Irregular Choice Muppets Collection: My Top Five Picks

 

In today's fast paced world of online networking, it can often feel like new products are being hurled at us from every angle. From social media 'influencers' to celebrity endorsements, it's difficult to keep up with what's on trend and what's old news as our feeds are saturated by a constant stream of fat burning energy drinks and shimmery eye shadow tutorials. I suppose it's just gotten to a stage where I aimlessly scroll through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter without actually taking in what I'm looking at. Truth be told, there is so much repetition within the fashion and beauty industry that everything has kind of merged together in my mind as one large mass of nude lips, smokey eyes and bodycon dresses. (All of which I wear, I might add...) However once in a while, there comes a collection that's just too exciting to ignore. Something that makes your lightning fast fingers come to a halt as you flick through your Instagram Explore page. Something that's so gaudy and so over the top that you can't actually decide whether or not it should even be a thing. Yes my friends, Irregular Choice have done it again...

Irregular Choice are a UK based footwear and accessories company who are renowned for their unique and quirky designs. Founded by designer Dan Sullivan back in the late 1990s, Irregular Choice began as a way for Sullivan to express his creativity and pay tribute to his roots as a punk and an outcast. Since the beginning, Irregular Choice has made a name for itself as a brand that isn't afraid to push boundaries and explore new styles. A favourite on the alternative fashion scene, Irregular Choice takes inspiration from subcultures such as punk, goth and rockabilly to create amazing designs that really are the stuff of dreams. As a teenager, I would spend my Saturdays lovingly staring through the window of a local shoe shop, completely in awe of their display of Irregular Choice heels. I would tell myself that one day, when I was older and cool, I would be able to buy beautiful shoes like that. (That day has yet to come. I'm still not cool...)

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/womens/high-heels/tabbris-a.html?___SID=U

Over the years, Irregular Choice have continued to produce new and exciting designs unlike any other footwear on the market. From frills and sequins to their iconic heel designs, it's almost impossible to pass a pair of Irregular Choice shoes without picking them up and shouting over to your friend 'OMG, look at these!' before noticing the display behind them of unicorn loafers and cupcake kitten heels and having a meltdown over the fact that the heels have a tiny princess figure inside them that literally spins around and plays music. (True story!)

 

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/star-wars/glitzy-artoo-a.html

 

 

As if they could get any cooler, Irregular Choice have branched out even further through collaborations with companies such as Disney, creating beautiful designs inspired by Star Wars, Disney Princesses and now...The Muppets! Recently, the brand released their newest collection, a collaboration with everyone's favourite little furballs, The Muppets. Following the success of their Star Wars and Princess designs, Irregular Choice decided to go even further with their love of popular culture to bring to us a collection so outrageous that it would make Miss Piggy blush. These designs are definitely not for the faint hearted but as a lover of all things big, bold and retro, they make me more excited than Animal! Here are my top five pieces from the collection...

1. Original Diva

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/original-diva-a.html

2. All About Moi

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/all-about-moi-b.html

3. Who Moi Bag

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/who-moi-bag-a.html

4. Daredevil Bag

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/daredevil-bag-a.html

 

5. She's Hip He's Hop

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/she-s-hip-he-s-hop-a.html

Ok, so they're not the kind of things you'd throw on if you were nipping out for a pint of milk but you can't deny that these are completely badass. It's clear that every detail of these pieces have been designed with such a unique vision and the end result really is something to behold. These pieces are excellent examples of how Irregular Choice, as a company, continue to strive for top quality and originality within a market where thinking outside the social media box isn't always prioritised. Irregular Choice isn't everyone's cup of tea but they deserve to be commended for their ability to deliver fresh and fun ideas and make us question how we ever lived without a pair of Miss Piggy cowboy boots.



