BLANC Magazine Photoshoot

Lately I've been so busy with Uni life that I almost forgot about life outside of Gala. This weekend marks a very special occasion for me. It is the start of my celebrations for my 21st birthday. I thought I would give you all a blog-post before the fun gets the best of me. 
I recently modeled for a photoshoot for BLANC magazine. The shoot was based on Scottish Heritage and shot in nearby castle grounds. The very talented and wonderful, Rachel Byrne, photographed the shoot. Her patience and guidance made it so easy for me to model for her. Everyone should check out Rachel's tumblr here: http://thehighlandfling.tumblr.com/. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Els x

The Kane!

Christopher Kane manages to take his floral inspired Spring/Summer 2014 collection to a whole new level of style greatness. Floral prints isn't exactly innovative but this budding designer shows a more scientific approach to floral's, inspired by botanical illustrations. From the moment we witnessed the sharp black suit that entered first on the catwalk with petal-shaped , cut-outs revealing the bare skin beneath we knew to expect a canvas of dramatic style. The use of pastel colours with pale mint and lilac feather-light lace dresses could be seen heavily throughout the collection which brought delicacy and sensitivity almost like that of an innocent flower. Kane undoubtedly strives to brighten up Spring 2014 with this bursting palette of colour resembling a blooming season of blossom and growth. Of course, Kane managed to keep hold of his edge with London Street Style shining through with the occasional jumper sloganed with the word “FLOWER” or “PETAL”. 

A job well done!

Els xx

Cause This Is Thriller

Yesterday I started classes for the first semester. The first and only class I have on a Monday is contemporary and contextual studios. This is a core element in the course as this particular class aims to develop an awareness and understanding of all areas of contemporary fashion culture and its context. I'm already feeling inspired with new and original ideas. I hope to visit the Dressed to Kill exhibition in Edinburgh city over the next few days. Dressed to Kill showcases how Scottish artists have captured fashion, costume, and dress over the years so I'm extremely excited to check it out. 
Yesterday I too gave in my first college project. The brief was to design my own magazine spread with a self head-shot based on the i-D fashion magazine. Above is a picture of part of the project. 

Today I had the huge privilege of not only being in the same room as Deborah Nadoolman Landis but to also hear her talk about her ideas and work in the film costume design industry. Amazingly I got to sit front row as she talked to the hall about her "Real People" exhibition. Deborah has spent 30 years in the film industry and was nominated for an academy award so you can only imagine how happy I was when I heard she would be visiting the university. She has created iconic costumes throughout her career, such as the jacket of Indiana Jones, Michael Jackson's red jacket in Thriller. Deborah also created the costumes for films such as "The Blues Brothers" , "Burke and Hare", "Mad City", "The Blues Brothers 2000", "Coming To America" and so on! She was such a wonderful lady and kept the whole hall laughing. It truly was an inspiring experience. Maybe one day I'll cross paths with Deborah again....fingers crossed!

I hope everyone is enjoying their week as much as I am <3

Els x

Loving Life

I finally have the time to put the last of the photographs taken by Niamh on the blog. These blue striped trousers with this white Ben Sherman shirt and patterned jumper is definitely one of my favourite looks from the shoot. A perfect Ella outfit and I have to admit a part of me felt like my style icon, Solange Knowles, a patterned, tailored style goddess. I just love her! 

Tomorrow I start semester one at uni. It's been one crazy week and I'm absolutely knackered today. I'm loving life here. I've met so many amazing people already and I can tell the next few months are going to be some of the best.

Let the fun begin!

Els x

We Are The Future

Last week I had the wonderful and very stylish opportunity of working with a friend of mine, Niamh Donoghue. Niamh, who also attends Heriot-Watt University and is in the 3rd year of the Fashion Communication course asked for my help to model for her summer uni project. Niamh styled and photographed five different looks. I was delighted for the opportunity and we had such a laugh together, although that doesn't show much in the photos. I tried my very best to look as gloom and sad as I could to fit the brief. The experience was definitely a learning curve and I can't wait to see what is in store for me over the next few years after helping Niamh with this project. 

As some of you may know I am now a fully enrolled student at Heriot-Watt University studying Fashion Communication for the next four years. Over the last few days I have been enjoying freshers week. It has been a hectic few days and it is only now that I have time to sit down and write a blog-post for all of you. So far it seems the next year is going to be a pretty intense one with deadlines and projects throughout but also fun, exciting, rewarding and of course very fashionable. Today I had the daunting experience of meeting the course director but in all honesty she seems like a lovely woman who is going to take good care of all of us newbies. 

Tonight I'm off to Newcastle for a night out. The trip is part of Freshers week and it seems the majority of my accommodation block is going too so I better get planning my outfit!!

As my course director stated today "you are all the future"!

Missing all of you guys back home! 

