ULSTER LIFE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015
Winter Fashion Trends
WITH EVE BRANNON
UL CHATS TO VICTORIA SQUARE’S PERSONAL STYLIST
we d d in g list ser vic e | on-l i ne and i n st ore
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T H E R E ’ S M O R E T O S H A R E AT V I C T O R I A S Q U A R E V I C TO R I AS Q UA R E .CO M
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
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QUIZ @ The Richmond Centre Derry – Londonderry
elcome to the November issue of Ulster Life Magazine. It’s hard to believe there are only 8 weeks left to Christmas! With that in mind, our favourite time of year (Christmas party season) is about to kick off and this issue is loaded with beautiful winter fashion trends, so get flicking through the pages and make sure you turn up to the office party in style! UL fashion & interiors stylist Eve Brannon has a selectin of beautiful interior ideas for the home and we also introduce 2 new columnists, Dr David Murnaghan from Boyne Dental and Paul Meekin from Partners Hair in East Belfast. Enjoy the issue and see you all in December!
Toni x
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CONTENTS
10 Socials & Parties 32 Fashion Trends 38 Paul Meekin 40 Boyne Dental 54 Interiors 64 Weddings And much much more...
To advertise or feature in Ulster life Magazine Contact pr@myulsterlife.co.uk or T: 0777 2002 777 Contributors Eve Brannon Paul Meekin Emma McLoughlin David Murnaghan Sara McKinty UL Magazine ChickenPigeon Media Ltd Registered Company NI633210 ChickenPigeon Media Ltd has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this publication and all website links is accurate on the stated date of publication or last modification. It is possible that the information may be out of date, incomplete or the opinion of the author. It is advisable that you verify any information from this publication before relying on it. ChickenPigeon Media Ltd accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information and material contained on this publication or any site you may access through this publication. Materials contained on this publication are subject to copyright and other proprietary rights.
LIFESTYLE
Magic MAC RUMPELSTILTSKIN MAKES A MAGICAL DEAL WITH THE MAC
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his Christmas, the MAC (Belfast’s awardwinning arts venue) is set to spin a new twist on the much-loved fairytale of ‘Rumpelstiltskin’. This is the venue’s fourth Christmas show and is proudly sponsored by Lidl. Follow the feisty Emily as she tries to outwit the greatest trickster of them all... Rumpelstiltskin! Straw turns to gold, magic and mayhem are in the air... before the sun rises will our brave heroine, played by Doireann McKenna from Derry (pictured), be able to solve the riddle and save the day or will rotten Rumpel double cross her once and for all?
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Based on the Classic Brothers Grimm fairytale, Rumpelstiltskin will be given a magical MAC twist to deliver a spectacular live show. Suitable for the whole family Rumpelstiltskin is packed with humour, live music and spectacular action. So Come and cheer on our feisty heroine and help her outwit Rumpelstiltskin, as she spins him around her little finger. Starring a stellar cast that features local actors Doireann McKenna (as Emily); Jo Donnelly (as Rumpelstiltskin); Michael Lavery (as the King); alongside Tom Giles (as the Miller). Alongside Rumpelstiltskin, the MAC, will have a whole host of family festive
events running throughout November and December. From Christmas-inspired baby sensory workshops, storytelling and family sing-alongs to the free fairy tale forest for little fairies to explore. Speaking on this year’s Christmas programme and the production of Rumpelstiltskin, Anne Reynolds, Chief Executive of the MAC said: “This Christmas, we are extremely excited to have Rumpelstiltskin at the MAC. The anticipation is building as the cast start their rehearsals this week. It is a fantastic family show based on the traditional fairy tale that families will love, but brought bang up to date full of sassy humor and modern day references. This production of Rumpelstiltskin has been produced by special arrangement with the egg, Theatre Royal Bath Ltd and will be directed by Lotte Wakeham. It opens this November, only at the MAC and is proudly sponsored by Lidl. Tickets for Rumpelstiltskin are now available, priced at £10 for children and start from £12 for adults. For more information about the show or to book a ticket, visit themaclive.com. The MAC is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Come and be part of this fairy tale Christmas and unlock a little Christmas magic.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT THEMACLIVE.COM
ADVERTORIAL
Festive Cheer WHAT BETTER WAY TO GET INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT THAN TO REVEL IN THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SMELLS OF THE BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET?
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ome people have their Christmas trees up and we’ve all listened to the boasts of friends who’ve finished their present shopping in August. But what better way to show all those early birds what the festive season is really about than by getting into the Christmas spirit at the Belfast Christmas Market. With the festive season almost upon us, Market Place, the company that brings the market to Belfast, are preparing the twinkly lights, ready for another year of continental and local food, drink and craft celebrations at Belfast City Hall. 8
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This year Belfast Christmas Market winner of the ‘UK Best Large Specialist Market 2015’ award returns from Saturday 14 November until Sunday 20 December where a festive village of over 90 wooden chalets will serve up traditional continental Christmas fayre alongside local food and crafts. The market is keen to encourage all visitors so Belfast Christmas Market Buddy Scheme initiative has been developed. The scheme aims to extend a warm festive welcome to those who may need extra assistance to help them fully enjoy the market or prefer to visit when it’s less
noisy and busy. After a relaxing stroll in the brisk winter chill, visitors and their Buddies are invited to enjoy complimentary tea and coffee served in the Laverys beer tent as part of the scheme. The scheme runs from 10am-12pm Monday-Wednesday for the duration of the market. Christmas isn’t complete without hearing the laughter of excited children that every family will hear if they visit the famous Santa’s Grotto. Every year this site is offered to the Lord Mayor’s charity, this year’s charity is the Children’s Cancer Unit who will manage the elves and generate muchneeded income. Round off a great day by taking a ride on the carousel, or getting your picture taken in the snow globe. Open from 10 am each day (1 pm on Sundays), the Belfast Christmas Market will be at the City Hall until 6 pm on Sunday 20 December. Some times are of course busier than others but the well-managed queue system put into operation at these times means that things move fast and it’s usually rare to queue for more than ten minutes or so. To keep up to date with what’s happening at the Christmas Market and for information any of the initiatives, follow the official Facebook page at Belfast Continental Christmas Market. Don’t miss the chance to make this Christmas an extra special one.
