HitRECord

Are we recording?

You may or may not be familiar with this tagline. The photo above may just give it away a little. And if you are completely unaware of what the hell I am raving about then prepare yourself for heaps of inspiration and creativity. My plan is that after reading this blog post you will know all about the wonderful production company that is HitRECord. I first became aware of this company roughly three years ago when my good friend Debbie bought me my very first book of Tiny Stories as a gift! I have been pretty much hooked on all things HitRECord ever since! And thanks to my lovely boyfriend I have now obtained volumes two and three of Tiny Stories to add to my collection, as well as a very cute t-shirt! 

So lets get down to the logistics of HitRECord. The production company was set up by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his brother over four years ago. I, myself, have been a, lets say, "pretty big fan" (to put it mildly) of Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever since the movie, 500 Days of Summer. So when I first heard of his company I knew I had to check it out. This open collaborative production company is definitely a cut above the rest. Artists of all kinds from all over the world are asked to contribute their work to HitRECord. You don't have to be a famous animator or musician to contribute. You can simply be scribbling away or writing a mini-novel in your bedroom and decide to share your work or set up your very own collaboration. You can find out more in-depth information about HitRECord by clicking on this link http://www.hitrecord.org/ or you can watch a video of Mr Levitt describing the premise of his company at the very end of this post!

The Tiny Stories collection is definitely my favourite concept to be released by HitRECord. I love an illustration book and these books are packed with beautiful and meaningful doodles and whimsical artwork. To be honest sometimes I relate more to a drawing than words on a piece of paper. The books are almost keepsakes to me and something I would pass down through the generations. They are also a very special gift to anyone who is appreciative of illustration. Below I have included a few of my favourite pieces of artistry that are included in the tiny books. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Now all you have to do this weekend is doodle until your heart is content! 

That 70's Revival

Hello everyone! 

So it has been well over a week now since I last blogged and I thought it was about time I uploaded a new post! 

So, hands up who is 'diggin' the new and improved seventies style? I know I am! 

Often labelled as the 'decade that style forgot', the 1970's was the era of pluralistic, anything-goes fashion. And 'anything-goes' was certainly that! Romanticism, disco, glam, sportswear, punk and exoticism were the flamboyant styles of the decade and created a youthful and vibrant time in fashion history. This era was definitely one of my favourites to study in university with such a diverse range of characters, attitudes and appearances. Although if I'm completely honest, when I heard that the iconic retro flares, clashing paisley prints and thigh-skimming platform boots were making an almighty return, I was a little weary. But thanks to designers such as Louis Vuitton and (newly-named) Saint Laurent, the 1970's trend has been injected with 'wearability' and a Spring wardrobe we can envisage that won't have us looking like we are a member of ABBA. (Sorry ABBA fans!)

                                                        

Working in retail I have begun to see the trend take form and I have to admit that this sassy seventies look is now one my favourites to enter Spring/Summer 2015. Fancy channelling you inner Annie Hall? Choose from buttoned-up suede skirts, denim flared trousers and jackets, fringing, skinny scarf's, embroidered waistcoats, shearling lined biker jackets and of course the floppy or fedora hat to pull off that seventies look! Of course, if you want to add a small twist to your 1970's ensemble how about mixing it up with 90's staples such as the crop top, polo neck or choker! ASOS are doing a brilliant job at making this 70's vibe come alive so head on over for lots of lovely inspo! 

1. Biker jacket-New Look, 2. Sunglasses-Accessorize, 3. Black skinny jeans-New Look, 4. Nail varnish-Alexa Chung for Nails inc, 5. Tan belt-New Look, 6. Polo neck-New Look, 7. Fedora hat-H&M 

I really hoped you enjoyed reading this post! And if you are struggling to dress this nifty seventies look this style icon might just be the inspiration you need! 

My Vampy Valentine

Hello lipstick lovers! 

So this week I thought I would write a small feature on a few lipsticks which I am loving at the moment. And with Valentine's day approaching, a statement crimson or 'vampy' plum shade would be the perfect finishing touch to any outfit if you are planning a night of love-hearts and romance. 

Okay, so Valentine's day aside, I have to say that I do have quite a fondness towards a red or berry lip and it's safe to say I have quite a few of the rouge tints lurking in my make-up bag. Like a classic 'Little Black Dress' there's nothing more chic than a pop of red on the lips! Slick on the red stuff and you're set for the day! Who doesn't feel boosted with bold, look-at-me lips? And no matter what your skin tone you can always find your perfect shade of red. In my opinion a red lip will never go out of fashion!    