Photos from www.irregularchoice.com

Disney Haul: Penneys & The Disney Store

So, if you follow me on Instagram then you'll already know that I've been slightly caught up in the recent Disneymania at Penneys. If you haven't heard about the #ChipGate scandal then let me catch you up. Basically, Penneys released a replica of Chip the teacup from Beauty And The Beast and the whole country has gone nuts over it. At the bargain price of just €6, these little guys are like gold dust and people are snapping them up as soon as they hit the shelves. As if that wasn't enough for us Disney fanatics, Penneys then had to come along with a whole new range of must-have items including a Mrs Potts money box, Chip and Mrs Potts coin purses, makeup bags, t-shirts, pyjamas and much more. Penneys have also released images of new items from the range will be available in stores in the coming months (an actual Mrs Potts teapot, be still my beating heart!). I am a self confessed Disney addict and while my obsession usually revolves around collecting mugs (we'll get to that later), lately I have found myself picking up more bits from Penneys than I usually would. I suppose you have to hand it to Penneys for their excellent marketing techniques. They whip everyone up into a frenzy over the Chip cups and then while you're in the store, pegging it around like Supermarket Sweep trying to find the little shite, you subconsciously end up buying a whole other load of crap! Over the past few weeks, during my many Penneys visits, I have managed to gather quite a collection without even realising it. Between that and the Disney Store summer sale, it was a complete recipe for disaster. Here are my latest finds...

Chip Mug, Penneys €6

 

Mrs Potts Money Box, Penneys €8

 

 

I suppose it goes without saying, but when it comes to these items the early bird catches the worm. These are so in demand right now and everyone wants to get their hands on them so you have to be on the ball. Your best chance of picking these up is to be at your local Penneys store first thing in the morning when the doors open. I just happened to be in Penneys before work one morning as they were putting these out and they were flying off the shelves! I've been told by the staff that they never really know when these are due to come in and they just get sent batches of them every so often (especially in smaller stores) so you just have to keep checking. If your local store has an Instagram or Facebook page then give them a follow as they might post pictures when they come back in stock. (Remember that stock is limited to two per person!)

 

Chip Purse, Penneys €6

 

 

After the mania of the Chip cup left many people disappointed, this little guy quickly became the new must-have item. At first I was a bit indifferent towards him but after a while I decided that I needed him in my life so I went on a mission to find him. After checking both the O'Connell Street and Mary Street stores, and being told by staff that they were completely out of stock, my friend managed to find one of these hanging behind some bags in the accessories section in Mary Street. Moral of the story: if you have the time then search every nook and cranny because you may just find a stray one hidden somewhere in the store. I am currently on the lookout for the new Mrs Potts coin purse but I have been unlucky so far!

Beauty And The Beast Wash Bag, Penneys €6

I actually came across this by accident while looking for a Little Mermaid makeup bag that I had spotted on Instagram. When I couldn't find that one I decided to go with this Belle bag instead and I am so happy that I did. The sketched illustration on the front is beautiful and is a change from the usually 'cartoony' designs that you usually see on Disney merchandise. This bag is a great size and is perfect for storing makeup and toiletries while travelling.

Reversible Glitter T-shirt, Penneys €10

 

This t-shirt was definitely an impulse buy but it's just so cute that I couldn't resist! I know, the reversible glitter is a bit childish but it's satisfying af to play with so I really don't care! I got this t-shirt in a size 10 and I really like the fit of it. It's not too baggy but not too fitted either so it's super comfortable and could be worn as loungewear or even as a gym top.

Socks, Penneys €2 each

 

Another impulse buy but again, I couldn't resist! These socks are an absolute bargain at just €2 each and they would make lovely gifts for any of the Disney lovers in your life. These socks are ridiculously soft and comfortable to wear and the designs on them are so pretty.

 

Bambi Mug, Penneys €5

 

 

I stumbled upon this mug completely by accident in the homeware section. I am a mug addict and I had been telling myself to cut down on the mug buying but I just couldn't leave this one behind. The detail on this mug is so gorgeous. The design is very vintage inspired with a lovely rose gold trim around the bottom and on the handle. I had no idea that Penneys were doing a Bambi collection and I have seen pictures of some of the other items from this range including duvet covers, cushions and throws. This mug is a great size for tea or coffee and it's also a lovely piece to have on display in your kitchen.





