Self Love, why you need to 'Love yo'self'

This is a different kind of post to what normally appears here on 'rachalesmode'. It's not a post  that I had planned on doing, but it is something that has been on my mind, and sitting here at my laptop  I feel that I need to share it.

In this crazy, busy world where there is so much going on it can be a little overwhelming trying to balance it all. College work, a part time job relationships, friendships and a million and one other responsibilities and pressures can sometimes get in the way of you focusing on you and doing what you love. The past month has been a real eye opener for me, there have been some changes in my life and although at the time I  thought that one of those changes was the worst thing in the world, it was actually the best thing that could have happened. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, if something doesn't work out it's because the universe has bigger plans for you, it's not the end of the world, it's just the end of an idea that you had.

The thing about self-love is knowing your worth. Something I've noticed is that I spend so much time trying to make everyone else happy that sometimes I forget that my happiness should be the number one priority. The bottom line is, love with all your heart, but love yourself first, because nobody deserves your love more than you do. When you're in your early twenties it's the time to try new things, to take the chance, to go on the adventure and to take the risk. It's the time to say 'I can't believe I did that' rather than 'I wish I had done that'.

So from me to me and to anyone else who needs to hear this; when life gets crazy take a step back, put it in perspective, see how you can deal with it and just do what makes you happy. The rest will sort itself out. So I'm dedicating this post to self love. It doesn't mean your selfish, it doesn't mean you don't care about other people, it means that you value yourself, and I can't think of anything more important than that. Take the risk, go on the adventure, make the mistake and live in the moment, because at the end of the day that's what life is about, and you only have one chance to live it.

With love 

Conceal & Contour collection 2000 palette review

Not too long ago I invested in Collection 2000's #ConcealAndLightLikeAPro palette which promises to 'conceal highlight and brighten your features'. In all I found that it does just that! I've been on the lookout for a cream contour palette for a while now and although this isn't exactly a contour palette I figured that with four shades of concealer, the darker shades would do the job! With the combination of that and colour correction shades I thought it was an absolute bargain  costing just over €10

The yellow and highlighter shades aim to brighten dark circles under the eyes. The green colour neutralises redness while the purple counteracts yellow tones and dullness. 

Overall I was really impressed with the palette. As concealers they definitely do their job. Each colour has a specific function and it definitely works! The whole 'clown contouring' became popular recently and although it seems silly I can see why it was as your face is left flawless with even tones, creating the perfect base for your foundation.  Although there are four different concealer shades I found that the texture wasn't quite creamy enough to achieve a striking yet nicely blended contour. For a more subtle look it works perfectly however in order to achieve the full Kim K look I think I might have to invest in something else a little creamer and more pigmented. 

Any thoughts on other contour/concealer palettes? Let me know! 

Fashion and fairy-tales;Met Gala 2016

One of my favourite things about this time of the year is getting to see the fabulous creations that make their way down the red carpet at the annual 'Met Gala'. Each year it takes place at the Matropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

As a fashion lover and art enthusiast  I always feel so refreshed and inspired by the amazing designs that appear year in year out. Every year has a specific theme and this year it was themed  Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.

One lady, who literally outshone everyone else was Claire Danes. Her magical gown created by Zac Posen  embodies everything that is the art of fashion aided with the brilliance of technology. Her 21st century Cinderella  ensemble was just incredible! My inner nine year old was so happy so see a real life Cinderella dress, something that was such a huge part of childhood memories finally come to life.

While Danes opted for a fairytale look with a 21st century twist others opted for a more futuristic look with bold metallics, dramatic make-up and  shiny sequence. A few years ago I took part in a fashion design competition called 'Junkature'.  The outfit our team created reminded  me a lot of the crazy, futuristic and innovative  outfits that could be seen on Monday nights red carpet. You can have a look at our design here. http://rachaelsmode.blogspot.ie/2014/03/junk-kouture.html

Zoe Saldana's Dolce and Gabanna peacock-inspired gown was very like something you'd see at a Junkature fashion show, much like the winning design in 2015.

