Lucky, lucky, LUCKY me! Yesterday, to cure a growing hangover I headed to Brown Thomas to spend my three birthday gift cards I received in May. Between work and being at home and on holidays in Greece for a few weeks in June ( hence inconsistent blogging again!), yesterday was finally the perfect afternoon to use them, after careful consideration. My choice -the black and white Alexander McQueen skull scarf, something I've lusted after for a long time...when it came to the crunch though, I nearly changed my mind and got the silvery white one, but went for this one instead - much more versatile..I'm almost afraid to wear it it's so perfect..all Monday/post holiday blues are cured! x

So finally the long wait arrived and many of us have now seen Sex and the City 2 over the weekend..if you haven't managed to organise a ticket yet then you might not want to read on, and wait to see it for yourselves..

In short, I did love it but it definitely wasn't as good as the series or even the first film - many people are giving it bad reviews because of this, but really I think people have built up such high expectations over the past two years waiting on it to be a-maaazing..it still was brilliant, for true fans like myself it was a chance to simply catch up with the characters and the writers really knew how to pander to people's affections, ensuring favourites such as Aidan, Smith and Carrie's old apartment all featured in the film. For the record Smith looked hotter than ever as did Aidan and even Big, surprisingly!

People have also been giving out about the lack of realism, the ostentatious fashion (hello? this is one of the main reasons we love it so much)..apparently there were over 300 outfit changes between the ladies throughtout the film and the fashion was a star all in itself, all of the outfits reflected a mix of what Patricia Field does best and she really matched the clothes to the scenes - Abu Dhabi saw the girls kitted out in fabulous floaty fabrics and bold colours and patterns, Samantha's trademark statement earrings were even bigger and more 'bling'..I thought Miranda looked better then ever, the whole holiday scenario was pure over the top, one scene in particular involving a camel ride and a tent full of designer clothes - but this is the point, no one wants to see the girls 'do' recession..I think my favourite was Carrie shuffling about the dessert in a full ball gown skirt with a Dior T-shirt..

The storyline wasn't as strong as the first film, and the whole thing felt like we were just dropping in to see how everyone was getting on - but that's what made it so good in the end, I definitely left feeling good and nostalgic about the whole series....and judging by the full house of stylish girls at the Savoy on Friday night and the rapturous applause at the end, the other fans felt the same - weak storylines and over the top scenes regardless..

Still a busy bee at the moment, literally counting down the days to my holidays - 3 working weeks left..whether you're lucky enough to be heading off in the sun or gearing up for the expected heat wave this weekend, these are some of my favourite summer finds from my browsing over the weekend, I bought the bangles and earrings and am mulling over the rest! chat soon x

Blue Print Cami, €20 from A-Wear..

Off White 'Seanna' Clogs from Topshop

Multi Stack of bangles, €12 from A-Wear

Disc and Chain Earrings, from Warehouse..

One Shouldered tiered Chiffon Floaty floral dress..reduced to €47 at Warehouse


.

I've been very lazy when it comes to posting recently, I've literally just been so busy at work and with other projects as well..but I vow from here on in to post more regularly! It's 5 weeks now to my holidays in Greece, and ever the little organiser I have already started making lists of what clothes I have to bring with me as well as identifying gaps in my wardrobe that must be filled for two weeks in the sun..new swim wear, bold colourful jewellery and a versatile big bag are all on my list for this month - I find shopping for my holiday almost as much fun as the actual holiday! I'm trying to be somewhat sensible this year though. In the past I've headed off to the sun armed with 8 ill fitting bikinis and just as many pairs of uncomfortable Penneys jewel-encrusted flip flops, to end up shunning sore feet in favour of one trusty pair of shoes throughout the whole holiday! I literally have several pairs of Penneys shoes from the past two years still with their tags on..

Penneys and other cheaper stores are great for adding bright beachy accessories to your look, especially as it's unlikely we will get much further wear out of animal print kaftans and oversized wicker bags on returning home..but for important items such as proper fitting swimwear and stylish, but bearable shoes I'm opting to invest a bit more money this year. I kick started my holiday wish list with these multi coloured gladiatiors for €55 from Aldo on Saturday - the various colours match several dresses perfectly and while they are comfortable for trekking around the beach during the day they are still glam enough to take me straight to the bar as well..Result

I'm very lucky that one of my best friends works in fashion - as a stylist for one of the biggest high street stores she spends her days travelling between the different retail centres around the country, and when she's not working is checking out competitor stores and their collections, keeping me updated! She often spies things she knows I'll like or mentally bookmarks clothes for me for when we meet at the weekends...She happened to be first on the heels of those queuing in South King Street's H & M last week for their new exclusive Garden Collection. This latest limited edition collection from H & M is a bold and bright offering of 'chlorophyll garden greens' and inspired by sun drenched landscapes with burnt oranges and electric pink hues.

The range is head to toe colour, incorporating the season's flower trend throughout as well, with delicate applique flowers on colour block dresses, romantic roses and chiffon covered in ditzy prints. Lucky for me, when the collection hit the shelves my friend kindly picked up this dress I had spotted in Vogue.. Knowing my love for mixing florals with 'tougher' elements ( flower power has over taken my wardrobe in recent months but always played down with neutral greys, nudes and black tights)..she snared this dress at the bargain price of €20..most definitely a recession friendly price! I'm not sure about the sleeves and may have them altered as they're a little bit 'hippy chic' for my liking..but then again, that might just work perfectly for my holiday in June..

Many of the pieces have already sold out..Oh and I must mention that the Garden Collection is indeed garden friendly - all of the clothes are made from 100% organic or recycled materials! Available while stock lasts at South King Street branch in Dublin..

Today was the first day that signalled summer is on the way..ok it's still very cold out but the clear blue skies and glaring sunshine hinted at longer days and warm evenings ahead..this perfect Sunday weather has me day dreaming about floaty dresses, gladiator sandals and straw hats by the beach!

If I'm honest, I actually prefer the colder weather where fashion is concerned - boots, black tights, great structured coats and knitted scarfs. No pasty pins, sweating red faces or frizzy over heated hair to worry about either!

Every year however, about now, I forget how an Irish summer usually equates to over heating in a sticky office or sloshing around town in rain sodden flip flops and I imagine perfect days sunning myself like these ladies who 'do' summer so well. I'm off to Greece in June so until then will have great fun thinking and planning how many pairs of Penneys flip-flops I will fit into my suitcase for two weeks of style in the sun..

..and by the end of my holiday I'll have tired once more of summer's frivolous fashion for another year, two weeks is just enough for me!

2nd and 3rd pics from Elle.com

I was off work yesterday and had the best day! It's so nice to have an extra day on the weekend, it really makes a difference. After lunch with a friend we did our usual stopover in Brown Thomas to pet the bags and try on the shoes, before stocking up on essentials at American Apparel. I bought one of their unisex hoodies in grey, kind of expensive at €42 but it's really good quality, a perfect fit and feels super soft. I have a serious amount of hoodies clogging up my wardrobe in every colour, but I alternate between an oversized one belonging to my boyf for around the house, and a perfect fitting H & M grey one that shrank on my brother.

I thought it was about time I bought my own grey one to add to the collection and am also now hankering over this blue style from AA..

Oh by the way I'm also contributing now on stylebible.ie so check it out if you're not familiar, a great Irish site for fashion and lifestyle news.

http://www.stylebible.ie/Blogs/Niamh%20Hopkins_first-for-me-and-for-new-look-.htm

Newest columns up on the side bar as well x