Northern Woman by Northern Woman

NORTHERN WOMAN

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Fashion SEPTEMBER 2015 - STYLE FOR THE NEW SEASON

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The Future of Fashion

NW chats to fashion students wanting to make their mark

P Specialising in Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride Outfits, Wedding Guests & Occasion Wear

Perfect Night 94 William Street, Lurgan 028 3834 2069

www.facebook.com/perfectnightlurgan

Contents FEATURES

9 NW Reader Event

Our Fashion Made Easy workshops in association with Victoria Square.

FASHION

14 Up And Coming Designers

Six talented fashion students hoping to make their mark in the fashion world.

22 New Season Style

A fuss-free edit of the new autumn/ winter trends.

28 Keep It Covered

Some new styles youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be cherishing for years to come.

Is the search for the perfect face/ body leading to Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

LIFESTYLE

70 Open House

NW takes a sneal peak into the recently refurbished Mount Stewart House.

76 Time For Tea

A guide to some of our favourite venues for afternoon tea.

88 Ibiza: A Different View

Kate Wilson explores this sun-drenched island.

REGULARS

33 The Poncho

The perfect cover-up as your wardrobe moves from summer to autumn.

6 Fashion & Lifestyle News

A round-up of the latest news.

43 Working 9-5

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Interviews and advice for working women.

New launches for autumn.

98 A Day in the Life

52 Beauty Box

We chat to Jane Boyce, Fine Wine Manager at JNwine.

62 Mirror Mirror...

PUBLISHER: Gladys Greer MANAGER: Eileen Wilson Doherty CONTRIBUTORS: Margaret Connolly, Teri & Gary Kelly, Kate Wilson & Alicia Clarke Art Editor: Karen Donnelly PRODUCTION MANAGER: Stuart Gray Accounts: Gerardine Carson Design & Production: Greer Publications Design Tel: 028 9078 3200 DISTRIBUTION: WNS Newspread, Belfast PRINT: GPS Cover: Photographer - Sean Armenta; Assistant - Bong Malabanan; Hair - Paul Stafford at Stafford hair for Unite; Makeup - Meagan Brown

www.facebook.com/ NorthernWomanMagazine

@NorthernWomanNW

Greer Publications Ltd, 5B Edgewater Business Park, Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast, BT3 9JQ Tel: 028 9078 3200 www.northernwoman.co.uk

FASHION&LIFESTYLENEWS Lidl Have It in the Bag! Following it's fashion debut earlier this year, Lidl recently launched its first ever collection of bags. With prices ranging from just £6.99 to £9.99, customers are able to pick up a stylish accessory without having to splash the cash.

A/W15 @ Brown Thomas A recent presentation of the new collections at Brown Thomas brought together all of the new season clothing and accessory trends from top international brands including Vitoria Beckham, Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga, Céline and Valentino. www. brownthomas.com

Wardrobe Must-Have... The humble denim jacket is perfect for the transition from summer to autumn and with the current 70s styling it is very much on trend.

Don't be late... To mark the 150th anniversary of ‘Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland’, Victoria Square will magically transform into a wonderland of its own for the whole month of August making it the ultimate family destination this summer. The makeover will be unveiled on Saturday 1st August when families are welcome to travel on an interactive adventure. www.victoriasquare.com

Northern Woman

Style Secrets Reader Event

Join us for a Champagne drinks reception in the James Wray Gallery (opposite the restaurant) before taking your seat for a four-course lunch with fashion show in the awardwinning James Street South restaurant. See all of the new season fashions from Evelin Brandt, House of Fraser, Peel/Marc Cain, Perfect Night and more as well as the latest styles from local designer Geraldine Connon. Plus top NI hairdresser Paul Stafford will be answering all of you hair dilemmas.

Sunday 13th September

James Street South Restaurant 1.30pm Cost: ÂŁ45 per person Phone 028 90783200 to book your tickets now!

FASHION&LIFESTYLENEWS Hastings Grand Plans for New Hotel Hastings Hotels has unveiled its plans for the latest addition to its portfolio which will see Windsor House, one of the tallest buildings in ireland, transformed into a 200 bedroom hotel, subject to planning permission, with a ££30 million investment and the creation of over 150 new jobs for Belfast. Completion of the Belfast Grand Central Hotel will be 2018. Pictured: Chairman Sir William Hastings with his children and company directors Howard Hastings, Aileen Martin, Allyson McKimm and Julie Hastings.

What's in the Attic?

Autumn is the time for comfort, good food and heart-warming nights by the fire. So why not, treat your home to a beautiful piece of luxury from the Foxford Mill woollen throw and rug range available now at Charlotte’s Attic at Logans of Cloughmills. Foxford Mill throws are the perfect additon for any home, offering contemporary designs, vibrant colours and softer finishes which have a superior level of hand finished quality. www.facebook.com/charlottesatticNI

Down Royal’s Best Dressed Lady The Best Dressed competition, in association with Lexus Belfast saw Riona Corrigan recently scoop the prize of a luxury trip to Rome at the Magners Derby Day at Down Royal Race Course. Nurse Riona wowed the crowd with her Pretty Woman inspired outfit, a red off the shoulder prom style dress with vintage accessories.

New Pop-up Restaurant New to NI’s annual Hillsborough Oyster Festival which takes place this year from 1st September until 6th September is the Pop-up Restaurant on Thursday 3rd September which features the best of eating from The Hillside, Mourne Seafood Bar, The Plough Inn and The Parson’s Nose as well as entertainment from the world famous Faulty Towers cast. The ever fabulous black tie ball is on Friday 4th September and has a Blues Brothers theme this year. For more information on these and more log on to www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

NWREADEREVENT

Fashion Made Easy Our real-life models at our Fashion Made Easy workshops in association with Victoria Square tell us what they thought of this reader event and how their wardrobes have benfited from the advice give by Victoria Square personal stylist Katherin Farries. Here’s what they had to say...

‘It was an absolute pleasure to style the volunteers and introduce the Northern Woman reader audience to the latest fashions and timeless pieces available at Victoria Square. With each workshop addressing a different style issue, I’m pleased the guests left feeling well informed and confident about their next shopping trip!’ Katherin Farries, Victoria Square Personal Stylist

NWREADEREVENT

1pm Fashion problems and dilemmas solved! Siobhan McGuinness ‘I loved taking part in the event! It was quite thrilling to get up in front of all those people and strut my stuff.’

Laura Barrett ‘I went hoping to find a way to dress for my post baby body while I’m losing the weight. I also wanted to change my look as I felt I was dressing similar to how I did when I was a student.’

Sheila Nugent ‘I tend to wear a lot of black and wanted to add more colour to my wardrobe. I actually bought all of the clothes I modelled. Katherin was an excellent personal shopper.’

Siobhan

Sheila

Laura

NWREADEREVENT

6.00pm Top tips on dressing appropriately whatever occasion. Sharon Crawford-White ‘I absolutely loved talking part in the NW event at Victoria Square! When I turned 40 last year there were a few things added to my ‘list of things I want to do’, and strutting my stuff in the catwalk was one of them! I gained a lot of great tips and a newfound confidence when it comes to dressing for me!’

Sharon

Kirsty Patterson ‘I had great fun on the night. Kathrin's advice and the whole experience have helped me to gain confidence in the clothes I choose to wear to any occasions I am attending’

Tara Mulholland ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Kathrin's expert styling tips helped me with clothing choices for my honeymoon and I got to model these outfits as well - something I've always wanted the chance to do!’

Kirsty

Tara

NWREADEREVENT

7.30pm Advice on taking seasonal trends and adapting them to suit you. Mandy Wilson ‘My problem areas are my stomach and my large bust. Plus, I always have trouble getting trousers to sit well at the crotch as I am 5'2" so they tend to go baggy there. Katherin advised that I should wear higher waisted trousers with slim legs, she brought me some from Phase Eight to try on – they were a revelation.’

Mandy

Laura Beck ‘I loved every moment - from meeting Katherin our personal stylist, trying on the outfits to demonstrate what suited best, to being pampered by Jason Shankey Hair Stylists and the Benefit Cosmetics team before parading down the catwalk. It was something I have never done or ever dreamt that I would do, but it was fabulous! Definitely a confidence booster!’

Valerie Curran

‘I really enjoyed taking part in the event. I don’t feel comfortable in a dress and wanted to find a style that I would be confident wearing and the experience showed me that I can wear a dress if it’s the right one.’

Laura

Valerie

FASHION

We bring you a round up of what you should be wearing this autumn and profile the designers - existing and up and coming - to look out for!

FASHIONUPANDCOMINGDESIGNERS

The Future of Fashion This page & opposite: Photography by Khara Pringle. Model: Lauryn @ CMPR Models.

Meet six talented fashion students wanting to make their mark locally and internationally.

FASHIONUPANDCOMINGDESIGNERS Siri Mattsson

University of Ulster Fashion Graduate with BA Hons Textile Art, Design and Fashion "My earliest favourite fashion designer was Vivienne Westwood. Being a bit of a punk when I was growing up I loved the graphic provocativeness of her early work, and later the dramatic well tailored femininity of her more recent collections. The last few years my greatest inspirations have been knitwear designers, though the more sculptural and avant garde the better. Sandra Backlund is my all time favourite, I greatly admire her technical skill and ingenious creativity, she is definitely the kind of designer I would love to be. I like looking at people who are only a few years ahead of me though, and there are a lot of amazing young knitwear designers coming out of Scandinavia, like Matilda Norberg and Stine Ladefoged. "I would absolutely love to work for Sandra Backlund, but I think she mostly works by and for herself, a work ethos I really like. There are a few other Swedish brands I am very interested in though, Acne Studios in particular. I have always loved their cool look and well crafted designs, but I think their knitwear could do with a little bit more edge and I would be happy to help them out with that. "Over the next few years I would like to gain experience by working for a small

to medium sized company, but in the long run I think I am a bit too stubborn when it comes to my ideas and I would get tired of designing someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision, so the end goal is to start my own business. In 10 years time I hope that I will be a couple of years into running my own knitwear brand based in Sweden. Personally Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a great experience studying in Northern Ireland and I think the tutors on the course have made a massive effort to provide opportunities within the fashion industry, such as competitions, shows and work placements. It is of course not the same as studying somewhere like London, where the industry is so much bigger and there are so many more connections to be made. When it comes to working in fashion I think the opportunities are quite limited here though, there are just not enough companies that hire young designers or enough of a customer base to start your own. "I think Una Rodden does some really amazing work. Hopefully there will soon be more designers like her based here, and I think that is quite likely considering how many extremely talented designers are graduating from Ulster University each year. I have seen some really great work from a lot of my own classmates as well as people who graduated over the last couple of years and it would be amazing to see some of them set up their own businesses here."

FASHIONUPANDCOMINGDESIGNERS Senan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill

Belfast Metropolitan College Final Year BSc Hons Fashion Management "I am inspired by all things visual and have identified fashion as the perfect marrying of my natural creative flair and enthusiasm for design. In addition to my passion for art I have always spent my free time reading fashion magazines and blogs; gaining inspiration for my own designs through these visual outlets, and so, the choice to study fashion was an obvious one. The dream of one day working for myself or an established label is what motivated me to exceed with my studies to propel myself into the world of fashion and design at a professional level. "I gain inspiration from many sources in my surroundings, rather than pigeon-holing myself to one person or thing. This continuous absorption of ideas from multiple outlets sets me apart and ensures my design is relevant, original and constantly evolving. Focusing my honours project around sustainability within the fashion industry has definitely influenced how I will design in the future to keep both the industry and the world alive. There is so much talent in fashion at the minute. I would love to have the opportunity to work with creative geniuses such as Christopher Kane, J.W. Anderson, the guys at Proenza Schouler or Simone Rocha in the future, whether it be interning or my first steps into my career in the industry. I imagine these labels would be able to teach me new practices and techniques I would never have stumbled upon myself. "I would like to see fashion students here getting the same opportunities available to other UK fashion students - placements, internships, mentoring by valued talent, realistic funding for post graduate education, access to competitions, short courses in knitwear, embellishment and appliquĂŠ, fabric construction etc. As fashion graduates we would benefit from international placements in the course of their degree and more opportunity of Masters etc. Only the more financially independent graduates can afford to leave to achieve these ends at present. We as young designers are so fresh and bursting with creativity, Northern Ireland needs to invest in its fresh talent before we are forced abroad to look for work. "With the need to look outside of Northern Ireland for most of the jobs in fashion design, in the future I would like to be living in a creative hub like London or Berlin, working for myself or for an established label with a Fashion MA under my belt. I want to be designing for fun, creative young women who take risks with their fashion and most of all I want to enjoy my job."

FASHIONUPANDCOMINGDESIGNERS

Rachael Aiken

University of Ulster Fashion Graduate with BA Hons Textile Art, Design and Fashion

Oscar Chan

Belfast Metropolitan College 1st Year BSc Hons Fashion Management "Fashion was something that I was interested in at an early age. My interest developed more when I was studying art and then when I took a design and crafts course at Armagh Regional College. I enjoyed the fact we could use clothing to express different emotions and individual character. The application of fashion is so versatile and not just in clothes we wear such as lifestyle, media influences, music and personality. "John Galliano has always been a huge inspirational character for me. The way he can express emotions into clothing fascinates me, although most of his awe-inspiring work is his haute couture creations. "In the future, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to work with a large chain fashion, retail brands such as H&M, Topshop and Urban Outfitters. The reason I chose these brands is because I admire their visual merchandising work, every time I walk past the Victoria Square

Photography by Khara Pringle. Model: Mairead @ CMPR Models.

"Turning a hobby into a job is what prompted me to pursue a career in fashion. There are many areas of fashion which I find interesting and by studying fashion and textiles at the Belfast School of Art I was able to push boundaries and learn how to use necessary machinery to create my final idea. "Nature has always been a huge influence and a starting point to previous projects. Focusing on what people take for granted or choose to ignore in everyday living allows me to highlight the beauty of our surroundings. "In the the future I would like to work with a small traditional company that specialises in knitwear and maybe study a Masters and PhD degree. "Studying in Belfast is less competitive to studying abroad, which I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think is a bad thing, as it has allowed me to develop my own work as much as I want. Living in Northern Ireland does restrict a broad range of job opportunities, but you just need to be willing to travel."

FASHIONUPANDCOMINGDESIGNERS shopping area, I would always be very jealous of the people who get to organise and design the display of their windows and in-store merchandising. I hope to work with one of these labels in a visual merchandising position and possibly in the higher levels of visual design for the store. "It is difficult to break into the fashion industry from Northern Ireland because most of the big brands and design jobs are abroad, but there is no shortage of fashion talent here."

Ineta Joksaite

Belfast Metroplitan College 2nd year BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 Art and Design (Fashion and Clothing) "As long as I can remember, I was fascinated by paper dolls, Barbie, fashion shows on TV and drawing. It took a long while for me to comprehend that I could make a living from fashion design. I was drawing, painting, and writing poems and I studied to teach English as a second language in Lithuania, but came to Northern Ireland nine years ago. Coming here helped me to create a different path in my life and my interest for fashion design began. "Everything I have achieved in the last three years including business and fashion studies, has exceeded my expectations, and I just can’t wait to see what’s next! I am very grateful for the support and opportunities Belfast Met has given to me and all the amazing teachers who believed in my talent. "Fashion to me is about adjusting a woman’s wardrobe to fit her figure and complement her beauty and not to follow every trend. I like sophistication and timeless fashion and I have been inspired by the designs of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. I also love Ellie Saab, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Carolina Herrera and Russian designer Valentin Yudashkin. "For the next three years I will study the degree course in fashion design, hopefully moving on to a master’s degree in fashion film. Going forward, I would love to work with somebody that can help me grow as a designer, build my confidence, skills, work ethics and will provide opportunities to climb the career ladder. All of this could help me to build a good foundation for my own fashion business in future. My goal is to become fashion director for a company or own my own business in ten years time. "My favourite local designer is Shauna Fay. She is talented in so many ways and such an amazing person. I love that every design is made by her hands and with so much passion. Very inspirational, unique and beautiful work. I also admire the work of David Henderson and Ruedi Maguire, not to mention Una Rodden and her selection of young designers."

