HomeTagsPosts tagged with "summer"

summer

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Pastel colours are popping up everywhere at the moment and we NEED to get our hands on some for summer-time.

From occasionwear to homeware, pastel has become seriously popular on the High Street.

Here, we have chosen a host of girly pieces in soft shades to keep you looking elegant and up-to-date this season.

1. House of Fraser

This House of Fraser range of 'muted pastels' is sure to be very popular. It's very Kate Middleton-on-a-good-day.

This lilac dress would be perfect for a Summer wedding and is €85 

We NEED this lemon skirt! It's €182 and could be worn with a crop top for any occasion. 

You will be pretty in pink in this subtle shade which comes in at €129

2. ASOS

ASOS has a wide variety of pastel clothing for both men and women available on their website. And the great news is delivery on orders over €25 is free. 

This pastel floral print would be perfect for a sunny day with a pair of wrap-up sandals, €117.

How adorable is the bow on this midi skirt? It's €68.50.

This pastel duster coat is on sale at €75 and is the perfect finish to any outfit for an Irish summer. 

3. Missguided

Missguided has a huge range of pastels perfect for a night on the town. 

This powder-blue skirt would be perfect with any white top and is great value at €25.50.

This pastel pink wrap skirt would give you a great shape for only €28.

We know winter is (thankfully!) long gone but we couldn't resist adding in this gorgeous lilac coat. You never know, with our unpredictable Irish summer, it might well come in very handy! It's on sale at €28.

4. Boohoo

Boohoo offers a very reasonable range of pastels, which means you can stay on-trend without breaking the bank.

Off-the-shoulder tops are popping up everywhere and we love this Seventies chic pastel blouse. €24.

This fab lilac dress is €41 and would be perfect for a summer months date night teamed with the right accessories.

This soft coloured plunge play suit would be perfect with a long chain and a nice tan for only €27.  

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Summer is the perfect season to have your nails looking their very best, but by taking part in all of the adventures that the season has to offer, chipped nail polish (boo!) is a common occurrence. 

At least Catrice nail lacquers promise a variety of long-lasting colours, and they're available in Penneys priced at just €2.99 – which means we might even snap up more than one.

For the lovers of a more subtle look, luxury nude white and bright (€3.29) offers killer coverage in a chic neutral shade.

Meanwhile, for a shiny summer hue that will last an age, my yellow fellow definitely caught our attention. Then there's (S)wimbledon, a perfectly-pitched shade of green inspired by the tennis championship. And a gallon of melon comes in a coral hue to make your toenails look beach-ready against your gladiator sandals.

Finally, all you need is pink is perfect for kicking off a great night out in style.

But in order to achieve those glorious eight days of coverage, Catrice suggests its three-step system: the ultra stay and gel shine base coat (€3.99), an ultimate nail lacquer colour, followed by the ultra stay and gel shine top coat (€3.99).

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Everyone in this country loves a barbecue, what a pity then we don’t always get the weather. Still, a battered old disposable BBQ or seriously weathered-looking garden furniture hardly inspires you to throw your own al fresco soiree when the sun eventually does shine.

Still, with investing in pricey equipment seeming ill-advised considering we have no idea how summer 2015 will pan out, we reckon Aldi can solve a few outdoor entertainment dilemmas…

At €49.99, Aldi's dual burner gas BBQ is a bargain buy, and perfect, along with it's €1.79 tools and brushes, for a yummy dinner under the sun. 

The €99.99 drinks fridge holds approximately 48 litres and and has an adjustable shelf for various sized bottles. Fill it up with a range of your favourite beverages and be spoilt for choice. 

Aldi's variety of chairs includes the US lounge chairs for €19.99 which are available in beige, dark green, and dark blue.

The €19.99 plastic chairs can hold up to 110kg and are perfect for sitting up to the €39.99 aluminium folding table while on a camping trip with friends.   

To add a touch of colour to the table, the premium bamboo tableware range of salad bowls, fruit bowls, small bowls and oval trays are available in three colours and are €14.99, while the quirky glass drinking jars are €6.99 per pack. The drinking jars are available in four colours, and the milk bottles with straws and lids are available in three colours. 