14 November - 20 December Follow us on www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk
SOCIALS
Rebecca Maguire
Lisa McGirven
Turning on the Style
2015 A/W WEST COAST COOLER BELFAST FASHIONWEEK WRAPPED UP ON SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER WITH THE MUCH ANTICIPATED STYLE SUNDAY EVENT AT TOP OF AWARD WINNING BELFAST RESTAURANT SHU. HERE’S JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF SOCIAL PICS FROM SHU & ZEN. FOR A FULL POST EVENT REVIEW VISIT MYULSTERLIFE.COM
Rebecca McKinney
the evolution of fashion! Find us on Facebook
SOCIALS
Lynsdey Malone
Cathy Martin
Noeleen Wilson
Brittany Breslin
Lucy Martin
Laura McCullough
#GetTheLook visit; www.cuba-clothing.com
SOCIALS
Helen Boyd
Cara Kirk
Patrice Ash
the evolution of fashion! Find us on Facebook
SOCIALS
Helen McErlean
Nicola Waide
Sarah Walker
#GetTheLook visit; www.cuba-clothing.com
SOCIALS
Rosie Arthur
Audrey Mulligan
Vicki Clelland
the evolution of fashion! Find us on Facebook
SOCIALS
Sarah Eakin
Oonagh Boman
#GetTheLook visit; www.cuba-clothing.com
Eimear McEwen
PEOPLE
Style Guru Stylist and Ulster Life fashion columnist, Eve Brannon, talks to Victoria Square Personal Stylist Katherin Farries about Christmas ensembles and tips on dressing to impress‌
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PEOPLE
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PEOPLE
Eve Brannon
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PEOPLE
Eve Brannon, 31 Eve gained a love for fashion through volunteering and work shadowing throughout her school years and went on to study a Foundation Degree in Art and Design, then a BA Honours in Textile Art, both at the University of Ulster. Today she is a leading stylist in Northern Ireland, styling billboard and advertising campaigns, celebrity photo shoots, catwalk shows and events, TV adverts and magazine editorials. Eve also writes and edits for several publications, combining styling and journalism in her freelance career.
Katherin Farries, 27 Starting her fashion career at the age of 16 as a Sales Assistant in DKNY, Katherin found she had an eye for style and a passion for engaging with the public in a retail environment. She went on to study Fashion, specialising in Shoe Design and Making at Northampton University. Katherin’s varied experience includes freelancing roles in
costume departments for film and TV, including behind the scenes on the set of Dracula. Today Katherin thrives in the role of Victoria Square’s Personal Stylist, dressing members of the public, as well as styling the centre’s fashion events and catwalk shows. E: Katherin, thank you for speaking with Ulster Life today. Obviously we are now in the run up to Christmas and everyone finds themselves inundated with party invitations. A key date in the festive calendar is the office party, how would you advise on selecting an outfit for this occasion? K: Firstly it would be key to discover their job role, and in turn how they should reflect themselves in a work environment. I will always ask how they want to portray themselves to colleagues. I recently had a customer that was interested in getting a
“I recently had a customer that was interested in getting a promotion in work and therefore wanted to stand out and be noticed amongst management, so we went for bold classic colour.” w w w. m y u l s t e r l i f e . c o m
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PEOPLE promotion in work and therefore wanted to stand out and be noticed amongst management, so we went for bold classic colour. Alternatively, the LBD is always a winner! Change it up with contrasting accessories and footwear, or add a little cover up, such as a faux fur stole. You can re-wear the dress and restyle it next time! Price per wear is always key when buying staple pieces for the busy Christmas period. E: Can you tell readers what you will be wearing this festive season? K: So far I have purchased my party season underwear, as we all know beauty starts from underneath when it comes to looking and feeling great. I just bought Calvin Klein seamless knickers (in a size up, so no unflattering overhang!). Then I like to focus on my coats, a beautiful, bold coat that will carry you through the season. I
have my eye on a berry purple coat from Hobbs, which has a Vivienne Westwood style fastening, at a quarter of the price. Finally, I’ll add something sparkly underneath; I’m a bit of a magpie! Perhaps a Swarovski necklace and a cute dress from House of Fraser. E: When it comes to dressing to impress in business, how would you advise our readers to put together an outfit for an important meeting or job interview? K: Colour is so important here: we all have relationships with colours and how they make us feel. Picking a colour is a key decision - avoid boring black and opt for something bold and attention grabbing, such as red (for confidence) or blue (for trust). Next, pay attention to cut, show you are well turned out and groomed to perfection, as in this instance, first impressions count for a lot.