(From Left -right) L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Exclusive Reds, 'Blake's' Pure Red - £6.99.
Rimmel Moisture Renew, 380, Dark Night Waterl-oops - £6.49
CHANEL Rouge Coco, Hydrating Creme Lip Colour, 21, Rivoli - £25.00 

If you are looking for a flirty and vibrant shade this Valentine's day, then this is the one for you!  L'Oreal lipsticks never disappoint and this shade in particular will sure as hell get you noticed. Definitely not one for the faint hearted as this colour is quite a bright matte red, and almost appeared neon on my lips. For pale ladies, like myself, this shade would be perfect for you! And with the very lovely Blake Lively's name attached to this product you kinda have to buy it, don't you? Undoubtedly a 'Va Va Voom' lippie.

If you want to make a statement, this blackberry shade is the one for you. Rimmel's moisture renew lipstick does exactly what is says on the packaging. It is extremely hydrating and moisturising, while also packing a 'vampy' pigment punch. The photo above definitely doesn't do it justice. The shade is quite a lot darker on my lips and is very long-lasting. Shout out to my boyfriend's sister for making me aware of my, now, new favourite lipstick! (Thanks Oonagh!)

Okay, so I've only ever owned two Chanel lipsticks in my lifetime, and yes, they can burn a hole in your pocket. But if you are looking for a lipstick that will last forever AND make you feel like a 1950's film star then quick-march to your nearest Chanel beauty counter now! To put it simply, I love this lipstick! The shade is easy to wear, the colour glides on so easily and of course the packaging looks uber-luxe. So if you want to treat yourself (or start hinting at your loved one) I would strongly advise adding a Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick to your make-up collection. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post! 
So, what shade of scarlet are you applying this month of love? Let me know!

Robot Love

Dandering down the high street it's difficult not to notice the shop windows awash with copious amounts of the synonymous red and pink decor. This only means one thing in retail. Pink and red are the new key colours this season OR, most likely, the big V-day is approaching. 
So yes, Valentine's day is imminent (one week left everyone!) and some of you may be wondering, "What the hell do I get my very handsome or beautiful partner/ gorgeous friend/ cute pet?" 

 Are you fed up with the same soppy, sickly, heart-fuelled greetings card that dominates the card isles in the shops? I know bloody well I am. Well guess what? I have the answer! And it comes in the form of some very cute and charming robots! Yes, you heard me correctly, ROBOTS! And the genius behind these rollicking robots is the very talented and clever Debbie Montgomery.

Debbie set up 'Debmon Design' 5 months ago and lets just say her online business has taken flight! Everybody wants to add one of Debbie's whimsy robots to their lives. 

Personally, I know Debbie from our university days. We hit it off pretty much instantly when we began our foundation year in art and design together. Debbie is a fantastic painter and we first encountered each other in a painting module, bonding over mostly very silly things! One painting in particular brought a lot of entertainment to both of us, without meaning to. But it would be too rude to disclose that information here. Sorry!

Below are a collection of Debbie's Valentine's greeting cards! Each card is originally hand-drawn and professionally printed onto high quality paper. Not to mention you are receiving a very quirky and unique robot print. Additionally if you fancy something a bit more exclusive Debbie provides a custom-made service where you can contact her via her Etsy store and she will rustle up a print that is personal to you! How brilliant is that? 

I love you too Mr Robot!

Yes, even robots have hearts!

Cloud 9, where you will find a robot friend!

Debmon Design caters for all needs, not just Valentine's day. You will find robots watching movies, giraffe robots, baby robots and even elephant robots. Oh yeah!

Also, Debbie has very kindly provided me with a coupon code for you all to use in her Etsy shop! Simply head on over to Debmon Design (click the 'Dd' thumbnail below) and type lifenistyle20 when prompted to do so to receive 20% off any of her custom couple or custom family portraits! Now what are you waiting for?! If that's not a perfect incentive to buy a very unique and personal gift for your loved one this Valentine's day, I don't know what is! 