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It's raining; it's chilly; it's windy. In short, it doesn't look or feel very summery out there. Still, we're pretty much ready for sunshine and warmth – and even if conditions don't pick up anytime soon, we're dead-set on defying our nation's bonkers climate by embracing a spot of warmer weather style.

Everyone has their go-to store for seasonal essentials – but this year we've been pleasantly surprised by the wares on offer at Life Style Sports.

From t-shirts, tank tops, and shorts, to sunglasses, flip flops and trainers, there is a load of seriously cool attire to choose from.

In particular, we are loving the quirky Originals Lotus print playsuit (€55) and the Supercolour shell-toe trainers (€80).

This clothes and accessories might even, whisper it, motivate us to go to the gym more.

Life Style Sports this week said: "Our fashion team has handpicked the hottest summer looks from top international brands to create a really unique and wearable collection," adding that the store's "on-trend pieces will look great at home or abroad and will last long after the season is over".

The 2015 collection is available in 60 Life Style Sports stores nationwide and online at www.lifestylesports.com.

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Today is Cinco de Mayo – when Mexicans celebrate their national identity with a series of festivities and parties.

And while traditional Mexican fare is usually on the menu to mark the occasion – think spicy shrimp cocktail, tortilla bean soup, and cheesy nachos – we’re definitely a huge fan of HB’s twist on convention: a Mexican-inspired Cornetto taco.

Yup, this taco-shaped crispy waffle shell is filled with creamy vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, and is topped off with a delicious chocolate and peanut-flecked layer.

Oh and it's in fridges right now, priced at €1.80.

HB said today: “We’re bringing a Mexican twist to the Cornetto range and we reckon people are going to go loco for Cornetto Taco.”

We couldn’t agree more. In fact, we don’t care if it’s raining out – it’s officially May and a HB Cornetto taco sounds almost obscenely delicious. Hola!

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OK, so there’s been a lot of rain lately; not to mention hail – even a spot of sleet too. In short, summer feels like a very long way away.

But we’re quietly confident that a scorching May is only just around the corner – which means that it’s time to think about seasonal attire. Gone will be heavy coats, boots, and leggings; replaced by flowing skirts, sandals, and light jackets.

Versace's S/S 15 collection

 

But a change in the weather means we also need to rethink our wardrobes. And while the catwalk might provide inspiration – Versace, for example, has a beach-club chic, crystal-embellished silk mini dress for (gulp) €4,250 – the likes of Penneys is perfect for designer-inspired wear at incredibly affordable prices. In fact, the Irish retailer has heaps of inexpensive clothing and accessories that would work brilliantly for holidays abroad, funky festivals, or – when the sun is shining – stylish events on home-soil.

Green top €13; green skirt €12; sunglasses €2.50
Pattern dress, €16; sunglasses, €3.50; bag €8; bracelet, €5; rings €3

 

Most of the summer stock has now landed, and we’re happy to report that a good chunk of it is seriously head-turning.

Clockwise: Palm Springs swimsuit, €12; ruffle playsuit, €12; 
tropical flatfrom, €22; pink pom pom shorts, €7

 

With lots of rich patterns and textures, we particularly love the lace and crinkled crepe materials on offer. Off-the-shoulder tops, dropped-waist dresses, and high-waist shorts are all there too, as is colourful embroideries and beading, fringing, tassels and pom-poms. Gladiator sandals are back and big news this season – Penneys has a good selection of those too.

Black top, €17; skirt, €17; shoes, €12; earrings, €2;
white top, €15; shorts, €13; shoes, €18; earrings, €2

 

If you’re hitting the beach, bold colours dominate the brand’s bikinis, while funky swimwear items boast an ombre effect. T-shirts come complete with cheeky slogans and classic characters.

Don’t forget accessories either; cute and colourful friendship bracelets and mix-and-match rings would complete any summery outfit nicely. 

Clockwise: sandals, €8; floral bag, €12; floral shoes; €12, blue necklace, €8

 

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Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with fun summer ideas, especially if the weather isn't the best. Here are five plans that will make it a Summer to remember. Time to start making memories.

1. Random Acts of Kindness
You'll feel happy and so will somebody else. Get all the girls involved and make a persons day.