FASHIONUPANDCOMINGDESIGNERS Heather Hall

University of Ulster Fashion Graduate with BA Hons Textile Art, Design and Fashion

Photography by Khara Pringle. Model: Phoebe @ CMPR Models.

"I have always wanted to work in fashion as long as I can remember, aiming to offer women clothing with an element of creativity. I plan to create a brand that not only represents my design philosophy which is minimalistic design, beautifully paired with contemporary fabrication, but one that women can afford and doesn’t compromise creativity. "I think my biggest influence would have to be internationally renowned, J.W. Anderson. His journey to where he is today and what he has accomplished is incredible. I absolutely love the creativity of his designs and think he is an epitome of what an innovative designer should be. "In terms of retail brands, I would really love to work with the likes of Whistles and COS. I have an affinity for their brands and admire their clean silhouettes and the quality of their clothing. With regard to design I think they differentiate greatly with their competitors, as it is clear that they have considered every design detail both creatively and simplistically, which is an aesthetic I would like to be associated with.’ "Ideally in ten years time I would like to have worked with several design houses and acclaimed a wealth of knowledge and skills. However, my absolute goal, like most designers, is to have my own label, selling online and to local boutiques across the UK and Ireland with the possibility of one day opening my own store here in Northern Ireland. "I think in terms of recruitment within the fashion sector it is definitely harder here in Northern Ireland, however, I think that opportunities are certainly growing. Consumers are becoming more aware of local designers through boutiques such as Fashion Vault and Studio Souk and there is more of a demand now for fresh designs. "I really admire Una Rodden. Having interned with Una, I think that she has a sound knowledge of her market and has the perfect balance between creativity and commercial acumen, which is crucial in this industry. I also really love the work of Ruedi Maguire, it’s beautifully understated and very sophisticated."

FASHIONCREATE2015

Irish Designers CREATE 2015 Brown Thomas celebrates the very best in Irish Design & Craft through CREATE 2015 which sees a six-week installation across all floors of their Dublin store with special pop-ups taking place in their Cork and Limerick stores until early September. The work of fifty designers will be exhibited, including three recently graduated NCAD students and we profile just five here... Jill de Burca

Jill de Burca

Richard Malone

Jill creates beautiful and very wearable designs with a sportsluxe edge crafted by hand using intricate embroidery, digital printing and interesting fabric combinations. Jill was recently awarded the title of ‘Irish Designer of the Year’, at the Irish fashion Innovation Awards.

Richard Malone

Richard has recently been chosen by the BBC as one of the best young artists under 25 working in the UK, the only Irish person and fashion designer ever to make this prestigious selection. Graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2014, Richard was awarded the coveted LVMH Grand Prix Scholarship and he has since established his own luxury womenswear label.

Ros Duke

Dublin-born Ros Duke launched her own label in 2014 after working alongside John Rocha for ten years creating his mainline patterns. Ros uses innovative knitting techniques, luxurious pure cashmere and a deep understanding of shape to put a fresh spin on her knitwear designs.

Daniel Roden

Laura Kinsella

This year, Brown Thomas partnered with the National College of Art & Design (NCAD) offering a bursary and mentorship programme to one student chosen by Brown Thomas Fashion Director Shelly Corkery. Daniel was chosen as the ‘Designer to Watch’ in 2015.

Daniel Roden Ros Duke

Laura Kinsella

Laura creates individual, exquisite and abstract hats, headpieces and accessories by traditional techniques in her Dublin-based studio. After several years of training including an internship with Philip Treacy, Laura launched her first bespoke collection in 2013.

WCC FASHIONWEEK West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK returns for its twentieth season this October, with a jam-packed five day schedule which includes new shows – a menswear show for starters - and fringe events including the Fashion Souk as well as regulars like Style Sunday. Tickets are on sale already for the main catwalk shows on 15, 16 and 17 October, but extra shows will be released on 20 August after the full schedule launch. Key trends to look out for this season include Winter bright colours like orange, yellow, pink and blue as well as Victoriana, velvet, tweed and faux fur. In prints, there are two extremes of both modern graphic prints as well as a ‘Grandma’s Trinket Box’ kind of style, with chintzy interiors-style fabrics in skirts, trousers and jackets. 1970s and 1980s are the main influencing decades, so bell bottoms and shoulder pads abound!

For up to date information on shows and schedules, click on wwwbelfastfashionweek. com or visit www.facebook.com/ belfastfashionweek

COMPETITION

WIN... a Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea for 4 at Ballygally Castle

astings Hotels have teamed up with Northern Woman to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea for four at Ballygally Castle. The tasty treats, inspired by the fantasy lands of Winterfell, Iron Islands, Kings Landing or Stormlands, includes Lannister egg, Baratheon Bread, Little Fingers Chicken Caesar wrap and Jon Snow Cakes to Dothraki Trifle with mini Dragon’s eggs and are sure to delight fans of the world renowned show as well as those who love the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea. The Game of Thrones Afternoon Teas will immerse people into the dark and mysterious mood of the show and are available from 2 – 5pm Monday to Saturday and 3-5pm on Sundays for only £22 per person. Please allow for 24 hours notice for reservations. For further information or to book go to www. hastingshotels.com/ ballygally-castle or call 028 2858 1066.

QUESTION To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question:

Who is the author of Game of Thrones? A. George R.R. Martin B. J.R.R. Tolkien C. Roald Dahl To enter email: competitions@greerpublications. com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Prize can only be redeemed at Ballygally Castle. Voucher valid for twelve months. Closing date: Friday 25 September 2015.

NEW SEASON STYLE

Wondering what you should be wearing this autumn/winter? Here we bring you a fuss-free edit of the trends that you should be working into your wardrobe.

J.W. Anderson A/W 15-16

FASHIONTRENDS

70s Forever

Burberry Prorsum A/W 15-16

Tom Ford A/W 15-16

Castell Coat, £899; Lara Roll Neck, £65; Orlagh Jean, £85 & Francesca Hat, £45, all Hobbs.

Anna Sui A/W 15-16

Topshop Unique A/W 15-16

Whether it be flowing bohemian style dresses or uptown chic, the big 70s comeback that fashion has been experiencing isn't going anywhere for autumn. Patchwork and ponchos or fringeing and flares - you decide!

3 4

1. Patchwork Leather Skirt, £55, New Look 2. Blouse from Star by Julien Macdonald @ Debenhams 3. South Chelseas High Waisted Kick Flare Jeans, £30, very.co,uk 4. Vintage Buckle Floppy, £32, Accessorize

FASHIONTRENDS

Saint Laurent A/W 15-16

J.W. Anderson A/W 15-16

Givenchy A/W 15-16

Alexander McQueen A/W 15-16

The 70s wasn't the only decade on parade this season, with the likes of Oliver Rousteing for Balmain sending models down the catwalk with power shoulders and ruffles or J.W. Anderson who also embraced the style of Dynasty, Banarama and Wham! Be warned that this trend will go mega next season.

Balmain A/W 15-16

Acceptable in the 80s

Balmain A/W 15-16

Simone Rocha A/W 15-16

Victoriana Noir Sheer fabrics, frilled details, luxurious embellishments and floorskimming lengths are the essential components of this season's darkly decadent Victorian trend.

FASHIONTRENDS

Glitz Galore!

Louis Vuitton A/W 15-16

Lurex, sequins and glitter are everywhere for autumn and its time to go glam and wear them day and night as shown at Sonia Rykiel. 1. Sequin Jogger, £215, Marc Cain @ Peel 2. Ena Beaded Pencil Skirt, £89, Phase Eight 3. Sequin Scarf, £7.99, New Look

Sonia Rykiel A/W 15-16

Miu Miu A/W 15-16

Ladies who Lunch

Roksanda Illincic A/W 15-16

Marc Jacobs A/W 15-16

Max Mara A/W 15-16

Chanel A/W 15-16

Karl lagerfield has introduced a decidedly ladylike mood for autumn at his Paris show and in London Roksanda Illincic's A/W15 offering comprised cinched waist dresses, demure polo necks and opulent furs with legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland being the inspiration for Marc Jacob's New York show. Elegant midi skirts and neat jackets all came in rich fabrics and were worn with ladylike elbowlength gloves and handbags.

FASHIONTRENDS

The World of Interiors Many of the autumn/winter shows featured gorgeous creations which looked like they could have been run up with off cuts from the precious curtains of a stately home.

2 1

1. Black & Gold Jacquard Jacket, £xx, Wallis 2. Black & Gold Jacquard Trouser, £45, Wallis

Erdem A/W 15-16

Keeva Silk Blouse, £79 & Keeva Skirt, £59, Monsoon

Koko Velvet Dress, £129, Monsoon

Bitte Kai Rand @ Evelin Brandt Belfast

Fendi A/W 15-16

Tailoring's new proportions are oversized and asymmetric for autumn/winter. On the catwalk Victoria Beckham's new collection fully embraced this trend.

Victoria Beckham A/W 15-16

Larger than Life

FASHIONTRENDS

House of Holland A/W 15-16

Max Mara A/W 15-16 Louis Vuitton A/W 15-16

Jonathan Saunders A/W 15-16

From curly sheep gilets in glorious, bold colours to shaggy oversized coats that whisk you away to Narnia from Louis Vuitton, a warm and fuzzy coat is a new season essential buy.

Michael Kors A/W 15-16

Fall for Fur

3 1. Faux Fur Gilet, £69, Edition Preen @ Debenhams 2. Fur Jacket in Cozy Ice, £200, Betty Barclay @ S.D. Kells 3. Monochrome Stripe Faux Fur Stole, £19.99, New Look

FASHIONCOATS

Keep it Covered Coats are the staple in any autumn wardrobe, and this season there's plenty of choice. Here are a few that we know you'll be cherishing for years to come.

Coats from a selection by In Wear.

FASHIONCOATS 3

1 Long belted styles like this are ideal for workwear. Throw on over a sleek pencil dress for the office, and for the weekend, team with lashings of knitwear and some black ankle boots.

An animal print coat is a must-have statement print in everyone's wardrobe. A versatile piece, this coat looks great worn smart or casual.

Embrace the seventies this season with a retro styled belted suede trench.

The perfect camouflage for staying warm when temperatures drop.

1. Myracella Maxi Coat, £159, Monsoon. 2. Suede Coat, £150, F&F @ Tesco. Embrace the seventies this season with a retro styled belted suede trench. 3. Apponia Coat, £395, By Malene Birger. 4. Military Wool Coat, £34.99, New Look.

5 The trend for multicoloured fur isn't going anywhere this season.

8 6

Make sure you have a colourful statement piece amongst your coat collection.

The perfect casual coat to keep you dry and warm outdoors this autumn.

A classic double breasted style in a pretty pastel shade.

5. Multi-Coloured Fur Coat, £345, Marc Cain @ Peel. 6. Inverin, £249, Dubarry of Ireland. 7. Acid Yellow Coat, £369, Max Mara Weekend @ House of Fraser. 8. Camel Trench Coat, £55, Next.

FASHIONBOOTS Stephanie, £245, Dune Black @ Dune

Valentia, £169.95, Moda in Pelle @ Panache Shoes

Suede & Shearling Boot, £455, Marc Cain Poppy Delevingne adds suede knee high boots to bare legs for a transitional, retro look.

Buckle Detail Suede Ankle Boot, £29.99, New Look

Black 70s Suede Knee Boot, £75, very.co.uk

Suede Strides Whether kneehigh or anklegrazers, opt for a suede boot this autumn/winter.

Black Charlotte Boot, £140, Ugg Australia @ Kurt Geiger

Lucilia, £149.95, Moda in Pelle @ Sitara Morgan

Crazy Ride Suede Boots, £810, Tamara Mellon @ net- a-porter.com

FASHIONBAGS Cara Delevingne Bag, Midnight Blue Mixed Denim & Natural Leather, £1,200, Mulberry

Frosties Maxi Featherweight Ebury, £1,350, Anya Hindmarch

Tassled Saddle Bag, £90, Dr Martens

Portman, £219, Radley

Arm Candy Shopper, £315, Marc Cain

Here are a few new season bags that we know you'll want to be toting!

Drew Mini Python & Leather Shoulder Bag, £1,365, Chloe @ net-a-porter.com

Black Backpack, £370, Michael Kors @ House of Fraser

Red Leather Mini Zip Bowling Bag, £695, Sophie Hulme @ danielfootwear.com

Preston Shopper in Espresso, £189, Fossil @ Victoria Square

FASHIONPONCHOS

The Poncho

Ponchos are the perfect cover-up as your wardrobe moves from summer to autumn plus they are a totally wearable new season trend! 1

2 Poncho, £59.90, Evelin Brandt, Belfast

Taylor Swift keeps her poncho in check!

Lisa Snowdon beats the chill with a poncho.

Poncho, £255, Marc Cain, Belfast & Katriona, Banbridge

Michelle Keegan opts for a cowl neck and fringing.

Grey Poncho from a selection by In Wear.

6 1. Pink Tasseled Poncho, £75, Betty Barclay @ S.D. Kells 2. Grey Trimmed Poncho from a selection by Mos Mosh Jeans 3. So Fabulous Patchwork Poncho, £29, very.co.uk 4. Grey Trimmed Poncho, £55, Betty Barclay @ Dixons of Coleraine 5. Santa Fee Poncho, £29, Accessorize 6. Claret Fringed Poncho, £95, Reiss Knitted Ribbed Border Poncho, £79, Jigsaw

FASHIONDESIGNERLABELS

Balmain X H&M Olivier Rousteing for Balmain collaborating with H&M has to be the big one to look out for this autumn/winter. In teaming up with H&M, Rousteing joins the ranks of some of the industry’s biggest names – including Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Donatella Versace and Alexander Wang. The collection, which incudes menswear as well as womenswear, will land in stores on November 5th 2015.

NW brings you the designer brands, high street collaborations as well as the online and accessory labels you need to know in 2015.

Raey Clean and minimal, with an androgynous edge, Raey is exclusive to matchesfashion.com. Designed by – and presumably named after – Rachael Proud, the former design director at Christopher Kane, this understated, luxe label is described as fusing ‘crisp silhouettes with carefully selected luxury fabrics to create a collection of effortless pieces for the modern woman’s wardrobe’.

Finery London

Winser London

The former head of design at Topshop and the ex-Asos buying director joined forces to launch Finery London in 2014. This new e-tailer offers modern, sophisticated clothing at purse-friendly prices. Log on for yourself at www.finerylondon.com.