“I have purchased my party season underwear, as we all know beauty starts from underneath when it comes to looking and feeling great. I just bought Calvin Klein seamless knickers (in a size up, so no unflattering overhang!).” 20
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PEOPLE E: Do you mind sharing what you wore for your most recent job interview that bagged you the role of Victoria Square’s Personal Stylist? K: Of course, I chose a Karen Millen vibrant blue jacket and I bought a bright red v-neck dress from Hobbs especially for the interview - following my own advice of portraying trust and confidence! I then added a big statement necklace so the outfit wasn’t overly corporate and finally I wore really wacky, leopard print Vivienne Westwood shoes, to show my creative side. E: If you had to give us one ‘take away styling tip’ what would it be?
and flattering or creating a waistline. Finally, don’t forget your footwear! Shoes can make or break an outfit. E: Katherin thank you for talking to us today, finally, can you tell us what are you wearing on this dreary Monday morning? K: I like to start the week a little more laid back and comfortable. I’m wearing flat black brogues from Warehouse, black tights, a Coast floral skirt, a little jumper I just purchased in the Warehouse sale and a turquoise coat from LK Bennett. I have wet weather hair, so have popped it up in a bun!
K: Pay attention to your everyday wardrobe. For example, when buying jeans, make sure the pockets sit on your bottom – not your thigh, for a pert derriere! High waistlines are great for either smoothing
“I then added a big statement necklace so the outfit wasn’t overly corporate and finally I wore really wacky, leopard print Vivienne Westwood shoes, to show my creative side.” w w w. m y u l s t e r l i f e . c o m
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The Natural Look
HOLISTIC APPROACH TO FACIAL PROCEDURES & TEETH AT MARTINA COLLINS CLINIC
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otox and dermal fillers remain largely unregulated in the UK, but a new dental and facial aesthetic clinic owned by renowned dentist Martina Collins has become the only clinic in Belfast to be accredited by SaveFace, the regulatory body of safe facial aesthetic procedures. The clinic, which is situated
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on the Lisburn Road, is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, combining cosmetic dentistry and medical facial aesthetic procedures in a safe, clinical environment. Martina said: “I started offering facial aesthetic procedures as part of my scope of general practice over ten years ago, but I saw a need for it in a safe and clinical environment. Despite
what some might think, facial aesthetics and dentistry sit very well together and, understanding the facial anatomy as well as how our faces age allows me to take a holistic approach to the face. Our aesthetics are not a side-line, this is what we do and what we specialise in.” The clinic is completely niche and Martina has strived for it not to be defined by one or
BEAUTY
the other - skin or dental; her passion for both is what has made it an immediate success. “We take a less-is-more approach to our aesthetics and don’t advocate the overly ‘done’ look. I see injectibles as being very much an adjunct to great skin – they enhance what’s already there, because good skincare is a basis for everything, so we work with medicosmetics brands like Obagi to offer cosmeceuticals, some of which are by prescription. We are an Obagi ambassador clinic, and are all qualified
to give in-depth advice on skincare, including prescription skincare, something that I am very proud of. “When it comes to our dental treatments, we offer long term solutions for a variety of issues which allow for a healthy and happy patient. We try to maintain a holistic approach to dentistry and I would always prefer to offer - for example a teeth-straightening option over veneers if the situation allowed. We also offer a full range of cosmetic and general dental treatments as well as
our hygienist services. Every patient’s treatment is bespoke and tailored to suit their needs. As it should be.”
Martina Collin Dental & Skin Clinic 1st Floor Rathgar House 509 Lisburn Road BT9 7EZ T: 028 9066 6684 E: info@martinacollins.com www.martinacollins.com
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Dungannon • Omagh • Cookstown
www.cuba-clothing.com
HAPPINESS IS... CLOTHING..!!
ADVERTORIAL
Suuuush... P
lease Don’t Tell evolved from the frustration of being unable to find any brands a fashion savvy women desires, but was unable to buy here in Northern Ireland. We wanted to provide an effortless, confident wardrobe with a sartorial elegance. We opened our first store in 2011 on the Lisburn Road and from the outset we had a vision of how the store had to look.
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We discussed our needs with Ian Slater from Slater Design and Terry from Terry Design, two talented creative businesses based in Ireland. They listened to our requirements and the brand ‘Please Don’t Tell’ was born. There were many influences from our travels to London, New York and Paris and our specifics had to include a curved rail, a circular fitting room and a mirrored wall. We mixed modern, clean surfaces
with the warmth of parquet. The palette is intentionally minimal allowing the garments to take centre stage.
Next came the brands Like any business, our brand and our choice of brands is always evolving. Where we started 4 years ago is not a million miles away from where we are, but with the insight and desires of our customers we have fine-
ADVERTORIAL
tuned the brands we stock and we do have our favourites. Our brand mix, we are proud to say is exclusive to us in the North of Ireland and is a contemporary edit of designers for the modern woman. Our current brands include: Isabel Marant Isabel Marant Etoile Joseph Helmut Lang Theory Sonia Rykiel.
Next season we are introducing Chloe and Victoria by Victoria Beckham. Both these brands have gone through a metamorphosis where the influence from the mainline collections along with the designer’s involvement in the new direction of the secondary line is key. This is very exciting for us and believe all the brands for SS16 will not only complement each other but offer an even better selection for all occasions and requirements. Please Don’t Tell is not so much trend based, as our clothes have longevity that will last more than a season. We focus on design, fabrics and cut. The quality combined with the energy and honesty of our staff is what we thrive on. We are proud to part of Farfetch, a global online store with over 300 boutiques worldwide. Each independent boutique is carefully selected for their forward-thinking attitude, unique approach to merchandising and diversity of brands. We are the only ‘Farfetch’ store in Ireland (www.farfetch.com) Previously we have been recognised by Vogue and The Fashion Telegraph as one of the ‘Best Boutiques Outside London’. For a small boutique in Belfast we were extremely proud. In February this year, Please Don’t Tell opened its second store in Holywood, another
small boutique offering a taste of what is stocked on the Lisburn Road and giving our North Down customers less of a journey across town. Will there be another? We couldn’t possibly tell... Please Don’t Tell 645 Lisburn Road T: 028 9066 1266 99 High Street Holywood BT18 9AG T: 028 9042 3845 www.pleasedonttell.ie
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SOCIAL
Ashleigh Stoneman
Style Sunday
Brenda Shankey.