2. Go camping
How often do you spend your sleepovers in the woods? Don't forgot your onesies and marshmallows.

3. Start something new
Zumba? Rugby? Irish dancing? The gym? Go for it.

4. Take a midnight drive to the beach
Romantic or thought provoking, theres no better time to go to the beach. Yes, a little bit chilly, but great fun.

5. Keep a diary
The summer to remember which will definitely be remembered. Maybe don't organise that one with the girls though…

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Whisper it – beach bod season is officially in the offing. And if the prospect of slipping on last year’s bikini currently fills you with dread, fear not; there’s plenty of time to get in tip-top shape. But rather than slave away in the gym (boring), or limit yourself to meals consisting of lettuce and celery and little else (as if), why not fire-up your metabolism with these five easy tips…

Be a breakfast devotee

We’ve long been told it’s the most important meal of the day – and mammy was right for a reason: kicking off your day nutritiously is vital if you want to stay slim. Opt for the likes eggs on wholemeal toast, porridge made with water or a dairy-free milk (coconut, almond or soya), home-made smoothies, or smoked salmon and grilled tomato.

Don’t skip your caffeine hit

The jury’s long been out on the health benefits of your cuppa. Thankfully for sleepy-heads everywhere, heaps of recent studies say a – moderate – coffee habit definitely does lots more good than bad. It contains riboflavin and potassium, and – even better – it raises your metabolic rate, helping you to burn fat.

Fire up your food

Chillies contain capsaicin which naturally helps to convert the food we eat to heat. Not only that – but chillies reduce your appetite and encourage you to eat less too. If that wasn’t enough, the fieriness adds heaps of flavour to food, meaning you’ll be less likely to resort to unnecessary oils or fats during cooking.

Stay hydrated

Feeling peckish? You might actually be thirsty. That and dehydration slows down your metabolism significantly. Keep it active by drinking 2-3 litres of water daily, with extra brownie points if it’s chilled or iced: your body will be forced to warm up the cold water, burning a few extra calories in the process.

Eat more protein

You might think that green salad and soup is as good as it gets in dietary terms, but without a decent source of protein – think lean meats, eggs, avocados, nuts and fish – you’re not doing your body many favours. Protein helps you maintain lean muscle and keeps you fuller for longer. It also makes your digestive system work harder, fuelling a lightning-quick metabolis

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With this nice weather we're having, we all need to be making the most of it. Here are four reasons why going to the beach can benefit your health.

Sunshine
While we have the nice weather, you should make the most of it. Even though the sun can be dangerous, it is vital for the human body. Our bodies need Vitamin D, and while it is in some foods, it is easier and better to get it from sun exposure. We need Vitamin D for stronger bones and healthy skin. All you need is a pair of sunglasses and a cute little bikini, Penney’s lets be havin ya!

Sand
Sand is a natural exfoliant. This will get rid of dead skin cells, resulting in soft, rejuvenated skin. There are also nerve endings in your feet that are stimulated when you walk on a beach barefoot. This is why we all love the feeling of walking on a beach barefoot.

Seawater
Seawater has many benefits. This is due to the various minerals in the water- iodine, magnesium and potassium are examples of these. These can fight infection de-stress you and have anti-ageing effects. Plus, let’s face it, how many of us still hold onto that little bit of childhood hope that we could in fact be a mermaid?

Peace and quiet
There is nothing more relaxing than watching the ocean. Sometimes you just need a relaxing escape. You don’t even need the sunshine for this one, you can’t beat a nice midnight road trip to the beach.

Do you actually need encouraging?

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It’s that time of the year again when we have to shed our final layers and actually – gasp – show skin. The thought can be daunting, especially for those of us who hate our feet, and there are quite a lot of us.

Here’s how to get beautiful feet you can be confident about when the nice weather comes out:

How to cure smelly feet
It’s important first to deal with any underlying issues you may have with your feet – such as bad odour. To keep your feet smelling clean, make sure to wash them thoroughly at least once a day and more if the weather is particularly warm. Wear loose fitting shoes and breathable socks, or none if possible.

Yellow toenails
Many women who suffer with yellow toenails are more than likely dealing with a side-effect of wearing nail polish. However, it’s important to rule out any fungus first. If you think your yellow nails are down to nail polish and not something more serious, try rubbing the nails with some lemon juice.