Also if that's not got you excited for Valentine's Day, and if not, then what's wrong with you?! Debbie is running a competition on her Facebook page giving you the opportunity to win your very own custom couple portrait. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is 'Like' Debmon Design's Facebook page and share the post. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on February 9th! Simply click on the image below and it will whisk you straight to the Debmon Design Facebook page. You haven't got much time robot enthusiasts! Get liking and sharing!

Happy Valentine's Day Robot Lovers! 

My 2015 Mood Board

So a month has passed, resolutions have been broken and you've revived the box of Quality Street which you swore you would 'never touch again'. 

Well, fear not, because it's not too late to start afresh and embark on some new goals for 2015.

Personally, I don't make any new year's resolutions in January. To be quite honest in the past I did believe establishing a plan for the year was pretty pointless and setting myself up for disappointment. And quite frankly, who actually keeps their new year's resolutions? Hands up! Anyone? Nope, I didn't think so. But this year I made the decision to stop being so negative and change my outlook on how I view some things. I believe you're more likely to maintain your intentions if you give yourself time to figure out what you really want to achieve by the end of the year. Even if it's just one small aim you wish to accomplish and it's personal to you. I think you will feel much better for it. I also think it's important to be realistic and to not put too much pressure on yourself. And remember that they are YOUR goals. Don't let anybody else influence them. (Also, I wish I could take heed of my own advice sometimes). 

I decided to construct a mood board to help me stay focused this year. For those of you who don't quite know what a mood board is, it's basically a visual tool to quickly inform others of an idea or concept. The mood board above illustrates my own personal aspirations for 2015!  Now, don't get me wrong, I do love making a list. Somehow I can even make a list within a list. However sad and boring that sounds. But having something visual to look at makes it much easier for me to stay focused at the task in hand. 

So the 'Selfie' has taken over the world. My aim is to take photography a bit more seriously and take more photos. But more importantly, higher quality photos.

This is pretty self-explanatory. I really want to improve upon my hand-knitting skills this year.

Nope, I do not want to bet all my money on whether an extremely admired character in GOT will be killed off. (To be fair though, I could probably make a lot of money on that bet). I just mean taking a few relevant risks to improve myself. Also, to the ladies out there. If you haven't already read Girlboss, I would highly advise you to do so now.

There are many, many places I would love to travel to. Unfortunately there is only so much one can afford in a year. First stop, Barcelona.

I love visiting museums and exhibitions. No matter where I explore, top of my list will always be a museum or gallery. This year I want to make more of an effort attending exhibitions. 

I know it's pretty cheesy. But, hey, everyone has dreams! No matter how little or large they are. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

And I don't mean wearing the latest trends, however much I try to. This year I would like to try and keep up-to-date with what is happening in the fashion world. And reading more fashion-based books and articles.

Top of my list this year was to create a blog. Most of my January was spent preparing and learning how to set up a blog. I hope to continue creating new posts for you to read and potentially going back to my roots and getting stuck into some sewing and machine knitting again.

So there you have it, my eight quite small, but realistic goals for this year. Now, go ahead and make your very own mood board for 2015! You don't have to be 'techie' or Photoshop literate to create your own visual board. You can simply just rip out pages of magazines, take your own photos or find words that inspire you and stick them on your wardrobe, fridge or mirror. You could even have a cut-out of someone who inspires or motivates you. A certain Mr Dornan may be blu-tacked to my wardrobe door....

What's your goals for 2015?

*All images featured in this post are my own.

Jumping on the Blogging Bandwagon

Hello!

So today is the day I launch my brand new blog, Life NI Style!

Hi! My name is Orlagh. I am a devoted daydreamer and fashion enthusiast and hail from the land of leprechauns and pots of gold. They really do exist.....ahem.

As the name suggests this is a personal 'lifestyle' blog based in Northern Ireland. 

I love illustration books, stripy tops, notebooks, smelly candles and toffee pops.

It is safe to say the decision to set up this blog sounded a bit like the opening lyrics of the TV show, Malcolm in the Middle: "Yes, no, maybe, I don't know." Bam! You now have the theme song in your head. Well, after a lot of deliberation, I took a deep breath, punched self-doubt in the face and decided to throw myself into the world of blogging! 

I am very excited about sharing my views, opinions, photos and talents with you all and I really hope you enjoy reading! Don't hesitate to leave a comment if you like what you see or if you have any suggestions.

You can also follow me via my Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter pages!

If you would like to find out more about me head over to my About page where I reveal a few extras about myself!

Orlagh x