Warehouse: Belfast Forestside
SUMMER style has officially arrived at Warehouse Belfast Forestside.
The VIP viewing of the Spring / Summer 2013 Warehouse collection unearthed a mesmerizing new range to ensure you are bang-on-trend this season.
The event, which took place Thursday 28 February, lasted from 7 pm until 9 pm in the luxurious Warehouse flagship store at Forestside, Belfast.
As well as being treated to a special 25 % press discount card, mingling guests were treated to bubbly upon entry, and even gifted with generous goodie bags from Rituals at Victoria Square.
But with each section of the flagship store offering dramatically different, alluring new Spring/ Summer trends, it was hard to know where to turn to first.
Navy and lace appeared to be a dominant force within the Warehouse SS13 collection, with plenty of gorgeous tops and dresses taking on this season’s colour and detail of choice.
Lace was abundant in the form of playsuits and dresses, as well as adding a much needed boost to last season’s popular chunky knits in order to refresh the newly awarded wardrobe-staple for this season.
Whilst most items featured gorgeously subtle lace detailing in order to instantly update your Spring / Summer look, lace took centre-stage in the form of a number of dramatic, high-impact dresses.
Amongst those which would immediately promise a show-stopping, glamorous, night-time look included a beautiful lace panelled bodycon dress, as well as a navy, lace skater dress ensuring you instantly nail three key-trends effortlessly.
Baring all is back, as the nude look returns this season. But with the latest Warehouse collection, the tricky trend is made easy with beautiful, angelic ruffle and lace detailing, along with flattering cuts to make sure you look your best this season.
In true Breton style, monochrome mania will be huge this season. To ensure you are in with the trend, Warehouse is offering timeless colour combinations of the indispensable basic.
Horizontal stripes bring a new dimension to this trend, and the collection of tees and jumpers on offer in Warehouse offer stark opposition to the popular belief stripes need to be vertical in order to flatter your figure.
Structured, striped blazers and loose-fitting, casual striped jumpers are simple ways to update your wardrobe with the monochrome look.
But not to be forgotten are the innovative baroque and butterfly tribal prints this Warehouse collection has to offer in order to flatter your figure and look your best this summer.
In the meantime, whilst this season’s signature acid-wash denim shorts will have to wait to be worn until the warmer temperatures hit, cover up while also ensuring some serious fashionista points with the skinny-peg trouser, of which Warehouse have a great collection.
This gorgeous on-trend structured look will take you seamlessly through the transition of Autumn / Winter weather to the sunny season of Spring / Summer.
Fringing, animal print, and acid wash will continue to dominate as we make the transition to our greatly anticipated summer wardrobe. In the meantime, Warehouse’s collection of show-stopping bags and accessories will ensure you are always effortlessly on-trend.
Thankfully, leather is set to stay this season, with lighter materials and colours lifting the trend seamlessly into the summer months.
In the meantime, make the transition to your new wardrobe by toughening up summer dresses with a tough, distressed leather or acid-washed denim jacket to create an effortlessly glamorous day-time look. Simply add heels for a seriously dramatic night-time outfit.
If you want to buy one show-stopping piece this season, make it the stylist’s choice of the blurred splash print maxi.
At £80 the price is worth this eye-catching, floor-length maxi-dress, reminiscent of a Monet painting with it’s beautiful blue and jewel-pink tones throughout.
Simply add ear-rings for a high impact, minimal effort look and allow the dress to take centre-stage.
Editorial by Kathryn McGowan
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ANTICIPATION is mounting as Fashion Week gets ready to hit Belfast.
West Coast Cooler’s infamous Belfast Fashion Week is set to feature looks from a variety of leading retailers in the popular High-Street Catwalk Show, from luxurious high-street designers such as United Colors of Bennetton, Blush and French Connection.
Yet it is also set to showcase more purse-friendly trends from the likes of George Clothing at Asda, alongside samples from a variety of retailers at Westfield Castle Court, whose on-trend clothing store Exhibit stole the show at last year’s high-street exhibition for Belfast Fashion Week Autumn / Winter 2012.
Whereas last season chunky knits and tailored coats featured heavily on the runway, retailers are certain to take advantage of the summer trends ahead of this season’s Spring/Summer high-street runway.
