Back in my day

"Hey, Welcome to the pier!" Random Hollister worker when you walk in to any hollister store

Topshop Fit & flare dress

Black loose Jumper Primark- similar here

Gold Chunky Necklace Topshop

 

 

One good thing about my wardrobe is the fact that I have so many basics.  I had never noticed it before as I used to always buy bits and pieces and be like "Uck this is always handy to have just incase."  I think I have maybe 20 string elastic tops in every colour thinkable from Benetton, just for layering.  Honestly, this is a very Gok Wan thing to say but if your wardrobe has the basics and a few exciting pieces then you can easily make hundreds of different outfits from only a couple pieces.  I love this basic grey topshop dress (got it in black as well!).  I have worn it so many times so many different ways! You will probably see it alot over the next year!  I love it with this black jumper which I haven't worn in a while and the chunky necklace which I have had for years but is completely on trend for this season.

 

My little sister Carla & I. Really wasn't that stylish when I was her age!

 

Tonight, my 15 year old sister, Carla and her two friends are coming up to Belfast tonight to stay at my flat as they are attending the one direction concert.  My head is going to be sore from listening to how amazeballs they are and how harry's hair is just so beautiful! Actually might be going myself so can't really slag them too much.  But is it just me or do kids these days have amazing style???  When I was Carla's age, I wore Tammy Girl.  Does anyone remember Tammy Girl???? It was the hip place to get all your clothes!

 

This was me as a teenager. Tammy girl top, NV string baggy trousers and Sketchers. Sexual

 

But actually where have these kids got there style from? I have a little cousin Siena and I absolutely love the way she dresses.  A couple of years ago she wore a maxi dress and denim jacket all from topshop when we were on holiday in Italy.  I think she was only 11/12 years old at the time and I went out the minute I was home and bought the whole outfit.  I definitely wasn't that cool when I was her age and  I borrow Carla's clothes all the time as well!  How have teenagers become so style conscious?? Is it the development of the Internet and the explosion of the celebrity culture?  I have no idea but I am looking everywhere for style ideas and a lot of my ideas are coming from people who are younger than me!! Surprised to say the least.

This is me wearing the Maxi Dress that I stole from seeing Siena wear it.

Ps.  Still snotty but starting to feel a bit better!

Full moon, half moon, total eclipse

"It's an extraordinary thing, this tiny little province of Northern Ireland, where carnage happened. And I was a part of it.  I grew up in it." Liam Neeson

Primark Stripe top -similar here

Coral caridgan Therapy- similar here

Ladies navy chinos

This weekend I am backing Belfast!  If you haven't guessed by now I am from the lovely country of Northern Ireland.   I don't know about other bloggers who are reading this but I am fascinated by the views I get.  I am constantly refreshing to see how many have viewed it since I last looked. The amazingness of the internet is that you can track where people are viewing your blog from.  This week alone I have had viewers from New Zealand, Hong Kong, Poland, America, France and Germany.  It is unbelievable the power of the internet.

 View of Belfast from my balcony

So I wanted to do this post (and the next one on monday) as a review of Belfast as sadly it has been getting some bad press due to a small minority of people.  There has been a massive drive across Northern Ireland lately mainly focusing in Belfast to "back Belfast."  Due to the protests and the fact it was a very cold and long January, people have been mainly staying at home.  Understandable but it has been affecting business across the province.  Also, many visitors have been put off coming to Belfast due to what they are hearing on the news.

To be truthful, it doesn't affect my life if they fly a flag or not over City Hall in Belfast city centre.  But to some people it does and that is fair enough.  My take on it is that when I am 85 or whatever age, lying on my death bed, I won't remember the day that they decided not to fly the flag over city hall.  I will remember my family and friends,  my wedding day, giving birth to my children, their 1st smile and loving my grandchildren.

I am "half a Jaffa," as I like to call myself.  I was brought up half protestant, half catholic.  My mum was a catholic, my dad a protestant.  I went to a very protestant primary school where I wore the red hand of Ulster on my chest via my school jumper.  We said the Lord's prayer each day with the added doxology (that's the bit at the end of the Lord's prayer that protestants say).  When I was eight years old, I did my First Holy Communion and I brought my Communion dress into school for show and tell.  I didn't know that I was different, I wasn't treated different, I wasn't brought up to think there was any difference.  I just wanted to show off a dress that I had worn at the weekend.  I then attended the most catholic school in the area with nuns and everything.  Of course, I had no idea.  I just loved the school, the teachers and it was my choice.  Religion was never mentioned.  That was until the first day and we said the Lord's prayer in Assembly and I continued on at the end.  I had no clue why everyone stopped.  Call me naive, call me silly but honestly, I think my parents did a great job bringing me up not to judge people or know there is a difference between the two.

I have always got on with everyone, none of my friends care what religion I am.  I have attended mass and church.  I know the name of my family's priest and I know the name of my family's minister (I even fancied his son at one point).  Belfast is a beautiful city and I honestly can't see myself living anywhere else.  Sure, I want to go travelling and possibly live in another country for a few years but I will always come back to Northern Ireland to raise my children.  It's my home.

View of Belfast from my balcony last month

So this weekend, my schedule is jammed packed! Well tonight I am travelling to the boyfriend's house which is about half an hour outside Belfast and having a lovely home cooked belated Valentine's day meal.  Tomorrow, Connor, Connor's little brother, Harry and I are going to the Mac, Belfast's brand new arts venue.  They are showing an exhibition on Andy Warhol, the first time any of his work has been showing in Northern Ireland!  Then on Sunday, I am having a girly catch up day with my two best friends, Zoe and Jenny.  We are going to have a day of fun!!! Plan is to hit the Titanic museum which is unbelievable, ice skating, dinner in Victoria Square and who knows where else.  Probably Lisburn Road too for ice cream and a cup of tea.

So tune in Monday for lots of fun photos, reviews and what I was wearing over the weekend!