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2015 A/W WEST COAST COOLER BELFAST FASHIONWEEK WRAPPED UP ON SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER WITH THE MUCH ANTICIPATED STYLE SUNDAY EVENT AT TOP OF AWARD WINNING BELFAST RESTAURANT SHU. BELFAST FASHIONWEEK DIRECTOR CATHY MARTIN PICS A FEW OF HER FAVOURITE FASHIONISTAS FROM THE WEEKS EVENT.
Laurina Kennedy
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Donna McCabe
Franca Robinson
Cathy Martin
Oonagh Boman
Katie Larmour
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FASHION
The Coat Edit A leading stylist in Northern Ireland, Eve Brannon has a wealth of experience in the industry. Each month she offers a fashion focus into the most coveted designers, trends and styles of the season.
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FASHION
I
don’t know about you, but with the surprisingly mild autumn temperatures, I’ve found this year November is the new September when it comes to the prime coatcoveting month… the hunt is on! With such a broad offering in stores, your search for the perfect cold weather cover-up ends here. From the season's most sought after silhouettes to classic cuts that will never date, be inspired by our need-to-know edit of AW’15 coat trends. The ultimate in snug style, the shearling coat was seen throughout collections for AW, from Coach to Donna Karan. Super strokeable and fabulously functional, we love this style in traditional tan and white from Asos. Making an appearance on a multitude of AW’15 catwalks, the clean cut and boyish charm of the double-breasted coat is hard to resist, with Dolce Gabbana, Joseph and Chloé all mastering the military approach. However, true style points go to Mrs Beckham, who once again perfected the style combining exaggerated lapels with tactile textures. Ultra luxurious, faux fur is back in every colour carnation. Seen at Fendi, Sacai and Emilio Pucci, to name a few, this coat is perhaps the most versatile selection of the season. To ramp up the fun factor and create an impact go for a colourful statement or if
Shearling coat £95, Asos
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FASHION
Hepburn cape @ cocoon luxe.com
Double breasted pea coat @ Victoria Beckham AW’15
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full on fur isn’t for you, opt for a subtle fur trim as an alternative. Perhaps Madonna won’t be revisiting the cape anytime soon, but we are still favouring the classic cape as a winter style staple. Also loved by designers, we saw an array of cape creations at Valentino, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen. Our cape of choice comes from Cocoon Luxury at cocoonluxe.com in versatile check tweed, perfect for crisp country walks. Finally, if this all sounds like a lot of effort and you just fancy a duvet day, keep winter’s cold bite at bay with perhaps the most indulgent creation of the seasonal coat. Seen at Moschino and Hermes, cosy-cool is taken to a new level with comfy quilting and plush padding, as puffa styles and cushioned cover-ups let you hibernate until spring.
For more information: Eve Brannon, Fashion Stylist and Journalist T: 0 (44)78 1759 7067 E: info@evebrannonfashion styling.com W: evebrannonfashionstyling.com
FASHION
Faux fur street style
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Th e “ H e p b u r n E a r t h ” C a p e 1 0 0 % H a r r i s Twe e d ® £220
Available in 5 unique colours Sold exclusively at www.cocoonluxe.com or visit Grainne Maher, Fashion Vault, The Spires, Belfast
EXPERT
Hair today...
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PAUL MEEKIN, AWARD-WINNING CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF PARTNERS HAIR & BEAUTY, BELFAST, HAS BEEN CREATING HEAD-TURNING HAIRSTYLES FOR MORE THAN 35 YEARS.
ringing passion, flair and creativity to every style he creates, he has worked as an ambassador for several major brands and now is a passionate and proud brand guardian for Schwarzkopf Professional in Ireland and now also the newest Ulster Life Monthly Columnist. I’m still feeling the buzz from Belfast FASHIONWEEK and all the fun that was had - not least seeing the fabulous Lady Boys of Bangkok strutting their stuff at the Menswear show and of
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course, viewing all the highlights from our local boutiques. I’m loving all the major fashion trends for AW15. There’s just so much inspiration around this season and believe me when I say, I remember some of it from the first time around! I’m talking about the
1970s in particular. I rocked a male version of the Farrah Fawcett look back in Belfast in those days, and turned quite a few heads with my blond highlights and flicked hair! You know how you just love an era and everything about it? That’s me with the 1970s,
“I’m loving all the major fashion trends for AW15. There’s just so much inspiration around this season and believe me when I say, I remember some of it from the first time around!”
