Pin.Up Fashion Show - Chic Recaptured

Since Belfast came to a standstill due to bad weather at the end of March, this disrupted some fashion events, with some being postponed to a later date. It felt more like Christmas than Spring and I was layered up like the Michelin Man. Pin.up's event, 'Chic Recaptured' was one such event that had to be postponed due to the adverse weather conditions.

Thankfully, the weather is a lot better now compared to what it was (well, it's rain and wind instead of snow). I hate the snow. It makes uncoordinated people like myself fall over more than usual.  On Friday the 5th of April I went to Pin.Up's event.

I thought we'd be late as we got stuck in traffic and I was wearing little purple boots that took longer to walk in than I'd imagined. The joys. I was glad to get sitting down again after I tackled walking the stairs in the Central Library (126 Royal Avenue, Belfast) like an unfit mountain goat. Or an unfit Llama. I like llamas...

The show was presented by Lucy Allen and this event was in association with Creativity N.I. which has held a Creativity Month to help encourage creativity in businesses and in people. This show 'Chic Recaptured' showed how you can take old garments and transform them into new exciting outfits - a great concept in today's 'fast fashion' culture. Nice dress Lucy!

Live music was provided during the show by new emerging Blues singer, Courtney-Maree Mccann. I'd highly recommend to check out her Facebook page and her music! https://www.facebook.com/courtneymareemusic?fref=ts
 Her next live gig is in The Hudson Bar on the 19th of April from 4-7pm.

Hair was styled by Caroline at Hair by Cherry on Top -  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-by-Cherry-on-Top/186877791391766?group_id=0   and MUA was Kelly McMillan.

The fashion show consisted of everyday wear, bridal attire, formal wear and some outfits for going out at night. I will begin with my thoughts on the everyday-wear and the night-wear. There was a great variety - some of the pieces were really versatile and could easily be used for day to night outfits; great for the woman on-the-go! They would be great if your life is like myself at the moment - my life seems to be one mad dash with not enough hours during the day...

I  really liked the dress on the top left - it had a subtle blue pastel print and looked great for accentuating curves! The bow on the front was a real cute touch to the dress. This outfit would be great to dress up or down - with black tights and a long-sleeved black cardigan with some fancy ballet pumps for during the day. For night a pair of nude heels would be perfect, silver jewellery optional (personally, I'd wear it with my silver charm bracelet and some small silver studs).

On the top right is a three-quarter length, sleeved dress that is baby blue with a fresh, bold daisy print. This would be a great dress for the everyday wardrobe (either for work or university). If the weather was good I'd consider wearing this bare-legged.

I loved this cute flag print skirt with a black scoop-necked top in the above picture on the left. It would be great for a range of occasions; I'd get great versatility out of this skirt! In addition to this, it is a skirt that you could wear all-year round. It could be worn with ballet pumps, brogues, black wedges and heels.

The pleated grey top on the left was different - it's a nice statement top. Something different - you don't really get many statement tops. I think it would look great with skinny jeans (personally, I'd wear it with burgundy, black or forest green skinny jeans).

I loved this 'classic vintage' look on the top left - a fur coat and black leather handbag look great together don't they? I am unsure of whether the fur coat is real or not...the pleated leather bag is lovely, a real statement handbag. I may have to ask Rosie (the designer) about it, I really like it!

The dress on the top right was something I haven't really seen done before -pleating on the bodice and layering on the bottom skirt.

I will now move on to the formal/occasion wear...





















The monochrome stripe dress on the top left was gorgeous - it reminded me of a dress that Oscar de la Renta showcased. It would need very little accessories as it is quite a statement dress. It would be lovely for a summer wedding, a holiday or even for a formal. Apologies for the quality of the photograph, the camera on my phone decided to misbehave. Much to my annoyance...

The strapless dress on the top right was quirky with the way it was tiered. I loved the colour...it would be a different  for a formal.






















Would you dare to bare? This sheer dress on the top left is great for the brave...

Figure-hugging and fun is the dress on the top right. I liked how the top of the dress was tailored in a statement way. I loved the colours used for this dress; contrasting, yet complimentary too. A very striking dress.






















I liked this dress (top left). It was simple, yet had interesting pleating incorporated into it. It would be great for an occasion where you have to dress up, but want to keep your look simple at the same time. It would look good with either statement or nude heels.

I loved this royal blue dress, it was just so eye-catching! It would be great for a wedding...

I will now briefly chat about the outfits showcased for bridal wear...

I really liked the two dresses above. The use of a black material was a nice inclusion to the dress above on the left. There's still a taboo about black being used in wedding dresses but I think it works really well visually...I also loved the vintage bodice on the dress on the above right. Something different for a wedding dress.

I loved the netting on the dress in the photo on the top left. All floaty and full of movement!

The dress on the above right finished the fashion show. It has been customised with different types of denim. Have to give a hand to the model Missy for wearing it - it weighs a tonne! I know this as I tried (and failed) to hang it up after the last fashion show in the Black Box.

Overall, I really enjoyed the event. It was great to see so many new pieces and it gave me ideas of how to restyle my own wardrobe and different ways to style pieces from my wardrobe. I really liked when both a female and male model showcased a similar look.

It was good to see that some pieces for males were also included in the show. In fashion events, fashion for men in Belfast is usually completely overlooked - which is such as shame!






















There was also some really different outfits shown. Check them out below!






















I will now share with you my favourite pieces of the night and why I love them...

For starters, the pleated leather bag! I just fell in love with it...A great piece that could be used everyday...I loved the strapless dress (top right). It was a piece that made me stare - and quite rightly so, isn't it amazing?!

The above picture was the 'outfit for the night', for me. I love the colour mustard and it worked great with the black in this outfit...I'll definitely be sourcing this outfit!

Looking forward to the next Pin. Up event!