 

Little Mermaid Flip-Flops, Penneys €3. Wall hanging, Penneys 50c

 

These were definitely a need rather than a want. I was on the lookout for some new flip-flops for holidays and who could resist this fab Ariel pair for just €3. Penneys have a great range of flip-flops in at the minute in loads of different designs, both Disney and non Disney, so you're bound to see something you like. I also picked up this adorable wall hanging for just 50c and although it's not Disney I feel that it is very fitting with the mermaid theme!

 

Belle Mug, Disney Store £8.99

 



So now, back to my mug obsession. This is a mug that I've wanted since the first time I saw it. It's the new Belle mug from the latest range of princess mugs at the Disney Store. I love everything about this mug from the shape and size to the beautiful illustrations on either side. The colour scheme is so pretty and I always like to see merchandise with Belle in her blue dress instead of the gold dress. One of the most adorable details of this mug is the message on the inside of the rim which reads 'Sometimes The Best Cups Are Chipped.' It's little details like this that make the mugs from the Disney Store so special and unique! There are four mugs in this collection including Ariel, Rapunzel and Jasmin. I bought this online as it wasn't available in the Disney Store in Dublin yet but they will probably have them in soon enough!

Check it out here: http://www.disneystore.co.uk/belle-quote-mug-beauty-and-the-beast-465035352850.html?cgid=1000996

Ariel Mug, Disney Store (Sale)

 

Cinderella Mug, Disney Store (Sale)

When I saw these mugs back when they were first released in The Disney Store, I wasn't too impressed by them. I thought the design was pretty but I think I was initially put off by the size as these are quite small and I usually like larger mugs. I had no real intention of buying them but when I saw them in sale I just bought them on a whim. There were four mugs in this collection, including Snow White and Rapunzel, but I only managed to pick up these two. Each mug is decorated with a picture of the princesses and on the back has their names and some silhouettes designs. I think I prefer the writing on these mugs to the actual picture! I was pleasantly surprised by how much tea these can hold, despite looking so small, but I think I will use these more for display. Unfortunately these mugs are no longer available on the website but do check your local Disney store as they may have some left in stock. If not, most Disney mugs can usually be found on eBay.

 

Jiminy Cricket Mini Tsum Tsum, Disney Store £1 (Sale)

 

 

Last but not least, how cute is this little guy?! Ok, he was a complete impulse buy but he was just too cute to resist. I haven't really gotten into the whole Tsum Tsum craze. I think they are adorable but I don't buy plush toys that often as I am running out of space in my bedroom! You can't deny that the Tsum Tsums are cute af and they do look really nice when stacked together (I think this may be the beginning of another Disney addiction...) If you're interested in adding this little Jiminy Cricket to your collection then go quickly as he's available on the Disney Store website now for just £1!

 

Check him out here: http://www.disneystore.co.uk/jiminy-cricket-tsum-tsum-mini-soft-toy-412151010065.html?cgid=1505505

Unnecessary Festival Fashion

So, it's that time of year again. Festival season is upon us. Time to dust off your old wellies and break out the raincoat, right? Well, wrong apparently as these days it seems that practicality has been tossed in favour of face jewels and body glitter. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for creativity and expressing yourself through fashion. You do you. Get down with ya bad self. Festivals can be a great chance for doing something a bit crazier with your look but seriously gals, you have to think practically. Gigi Hadid might look unreal in her booty shorts and fringed bralet as she saunters around Coachella but this look won't have the same effect when you're standing in a field in Stradbally in the torrential rain while your Coco Brown streams into a puddle. Here's a list of my top five unessential festival items.

Too Many Jewels

Ok, I know these are all the rage and I probably sound like a begrudging old witch but seriously, this whole face and body jewel thing has gotten way out of hand. It started off with a dash of glitter under the eyes and now young ones are going around in full jewel encrusted body armour looking like the damn Tin Man. Maybe I'm just jealous. Jealous of the fact that I can't even wear regular foundation without it sweating off around my mouth and making me look like Homer Simpson. Of course face jewels can look fabulous and I am amazed at the work that goes into creating these looks but I can't help but wonder what those perfectly placed gem stones will look like after a few naggins and a sweaty shift behind the portaloos.