EXPERT
but when it comes to fashion, let’s just agree that women had it best! I won’t be wearing flared trousers and big collars again, but I love the Seventies style on women - all those lovely prints, dresses with long flowing sleeves teamed with knee-high suede boots or maybe a black polo neck worn with an A-line suede skirt. Thankfully, you don’t have to go for full Farrah flicks if you want to capture the essence of ‘70s hair, as a bit of a side flick with shaggy curls (if you’ve got
long hair) will really set off any of those Seventies-style AW outfits. Or you can try a split, eyebrow-skimming fringe and bedhead waves to make the most of a retro centre parting. A shift in the season often requires a change of colour too, and lots of the women who come into Partners are experimenting with pastel pinks, lilacs and blues - either all over or dip-dyed at the ends of the hair. But if that’s just not for you, have you considered ‘bronde’? No, that’s not a typo
- bronde is the new colour us hairdressers are talking about. It’s a mix of blonde and brown, as the name suggests, and it’s perfect if you’re thinking of changing colour but don’t want to commit fully to either a full-on blonde or platinum or a darker, chocolately brunette. While I think that long hair lends itself to the 1970s look, that’s not to say that women with shorter hair have to miss out on all the fun this season. A choppy bob with a bit of a wave to it really sets off those pussybow blouses that are filling the shops. I’m also a big fan of a cool crop with a choppy fringe, as seen on the Burberry runway during its AW15 show and this is a look that will help you grow out that summer pixie crop too. Next month I’ll be talking about party season hair, the season when the only rule for hair is that there are no rules! So be prepared for lots of shine and sparkle!
Partners Hair & Beauty 118-122 Castlereagh Street Belfast BT5 4NL T: 028 9045 5444 E: info@partnersbelfast.co.uk www.partnersbelfast.co.uk
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BEAUTY
Face facts!
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THIS MONTH, JUDITH MULGREW FROM SKIN MEDISPA REVEALS THE SECRET TO A PERFECTLY SHAPED BROW THAT DOESN’T FADE!
here’s no doubt about it, us ladies love our brows!! There’s no denying the difference a good brow shape and tint makes: it opens our eyes, complements our features and frames our face beautifully. I’ve had clients who been told they look years 40
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younger after having their brows properly attended to! But as much as good brows can work wonders, over-tweezed and sparse brows can be aging and unflattering. For any of us who succumbed to the 90s brow trends and plucked our brows to the high heavens, we know how hard it is to achieve the regrowth
needed for perfect brows. As I’ve gotten a little older, I notice a huge difference with my brows, they don’t grow quite as well as they used to and for years I pencilled and powdered them constantly to fill in the gaps! That is, until I was introduced to semi-permanent makeup - since then I haven’t looked back! Semi-permanent make-up involves implanting pigment into the dermal layer of the skin - a little like a tattoo but without the pain! It is suitable for eyebrows, eyeliner, lip colour and beauty spots. The result is that perfectly finished makeup without the worry of the colour smudging
BEAUTY or wearing off throughout the day! A favourite with celebrities such as Rosanna Davidson and Michelle Keegan, it is the perfect treatment for those with sparse or thinning brows, clients suffering alopecia, or those who have lost hair permanently following medical treatments. Equally, it is fantastic for those of us who are on the go - as a busy mummy myself, my semi-permanent eyebrows and eyeliner keep me looking fresh no matter what! We all want to look our best naturally, and what could be better than enjoying perfectly shaped brows, beautifully full lips and wide awake eyes - without the
hassle of applying make-up? I trained with the prestigious Finishing Touches academy, and to date have carried out the procedure on over 600 clients. Your treatment begins with a full consultation, during which I discuss the shape, colour and finish you wish to achieve. My signature brows include thin brush strokes which create the illusion of fine hairs and create a totally natural finish. Treatment time is approximately 1 1/2 hours, and a top-up treatment is recommended 6-8 weeks later to ensure the pigment is fully implanted. Semi-permanent makeup will fade gradually over the
For a limited time we are offering this exclusive Dermica Pen promotion to Ulster Life readers! Pay for 3 treatments, get 1 FREE! Pay for 5 treatments, get 2 FREE! Skin Medispa offers an extensive range of treatments which include:
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• Dermica Pen • Microdermabrasion • IPL Photorejuvenation • Laser Hair Removal • Semi-permanent makeup • Advanced Waxing • Universal Contour Wrap • Velashape Anti-Cellulite Treatment
course of 3-5 years, depending on your lifestyle, skin, and sun exposure. I recommend having a top-up every 12-18 months to keep the colour looking its best. I carry out the treatment in our sterile clinic environment, so you can be assured that you are in the safest hands.
For more information, contact Judith on (028) 90681066 or email info@skinmedispa.co.uk
BEAUTY
Curly wurly U
lster Life’s newest columnist Emma McLoughlin is the owner of The Dressing Room in Holywood. Split over 3 floors The Dressing Room offers a full range of top to toe Beauty Treatments. Emma has been in the industry for 17 years & has worked in the Holywood area for the best part of her career. Spending the early part of her career working both in salon & also doing colour demonstrations
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for big hair & beauty brands. In recent years she has been concentrating on building her own business & is proud to call the Dressing Room home! Every month Emma tackles a hair or beauty dilemma. This month the dreaded curl using GHD’s
How do I curl my hair with GHDs? As a stylist in a busy salon I hear this question a lot. Now for all the hard-core hair hero wannabes out there the answer
is this. You use the styler as you would use a pair of scissors to curl a ribbon. Taking the styler in hand you clamp down on the hair near the root where you want the curl to start, twist it once & pull! Ok so for most you have now achieved a slightly singed piece of hair with some kinks & a poker straight end!? Not the exact look you were going for & you've burnt the tip of your ear to add insult to injury. If you managed to get a perfect curl try
BEAUTY again & again until your whole head is curled to perfection & then send me your CV!
