West Coast Cooler Belfast Fashion Week - Nor Lisa Fashion Designer Style Spotter

“Thursday 18th August saw some of Northern Ireland’s top media, influences and bloggers gather for the launch of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK’s Autumn/Winter 2016 season.  Returning to BFW HQ, Bruce St, Belfast attendees were treated with a trends presentation showcasing some of the latest fashion from the events participant high street retailers, designers and designer boutiques accompanied by top tips from make up artist Oonagh Boman and hair stylist Brenda Shankey representing official creative sponsors Senna Make Up and ALFAPARF Milano professional haircare.  Guests enjoyed a refreshing West Coast Cooler as FASHIONWEEK director Cathy Martin hosted the event, joined by co-host and Cool FM presenter Rebecca McKinney whilst decoding the bustling schedule for the season ahead.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the shows in October visit www.belfastfashionweek.com or call the Belfast Welcome centre on 028 9024 6609.”

Here are some of my favorite looks the beautiful guests wore to attend the launch of West Coast Cooler AW16.  I love how they are embracing AW trends so early in the season!

                                                       

                                                                            

Emer Dooris

How cute are Emers boots and tights?  Totally girl crushing on her right now <3 I would totally wear this look myself so really feeling her style <3 

 

Lauren Arthurs

Everyone knows ive always been a fan of a full skirt.  I love the length and shade of the navy satin.  Perfectly styled with chic collared top and embellished flats.  A great transitioning outfit from ss to aw.  

Linzi Michelle Graham

Natural red heads can always pull off pastel shades so its great to see Linzi embracing this trend top to toe in light shades.  Dont be afraid to wear pastel colors for AW.  

Julianne Wooton

Julianne could really give Kate Middleton a run for her money in the classy sophisticated look.  Mono is back on trend again this season and is a great look so pull off at this awkward time of the year between seasons.  

Donna McCabe

Donna is giving off rock n roll vibes in this clashy biker chick look.  Patch and biker jackets will be huge this season as are metallic and sequins so this outfit couldn't be hitting any more trends.  Going for sleek hair and make up has really given this look the chic edge it needed to balance the look.   

Jamie Russell - Lewis Cameron

Seriously tho how handsome do these two look?  I absolutely am in love with their unique individual styles.  They have kept it simple but still stand out from the crowd with prints/patterns.  This is a hard mix to accomplish but they really rock the look. Definitely my favorite looks on these two to date.  

Keri Burns

Keri looked classy and elegant in top to toe blue velvet.  Velvet Devore is one of my favorite fabrics, with her porcelain perfect skin and crop hair cut keri was simply a classic beauty.

Louise Vance

Perfectly styled is the best way to describe Louise.  Everything matches and has a place.  No one does tailored as well as this blogger.  Black on black with a dash of orange that really makes the outfit pop.

Lauryn Hall - Micheala Lindsay

These girls are simply goddesses.  Metallics at their best.  I love how the coordinated their outfits.  I have a theory they are secret mythical sirens who have graced us with their style for one day only.  

Eve Brannon

Eve takes inspiration from the biker chic trend with extra patches and denim.  I love the mix of grunge and chic.  The silver metallic high heels dress up the outfit.

Christine Mccabe - Faith Mccabe

Last but certainly not least the two divas of the event.  Christine looked like a classic Hollywood actress with big bouncy hair and an iconic red lip paired with a silver/black metallic dress (very hard to tell she was straight off a very early flight from london).  Faith was stealing all my attention with her cute pink dress and 80s buns straight off the runway.  

I hope everyone enjoyed reading.  I choose all my favorite looks depending on my own personal style.  Pop back soon for more coverage of Belfast Fashion Week AW16.

Peace and Love Lisa

xx

Ps Im not holding a cat like everyone kept asking :D

Castlecourt Curve Event – SATURDAY 25 JUNE 2016

As a plus size women myself I love to see events which cater to my particular body type.  It can be difficult at times to imagine a garment in your own size whenever its on someone of a completely different build.  Spending hours in a fitting room trying on garments you thought would work on you is just time consuming and frustrating.  Shopping should be about fun and the adventure of finding that perfect outfit!  If you have had similar experiences castle court has the thing for you.  

This month, leading Belfast shopping centre CastleCourt brings you CastleCourt CURVE – a fantastic event celebrating style at any size.

Featuring well-known brands from across the UK and beyond, the CastleCourt Curve event, which takes place on Saturday 25 June, is a great opportunity for women of all shapes, sizes and silhouettes to see plus-size collections on a group of body confident, curvy women. The fashion shows will take place at regular intervals throughout the afternoon from 12.30 until 4pm, and there’ll also be beauty tips and hair advice from key partners including INGLOT as well as Debenhams beauty brands.

