Fans of TV3’s new reality show ‘Tallafornia’ got a special treat over the weekend at the Eclectic Garden Nightclub, at the Porterhouse Bray. The first Tallafornia Official tour show party kicked off on Saturday night. Partying in style (I’ll let you decide that one for yourself!) clubbers on the night got their chance to party with all of the ‘stars’ of the show Dave, Kelly, Cormac, Jay, Natalie, Nikita and Phil. Pictured above are Tara O’Reilly, Aimee Murphy and Niamh Ni­ Bhroin.

Nikita Murray, Natalie Geraghty and Cormac Branagan

David Behan, Kelly Donegan and Philip Penny

Linda O'Rourke

Natasha Storey and Emilie Finney. Pix Brian Mc Evoy.

Sarah Joyce and Seana Connell

Flirty, fun & flattering! I just love this bow one-shoulder dress from Love Label at Littlewoods Ireland. The large florals, pale palette and clean lines work so well together. Wear it for a summer wedding, night out on the town or even a flutter at the races. It won’t break the bank either for €54!

M&S has Romance Wrapped Up this Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift then be sure to visit Marks & Spencer where they have everything you could possibly need to treat the one you love. To make things a little easier for you, Help My Style have teamed up with M&S and giving you the chance to win, with 2 x €50 M&S gift cards up for grabs! From romantic Valentine’s cards, to chic weekend bags ideal for a surprise romantic get-a-way, M&S has something to suit all indulgent gestures, little and large.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize all you have to do is answer the following simple question:

Where is the city of love?
A. London
B. Paris
C. New York

To win you must be a fan of Helpmystyle.ie on Facebook and a registered user of this blog. Simply subscribe by entering your email address in the box on the bottom right hand of this page and press subscribe. Post your answers as comments below or email to win@helpmystyle.ie. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. Closing date for entries is 12pm, February 10th 2012 . Our decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. For full competition T&C’s click here.

By Ciara O’Shea
This Valentines don’t be caught on the hop. Indulge in some serious treatments, be it at home or in the salon, whether you have a significant other or not. I love using this time of the year to be shamelessly self- indulgent!

Tisserand Rose Pulse Point Perfume
Keep your perfume to hand in this super neat and discrete rollerball. It contains 100% natural hand blended ingredients. The scent is for anyone who likes interesting, spicy florals. Perfect for touch ups throughout the day, or night.
€12 approx www.tisserand .com

Steamcream Epris.
Not only is this intensely nourishing, lightweight cream a gem for keeping the skin glowing but it also looks too beautiful for words. The latest design features the motif “Coeur epris” French for passionate heart, against a red paisley embroidery design, in the midst of tiny hearts. Now if that doesn’t scream love I don’t know what does.
€13 approx. www.boots.com

Lanolips Lip Ointment
This balm will keep your lips soft, hydrated and ready for any/as much action as the day brings!
€13 approx. www.boots.com

Votivo Colour Collection – Redcurrant.
Let this lush candle fill your room with its unique blend of tart redcurrants and sweet vanilla. I love how, as the candle burns, the glass jar throws out a seductive red hue, filling up any room with romance.
€25 approx www.votivo.co.uk

The Organic Pharmacy, Cleopatra’s Milk Bath.
Organic Milk, Rose Petals, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Rose essential oils. Milk is rich in latic acid which gently exfoliates while rose petals floating on top of the water make this a bath to remember.
£25.95 www.theorganicpharmacy.com

REN – Moroccon Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish
This Rose smells surprisingly unisex, therefore a great gift for you both to share. The sugar gently exfoliates (and lightly foams) leaving the skin energized, silky and smooth. Try it, I dare you to not fall in love with it.
€36 approx. www.renskincare.com

The Body Shop – Coconut Shimmer Body Lotion
I love the smell of this and quite often layer it over my fragrance when I want to add a creamy dreamy femininity to my scent. I love how delicate the shimmer is, just enough to catch the light and make the skin sing.
€10 www.thebodyshop.co.uk

YSL – Palette Pink Celebration
As this is limited edition I suggest you get to the counter asap. It is a versatile complexion enhancer, I use it on the cheekbones, eyes, neckline and shoulders.The powder pink shade throws a satin Hollywood glow to the skin.
€53. From all good department stores.

