Travels with my Aunt

Murder Mysteries

Last Saturday evening we were at Pizza Express providing the entertainment for a hen night. Joanna runs a murder mystery company- Play Dead - and we often perform together. As well as being enjoyable, it gives us opportunities to dress up in vintage and glamorous outfits from Victorian ladies and suffragettes, through 1920's flappers and 1950's belles to modern Bond girls. We also get to travel to interesting places including stately homes and grand hotels. The pictures shown are from Death of a Diva, which we performed on Saturday. It is set around the glamorous Hollywood of the 1940's with starlets behaving badly. It certainly gets the adrenaline going as it requires a lot of improvisation but it is worth it at the end when you know that everyone has had a good night joining in the fun. For pictures of the hen night at Pizza Express and other recent performances, check out Play Dead's Facebook page here. Aunty Jo has been collecting costumes from different eras for many years and gets some evening dresses from TK Maxx and many items from charity shops and vintage fairs, such as the Fashion Souk for details see their Facebook page here.

Tiger Tiger

Following on from Kenzo's successful embroidered tiger-face jumper, lots of copy-cats have been popping up all over the High Street. Zara and H&M have done the best job of recreating the look. Tiger print has always been popular but the large tiger face motif has put a fresh spin on it. This new look is also a step away from the traditional browns, blacks and creams into bright unexpected colours. With Kenzo continuing to sell the jumpers in their Kiosk, the trend doesn't seem ready to disappear any time soon.

Camille's outfit : tiger jumper from H&M sale, pink brocade skirt from New Look sale.

Joanna's outfit : tiger t-shirt from H&M, shorts from Tesco, sandals from Clarks.

Baby Blues

In honour of the new Royal baby boy, we took inspiration from Kate's first appearance as a new mum and opted for blue. Kate's blue polka-dot dress was custom made for her by Jenny Packham and was perfect for the occasion. Congratulations to the new parents, we look forward to seeing more of Kate's yummy mummy looks in the future.

Camille's outfit : denim dress from New Look (similar here), white satchel from H&M here, white Dr Martens available here.

Joanna's outfit : studded t-shirt from Primark, blue skinny jeans from Primark, blue sandals from Barratts (old) similar available here.

Travels with my Aunt

The Springhill Costume Collection

Springhill is a 17th century Plantation home in mid-Ulster which is owned by the National Trust. It has an extensive costume collection which is displayed in the old laundry room and is changed regularly to portray different eras and aspects of life in the house. The day we visited was a sunny summer day that allowed us to take full advantage of the beautiful walled gardens and parkland. The children enjoyed the playground and exploring secret pathways leading to giant chairs and hideaways. We were keen to view the latest display in the costume gallery as it provided a respite from the heat as well as an insight into one of the most interesting events in Northern Ireland's history - the Titanic. The costumes were those worn by Eileen Lennox-Conyngham and her family when they travelled on the ill-fated ship. After reading Eileen's letter, written on board, we were glad to learn that they had disembarked at Cherbourg  before tragedy struck. We highly recommend a visit to Springhill as, alongside this elegant and informative display, it offers a great day out.

Joanna's outfit : Dress from Primark (old), shoes from M&S (old), yellow handbag from Tesco.

Camille's outfit : skirt from Internationale, striped top from H&M (old), shoes from River Island. 

Bubblegum Pink

The pink spectrum ranges from barely pink to the deepest pink with coral on the sidelines. Even the girliest of girls can find pink a step too far back into their childhood wardrobe, but it is big fashion news this season and will keep us blushing into winter. It is also a great way to make your look instantly vibrant and, with the right shade for your complexion, give you a youthful glow. Pink encompasses the current pastel and neon trends. If you purchase wisely now, you will be able to wear your pink into the colder weather. So think pink!

Joanna's outfit : sheer panel t-shirt from Primark (in store now), cropped skinny jeans from George at Asda (similar available here).

Camille's outfit : linen dress with lace collar from Primark (old) similar here

Travels with my Aunt

Pampering at House of Fraser

We pre-booked a slot on the first of two free special days at Jo Malone in House of Fraser. Champagne, treats and pampering were promised and all were fulfilled! Blackberry and Bay with Jo Malone featured opportunities to explore the fragrance, including a soothing hand and arm massage using Blackberry and Bay body cream and a chance to freshen the scent by combining it with Lime, Basil and Mandarin or warm it with Orange Blossom.  Pamela, who took care of us during our visit, was very friendly and helpful. She arranged for us to follow up our pamper session with a visit to Bobbi Brown to try out some of their new make-up range. A Bobbi Brown make-up artist used the Navy and Nude Eye Palette, Brightening Brick and High Shine Lipgloss. We both use Bobbi Brown products and have previously visited the  counter in House of Fraser as they offer a menu of 12 complimentary make-up lessons, with something to suit every type - and age - of skin!