Kim Winser, the former CEO of the British brands Pringle of Scotland and Aquascutum, is the brains behind online boutique, Winser London. A very stylish Yasmin Le Bon models its cashmere jumpers, cotton shirts and work-ready dresses. www.winserlondon.com

FASHIONDESIGNERLABELS

Camilla Elphick

Simone Rocha

Camilla Elphick is a young British shoe designer, whose feminine yet playful designs have garnered critical acclaim in just two seasons. Camilla has worked under designers including Nicholas Kirkwood, Sophia Webster and Charlotte Olympia prior to launching her own label for S/S15. Her signature silhouette features a sexy curve below the ankle, designed to elongate the leg. For A/W15, the Camilla has created a range of elegant mid-heels, sky-high pumps, modern flats and cool-girl boots all with a ‘ladylike with a twist’. There are also showstopping prints that have been specially created in collaboration with American artist Kent Christensen. www.camillaelphick.com

Meadham Kirchoff This is a label which you’re sure to see a lot more of in the next 12 months. The duo behind it, Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchoff have already won the Emerging Talent Ready-ToWear Award at the British Fashion Awards in 2010, and in 2012 they were shortlisted last year for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion award. www.meadhamkirchoff.com

Phoebe Coleman Gilded stamps, diamond hearts and anchors star in the London-based jewellery designer Phoebe Coleman’s dainty, romantic creations, worn by stylish celebrities including Alexa Chung. Alexa Chung wearing Phoebe Coleman’s Pure Heart Ring, £125, (www.phoebecoleman.com)

Simone studied for a BA in fashion from The National College of Art & Design in Dublin, completing a masters at Central Saint Martins in 2010. Rather than taking advantage of her fashion legacy to run before she can walk, she carefully reinterprets classic elements in an innovative way and her hard work has truly paid off. Simone has been sponsored by British Fashion Council and Topshop initiative Newgen and in 2013, she was awarded the title of Womenswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. While many may still only be familiar with her last name, this designer’s high calibre of work is sure to make her first name equally well known. www.simonerocha.com

Tori Michaels London After two years working within the Ted Baker womanswear design team, Jodie Fleischmann has launched her own womenswear fashion brand Tori Michaels London. With a range of 20 elegant, chic styles designed to perfection, Tori Michaels London has a collection to suit the sophisticated urban woman. The pieces range from dresses, to top/short combos, to capes and coats. Classic, edgy and elegant are the three words which capture the essence of Tori Michaels London. The A/W15 collection is available at Topshop Oxford Circus, London and online at www.torimichaels.co.uk.

Find confidence and pleasure in your new season wardrobe as you play with print, colour, texture and embellishment to transform yourself into a fashion icon.

Embrace the

Extraordinary Èadach by Sara O’Neill Pirate Queen silk dress, £375, saraoneillstylist@gmail.com; red suede waistcoat by KATIE, available at Una Rodden Couture, Belfast; beaded belt, £4, The Rusty Zip; & headpiece, cuff and earrings, stylist’s own.

Eyelash dress by Niamh Maguire, available at Una Rodden Couture, Belfast; Red perspex ‘Love’ clutch bag, £69; red perspex ‘Studd’ cuff, £49 & ‘Flora’ collar in pink perspex, £185, all available at GRÁINNE MAHER: FASHION VAULT, Spires Mall & Head dress stylist’s own.

Khaki parachute dress by KATIE, available at Una Rodden Couture, Belfast; Riona Treacy hand dyed Shibori dress (underneath), ÂŁ245, rionatreacy.com & turban and jewellery, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

RUEDI floral wax print peplum dress, ruedimaguire.co.uk; green frill sleeve top, Una Rodden Couture, Belfast; tiered net underskirt, ÂŁ5, The Rusty Zip & headpiece and necklaces, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

Floral jacket, black strapless dress & embroidered skirt, all at Una Rodden Couture, Belfast; ‘Alissa’ pink court heels, £120, Kurt Geiger & bird headpiece and necklaces, stylist’s own.

‘GC: Geraldine Connon: Made To Order’ box bolero, £360; palazzo pants, £260 & ruffle turban, £60, all at facebook.com/GeraldineConnon; Riona Treacy metallic slate PVC leather top, £95, rionatreacy.com & necklaces, earrings and bracelets, stylist’s own.

Photographer: Khara Pringle. www.kharapringlephotographic.com Styling: Eve Brannon 0781 7597067 Assisted by Julia šokele

Make-up by Paddy McGurgan @ Make-Up Pro Store, Belfast

Hair: Ciaran AG @ Toni & Guy, 028 9068 2323 Model: Agnatha 1st Option, Dublin

WORKINGWOMAN

Working 9-5 This issue businesswoman Petra Wolsey discusses working within the hospitality sector as well as her passion for jewellery design. We also find more about Arlene Jardine’s busy insurance career and new business venture. Jill Smyth, Head of MoneySense at Ulster Bank talks finances for students and we discuss starting your own business and how to dress for the office this autumn.

Dress, £139.90 & Shirt, £51.90 @ Evelin Brandt, Belfast

WORKINGWOMAN

The Art of Business

Petra Wolsey is not only Group Marketing Director of the Beannchor Group, owned by her husband Bill Wolsey, but as she explains her artisitc side has also led her to launch a recent jewellery collection

WORKINGWOMAN

‘I

started with The Beannchor Group 15 years ago. I had just completed a Bachelor of the Arts in Fine and Applied art and frankly, hadn’t got a notion what do next. I think the penny had dropped that (after a lukewarm university experience), I wasn’t wildly enthusiastic about starting my career as a practising artist. Simple economics dictated that I find an alternative job pronto. Bill was just about to open TaTu bar and Grill and I was very taken with the clever recruitment campaign and sought an interview as a waiter. Long story short, I worked my way up to become one of the duty managers, and then an opportunity arose to get actively involved in the marketing for Ta Tu. I jumped at the chance and one thing led to another,’ comments Petra. ‘By the time we purchased the Franklin Gate complex in 1990s (which became Bar Bacca, La Lea and Irene and Nan’s), I had become the Joint Marketing Manager and since then, my career trajectory has followed the growth of the group – I am now the Group Marketing Director, supported by a great in-house marketing team. ‘As anyone who knows him will testify, Bill isn’t very good at resting on his laurels! Since those early days, Beannchor has grown exponentially. We now own and run The Merchant Hotel, The National Grande Café, sixty6, The Dirty Onion and Yardbird, five Little Wing Pizzerias (with a sixth just about to open in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh); not to mention The Hillside in Hillsborough, Cuckoo on the Lisburn Road and North Down House in Comber. We also have a portfolio of tenanted pubs which I don’t generally get too involved with in marketing terms (except in crisis situations). ‘As Group Marketing Director, all of these outlets and more (including our exciting new Belfast hotel project, which is soon to get underway), come under my remit. I have a great team of people working with me; Simon, Anto, Kat and Lauren are all real grafters and passionate

❛By the time we purchased the Franklin Gate complex in 1990s (which became Bar Bacca, La Lea and Irene and Nan’s), I had become the Joint Marketing Manager and since then, my career trajectory has followed the growth of the group – I am now the Group Marketing Director, supported by a great in-house marketing team. ❜

❛I love up-cycling old and new but unloved pieces. The launch of my new line, A.P.D. Jewellery earlier this year was a real personal milestone. It’s a wonderful side project and allows me to channel my creativity.❜ about their jobs. We also work with MCE Public Relations and the ever talented STATED design and lovely Alex Robb from Henderson’s. As we get bigger as a company, the infrastructure of the team has to evolve too. I’m very lucky to work with great people because it is the only way to stay sane when the workload keeps growing and growing!’ When asked what the best part of her job is Petra doesn’t hesitiate to say that it’s the diversity, explaining, ‘There is no such thing as a typical day. I also take great pleasure in being able to see a concept through from inception to completion. For example, we are currently working on the brand concept for our new hotel in Belfast (due to open in early 2016). I love the research involved in getting that just right!’ A huge fan of fashion and jewellery, Petra has also championed local designers and boutiques. ‘We have some really phenomenal local talent here in Northern Ireland’, she says. ‘I own pieces from Garvan Traynor, Bohemian Vixen, Ruedi

❛There is no such thing as a typical day. I also take great pleasure in being able to see a concept through from inception to completion.❜ Maguire, Art on Fashion, Gráinne Maher and Una Rodden made my wedding dress. I’ve always dabbled in designing my own pieces and I have been a maker in various guises (with varying degrees of success) from a very early age. Having a long history in being involved with all things artistic (two of my three sisters and my mum are all practising artists), I have managed to acquire a broad range of interesting materials for making my jewellery. Old chains and brooches, antique lace and vintage beads. I love up-cycling old and new but unloved pieces. The launch of my new line, A.P.D. Jewellery earlier this year was a real personal milestone. It’s a wonderful side project and allows me to channel my creativity. ‘My jewellery has quite an industrial look to it but I like bringing colour to my

collections with some beautiful leather pieces I have recently created. I have made some cuffs and necklaces, which seem to have been well received. I showed my first collection at the recent Spring/Summer Fabulous Fashion Tea at The Merchant Hotel with Ruedi Maguire and his stunning new collection. I think my favourite pieces are the chained hair pieces. ‘I am happy being a hobbyist jeweller at this stage of the game. The day job keeps me incredibly busy and it was more about flexing the artistic muscles again. I love that my job is incredibly creative, but it’s a different kind of creative – it’s very satisfying to physically create something wearable from start to

❛I’m in discussions with nine other artists at the moment to try and pull together an exhibition towards the end of this year.❜ finish. I’ve had a few false starts – I use jewellery pliers and large ‘proper pliers’ as some of the chains that I use are very thick. At a crucial moment I managed to catch my thumb with a full force pinch between the pliers. The air was blue for a while. I also recently super-glued a piece of leather to my finger whilst trying to get a piece to dry. Oh the glamour! I shouldn’t really confess these fails should I? However, the end results always look suitably professional! At the minute I am contactable through my A.P.D Jewellery Facebook page, but I hope to look at creating a dedicated A.P.D website in the near future.’ Petra is a busy working mum to four year old daughter Caoilinn, so any time off as Petra says is ‘Caoilinn time’. ‘Of course I’m biased, but she is so beautiful, funny and smart as a whip. She could buy and sell me now. Who knows what will happen in the teenage years!’ ‘Other than spending time with little miss, I have just (after much ado), acquired my full motorcycle licence,’ adds Petra. ‘I turned 40 this year and my 40th birthday present was a Harley Davidson (883 Sportster super low, since you ask). I’m 5ft3” so this bike is ideal for me. I love getting the chance to take it for a spin. I also have a decent road bike and love to go for a cycle up in the hills above Holywood where we live.’ With so much going on in her life it’s hard to believe that Petra has a couple of ‘pet projects’ up her sleeve. ‘I’m in discussions with nine other artists at the moment to try and pull together an exhibition towards the end of this year. The other idea is something I’m going to keep under wraps for now!’

WORKINGWOMAN

Managing Money: The University Years Jill Smyth, Head of MoneySense at Ulster Bank, talks about getting you and your family ready for student life number of weeks that this covers - divide the amount of the loan by the number of weeks and this will give you an idea of how much they have to spend each week. You should then be able to see what they have left out of their weekly budget to live on - this will need to cover their food, socialising, clothes and any other unplanned expenses. Encourage them to keep a budget either on a simple excel spreadsheet or in a notebook or why not check out the budgeting tool on the Ulster Bank MoneySense for Schools site.

Borrowing Money

f you have a son or daughter heading off to university for the first time this year you are probably worried about how they will cope with managing their finances. Some of the following hints and tips might make things easier...

Student Bank Accounts

Your son or daughter will need to open a bank account in preparation for going to University or College. This will enable them to be able to pay their rent and utility bills by direct debit as well as providing them with a safe place to keep their money. Many banks offer student accounts and you can check out offers online. Shop around for the best student deals - many offer overdraft facilities which can be a godsend when waiting for the student loan cheque to clear. If your teenager is moving to another part of the UK or to the Republic of Ireland, make sure that they can access their account there - whether through a branch, online banking or other channels.

Budgeting

Learning how to budget money is vital for independent living. Raising your child’s awareness of this before they leave home is extremely important to ensure that they don’t spend their student loan in one go and are left with no means of paying their rent this could result in debt and added stress for both of you. Make a list of all of the things that they will need to pay for and when they will need to pay these. Next take the total of their student loan and work out the

Borrowing money may be necessary while at university. No matter how well prepared you think you are there are always hidden costs that weren’t planned for. Be up front with your children at the outset - if they are short of cash speak to their bank to see if they can extend their overdraft or alternatively think about how they could make some extra money. They could sell off old books that they no longer need, take on some part time work or review their budget to see if they can make any cut backs. Borrowing money is something that we all need to do at some stage in our lives; borrowing from the right source and understanding the interest rate, repayment terms and conditions and implications of missing a payment will make it a much more manageable experience.

Food shopping on a budget

Is your child aware of the costs of staple items such as bread and milk and are they able to cook

a basic meal? If the answer to either of these questions is ‘no’ you need to take action and take them shopping with you to familiarise them with the cost of food shopping.

❛If your teenager is moving to another part of the UK or to the Republic of Ireland, make sure that they can access their account there - whether through a branch, online banking or other channels.❜ Keeping in touch

Most of us now have mobile phones, tablets or laptops, all of which enable us to keep in contact but can be expensive if not managed properly. Speak to your mobile phone provider to ensure that you are both on the right tariff and check out if you can access skype on your laptop.

WORKINGWOMAN

Starting Your Own Business We’ve all had those moments when a crazy business idea comes to us in the middle of the night – but what if you wake up in the morning and you’re still thinking about it? What does it take to actually make it happen? Risk

Everyone will tell you it’s risky to start your own business. Sure, starting a business is risky, but what in life isn’t? Don’t let this put you off from the word go. Carefully calculate the risks, and determine whether your idea will succeed by talking to people you know. If it’s a business idea, talk to your colleagues. Run personal ideas by your family and friends. Don’t be afraid of people stealing your idea; just discuss the general concept; you don’t need to spill all the details.

Research

Talking to friends, family and colleagues is one thing, but make sure you thoroughly research your business idea. Know the market you will be working within and clearly determine what will distinguish your business from others currently on offer.

Timing

People always wonder if this is a good time to start their business idea. The fact is, there’s really never a bad time to launch a business. It’s obvious why it’s smart to launch in strong economic times. People have money and are looking for ways to spend it. But launching in tough or uncertain economic times can be just as smart. If you do your homework, presumably there’s a need for the business you’re starting and with more people reluctant to launch in these times you’ve a greater chance of getting noticed.

Money

Any good business idea needs money to help it kick off the ground, but the trickiest part isn’t getting investors – it’s figuring out how much you’ll need. So, before you do anything, create a cash flow analysis and take note that most entrepreneurs need three times more than they first estimate. Launching with your own money or a loan from the bank, family or friends is a simpler way to do business without taking on partners, but if you need more money another option is ‘angel investors’. These are individuals who’ve had success in business and are looking for good investments.

❛If you do your homework, presumably there’s a need for the business you’re starting and with more people reluctant to launch in these times you’ve a greater chance of getting noticed. ❜

Marketing

Many people seriously underestimate the power of marketing. Don’t just assume that a good product or service is going to sell itself, because that’s simply not true. Whether you pay an external PR company or consultant to help spread the word about your business, or you decide to do it yourself, it’s something that you need to take seriously. Marketing is not just advertisements and promotions, it’s how your employees interact with customers,

what your customers say about your brand, and the relationships you have with people.

Website

In today’s digital world, a website is more critical than ever. You really are at a disadvantage from the start if you don’t have a website, or have one that is badly designed with poor quality images. Design the best site you can for the budget available and you can develop it further when funds allow.

WORKINGWOMAN

My Brilliant Career Arlene Jardine is an insurance broker and founder of Arlene Jardine Insurance Services. NW finds out more about her successful career within this industry. I still kept in touch with my colleagues in the insurance industry and one day the insurance inspector for Cornhill said, you could run your own insurance brokers. That had been a secret dream, so I applied and got my first agency with Norwich Union in April 1981. The rest of the agencies followed and whilst it was daunting at times being the first and only female insurance broker in the UK and Ireland, I enjoyed every minute of building up my business.

