Guys and Gadgets at Dundrum Town Centre

If there is one fail-safe present for the guy in your life this festive season - it's some form of gadget. Guys and gadgets are a match made in heaven, great for the guy who has everything and a welcome break from socks and jumpers. There's a gadget for every guy - from the art student to the sports fanatic, and Dundrum Town Centre has them all catered for!

Glam Nights Out at Dundrum Town Centre

Check out this post on the Dundrum Website

Let's face it, if there's one thing we girls do well it's dressing up - but that's not to say we always know what to wear. Now I don't need to tell you how much choice there is in Dundrum Town Centre when it comes to glamming up for a night out, but all that choice can seem daunting so let me break it down for you. When it comes to fun, flirty outfits for nights out with the girls or date-night dancing with himself - let's look at 5 Categories of Key Pieces and I'm sure everyone will find something to suit their own personal taste.

Menswear Uncovered

Men and shopping may not traditionally be two words one would put together – but if you add Dundrum Town Centre in to the mix, things start to make sense. Menswear is not the mystery we may think it is – because let’s face it, men and women alike can find it somewhat baffling, but never fear your Dundrum blogger is here and I’ve enlisted the help of the professionals! I spoke to Przemek and Jacques, House Brands Specialist and Menswear Stylist of House of Fraser, Karen O'Sullivan from Marks and Spencers and Daniela of Harvey Nichols who shared their insight into the world of menswear.

“...life if colourful, you have to enjoy it – and fashion is one of those things that can help enjoy it.” (Przemek, House of Fraser)

NOTD - October 11

A friend and I treated ourselves to manicures last weekend. We had been trying to plan it for weeks, eventually we agreed to meet up in Dundrum and just go for it. We headed for Harvey Nichols where I was pleasantly surprised (read: unnaturally excited) to learn the nail bar was stocked with Essie polishes!

A File and Polish is only €20 - which I thought was perfect considering the cost of the polishes themselves (upwards of €10). I chose Merino Cool for my manicure - it's a soft purple-grey colour, (Instagram does not do it justice) quite unusual and goes so well with autumnal tones like burgundy and navy, it's a real chameleon colour. I was instantly drawn to this sophisticated darker tone, which my lovely nail artist Karla said compliments longer nails well. She was also kind enough to shape my nails in a lovely long oval shape after I mentioned I loved Lana Del Rey's nails (I know they're fake, but a girl can dream).

Four days in and my nails are still perfect. My right index finger and thumb are showing the tiniest bit of wear from being caught in a zip and typing on a keyboard all day but they're still super shiny and the colour is flawless. I highly recommend treating yourself to at least a file and polish once in a while - especially, if like me, your nails are that bit longer and harder to shape at home.

Also new word - greige - a colour that is a combination of grey and beige. Bit of a buzz word, especially in relation to nail colours this season like Chanel Frenzy and other lovely neutrals on the scene.

I know I'm a little late to the party (this being the first time I've ever had a manicure), has anyone else treated themselves lately?

Lisa

xXx

Date Night in Dundrum Town Centre

So it's here at last - my first blog as Dundrum Blogger in Residence! I was asked to look at Food and Leisure in Dundrum Town Centre so I decided to package it as "Date Night" suggestions! I hope you'll all be pleasantly surprised by how much is on offer in Dundrum

You'd be forgiven for thinking Dundrum Town Centre is just a fashion hot-spot, but there's so much more.

Have you ever considered Dundrum as a date venue? Well you should! Whether it's a first date, fourth date or a special occasion, I guarantee there's something for you. With over 40 places to eat, not to mention cinemas and mini golf, it can all seem a bit overwhelming - so I'll break it down for you!

Activity Dates
Break the ice with something different and check out Rainforest Adventure Golf. Boasting the title of Ireland's first indoor South-American themed mini golf venue. You don't have to worry about the weather here, which is always a plus! But it doesn't have to end there - make a real date of it and follow it up with some grub!

Compare putting tips over a milkshake at Eddie Rocket's Shakeshop. Plenty to choose, so everyone is happy and you'll learn a lot about a person by their milkshake choices!

Chicken-lovers and vegetarians alike will love Nandos - still quite new to Ireland, it's a fun experience and with so much choice of toppings, flavours and drinks even picky eaters can put together their perfect meal. Go easy on the spice though, no one likes a runny nose on a date - when in doubt, play it safe!

Keeping it casual, but making it an experience, head for Wagamamas - lively atmosphere and lightning fast-table service will guarantee no awkward silences, and you can't go wrong with a good chicken curry or a steaming bowl of ramen (not just your ordinary noodle soup!) Don't worry if you've never been here before, friendly staff will explain it all to you and before you know it you'll be regulars!