CastleCourt’s marketing manager Camila McCourt said: “Here at CastleCourt we believe you don’t have to be skinny to be stylish – and our beautiful models in sizes 12, 16, 18 and 20 will show you how to wear the latest fashion from right across the centre. We have stores such as Evans, Simply Be, Bonmarche and Yours Clothing who cater specifically to plus size; but many of our other stores like Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams also sell a lot of clothes up to size 18, so this event is perfect for our customer. Hosted by former New York plus size model Charlotte Coyle, who is also a make up artist and blogger, our super stylish event will bring you all the best beauty and hair tips - as well as fabulous fashion.”

Host Charlotte Coyle added: “I’ve been promoting a healthy integration of plus size in fashion for a long time, so it’s great to see such a major shopping centre like CastleCourt embracing their customers in this way. Let’s eliminate negativity surrounding plus size and allow women of all shapes and sizes to enjoy fashion and feeling body confident.”

Get ready to see fashionistas flock to this amazing event.  I myself will be in attendance style spotting some well put together looks.  Now the only question is ... What to wear?  

Peace + Love

Lisa 

Ulster University Fashion Graduate Show 2016

Fashion followers from across the island of Ireland gathered at the Europa Hotel last night, as some of the country’s newest and emerging home-grown designers launched their collections to the public.  CMPR models helped the runway burst into life as they fashioned an array of different designs in a multitude of colours and a variety of different textiles wowing audiences at the Ulster University Fashion Graduate Catwalk Show.

I was in attendance to watch fresh new talent grace the catwalk.   All of the designers brought something special and unique to the table.  Here are a handful of some of my favorites.  

Molly Jeffrey wearing UU Designer Sarah Walker

All white everything.  Textures and paneling add depth to this very cute two piece

Model Aimee Boyle wearing UU Designer Amy Roulston

Anyone who knows me, knows I love my draped red chiffons,  This dress is all kinds of dreamy perfection

Model Lynley Megaw wearing UU Designer Amy Scanlon

The cut away mid rift pattern cutting makes this garment unique yet the white keeps the look pure.

Model Joy Ellis wearing UU Designer Caroline Cochrane

Power shoulders and tailored paneled pants.  This collection screams 80's chic to me.

Model Sacha Livingstone wearing UU Designer Hannah Aicken

Block colours and textile tassels.  I <3 texture galore!

Model Lynley Megaw wearing UU Designer Jose Varandas

Little red riding hood meets big bad wolf.  I am feeling the black fur in this collection!

Model Aimee Boyle wearing UU Designer Sarah Hickland

Red mesh mixed with leather harnessing.  Devilishly dominatrix.  I definitely feel this was my favorite look from the show.  

Big congratulations to all of the final year graduates on their great new collections.  Its nearly 5 years since my University of Ulster end of year show and it really feels like a lifetime ago.  Here are a few shots from my final year show <3 

This very well groomed production has been brought to you by Cathy Martin CMPR team.  Hair by Sleek high fashion ponytails by Andrew Mulvenna. Fresh and flawless make up by MNX PRO.  A refreshing drinks reception was of course provided by West Coast Cooler.  Keep an eye out for style spotting blog to follow soon from the Ulster University Fashion Graduate Show.

Peace and Love Lisa xx

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NorLisaFashion/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/norlisafashiondesigner/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/NorLisaFashion

Ulster University Graduate Fashion Show 2016

Get prepared for a fashionable finale. The University of Ulsters end of years show is always bursting with bright creativity. As a graduate of the Fashion and Textile course myself I am a big supporter of helping new up and coming designers. Its not easy coming out of a fashion degree into the real world but with a lot of hard work and dedication these fresh new faces can do anything they set their minds to.

If I could give any advise to the newbies it would be 

Dont be afraid to try something different, if it doesn't work out try again.  Work as hard as you can and give it your all then at least you can never say you didn't try.  In the words of my father "All we can ever do it our best"  

The designs I have seen so far make me hopeful for some unique innovative designs and I am very excited to see the show in full.  

The students will see their collections modeled on CMPR Models with hair perfectly styled by the inventive team at Andrew Mulvenna hair and beautiful make up looks created by the talented artists at MNX Pro.  I have no doubts that this show will running smoothly and to perfection as all of director Cathy Martins shows do.

All and all this show promises to be a success with a super team to boot. Get your tickets now before they sell out, dont regret missing out. Myself and Blogger Printed Skull Ink will be suited and booted to attend this event and we cant wait to take in all the fashion vibes. 

Get an insight to the best of new designers.  Is this the best of future fashion?  

Tickets are on sale now at just £15 per ticket, which includes a fabulous goodie bag and are available from https://getinvited.to/ulstergraduatesfashionshow2016.

Vision - Joy Ellis, Roseanna Crawford

Vision - Joy Ellis, Roseanna Crawford

Ambidextrous - Joy Ellis, Sarah Walker

City Tribes - Joy Ellis, Jose Varandas

The Meadow Restaurant Enniskillen

If you live under a rock and haven't heard of The Meadow which is taking Enniskillen by storm then in summery it is a fantastic restaurant which uses local produce to create delicious well proportioned meals at a reasonable price.  The staff are well presented, helpful and polite which is very important to me.