Developing The Business

Starting Out

My friend’s father, Mr Leslie Purdy was an insurance broker in Dungannon and he knew I was attending a secretarial course at college and he asked would I mind working for him over the Easter holidays as he was very short-staffed at the time. My plan was to study to be a private secretary, if that went well, I would then have the opportunity to further my education to do a teaching course to teach business studies. However, I continued to work whenever I could in the insurance office which I really enjoyed. Mr Purdy offered me a full time job, so I stayed and continued my private secretarial studies at night classes. When I had finished my three year course I went to work as a private secretary with a large engineering firm, but it just wasn’t for me, I missed insurance so much.

It wasn’t all plain sailing at first, when the Cornhill inspector initially sent in my application and I got turned down. The manager just stated this is a young married woman, she will simply have children and become a part time insurance broker, that is not going to work! A few years later when he saw how determined I was I got my agency. He also became a very dear family friend, and sadly he recently passed away, he would have had a good laugh at this. The main reason I didn’t become a part-time insurance broker when my two daughters came along six and eight years later was down to my amazing manager and very good friend Martina. It’s thanks to Martina that I can juggle work and family life! I have had so much flexibility due to her dedication to my business and the fact that she is a good and trusted loyal friend. Martina has worked alongside me for 31 years and loves working in the business as much as I do. With only one day off sick during those years. I cannot praise her highly enough for not only being the best employee anyone could have but also the way she looks after my customers. Martina constantly receives thank you cards and tokens of appreciation for going that extra mile on service and assistance.

A Typical Day

My working day starts usually around 6am, I check my emails and catch up on breakfast news. I am also the CEO for The Linen Mill House & Garden and my husband is a director, so we regularly have breakfast meetings. It sounds formal but we have to try and keep it that way otherwise work can take over your personal life.

I now have the best of both worlds. The Linen Mill has been a huge challenge to me especially when the company began just in time for the recession. However, despite the pain and lots of anguish on many occasions. We are delighted with the progress of the company and products that it is now producing. With technology, I can work from anywhere really, but I always aim to get into the office in Church Street. I teamed up with Rodney McKirgan in Mortgage Angels for Mortgages and Life Assurance etc. I work with his experienced team and enjoy working with them. Life Assurance, pensions, critical illness and private medical cover was always my main focus, however, when the FSA changes came in, it was a choice really of general or financial. The two could not be run under one company anymore. So working with Rodney has been great. He is a leader in what he does and is extremely knowledgeable in his field. Martina and Danielle mainly manage the general insurance products, motor, home, business, and travel etc.

Challenges & Developments

The biggest problem that we have seen over the years are the supermarkets and businesses who decide to add insurance onto their list of products they sell, and do it badly. We then pick up the pieces. Due to this we have created a new product that anyone can purchase from our sister company, Wyncroft, it not only offers accident and breakdown cover for as little as 16p per day it includes our expertise on any insurance issue and a host of other optional extras.

Work Satisfaction

I am so pleased that Mr Purdy called me all those years ago and offered me a job in his insurance office, because I have so enjoyed working in this industry for just over 40 years. To my mum I say a huge thank you, because if it wasn’t for her I would have continued on at college, but she encouraged me to take the job with Mr Purdy. Business is tough and you have to be prepared to work hard, but if you enjoy what you do then it is worth it all.

WORKINGWOMAN

Working Wardrobe

Depending on your office dress code this tailored, layered look from Marc Cain is smart, casual and stylish. These new season pieces show that autumn/winter isn't all about dark neutrals.

Be prepared for a shift in the seasons and go old school with a stylish notebook.

Wide Trousers:

Tranisitional Dressing: Add a couple of new season dresses that can be worn now but easily adapted as temperatures drop.

This camel wide leg trouser from Wallis could prove to be an office essential.

A little black day dress, such as this one from the new season collection by Evelin Brandt is perfect for the office at any time of the year. Switch up for lighter brighter summer accessories and opt for muted tones like this stone coat also from Evelin Brandt. Office Essential...This double breasted wool coat, £220, J by Jasper Conran @ Debenhams

Grey Rollneck, £28, Wallis

This short sleeve storm-grey herringbone wool-blend cardinal dress, £199 from Hobbs is perfect for warmer September days and as it gets cooler it can be layered with a coat or shirt. Stickers Notebook, £18, Anya Hindmarch @ selfridges.com

Office Doodle Notebook, from £5.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk Terence Conran with the V&A Slim Notebook Set in Leaf, £16, amara.com Angie Blouse, £129, Hobbs Liberty London Collections Black Leather Notebook, £45, liberty.co.uk

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ing k r wo these e e h Tak rough t help of th s. he Get with t ebook t day ish no styl

High Flyer... Show them that you mean business in a stylish roll neck knit or blouse this autumn. Portobello Notebook, £165, Smythson.com

Aubergine Merino Wool Roll-neck, £65, Hobbs

Win... a 2 night Gourmet City break at The Cliff Townhouse, St Stephen's Green

in a Gourmet City Break at The Cliff Townhouse, St Stephen’s Green, 2 nights bed and breakfast, midweek, staying in one of their beautifully refurbished bedrooms and a delicious dinner on one evening in The Cliff Townhouse restaurant When you walk up the steps of The Cliff Townhouse, a luxury guesthouse and seafood restaurant on St Stephen’s Green, you are walking in from the busy city outside to a beautifully relaxed and glamorous space. Now even more beautiful than ever, The Cliff Townhouse have just updated their nine guestrooms with bright new carpets, striking artwork, ornate mirrors and additional lighting. We are offering you the chance to win a fantastic prize - a luxury two night gourmet break in the heart of Dublin city, staying in The Cliff Townhouse, with a three-course dinner in their gorgeous seafood restaurant on one evening and a delicious breakfast each morning as you watch the world go by on St Stephen’s Green. Known for its stunning seafood restaurant, some may not even know that the beautiful staircase of The Cliff Townhouse leads to nine gorgeous guestrooms overlooking St Stephen’s Green, perfect for those looking for a little luxury in the heart of Dublin city! The Cliff Townhouse, 22 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2 T: +353 1 638 3939 www.theclifftownhouse.com

QUESTION To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

What famous parkland does The Cliff Townhouse overlook? To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 25 September 2015. Terms & Conditions Apply. Prize is subject to availability, voucher valid for twelve months, no cash alternative and non-transferable. One entry per household only.

HEALTH & BEAUTY The newest beauty products and inspiring ideas to keeping your mind and body healthy this autumn.

HEALTH&BEAUTYNEWS

Beauty Box All you need to look great and smell fabulous this autumn. This multi-tasking primer is formulated to reduce shine, tackle blemishes and keep oily skin under control. Fruit extracts and skin nourishing emollients brighten, smooth and perfect skin. Use it alone for a sheer glow or as the perfect canvas for your mineral foundation to seamlessly glide on. £36

The Sanitas Facial Cleansing Brush, £9.99 from Lidl is the perfect addition to any daily skincare routine, offering gentle, deep-pore facial cleansing which improves circulation to the face.

Estée Lauder New Dimension Shape and Fill Expert Serum helps create the look of beautiful contours and a visibly more defined facial shape. £62 for 30ml.

Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom is a mesmerising fragrance with mists of honeyed, golden mimosa and the spiciness of freshly crushed cardamom. £85 for 100ml.

This autumn, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics introduces the Greige Collection. The centrepiece of the collection, the eye palette features Bobbi's favourite grey and beigetoned shadows, along with striking new shades like Greystone and Earth Metal. £52.

Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate is a lightweight facial oil that awakens, revitalises and energises the look of fatigued skin. £36 for 30ml.

HEALTH&BEAUTYNEWS

Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme Eau de Parfum captures the fascinating paradox of the Tom Ford woman in a daring, floral, oriental fragrance that is both extravagant and sensual. £105 for 100ml.

Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy Foundation, £26 and Seamless Buffing Brush, £24. Gentle yet effective, this non-drying, mineral-powered foundation is available in 12 shades.

Whether you want a big bouncy blowdry, soft waves or super sleek tresses, Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme fights frizz for any style. £22.50 for 250ml.

Joico Hair Shake Finishing Texturizer Spray, £21. Use it after a blow-dry for additional volume or grab it on day two for instant oomph.

Benefit Air Patrol BB cream eyelid primer protects against sun, smoke and pollutants. Wear on it’s own or under make-up. £21.50.

The KIKO Rebel Romantic A/W collection is available in KIKO stores and online at www. kikocosmetics.com. We love the Intensely Lavis Lipstick, £6.90 and Liquid Intense Eyeliner, £6.90.

Hair

HEALTH&BEAUTYHAIR

t ot he

Paul Stafford's right-hand man Jimmy Beech looked after our Makeover Model this month...

Rescue Before

Jimmy says…

It’s a stylist’s dream. Someone comes in with an open mind and great hair to work with, and Melissa presented both. She’d been hacking away at her own hair for a while, and it needed to be totally revitalised. I didn’t want to give her anything too extreme; with two young kids and a demanding full-time job she’s really time-poor. It needed to be something that was easy to look after at home and didn’t require frequent visits to the salon. I cut in a new shape, leaving the length that really brought out her great bone structure, and then left our colourist, Cheryl, to create a soft colour that would make her beautiful blue eyes stand out and still be easy to maintain. I think, between us, we delivered what Melissa wanted. She was certainly smiling as she left the salon.

Hair: Jimmy Beech @ Stafford Hair; Colour: Cheryl Dale; Make-up: Sharon Watson; Photography: Lee Michell

AFTER

Melissa says…

I’m embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t been to a salon for nearly a year. With two small children and a full-time job as a building surveyor, I have such limited time that I’d taken to cutting my own fringe and leaving the rest to do its own thing. I wasn’t in a good place, hairwise. So to get a chance to travel into Belfast to Stafford Hair was an absolute treat. The salon has a great reputation. But not just that; as a surveyor and artist, I was dying to see the inside of the salon. I’ve driven past so many times and thought I’d love to have look. It is such a beautiful and unique design, inside and out. I wasn’t disappointed with it, my hair or the way I was looked after. I’m especially delighted with the colour. I had it done by Cheryl Dale and she was so lovely, I don’t want to let anyone else but Cheryl near it ever again.

www.staffordhair.com

twitter @staffordhair

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instagram @wearestaffordhair

LIFESTYLECYCLING

On yer bike Cycling – everyone seems to be doing it, even your 80 year-old neighbour. According to the NHS, cycling is the third most popular recreational activity in the UK. An estimated 3.1 million people ride a bike each month. But what IS all the fuss about? Cycling has many advantages, from weight loss to stress reduction. Cycling is an activity that all ages can take part in if they have the right equipment. It’s a great way to fit exercise into your daily routine as it is a form of transport. If you cycle to work you will save money, get fit and cut your carbon footprint. Northern Woman's Alicia Clarke takes a look at the benefits you will experience if you go for a spin.

Mental Health

Healthy Lungs

University of Bonn neurologists have studied endorphins in the brain before and after a two hour cardio session. When they compared the scans they found more opiate binding of the happy hormone in the frontal and limbic regions of the brain which are areas known to be involved in emotional processing and dealing with stress.

Cycling can strengthen your cardiovascular system, enabling your heart and lungs to work more efficiently and get more oxygen where it’s needed, quicker.

Healthy Heart The British Heart Foundation states that cycling just 20 miles a week reduces your risk of heart disease to less than those who take no exercise.

Parking Many of us spend what seems like an age searching for a parking space that isn’t a Duke of Edinburgh hike away from where we want to be. If you cycle all you need is something to secure your bike to.

Save the Planet It takes around 5% of the materials and energy used to make a car to build a bike and a bike produces zero pollution.

Baby on Board Michigan University researchers have found that mums to be who regularly exercise during pregnancy have an easier, less complicated labour, recover faster and enjoy better overall mood throughout the nine months.

Family Friendly The whole family can take part in cycling. Little children can come along in a bike seat or tow along buggy until they can cycle themselves. Start them off on stabilisers and eventually you’ll get to that proud moment when they learn to ride without them. As cycling is kind on joints, grandparents can join in too.

Sex Life Cycling improves vascular health which has a knock on effect, boosting sex drive.

Safety Follow these steps to help stay safe when cycling on the roads Ride decisively and stay a good distance away from the kerb. Signal to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact when possible. Remember if you can’t see a vehicle’s wing mirror then the driver can’t see you. After dark wear bright colour clothing (reflective is best) Wear a helmet. Although it’s not compulsory legally it’s a good idea to wear a correctly fitted helmet. Most bus lanes can be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Use these lanes as there may be less traffic but be wary of buses stopping and starting at stops.

LIFESTYLECYCLING

Women's Saint Germain Bike £1100 Martone Cycling Company

Pink Bicycle Mug £17.50 Fenella Smith

Tandem Lovers Cushion £45 Home Candy

Reflective Jacket £55 M&S

Productivity

Brain Power

Fat Burning

A study at the University of Bristol found employees who exercised before work or during lunch improved their time and workload management and it boosted their motivation and ability to cope with stress.

Illinois University have found a 5% improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness from cycling leads to an improvement of up to 15% in mental tests

Sports physiologist Mark Simpson has said, “Even after cycling for 30 minutes, you could be burning a higher amount of total calories for a few hours after you stop.”

Low Cost

Mindful

Cycling is also cheap! Once you buy your bike and helmet there are few extra costs. There are often special deals on bikes so keep your eyes peeled. Some companies offer a cycle to work scheme and contribute towards the cost of bicycle. With cycling there are no running costs like petrol or diesel and there should rarely be any need for servicing. You will also save cash as you can cancel that gym membership you never use and no more train tickets!

When cycling you are present in the moment - no more little niggles!

Live Longer

Cycling means increased circulation to your skin cells carrying away waste products - but dont forget the SPF!

Fitness According to the National Forum for Coronary Heart Disease Foundation people who cycle regularly in mid-adulthood typically enjoy a level of fitness equivalent to someone ten years younger.

Faster If you live in a city or large town cycling to and from work, or anywhere for that matter, will probably work out quicker than taking the car, especially in rush hour traffic. Not only will you be able to slip past all the stationary cars but you can benefit from the cycle lanes that are increasing in number.

Sleep Stanford University School of Medicine found that if an insomnia sufferer cycles for 20-30 minutes every other day they reduce the amount of time needed to fall asleep by half and sleep for almost an extra hour. Experts at Loughborough University’s Sleep Research Centre say that exercising outside exposes you to daylight which helps get your circadian rhythm back in sync and rids your body of cortisol, the stress hormone that can prevent deep sleep.

BMW Cruise Bike £949 BMW Lifestyle

Donkey 6Pack

£39.95 Design 3000

The Cyclists’ Touring Club have found cyclists’ average age expectancy is two years above average.

Fume Free A study carried out by Imperial College London found passengers in buses, taxis and cars inhale substantially more pollution than cyclists and pedestrians. This is the case because cyclists breathe in fewer fumes as they ride at the edge of the road and are not sitting directly behind the exhaust of other vehicles.

Monochrome Bike Book £10 Home Sense

Trophy Bull Bicycle Holder £79 Amara

New Friends As cycling clubs spring up around the country you are sure to meet someone you click with - maybe even "the one"

Look Younger

It's clear to see that cycling offers a vast array of benefits and with such beautiful countryside around us here in Northern Ireland there's no excuse not to get out and get cycling - Well, except the weather. So, why not grab your bike and pack a picnic and take a trip to the park to ease you into cycling. By September you'll be racing into work and by December you'll be in the Olympic cycling team and training for Rio. You can thank me later.

