Do any of you guys have a “travel wish list” of all the countries/places you’d like to visit and experience during your lifetime? For me, Ireland has always been a top contender – the rolling low-lying mountains and lush vegetation are images that catch my attention each time I see them on Instagram. Not to mention I’m quite fond of food and beverage culture and feel like I’d be benefitting the enhancment of my palate with a trip to Ireland. But on a personal standpoint, witnessing the style behind Ireland’s fashion and learning more about the influential designers from the country would be a huge inspiration.

My love of travel, food and style all intersect in this country and by teaming up with Red Carnation Hotels for this post, I’ve become more aware of how badly I want to visit Ireland! If I were to go in the near future, one of the places I would mark on my list to stay is the luxurious Ashford Castle.

Built in the 13th Century, this castle-turned-luxury hotel is a destination within itself due to the elegance of its interior as well as the surrounding grounds in which it stands on. I’m all about staying in places with history behind them and a story to tell, so needless to say the visit would be both an educational and luxurious experience.

In terms of dressing the part while in Ireland and visiting Ashford Castle – let’s pretend I’d be visiting this spring/summer – my approach would lean towards the design style of modern-day Irish designer Paul Costelloe. His SS16 collection focuses on vibrant colors like orange and pretty pastels such as lavender, with silhouettes resembling a baby doll dress and playful in nature. I gravitated towards both the cut and color of his collection focus and interpreted it when putting together my own variation of one of his collection looks.

Lavender & lace with bell sleeve detail keep this look young and flirty, while the oversized draping nature of the top and extender below the hem closely resembles the fabric nature of a Costelloe SS16 design. Instead of pairing this look with white heeled sneakers such as the runway, I opted for a sleeker caged heel that would be much more appropriate for an evening look spent dining at Ashford Castle. Now I know the clutch isn’t from the country of Ireland, but the concept of tartan plaid is what I’m trying to showcase with a solid-base outfit. You can get creative with the print of your accessories/clutch when the canvas of the outfit below remains still and neutral. Shop similar below:

OUTFIT DETAILS

Forever 21 dress ∙ Grace & Lace dress extender ∙ Pour La Victoire heels ∙ Burberry clutch – similar

YOUR THURSDAY TO BE [BEATS] RECOMMENDATION

HAVE YOU ENTERED LAST WEEK’S AWESOME PAIRIE GIVEAWAY?

* To Be Bright is partnered with Red Carnation Hotels for this sponsored post. All opinions are my own

[Linked up w/: What I Wore To Work, Spotlight Weekly, Throwback Thursday, Thursday Fashion Files, WIWT, Thursday Favorite Things, Labour of Fashion, No Rules, Thoughts For Thursday]