Linear Luxuries

Todd Lynn Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

As a fashion blogger, I have covered Milan, Paris, New York and London fashion weeks this year for Spring/Summer 2013.  The trends that emerged from each location were quite similar, dare I say predictable.  However, some trends really stood out for me as easy to replicate and follow, affordable to touch on and strong enough to draw inspiration from.  Designers appear to be indulging in the linear, zigzag, and striped patterns this summer.  

Swapping the “Black and White” Chanel inspired monochrome colors we have seen on the Winter 2012/13 runways for brighter colours and more striking graphic’s.

This feast for the eyes is the brainchild of designer Todd Lynn.  This lesser known designer designs sophisticated, elegant, and flattering dresses for the everywoman. 

Utilising long lines and elongating the figure by nipping and tucking the fabric at key points on the model’s bodies, I would also describe this dress as nautical.  We all know how big the nautical trend is this summer.  This dress stood out for me as wearable, practical, and I think it will be very easy to find a similar style on the high street or indeed in the DoneDeal fashion section! 

DoneDeal have a vast array of stylish, wearable and affordable summer dresses that can look stunning by day and that can be easily transformed by night using key accessories and a little make up.

Dolce and Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

Furthermore, DoneDeal have a huge range of vintage inspired dresses on offer.  Vintage is a trend that emerges time and time again and each summer seems to bring a revival of all things retro.  Fashion house Dolce and Gabbana have used an authentic retro colour pallet in their summer 2013 collection.  

Blue, yellow, and brown trimmed with crisp white offset this gorgeous dress.  I have seen similar dresses in the DoneDeal fashion section and I always try to snap them up, as they are easy to wear and really make a big statement of just how fashion savvy you really are.  It takes guts to wear such austere colours.  However, the impact that wearing a garment like this makes is fierce.

Top Tip

Team a vintage dress with over sized accessories, and wedges to put a modern twist on any classic item.

INCY BY CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA - Article - Irelands Leading Fashion Website - Fashion.ie

Charlotte Dellal owner of Charlotte Olympia has launched her debut range of children's footwear today.  The collection is adorably titled Incy, after the nursery rhyme, Incy Wincy Spider – and the collection comes conveniently just as designer Charlotte Dellal prepares to welcome her third child.

Featuring six pretty and playful designs, the shoes are inspired by the footwear in the women's mainline collection.  Dellal explains that the children’s shoes within the Incy collection are a mirror image of the adult versions "made miniature for Incy Wincy feet".  The range features luxurious materials such as velvet, pony skin and Swarovski crystal detailing - with prices starting at £75 (€80 approx.) for baby shoes and reaching £295 (€320 approx.) for boots for older girls.

Third time mum-to-be Charlotte explained her dreams surrounding this collection "I always thought I'd design little shoes for little people as soon as I had a girl," Dellal told a reporter at the release.  "However, with two boys now and a third child on the way, I decided to finally launch Incy regardless.  Maybe I'll have a girl this time!"

As a nice extra touch, each pair sold will come with a colouring book and crayons.  In addition, 10 per cent of all first month sales will be donated to The Art Room which is a UK charity offering art therapy to children and young people in order to "raise their self-esteem, confidence and independence".  As a mum myself I love the donation that supports such important aspects of emotional childhood development.

The Charlotte Olympia Incy collection is available to buy exclusively from the Mayfair, Manhattan and Beverly Hills stores, as well as online at www.charlotteolympia.com.

When conducting further research into these designer shoes, I managed to spot some of my favourite celeb’s donning Charlotte Olympia flats.

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How to be a dazzling Debutante in 2013!

Grab a BRAND NEW seriously reduced price Deb’s dress on DoneDeal today!  You can now look every inch the glamorous debutante, while saving yourself some extra cash.  Leaving you free to indulge in all the little treats that make you feel extra special, like a trip to the beauty salon!

The days of trailing the shops for “the perfect dress” are gone.  No longer must us girls despair over a coffee as funds and hope run dangerously low.  Endless unfruitful shopping trips can be soul destroying.  As the date of the “big day” looms, one can feel suffocated at the mere thoughts of trying on another tight satin dress in a small stuffy changing room.  I have been there so I know!
http://blog.donedeal.ie/rachel/


It is the monotony of conventional style of shopping that has led us to amazing online stores like DoneDeal.   