Dry, cracked skin
Summer feet are moisturised feet. If you have cracked heels and dry, calloused skin on your feet, invest in a high-quality foot moisturisers. Apply at night and pop on some cotton socks. Your tootsies should be soft in no time.

Scrub
Using a foot scrub can ensure your feet are rid of dead skin cells. To make a homemade foot scrub, mix brown sugar, olive oil and some essential oil of your choice before scrubbing feet and rinsing off. Do this once a week for smooth, soft feet. You can also invest in a pumice stone to keep your feet soft. 

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Summer is almost here so if you've been thinking of packing away that heady, winter scent then we've got some very lovely perfumes for you to choose from. 

While perfume may not seem like such an important thing, remember there is nothing quite like the power of scent meaning that one of these perfumes could take you back to the summer of 2015 in sixty years time…so make it a good one!

1. Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne
If a sophisticated summer scent is for you, then you’ll love this. With citrus top notes and a delicate lilac base, this is the ultimate picnic-at-the-park perfume.

2. L’eau de Chloe by Chloe
The fresh, clean-cut and subtle scent of citrus and rose water will transport you to the beach – even if you haven’t quite finished your shift yet…

3. Dolce and Gabanna Light Blue
The cedar base notes in this make it a firm summer favourite. Fruity yet clean and light, this is a definite favourite.

4. ck one summer 2015 by Calvin Klein
If the scents of gin and tonic, cucumber and watermelon make you think of summer days, then this perfume will be a big hit.

5. Escada Turquoise Summer
Every year Escada release a summer perfume, and this year is no different! As other years, Escada’s summer scents are for those who love their perfumes sweet, with pineapple and strawberry taking over the top notes, mellowing down to a warm summery vanilla. 

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It's been hard to say goodbye to summer, but there are some reasons we are very happy to see the back of it…like these!

1. College Time

For those of us lucky enough to be heading back to college, it's the best time of the year! Until one week in and you're starving, all your clothes are dirty and you're broke. But it's all in the anticipation!

2. Less Socialising

Whatever it is about summer, it tends to bring out our inner disco drinking divas. We come down with serious case of FOMO if we’re not perched in a beer garden, cider in hand, every single weekend. Winter then, paves the way for less drinking, more nights in catching up on Netflix and a general sense of letting our livers rest up. 

3. Everywhere Smells Better

The ever lingering smell of sweat is replaced with a smell of hot chocolate, cool breezes, log fires and joy.

4. Fun Non-Festival Events

Festivals are great and all, but once the summer is over you’ll probably be glad to see the back of them for a while. Sure, what’s not to like about all day drinking, camping in a leaky tenet and eating enough burgers to sink a ship, but it’s good to try something new which is why, come the close of summer, Halloween and Oktoberfest are where it’s at. No portable toilets, no muck, no wellies, just pure, unadulterated joy.

5. Less Personal Prep

With summer comes shaving, tanning, waxing, polishing, buffing and boring times all round. Alas, not so much when it’s all over. The end of summer spells the end of personal grooming and personal pride too, on some level. Layer on the woolen goods because there’s a yeti hiding underneath this jumper.

6. Public Transport Is More Bearable

Public transport during the summer is really some mild form of torture. Sweat, tight spaces, late schedules, angry people and windows that won’t open all combine to make for a very uncomfortable commute indeed. Now, getting on to a warm bus is somewhat of a comfort instead of a curse. For the most part.

7. Better Food

Goodbye boring salads and hello fantastic comforting winter food, we’ve really missed you. After all a few extra pounds in the winter equals insulation, meaning there’s no better time to treat yourself to that tempting little treat that you’ve no doubt got your eye on…

8. More Excuses To Curl Up On The Couch

When the weather’s great outside, you might feel guilty for swapping that run for a run of the Kardashians and a nest of blankets, but now there’s no such guilt factor. Stock up on blankets, socks and great films because it’s getting chilly out there and we’re going nowhere.

9. A Fresh Start

September is ingrained in our minds as being a fresh start, a new beginning and the start of another year, perhaps more so than January. Think about it, you spend roughly 18 years of your life starting anew every September so now is as good a time as any to rid yourself of any past mistakes, any regrets and above all, to try and achieve anything that you want after a lazy or unproductive summer. Go out there and get it.

via our content partner CT

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