Belfast Fashion Week AW13 Launch

I love Belfast Fashion Week - it's a 'keeping it real' event. No looking at bikinis in winter time. Instead you get to see what's available in stores now - stuff you can actually buy. And it showcases a wide range of brands and designers from budget to high-end. There really is something there for everyone.  

Today's media launch event was a great example of this as outfits from M&S and Asda rubbed shoulders with Armani and local designers like Grainne Maher and Nor Lisa. 

 With autumn in the air, I was finally able to embrace the burgundy, leather and palest pink wool coats. I was however UNABLE to embrace  tartan...please go away with the tartan <scrubs eyes>

Here's what I wore to the event, organised by the CMPR team at the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast city centre (and a special thanks to Gemma-Louise for taking the photos with her fab new camera!)

Wearing an Esprit jacket that I bought at the amazing summer sale in Moore's of Coleraine. I can't remember exactly but I think it was reduced to about £27? Cream silky top from Zara, jeans (turned up) from Heatons and pumps from Zalando (no heels as I was on public transport)

Accessories wise, I wore my gold Owl pendant from Pluck & Devour (available in my shop FREE POSTAGE until Saturday) and my Prada baby - she comes to all the best events with me..

But what about Fashion Week and the AW trends? These were my favourite (tho very different to each other) images from the day - Winter Pastel and Leather..

apart from the tartan skirt obviously..

Check out that leopard print coat from good old M&S. In stores already - see this link...as always 100 times better in real life (20% friends & family discount in M&S right now)

And here's all the biz about Fashion Week for all you local fashion lovers: 

The city’s independent retailers and boutiques will kick off FASHIONWEEK on Thursday 10 October with CRUISE, Liberty Blue, Blush, Helen McAlinden and Diamond Dolls in Banbridge all confirmed to take part. 

In the first of the Restaurant Week collaborations, James Street South restaurant will host a ‘Fashion Friday’ lunch demo on Friday 11 October – with chef Niall McKenna demonstrating how to cook a number of carbohydrate-free meals (including sushi making) served with a light lunchtime cocktail – perfect for those going back to work.

Then it’s off to the Ulster Museum on Friday evening for the ever popular High Street catwalk show, which sees the return of Next, Jigsaw, Mexx, CastleCourt, M&S, Oasis, Heaton’s and George at Asda - among others.

Saturday 12 October the popular Fashion Souk at Spire’s Mall, selling vintage and previously owned pieces from 10am - 2pm, swiftly followed by a delicious Fashion Tea at the Merchant Hotel where designer emporium CRUISE will showcase their high end collections from Victoria Beckham, Armani, Vivienne Westwood and Marchesa, among others. 

Saturday evening's show will feature unique creations from our local designers.  This season Nor Lisa, Goddess and Swift, Ruedi Maguire and Grainne Maher, among others, will take part.

Last but by no means least is Style Sunday, which will take place this season at SHU restaurant on Sunday 13 October from 1-5pm in association with Mencap.  This glamorous four course gourmet luncheon accompanies trend forecasts, a mini fashion show and seasonal style tips from some of the country’s top style experts. It is very often sold out within days of being launched.  Tickets cost £45.00 per person. Places can be booked directly through the restaurant on 028 9038 1655.

Tickets for the shows will be available online soon - keep an eye on the blog and local press for more info. Hope to see you there and thank you to the team at CMPR for a great morning at the launch!