They Call Me Cait: 2017

Not Just Your Everyday MUA

Lucy Fitzgibbon (17) a.k.a. LucyFitz is far from being your everyday teenage girl.

With almost 40,000 followers on social media, Lucy is set to be Ireland’s next big thing in the world of makeup and beauty blogging.

It all began in her bedroom back in Askeaton, County Limerick during Christmas 2015.

Having initially set up an Instagram page where she could generate content from her latest makeup creations, Fitz describes how “it all snowballed from there.”

Three weeks into the establishment of “LucyFitzMakeup,” to her surprise, people began messaging for makeup appointments.

Fitz knew from the start she did not want to be an MUA (makeup artist) as she believes “makeup artists are very replaceable.”

Following on today’s social media trend of every second person being an MUA, Lucy has not limited herself in this regard.

Instead, Lucy is determined to focus on her blog in the hopes of someday bringing out her own line of products.

Admittedly this will be tough for the young blogger given she is currently balancing her studies in preparation for the Leaving Cert alongside her budding beauty career.

Lucy, like many others has been subject to negativity both online and within the beauty community.

“People don’t take me that seriously due to my age,” Fitz explains despite trying to use it to her advantage as proof of how motivated she is.

Lucy feels very lucky to have an “army of people” behind her when negative comments are passed as loyal followers are key to staying positive when surrounded by online hate.

“I feel like my followers are all organic, I’ve grown them from me and not other people’s shoutouts,” she says proudly.

With a strong belief that nobody is perfect, Fitz alludes to the fact that her followers like her for being down to earth and relatable, creating a platform allowing her fans to remain loyal whilst being interactive.

Unlike most popular beauty bloggers, Fitz does not maintain a so called “perfect image,” openly removing her makeup in front of thousands in the hopes of relating to those who follow her.

Speaking about her recent experience following a free press trip to London, Lucy wants her followers to understand, “it’s not all as it appears to be,” describing the industry as “awful.”

Already, at the age of 17, the blogger has had to ask herself, “do I really want to get myself into this?”

Rather than focusing on the downside, Lucy has thrown herself into her work, concentrating on her brand and upcoming event, “Lucy Fitz Here and Now.”

“I want to talk about things I haven’t talked about before and show a side people don’t know about me.”

Although growth of her platform has been gradual, Lucy is “excited to see how far it will go,” and is curious if it will keep progressing as she grows older.

With hopes and dreams of studying physics and astronomy, Lucy is looking forward to the future as she really does not know what is in store for her.

“I hope by the time the Leaving Cert comes around that I’ll be able to retire I’ll be so famous,” she jokes.

Katie x

Today marks the day John Lewis' 2017 Christmas advert officially sees its release.

For those of you who don't already know, John Lewis is a chain of high-end department stores in the UK famous for not only their beautiful products but also their annual Christmas advertisements. Given the day that is in it, I figured why not look back on what have been some of mine and hopefully your favourite stories from the past few years.

To kick off, the advert that caught everybody's attention, shooting the company into the spotlight,

2013's "The Bare and the Hair"

Next up, one of my absolute favourites.

A real heart warmer,

2015's "Man on the Moon"

A love story that would melt even the coldest of hearts,
2012's "The Journey"

Another favourite of mine, this story brings a tear to my eye and I'm sure its not just me,
2014's "Monty the Penguin"

John Lewis did a great job with 2011's ad, perfectly summing up what the countdown to Christmas and the anticipation of that all important day is really like for both young and old.

An adorable portrayal of the Christmas Day excitement and yet another favourite of mine,
2016's "Buster the Boxer"

A little bit of a let down and somewhat confusing with the story line, this year's advert is causing a bit of a stir on social media.
Last but not least, 2017's brand new John Lewis advertisement, "Moz the Monster."
Like it or not, you decide.

Katie x

1980's, 1990's, 2007 and now 10 years later, having come and gone in and out of fashion, the famous full fringe is well and truly back with a bang. Coming in a variety of styles, celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Bella Hadid, Dakota Johnson and even Kylie Jenner are bringing the once forgotten trend back to life.

Having had a fringe myself for a while now, here are my top tips on how to rock what I believe to be the next big thing coming into 2018.

To begin, there is a good chance your first fringe will not turn out exactly how you wish, mine certainly didn't! Don't let this put you off though, do your research, find a style that you really love and allow the fringe to grow and fit your face. I promise you that with a little trial and error, you will eventually be left with the fringe of your dreams.

