Ivona adds a dash of extraordinary style to Down Royal’s November Festival of Racing

County Down woman is crowned bottlegreen Best Dressed on Ladies Day

 

Down Royal saw fashion fanatics from across the island of Ireland dress to impress in their autumnal frocks and fascinators at this year’s ‘Best Dressed’ competition sponsored by premium soft drinks brand bottlegreen.

 

Ivona Moore from Kilkeel was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘Best Dressed’ title on Ladies Day which took place on day two of the renowned Ladbrokes Festival of Racing.

 

The judging panel for this year’s contest included Cool FM Presenter and fashion enthusiast Rebecca McKinney, 2023 Miss Northern Ireland winner Kaitlyn Clarke and Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks, part of The SHS Group.

 

Following the glitz and glamour of the infamous competition Ivona took home the ultimate ‘Shop, Stay and Spa’ weekend experience generously sponsored by bottlegreen. The package includes a luxurious overnight stay for two at the Culloden Estate & Spa including breakfast, a 50-minute ESPA spa treatment, a bottle of champagne and an eight-course tasting menu with accompanying wine pairings. Ivona will then treat herself to a shopping spree at Victoria Square with a Personal Shopping Experience and a voucher worth £1,000.

 

Ivona stunned the judging panel with her outfit featuring a striking maroon ensemble with dress from Club L London, co-ordinating headpiece and clutch from CC Millinery, shoes from Mango and coat from NA-KD.

 

Commenting on her win, Ivona said: “I’m absolutely delighted and quite frankly extremely shocked to be crowned this year’s Best Dressed Lady.

 

“I have a love for all things fashion and beauty and to be crowned the winner of the ‘Best Dressed’ competition among all these gorgeous ladies is such an honour.

 

“A huge thank you to all the judges for awarding me with this prestigious title.”

 

Commenting on this year’s Best Dressed Lady competition Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks and The SHS Group said:“This is the first year bottegreen has sponsored the ‘Best Dressed’ competition and I have been blown away by the spectacle of style we’ve witnessed.

 

“It was extremely difficult to select an overall winner but the style and elegance of Ivona’s outfit made her stand out as the unanimous choice. Huge congratulations to Ivona on this fabulous achievement and I hope she enjoys her relaxing ‘Shop, Stay and Spa’ weekend treat.

 

“It has been a pleasure partnering with Down Royal as title sponsor of the ‘Best Dressed’ competition and we’re delighted to have played our part in adding a ‘dash of the extraordinary’ for all the ladies in attendance.”

 

Kathyrn Holland, Commercial Manager at Down Royal Racecourse added: “The Ladbrokes Festival of Racing is a highly anticipated event both in terms of sport and style in Northern Ireland, and across the two days we have witnessed not only some fabulous fashion, but some outstanding horse racing.

 

“This year’s ‘Best Dressed’ competition, sponsored by bottlegreen Drinks, showcased some of the best frocks, fascinators and footwear we’ve seen, and Ivona blew the judges away with her sensational style.

 

“Huge congratulations to Ivona on being crowned this year’s winner and we hope she will enjoy her very deserving prize.”

 

Ivona Moore from Kilkeel in Co. Down was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘Best Dressed’ title on Ladies Day which took place on day two of the renowned Ladbrokes Festival of Racing. The competition was judged by Cool FM Presenter and fashion enthusiast Rebecca McKinney, 2023 Miss Northern Ireland winner Kaitlyn Clarke and Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks, part of The SHS Group. Pictured (L-R) are Maria McAvoy, Faith Amond, Donna Mullan, Shileen McConville, Emma Murray, Ivona Moore, Rebecca McCausland, Nicole Mallen, Aimee Boyle and Judith Beckett.
Ivona Moore from Kilkeel in Co. Down was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘Best Dressed’ title on Ladies Day which took place on day two of the renowned Ladbrokes Festival of Racing. The competition was judged by Cool FM Presenter and fashion enthusiast Rebecca McKinney, 2023 Miss Northern Ireland winner Kaitlyn Clarke and Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks, part of The SHS Group. Pictured (L-R) are Kaitlyn Clarke, Rebecca McKinney, Ivona Moore and Sarah Lawson.
Ivona Moore from Kilkeel in Co. Down was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘Best Dressed’ title on Ladies Day which took place on day two of the renowned Ladbrokes Festival of Racing at Down Royal. The competition was judged by Cool FM Presenter and fashion enthusiast Rebecca McKinney, 2023 Miss Northern Ireland winner Kaitlyn Clarke and Sarah Lawson, Head of Marketing at bottlegreen Drinks, part of The SHS Group.