Puncture Repair Kit £12.95 Cuckooland

Bike Streamers £12.95 M&S

LIFESTYLECYCLING

Belfast Bikes

Laws of cycling You must follow the Highway Code: Observe ‘stop’ and ‘give way’ signs and traffic lights. It’s illegal to cycle on a pavement without a cycle lane. It’s against the law to ride under the influence of drink or drugs including medicine. At night you must use lit front and rear lights and have a rear reflector. When using cycle only crossings you must not cross until the green cycle symbol is showing. You must not cross the stop line when traffic lights are red.

The Coca-Cola Zero Bike Scheme is now live in Belfast. There are now 30 docking stations located throughout the city centre which offer a low cost and convenient way to travel around the city. The bikes are available to rent 365 days a year from 6am to midnight daily. After you register as a casual or annual user you can rent the bikes using the station kiosks, a mobile app or by calling the hotline. Once you have rented and completed your journey you just return the bike to any official Belfast Bike docking station. Nextbike are the providers of the Belfast Bikes and once registered you can rent bikes from all nextbike schemes in cities across the world. The first 30 minutes of your Belfast Bike journey are always free.

Racing Bike Helmet £59.99 Argos

Bike Lovers Cushion £55 Home Candy

Dress

£22 Sainsbury's

Bicycle Clips

£3.95 Dotcomgiftshop

Black Cycle Shorts £12.99 New Look

Challenge Cycle Gloves £9.99 Argos

HEALTH&BEAUTYTRIED&TESTED

ALFAPARF Milano Lisse Keretin Blowdry NW’s Eileen Wilson Doherty recently put ALFAPARF Milano’s new salon exclusive Keratin smoothing system which promises frizz free hair for up to eight weeks to the test at Iconique Hairdressing, Lisburn Road, Belfast.

‘I

have curly hair and it’s hard to manage. For this reason I have to go for a weekly blowdry, so as you can imagine, when I heard about this new salon treatment I was eager to see the results I would get. ‘Using Babassu oil from the Amazon, and a special patented formulation called kera-collagen complex with Glycolic acid, ALFAPARF Milano’s Keratin Therapy Lisse Design Flexible leaves hair with 58 per cent more manageability instantly and humidity at bay. It is 100 per cent safe and formaldehyde-free, sulphate-free, salt-free and paraben-free. ‘It is the very first long-lasting keratin styling treatment which removes the frizz effect in just 20 minutes, re-moulding the hair to the desired effect, smoothing it progressively and lasting up to eight weeks. BEFORE ‘On arrival my hair was washed with a deep cleansing shampoo and roughly blow-dried prior to the application of the moulding fluid which was then flat ironed prior to another shampoo. ‘Then it was time for the final blowdry. My hair was quite limp after the treatment but Natalie my stylist put plenty of volume back in while blowdrying it. While I still go for my weekly blow-dry my hair is definitely more manageable in between appointments and certainly a recent Mediterranean holiday proved its benefits and my hair remained frizz free the whole time - a first for me! ‘Suitable for all hair types the results of this treatment improve service by service. Certainly I have been impressed with these initial results and I’m eager to see the benefits of continued use. ‘If you are worrying about the costs involved, don’t. It only costs twice the price of a good cut and blow-dry, although it is recommended that you purchase and use the recommended homecare ie shampoo and conditioner, to use between treatments. ‘Having tried this for myself, in my opinion, anyone looking for perfectly straight, more manageable hair that requires minimal styling every day really needs to try this treatment for themselves.’

To try this product call Natalie Campbell, Iconique Hairdressing, Lisburn Road Belfast. 028 9038 1849

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HEALTHSTRESSMANAGEMENT

Mindfulness:

Find your peace in a frantic world Are you battling anxiety, stress, exhaustion or depression? Mindfulness has been clinically proven to work, but more importantly it also works for those of us who aren’t depressed but who are struggling to keep up with the constant demands of the modern world as we find out here.

urrenty enjoying it’s time in the media spotlight as more and more people look for ways of combating increasing levels of stress and exhaustion, mindfulness is a very simple form of meditation. A typical meditation consists of focusing your full attention on your breath as it flows in and out of your body. Focusing on each breath in this way allows you to observe your thoughts as they arise in your mind and, little by little, to let go of struggling with them. You come to realise that thoughts come and go of their own accord; that you are not your thoughts. You can watch as they appear in your mind, seemingly from thin air, and watch again as they disappear, like a soap bubble bursting. You come to the profound understanding that thoughts and feelings (including negative ones) are transient. They come and they go, and ultimately, you have a choice about whether to act on them or not. Mindfulness is about observation without criticism; being compassionate with yourself. When unhappiness or stress hover overhead, rather than taking it all personally, you learn to treat them as if they

were black clouds in the sky, and to observe them with friendly curiosity as they drift past. In essence, mindfulness allows you to catch negative thought patterns before they tip you into a downward spiral. It begins the process of putting you back in control of your life. Over time, mindfulness brings about long-term changes in mood and levels of happiness and wellbeing. Scientific studies have shown that mindfulness not only prevents depression, but that it also positively affects the brain patterns underlying day-to-day anxiety, stress, depression and irritability so that when they arise, they dissolve away again more easily. Other studies have shown that regular meditators see their doctors less often and spend fewer days in hospital. Memory improves, creativity increases and reaction times become faster. Despite these proven benefits, however, many people are still a little wary when they hear the word ‘meditation’ or mindfulness, so we spoke to one of Northern Ireland’s leading advocates about how her life has been turned aound thanks to this practice.

Forty-four year-old Brenda Shankey, who alongside her husband of 15 years, Jason, runs a very successful and demanding hairdressing business which includes own-branded products, franchises and a range of complementary treatments. Brenda herself suffered with severe postnatal depression after her second child and slowly but surely got back on her feet, but then again a few years ago Brenda suffered a breakdown. ‘Over the last 15 years, Jason and I have been one mega roller coaster of a journey. Its not been easy and while I’ve been blessed with so many positive opportunities there have been negatives, which include never being able to switch off from the job. We are definitely married to the job and our home is a sanctuary of WORK! Neither of us can relax and unwind much outside of the business as there is never much time. Ultimately, no one can keep going at this pace as I discovered,’ explains Brenda. ‘Over three years ago I had such a bad year. Many things happened that pushed me over the edge and I just buckled. I was under such enormous pressure and stress

HEALTHSTRESSMANAGEMENT that I collapsed with a breakdown and could handle it no more. Between the daily pressure I put on myself to look good, be a mum and businesswoman, to personal family issues and mega work issues I guess success took its toll and no one could sustain the life I was leading. I also believe that once you suffer from depression every now and then it pops its head up and disguises itself as panic, anxiety, addiction, low self esteem, workaholisim, isolation, low moods, helplessness etc. However, while I didn’t think so at the time, I now look back and say it was the best thing that ever happened to me. ‘I remember when I first was diagnosed with post natal depression 12 years ago I was told to pull myself together, that I was attention seeking and I just needed to put a smile on my face and get on with it! I was ashamed to have depression, ashamed to be on medication, ashamed to have mental health issues! Well not now. For goodness sake no one should be ashamed of who they are or what they suffer from. I have realised everyone has their thing! Everyone is battling with something and most do not talk about it. ‘I have spent many years finding out how to heal myself and I’ve studied my mind and how it works, how I react and think, how my emotions work, what my triggers are, what is good for me and what is not good for me. I’ve read hundreds of books, listened to audio CDs, attended courses worldwide, had many different counsellors etc and now I can honestly say that I’ve found my peace thanks to mediation and mindfulness which has simply taught me to live in the present moment without judgement. So no matter what is happening to me, good or traumatic, I simply accept it and go with the flow. ‘I have benefited so much from mindfulness, that I wanted to share all that I have learned with other people, So, I’ve put together a class called Be Fabulous (www.

Brenda Shankey (centre) is helping NI men and women to adopt the practice of mindfulness.

Brenda's Top Ten Tips 1. Get up every day and SMILE and be grateful, wish yourself a fabulous day! 2. Sit in stillness every morning for one minute and de-clutter your brain. Remember to smile the whole time, it radiates happiness through your body. 3. Breathe a few deep breaths throughout the day, clear away the stress from the body. 4. Ban your phone, social media and laptop one hour before bed every night. 5. Spend time with friends at least two to three days a week. 6. Write a daily to-do list. Start the day with the most important thing. 7. Carry out a random act of kindness every day. 8. Spend time at home with those who you love. Don’t forget peace starts at home. 9. Before sleep think of three things that day you were grateful for. 10. Don’t waste time, enjoy every single day and make the most of it! befabulous.guru). It’s a four week course in managing stress, setting goals, achieving them, getting happiness and what you want from life! ‘A few sessions can make a huge difference and then daily practice deepens the knowledge. Mindfulness practice does not take a lot of time, although some patience and persistence are required. If you only have a minute every other day this is better than nothing. You can also practise bringing mindful awareness to whatever you

Mindfulness: Tried & Tested

s a single working mum with two children I would consider myself pretty stressed most of the time. Life is frantic, and while I wouldn’t have it any other way, I know that my body and mind definitely decides when I’ve pushed them too far and I’ve suffered with bouts of anxiety as a result. While I’ve always shunned any kind of medication, I have tried cognitive behaviourial therapy and do very much believe that a healthy mind equals a healthy body. Therefore, I was interested to try mindfulness for myself. I have to say that my ten minute stress relieving mediation did relax me. I was definitely able to be in the present and focus on

are doing, on buses, trains or while walking to work. You can meditate more or less anywhere. ‘Personally, I think mindfulness has become so popular because people are wanting to have it all, getting extremely stressed and worn out in the process and realising once they have ‘it’ that they’ve been on the wrong ladder the whole time and what they actually want is peace and happiness! This is where mindfulness comes in.’

Margaret Connolly met up with Brenda to experience the practice of mindfulness.

my breathing and not let my mind wander off to think about what I was going to feed the kids that night or those calls that had to be made for work. So often my children vocally remind me that they don’t have my full attention with emails and phone calls distracting me, so I would like to train myself to get better at being in the present and remembering that certain things can wait. While I know that I would need more practice to get the fulll benefits of mindfulness, this session taught me that a short burst of ten minutes or less, if this was the only time I had available, it would be better in a day than nothing at all.

HEALTHFEATURE

Mirror, Mirror

on the wall....

Margaret Connolly asks if the desire for the perfect face and body is resulting in more and more women's concerns about their appearance developing into the more serious condition of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

s women are we ever really happy with ourselves? Certainly, I can say with hand on heart that I can’t remember a time when I have honestly not wanted to improve something. Even during those times when I have been at my perfect weight and shape (before kids!) I still wanted more definition, a more Mediterrean complexion or straighter, sleeker hair!

However, at 39 years of age I can remember a day when you might have compared yourself to your nearest and dearest friends or those famous supers – Cindy, Linda, Naomi etc. Nowadays, thanks to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter everyone has a social image and we are comparing ourselves to so many more people from friends of friends to every 15-minute celeb and A-lister that you think has a smaller bottom, flatter stomach or voluminous hair. It really is insane that we spend so much valuable time being preoccupied by these body and beauty comparisons. According to a survey released by cosmetics company Garnier, seven per cent of British women think about their body 50 times a day and that another 20 per cent worry about their body shape ten times a day. The stomach was the least liked part of a women’s body with half of all respondents saying they would prefer a flatter, firmer

midriff. Nearly a quarter of women prefer their breasts to other parts of their body with legs coming second on 17 per cent. While most of us just have a meltdown everytime our jeans don’t fit or when it comes round to putting on a bikini, for some women the thin line between wanting to look good and becoming obsessed with perfection leads to body dysmorphia. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a form of crippling distorted self-image that affects one in every 100 women in the UK. It is often called the ‘imagined ugliness’ disorder. It was formerly known as Dysmorphophobia and is an anxiety disorder whereby a person is abnormally preoccupied with an imagined or slight defect in their physical appearance. For someone with BDD the thought of a flaw is very distressing and does not go away. Even though other people may think there is nothing wrong with the way the person looks, for the sufferer it can lead to

HEALTHFEATURE depression and thoughts of suicide. The onset of BDD usually begins in adolescence up to the early twenties, a time when people are generally most sensitive about their appearance. While not unique to women, the condition is more predominant amongst females. Common BDD obsessions involve concerns about the face, namely the nose, the hair, the skin, the eyes, the chin, or the lips. Flaws on the face or head, such as hair thinning, acne, wrinkles, scars, vascular markings, paleness or redness of the complexion or excessive hair are perceived as major concerns. Sufferers may be concerned about a lack of symmetry, or feel that something is too big or swollen or too small, or that it is out of proportion to the rest of the body. Any part of the body may however be involved in BDD including the breasts, genitals, buttocks, abdomen, hands, feet, legs, hips, overall body size, body build or muscle bulk. These concerns lead most patients to engage in compulsive behaviours, such as mirror checking, excessive grooming, and skin picking. Although some people with this disorder manage to function well, despite their distress, most find that their concerns about their appearance causes significant problems for them. They may find it hard to concentrate on their job or school work, which may suffer as a result, and relationship problems are common. People with BDD feel very self-conscious in social situations and generally have a very poor quality of life. A person with BDD may feel that they cannot go out in public unless they have hidden the problem area in some way with clothing, make-up or covering with hair. This can seriously affect a person’s quality of life affecting both employment and relationships.

Sufferers of BDD may also experience periods of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts because of their preoccupation with the perceived flaw. People living with BDD are not vain, but believe themselves to be ugly or defective. They tend to be very secretive and reluctant to seek help because they are afraid that others will think them vain or self-obsessed. There is still not a single clear cause for Body Dysmorphic Disorder, but experts believe that biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors have contributed to its emergence. Neurochemical factors, such as abnormalities in the brain chemical serotonin, may make some people more likely to express the symptoms of BDD than others. However, psychological factors such as teasing about one’s appearance during childhood, families’ or peers’ emphasis

on appearance and trauma or sexual abuse might also be risk stimuli for the expression of symptoms. Before you suddenly worry that your need to look good is potentially something more serious, it is human to look in the mirror and see room for improvement. That said, if your view of beauty becomes too rigid and your appearance is top priority then it might be time to get some help.

Signs of Body Dismorphic Disorder The behaviour of BDD sufferers will include some or all of the following: • Checking the appearance of the specific body part in mirrors. • Camouflaging the perceived defect with clothing or makeup. • Excessive grooming, by combing, shaving, removing or cutting hair, applying makeup. • Picking their skin to make it smooth. • Picking the skin around the perceived defect. • Comparing the appearance of the perceived defect with that of others. • Dieting and excessive exercise or weight lifting. • Avoiding social situations in which the perceived defect might be exposed. • Possibly seeking surgery or dermatological treatment despite being told that surgery is not required.

Discover the true taste of India this AUTUMN

Lunch £5.95 and Pre Theatre Monday to Thursday £12.95pp 5.30-7.00pm

The Jharna, 133 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AG Tel: 028 9038 1299 www.thejharna.com

LIFESTYLE

In this issue we take a look around Mount Stewart House after its eight million pound restoration, and we share with you some of our favourites venues for afternoon tea, while NW's Kate Wilson explores the sun drenched island of Ibiza.

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS Designers Guild Cushion, was £75, now £67.50, Maypole Interiors Medium Leaf Table Lamp, £196.50, Houseology

Orla Kiely Cushion, £40, House of Fraser

Flora Morello Large Cushion, £95, Fanny Shorter

Leaf Print Cushion, £30, House of Fraser

Zoffany, Beaufort Interiors, Moira

Foliage From leaves to feathers, on fruit bowls to toilet rolls, foliage is everywhere this month. Here are a few of our favourites...