August 2016

August 2017

Should you commit to this hairstyle, I do warn you, it can be quite a nuisance depending on the style and how fussy you are. Unfortunately, Irish weather and bangs are not what you would call best friends. For me, having a full, block fringe, I find the wind completely destroys the look as it splits and blows it everywhere. Should you find yourself in this situation, my top tip for you is to carry a comb in your purse or bag. A quick brush through and you will be back to normal. For those of you who opt for a more chopped fringe, this should not be of much bother to you.

blonde hair GIF

Ok so here's the downside to having a fringe, even the best hairdressers mess up. Not every time thankfully but once in a blue moon you will be left less than impressed. Whether it be a crooked fringe or you end up looking like Haku from Spirited Away, just go with it, hair grows back in no time.

Speaking of hair growth, tired of the fringe already? Decided its just not for you? Well then, the side swoop is your new best friend. You always have the option to turn your fringe into a side fringe be it three days or three weeks old. I do this a lot when I'm out or in the gym as a fringe against your forehead can be quite uncomfortable when you sweat. No matter how good it looks, there is no better feeling than sweeping a fringe off your face for that extra breath of fresh air. Change up your look or simply grow it out into side bangs, you decide.

Still not sure if you want to make the chop? Do what I did and give it a trial run. Here are some links to tutorials on how to DIY your bangs.

Stay gorgeous,

Katie x

Autumn. The season of hot chocolate, wooly jumpers and fallen leaves. What is it about this time of year that warms our hearts? Is it the almost winter weather? The cheeky sun peeping through the dull grey sky? Is it simply the beautiful colours of fall?

Transitional shades signalling a change in time. The bright green grass faded, bare brown trees swaying in the lazy breeze, the golden glow of candles glistening inside windows. Everywhere you turn there's orange; leaves, pumpkins and even the odd fluffy hat.

Gone are the long, balmy summer's evenings and in with the cold, Halloweeny nights. Torrential rain beats down off the windows, wind swirls through the trees and dark grey sky as it descends on life.

All is still.

It's the small things... Coming home to put on our favourite fluffy pyjamas. Open fires, warm blankets, rubbish tv, hot chocolate or maybe even a hot port. Cuddles, be it with partners, children or pets make the thoughts of what is on the outside disappear.

Life slows down...

For behind closed doors,

we are safe.

Autumn for me is by far my favourite season. Sure, it’s cold and miserable out but that’s what’s most enjoyable about this time of year. It goes without saying that the fashion is to die for. I swear nothing makes me happier than seeing all the fabulous knitted clothes lined up in shops. I mean, who doesn’t love to just hide away under a huge woolly jumper every now and again? As if the fashion wasn’t good enough, the food... oh my god the food! Piping hot homemade stews, freshly baked brack and creamy vegetable soup, what's not to love!

Who else lives for when the cafe's start introducing speciality hot chocolate? My absolute favourite that I've come across so far has to be the "Terry's Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate," from a quint little coffee shop known as The Stormy Teacupin Limerick City. The smell of it alone will have you dreaming of Christmas.  

Speaking of Christmas, is it just me or has the buzz begun even earlier this year? It's as if Halloween doesn't exist anymore. I don't know about you but, as much as I love Christmas, I find it very hard to enjoy Autumn with everyday there being new ornaments added to shop windows. Fall is a season of enjoying time before the winter hits, not who can get their decorations up the quickest. I am going to write more on this soon but for now, sit back, enjoy the hot chocolate and beautiful colours before the snow comes.  

Katie x

With Longitude done and dusted and festival season in full swing, I’ve decided to round up what I believe to be this year’s festival fashion must haves. Whether you’ve your entire weekends wardrobe planned to perfection or you’re totally lost as to what you should wear, keep on reading for that extra spark of inspiration.

Shorts

It goes without saying that a pair of shorts are an absolute essential for any festival goer. Wind, rain or shine, nothing will look better in the middle of that field than a funky pair of shorts. With so many options out there, you really can’t go wrong. A personal favourite of mine are high waisted denims like this pair from Boohoo for €20

Jenna High Rise Distressed Denim Mom Shorts

Pair your shorts with 2017’s must have accessory, chunky fishnet tights if you really want to make a statement.

Black Oversized Fishnet Tights

Bardot Tops
One of the most flattering forms of clothing a person can wear, I cannot recommend these tops enough. Suited to every body type, a good off the shoulder can be worn all year round, not just for festivals. These tops are literally everywhere at the minute so you should have no problem finding one you like. Be sure to hit up Penneys/Primark where you’re bound to find absolute steals like these for €11 and €13.