At DoneDeal one can piece together a brand new Deb’s outfit (Dress, bag, shoes, wrap, jewellery and hair accessories) for seriously reduced prices.  DoneDeal takes the hassle out of shopping; a girl can browse a vast array of amazing dresses, shoes and accessories from the comfort of her own home!

Here at DoneDeal why rent when you can buy a brand new one of a kind deb’s dress with savings of 50-70%?


(The pictures featured in this blog are all examples of the huge selection of dresses available daily on Done Deal).

Dazzle at your Deb’s by purchasing everything you need from the huge selection of occasion wear, shoes, and accessories in the DoneDeal fashion section. 

Dress for less and take the hassle out of shopping.  Everything a stunning Debutante needs is right here at DoneDeal.  Sellers on DoneDeal offer BRAND NEW, NEVER WORN, REDUCED PRICE dresses, accessories, and shoes daily.  So, why wait?  Grab a bargain today!

My Top Tip:

The sooner you buy your dress and accessories, the sooner you know the colour pallet you have to work with.  This gives yourself more time to find the perfect make up and eye shadow shades to match you look.  You can also experiment with hairstyles that best suit your dress before the big day and you can even match your nail colour to compliment the overall look.

© 2013 - Rachel Schoene
http://blog.donedeal.ie/rachel/

TRENDY TEETHING - Article - Irelands Leading Fashion Website - Fashion.ie

Commonly known as "teething jewellery" Baltic amber has been a natural and traditional remedy for teething discomfort for hundreds of years.  Baltic amber teething necklaces and bracelets for children are attractive to wear and ideal to provide natural pain relief and soothing analgesic support during teething.

Admittedly I did recoil in horror at the thoughts of the endless choking hazards and near strangulation possibilities. However, upon further research I found that there is a knot between each bead and the actual structure of the jewellery is as safe as possible. If like me however, the thoughts of placing anything around your precious baby’s neck is enough to send you in to a panic attack!! These trendy items of jewellery can be worn around the ankle under a baby grow or sock to avoid being played with or chewed by young babies.  To enjoy all the soothing benefits, simple contact of amber with the skin is enough.

Amber necklaces are not created for chewing!

They work in a completely different way. As a fossilised tree resin, amber has a lot of elements that have positive effect on the whole human body. The amber creates an electromagnetic field, which is believed to balance the nervous system and discharge stress. The amber stone merely needs to be in direct contact with the skins surface to soothe.  Amber teething jewellery is made for wearing not for chewing. Children should be supervised at all times when wearing jewellery and it should be removed when child is sleeping or unattended!

Children or toddlers MUST NOT be left unsupervised when around these beads

The jewellery comes in a variety of warm colours and carries the significant healing and analgesic effects of Natural Amber to remedy teething pain and create comfort for Baby and Mother!!!! Wearing the teething necklace can help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing as teething progresses. Amber teething necklaces have been a source of traditional healing passed on for many generations and are widely used and treasured throughout Europe and the Far East as unparalleled alternative medicine with proven health benefits.

These miracle baby-must-haves are available on-line from a number of baby related websites (some even offer next day delivery) for those facing another day of teething baby horror! And some baby stores sell them too.


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DUBLIN FASHION FESTIVAL - Article - Irelands Leading Fashion Website - Fashion.ie

I recently saw a clip of the gorgeous Laura Whitmore at the launch party for the fourth Dublin Fashion Festival which takes place the 5th to the 8th of September 2013.  To say this event has crept up on me this year is an understatement, time flies when you are trying to rear fashion’s next generation.  The flawless Bray native Whitmore told reporters of her excitement at being chosen as the face of this year’s festival and stylist to the stars Darren Kennedy was on hand to spread the buzz at the launch party (which took place Friday the 26th of July) too.
A press release from the launch fashion show explained
“On launch night we hosted a spectacular fashion show, styled by the excellent Jules Fallon from First Option. The stylish looks were pulled from Brown Thomas, Ilac Centre, Marks & Spencer, Louis Copeland, Clerys, Penneys, Jervis Shopping Centre, Arnotts, Awear, Kilkenny Shop, Powerscourt Centre, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Thomas Pink and Dunnes Stores”.  Judging by the mixed bag of retailers that partook in the launch fashion show it is apparent that there will be fabulous items to be found all around the city during the fashion festival to suit all budgets.

