Blog | Uniqueischic

Boot Camp!

2 min read

Welcome to Boot Camp!

Don't be scared, I'm not going to ask you to drop and give me 100 push-ups, but feel free if you feel so inclined :-)

We'll go through some style drills and hopefully you'll achieve some gains to boot ;-)

I don't think it's possible to live in a country that rains 150 days per year and not own a few pairs of boots. They're a wardrobe staple. A must have puddle jumping accessory.

Luxury designer houses and the high street alike are giving us biker boots, boots adorned with buckles/zips/sequins, Western styles and interestingly quirky heels. I especially love the styles in the below grid.

Here are some of the ways I like to style my boots:

Dress (long or short) + Ankle/Knee high Boots:

Pair your trusty black ankle boots with a printed floral dress. Add a belt to cinch in the waist and add structure to a long dress.
I love Western boots with long flowy dresses. It's such a cool boho vibe.

Colourful Jumper + Midi-Skirt + Colourful Boots:

Combine ankle boots with a colourful jumper and a midi skirt. You can either show a hint of skin between the hemline and boots or opt for a maxi-length skirt that covers your ankles or a knee high boot.

Short Skirt + T-Shirt + Blazer + Knee High Boots:

I adore this look and I think if done properly can look less Pretty Woman and more The Devil Wears Prada :-). I wear a kitten heel boot but it would be very chic with a nice chunky heeled pair.
The sequins boots in the Style File are not for the faint of heart but, what a showstopper! Worn with an all black outfit would look amazing. Much easier to style that you think.

Leather Shorts + Shirt + Blazer + Ankle Boots:

Leather shorts look great with a long black boot to elongate the legs.
Add a shirt and layer an oversized blazer on top and voila!

Skinny Pants + Jumper/Shirt/T-Shirt/Shirt Dress/Waistcoat:

The options are endless here and so easy to dress up or down your outfit with chosen boots.
Skinny leather pants with biker boots screams cool! Loving the tan coloured biker boots in the Style File (linked below).

Hiking Boots + Yoga Pants:

The comfort, the cosiness, the warm ankles, I could go on. This combo is akin to chips with salt or crisps with chocolate - so good!

I hope you enjoyed Boot Camp - it wasn't too strenuous at all now was it :-)

Thanks for reading and check out the boots below which are all linked for you.

Have a bootiful day!

Orla xxx

Cracking Easter Outfits!

3 min read

Suite Style: Hotel Glam

Let me set the scene for you, which is an imaginary one for fun!

You have the lyrics to Beyoncé's "Alien Superstar" in your head as you enter the hotel.

The words U-N-I-Q-U-E roll off your tongue so easily, head is held high. It's going to be a cracking weekend of which you will be hunting for eggs and compliments. Oh Yes!

A cracking outfit is all you need to keep your head up. Dressed to impress like the fancy crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

I've picked three options in the Style File which are very on trend for Spring. I'm a bit obsessed with the colour blue at the moment as is evident form my last few posts!

I picked two dresses as I absolutely adore them. Both are very different but guaranteed to make a statement. Plus, less hassle as it's one item to pack.

This jumpsuit is gorgeous and easy to style for day or night. You could wear to work with a cute blazer on top.

Sidenote: If my husband is reading this I would love a staycation at Ballyfin hotel haha. Oh wow! the opulence of that hotel is unreal!

If you're being whisked away this weekend I implore you to strut your stuff and leave a trail of sequins in your wake.

Pub Grub Chic: Casual Glam

Forget haute couture we're diving headfirst into the world of pub grub fashion. These days my trip to the pub is only for grub so high waisted jeans and elasticated waistbands to the ready :-)

The day of the pub crawl and eating is cheating is well behind me. I'm here for the feast and home to the couch afterwards. I'm crazy really!!

I've created 3 outfits that offer different twists depending on mood style. The first one is cute and comfortable. I need those jeans and shoes in my life!

Next is a flowy dress and knee boots and I've added this gorgeous waist belt to elevate the outfit in case you decide to go clubbing after a few bevvies. I got you!

Lastly, if you're feeling very laid back and after a comfy vibe then this outfit fits the bill. It's classy and practical (hi elasticated waistband)

Cheers to casual glam if you are off down the pub for grub this weekend!