Playsuits

Who doesn’t love a playsuit? Top and bottom all in one, all you need worry about is a comfortable pair of shoes to match. Why not try out the gorgeous playsuits from the Lucy Fitz collection which are currently on sale at Glowing Girlies for €30.

Strappy Frill Hem Rose Print Playsuit 1

Strappy Frill Hem Rose Print Playsuit

Bralettes
Not for the faint hearted but I promise you, these bad boys are the best way of taking your festival outfits from drab to fab. There is literally no end to the amount of ways you can style a bralette… Pair it with a shirt, low cut tops, oversized denim jackets, you name it. Have some fun with this stunning Forever 21 piece for only €13

Sheer Lace Bralette

Why not push the boat out and go for something a little more daring and fun with this option from Penneys/Primark for €4

Crochet Tops

Another absolute must, these tops are perfect for if you want to be a bit different and stand out from the crowd. Sure, you may freeze but it’s totally worth it for that to die for Instagram. Vintage shops are great to pick these up at relatively cheap prices but if you can’t get yourself to one, PrettyLittleThing have plenty of choice, including this absolute beauty for €25

Crochet Ladder Detail Crop Top

Floral Trousers
Festivals are the perfect opportunity to step out of your clothing comfort zone. Swap the plain skinny jeans for a pair of floaty floral pants and you won’t know yourself. I absolutely love these €26 Boohoo culottes as well as these quirky €22 ruffle hem trousers.

Madeline Oriental Floral Dipped Ruffle Hem Trousers

Gemma Flora Crop Culotte Co-ord

Accessories

No outfit is complete without its accessories. Out with the flowercrowns and in with bandanas. Sunglasses and bum bags are also key pieces. Wellies are a must have, especially here in Ireland. Oh and you can’t go wrong with glitter, lots and lots of glitter.

South Beach Flat Lens Cat Eye Sunglasses with Gold Brow Bar €18.92

White Contrast Zip Mesh Bumbag €12.99

Body Sparkles €15

Festivals are your one opportunity to go mad and express yourself however you like through your clothing. Have some fun and don’t give a notion as to what others think of you… Chances are, their outfits will be just as crazy as yours.

Stay Gorgeous,

Katie x

Following a year of inactivity, the guitar playing ginger that is Ed Sheeran has finally broken his silence. To the delight of millions, as of 5am this morning, the award winning artist released not one but two brand new singles. I don't know about you but I for one am overjoyed by this.

The two singles, totally different from one another are "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill."

Initially breaking his social silence December 13th, exactly 1 year since his last post, social platform photos were changed to the same sky blue background that appears on the artwork for the brand new singles. This was soon followed by a cheeky video New Years Day of the man himself holding a hand written sign reading, "New Music Coming Friday!!"

There were teasers all over the place, sneak peaks of lyrics but no sound earlier in the week, followed by short clips of the songs appearing on Thursday. Sheeran was even given a Snapchat filter dedicated to the first verse of "Shape of You."

As for the songs, both are definitely very good and more than fitting for the pop charts of today. "Castle on the Hill" has stuck a bit more to Ed's roots however, "Shape of You," in my opinion is completely different to the artist's usual guitar based style. This is not necessarily a bad thing, every artist needs to spice things up every once in a while, It goes without saying the charts have changed significantly since Sheeran's last appearance in 2014. I just hope Ed doesn't sell himself out for the sake of remaining popular.

"Castle on the Hill," more upbeat than the likes of "Photograph" and "Thinking out Loud," still maintains Ed's beautiful storytelling quality just created for a pop genre rather than his typical ballad. This song for me is a powerful portrayal of Sheeran's past and his memories, something in which every listener can relate to.

The simple yet memorable track is a perfect match for the lyrics, working together with the possibility of a No.1 hit.

"Shape of You," on the other hand, vaguely similar to previous hits "Don't" and "You Need Me, I Don't Need You," is significantly different to the majority of Ed's previous work. The extremely catchy beat and chorus are sure to be a winner. Having heard it on the radio multiple times since its release today, the track is bound to be huge for Sheeran. What a way to kick off 2017. Unlike the other, this single tells the story of finding love at the bar and ultimately falling in love with their body. A fun and upbeat track, this is an interesting change from Ed's usual ways.

It is clear form these two singles that Ed Sheeran is taking his music in a new direction. Will he stray too far from his roots? Will it be the step he needs in order to further his career? All will be revealed come the release of his album, "÷" in the imminent future.

Katie x

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