Some of my favourite looks from the DFF Launch Party Fashion Show 26th July 2013

But "what about the children?" I hear you cry....

Dublin Fashion Festival 2013 has plenty of cool activities for kids of fashion forward moms and dads. For a full list of child friendly activities see:

www.dff.ie/event-guide

If like me you are distraught at the prospect of missing out on the four day festival due to your brood and/or childcare issue’s panic not.  This is a child friendly festival, yes I said bring your mini fashionistas along with you!
If you have a little fashionista in your home then the Dublin Fashion Festival has something very special for trendy tots.  The festival is taking to the streets from 6th to 9th of September and will not only have something for fashionable mummies, but for kids too.

There will be on-street games on South Anne Street, such as giant “Jenga” and supersize “Connect 4” to keep kids entertained.  There will also be a mini pink catwalk in the St. Stephen’s Green shopping centre where little trend-setters can strut their stuff, and kids can avail of the on-site dress up box to bling-up their outfit.

This was the mini pink pop-up catwalk at the Dublin Fashion Festival 2012

And this was one of the many on site Dress Up Boxes at last years festival...cute!

 

Like everything else at the four day festival, all kid’s activity is free of charge!!

Complimentary food will be available from some of the fabulous restaurants on South Anne Street to keep energy levels up.  Kitchen will provide the brain food for kids with platters of homemade fish fingers, Gotham Café will provide the carbs with pizza slices while GBK will offer sliders, perfect for little ones on the go.

Dublin Fashion Festival was created to celebrate the thriving fashion industry in Dublin, covering everything from high street chains to boutiques to Irish designs.  The packed programme includes on-street fashion shows across the city, in-store events, and the chance to get a start on your Autumn/Winter wardrobe.
For more information see www.dff.ie

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LMTD BY NAME IT - Article - Irelands Leading Fashion Website - Fashion.ie

I am so excited that I can finally cover this amazing new range from Name It.  LMTD was launched on the 8^th of August by the Danish clothing brand.  Name it may have originated from Denmark but they have been kind enough to set up several stores nationwide in Ireland so we can all grab a slice of their cutting edge children’s fashions.

I regularly shop in Name It now for my children, I was dubious at first (I was a bit of a Primark Princess) but over recent years, I have found Primark quality to be lacking never mind the designs being dull and uninteresting.  I actually stumbled upon a Name It store by chance while out shopping one day with my mother, and since my first purchase, I have been hooked!

The fabrics used for the basics are durable and hardwearing yet easily washed and ironed.  The clothes are for the most part simple yet extremely stylish.  Cotton fabrics and classic cuts dominate Name It’s basic clothes.  Bright colours and fun graphics ensure the brand reflects the children for which the garments are designed. Name It’s price point is also very reasonable when you consider the quality versus other popular children’s clothing brands.  I must also mention that I frequently get nice comments and enquiries as to where I buy my kid’s clothes each time I dress them in Name It clothes.

I forgot to mention the blowout sales that Name It have often, I recently I cleaned up in my local Name It store in Bloomfield's Shopping Centre, in Dun Laoghaire, Co.Dublin. I left with bags and bags of bargains! The staff were so helpful too, as my youngest daughter was quite noisy and acted up constantly as I browsed the rails, the shop assistant was very kind and sympathetic (any moms out there will understand shopping with a teething infant...not fun!) so the right staff for a childrens store is a huge bonus.

(This is a snap I took while browsing, the sale was so good I needed to take some proof home to show my friends!!)

After explaining how my love affair with Name It began, I will now explain why my love affair with Name It has blossomed with this new LMTD range.
Bursting with trendy accessories and high fashion fabrics this LMTD range has broken the mould when it comes to dressing the modern child.  I have mentioned before that I think “pink for a girl and blue for a boy” is a dull guide to shop by when investing for children’s clothes and it appears Name It have rescued this cultural fashion fail.