Natural Wood Tree Bookends, £32, Debenhams

Sanderson Clementine Duvet, £95, Bedeck

Eden Leaf 12-piece Dinner Set, £29.99, Argos

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS Wallpaper, £56, Maypole Interiors Joules Chelsea Cameo Double Duvet, £65, Bedeck

Nourison Tropis Ivory Rug, £265, CFC Interiors

Leaf Plaques (set of 3), £30, Next

Stogsta Storage Box, £10, IKEA

Stockholm Chair, £300, Ikea Wooden Toilet Roll Holder, £20, Heatons

Silver Cut Leaf Bowl, £26, John Rocha

COMPETITION

WIN... a £40 voucher to spend with Charlotte's Attic

azzle your home this Autumn & Winter with some sophisticated new crockery from the Mary Berry homeware range at Charlotte’s Attic.

Charlotte’s Attic product range: • Cath Kidston Bags, Accessories & Gifts • Joules Homeware, Fragrances and Accessories • Mary Berry Kitchenware • Emma Bridgewater pottery, candles & toiletries • Foxford Mill Woollen throws • LSA Glassware • Earth Squared bags • Sophie Allport China • Caroline Gardner stationery products • Bambinos and buttons unique crafted gifts • Dora Designs doorstops and draught excluders • Bitty button local crafts • Bewitched bags and scarves • Ness bags and accessories • Caroline Gardner cards & Gift bags

QUESTION For the chance to win a £40 voucher all you need to do is answer the question below:

Simply tell us where is Charlotte's Attic located? A. Coleraine B. Portrush C. Logans Cloughmills To enter email: competitions@greerpublications. com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Prize can only be redeemed at the Charlotte's Attic store. Voucher valid for twelve months. Closing date: Friday 25 September 2015.

LIFESTYLEADVERTORIAL

Your Autumn/Winter Home Guide Take a sneak-peek at the treasures to be found at Charlotte's Attic...

harlotte’s Attic is a secluded haven filled with unique and bespoke offerings including; homeware, pottery, wedding gifts, accessories and interior decorations. Located on the Frosses Road, Ballymena, Charlotte’s Attic is the perfect place to find personal gifts full of character and rustic charm. Search through the nooks and crannies of Charlotte’s Attic and you will find unique and exclusive brands including Cath Kidston, Mary Berry, Joules Homeware, Foxford Woollen Mills, Sophie Allport, Ness Clothing, and plenty more hidden gems. Whether you are looking for fabulous fabrics, gardening gear, or delicate Fine Bone China, you are sure to find unexpected treasures tucked away in Charlotte’s Attic all year round. For a present for the soon-to-be married couple, bespoke gifts for birthdays, special occasions and even goodies for your best friend; here you can find the perfect gift for everyone. For those with alternative tastes you will find quirky and unusual souvenirs, and for those who prefer a classic style, the attic boasts an abundance of traditional gifts soaked in personality. Who knows what mysteries await you in the alcoves of Charlotte’s Attic?

Here are our top finds:

1. Make your living room light up this Autumn/Winter with this stunning ‘Joules’ candle, diffusers and fragrance range, starting from only £19.95 each. 2. Avoid the winter chill by stocking up on some luxuriously comfy and high-quality throws by ‘Foxford Mill’. Throws start from £60.00 each. 3. Serve up some delicious treats on these stunning ‘Mary Berry’ homeware cake plates priced at £40.00. 4. Also from the ‘Mary Berry’ cookware range are these useful and attractive cake tins, perfect for all your delicious cakes minus a soggy bottom. Priced at £35.00 per set. 5. 5. All woman love a new bag and at Charlotte’s Attic, you are spoilt for choice. For bags of style this Autumn/Winter ‘Ness’ handbags are the perfect accessory. Ness designer tweed handbags come in various styles and colours. For those ladies who want to look glam all year round, Ness bags offer unique style with a Scottish twist. Prices range from £22.99 £44.99. 6. All ‘Sophie Allport’ china is hand decorated and finished with elegant touches. Sophie Allport produces a wide range of fine bone china kitchen and home accessories. Items range from £10.00 - £23.00. 7. As a quirky gift for the happy couple, these Emma Bridgewater Mugs are a beautiful token that will brew up happy memories each time. Prices are £39.95 for the Large Mug set and £19.95 for the Small Mug set.

To find out what you can discover as you explore the corners of Charlotte’s Attic, visit the store located on the Frosses Road, Ballymena at Logans Cloughmills. Check out the Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/CharlottesatticNI.

6. 7.

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

The Central Hall.

OPEN HOUSE Photography by Elaine Hill

Following an eight million pound restoration of Mount Stewart house, which is documented in UTV’s ‘The Big House Reborn’, NW speaks to Lady Rose Lauritzen about her ancestral home.

his summer brings to an end three years of intricate construction and decorative work to bring the house at Mount Stewart Estate, which is part of The National Trust’s portfolio of properties, back to the elegance and charm it possessed

when it was home of the 7th Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century. Located on the scenic Ards Peninsula, this wonderful, neo-classical house and celebrated gardens has been home to the

Jon Kerr, General Manager, Mount Stewart and Lady Rose Lauritzen.

Stewart family since 1744 and remains the home of the only surviving member of the Stewart family, Lady Rose Lauritzen, who is a granddaughter of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Londonderry and a younger daughter of the late Lady Mairi Bury, who lived at Mount Stewart until her passing in 2009. ‘I love seeing the house full of people,’ comments Lady Rose. ‘As a child I didn’t think of it as anything other than my home; I didn’t see the grandeur it possessed.

LIFESTYLEHOUSE The house was always so alive and full of light, flowers, people and animals, which included 14 dogs, macaws and other parrots! However, for all of the chaos and eccentricity within our home we had to abide by very strict rules and were very disciplined indoors, but when we played outdoors that was a different story. Along with all of our cousins and the other estate children quite frankly we ran wild. There was a real gang of us and we had such fun playing in the grounds.’ ‘My grandmother designed the whole garden, which prior to her time in the house had simply been large lawns, but she brought a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry with the creation of the Shamrock Garden, the Sunken Garden, the Italian Garden, the Spanish Garden, the Dodo Terrace and much more. I still love being outside and while I am no longer enjoying the grounds on foot, instead I have a little camouflage painted four-wheel drive to get me about! ‘Certainly, now that the restoration has come to an end within the house, I hope to see the opportunities for the recently acquired demense land, which

>>>

Stubb’s ‘Hambletonian, Rubbing Down’ has been given a brand new frame.

The Dining Room.

Breakfast Room.

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

Lady Londonderry Sitting Room.

❝

I am very much influenced by my late grandmother’s style and even within my own private living quarters here at Mount Stewart I have them decorated to her taste.

❝

was historically attached to the house and gardens, come to fruition,’ adds Lady Rose. Currently, visitors only see the 100 acres of the house and gardens, but the surrounding demense land will see the Estate grow to 1,000 acres and visitors will be able to explore extensive woodland, farmland, a range of historic monuments and buildings and a previously unseen walled garden. There will be opportunities for cycling and horse riding on the old rides on the estate and even more to discover on foot. This outdoor area will be gradually opened up over the coming years as part of a four million pound project. Work has already begun to restore the walled garden, once a powerhouse of the demesne which produced fruit and vegetables to serve the estate. The walled garden also features a historic glasshouse which is home to the nearly 250 year-old ‘White Syrian’ vine, the oldest vine in Ireland. Moving back indoors, Lady Rose worked closely with the restoration team from The National Trust, who consulted with her throughout the project on everything from the structural work that was taking place to the decorative finishes. ‘I am proud to say that I had a strong involvement throughout the restoration and the effort to bring this house, my home, back to its former glory, from all of those involved in the project has been amazing and I am so grateful to The National Trust for their sympathetic work which has retained all of the atmosphere of a cosy,

The Drawing Room.

lived in family home; the home I remember from childhood, and fortunately still know.’ Lady Rose currently spends six months of the year at Mount Stewart Estate and the other six months in her home in Venice. ‘It really is paradise having homes in two very beautiful locations and people always comment that my Venetian home is like a mini Mount Stewart! Indeed, I am very much influenced by my late grandmother’s style and even within my own private living quarters here at Mount Stewart I have them decorated to her taste.’

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

The Rome Room.

The Italian Garden. Photo by Goerges Leveque.

Loggia Dodo Terrace. Photo by Claire Takacs.

There are now a selection of rooms open to view for the first time, including the butler’s silver store, family and guest bedrooms, and the billiards room where visitors can find out more about key members of the family, in particular Lady Rose’s mother and grandparents. ‘My favourite room that the public get to see is the drawing room. While I can use this room myself when it is closed to the public I prefer not to, but my mother used it until the day she died. It is such a beautiful room and I remember all of the family coming together in here before lunch. Now that it has been restored, my cousin, Lord Londonderry has kindly lent pictures and furniture which can be seen throughout the house; so items which I remember being in this room are back once again.’ As well as the many historical items and beautiful represented rooms, the project has ensured that the structure of the building is now sound. Important upgrades have resulted in more efficient heating that meets strict conservation standards, future proofing the Estate. As you can imagine, the restoration of the famous house on the shores of Strangford Lough has been a mammouth task, but also hugely exciting for all involved. As Lady Rose tells us, ‘I often stop and chat to visitors. Witnessing their enthusiam for Mount Stewart is a joy for me to see and thanks to this project visitors can see the house in all its former glory and experience the history of this special place for many more years to come.’

Time forTea

LIFESTYLETIMEFORTEA

There are a number of venues across NI offering beautiful, relaxing backdrops to enjoy an elegant afternoon tea with friends or family. Here are a few of our favourites that you simply have to try...

LIFESTYLETIMEFORTEA

The seasonal afternoon tea at SAPHYRE promises to be a real treat!

he talented pastry chef has a distinctive flair with his theatrical infusion of ingredients. From the classic afternoon tea, to cakes and pastries; signature macaroons to delicate desserts, there is something for everyone! The opulent dining room, set within the architecturally stunning converted church, is styled with signature Hermes fabrics & glamourous Rubelli silks. The tables are dressed with white linen, exquisite china, silver teapots & 24 Carat gold tea-standsâ&#x20AC;Ś the perfect setting for a lovely afternoon!

Afternoon Tea Thursday, Friday & Saturday 2.30-4.30pm Scones & Patisserie Mon- Sat 10am - 5pm

A perfect blend of luxury & elegance

he Merchant Hotel has fast become the definitive destination to experience Afternoon Tea in Belfast. The luxury and elegance of The Great Room Restaurant lends itself to the unsurpassable quality of the delicate finger sandwiches, mouth-watering cakes and warm scones straight from the oven; all served on beautifully polished silver tea stands. The Merchant Afternoon Tea seeks to offer a unique variety of bespoke options, such as the decadent Krug Afternoon Tea which includes champagne and caviar, catering to those who wish to experience an extra helping of luxury. With customer satisfaction always paramount, the hotel also provides gluten free, nut free and vegetarian Afternoon Tea options, all equally tantalising to the taste buds. With tea being the central element of this experience, The Merchant is not to be beaten, serving a formidable range of 25 blends, including the bespoke Merchant Blend, which is quite simply delightful! Afternoon Tea is served from 12pm -

4.30pmÂ Sunday- Friday, with two sittings on Saturdays at 12.30pm and 3pm. To avoid disappointment, advance bookings

are recommended, either by telephone (028 9023 4888) or email (thegreatroom@ themerchanthotel.com).

LIFESTYLETIMEFORTEA

The world of Westeros descends on Ballygally Castle

allygally Castle recently launched a Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea which delighted fans of the world renowned show as well as those who love the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea. The tasty treats, inspired by the fantasy lands of Winterfell, Iron Islands, Kings Landing or Stormlands, includes Lannister egg, Baratheon Bread, Little Fingers Chicken Caesar wrap and Jon Snow Cakes to Dothraki Trifle with mini Dragon’s eggs! Game of Thrones is shot on location in Northern Ireland and is currently HBO’s premier production and one of the most popular and successful fantasy TV series ever made. General Manager of Ballygally Castle, Norman McBride said: “Our delicious afternoon tea just got better as we’ve added a little Game of Thrones magic to our selection of sumptuous edibles. Game of Thrones is incredibly popular with both the people of Northern Ireland and many of our American visitors, as almost 80% of the show is filmed here, so we’re delighted to be giving fans of

the hit TV series, and of delicious treats, a little taste of Westeros in the stunning setting of Ballygally Castle.” The Game of Thrones Afternoon Teas will immerse people into the dark and mysterious mood of the show and are available from 2pm

– 5pm Monday to Saturday and 3pm - 5pm on Sundays for only £22 per person. Please allow for 24 hours notice for reservations. For further information or to book go to www.hastingshotels.com/ballygally-castle or call 028 2858 1066.

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

BRAvo Belfast

ver 1,000 men, women and children turned Belfast City Hall and its streets pink on Friday 5th June for The Bra Walk, Action Cancer’s 10k walk in aid of the charity’s life-saving breast screening service. Proudly supported by principal sponsor SuperValu and sponsor Dowds Kitchens and Bedrooms (DKB), the party atmosphere kicked off with the U105 Roadshow and presenter Carolyn Stewart got the crowd going, with fantastic prizes for the ‘Best Dressed’ and a ‘Selfie Competition’. Fitness Freddy got the crowd limbered up for the walk ahead with a fun dance workout, even elephant mascots danced along with the buzzing crowd. 4

3 2

1. Dougie King Head of Fundraising at Action Cancer, Donna Morrison from SuperValu, Carolyn Stewart from U105 & Action Cancer Ambassador Lisa Hutchings 2. Pauline Hanna, Claire Thompson, Esther Anderson & Lynn Whan from Dromore, Co Down 3. The team from Shankill Dental Care with The Bra Walk elephant mascot 4. Emily Smith, Gillian Thompson from Action Cancer & Chloe Sweet from Belfast

KOVE Opens at the Killyhevlin Hotel

he Killyhevlin Hotel hosted a dinner to mark the launch the hotel’s new restaurant, KOVE. The opening follows a £200,000 investment in the design of the restaurant which has been given a glamorous, contemporary Art Deco makeover which takes full advantage of its unsurpassed views of Lough Erne. Dinner guests, included UTV’s Sarah Travers, former Coronation Street star Charlie Lawson, the BBC’s Julian Fowler and representatives from the tourism, food and drink industries. The menu designed by head chef Kevin Watson and senior sous chef Trevor Shannon is a celebration of local and regional produce.

1. Mary Noone and Charlie Lawson. 2. Melta Williams, Janice Gault, Lily Dane and Tanya Cathcart. 3. Maria & Robert Watson. 4. Head Chef Kevin Watson, Leigh Watson & Jaqueline Wright with Sarah Travers.

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 1

A Novel Launch

elfast’s bookworms gathered recently at Established coffee shop to celebrate the launch of Half Irish, a Belfastbased debut novel from local man Peter Waugh. The self published first time author also took part in this year’s Belfast Book Festival and is hoping to release a fantasy series next – watch this space!

1. Rachael Havekes, Peter Waugh and Hannah Waugh 2. Tamara and Alan Duncan 3. Helena McCambridge and Eleanor Reid 4. Peter and Kerry Waugh 5. Cate Conway

Ship Ahoy!

idl Northern Ireland, host port sponsor at the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, welcomed guests aboard the Sorlandet Tall Ship on Thursday 2nd July to mark the start of the four-day event. Guests enjoyed spectacular entertainment in the form of an aerial artist who performed a routine metres above the deck, suspended from one of the ship’s masts, as well as music from Manouche Swing and the Sally Sod Trio stilt walkers. 3

1. Julia and Pete Snodden 2. Neil Cole and Siobhan O'Sullivan 3. Sylvie Brando and Susan Simspon 4. Brian and Avril Keys

LIFESTYLEMOTORING

New MX-5 arrives

his year’s most anticipated sports car, the latest Mazda MX-5 has just gone on sale from £18,495 with a superior power to weight ratio, rear-wheel drive, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and more comfort and technology than ever before. Offered with a choice of two petrol engines it comes with generous standard equipment and new levels of safety technology. With a choice of 1.5 and 2.0 engines, nine models across five trim levels, the all-new MX-5 promises to reaffirm Mazda’s dominance of the affordable sports car sector. The lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, the new MX-5 is shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing car, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet. Across the range the MX-5 features alloy wheels, LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, plus a lightweight fabric hood. SE-L models add LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth®and cruise control, plus Mazda’s MZD-Connect connectivity and

infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander. With its lightweight design, sleek cabin, beautifully engineered mechanicals and

balanced handling the all-new MX-5 is ready to cement its place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts. For more information contact Lindsay Mazda Lisburn.