Tons of Accessories

When it comes to festivals, less really is more. I know, sometimes accessories can make an outfit and while a flower crowns and chokers can seem like the perfect way to dress something up, there is a fine line between an accessory and nuisance. When you're at a festival, you want to be able to relax and enjoy yourself so the last thing you want if something wrecking your head or causing you unnecessary pain all day long. Chunky belts, dangling jewellery, anything tight, heavy or capable of rubbing against your skin should be avoided at all costs. Coco Chanel once said "before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove one accessory." In this case, before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove the glittery unicorn horn. You don't need it and it will probably end up being snatched off your head by some culchie singing Maniac 2000.

Impractical Clothing

It always amazes me when summer rolls around and I see the some of the shite that's being advertised as 'festival fashion'. Maxi skirts/dresses being one. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good maxi, they look dressy without any real effort and bonus, you don't have to shave your legs. However, there is a time and a place for them and unfortunately a festival is neither. Have you ever tried to walk through a muddy field wearing a maxi skirt? You may feel like a free spirited forest nymph but you will end up dragging along a large chunk of said field on the hem of your skirt. Not a good look. Also, playsuits are out of the question. I know, they are super cute and summery but try and consider the toilet situation. (Trying to unbutton a playsuit after a few cans and then having to hover naked over a smelly toilet while some young one hammers on the portaloo door telling you to hurry up.) Yeah...maybe give the playsuit a miss.

 

Impractical Footwear

I think it goes without saying that there are certain shoes that just should not be worn to festivals. Anything with a high heel or an open toe is a huge no-no. This is knowledge that I take for granted and assume that everyone is aware of but I continue to be surprised by the amount of people who wear RIDICULOUS shoes to outdoor music events. Seriously girls, don't be hung up on looking glamorous. Those Western style boots with the chunky heel may go really nicely with your outfit but you have to look beyond your Instagram photos and think about the long-term effects. Blisters, cuts, your heels sinking into the mud. Also, avoid gladiator sandals unless you want your toes to be left in a plaster cast of hardened mud.

Designer Bags

Everyone loves a designer bag and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want one. But gals, there's a time and a place. And a mucky field certainly isn't the place for your YSL blogger bag. Perhaps I sound a bit too over protective but just think about it. Rain, dirt, muck and not to mention the possibility of it being stolen by some little scourge. Get yourself a cheap little cross body bag from Penneys and be on your merry way. The same goes for jewellery and accessories. Leave your Michael Kors watch and your Ray Bans at home and invest in some cheaper alternative that you won't have to stress over. You can enjoy yourself without worrying about carrying your life savings under your arm in the form of a bag the size of a Tic Tac box.

A Day in Dublin: The People's Park Market, Dún Laoghaire

 

 

Sunday. It's one of those days when if you're not working (or lying in bed like a hungover sack of crap) then you don't really know what to do with yourself. Of course you could do the usual carvery/pub combo before returning home to deal with the Sunday night fear, but if you are looking for a different way to spend your day then the People's Park Market in Dún Laoghaire could be just the thing for you! The People's Park Market is a food and crafts market which takes place in the People's Park in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin every Sunday from 11am to 4pm. It's an outdoor market which hosts various stalls including food, books, flowers, art and lots more. Many independent retailers showcase their goods at the market and each stall offers something unique.

If you are a food lover then this market is the place for you as there are so many different types of food on offer and it's a great opportunity to try some new things. They have everything from burgers and chips to Thai food and each stall freshly prepares their food. Many stalls also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options so it's a win win for everyone. There is so much delicious food to choose from and it may take a lap of the park before you are able to make a final decision on what you want to eat. One of my personal favourites is the falafel wrap from Ali's Falafel. The queues can be pretty long as it's very popular but it's definitely worth the wait as the wraps are so tasty and filling!