Els xx

Day 1 Of My New Adventure

It's been a long day to say the least, not only have I been up since 5am, I also managed to travel to Belfast airport, get on a flight to Edinburgh and start my new life. Edinburgh is the prettiest city I have ever seen. Everything from the architecture to the people are making me feel right at home. If I'm honest with the amount of green I have seen it feels like I'm still in Ireland. I had a fabulous day looking around the city and taking in my surroundings. Unbelievably most of the day was taken up in Primark, yes I know how original but the Primark here is far too good. I got a few bits for my new flat including the softest cushions and cute floral pillowcases. Tonight I am staying in the city with my mum, who kindly brought me over. Tomorrow I get the keys to my flat and the real beginning to student life will kick off. 

Els xx

One More Night

The time has come. This time tomorrow I will be touched down in Edinburgh and starting a new life. I am definitely feeling a mix of emotions, nervous but excited and sad because I'm leaving my friends and family and most importantly Gizzy. Although my nerves are overshadowing the excitement I still can't wait to begin my new course in something I love to do, fashion! I'm looking forward to updating ELS' CHAMBER with all the details of my journey over the next few years. This course will allow me to focus on my blogging plus my future so make sure to check in now and again to hear all about this wonderful adventure. 

It is only the beginning! 

Els xx

My Next Adventure

The fashion show is over and I'm now able to focus on my next big move, literally! This time in two weeks I will be Scottish bound and living the student life. It's been a while since I was away from home for such a long period of time so the nerves are definitely taking over any excitement I feel. In saying that, I do feel like this is a huge and brilliant step for my future. Good things happen to those who wait and I have certainly waited a long time to take such a move. As you probably would have guessed I have a huge college wish list for all the things I would love to get before I go. This is a fashion course and one of my main style rules is to try dress cute no matter where you go. Life is too short to be boring!

I'm obsessed with the Spanish company Kling and their Autumn/Winter 2013 range is too Ella to be true. I love almost everything they have to offer this season. Olivia's is all Klinged out and this means goodbye savings for uni. I've been looking for the perfect college bag for a while now and I think I have found the 'one'! This Kling high school bag is exactly what I've been searching for. The colours are fabulous and very me plus there is also straps for wearing as a backpack which is great for walking around campus. All I need now is a city bicycle! 

I've been given my first college assignment before I've even enrolled. It's very exciting though so I'll have more about it this week. 

Stay fashionable!

Els x

A Midsummer's Evening Of Style In Aid Of Cancer Care West

Brídín, our host, getting her make up done by Siobhan Boyle from Scultp Studio, Letterkenny. 

Model Claire wearing a dress from Menarys, Letterkenny. 

Model Sinead wearing a dress from Awear, Letterekenny. 

Model Evelyn wearing a dress from Awear, Letterkenny. 

Model James can be seen wearing a jacket and jumper with a hat all from McAuliffe's Dunfanaghy. 

Model Aoife is wearing a dress from Quiz, Tempest Letterkenny. 
To purchase click here: http://www.quizclothing.co.uk/clothes/00100001694.html

Model Evelyn is wearing a Quiz dress from Tempest, Letterkenny.
To purchase click here: http://www.quizclothing.co.uk/clothes/00100001336.html

Evelyn wearing an outfit from Topshop, Letterkenny. 

Model Roisin wearing White Rabbit Exchange vintage. 

Model Maureen wearing a green velvet gown from White Rabbit Exchange, Letterkenny.

Myself wearing a co-ord from Topshop online. Cow print at its best! Moooooo

For more fashion show pics check out the Els' Chamber Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ElsChamber

It's All Over

I think my head is still spinning from all of the events from last night. I'm still in disbelief by how successful the evening was. We are in the process of counting up all the money raised and I'm sure there is a lot of money heading for Cancer Care West.

 I will admit I have been a bit of a stress head for the last few weeks and to be tucked up in my bed with not a care in the world knowing that last night was more than I ever could have expected and more is the best feeling in the world right now. Everyone involved worked so hard to help us pull off a stylish evening worthwhile. Without everyone we wouldn't have been able to help such a worthy cause. Therefore I must say a HUGE thank you to absolutely everyone who came to the show last night and to all that were involved in the evening. 

I will start by thanking all the sponsors who provided us with raffle prizes and prizes for the best dressed winner, who by the way looked incredible. I big thank you to Miss Donegal Orlagh McGee who kindly came last night and chose the best dressed winner. 

I must say thank you to Sabrina Kelly Artist who provided all the posters and tickets for the event, she worked so hard and is so talented. 

A special thanks to Niamh Greaney from Lids Lashes who provided a selection of Lids lashes for each gift bag, the Value Centre who provided the bottles of water, to Gormley's Centra, Centra Dunfanaghy, Dunnes Stores and Gallaghers Foodstore who all provided chocolates for each gift bag. I would also like to thank Boots for sponsoring leaflets and samples, Sculpt Studios for providing leaflets and samples for each gift bag also. The Body Shop kindly provided a free make over for each bag and DV8 so generously provided 15% off vouchers for each bag. 