LIFESTYLEMOTORING

Citroen DS3 Cabrio

he cabrio version of the award winning DS3 features intelligent design and dazzling looks to make top-down driving considerably easier and even more enjoyable. The DS3 Cabrio boasts all the hallmarks that have made the hatchback so successful - bold styling, sophisticated refinement, extensive personalisation and a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience - combined with the pleasure of al-fresco motoring. DS3 Cabrio leads the way for occupant space as the only five-seater in its class and features the biggest boot in the segment at 245-litres VDA. The electrically operated folding roof can be fully opened or closed at speeds of up to 75mph - which is also unique in this segment - and takes just 16 seconds to fully close. Top down driving has never been so easy. Offering all the pleasure of soft-top motoring without the usual compromises in terms of space or economy, the DS3 Cabrio offers prospective buyers the opportunity to ‘escape the ordinary’. A button on the overhead console controls the roof to three positions intermediate, horizontal and total - with the roof fully opening or closing in just

16 seconds. Even in the horizontal setting, rear passengers get a completely clear view overhead. The DS3 Cabrio inherits all the convenient technology of the hatchback, including Citroën’s integrated satellite navigation system, eMyWay, which features a high-resolution 7-inch colour

widescreen, Europe-wide navigation and Bluetooth® and USB connectivity. Rear parking sensors are standard across the range, providing added reassurance when parking with the roof down. For added occupant comfort, whatever the weather, automatic digital air conditioning is also available.

Local Company tops Britain's Best Companies

Belfast firm which specialises in insuring nurses, teachers and motorcyclists has beaten the giants of the car insurance industry to be named as the best car insurance provider in the UK. IAM Surety was voted the nation’s top car insurance company by the 60,000 readers of Auto Express, Britain’s biggest selling motoring magazine. The magazine’s annual survey had already voted IAM Surety best value in the UK in 2012 and 2013, and a voter commented that they were best for excellent service and value last year. IAM Surety is a brand of Cornmarket Insurance Services, formerly known as Adelaide Insurance Services until last year, when the company adopted their longstanding parent company’s name. As well as the overall award this year, Auto Express readers voted IAM Surety, which provides insurance for the Institute of Advanced Motorists, as tops for friendliness and helpfulness, keeping

customers informed and value for money. Managing Director Sam Geddis, who founded Cornmarket Insurance Services in 1991 and has seen the number of staff grow from 23 to 90 in the past eight years alone, said: “The difference between us and other companies is that we talk to our Left to right: Thrilled about being voted Britain’s Best Car Insurance Provider customers, and they 2015 in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey: Michael O’Kane, Sales Manager; Sam Geddis, Managing Director; Lewis Murray, General Manager from talk to us,” said Cornmarket Insurance Services. Sam. insurance products and are serviced by “We specialise in providing insurance dedicated teams who have made this services throughout the UK and Ireland to prestigious award possible.” nurses, teachers, trade unions, advanced Emily Lowe of Auto Express said: “It’s and professional drivers and motorcyclists, a fantastic result that should definitely be and our customer groups are continuing to celebrated. Our readers hold IAM Surety expand. in high regard.” “Each customer group has tailor-made

1683NP-Northern-Woman-Ad-192x252-MK5a 05/08/2015 12:55 Page 1

Voted Britain’s BEST Car Insurance Provider 2015

(L~R): From Cornmarket Insurance Services: Michael O’Kane, Sales Manager; Sam Geddis, Managing Director; Lewis Murray, General Manager

Our award-winning car insurance is for IAM members, Foxy Lady Drivers’ Club members and Teachers. If you belong to any of these customer groups, we’d be delighted to provide you with a car insurance quote. This annual survey has already voted IAM Surety, in association with Cornmarket Insurance Services, best value in the UK during 2012 and 2013 and praised for excellent service and value last year. This year, IAM Surety has been voted Britain’s BEST Car Insurance Provider.

To experience our award winning service, register for a quote: By registering your details today, we’re able to contact you with a quote when your insurance is due.

Online: www.cornmarketinsurance.co.uk or Call: 028 9044 2200 or Call: 028 9033 2111 (IAM members)

Policies subject to acceptance criteria, terms, conditions and minimum premiums. Calls may be recorded for our mutual protection. Cornmarket Insurance Services, 1st Floor, Boucher Plaza, 4~6 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HR.

Service, Integrity and Value for Money

Win... a self-drive break in Edinburgh at The Knight Residence by Mansley

dinburgh is one of the world’s great cities, and we’re offering the opportunity to spread out in style there for free. The Knight Residence by Mansley Serviced Apartments is the Scottish capital’s leading apart-hotel – luxury serviced apartments providing top class facilities,

peace and comfort in the heart of the city, close to the iconic Castle. It has substantially more space and facilities than top-of-the-range rooms in conventional hotels and is particularly suitable for families or travelling business executives. Nearby is the exciting range of bars and restaurants in the famous Grassmarket but

fully fitted kitchens can help keep a lid on the cost of eating out. Other amenities include a breakfast pack, lounge, free wi-fi, concierge service and secure parking. Most of Edinburgh’s cultural attractions are within strolling distance. We’re giving away two nights in a one bedroom apartment at The Knight Residence which for the past seven years has been in the top 1% of hotels in the world for customer service, according to reviewers for global online agency Expedia. Mansley Serviced Apartments also has high-end apartments in London in exclusive Mayfair or fashionable Kensington and Chelsea. See www.bymansley.com. Travel to Scotland will be stylish too as well as comfortable and fast. Our competition winner will take their car on Stena Line’s Belfast to Cairnryan service. This offers a choice of up to six sailings a day with a crossing time of just over two hours. For more information or to make a reservation at The Knight Residence by Mansley call 0131-622 8120, email info@theknightsresidence.co.uk or see www.theknightsresidence.co.uk. To make a ferry booking, click on www.stenaline.co.uk, call Stena Line on 08447 707070, or visit your local travel agent.

QUESTION To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

As well as Edinburgh, in which other UK city does Mansley also have luxury serviced apartments? To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 25 September 2015 * Terms and conditions: Accommodation and ferry tickets are subject to availability. The prize must be taken by 30 March 2016.

LIFESTYLECRAFTS

Blacksmiths and the Blues -

August Craft Month has something for everyone

ow would you like to learn the basics of blacksmithing at a forge in the Antrim Glens or play the Blues on a one string ‘diddly bow’ slide guitar at one of Belfast’s trendiest bar/restaurants or learn to sculpt figures from clay with two of our

most exciting young contemporary makers? With August Craft Month, Northern Ireland’s annual celebration of craft coming up, we look at the work of four makers who are at the cusp of Northern Ireland’s vibrant and growing craft industry. All four

are or have been participants in the making it business development programme run by Craft NI, funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, which has launched the careers of more than 30 local designer makers.

Eamonn Higgins

Kerrie Hanna

Metal sculptor and trained blacksmith Eamonn Higgins is offering a beginners course in blacksmithing at ‘Hot Milk Forge’ at his family farm in Martinstown on August 22-23. Higgins moved back to the Antrim Glens last year and set up a blacksmithing school in his grandfather’s old milking parlour – hence the name ‘Hot Milk Forge’ - building the eight forges from old scrap metal lying about the farm. He says people are fascinated by blacksmithing: “Not everybody likes riding a bike. Some people like to work with their hands and be creative. The majority of people who come along like the idea of making something like a dagger out of Game of Thrones.”

Kerri is one of a new group of innovative and daring young female ceramicists who are taking the craft industry by storm. She specialises in figurative sculpture and is often seen producing her distinctive and compelling work at an open space at Studio Souk in Belfast. Kerri will be conducting a clay sculpture workshop with fellow ceramicist Lynsay Erin-Mercer at the Framewerk Gallery on the Upper Newtownards Road on August 8. Her work will also be featured at the Stranglehold Exhibition at Framewerk from August 5 to 31. Her latest series of work ‘The Night Spirits’ is based on the concept of Pareidolia – seeing human faces on the moon or on slices of toast etc. She says: “I have always been drawn to representing the human form. Clay allowed me to explore expressive figurative forms in three dimensions. My motivation as an artist is always two-fold. Firstly I want an outlet to explore my experiences and emotions in figurative forms. Secondly, I am always driven to better my skills of representation and understanding of ceramic processes.”

Andrew Cooke

Lynsay Erin-Mercer

Andrew Cooke turned to craft when crippling arthritis meant he could no longer continue his car body repair work. He said: “I went to Bangor tech to take a leisure course and ended up doing the ceramics foundation course. This led to a degree in Contemporary Applied Arts at Ulster University.” A music lover, Andrew makes distinctive one-stringed ‘Diddly Bows’ slide guitars from ceramics and will be exhibiting his latest range at the Dirty Onion bar and restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter from August 13 to September 18. He is planning to finish the exhibition with a jam session on Culture Night, September 18, with professional musicians playing his remarkable instruments. Andrew added: “I’m hoping that members of the public will have a go at trying the instruments out.”

Lynsay is also a member of the all-female Contemporary Applied Arts Collective which has a fresh approach to ceramics that responds to and reflects the changing culture that surrounds them. She makes ceramic sculptures that symbolise the malign influence of mass consumption on our lives and is interested in the relationship between nature and technology and how mass production has diminished the natural human ability to be self-sufficient. Her current work is strange and unnerving – futuristic fossils reminiscent of the images in the iconic science fiction movie Alien, where technology and organic life seem to merge. She says: “Bio-mechanical artefacts are a series of sculptural ceramics symbolic of the effect technological advancement is having on the world. Consumption, temporality and permanence are the predominant themes behind the concept of this body of work.”

For more information about August Craft Month go to www.craftni.org

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

A different view Forget the night, clubs hen parties, and closing parties. Ibiza has so much more from activity filled family holidays, to a few days R&R soaking up the sun. NW’s Kate Wilson explores this sundrenched island. What to do

At only 45km long and 25km wide, the White Isle is easy to explore in a few days, and by almost any means. If you stay in or near any resort on Ibiza, you will soon realise that there are many ways to explore the secluded coves and hidden highlights, be that by scooter, quad bike or a convertible jeep that might look more at home in Miami. As our trip was about slowing down, we

opted for bicycles. This seemed a great idea when we hired them from our hotel on the coast, however as soon as we turned inland we quickly found out that Ibiza is in fact covered in very steep hills, which trying to haul yourself, your bike and a basket full of beach towels and picnics over, is not my idea of a holiday. As was inevitable without a map or any real sense of special awareness, we were soon lost in the hills above Ibiza. The slight advantage was that

Hiring a boat is a great way of seeing Ibiza from the water.

we cycled past many villas which would not look out of place in a Bond movie or on the front of Forbes magazine, but with the severe disadvantage that we began to worry about our hydration levels in the 35 degree Spanish sunshine. It was not long, and not too many more wrong turns before we found Cala Gració, a hidden cove with a small beach bar and the perfect place to while away the hottest hours of the day before heading back. The roads in Ibiza felt safe to cycle on, and the locals are well used to cyclists wobbling along the side of the road, leaving a wide berth. We were able to rent bikes for the day from our hotel, but they are widely available and rental shops are not difficult to find. The best, and a most refreshing way,

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

Atlantis, opposite the island of Es Vedrà, is popular with tourists. The newly refurbished Aparthotel Marina Playa.

Café del Mar is one of the most popular clubs in the town.

to see the beauty of the island is from the water. Hiring a boat is easy, and often does not need booked in advance. There are plenty of places to rent boats for the day even if you have no qualifications, although the crash course you are given before being pushed out and waved off to sea may not fill you with confidence. The colour and clarity of the water are instant mood soothers and with the bright sunshine, the aquamarine colour seems all the more vibrant and inviting. Before anchoring for a picnic and launching yourself into the water, take time to explore the rocks and beaches of this island from the water. It won’t be long before you find enchanting caves, which are big enough to motor into, and see the fish swim beneath the boat in the crystal clear waters. Try Star Boats Ibiza for boats with room to sunbath and a table for lunch (www.starboatsibiza.com). If escaping the hoards is on the agenda for your holiday, visit Atlantis opposite the island of Es Vedrà. It’s notorious among the locals and those in the know as one of the spiritual hubs of Ibiza. It’s a bit of a trek to get down to the rocks so not advisable

for those with very small children, but once you get there you will find the area that was once used as a quarry to farm stones to build the walls of the historic Ibiza Town. Now the strange rock formations seem perfectly carved to create a great spot to sit in the cool winds.

clean white lines are followed through to the bedrooms, with a feature bright blue graphic wall behind the bed. The hotel is right on the beach with fabulous views over the bay and of Ibiza’s famous sunsets. The barman also makes some of the best cocktails we found during our stay.

Where to stay

Drinks

Whether you want to be in the thick of the action, or in a quieter spot on the outskirts, the small size of the island allows an all round holiday. For a bit more heritage, base yourself in Ibiza town and wander the castle and its walls. To be surrounded by hen and stag parties it has to be the north end of Sant Antoni. If mindfulness and spirituality is your thing, the north of the island has yoga and glamping a-plenty. We chose the south end of Sant Antoni where there are still plenty of bars and restaurants, but you won’t be kept awake until 6.00 in the morning by rowdy partygoers. Aparthotel Marina Playa was refurbished in 2013 to a very modern and clean finish. The lobby and pool area is decked out with chic white furniture and a slate grey floor, and the

Of course, you couldn’t visit the White Isle without paying a visit to one of the world-renowned bars or clubs. If you don’t choose to visit any of the other clubs on the Island, a bucket-list trip is to Café del Mar at sunset. Sip on some sangria as chilled house music plays and take in the breathtaking Sant Antoni sunset. There is always a great atmosphere at the bar, and at the height of summer it will be packed with people sprawling out onto the beach. The sunsets here are world famous for a reason, gorgeous sunsets are guaranteed most nights throughout the summer. With the long weekend finished, I will certainly be back to the White Isle soon to discover another side to this intriguing place. Fly direct from Belfast on Jet2 or easyJet.

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

Warm highland welcomes and delightful dinners Northern Woman took to the road this summer following the Scottish scenic route to the Highlands. First stop was at old coaching inn, Taynuilt Hotel, near Oban.

s were amazing. Locally sourced scallop

n a road trip through Argyll along the west coast of Scotland we received a warm welcome at Taynuilt Hotel after a long day in the car, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the restaurant. The food was totally amazing, made with locally sourced produce and was so well presented. The 25-year old head chef /proprietor John McNulty is passionate, driven, and committed to raising food to high standard gastro pub style. A lot of care and effort goes into ensuring his food has big flavours, generous portions and is appropriately priced. The menu includes fish and seafood favourites – the scallops with Prosciutto ham were amazing – including a main course of slow-cooked venison served with wholegrain mustard mash. The chef’s homemade sour dough bread was a real treat. The staff were really professional, friendly and helpful, eager to make us comfortable throughout our stay, and keen to promote their excellent choices of food, whiskey and gin with friendly advice. Our room was the Loch Etive Suite, and it was very comfortable. The bedrooms in the 3-star traditional coaching inn are all named after local lochs and ours (Loch

Taynuilt Hotel, old coaching inn

Etive) was decorated in rustic French antique furniture and had a nautical theme. It included a giant TV screen. The rooms are well presented but in a process of updating - but the rest is so good it doesn’t matter. David Lapsley, General Manager said, ‘Our rooms are tied to the nature and age of the building, but we do have a refurbishment plan and we are working to it’. If you’re near Oban, I urge you to dine here, you will not be disappointed. In a brilliant location in between many interesting sights, castles, beaches and more, it’s also a great base to explore Loch Awe and Cruachan and it’s only a 20-minute drive or train trip into the busy centre of Oban.

