FASHIONWEEK is always a key fashion event worth seeing in Belfast and this year it's bigger than ever and starts with Menswear Show from Thursday 15th October and since launching the full line up back in August , the event launches it's 20th season and runs in the city from 15th-18th October with nightly catwalk shows, plus the return of Sushi Saturday and Style Sunday, as well as welcoming a whole host of new additions including a menswear show, the Fashion Souk and a body image workshop, ‘To Be Beautiful’, this season will see a jam-packed schedule like none before.
The event also supports local designers and brands such as QUIZ, DV8,Blue INC plus many others to showcase their fashion looks for the season.  

Speaking at launch event in August ​Esther Small, brand manager for West Coast Cooler, sponsor of the event, said: “People here wear their style well, so we want to celebrate that. It is exciting to see such a fantastic programme of events for what will undoubtedly be a very busy season of show-stopping style.  There are some really cool additions to the schedule, which are exciting, fresh and an ideal fit to the West Coast Cooler brand.”
Speaking of the FASHIONWEEK programme, director Cathy Martin said: “Reaching a milestone like our twentieth season makes me think back to where we’ve come from, but looking forward, I have no doubt that today’s launch will whet the buds of Belfast’s stylistas for the season ahead. We’re delighted to showcase menswear exclusively and we’ll have some top international brands as well as a host of new designers to support, with some very edgy men’s collections.
“The shows will return to our fabulous BFW HQ in the heart of the city, and we’ll showcase the very best of our local designers and independent boutiques along with the hotly-anticipated ranges from our most loved international high street brands.
“As well as the fabulous fashion I am delighted to announce we will be welcoming Italian restaurant Fratelli to the FASHIONWEEK family, as the official hosts of our pop-up pre-show eaterie and cocktail bar, serving delicious chichetti to our stylish audiences while they explore the shop-the show boutique alley.”

Take the stress out of planning that big day with the Ulster Wedding show which comes to SSE Arena Belfast on 3rd and 4th October. 

Showcasing some of the best talented and professional wedding planners in Ireland. They will be able to help plan your special day without the stress of planning it by yourself. The wedding planner teams will have exhibition stands where you can go and chat with one of them to ask advice or help with planning your big day. 
Our huge selection of exhibitors includes everything from Photographers, Wedding Florists, Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialists, Wedding Venues and Venue Stylists, Bridal Shops & Boutiques plus loads more.

The events take place from Saturday 3rd October to Sunday 4th October in SSE Arena in Belfast (Previously Odyssey Arena) 
Save these dates to your diary 
Saturday 3rd October 2015 12pm-6pm
Sunday 4th October 2015 12pm-6pm

Also don't forget the International catwalk show in association with N.Ireland’s leading Model Agency The Style Academy, our Live Wedding Entertainment Stage in association with the multi Award Winning Glen Houston Entertainments, our Wedding Transport Show, Cafes, Prize Draws and the return of our hugely successful ‘Win Your Wedding’ Giveaway worth over £28,000, The Ulster Wedding Show is a guaranteed ‘Save the Date’ in every couple’s diary. 


So this is certainly a date anyone planning a wedding doesn't want to miss in Belfast.  Tickets now on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and SSE Arena Box Office ssearenabelfast.com which cost £7.50 each and for 3 tickets for £20.00.  
 For More Go To theulsterwedding.com

With June comes the arrival of Festival Fever, with a countless number of them taking place between now and September. Whether you're heading to heading off to see the headliners at Glastonbury or going small scale with a folk festival we've put together a must have list of essential Festival Fashion to ensure you look the part. 
Take a look at our favourite pieces (on a budget may we add) then click to buy, or search out an alternative.

Clockwise from top left:

1. Kimonos are hot news this Summer and make for the perfect cover-up when the sun goes down. 

This floral print beauty from Matalan is only £14 and is perfect over whatever your plan to wear.