                                                                                                                                   Images: Vanityfair.com

The futuristic interpretation was also very artsy and cool. It gave guests such an opportunity to be creative and go wild with their outfits. Three of my favourites were Kendal Jenner's wiry gown, Taylor swifts fierce chrome ensemble and Beyonce's skin tight latex dress. All three are amazing in their own way. The detail of Jenner's Versace dress is just incredible. It almost looks as though wires were woven and sewed together to create wearable fashion. Swift's outfit was the most futuristic. Wearing Louis Vuitton she took on a robot-gladiator type character with silver metallic's and gladiator type strap sandals. Beyonce's peach-coloured Givenchy gown was again something unique, eye catching and equally crazy which is what makes it so brilliant. The latex type material clung to her perfectly, showing off her amazing figure. The  embellishment all over the dress was just subtle enough to bring it all together.

                                                                                                                                                                                         

                                          

Although this years Gala was more high fashion than red carpet glamour it was one of my all time favourites. In a world and society with such strict rules to adhere to it is refreshing to see difference and creativity expressed through fashion. 

What did you think of this years Met Gala? 

Let me know!

Brussels and Amsterdam photo diary

Back in February I travelled to both Brussels and Amsterdam alongside my friend Maeve to visit our  friend Emma who is currently living in Brussels on placement.  After flying to Brussels and meeting Emma we spent the evening in the city, the next day we took a bus to Amsterdam and had two days to explore. 

Being typical tourists we took the 'Dungeon's Tour', a bout trip and visited the 'Ice bar', all of which were extremely cool and well worth a visit. After spending the night in Amsterdam and wondering around for two days, we got a bus back to Brussels where we got a real feel for the beautiful City. 

In Brussels the nigh life is fantastic, the waffles are amazing and the shops are cool and quirky. We stumbled across a vintage record shop where I was able to get a really unique gift to bring back. Architecturally  Brussels is fantastic.  'Le Grande Place' is just amazing. We went at night-time and got to see it lit up and sparkling. 

Below are some photos of the highlights of our trip 

Just as we arrived in Amsterdam 

The boat trip and the Ice Bar

                            

View from the boat 

The three of us outside grand central station about to get the train and the bus back to Brussels

Serious Belgian waffles  

The quirky record shop in Brussels 

               Le grand Place

Overall it was an absolutely brilliant trip, I was only sorry I couldn't have spent longer in both Cities! I really hope I get the chance to go back to both someday soon, there's so much more that I need to see! 

All for now

 love 

The blog awards Ireland 2015

Last October I was lucky enough to attend the Blog Awards Ireland in the Tivoli Theatre thanks to Darragh Doyle who kindly put me on the guest list. Although this post is very much overdue I decided that I couldn't not share what an fantastic experience attending the awards was! 

The entire evening was just fantastic! Myself and my friend Sarah headed to the 1920's themed event where we were greeted with a glass of champaign (oh so fancy). Although I wasn't nominated for any award myself a fellow blogger and very good friend of mine was. We were delighted to be there to support her. Rachel over at ohheythererachel was nominated for both 'Best Youth Blog' and 'Best Fashion Blog' bringing home the Bronze award for Best Fashion Blog. We were honestly like proud Mammies when her blog popped up on the big screen! It was definitely the highlight of the night.

Outfit details 

Coat; Cari's Closet Malahide 

Dress: River Island 

Boots: River Island 

Bag: Micheal Kors

Earrings: River Island 

Dinner

The food was really fab. There was a choice of  three different food vendors,  Kinara Kitchen, Eathos and Home Fries. We went for the curry option and it did not disappoint!

Our lovely goodie bags

   Rachel, Myself and Sarah

Overall it was such an enjoyable night! The food the atmosphere and the entertainment were all on point and it was also such a great opportunity to meet and network with other bloggers. Rach winning the Bronze award also made the night!The Blogging community really is huge and when a group of like minded people come together the result has got to be good! Plans are already in store for next year and I'd really love to go again so we shall see! Once again apologies for my absence, I think I might have underestimated how demanding college life would be. The past few months I've been preparing for my driving test, grade 8 piano and assignments again! (no the LC is not the end) so things have been busier than I anticipated, but summer is just around the corner and I cannot wait.

So that's all for now my lovelys

Lots of love