On top of generally being well priced they also do these great themed nights such as Wednesday steak night, Sunday set menu and Italian Thursdays.  Every night you can either go by the set menu or choose from the on going regular menu which is great for a group of people with various tastes,  In a nutshell you will always find something for everyone.

As a big lover of Italy I was so excited when I seen the Italian night advertised that I straight away invited my sister blogger from Printed Skull Ink to come along with me for a girly night of sampling. We love any excuse to eat everything.

On a little side note I personally love when a restaurant provides a menu online before you attend, firstly because you are sure you will like something and do not want to waste your time secondly because it saves time knowing what your going to order when you arrive.  So if any restaurant owners or managers read this get on it.  

First up of course has to be the cocktails.  My sister doesn't drink so it was good to see they had a range of mock-tails for her to try.  They serve all the classics but have also created a few of their own. Donna ordered the daiquiri were as I opted for a custom made cocktail.  Presentation was flawless as you can see.

Me and my sister share food because we are adorkable like that so we ordered the salmon and the antipasto al italiano.  Both were served cold and the mix of textures and flavors really did it for us.  The size of the starter was amazing as we discussed how we have had smaller mains for double the prize in other local restaurants.

Yes we ordered three mains.  Dont judge us but we just couldn't decide and we could have definitely ordered more.  Its safe to say leftovers were taken home for the doggy and boyfriend. If your a cheese fan you have to try the Gnocchi Al Quattro Formaggi. Four different cheeses all blended together to make the most delicious dish I have ever had. We also had the Penne Al Salmone Killybegs smoked salmon , as a sauce lover I really appreciated the rich flavor with the crispy veg. Lastly we had the Pollo Al Funghi which again came with a creamy sauce which in my opinion made the whole dish come together perfectly.

 

Now time for the most important part.  The dessert.  Im not sure if this was on the menu but they were more than happy to give us a trio of desserts, Im not a fan of sticky toffee pudding but I loved this one, it was gooey in all the right places.  The chocolate fondant was soft, creamy and heavenly. lastly I had a mini creme brulee and Donna had the cheesecake both were a nice milder taste which made a good mix on the plate.

All in all The Meadow has just got to be one of my favorite places to eat.  I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone.  Please pop over and give them a like!
www.facebook.com/themeadowenniskillen

Peace and Love

Lisa xxx

West Coast Cooler Belfast Fashion Week Sushi Saturday at Zen Belfast

Belfast Fashion Week has been and gone but we still have the memory's from the Spring/Summer to see us threw to next season!  As a showcasing designer the week was full of West Coast Cooler cocktails, Press Calls, beautiful models, networking, organizing, steaming garments, styling but I just had to take the time out to attend some of the events myself!  My favorite event had to be Sushi Saturday at Zen.

Sushi Saturday is a fantastic event held every season which you guessed it mixes a mini fashion showcase with a sushi version of afternoon tea.  Zen is one of my all time favorite restaurants not only in NI but in the world.  If you have never been you are quite simply missing out.  What makes Zen stand out from the crowd is the out of this world interiors, the staff have hospitably skills and attention to details like no other and the food is heavenly flavour some.  Only the best local ingredients are used and it really does show in the end product.  

West Coast Cooler unsurprisingly made an appearance at the start of the afternoon tea.    I was delighted to see they had gone to the effort of treating us to a cocktail which made a lovely change to the rest of the nights.  With a complementary original top up I was more than delighted.  

The designs on the catwalk were all selected by Belfast Fashion Week Director Cathy Martin and advertised as Directors Cut which included some of her favorite looks from all of the shows.  It must have been a difficult decision as the fashion was really on point this season. 

Grainne Maher ::VAULT Boutique

I want to thanks Cathy for including me an an amazing event here are some images of my Blue Floral Dress on Miss Ireland Sasha Livingston and my Red Ruffle Dress on Molly Jeffrey.  

Molly wears Nor Lisa Fashion Designer Red Ruffle Dress 

Photographer Brendan Mariani 

Make Up Oonagh Boman School of Make Up

Hair Jason Shankey

Model CMPR

Sasha wears Nor Lisa Fashion Designer Blue Floral Dress 

Photographer Brendan Mariani 

Make Up Oonagh Boman School of Make Up

Hair Jason Shankey

Model CMPR

I myself decided I wanted to wear something elegant, classic but still with my own personal stamp.  I opted for a satin deep red dress with silver embroidery paired with a silver sparkly clutch bag,  shoes wise I wore a pair of nude pumps and finished the look off with a bling silver chain bracelet.  

Social Shot Brendan Gallagner

Dress Chi Chi London

Bag Dune

Bracelet Nor Lisa Fashion 

Shoes Vivienne Westwood

In summary I hope you can make the next Sushi Saturday and if you cant wait til then make sure to pop in and treat yourself in Zen Restaurant Belfast.  I want to thank everyone involved for such a fantastic event.  

Peace and Love

 Lisa xx