Cowshed Horny Cow Body and Bath Oil
This oil can be used as a massage oil or run it in to a hot bath, both if you are really in the mood!. The romantic scent of rose absolute, patchouli and cinnamon is enough to get even the most tired of souls revved up for a romantic evening. You can even jot down the results in the very beautiful handmade red leather Cowshed Horny Cow Notebook.
€24 approx for the oil €45 approx for the notebook. www.cowshedonline.com

Estee Lauder – Sensuous Noir
This is an intensely seductive perfume. Deep dark midnight greens such as exotic purple rose, rose essence, jasmine and spiced lily have been woven with black pepper, vanilla and amber to give you a fragrance that demands attention after dark.
From €35. All good department stores.

Head to Toe perfection – Dylan Bradshaw
Left everything a little last minute? Let the team at Dylan Bradshaw sort you out. Champagne, chocolates, amazing blow dry, beautiful make over and an impeccable manicure will have you looking like an A-Lister in no time. Frankly, date or no date, this is too good an offer to pass.
€100. Dylan Bradshaw , South William St, Dublin 01 6719353

“ Be My Valentine” Massage package
Head to the Pink Emporium Dundrum this weekend where you can treat you and your loved one to full body massage’s, thus guaranteeing a blissfully relaxed and smugly loved up day will follow.
€119 The Pink Beauty Emporium 01 2157958

no!no! Skin
Important date coming up? You skin senses it and breaks out? , well I have a solution for such occasions. This device uses light and heat energy to reduce spots within 24hrs. Two 10 second treatments reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. A godsend.
€145 approx www.my-no-no.com

Kellogg’s Special K Dare to Wear Red fashion show, took place in Frangos Dundrum Town Centre last week. Along with a fashion show styled by Lisa Fitzpatrick, guests were treated to goodie bags, bubbly and free mini manicures. Pictured above are Sarah McGovern & baby Jude with Lisa Fitzpatrick and below Pippa O’Connor & Roz Purcell.

Niamh McCarthy and Kate Sugrue

Cristiona Aston, Tara O'Farrell and Hannah Devane

No, not me! www.thisgreedypig.com is a fresh new Irish-owned and operated online clothing store set up by three friends – Russell, Greg & JJ. The focus is on street-wear with some cool pieces from some of the best independent, young clothing labels from around the world and very importantly at home here in Ireland.

Stocking a fairly unique mix of collections from places such as New York, Vancouver, Dublin and Helsinki including Irish outfit Bluefingers, Makia, Mishka and Wemoto, ‘This Greedy Pig’ also hosts it’s own in-­house line of ethically sourced t-­shirts, literature and limited edition screen prints. More than simply an online shop, it’s a platform to follow some of Irelands most exciting emerging young artists and designers.

Aside from the retail arm of things, the site also has some rather interesting and quite cool blog articles. It’s refreshing to see a platform to promote the work of young aspiring writers alongside creative design talent (…we’ve a lot of both!). There’s a steady flow of original content on everything from art, music, design and film. Below are just a few of the pieces that caught my eye.

Jacket by MAKIA €199

Heart Breakout Wall Graphic €59

Keith Haring Untitled Heart Wall Graphic €59

Death Adders Crewneck Sweater €55

Pop over and check them out www.thisgreedypig.com .

I’m all about coats at the moment and Burberry Prorsum’s raffia-trimmed cotton-twill parka is just to die for. Since spotting it a couple of weeks back, I’ve found myself on several occasions daydreaming about it, imagining myself lost in it’s lushness out in the cold. It looks soooo cosy!

Doing what they do best, Burberry’s modern interpretation of military has won them an army of devoted fashion fans the world over. This piece is no exception and is made from hardwearing cotton-twill so it will last donkeys. What’s more the raffia-trimmed hood is detachable making it very versatile. I personally don’t think I’d ever take the hood off, it’s the contrast of texture and colour of the bright raffia against the khaki cotton-twill that I love. It’ll only set you back €2,088.16…start saving NOW!

