personal style, making it your own. If you want to make a statement and do something different with your boho-inspired waves, the Cha Cha Clip can elevate your hairstyle with its unique and understated design and a range of colour choices.
Created by Sharon Malcolm, the Cha Cha Clip is made with 100% real hair. This unique hair clip elevates a good look into an awesome style with a strong bespoke clip that can be matched to people’s hair colouring. Cha Cha Clips are now available at Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing or via www.chachahairproducts.com.