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

I watched True Romance again recently and I forgot how much I love this film! My favourite Tarantino movie, it's thrilling, funny and sexy. Patricia Arquette is the epitomy of stylish and sexy as the kooky Clarence. An eclectic combination of acid brights, dishevelled platinum hair and stone wash denim creates a style that's mutually tacky and endearing but ultimately she's just plain cool!

The end of the month is nearly upon us once more and with that comes pay day!! Below are some of things I've got my eye on right now. The Alexa is in again this time the pinky purply leopard print version which I'm currently obsessed with - this one is definitely on the 'wish' side of my list..

Ruffle stripe tee from French Connection, Gold overlay cuff from Asos.com, Love heart cardigan from Topshop, Multi Strand bracelet from House of Harlow at Mywardrobe.com. TBA Black Chiffon dress from BT2/Urban Outfitters.

Alexa Mulberry at Brown Thomas!

Finally got round to watching the September Issue this morning..Love Sienna's shoot in it...

Also wanted to post this pic of Kate which is stunning, in tribute to Alexander McQueen's great work..love this dress..such a loss for the fashion industry..

Happy Saturday people...