Is there an easier/ less painful way? Our good friends at GHD have only gone & made it fool proof with their GHD curve tools. For those of you who have tried & tried but never managed a perfect curl, these are the answer! There are 4 to choose from depending on the type of curl you want to wear & they are so simple to use. Like magic! GHD have used their new tri zone technology (same technology used for the new platinum styler) to make the process quick &
easy (just 5-10 seconds per section depending on width). Add a little GHD curl hold spray to each section as you go along & you'll be rocking beach waves or movie star tumbling curls before you know it.
Are they expensive? In salon we offer a pre pay scheme which is really popular whereby you can pay off a styler or curve tong over a few weeks/ months to break the cost down before you take it home. For the pros at home the platinum styler will be the best tool as it's multifunctional for curling & straightening at £165 or for those of you who are
THE DRESSING ROOM A haven on the Holywood high street with its own unique sense of calm, an opulent salon in which you can indulge in top to toe pampering. All your hair & beauty needs expertly met in a beautiful, tranquil setting. The Dressing Room is a must visit for anyone looking to unwind & feel fabulous. Stockists of Wella, Nioxin,Sebastian,Moroccan oil Domina, Senna, vita liberata. 140 high street, Holywood, BT18 9HS T: 028 9042 1899
seeking an easy perfect curl theGHD curve range are all priced at £110. Small price to pay to look like an A-list celeb. Alternatively you can book in & have your hair curled by one of our team. (Prices starting from just £15) October is breast cancer awareness month & we have limited edition blush pink stylers & dryers in salon. £10 from each purchase is donated to cancer now! There are also some cute pink section grips £2.50 for 2 clips & £1 is donated. To make an appointment with the team at The Dressing Room Holywood call 028 9042 1899 or visit their Facebook page (search dressing room holywood).
Derry gets ready for the return of Fashion Fest 2015
Date: Sat 14th November Location: St Columb’s Hall, Derry Time: 7pm Tickets available from: www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest The most anticipated and glamorous event in the Fashion Fest programme is the Gala Fashion Show. This innovative and unique fashion show is designed to celebrate the international grade designers and labels putting the region on the map. Glam up and bring out the bling for this fun fashion event, which will see one of the city’s landmark buildings transform into a stylists haven. A fusion of Catwalk, creativity and camaraderie combine to make this a night to not to forget.
The latest trends, sophistication and style will set the tone as the show continues into the night with drinks, dancing and first class entertainment. Bag yourself the hottest ticket in town – VIP packages available. Guest international designer Helen Cody will launching her Winter 2015 collection.
Designer Fashion & accessories showcase, Junk Kouture Catwalks & Schools Programme, Creative Designer Workshops, and a host of in-store and promotional events for everyone to enjoy throughout the Derry and Strabane region.
Celebrate Derry & Strabane Fashion Fest 2015 www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest
EXPERT
Mouth full
D
ULSTER LIFE MAGAZINE WELCOMES OUR NEW MONTHLY DENTAL & IMPLANT COLUMNIST DR DAVID MURNAGHAN.
avid qualified from Queen’s University Belfast in 2006. After completing vocational training, he worked as an associate dentist in private practice, in Belfast, Dublin, Newry & Dundalk before establishing his own practice, Boyne Dental & Implant Clinic. Over the next year David will offer help and advice on the latest treatments and advancements in dentistry available in Ireland. We’ve started by asking David a few questions below to get to know the man a little bit better. Next month David will be looking at DENTAL IMPLANTS. If you have a Dental or Cosmetic Dental question you’d like Dr Murnaghan to consider please email drdm@myulsterlife.co.uk
Tell us about how you ended up where you are today? I ran a two-surgery practice in Navan for three years and moved down the road this summer to expand into The Old Courthouse, a big old 48
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specialist dentists such as Raj Patel, a consultant implantologist (he does dental implants) based in Sheffield, who I still talk to every week or so. That experience really fasttracked my learning, so that at 24 I placed 11 dental implants, becoming the youngest dentist to start doing them regularly. I went on to study Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry in London and through my 20s was mentored by some of the best dentists in the world.
Is there a typical day in the life of a Dentist and if so what might that look like?
building full of character. I had an architect strip it back and rebuild the inside, keeping some of the beautiful original features among five brand new surgeries and the most advanced CT scanning and microscope equipment. We also exceed UK decontamination requirements, which is extremely rare for a clinic in the South. I’m 32 now, and I suppose I got here from a mixture of hard work and good fortune – as a student I was sponsored to study in Italy, where I got to know other world leading
No there’s not a typical day, which is why I enjoy it so much. There’s always a change and a challenge. Today I got up at 6.30am and met my architect at 7am to run over the final things that need taking care of on the building. By 4pm I had placed three implants on one person, done lip fillers on another, a couple of dental check-ups and an extraction, and I’m just about to do four white fillings on the next person. So it’s the variety that keeps it interesting.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business/Practice? Being in control of your own destiny. I really enjoy team work and working with people, and I’ve assembled a great team
EXPERT here – all the clinicians as well as the patient management staff are great fun to be around, as well as being excellent at their jobs. The other thing I really enjoy having the power to do as the boss is make sure patients are always happy and that’s down to two things: being able to make them feel at ease by communicating everything they need to know about their treatment in layman’s terms before, during and after treatment and, of course, carrying out whatever treatment they choose without pain and to an excellent clinical standard. People on the whole are unfortunately still terrified of dentists, and you’d be amazed how grateful patients can be when you fix a problem that’s bothered them for years because they couldn’t find a dentist they felt comfortable with. It’s a nice feeling to know your business is changing people’s lives for the better every day.