I’m fixated with colour at the moment and lots of it – the bolder, the brasher the better! Buffalo on Dublin’s Exchequer street always guarantee to satiate my colour cravings. Their window display alone is like a permanent rainbow collection with a kaleidoscope of shades. For spring they’ve a mind boggling collection of saturated colours and styles from the statuesque bronze ‘Goddess’ sandal to funky snake mix flat-forms. Have a gander…

Crossover Plateau in Pistacio €98

Knot sling plat in Coral €150

Python Plat in Seagreen €100

Bronze Goddess sandal €165

Snake Mix Flatform in Rojo €110

Ariana Wedge in Tan €150

Snake Mix Flatform in Island €110

Mention the Balearic Island of Majorca to most people and the first thing that comes to mind is family package holidays, coach tours and holiday reps. While this type of holiday is a major part of the island’s tourism, it’s far from the only draw. The capital of Palma is a vibrant, fully functioning capital city that easily rivals it’s better known siblings on the spanish mainland and offers more than most as a city break destination. I spent just over a week there last September and I have to say it offered the perfect mix of city break with it’s bustling medieval streets with beach side activities just a stones throw away. Here are some of my highlights:

EAT:

La Bóveda

Cafe: If you’ve got children with you then make your way to Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, a wonderfully authentic café in Palma. It’s hidden down a back street near Sant Francesc. The coffee’s good but it’s the typical Majorcan desserts including cakes, pastries and homemade ice cream that are fantastic.
Calle Rey Sanç 10, T+34 971 71 07 59

Tapas Bar/Restaurant: A favourite with locals La Bóveda combines a tapas bar with a slightly more formal dining area to the rear. The spicy albondigas are divine and if you’re into cheeses and hams make sure to try the plates of local produce being served. The restaurant, which you’d need to book, serves up some delicious meats and freshly caught fish.
3 Paseo Sagrera, La Lonja, T +34 971 72 00 26

SHOP:

One of the main shopping streets is the pedestrianised Carrer Sant Miquel with most of the big highstreet players including H&M, Zara and Pull & Bear. Avinguda Jaume III is one of Palma’s most elegant shopping avenues and home to a many high end stores such as Cartier, Loewe, Massimo Dutti and department store El Cortes Ingles.

DRINK:

Around the areas of La Lonja (the older part of Palma) and ‘San Miguel’ you’ll find the best selection of bars and clubs with plenty of live music and jazz venues. El Garito was one of the venues I particularly enjoyed but really it depends on what you’re after. Just remember like most Spanish cities, the nightlife doesn’t really kick off in Palma until after midnight when the locals final hit the town.
El Garito, Dàrsena de Can Barbarà, 07015. T +34 971 736912

SLEEP:

We rented an apartment a couple of minutes away from the Cathedral right in the centre of town. It was a really spacious, modernly decorated place with all mod cons (including air con). I have to say it was super comfortable and was very affordable. What’s more it could easily have accommodated four people. It also has a shared roof top terrace and is a stones throw from the main shopping district. Playa de Palma (the city beach) is a short 15 minute walk away. Personally I preferred the beach at Arenal which had been recommended to me. It’s small, shelter bay that’s perfectly formed with turquoise waters against a back drop of a small hill with pine trees. It’s very picturesque. To get there it’s takes about 20 minutes on a city bus from the centre to Arenal (S’Arenal). The buses are very frequent and depart from the Plaza de Espana.
Apartamentos BORN, Passeig d’es Born. Email: bornapartments@gmail.com

DAY TRIP:

The town of Soller: Take the original 19th century wooden train, el Tren de Soller, up the mountains to the sleepty town of Soller. The train is adorable and the journey takes about an hour with spectacular views over the surrounding mountains and countryside. The town itself is easily navigated on foot with lots of cute little cafes, bars and restaurants as well as original buildings some of which date back to the 14th century. There’s a tram system in place but I didn’t find it necessary to use it. Also worth a visit is the Cultural Museum of Soller, the exhibitions are interesting but just to wander around the old building is fascinating. There’s a cute garden to the rear to enjoy. A couple of hours in Soller was plenty for me so unless you want to there’s no need to overnight. Valldemossa is another spot that’s supposed to be amazing but unfortunately we didnt have time to visit.