Home Sweet Home: Easter Stayhome Chic

If you're planning on staying home over Easter and eating ALL the chocolate, I've got 3 outfits for you to choose from - all with varying levels of pizzazz depending on your mood (and the sugar high).

The first one is a glorious mix of the hue that is blue (did I mention I'm obsessed). The cheery jumper adds a cool and quirky vibe. Elasticated trousers (more, I know) and some comfy Birkenstocks. Throw on some socks to make a BirkenSock!!

"Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking."

Well done you if you got that movie quote!

Second outfit screams casual. It's oh so chic and on trend for Spring. Its perfect for having the family round for dinner or equally perfect for sprawling on the couch in front of the TV eating a takeaway with a glass of Champers in hand.

Last but definitely not least is cosy pjs. Why change out of your cosy pjs when you can embrace them as your Easter ensemble?

This is fashion meets functionality. A pair of bunny slippers and you're the poster girl for Easter Sunday lounging (YOLO etc.,).

Remember, the best dressed egg is the one that cracks with laughter!

Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed it and I managed to add a little splash of inspiration to your day.

Orla xxx

The Great (Weekend) Escape!

3 min read

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford - Samuel Johnson.

I love this quote as much as I love London. I've visited London ever since I was a young child with my Granny. Then as a grown up one of my oldest and dearest friends lived there for a long time so instantly became our London tour guide :-)

I recently flew over with three friends to see Roisin Murphy at Ally Pally. She is magnificent! You don't see many performers doing push-ups on stage!

If you're like me, you believe that every trip is an opportunity to showcase your style and wardrobe. But, then you realise the limitations put on us fashionistas by the airlines. Like, how dare they, who can fit 3 pairs of shoes in a 10kg bag, huh?

I've become somewhat of an expert at packing light/smart. It's been a long journey and lots of decision fatigue (yes, it's a thing) along the way!

Here are a few fashion tips for a quick jaunt across the pond.

Fashion Tip # 1: Pack Smart

Sashay your way to Security! It's simple, I wear easy clothes that don't require any fuss at Security gates - no belts, heels or too may zips!!

I usually wear a dress or an oversized jumper/top with leather leggings. I will re-wear the leggings on the way back on Sunday. The dress in the Style File is from a brilliant brand based in Galway called Emerald and Wax.

Fashion Tip # 2: Limit Shoes

Top off the outfit with a chunky boot that works for day and night and lots and lots of walking. I pack a sandal/shoe but sometimes I might wear the boots I wore on the flight over instead depending on my mood. The Dr Martens in the Style File above are platforms so will pair really well with a dress to give you that cool girl London Look.

Fashion Tip # 3: Accessories

Throw on some accessories or keep in a little jewellery bag in your handbag. Pack 2-3 nice pieces to change up your look effortlessly.

I bring a super stylish bag on board with me that is big enough to fit everything from my headphones to my water bottle but is small enough to not get in the way under your seat or get you fined for extra baggage lol. This one is stunning, you could actually just bring this bag with you if you are a really smart packer. Go you! It's from another brilliant Irish brand called August Night. Lots of vibrant colours and bags adorned with bows, how gorgeous!

I usually pack a small handbag that fits in my carry on bag that has a shoulder strap so I don't leave it in a taxi!

Fashion Tip # 4: Always pack a small umbrella! The End.

Ah no, there is more I promise.

I pack a jumpsuit so it's one item of clothing but covers top and bottom. A jumpsuit is a space and life saver! There is no shortage of jumpsuits in the shops - they are available in all colours, shapes and fabrics. Spoilt for choice!

Smug face is a guarantee here.

A jumpsuit is comfortable and you can layer it up for extra cosiness. Also very handy for trying on clothes in a hurry. Pair with your jacket and boots worn yesterday.

Night:

I usually pack a dress or two if I have room as I'm so indecisive!

London calls for sequins so I always abide. Dresses are light and easy to roll up too.

Fashion Tip # 5: Versatility and Layering

Re-wear leather leggings with a nice longline shirt, leather jacket, boots.

Invest in good vest tops/thermals in winter to keep you cosy. A light cardy can easily be rolled up and then tied around your waist if you get too hot.

So there you go. I hope you found this helpful. I've linked the Style File items below.

Remember, traveling light doesn't mean sacrificing style. With a little planning and creativity, you can look put together while exploring the world!

Happy travels!

Orla xxx