The Name’s Bond

Legend Lady Mary Peters cut the ribbon for the official opening of jewellery designer Melanie Bond’s brand new boutique in Dromore town centre. The newly-opened store in the heart of Dromore specialises in the designer’s handmade jewellery, Wearable Truth, alongside a range of clothing and accessories.

Hundreds of fans and customers gathered in the picturesque town for the official opening. Melanie Bond is a jewellery designer and maker with 20 years of experience, stocking a range of accessories and clothing in addition to her own jewellery line, Wearable Truth. Melanie also specialises in bespoke commissions, ideal for any occasion, and gifting. The opening of Melanie Bond Boutique is a major boost for Dromore. Guests were treated to live music and refreshments in the square before a fashion showcase, hosted by broadcaster Cate Conway, featuring fashion, accessories and handmade jewellery from Melanie Bond Boutique, along with fashion by Stephen Mageean Bespoke and millinery by Halo Studio (Dromore). 

Models Nuala Meenehan, Rebekah Martin and Laura McIlhagger made the town square their catwalk for the day! Hair and makeup was provided by Beauty Bank and Thee Salon (Dromore). Melanie Bond Boutique is located on Bridge Street in Dromore.

Effortless Updos: 5 Summer Hair Styling Tips for Quick and Chic Hairstyles

When it comes to Summer hair, it’s all about finding a look that is low maintenance, but maximum style!  With the right techniques and a touch of creativity, you can elevate simple hairstyles to capture the essence of the season.  Multi award-winning hairdresser Sharon Malcolm, the second female hairdresser from Northern Ireland to be inducted into the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame, shares her expert tips for styling your hair this summer.
1. Boho-Inspired Waves: Embrace the natural texture of your hair and achieve beachy waves by braiding damp hair before bed. In the morning, undo the braids and spritz on a texturizing spray for added volume and definition. Why not use a conical wand to add a curl?  Pull one side of the hair back and secure with a Cha Cha clip for an extra boho touch.
2. Stay cool this summer with a sleek high ponytail that exudes class and simplicity. For an added touch of elegance, take a small section of hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, cleverly concealing the elastic. This simple yet chic hairstyle is versatile enough to complement both casual outings and formal occasions.
3. Half-Up Crown: Channel your inner bohemian goddess with a half-up crown. Take the front section of your hair and a section from each side of your head, brush back and secure. You can lightly tease the front section and add some volume for a chic and versatile half-updo that’s ideal for festivals and summer nights out.
4. Scarf-Adorned Low Ponytail: Add a pop of color and style to a low ponytail by incorporating a vibrant scarf. Tie the scarf around the base of the ponytail, allowing the ends to flow freely. The scarf adds a playful touch of colour and effortless style to the classic ponytail.
5. Hassle-free Hair: Looking for a hassle-free look that keeps your locks in place without any irritation? Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to the effortless hold of a Cha Cha clip! Simply twist your hair at the nape of your neck, lift the ponytail and securely fasten it with a Cha cha clip. Unlike bulldog clips, which can snag and irritate your scalp, the Cha Cha clip offers a hair-friendly alternative. Its gentle grip ensures a secure hold while keeping you completely unaware of its presence.
Experiment with these summer hair tips and find the look that suits your personal style, making it your own. If you want to make a statement and do something different with your boho-inspired waves, the Cha Cha Clip can elevate your hairstyle with its unique and understated design and a range of colour choices.
Created by Sharon Malcolm, the Cha Cha Clip is made with 100% real hair. This unique hair clip elevates a good look into an awesome style with a strong bespoke clip that can be matched to people’s hair colouring. Cha Cha Clips are now available at Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing or via www.chachahairproducts.com.