As well as savoury foods, there are also lots of sweet options too including handmade fudge, truffles and ice-cream. One of the most popular stalls in the market is Arctic Stone who have created a storm on social media with their Instagram-worthy snaps of fabulous hand rolled ice-cream. Arctic Stone offer a range of flavours including Kinder Beuno, Reece's Peanut Butter and salted caramel. You then choose your toppings which can be anything from cookies to gummy bears (don't knock it 'til you try it!). The most interesting thing about Arctic Stone is watching how it's made and how it gets it's unique look.

I don't know the technical term but basically they mash up all the ingredients on a slab before cutting it into individual little rolls. I went for the Kinder Bueno ice-cream with white chocolate buttons on top. As well as looking super pretty, this ice-cream is delicious and is definitely worth a try. The only downside is that you will have to wait in line for quite a while as this ice-cream is extremely popular, especially on a sunny day.

If you'd like to pick up some food to take home with you there are stalls which sell fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cheeses and much more. There is also a fantastic stall which sells different organic oils and tasty sauces which are perfect for taking home and adding to your own cooking. If you are interested in cooking then you are bound to be inspired to pick up some new ingredients and create your own dishes at home.

The market also hosts a great range of art and craft stalls which are great for browsing and also worth checking out if you're looking to pick up a unique gift. There is so much to choose from including fashion, pottery, art and even handmade beauty products.

Along with all the eating and shopping, the People's Park Market is a great place to chill out and spend time with friends and family. There is always such a great atmosphere in the park, especially on a sunny day, and it really is a great way of getting out and about and making the most of your Sunday. If you plan on bringing kids along with you then you'll be glad to hear that there's also a playground in the park as well as toilets and baby changing facilities. Dogs are also welcome at the park so you can bring your pets along to the market too! After you've finished browsing (and have eaten yourself into a food coma) you can take a stroll along Dún Laoghaire Pier and take in the beautiful sea views.

The People's Park Market is a fantastic day out and there really is something for everyone. There is always a great buzz around Dún Laoghaire town, especially when the weather is good and there's so much to see and do. There are regular trains to Dún Laoghaire or you can get the 46A bus which is about forty minutes from the city centre. There is no admission fee for the market so you are free to come and go as you please and you can stay in the park for as long as you want. If you're looking for something different to do with your Sunday then I would highly recommend the People's Park Market. It's such a fun day out and the event itself is extremely well organised. Although it can be quite busy, the atmosphere is still very relaxed and the park doesn't feel too overcrowded. So next time you're deliberating how to spend your Sunday, why not consider taking a trip down to Dún Laoghaire for a relaxing day beside the sea. For more information see www.dlrcoco.ie


Photos by Conor Heavey

Review: Foxy Locks Clip In Hair Extensions

 

Hair extensions. They can be a hit or a major miss. They can either make you feel like a glorious mermaid or leave you looking like Mrs Twit. For a while, I was beginning to feel like the latter so I decided it was time to invest in a new set. I have been wearing clip in extensions for about eight years. I don't wear them every day (ain't nobody got time for that) but I love having extensions to wear on nights out or special occasions as they can make such a big difference to your look. I have seen my fair share, both good and bad, but Foxy Locks are a brand that I always come back to. There are four different types of extensions on the Foxy Locks website. Regular, deluxe, superior and luxurious. I bought the deluxe set which are 165g and contain eight wefts of 20 inch hair. Previously, I had been using the regular set but I decided to opt for the deluxe this time as my hair is quite thick even though its short. You can choose your set depending on how much volume you want but just bare in mind that the prices differ depending on the weight of the hair. The prices on the website are in British Sterling but my deluxe set worked out at €132.15, including postage. I know, this is an awful lot of money to spend on hair but good quality extensions are going to be expensive no matter where you go. These extensions took about four days to arrive after I ordered them. Although I love this brand, my only criticism is that the packaging looks pretty cheap. When it arrived I was thinking 'I did not spend over 100 quid for some rolled up Barbie doll hair!' I would prefer if they came in a box or packet that could be used for storing your extensions after you've worn them.