Cinema Dates
The classic date scenario - but best saved for a second or third date as sitting in a dark room for two hours is no way to get to know someone! Be sure not to hog the popcorn - and don't fill up on it either,  remember this is supposed to be a date so I recommend grabbing a bite to eat too - and what's great is that Dundrum Town Centre has you covered with stellar meal deals.

TGI Fridays offer a classic burger and chips with a soft drink and a cinema ticket for €21.50! A a great place for some pre-movie cocktails and comfort food - it's a winner on all levels.

For something a little bit special, head on over to Douglas and Kaldi and fill up on a main course and soft drink before cashing in your cinema vouchers - prices start from a cool €18.95 so you've no reason not to go!

Theatre Dates
If you really want to make the night one to remember, why not take a night at the theatre? It's a great excuse to dress up and try something different. Check out What's On in The Mill Theatre and whisk your special someone off for dinner and a show. Some fine dining venues include:

Ananda - I guarantee you've never had Indian food the way they make it. A chef friend of mine went over a year ago and she's STILL raving about it. Part of the Jaipur restaurant chain, it boasts a self-confessed "impeccable pedigree" of fine dining and ethnic cuisine - it's a real hidden gem and a show stopper when it comes to a night on the town.

L'Officina Dunne and Crescenzi is a perfect  combination of value and quality. The little sister of the well-established D&C chain, it's the perfect combination of laid-back atmosphere and fine dining. Great wine list, classic Italian dishes, sharing platters - I could go on, but I'll leave you to find out for yourself.

Siam Thai inviting you into a whole new world of luxury and a guarantee of a unique and memorable dining experience. An extensive, mouth-watering menu will cater for anyone's tastes and be sure to sample the cocktails while you're there! From exclusive couples private dining to relaxing lounge booths and dinner served until late you can really make a night of it.

Dinner Dates
Dinner dates don't need to break the bank, a good meal is an old faithful when it comes to dates and good food only gets better when you're in good company. Keep it simple with a dinner date - but there's nothing simple about these knock-out eateries.

Jamie's Italian - newly launched, there's quite the buzz surrounding Jamie's. Book Ahead! Book Ahead! Book Ahead! Popular with families during the day, there's plenty of space and such a great atmosphere it's hard not to enjoy your meal. Staff are friendly, there's fresh bread on display and the menu is a refreshing take on Italian with no expense spared when it comes to flavours and presentation. Value-wise it's also a winner and if you can't decide on a starter split a sharing platter - be sure to try the famous polenta chips too! You'll thank me later.

Cortinas - Mexican is slowly becoming more popular in Ireland, and Cortinas proves it's more than just nachos. Cool interior, no gimmicks, and an endless list of tequila - Cortinas is committed to fresh, authentic food and they offer gluten free, dairy free and wheat free menus. If you've never tried Mexican you'll be a convert after an evening in Cortinas, and if you're feeling brave you can take on the "ludicrously hot" Ghost Chill sauce. You have been warned!

Harvey Nichols - Yes, you can eat in Harvey Nichols! Whether it's the First Floor Brasserie or the Ground Floor Café you're guaranteed fine food and a venue like no other whether you're looking out on the dancing fountain of the Mill Pond or relaxing in the stylish surroundings upstairs. If you're looking to impress a fashionista or your other half is partial to the finer things in life, dinner in Harvey Nichols is a clear winner!

No Fuss Informals
If you want to go back to basics, set aside some time for a catch-up, or the idea of booking tickets and reservations sounds a bit too official - let's keep it casual!

Want to try something a little bit different? Head on over to Yogism, self-service frozen yoghurt - how many of those dates have you been on? It's a new take on going for ice-cream and it still feels like a tasty treat as well as a healthy one . Don't worry about the chill in the air, some warm seasonal toppings like hot berries and apple sauce will be there to greet you as you walk into what feels like Willy Wonka's factory and you have the choice of pulling up a bench or taking your fro-yo for a walk. Keeping it casual has never been so tasty!

Looking for a light bite to eat  - try Yo! Sushi, not quite a dinner date but so much more than your average prepackaged meal. Sit yourselves at the counter and swap sushi knowledge, or lack thereof. Keep an eye out for all-you-can-eat offers (not that an eating contest is an ideal date) and watch out for the wasabi!

So, I hope that has inspired you, I know I'm hungry now after talking about so much amazing food! Whether you and your other-half are looking to spend some time together, or you're trying to pluck up the courage to ask someone out I hope you've found a few ideas for planning the perfect date at Dundrum Town Centre.

Lisa
xXx

How about that Harvey Nichols show, eh?

Wednesday night saw me walking through Dundrum in heels - and no, I wasn't on my way home from a night in Winters. In fact, Harvey Nichols had tempted me away from my usual plans (pyjama bottoms and repeats of Nothing to Declare) with the promise of sparkly drinks and even sparklier dresses!