Have you any advice for someone wanting have a career in dentistry? Make an effort to be a good people person and find an area within dentistry that you’re passionate about. It can be as hard or as easy as you make it, and if you want to be competitive and stay at the top level that means you’ll constantly try and push yourself, which I personally really enjoy.
What one bit of advice do you give all of your patients? Prevention is better than cure. It’s a slow process in the south of Ireland because there’s no NHS to encourage people to attend dental checks-ups, but it’s changing, gradually.
Favourite Restaurant? Vila Joya (in Albufeira, Portugal)
Favourite Drink? Guinness
Holiday Destination? South Africa
3 famous dinner party guests? I’d settle for my wife Carol and our two little ones.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Ireland’s most advanced dental practice has arrived
Friendly, driven, dependable.
Boyne Dental & implant Clinic The Old Court House 4 Ludlow Street Navan, Co Meath
Call us or register online to see what 21st-century dentistry looks like
T: 00353 4690 28683 E: enquiries@boynedental.ie www.boynedental.ie
Tel. +353 169 71295 www.boynedental.ie Boyne Dental & Implant Clinic, The Old Courthouse, 4 Ludlow Street, Navan. w w w. m y u l s t e r l i f e . c o m
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Sarah-Jane Boutique 1 Broad St, Magherafelt, BT45 6EB T: 028 7930 1515 wwww.facebook.com/sarahjaneboutique
FASHION
Party Girls
Calling all party girls! Check out the fantastic AW15 range available from QUIZ Clothing at the Richmond Centre Derry. From fabulous long evening dresses and sexy bodycon dresses to cute skater styles and lace evening dresses. For a totally show-stopping look, go for an all over sequin long maxi dress - don’t forget to add killer heels
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FASHION
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FASHION
The dresses shown range from just £29.99 to £69.99 Perfectly priced for a preChristmas gift to self! All dresses featured are available from QUIZ @ The Richmond Centre Derry-Londonderry Shipquay / Ferryquay St Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6PE T: 028 7126 0525 E: info@richmondcentre.co.uk www.richmondcentre.co.uk w w w. m y u l s t e r l i f e . c o m
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INTERIORS
Extra long fairy lights £50, The White Company
Festive Fancies
Here at UL we are making a list, and checking it twice… to make sure we haven’t missed out on any decorative delights, as there are so many stunning styles to choose from! Take a look at our seasonal selection of festive finds that will set the scene for a sparkling celebration in your home this Christmas UL interiors in association with Beaufort Interiors
INTERIORS Mini Christmas tree £25, The White Company
Wall mountable heart advent calendar £31.46, The Christmas Boutique
Murmur Christmas selection, Bedeck
Enchantment paper fan tree topper £10, John Lewis
Willio tree skirt £25, Next
UL Interiors Shop online at beaufortInteriors.co.uk
INTERIORS Gold Swirl Wreath £75, available at Bedeck Linen Green, Dungannon & Lisburn Road, Belfast
Clip on Christmas bird £4.50, John Lewis
Spruce ring candle £6, Laura Ashley
Georg Jensen heart decoration £18, available from Bedeck Linen Green, Dungannon & Lisburn Road, Belfast
Modo Creative personalised family name cushion £28, Notonthehighstreet
Wooden hanging stag head £45, Debenhams
UL interiors in association with Beaufort Interiors
INTERIORS
Murmur Christmas dining, Bedeck
UL Interiors Shop online at beaufortInteriors.co.uk
INTERIORS
Hessian Christmas Carnival Sack ÂŁ8.95, Dotcomgiftshop
UL interiors in association with Beaufort Interiors
INTERIORS
Alpine stocking £12, Next
Nutcracker hanging ornaments £14, Very
Gisela Graham advent calendar £47.95, Selfridges
Home for Christmas door mat £14, Laura Ashley Mini pomanders (set of two) £15, The White Company
UL Interiors Shop online at beaufortInteriors.co.uk
NORTHERN IRELAND’S JOBSITE ARRIVING WINTER 2015 REGISTER YOUR INTEREST ONLINE NOW!
HEALTH
The Power of Yoga
By Eve Brannon and sponsored by Peak Physique Lisburn Road
Y
ou’re feeling stressed, overworked, highly strung… “You should do Yoga”. We’ve all heard it at one time or another. But where does this universal advice come from and what really is Yoga? The consensus is that Yoga involves contorting your body into odd and unnatural twisted poses. However, Yoga is much more than those poses. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ meaning ‘to unite or integrate’, Yoga is a 5000 year old Indian
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body of knowledge. It was introduced to western society by Indian Yoga gurus following the success of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings in the early twentieth century. In the 1980s, the spotlight hit Yoga, as it became a popular form of physical exercise across the western world. However, not just an effective workout, Yoga is a fullbody system (mind, body and soul) that involves harmonising the body with the mind and breath through the means of breathing techniques, postures and meditation.
From a personal viewpoint, I grew up in a Yoga household, with my Mum being an Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga teacher; in my adult life I have continued to practice Yoga, finding it rewarding in its various disciplines. The basis of Yoga is breathing, which for me, when practiced correctly came as an eye-opener as I’d never fully grasped its purpose or benefits. The power of controlled, mindful breaths can calm and focus a busy mind, while bringing you to into the moment and centring
HEALTH you in a way nothing else can. After all, breathing is the only autonomous system of the body that we can fully control. While the body governs it, we can change how we breathe through our consciousness. During Yoga we breathe air in and out of our nose to ensure we do not over-intake or over-expel. So if we have to resort to open mouth breaths to increase air consumption, it is an indicator that we have stepped into stressing or pushing our bodies, which should not occur in Yoga. The physical benefits I have found during a process of gradual, steady improvement include increased flexibility, muscle tone and strength. The beauty of Yoga (for me at least) is that it is always explorative and enjoyable. Each practice, no matter how challenging brings a sense of calm and fulfilment. I have developed an awareness of my body, bones and muscles in a way that is unique to other forms of exercise. The rewards are limitless‌ I could go on forever!