2. An oversized t-shirt is super versatile and is perfect with denim and sandals on a sunny day (or more likely wellies). Faded florals are one of our favourite prints right now and this washed out, relaxed tee is £18 from ASOS 

3. Who wants to be lugging around a handbag at a festival? Not only does it get in the way of dancing, there's the problem of where to put it when visiting the portaloos! They may not be the most obvious choice, but bumbags do have their uses and there are some pretty cute ones on the market at the moment. 
Top of our list is this Giraffe themed one, £20 from ASOS 

4. Denim shorts with a slouchy tee equals effortless festival chic. There are hundereds of styles available right now but you can't beat Boohoo for a bargain, with styles like the one above starting at £10 
www.boohoo.com


5. If you can't go wild with accessories at a festival than when can you go wild? It's time to embrace your native roots and rock a feathered head dress like this Rock 'N Rose piece from Spoiled Brat 

6. A little dress or two is essential for easy dressing. They take up virtually no room in a backpack and can be layered with t-shirts and hoodies if the weather isn't quite tropical. We're loving this Batik print dress from Boohoo (£12 

7. It wouldn't be Glastonbury without a mud bath, and looking out of the window right now it's easy to imagine that it'll be the same for many a festival in the coming weeks. If you don't fancy clumpy knee length wellies then a sweet little pair of ankle style ones are a great alternative and not too sweaty if it's hot! Check out SpyLoveBuy
http://www.spylovebuy.com for a great selection at bargain prices, including these Daisy print ones, £19.95.

8. Accessorise your festival wrist bands by combining them with an armful of friendship bracelets. There are loads around this Summer, try River Island for some super fun sets or pick up this bargain set for £8 from ASOS 

Spring has sprung and it’s time for a bit of a wardrobe overhaul, right? One of this season’s biggest trends is for all things sugary sweet and pastel and I’ve scoured my favourite shopping websites to bring you a selection of staple pieces all under £30. You can thank me later!

1. Playsuits are perfect for the summer, with the potential to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. This one from Boohoo costs a mere £20 and would look fabulous with some flat sandals for daytime or with some chunky heels for a night out.

2. This Daisy Print shift dress from Missguided nails two trends in one fell swoop for £24.99. The oversized nature makes it perfect for chilling out during the day, whilst the floral embellishment means it could also be worn for a laid back evening event too- think sunkissed skin, bare legs and a pair of pretty gladiator sandals.

3. Every wardrobe needs a collection of plain tees and this boxy cropped one comes via Pull & Bear at ASOS for the miniature price of £5.99. I love a cropped tee, so good with high waisted jeans or a pencil skirt- the possibilities are endless and it’s worth stocking up.

4. Another wardrobe essential- I own dozens of camisoles and find them indispensable for a quick fix. I love this pale yellow woven one from ASOS, at £10 and also in several other colours this is something I’ll be getting a few of to wear with denim cut offs, a flippy skirt or over a bikini on the beach. I have my eye on the pink and lilac versions as well.

5. This midi skirt from Missguided is one of the key shapes for summer and I can’t get enough of it! I think the high waist and flared skirt is so elegant and perfect for wearing to the office. At £24.99 it’s one of my pricier picks but trust me, it’s worth it. Just add a camisole or blouse for work and some pretty flats and you’re good to go. Equally add a bralet and some heels and you have the perfect party outfit- Missguided are hot on bralets this season so take a look, their Spring/Summer collection is probably the strongest I’ve seen.

6. Love them or loathe them the jelly shoe is back and is one of the easiest ways to add some pastel shades to your wardrobe. At £14.99 this baby blue block heeled pair from New Look are super cute and would look perfect with any of the clothing suggestions I’ve mentioned.

7. How sweet is this little bag from ASOS? If you’re not feeling the full on pastel love then this is an excellent way to stay on trend and is perfect for taking on holiday when you don’t want to lug around a huge handbage. Equally it’s a nice touch for a night out or a full on day of shopping.

8. Last but not least I couldn’t not feature this skirt from Matalan which I already own. It costs £18 and is worth every penny. Each time I’ve worn it I’ve gotten compliments from strangers wanting to know where they can get it from and it’s great for dressing down with converse during the day (I usually wear it with my beaten up pink pair) if you don’t fancy trekking around in ballet pumps or sandals.

So there we have it, my budget pastel picks for the season ahead. I hope you’ve found some inspiration- do let me know if you’ve spotted any more bargain pieces.