Whilst the floral-trend looks set to return once again as the original summer staple, it is predicted the skater-skirt looks set to continue to dominate this season’s wardrobe, with its playful, ready-to-wear feel confirming it as a key trend for summer. Update the original skater skirt with lace or leather, and look out for eye-popping colours for an on-trend look.
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Meanwhile the popular leather look, which featured heavily throughout Autumn/Winter, looks set to stay, with lighter-weight leathers and lighter hues set to be abundant.
Feminine lace remains a popular trend, whilst denim is updated with the acid-wash in keeping with the popular retro-style set to rejuvenate this season’s wardrobe.
Playful retro pieces will be reflected in vibrant costume jewellery, alongside vintage accessories and mod-style mini dresses in vibrant eye-catching colours.
Meanwhile, hems of dresses are lowering in the form of the silhouette flattering pencil-skirts in keeping with the vintage-style, as well as the new midi-dress which has been featured heavily among high-street stores, taking style- inspiration from the likes of designer Phillip Lim.
Taking creative inspiration from fashion powerhouse Chanel, the monochrome trend remains a key look this season, with fun playful stripes and designs rejuvenating the classic trend for summer.
The runway collection should promise to feature a colourful array of looks, with burnt orange and navy predicted to be key colours for Spring/Summer.
West Coast Cooler’s Fashion Week begins March 21 2013, with tickets at £20 per show. It promises to feature the George at Asda show; the Designer and Designer Boutique Show; with the popular High Street Catwalk Show concluding the week’s events.
See www.belfastfashionweek.com for more.
Editorial by Katheryn McGowan
Read More »NORTH WEST GIRL WINS TEST DRIVE WITH RUGBY
STAR TOMMY BOWE
A girl from the North West of the province has won a once in a lifetime test drive experience with Ireland and Ulster Rugby star Tommy Bowe in the all new sporty SEAT Leon which has arrived at the Donnelly Motor Group.
The Donnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s largest independent new and used vehicle dealership, announced that Hannah McCollum from Londonderry was the winner of their Facebook competition winning the very first test drive in the vehicle which arrived at the Donnelly Group’s Dungannon site this week.
Hannah was chosen at random from the extensive entry list, to experience a test drive with Tommy Bowe in the striking new SEAT Leon, which has been hailed as ‘the car that thinks of everything’.
Having been driven through the country roads of County Tyrone by the rugby superstar, Hannah got behind the wheel to test the vehicle, which reaches 62mph in an impressive 7.5 seconds, herself.
On return to the Donnelly SEAT showroom in Dungannon, Hannah said:
“I’m so happy that I won one of the very first SEAT Leon test drives in Northern Ireland.
“I had entered the competition via the Donnelly Group’s Facebook page and was completely shocked to win. I was in a lecture when I missed the call to me that I had won – thankfully they called me again and I was able to answer when I came out of the lecture!
“I’m a big rugby fan so meeting Tommy Bowe was amazing. I’m sure it’s every girl’s dream!
“He showed me all the special features of the car such as the lane assist, tiredness recognition and the drive profiles which allow the driver to vary aspects of the vehicle such as engine sound and the lighting inside the vehicle.
“I really want to thank Tommy and the Donnelly Group for selecting me as their winner and allowing me to experience what will certainly be a once in a lifetime opportunity!”
Raymond Donnelly, Sales Director at the Donnelly Group, said:
“I want to say a big congratulations to Hannah for winning the competition. I’m delighted she made the journey to our Donnelly SEAT showroom in Dungannon to not only meet Tommy Bowe, but also to experience the all new SEAT Leon.
“Hannah drove the super sporty FR version of the vehicle and was certainly impressed with its power and endless list of futuristic features, all aimed at enhancing the driving experience.
“The new Leon has been redesigned from the ground up and is a real pleasure to drive. It has been described as ‘bold, powerful and agile with all the makings of a natural athlete’, so who better to put it through its paces than rugby star Tommy Bowe?
“Tommy experienced the Leon as driver and as a passenger and agreed that a test drive is necessary to really feel the power, character and performance of the vehicle.
“However, not only is the drive of the vehicle impressive – so is the value! Although there is an extensive range of additional extras, these will not be necessary for all motorists.
“Our experienced sales teams in the Dungannon showroom would be more than happy to not only take motorists on test drives, but to advise on the correct vehicle specifications based on a customer’s preferences, requirements and budget.”
