Apologies for abandoning you chéris, I am now almost an official urbanite. The party never seems to end...merci á Dieu, however RAG Week, my birthday, celebrating Papa's 50 ans, the endless gigs and nights on the town have proven to be rather draining. Some pampering was desperately needed, and ouf was I pampered last weekend...
Just weeks ago, myself and chére Maman had decided to head up to the capital city for some TLC to celebrate my birthday and.....well I'm clueless to be honest. My new abilities to make bottles of various alcoholic substances and any savings I have disappear?
Living near the airport has its perks, we took an early flight on Saturday morning and arrived á Dublin at 9h30 sharp. We arrived at the stunning Shelbourne Hotel within half an hour. I had only ever peered through the windows of the bar to see Dublin's elite having afternoon tea on tables with crisp white linen tablecloths. Famous guests include John F Kennedy, Princess Grace, Peter O' Toole and Michael Collins...not too shabby.
We were lucky enough due to Maman's persuasive air to be bumped up to the JFK Suite, which was spectacular. We spent an hour or so strolling around Grafton Street and Powerscourt, where I found one of the most beautiful boutiques I've ever seen - Bow. Lunch at Gotham Cafe was unbelievable as always and washed down by a few glasses of Sauvignon Blanc.
A quick stroll through Temple Bar, into some of my favourite vintage shops and of course Urban Outfitters and into one of my favourite places in the world - Café en Seine. This bar nestled in amidst some of Dublin's classiest bistros and eateries is breathtaking, once you step through the door you're flung across Europe and into a loud, bustling Parisian bar. I could spend hours there sipping cocktails, wine or whatever else takes my fancy.
Parfait.
Another few hours around the shops where I managed to pick up new caramel chinos from Zara for a mere €6 and a cotton camel maxi skirt for €8 despite a broken zip...BARGAIN
Eventually my ankles began to give way to my six inchers hence we swiftly returned to the hotel for a bath and champagne. I donned the nouveau maxi skirt with a burgundy jumper, black flicks from either eye and my hair swept up messily. Maman opted with a printed red dress, thigh high boots and statement jewellery.
After a brief encounter with the charming Mr Ryan Tubridy at the door, we sat down for dinner in the delightful underground french bistro: Chez Max. An aperitif or kir cassis was followed by venison, haricots verts and potatoe and celeriac dauphinois while Maman went with the classic bouef bourgignon.
After we licked the last drop of wine from our lips we began the quick stroll back to the hotel, after yet another few drinks in the divine Shelbourne bar we headed back upstairs to a bottle of rosé. She unfortunately was having none of my plans to hit the town again so I slipped in between the crisp white sheets, wine in hand. Unfortunately so was my phone, a certain Mr. J Breeze received what I can only assume was an incredibly strange phone call, the contents of which are still un mystére.
I awoke early the next morning and before I realised where I was I panicked slightly about how fancy student accomodation seemed to have become.
Delicious wouldn't even begin to describe breakfast in bed that morning, Lookbook browsing while sprawled across the bed....heaven.
I put on my Sunday best - which was later photographed by the fantastic Stephen Moloney of Stitches, Fabric and Soul http://www.stitchesfabricandsoul.com/ - which consisted of the new chinos, leopard print boots picked up in Topshop (for a mere €3.60!!!!!!), navy and white shirt and burgundy jumper.
Off to Hugo's for brunch, listening to jazz while sipping white wine, nibbling on grilled chicken with focaccia and salsa...bliss. One last trip to Topshop resulted in finding a green mini dress I had long coveted for just €16...most definetely my lucky weekend.
A quick trip to Stephen's Green to meet Philomena Lynott and see the exhibition on her son Phil. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful eighty year old women I've ever seen, with eyes that are unnaturally green.
We flew back down that evening to rejoin réalité.I will most definetely be returning to the capital soon, although Cork's bohemian charm is splendid, Dublin really has that je ne sais quoi.
Merci Maman x
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