The Harvey Nichols catwalk shows are infamous all on their own. Before you're even interested in the clothes - you're wondering where the show is going to be! Laura O'Brien, Press and Marketing Manager for Harvey Nichols was telling me they try to put it on somewhere different every year, keeping it interesting, last year they held it in the car park! And here's the fun part - they don't tell you where it's going to be.

And the suspense builds!

We showed up, drank coconut water (look out Rihanna) and champaign and sampled healthy chocolate (there is such a thing, apparently) and listened to a crooner do his thing while keeping a eye out for a secret entrance to appear.

We were lead out a service entrance, into the underground car park and guided into The Mill Theatre where we were transported into a dark, shadowy autumnal scene. Alfred Hitchcock was the theme of the night, and it was just perfect. Crows hung from the lights and in cages casting ominous shadows and letting us now that this was not going to be some bright, extravagant affair.

First look
Fur coat by Pinko

Dark, sultry and classically sexy the show opened with it's first scene - "The Birds", featuring stunning headpieces by Edel Ramberg; dark, dramatic and deadly the show pulled you in from the first beat.

Reincarnated femme fatals strutted the run way in chic, dramatic pieces - that were, at the same time, completely wearable by us normal folk. Each scene was named for Hitchcock's films "Marnie", "Vertigo", "Dial for Murder", "Psycho", "Rear Window" and "To Catch a Thief".

Alexander McQueen's iconic scull print scarf could be found numerous times, in every scene. Also Jeffery Campbells renowned Lita platform ankle boots and death-defying Nightwalkers took centre stage during "Vertigo."

Jeffery Campbell Nightwalkers

Vivienne Westwood featured heavily throughout the show - the signature draping perfect for the effortless, classic beauty each of the looks captured. Splashes and pops of bright, bold red in bags, scarves and gloves reminded me of the blood and sinister undertone of Hitchcock's films.

The final scene, To Catch A Thief, was the show-stopping gown collection. And WHAT a finale. English designer Amanda Wakeley stole the show with scarlet red silk and chiffon effortlessly gliding down the catwalk. And of course THAT Jovani gown reappeared, as seen in the Dundrum Fall for Fashion show, to close the show.

Amanda Wakeley
Image: Ian Maxwell Hall for DTC

I could go on for days! But rather than bombard you with film-student-meets-fashionista jargon so I'll simplify and recap my trend highlights and leave you to browse more of the show on my Pinterest or on the Dundrum Facebook.

Trend highlights, my must haves:

Lavish layers - mix textures, fabrics, coats, cardigans, scarves, draping and layering are your friends this season.
Fur - coats, trims, scarves, gillets - great for layering and warm too!
Heritage - not so much English country, but mix tweed with wool, cotton and, of course, fur and it's chic and classic all at once.
Oversize - draped dresses, oversized overcoats, bowling bags. It's go big or go home this winter.
Leather - anything and everything. Knee-high boots, driving gloves, coats, satchels. Bring edge to any outfit.

Vivienne Westwood
(also my favourite model from the night)

A special thanks has to go to my good friend Niamh for coming along as my Plus One and getting just as excited as I did when a Vivienne Westwood piece emerged from the wings. Alway good to know you have someone to call for a date to something like a fashion event - or anything with champagne for that matter!

Harvey Nichols put on an impressive 3 SHOWS in just under 4 hours. Quite a feat, but what an achievement. They even tempted us with 15% and teasingly placed the show pieces near the door for us to dote on.

I was on such a high I bought myself YSL Touche Eclat foundation - which I can review if anyone is interested, it's a really special product.



But for now, I'll leave all your lovely faces with some eye/arm candy. Enjoy!

What's not to love about a man in a Saville Row suit
Image: Ian Maxwell Hall for DTC

What to wear? - to a tea party

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

It's a balmy, autumnal afternoon. In the middle of the forest, on a carpet of gold and mahogany leaves, a dining table stands - complete with table cloth, tea cups, plates of sugary cakes and so many lace napkins. 

It's Teddy Bear's picnic meets Alice in Wonderland - a fairy tale. The invitation arrived in a baby blue envelope, scented, embossed paper with silver ink - but here's the question, what do you wear?

Enter the world's most adorable dress, as spotted in House of Fraser in Dundrum Town Centre this weekend. This beautiful TELAGO lace-embroidered dress by Ted Baker stopped me dead in my tracks as I was browsing DundrumTC - as is my usual weekend tradition.

Taken with Instagram

I'm currently racking my brain for an excuse to shell out for this beauty, but at least for today I have some daydreaming material.

I just thought I'd share the love on this wintery morning :)

Pinterest

Stay tuned for my report on the Harvey Nichols Autumn/Winter Fashion Show this Wednesday! 

I'll be live tweeting as much as humanly possible!

Find me on Twitter

xXx

Lisa