By yon bonnie loch...

We ate our delicious full Scottish breakfasts

in a bright and sunny room the next day, and set off, following other scenic lochs northward, Loch Linnhe, Loch Leven, past Ben Nevis and on to Loch Ness. Just north of Inverness we arrived at the turreted 19th century manor overlooking the Cromarty Firth which was once the home of the MacKenzie clan. Kincraig Castle is approached by an impressive drive through its immaculate mature gardens. Although the exterior remains largely unchanged since the early 1800s the interior has been extensively refurbished and beautifully decorated. Husband and wife team, Ray and Amy Grant, take the time to offer a very personal welcome to guests, may of whom return again and again. Charming and generous, the proprietors and their staff were all extraordinarily friendly. The young people employed were attentive, friendly and polite, and have been welltrained in offering hospitality to guests. There is no lift, but the receptionist insisted on getting someone to take our cases upstairs. The bedrooms in this quality 4-star hotel ooze warmth, comfort, with elegant furniture throughout. Our room was very

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

Kincraig Castle Hotel, near Invergordon

Golf 20/20

Not just perfect vision, but a statement of how many golf courses are within a 20 mile radius of Kincraig. Whatever your handicap, there is a course within 20 miles that will suit you.

www.taynuilthotel.co.uk www.kincraig-castle-hotel.co.uk www.kincraig-castle-hotel.co.uk/hotel/ golf-courses.php www.poferries.com/eu/larne-troon A lovely little seating area in the turret overlooks the lawns.

spacious, with a lovely little seating area in the turret overlooking the lawns, and a large en suite. The enormous lounge with blazing log fire, wood panelling and comfortable leather chesterfield seating is welcoming and adds to the tranquil charm of this historic country house. Dinner in the hotel was delightful – asparagus spears served with poached duck egg and hollandaise sauce and pan-fried scallops with black pudding and curried tomato coulis.

Hidden Wonders

Food and presentation was excellent and the surroundings quiet and relaxing. The restaurant dishes use the best seasonal produce from the highlands of Scotland and their AA rosette award is testament to the superb quality. Breakfast was also good and cooked fresh as you order it. Kincraig castle is perfectly situated for exploring the northern highlands and the friendly town of Inverness, half an hour away.

Near Taynuilt is one of the country’s most amazing engineering achievements hidden deep within the mountain of Ben Cruachan on the shores of Loch Awe, Cruachan Power Station. Discover one of the hidden wonders of the Highlands, a power station buried one kilometre below the ground. At its centre lies a massive cavern, high enough to house the Tower of London where enormous turbines convert the power of water into electricity.

• P&O Ferries operate the shortest, fastest, most frequent crossings between Northern Ireland and Scotland. • With the choice of two routes, either from Larne to Cairnryan, with up to seven sailings a day and a journey time of just two hours, or from Larne to Troon, with a journey time of two hours fifteen minutes, makes getting to Scotland even more convenient. • The Express sails between Larne and Troon until September 30th, 2015. • P&O’s great value fares start from £89 from Larne to Cairnryan. Or take the most direct route from Northern Ireland to Central Scotland for an additional £15, when compared to the equivalent Larne to Cairnryan sailing, and get to the good stuff even faster. • With the completion of the newly improved A8, the main route network linking Belfast and other major gateways to the Port of Larne, makes it even easier for passengers sailing across the Irish Sea to Scotland. • For further information on all sailings and the latest P&O Ferries offers please visit POFerries.com

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Colour Run (30 August, Titanic Quarter, Belfast) www.thecolourrun.co.uk

The Belfast Tattoo (4-5 September, Odyssey Arena, Belfast) www.belfasttattoo.com

The Color Run is back for a third year in Belfast with a brand new twist. Last year over 6,000 runners covered the Titanic Quarter in colour as they ran 5k. The ‘Happiest 5k on the Planet’ has spread to more than 50 countries with an incredible 300+ events hosted worldwide. Participants are covered in bursts of coloured powder at each kilometre of the 5k route. The un-timed event is suitable for walkers, joggers and dancers. For the first time in Belfast, participants will be treated to a fifth colour zone where glitter explosions will light the skies. After finishing, partygoers can join the Color Festival Area to enjoy DJs, MCs, the infamous ‘Color Throws’ plus a host of colour giveaways.

With over 600 performers, the Belfast Tattoo returns to showcase some of the finest marching bands, musicians and dancers from across Ulster and beyond. The Band Of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, are the first headline act to be announced for 2015, and are world-renowned for their musicianship and precision marching performance. Their appearance will mark their debut Tattoo performance in Ulster, and is a mark of how quickly The Belfast Tattoo is becoming known around the world.

What's On! Aug/Sept 2015 As summer draws to a close there are still plenty of things to see and do. If you’re feeling energetic, grab your trainers and get messy, or for a more chilled out day, head over to the Ulster American Folk Park for some relaxing bluegrass. Northern Ireland International Air Show (5-6 September, Portrush) www.airwavesportrush.co.uk

Robots (26 June - 13 September, Titanic, Belfast) www.titanicbelfast.com Robots, cyborgs and androids from popular films and TV series will be on display at Titanic Belfast this summer. You can meet stars from Star Trek, Red Dwarf, Forbidden Planet, Lost in Space, Doctor Who, Terminator 2 and Iron Man. With over 50 pieces on display, robot fans will be spoilt for choice.

The event will take place at East Strand and Lansdowne area of Portrush with the spectacular backdrop of the Dunluce Castle. The Blue Flag beach will be available for spectators but the best viewing location is at Lansdowne Green, towards the end of the town. The peninsula will be filled with entertainment, stalls, crafts, living history installations, armed forces displays, the latest cars and an exciting new aircraft exhibition. Corporate hospitality is also available. More details about the event can be sourced on 028 7034 7042.

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Rogue Robots - Lasertag (27 June - 30 August)

Other Events

www.w5online.co.uk

W5’s new lasertag activity is suitable for the whole family. De-activate robot targets as you make your way through two target range sets. This short, short driven challenge lasts around five minutes and is free with admission into W5. The event is suitable for children who are six or older. Young children must be accompanied by an adult.

Music

Belsonic Custom House Square, Belfast 15th, 20th – 22nd, 25th and 26th Aug Tennant’s Vital 2015 Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast 29th and 30th Aug Belfast Music Tour Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast 29 Aug

Theatre Hillsborough International Oyster Festival

Dancing Shoes – The George Best Story Grand Opera House 19th – 29th Aug

(1-6 September, Hillsborough) www.discovernorthernireland. com

Two Sore Legs Iveagh Movie Studios, Banbridge 23rd Sept

The World Oyster Eating Championships will be hosted in Hillsborough. There will also be a Castle Fund Day, Gourmet Food Market Fashion Show, Super Car Sunday and live entertainment throughout the village during the festival. All the money which is raised will be donated to a nominated charity.

Family

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s very own Oyster Pearl, Emma Friars, (left) is pictured with Sarah Waugh from the Festival organising committee at the launch of this year’s event.

Kite Festival Downhill Demesne 2nd Aug Family Fun Day at the Jungle Moneymore 2nd and 30th – 31st Aug

Garden

Secret Garden Exhibition Derry – Londondery 1 June – 31 Aug

Food and Drink Bluegrass Music Festival

(4-6 September, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh) www.nmni.com/uafp Head to the Ulster American Folk Park for music and dancing at the largest bluegrass festival outside North America. There will be performances from some of the biggest names in bluegrass Prison Love will be headlining on Friday night. and old-time music. Visitors can sample music from six different stages dotted around the site.

Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival 2015 Bushmills 18th – 20th Sept

To be included in the NW's What's On please send event details to northernwoman@ greerpublications.com

THE SPA AT KILLYHEVLIN

The Spa at Killyhevlin, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh www.killyhevlin.com +44(0)28 6632 1217

LIFESTYLEBOOKREVIEWS

Porridge is an Aphrodisiac By Roisin Armstrong Featuring straightforward and tasty recipes alongside easy to read information on the energy, vitamins and minerals we need to live healthy positive lives, this book is an essential for the kitchen shelf. Whilst the recipes follow the newest guidelines on healthy eating, they are also sensible, producing good food for families with budgets.

Books

As summer draws to a close, grab the last of the rays curled up on a hammock with one of these great reads.

The Energy Bus By Jon Gordon This book features tips on staying positive and avoiding ‘energy vampires’ who will ‘suck the life out of you and your goals and vision’ if you let them. Ten simple rules are offered to achieve positive results which have an impact on health, family, team and personal success.

’s e NW rit favou

Fates and Furies By Lauren Groff At age twenty-two, Lotto and Mathilde are madly in love. A decade later, their marriage is still the envy of their friends, but we understand that things are even more complicated and remarkable than they have seemed. This novel is packed with stunning revelations and multiple threads.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest

Beyond the Sea

By J. Ryan Stradal

By Melissa Bailey

One day Eva will be the greatest chef in the world. Along the way, the people she meets will shape her in ways unforgettable, riotous and profound. So she knows who she is when her mother returns to find out. Featured are the family you lose, friends you make and connections that can define a life.

Freya’s husband and son disappear on a boating trip. A year on, Freya returns to the lighthouse-keeper’s cottage they frequented. A man is washed up on the shore and her dreams turn menacing. Dream and reality merge and Daniel seems to be wherever Freya goes.

LIFESTYLEMOVIEREVIEWS

’s e it NW r favou Hitman: Agent 47

Starring: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah Ware

Based on the Hitman video game series this movie’s main character is a mysterious assassin known only as Agent 47. Agent 47 works for a top secret non-government organisation called the International Contracts Agency which carries out assassinations of high profile targets worldwide. Agent 47 teams up with a woman to help her find her father and uncover the mysteries of her ancestry.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Starring: Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavill, Elizabeth Debicki Based in the 1960s amid the Cold War, a CIA agent and a KGB operative participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organisation which is working to proliferate nuclear weapons. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organisation and they must race against time to find her and prevent disaster.

Movies Make the most of the end of the summer holidays and take a trip to the cinema to see these films.

Straight Outta Crompton

Starring: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell The group NWA emerges from the streets of Crompton in California in the mid 1980s and revolutionises pop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood. The film follows the group’s members and the dynamics of their relationships from inception, through growing success, to eventual disbanding

Fantastic 4

Starring: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan

Based on the Marvel comic, four young outsiders transport to an alternate and dangerous universe which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The four must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy. The group gain new skills including the ability to stretch into different forms and lengths, shoot fireballs, fly, become invisible, and gain super strength.

Everest Starring: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes This movie is based on the real life events of a snow storm which caused the 1996 Mount Everest Disaster which led to the death of several climbers. We follow the climb and survival attempts of two expedition groups, one led by Scott Fischer and the other by Rob Hall.

WEDDINGALBUM

Northern Woman Congratulates… Kyle Galbraith and his beautiful bride Samantha Sinclair celebrated their recent nuptials with an elegant wedding day surrounded by friends and family.

yle asked for Sam’s phone number after meeting at a football match in Carrickfergus and eight years later these childhood sweethearts married in Joymount Presbyterian Church. Sam wore a stunning ivory bridal gown from Uber Bridal and the bridesmaids were beautiful in their grey strapless dresses which reflect the elegant theme that ran throughout the whole wedding. All of the flowers, from the bouquets, to buttonholes and decorative displays were created by Little Flower Shack. The reception was held in Belfast Loughshore Hotel where Sam actually works. ‘The reception venue was an easy decision! I thought it would be nice to have all my work colleagues around me to share my day. Also my best friend Paul Dyer does MC for weddings at our hotel so this really made our day even more special and we couldn’t have faulted him on the day, he was amazing from start to finish,’ says Sam. With evening entertainment by Fusion, the newlyweds and their guests partied the night away and after enjoying a few days with friends who had travelled from Australia the couple then left for their honeymoon in Sharm El Shiek.

WEDDINGALBUM

Finishing touches: Flowers: Little Flower Shack, Carrickfergus Hair & Make-up: Lisa Thompson @ Simply Beauty, Carrickfergus & Shona Kennedy MUA Shoes: New Look Jewellery: Arista @ Chinacraft Photography & Cinematography: Mark Barnes Photography Wedding Cake: Cakes by Landa Knox

ONELASTTHING

A Day in the Life of

Jane Boyce

This issue we chat to Jane Boyce, Fine Wine Manager at JNwine. Have you always worked in the drinks industry?

Yes, I have always been in the wine trade. I joined a company in London as a graduate trainee, having studied languages and European studies at Bath University. The course involved a year abroad and I developed my love of French food and wine while living in the Charentes area just north of Bordeaux. I returned to Northern Ireland in the early 80s when wine was just taking off and worked as Wine Development Manager at Hollywood and Donnelly before moving to Gilbeys and then to work with James Nicholson. For 15 years while my kids were at school I worked freelance, writing about wine for a couple of Dublin based magazines, consulting in wine investment, running wine auctions for Ross’s in Belfast and studying for the Master of Wine exams which I passed in 2000. I then returned to JNwine three years ago in my current role.

What’s the best thing about your job?

It’s a privilege to work in a field that is also your hobby and your passion. I get to travel to beautiful parts of the world, meet interesting people who grow the grapes and make the wines. I love hearing their stories and that is what we at JNwine try to pass on to our customers. Of course, there is always the opportunity to eat in some of the best restaurants and taste the wines: in the vineyards, in the office when samples for potential new listings arrive and with customers at one of the regular events we hold both at the shop in Crossgar and throughout Ireland.

In your role what does a typical day involve?

No two days are the same. I usually start the day at my desk in Crossgar, answering emails from suppliers and customers. Then I might have a meeting with a customer who wishes to invest in wine or is planning to start a small cellar in their home. I will offer advice and make suggestions. Then a team of us might taste and assess the samples that have arrived for that week. Later I may head off to one of our wholesale customers - could be anywhere

in Ireland – to do some staff training on the wines they have on their list.

How do you like to switch off from work at the end of the day? I enjoy cooking, so a nice supper and a chance to catch up on the day with my husband is my first priority after work. Then I might go down to my local tennis club and play a few games, go to a yoga

or pilates class or take our two dogs for a long walk. We have a large garden so that keeps me busy. I particularly enjoy growing my own fruit and vegetables, though the weather in this country sometimes makes it frustrating!

Describe your perfect day away from the office?

I love getting up into the mountains. So a good trek around the Mournes with a bunch of girlfriends is always fun. A picnic on one of the mountain tops with a fine view of the Irish sea is the icing on the cake! Like most people holidays are special so we always ensure we have a little trip to look forward to. As a family we all love our skiing and we have recently discovered the Dolomites in north east Italy – the combination of stunning scenery, great food and superb wine is such a treat!

P Specialising in Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride Outfits, Wedding Guests & Occasion Wear

Perfect Night 94 William Street, Lurgan 028 3834 2069

www.facebook.com/perfectnightlurgan

NORTHERN WOMAN

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The Future of Fashion

NW chats to fashion students wanting to make their mark