On their website, www.nameit.com the LMTD range is described:
“Limited by Name It is made with inspiration from catwalk trends in specially selected materials and qualities.  Let yourself get inspired by the many stylish details and imagine your son or daughter in one of the elegant and luxurious outfits”.
I have picked out some of my favourite looks from the LMTD range and highlighted prices too.
Autumn 2013 is all about mix-matching fabrics and textures to create WOW looks.  Denims, charcoal cottons, muted animal prints and metallic accents will all be huge this coming season.

The trendy look below is broken down as:

KIDS RUN WOVEN SCARF LIMITED €16.95 KIDS RAUL SLIM TOP LIMITED €22.95 KIDS BACARY X-SLIM DENIM PANT LIMITED €29.95

The gorgeous look below is broken down as:

KIDS ROSITA KNIT HAT LIMITED €16.95 KIDS EGIT DENIM BLAZER LIMITED €44.95

KIDS RECIA TUNIC LIMITED €34.95 KIDS RONJA LEGGING LIMITED €17.95

My Personal STAR BUY of the LMTD range is: KIDS AGITA DENIM LEGGING LIMITED €29.95

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Essiac® an Effective Alternative Treatment

That All Important Second Opinion

It is no secret that doctors both junior and senior are under immense pressure these days. Constant budget cut's, dangerously increased over time and increasing taxes, lead many doctors to feel constant pressure and stress daily in their lives. Many doctors have recently spoken out about their poor work/life balance, their constant tiredness leading to decreased enthusiasm for patient care and increasing stress levels. Over working our doctors and health professionals like this is dangerous.

This extract is taken from a radio discussion which took place on the 30th of November 2012 on the popular Dublin radio station 98FM.

"Over 800 junior doctors have written to the Minister for Health James Reilly warning that they may have to move abroad.

The campaign, by the Irish Medical Organisation, says the doctors may leave the Irish health system because of the Minister’s policies on consultants.
The HSE and consultants have been in talks over new contracts – which would change their working hours and practices. However, the IMO says there is unease because doctors are being portrayed as though they are driven by greed.

Dr Mark Murphy of the IMO’s NCHD Committee says it’s not just about money – it’s about respect too:  “It’s about a lot of other things such as work/life balance, such as the quality of their working life in the future.” But he adds: “Sure, money matters too and we work in an international environment where doctors can travel easily to Canada, Australia, New Zealand to the UK, and in all these areas consultants and GPs will have better terms and conditions – and money.”.

Those with serious illness do not want an over worked and under paid doctor giving a quick diagnosis of "No-Hope" because they simply don't have the time or energy to explore and prescribe alternative treatments. We all want the best treatment by the best doctors and nurses available to us in our times of need. 

But what does one do when the medical system fails to meet the need's of a patient? Most of us use our own drive and enthusiasm to seek alternative therapies/medications that may aid our symptoms.

It is often this type of scenario or following a medical diagnosis of "no-hope" for serious illness that leads one to explore the world of alternative medicines and treatments. 
 
Where one tired, over worked and under paid doctor might be all too happy to send a seriously ill person home with a fist full of pills and a prescription for unlimited pain relief. Another doctor with a happier less stressed out disposition may inform a person to look into alternative treatments and less invasive ways to alleviate pain and suffering. 

It is this second opinion that most fail to seek. Contrary to popular belief, nowadays, many doctors are all but too happy to recommend various natural remedy's for the most basic to the most serious of illnesses and ailments. It is no secret of how beneficial holistic treatments are. It is these doctors and healthcare professionals that often recommend the use of Essiac®. 

Essiac® benefits the body in a holistic way. When the body is treated holistically treatment occurs from the inside out. Essiac®’s primary actions are to remove heavy metals within the body, detoxify the blood, restore energy levels and re-build the immune system. After this occurs, the body is restored to a level where it is better able to defeat illness and disease state using its own resources!

It is well known that essiac® from www.kitchenslave.ie is a 100% naturopathic medicine. Used since 1922 to help alleviate pain and suffering and restore health to people worldwide. It is no secret that this stuff works. Essiac® is a unique blend of four powerful natural ingredients (Burdock Root, Sheep Sorrel, Slippery Elm Bark and Indian Rhubarb Root).