Ulster Tatler’s Beauty Must Haves

By Rebecca Parker

Here at Ulster Tatler we love our beauty items whether it be make-up, skincare, fake tan or perfume. It also doesn’t help that our offices are very close to both a Boots and Superdrug, so you often find us taking a browse on our lunch breaks. The girls here have put together a list of our favourite beauty items that we use and have us looking and feeling our best!

 

Here are our Deputy Editor, Joanne’s top beauty picks:

  1. BPerfect Chroma Cover Luminous Foundation

I wear the Chroma Luminous foundation everyday – it is lightweight and dewy, yet still provides plenty of coverage and it lasts all day!

2. BPerfect Ekin Su Radiant Glow Skin Perfector

I don’t know what it is about this product, but it gives my skin a touch of magic. I just apply a couple of pumps over my face before my foundation and it gives a gorgeous glow.

3. Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50

Protecting my skin from sun damage is very important to me, so I use a SPF every morning along with my usual face moisturiser. The Skingredients SPF is lightweight and non-greasy, making it a great base before applying makeup.

4. Dermalogica Skincare Products

With my wedding coming up, I have adopted a specific skincare regime using Dermalogica products to get my skin looking its best for the big day. One of my favourite products is their Daily Milkfoliant, which gently exfoliates the skin, using natural ingredients.


5. Bellamianta Tan

Fake tan is such a hard thing to get right, but my favourite has to be Bellamianta. It is easily applied, gives a lovely colour and is long-lasting.

 

Here are our Event Co-Ordinator, Gemma’s top beauty picks:

  1. Insanity Bronzing Mousse

I use the tanning mousse as it is very easy to apply and it gives a lovely, glowing natural tan.

2. Kiko Milano Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter

This product is a firm favourite in my make-up bag. I really like this product as it just completes my make-up and adds a lovely shimmer and glow to my cheeks.

3. Kiki Milano New Luxurious Lashes Maxi Volume Brush Mascara

This mascara is great and gives volume and added length to my eyelashes.

4. Caroline Herrera 212 Perfume

I love this perfume as it has a lovely, fresh scent and I always get compliments anytime I wear it.

5. Rimmel Lasting Finish 24 Hour Foundation

I love this foundation as it is lightweight, has great coverage and lasts for 24 hours.

 

Here are our Multi-Media Editorial Assistant, Rebecca’s top beauty picks:

  1.  e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter

This product can be used under foundation or on its own for a more natural look. I adore this product as it gives my skin a healthy glow and feels very lightweight which is fab in the warmer weather.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand

I had my eye on this product for a while and I finally received it as a gift for my birthday and it has changed the blush game for me. I wear the shade ‘Pinkgasm’ and it adds the loveliest rosy tint to your cheeks to brighten up your whole make-up look.

3. BPerfect Cosmetics Cronzer – Cream Bronzer

I was completely influenced after seeing this product all over TIk-Tok and it did not disappoint. It adds a lovely warm tone to your make-up look and blends so easily – 10/10 must have in your make-up bag.

4. Pearl Beauty Spotlight – Gold 

As a girl who loves a bit of sparkle, I was ecstatic when this Northern Irish brand brought out their range of spotlight eyeshadows. I have them a few different shades but my favourite is the gold. It just adds the perfect touch of shimmer.

5. Jo Malone Cologne – Poppy & Barley 

This is my absolute go-to scent when it comes to perfume. Every time I wear it, I get so many compliments and it lasts all day too which is great if you’re out for the day/night.

 

 

Exciting new premises for sustainable jewellery brand Monday’s Child

Ulster Tatler’s spotlight on Northern Irish jewellery and accessories brand…

Monday’s Child is the brainchild of Kilkeel native Laura McBride. The brand was born out of a demand for affordable and sustainable life-proof jewellery that didn’t break the bank. Following a chat with a friend about her designer (very expensive) hoops tarnishing after a couple of months, Laura became obsessed with finding a better alternative.