I have bought extensions from Foxy Locks about three or four times and I have always been delighted with them. Because I have brightly coloured hair, it's almost impossible for me to find a set of extensions to match my own colour. Usually I have to dye them myself so synthetic hair is out of the question. This is what drew me to Foxy Locks in the first place. Their extensions are made from 100% human hair so they can be dyed and styled using heated tools. I chose the shade Hollywood Blonde as I wanted a light blonde colour which would easily take to the red hair dye. If you have natural coloured hair then you should be able to easily find a shade to match as there are plenty to choose from on the website.

Dying hair extensions can be a stressful and messy task but unfortunately it has to be done. To dye my extensions I used the Revlon Nutri Color Creme in the shade 600 (Fire Red). This is the same colour that I use on my own hair and I can't recommend it enough. This hair colour acts as a deep conditioning treatment so it makes your hair feel so soft and smooth as well as giving a vibrant shine. I usually get mine from a local salon but you can also pick them up from most beauty supply stores or online on www.beautybay.com. The dye is meant to be used on damp hair so I washed my extensions with shampoo before applying the colour.

When dying my extensions, I lay them out on sheets of tinfoil and literally just paint the colour onto them. It's a messy process but this is what works for me. I would advise wearing gloves and old clothes while doing this as red hair dye just seems to go everywhere! After washing the shampoo out of my extensions, I brush them to get rid of any knots or tangles. I dye each weft separately so it can be quite time consuming but I find that it gives the best results and it ensures that the colour is evenly distributed. After laying down each weft on a sheet of tinfoil, I pour the dye into an old mixing bowl and start brushing the colour onto the hair using a root touch-up brush. (You can pick these up from Boots or Deals) Once I've completely covered one side of the weft, I flip it over and do the same on the other side. It's a good idea to separate the hair to make sure you haven't missed any strands of blonde hair. When the entire weft is evenly dyed, I then cover it with another sheet of tinfoil and set it aside. I then continue this process with each individual weft until they're all done.

I usually leave the dye in my extensions for about an hour to an hour and a half. You can wash it out earlier if you want but this is just my personal preference as I think it gives a more vibrant result. Once you've washed out the dye, you can either dry them with a hairdryer or leave them to dry naturally. I didn't have time to let mine dry naturally as I wanted to wear them later that day so I chose to blow dry them myself. If you are using heated tools on your hair, its always a good idea to use some sort of heat protection spray. I use the John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defence spray and to be honest I'm not sure if it actually works but I suppose it's better than nothing!

 

After my extensions were completely dry, I then clipped them in and styled them with my own hair. You can style them separately if you like but I prefer to do it with my natural hair as I think it makes it a bit easier to blend them together. Clipping in the extensions is fairly easy and even though they are quite heavy I didn't feel like the clips were pulling on my natural hair and weighing it down. When clipping in the extensions I usually section my hair and start with the longest wefts at the bottom and the shorter ones more closer to the top. It's pretty hard to explain in writing but there are some great YouTube tutorials which show how to clip them in properly. (Because I'm probably clipping them in arseways to be completely honest!) When I first put these extensions in I was genuinely amazed by how thick and soft they were. I had previously worn the deluxe extensions from Foxy Locks but they definitely weren't as thick as this. These extensions are on another level! To style them, I just added a few loose curls using a one inch curling iron and brushed them out with my fingers.

Overall, I am absolutely delighted with these hair extensions. The quality is amazing and they feel so thick and full and really gave my hair a new lease of life. I may have to bring them to a hairdresser to have them trimmed a bit to match my own hair but other than that they are perfect. I know, they are pretty expensive but I definitely think that they are well worth the money and, when it comes to extensions, you get what you pay for. I would highly recommend Foxy Locks to anyone interested in buying clip in extensions. I know, some people might think that they're a bit much but I personally love having the option to have long hair and change it up a bit whenever the mood strikes me. Whether you plan to wear them every day or just save them for special occasions, there is so much that you can do with these extensions and they really add an extra bit of glamour to your look. See more information at www.foxylocks.com