Tren de Soller Railway

Now I for one have always had a penchant for some raffia, no more so than in a chic carry-all. Turns out many a Hollywood starlet is going stir-crazy for the raffia ‘Woodstock’ 24-hour bag from Paris based fashion house Gerard Darel. The IT-Bag is a firm favourite with A-list celebs including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba and Halle Berry, all of whom have been spotted sporting the classic Rafia bag.

Halle Berry

The Gerard Darel boutique recently opened at Kildare Village and the Raffia Woodstock recently arrived priced at just €200 (RRP €285). A nice Valentines gift to welcome the arrival of spring me thinks!

Health Minister Dr. James Reilly launched Operation Transformation’s Dr. Eva new weight loss book, The Last Diet: Cook Yourself Thin with Dr Eva. The launch took place at the Dylan Hotel where guests were treated to samples of the healthy recipes from the book including Dr. Eva’s low-calorie sangria, homemade mini-burgers served on mini-pitta breads, chickpea burgers with cucumber raita and a green garnish, fresh cherry tomato bruschetta and four seasons pizza à la Eva.

Enjoying the occasion were her Operation Transformation colleagues Kathryn Thomas, Dr Eddie and Karl Henry along with family, friends and patients.

As well as being packed with healthy recipes, the book contains top nutritional advice, teaches readers how to replace bad eating habits with good and addresses emotional issues with food. It debuted at No. 2 in the bestseller lists after its first week on sale. Pictured above is Dr Eva, Health Minister Dr. James Reilly and Kathyrn Thomas.

Dr Eva and Josephine Helly ICA boothcamp mentor

Helen Fox, Dr Eva, Susan Murphy & Dietician Orla

I came across these on the Buffalo Dublin Facebook page this morning and just had to post about them. I mean how cute are they? A gorgeous shoe with a spring sartorial trinity of polka dots, peeptoe and this season’s punchy yellow. Sweetness!

For Spring Summer 2012 over at Topman they’ve gone for a mish mash of clashing patterns. Tribal motifs and animal print feature heavily alongside geometric shapes on most things including crew tops and lightweight shirts. Overall there’s a distinct vintage vibe to the range with lots of detailing and a strong Eastern influenced colour palette. One of the stand out looks they are championing is shorts. Admittedly this is not any big surprise for summer. But that said these are not any traditional shorts. They seem to have gone with the motto ‘the shorter the shorts, the better’ for a real 70’s college boy feel. Personally I think I’ll be passing the short shorts but instead dipping into the vibrant shades on display. If think you’ve got the legs for it, go wild!

In fairness with a body like hers who can blame her. She’s curvaceous, healthy looking and has a great business accumen so you can’t fault her in that respect. She’s a good role model for young women. Yes, the Kelly Brook lingerie range will be in selected New Look stores from next week just in time for Valentine’s Day!

What do you think boys? And ladies would be you be happy if your other half gifted you some of Kelly’s collection for Valentines?

A new wave of Nautical for SS12 has arrived at Awear. It’s chic, sassy and reflects changes in their buying team with a new buying director having come on board. New Nautical is an updated fresh, fun & feminine take on the ever-present nautical trend. Lots of mixed up conversational style prints paired with clean silhouettes. The colour palette is quite vibrant but anchored by key shades of green, red & blue. Expect to see some big changes over the coming months from Awear in terms of the product itself and quality & fit. Pictured above: Print Skirt €30 Jade Top €30

Knit Jacket €40 Red Trousers €40 Print Blouse €35

Button Detail Skirt €35, Stripe Blazer €55, Peter Pan Top €40

Stripe Cardi €40 Dark Skinny Jean €26 Stripe Tee €18

Spot Palazzo Pant €35 Collarless Blouse €35