All of these small gifts helped make the evening that more special and gave the guests a unique experience so thank you all so much for your help. It is the little things that made the evening so amazing. 

All the shop stalls at the event deserve a big thanks for attending, Chords For Care, Black Opal Cases, McCullaghs Jewellers and I Want Candy. I hope you all enjoyed the night.

I must say one major thank you to Menary's, Vera Moda, DV8, Only, Oasis, Topshop, Quiz, Awear, McAuliffe's, White Rabbit Exchange and Ciara K Gallagher as if it wasn't for your generosity there wouldn't have been style to showcase. So thank you guys you made the evening one of the most stylish evenings Donegal has ever seen! 

My little pretties, my girls, my models, you made us so proud strutting your stuff down the runway. You all looked beautiful and showed off the clothes with class. Thank you for your patience and hard work. Excuse crazy Ella by the way! 

The hair creations by Patrick Gildea were high fashion and his team worked extremely hard to help us make the evening a stylish success. I'll definitely be going there next time I'm in need of a new me! 

The make up by Sculpt Studios Cosmetics was flawless and edgy which finished the girls looks off perfectly. Thanks to Siobhan and the girls for their hard work and talent. 

A big thanks to Vilar Etc, Sean and Peter who provided the lighting and sound for the evening. You really worked hard to cater to all our needs and we truly appreciate all your work and dedication to the event. 

Deirdre McLaughlin you sang beautifully and finished the night off in style. Thanks so much for being a part of the evening. 

How can I not say one HUGE thank you to Bridin, the host of the show. You were amazing. You held the night together like super-glue. Without you we would have been lost. Thank you Brídín for everything! 

Last but not least I have to say thank you to Alannah McGhee, my rock. Without her the show wouldn't have happened. She helped me through the whole thing. She basically organised the whole show. She is incredible!

I must mention that with your fashion show ticket you can get 10% off all clothing shown from McAuliffes, Dunfanaghy - don't miss out on such a wonderful opportunity. Go in-store for details. 

I hope I haven't missed anyone out. 

Photos of the event will be up on the blog soon. Keep a look out!

Els X

WINNER OF THE COMPETITION

Congratulations to Kylie Coyle who is the winner of the Els Chamber competition. I'm so jealous you have won a 100 euro gift voucher for ASOS, two fashion show tickets and the chance to have your make up done by Rachel Curran make up artist. I wish I was you! 

It has been a stressful few months for me but it is all coming to an end tomorrow. I am unbelievably excited but also very nervous for tomorrows turn of events. If you haven't yet purchased your ticket you can still do so on the blog or at the door of the Glenveagh Suite in the Mt.Errigal hotel tomorrow evening. Remember doors open at 7:15pm. The show is due to start at 8pm. Don't be late! All the money raised is for Cancer Care West. A dedicated charity who give support to cancer patients and their families throughout the West of Ireland. Come and help us raise as much money as we can and also for a fun and stylish evening. 

Hope to see you all tomorrow evening!

Els x

Live Model Promotional Event

The fashion show is less than a week away and the nerves are definitely kicking in. I think I'm more nervous about getting up on stage than I am of anything else. To promote the show and its cause (to raise money and awareness for Cancer Care West) Els Chamber will be having live models outside Menarys/Tempest in Letterkenny tomorrow from 3-5pm. Along with the live models there will be live music from Chords For Care. Chords For Care is a collection of all of the brilliant and finest local musicians is County Donegal. The CD is to help raise awareness and funds for the amazing cancer care services in Donegal. The CD will be available for purchase at the live model event and at the Els Chamber fashion show. You will also be able to purchase tickets for the fashion show and help us raise money for Cancer Care West. 
Come along tomorrow for a bit of fun and to help us with this worthy cause. We are so grateful for the support we have been given so far. I would like to thank everyone who has been so amazing. 

Els x

Pattern Clashing

Today I'm off to meet with the models for the Els Chamber fashion show for fittings with all the shops involved including Menarys, Tempest, Awear, and White Rabbit Exchange and I decided to share my outfit for the day with you. 
Pattern clashing is one of the hottest trends in the high street at the moment and definitely one I love. I've always been one to experiment putting odd matches together and that's why I'm so glad pattern clashing is finally hitting the fashion scene. It is like a sweet and sour meal, two things that naturally don't go together but happen to work so good. Of course there is a balance that needs to be found, for instance certain patterns, textures or prints might not blend together as well as others. Above I've clashed two jacquard Zara prints and they happen to get on like a house on fire. 
Both the jumper and skirt are from Zara. I styled this outfit with ASOS black clogs and a Topshop white bowler hat. 

I hope everyone has a nice day!

Els X