Beach Bunny

A day I never thought would come has come to pass: a day when Ireland felt too hot to me! Northern Ireland is a moderate climate and having checked the weather reports before I flew I packed a variety of thigh high socks and tights options in addition to jackets and coats "just in case." I didn't anticipate a week of beautiful weather and a day where I felt like I was melting under the sun's all-consuming glare. Luckily it was the weekend and we slathered on the sunscreen and headed for the coast to enjoy a day at the beach. Normally I'd go swimming but while the air was hot the sea felt like it could hold an iceberg--dipping my toes in was enough to instantly cool me off. And on hot days it's nice to be able to wear this braided hairstyle again; it stands up so well to wind or rolled down car windows and keeps your neck cool. I made a tutorial video back in 2010 which shows how I achieve this hairstyle. My hair might be shorter and blonder, but my method remains the same.

Outfit details:
Shop Ruche earrings

Shop Ruche sunglasses

dress c/o Sheinside

Love from Cyprus sandals

Rebecca Minkoff backpack (similar)

*pictures by Thomas

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Lost in Loughgall

It was suggested that I title this post "lost in Loughgall" since it has a nice ring to it and although I was technically not lost while shooting these pictures, lost is how I'd describe myself most of the time in Northern Ireland. Others are driving me around so I have only a foggy idea our location and the names spoken in foreign accents tend to go in one year and out the other since inevitably when I visualize the spelling of a town it's so incorrect I can't point it out on a map. On top of that our days are packed; while a languid view of my journeys might be shared here on the blog most of the time we're usually out in the morning and don't return until the evening as we hop from one thing to another and I tend to forget where I was anyway. Oh well, I'll figure out where I am eventually..

Outfit details:

Crew Cuts jacket

choies dress

Choies sandals

Rebecca Minkoff backpack (similar)

*pictures by Thomas

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Postcards from Ireland

A few beautiful shots around Ireland and Northern Ireland...

Brigadoon Cottage

Brigadoon cottage nestled in the misty Mourne mountains outside Castlewellan.

Say hello to our new home--or so we wish! Thomas surprised me with a brief visit to this idyllic little cottage surrounded by mountains. You basically couldn't have wiped the smile off my face the whole time we were there. It's a beautiful wee home with the bright green door and windows and white stone walls that almost make you feel as if you're in a cave once you're inside. It is the sort of house Thomas and I would like to live in one day, but for now we're just visiting. Let's just hope unlike the Brigadoon story we'll be allowed to see it again before it's been one hundred years...We felt at home as soon as we were in the front door carrying our chips & curry takeaway (it's my favorite) and enjoyed our refined meal in front of a roaring fire which was probably unnecessary given the season. It was the coziest space for a relaxing day and night complete with a friendly cat that greeted us nearly every time we stepped outdoors.

Outfit details:

Wit & Bloom flower crown

Family Affairs legends dress

Love from Cyprus sandals

bag c/o Modcloth

*most pictures by Thomas

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Passport In My Pocket, Tricks Up My Sleeves

In the past when packing for my visits to Ireland I tried to pack somewhat thoughtfully--dresses I could wear in 2 or 3 styles with accessories and layers that also mixed with everything else. I followed my own basic packing tips developed over the years from frequent travels and awkward moves that left you living out of a suitcase for a few months. This time however I threw most of that out the window and just took clothes I wanted to wear without regard for how well they looked with other pieces or even if I could wear them in a different style. It's easier in summer of course, you have more space in your suitcase for a variety of dresses and don't have to worry as much about layers and heavy coats, but even so it was nice to pack for fun instead of practicality for once. When I pack this way I feel less like a tourist in Northern Ireland because I'm wearing clothes I'd easily wear back home rather than clothes I know are sensible. More at home in my clothes I feel more at home being here.
Also, thank you to everyone who has left their congratulations and well wishes; it's quite overwhelming and wonderful to have so many people be excited for you. I'm in love with Thomas and my ring and excited to start planning for the future, but I'll try to keep the ring spam and wedding nonsense to a reasonable level because after all the wedding is only one day of my life and not everyone needs to see a close-up of my ring on a daily basis. Still, it's nice to have friends (online and otherwise) to share these moments with--even if sometimes they're just politely nodding while you babble on about guys, dresses, and flower crowns.

Outfit details:

vintage cardigan

ASOS dress (old)

Seychelles flats

Wink & Winn purse

*pictures by Thomas

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