When combined these ingredients help to:

• normalise the body systems
• boost immunity 
• cleanse the blood 
• purging toxic build up’s within the body
• promote cell repair and aid's recovery

• Official Essiac® from www.kitchenslave.ie is produced to a pharmaceutical grade certification.

Official Essiac® from www.kitchenslave.ie is approved by Health Canada with a NPN Number (Natural Product Number) and also approved in writing by the FDA in the USA as a herbal supplement.

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© 2013 - Rachel Schoene

Essiac® for Pets

It can be heart-breaking watching your much loved cat or dog attempt to recover from a serious illness or disease all on their own.  Often all most caring pet owners can do is look on and hope that their pet will recover well from illness or disease on their own with the aid of limited drugs from the vet and plenty of TLC!.

However, would it not be amazing to be able to aid your pet in a holistic way, using a unique blend of powerful herbs called Essiac® that could leave your furry family friend feeling energised, revived, and bursting with vitality?  Ready to chew the next slipper or tease the goldfish more!!!

Thousands of humans worldwide have realised the benefits of taking Essiac® themselves.  Essiac® for Pets works in the same way, supporting weak immune systems, soothing the body systems, and cleansing the blood with its powerful antioxidant rich formula.  Essiac® can have such powerful results on humans; it is wonderful that pets can now experience these same benefits.  

ESSIAC^® for Pets is a 100% naturopathic medicine.  Used since 1922 to help alleviate pain and suffering and restore health to humans worldwide.  ESSIAC^® for Pets is a unique blend of four powerful naturally occurring ingredients (Burdock Root, Sheep Sorrel, Slippery Elm Bark and Indian Rhubarb Root).  

Essiac^® for Pets is produced to a pharmaceutical grade certification. 

• At www.kitchenslave.ie the price they quote is the price you pay. All our prices are inclusive of all Taxes and Charges.  Order Now

ESSIAC^® is approved by Health Canada with a NPN Number (Natural Product Number) and approved in writing by the FDA in the USA as a herbal supplement.  Therefore, you know that by choosing to treat your cat or dog to a course of this wonder tonic, that you are ensuring your pet is consuming only the best herbal supplement.

How will taking ESSIAC® for Pets benefit my Pet?

• ESSIAC® for Pets detoxes the blood, cleanses the lymphatic system, strengthening vital organ systems.

• ESSIAC® for Pets cleanses the body of toxins and in turn soothes all organ systems.
• ESSIAC® for Pets nourishes the blood. ESSIAC® for Pets contains many vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients that promote health and wellbeing.
• ESSIAC® for Pets detoxes the liver, helps clean out the gut and improves circulation.

ESSIAC^® for Pets benefits your furry friend’s body in a holistic way.  When the body is treated holistically, treatment occurs from the inside out.  
 ESSIAC^®’s primary actions are to remove heavy metals within the body, detoxify the blood, restore energy levels and re-build the immune system.  After this occurs, the body is restored to a level where it is better able to defeat illness and disease state using its own resources!

Use ESSIAC^® for Pets to help boost the immune system, cleanse the body of toxins, promote health, aiding the body’s natural recovery from illnesses.  Why would you not opt to treat your family pet in this gentle way using ESSIAC^® for Pets?

How do I give Essiac® for Pets to my cat or dog?

• Essiac® for Pets capsules can be given with a small amount of food or juice to help facilitate consumption. 
• Essiac® for Pets is most effective when taken 1 hour before or after meals.

See below for the suggested daily amount of Essiac® for Pets for cats and dogs. 

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Pet’s Weight	Dosage of Essiac®	Frequency	Bottles Required
Up to 9 kgs	½ Capsule	Twice Daily	2
10 to 23 kgs	1 Capsule	Twice Daily	3
Over 23 kgs	2 Capsules	Twice Daily	6

BEWARE OF COUNTEREITS

Avoid buying Counterfeit Essiac® and Tru-Pine® products on-line; www.kitchenslave.ie.com is an Official Certified Distributor of Authentic Tru-Pine™ Bark Extract and ESSIAC® products.

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© 2013 - Rachel Schoene