After nearly a year of research and development, she launched Monday’s Child in December 2021 and never looked back.
Back then Laura and her husband were renovating an old farmhouse and living in a caravan on site. Laura said,

“I can’t explain the difficulty in getting aesthetic pictures for a new website in a 1993 caravan with floral curtains to boots, but we got there! One thing I’ve learned from starting a new business from scratch is not to let your current circumstances dictate your future outcomes too much. Get creative and find a way to make it work. My daily walks with my dog Cash became a great excuse to create content on the go. Thanks to my new venture with Linked permanent jewellery, I’ve now outgrown our spare room (much to my husband’s delight) and have moved into a new studio in Portview Trade Centre, Belfast.”

 

Laura loves chatting to her customers about what makes Monday’s Child unique. Every piece from her collection uses medical grade recycled stainless steel. Their innovative plating process is 10x stronger than standard gold plating, which means she can offer a guarantee that their jewellery will never tarnish or lose its colour. Laura often meet customers at markets that bought from her when she had just launched, and their jewellery looks good as new. She says, “It’s so lovely meeting people that feel as passionate about Monday’s Child as I do!”

Laura’s inspiration for each Monday’s Child collection is always underpinned by curating pieces that are wearable every-day and on every occasion, whether it’s at the beach or your best friend’s wedding. The shapes and geometry found in nature have had a massive influence on each piece. She likes to include fun sometimes with off the cuff details and not to take it all too seriously. Her goal is to provide jewellery that inspires confidence in the wearer and can be worn 24/7.

Linked permanent jewellery is Monday’s Child’s latest offering and Laura says the response has been incredible.

“Permanent jewellery has been trending on TikTok for a while, but there was no one offering it in Northern Ireland. I launched Linked in March of this year and while it’s a risk being the first to offer something new, I’m glad I went for it.

It involves welding a seamless, clasp less bracelet on the wearer, creating the ultimate Link between two people. It’s such a delightful thing to do with a loved one, mark a special occasion or even just to treat yourself. I’ve been a part of some really special moments with customers which I’m so thankful for.”

You can check out the latest Monday’s Child collection or book a permanent jewellery experience on their website- www.mondays-child.uk.

Make sure to follow Monday’s child on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out on their latest collections:

https://www.instagram.com/mondays_child_uk/

https://www.facebook.com/mondayschildjewelleryuk

 

 

Best dressed at Balmoral Show

The Balmoral Show Best Dress competition returned for another year with fabulous prizes up for grabs for the most stylish show-goers.

The competition was judged by Cool FM presenter and former Miss NI Katherine Walker.

Dubarry of Ireland and Ireland’s Blue book returned as this years sponsors for the popular competition.

Full coverage will be in next month’s June Ulster Tatler, so make sure to pick up a copy to see all the style from the show!

Kendall Johnston, Stacey Patterson, Gemma Dickey from Balmoral Show at the Balmoral Show Best Dressed Competition
13 May 2023
Balmoral Park Lisburn Co.Antrim
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com
Joanna Donnelly from Crumlin and Jessica Crawford from Portavogie at the Balmoral Show Best Dressed Competition
13 May 2023
Balmoral Park Lisburn Co.Antrim
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Fashion and Fizz at The Merchant

Cool FM breakfast show presenter, stylist and fashion show producer, Rebecca McKinney, had fashion fans all in a tizz with a stylish round-up of this season’s hottest trends at the Merchant Hotel.

On a sunny Sunday last month, the super sell-out Spring Style Edit event, hosted by Rebecca, had 200 guests treated to an afternoon of fizz, fabulous fashion and a front row seat for all. 

The very best of this season’s trends from our high street favourites including Mango and Reiss came down the runway with beautiful spring summer collections from local independent boutiques, Rio Brazil, Cameo Boutique, Ros Oir Boutique and The Walk in Wardrobe, Banbridge.

Chilled prosecco courtesy of VALDO was served throughout the afternoon with some lucky style queens picking up spot prizes for Best Dressed.

Now that’s what I call style!

Full coverage in our May issue, now on sale!