To celebrate the arrival of the vehicle, which is available in three versions – The S, SE and the super sporty FR – to their Dungannon showroom, the Donnelly Group has announced a tempting launch offer.
Mr Donnelly continued:
“We are offering customers who order before the 31st March 2013 a specially designed Tech Pack at an unmissable price.
“Donnelly customers can add the Tech Pack, which includes full LED highlights, navigation system and DAB radio, to their new Leon SE or FR for just £500.”
The new Leon also boasts lower emissions and fuel consumption than ever before with the 1.6 TDI CR 105 PS engine emitting only 99 CO2 g/km of emissions and a fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg (combined).
Test drives are available in all 3 versions of the new Leon from the Donnelly SEAT showroom on Moy Road in Dungannon.
To arrange a test drive, contact Donnelly SEAT Dungannon on 028 8772 2887.
For more information, please visit www.donnellygroup.co.uk. The Donnelly Group can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter – @DonnellyGroupNI.
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LUCKY COUPLE TIE THE KNOT WITH DREAM WEDDING AT GALGORM RESORT & SPA
A lucky Northern Ireland couple who won a £10,000 dream wedding with Galgorm Resort & Spa last year, have finally walked down the aisle, having celebrated their nuptials with a lavish reception at the Ballymena resort.
Siobhan Duffy of Glengormley and her fiancé, Brian Darby of Newry, won the wedding last March after entering the 2012 Wedding Fayre competition at the Resort & Spa’s widely popular Bridal Open Day.
Siobhan and Brian’s prize also included photography by award winning photographer Michael McKay, flowers by Sally’s Floral Studio, music by Arco String Quartet and Wedding Band ‘Curve,’ and wedding cake supplied by Heavenly Cakes and Favours.
Commenting on her prize win, the beautiful bride Siobhan Darby said: “We still can’t believe we won this prize, as we’re never lucky enough to win anything! It has all been like a fairy tale come true. The staff were so welcoming and knowledgeable and we felt at ease straightaway. We couldn’t praise them enough and would like to extend our thanks to everyone who helped make our dream wedding a reality.”
Yvonne Smyth, General Manager at Galgorm Resort & Spa, added: “We’d like to extend our congratulations to Siobhan and Brian on their special day and would like to wish them every happiness for the future. We were delighted to be part of their joyous occasion and hopefully will be welcoming them back to enjoy the Resort and its facilities in the near future.”
The lucky couple have spent a few days in Donegal following the big day and now are looking forward to a honeymoon in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Galgorm Resort & Spa are now offering another lucky couple the chance to win a luxurious five-star honeymoon in association with Chaka Travel.
www.galgorm.com
Read More »Belfast bosses and their staff are being encouraged to get out of the office and into the city as the latest strand of the Backin’ Belfast campaign is rolled out.
The Backin’ Belfast campaign developed by Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau (BVCB) with support from Belfast City Council and DETI and backed by the city’s hospitality and retail sectors was launched last month focussing heavily on social and digital media in order to drive footfall and sales back into Belfast.
Having successfully targeted a consumer audience thus far, the Backin’ Belfast campaign is now evolving to encourage the local business community to get involved and join in the positive conversation, and in doing so, boosting the local economy.
BVCB’s Chief Executive Gerry Lennon explains:
“There’s been great progress so far with Backin’ Belfast campaign encouraging people back into the city. We now want Belfast’s managers and staff from businesses large and small to take their meetings, lunches and even coffee breaks out of the office and into the local cafes, bars and restaurants, supporting city businesses and jobs.
“Belfast has a great range of corporate facilities, unique meetings spaces and hospitality venues for business breakfasts, working lunches, after work drink receptions and even team-building exercises. Is all about businesses helping each other at this crucial time and by lending their support we hope that everyone can help to promote all that is great about doing business in Belfast.”
“From discounted room hire at the Crescent Arts Centre, cooking your own lunch at the BelfastCookerySchool or taking the team golfing at Citigolf there’s a great range of offers and ideas, whether formal or fun, to suit all budgets. Visit www.backinbelfast.com/business or follow #backinbelfast for more detail.”
The ‘Backin’ Belfast’ Business campaign is being supported by major industry groups including Business in the Community, the Federation of Small Businesses, Women in Business, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Pubs of Ulster and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.
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