NEWS
Peak Physique has now added Yoga classes to its ever-evolving offering within the gym. If you feel you may like to experience Yoga and find out if it’s for you contact Peak Physique.
Peak Physique 721 Lisburn Road Belfast, Antrim, BT9 7GU
T: 028 9066 7887 www.peakphysiquelisburnroad.com UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP w w w. m y u l s t e r l i f e . c o m
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WEDDINGS
Oh Happy Days Ulster Life Celebrates the wedding of Aoife and Aaron Nicholls, who recently married. Celebrations continued at Kee’s Hotel Donegal before jetting off to Vegas. photos at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh by Katrina Taggart Photography
20 Corick Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT76 0BZ T: +44 (0)28 8554 8216 E: reservations@corickcountryhouse.com www.corickcountryhouse.com Find us on Facebook
WEDDINGS katrinataggartphotography.com T: 07872 538806
20 Corick Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT76 0BZ T: +44 (0)28 8554 8216 E: reservations@corickcountryhouse.com www.corickcountryhouse.com Find us on Facebook
WEDDINGS
20 Corick Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT76 0BZ T: +44 (0)28 8554 8216 E: reservations@corickcountryhouse.com www.corickcountryhouse.com Find us on Facebook
WEDDINGS
20 Corick Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT76 0BZ T: +44 (0)28 8554 8216 E: reservations@corickcountryhouse.com www.corickcountryhouse.com Find us on Facebook
WEDDINGS
20 Corick Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT76 0BZ T: +44 (0)28 8554 8216 E: reservations@corickcountryhouse.com www.corickcountryhouse.com Find us on Facebook
WEDDINGS
20 Corick Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT76 0BZ T: +44 (0)28 8554 8216 E: reservations@corickcountryhouse.com www.corickcountryhouse.com Find us on Facebook
PEOPLE
You’re hired!
THIS MONTH ULSTER LIFE IN ASSOCIATION WITH MYNIJOB.COM TALKS TO SARA MCKINTY MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MCKINTY ASSOCIATES, A RECRUITMENT AGENCY SPECIALISING IN FINANCE RECRUITMENT ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND.
Tell us about how you ended up where you are today? My first full-time job was in Chelsea Girl (now River Island) in Manchester – I managed the handbags section and this was the only job I could get after I dropped out of my Business and Finance degree. At 18 I wasn’t bothered about my education; I just wanted to earn money. My first real office job was as a Temporary Clerk in the Salford Magistrates Court being paid £3 per hour. I got my first break in recruitment when I went into 70
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an agency to register for a sales job; they offered me a trainee recruitment consultant post on the spot – the rest is history.
Is there a typical day and if so what might that look like? This is what makes recruitment the best job in the world – nothing is predictable. As a people business you are handling moving parts on a daily basis and I never forget that what we do can change people’s lives. A good recruiter needs to be organised, empathetic
and commercial knowing the local market. They have to be strong communicators as sometimes we have handle very delicate situations. Most of all we have to be good listeners. There are over 30 steps to most recruitment campaigns and there isn’t a standard formula to follow; sometimes it’s just gut and instinct that we run with and of course our experience.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business? The independence – we
PEOPLE are a small business that has a strong reputation in the market. With almost 20 years recruitment experience personally the business aim is not to be the biggest but the best in Northern Ireland. We can make decisions quickly with no bureaucracy which can allow us to react quickly to the circumstances at hand.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the Recruitment industry? Make sure you initially work for a reputable firm that will give you strong training on Best Practice in the market. I initially trained with a UK firm and had to sit exams to make sure I knew the legislation and regulatory requirements so this was a great foundation for me to learn. Recruitment is very customer focused but also very sales and target driven. It is such a competitive sector so if you don’t like selling and negotiating then perhaps a different career might be a better choice.
You’re Chancellor of the Exchequer for the day. What would you change to help business in NI? Corporation Tax – I know everyone has been talking about this for a number of years now, but I personally feel that in order to get more investment
into NI we have to be able to compete with RoI. I think I would also be encouraging more university places for our very talented school leavers who want a career in Finance. If we could try and keep them in NI with good career prospects this would be great for the whole local economy.
What would you do if you won the lottery? Pay off my mortgage and buy a new car. A personal trainer would be a good investment also.
Favourite Restaurant? Boathouse in Bangor Drink? Sauvignon Blanc (French!)
Holiday Destination? Portugal
3 famous dinner party guests? Graham Norton, Daniel Craig and Oprah
Describe yourself in 3 words. Optimistic, Fun-loving, Helpful
McKinty Associates 47 Newtownards Road Bangor, BT20 4BX T: 028 9147 3795 E: sara@mckintyassociates.com www.mckintyassociates.com w w w. m y u l s t e r l i f e . c o m
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NORTHERN IRELAND’S JOBSITE ARRIVING WINTER 2015 REGISTER YOUR INTEREST ONLINE NOW!
Shaerf Drive Lurgan BT66 8DD www.alwood.co.uk call 028 3832 3296 or email: mail@alwood.co.uk to arrange a consultation with our multi - award winning designers.