If you fancy going along to the second day of Blackberry and Bay with Jo Malone pre-book here. For a make-up lesson at Bobbi Brown follow the instructions on their website here, or simply call in to House of Fraser and make your appointment in person.

Joanna's outfit : Navy sundress from H&M (available in store)

Camille's Outfit : H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams dress (old)

Thoroughly Modern Midi!

Minis will always have their place in a summer wardrobe and maxis are super for early and late summer days when temperatures may be cooler - but this summer is all about the midi. Whether straight and fitted or flared, they give a nod to 1950's glamour but with a modern edge. Dresses or skirts, midis are easy to dress up or down as the length oozes a sophistication which is harder to achieve with a mini. Topshop have some great examples of modern midi skirts at the moment with sheer panels and see through lace. Primark have a wide selection of easy to wear midi dresses in various colours and patterns if you don't want to invest too much money in the trend.

Joanna's outfit : Striped midi dress from Primark, red Converse available here, red leather satchel from Belfast's Continental Market, necklace (old) from River Island.

Camille's outfit : ASOS dress (old), purple wedges (old), vintage necklace (from my Granny), cameo earings from ASOS.

Look out for Camille in her Wimbledon White if you have the ASOS Fashion Up app.

Red Hot Summer

Red isn't just a winter colour and can look fabulous in summer, especially with sun-kissed skin. It is ideal for a special occasion when you want to stand out from the crowd. If you are still afraid of red, although there really is a shade to suit everyone, you can simply add accents to a plain outfit to spice it up. Gold jewellery really compliments the red and adds a touch of decadence. It is a great colour to make you look and feel confident, even something as simple as a red lip can make you feel ready for anything!

Camille's outfit : dress from ASOS here, roses hair accessory from ASOS (currently unavailable but may come back into stock), earrings from ASOS can be found here, sandals (old) from River Island, red lipstick Revlon Really Red Matte.

Joanna's outfit : linen dress-Full Circle at TK Maxx (old) similar here, necklace from House of Fraser, sandals from Pavers at Junction One (seen in previously here) can be bought here.

Summer Florals

With summer in full bloom, let your wardrobe blossom too! Bright florals are perfect for the heatwave. Keep the rest of your look cool and simple with minimal accessories and let your clothes do the talking. This look is very versatile and can take you from garden lounging to garden party with a simple change of shoes and a quick up-do. We hope you are making the most of the lovely summer weather - enjoy it while it lasts!

Camille's outfit : dress from Henry Holland at Debenhams currently 50% off here, sandals from M&S (SS'12).

Joanna's outfit : dress from Zara (SS'12), sandals from Dunnes, ring from Claire's Accessories, nail polish-Maybelline Color Show in pink bikini.

Travels with my Aunt

Reflections Exhibition, Ulster Museum, Belfast

We finally found time to visit the Ulster Museum's new costume gallery which is currently showcasing a small but diverse collection of costumes from 1730-2013 in the 'Reflections' exhibition. We were greeted by a taster exhibition in the foyer including two quintessential Chanel suits. We couldn't wait to see the rest and weren't disappointed as the pieces on show were well selected to portray every era of style, including excellent examples of hand embroidery and superb design and craftsmanship. Also of interest, in the adjoining gallery, is a beautiful collection of jewellery from the 16th Century to the present day - definitely worth a look. 

No visit to the Museum is complete without a visit to the shop and there is a great variety of fashion literature, covering any and every aspect of style, on sale. There is also a section devoted to young fashionistas- in -training. 

There's no excuse not to visit as the exhibition runs until April next year, for further details on opening times, etc. check out their website here.

Joanna's outfit : shift dress (old) Dunnes Stores.

Camille's Outfit : Winter Kate Freesia Dress with Lace Panels now on sale at ASOS here.

Denim

Denim is a wardrobe staple for everyone and there are so many ways to wear it to keep it exciting and updated. With a rainbow of colours and styles available, including pinafores and the return of dungarees, the original denim garment, there really is something out there for everyone. It is a comfortable, versatile option and can be worn in many different ways to fit around your daily routine. Material tough enough for any challenge!

Joanna's outfit : t-shirt from H&M available here, skinny jeans from Primark, studded bag from H&M, sandals (old) from M&S.

Camille's Outfit : denim pinafore from Primark, bunny print shirt (old) from H&M, patent loafers (old) from Tesco, vintage Valentino bag passed down from my Mum.