In My StylewithSarah Moore

The East Belfast neonatal nurse, whose partner is former Ireland and Ulster rugby star Paddy Wallace, is not only studying for a Masters, she also finds time in her hectic schedule to model for ACA Models.

Tell us a little about yourself Sarah?

I’m 29 years old - 30 in November, ahhhhh!

I have been qualified as a children’s nurse for eight years, within this time I have specialised in neonates, studying at Queen’s University in various post graduate courses.

I am about to embark on my master’s by studying the Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner’s course at Southampton University, hopefully travelling back and forth to Belfast every few weeks.

I have a partner called Paddy who I live with in East Belfast with our fur baby Nala and Paddy’s two children, PJ and Leila.

In my spare time I enjoy working out and keeping active, I believe this has a major role in keeping a positive mind. I have also been part of the ACA Models family for 10 years and I love being on the catwalk!

Describe your personal style

I found this hard to answer as my personal style can change so much. I like to feel comfortable and if I’m not at work I am usually exercising so I wear a lot of gym gear throughout the day. If I am out and about you would normally find me in jeans and a cute t-shirt or jumper but in the evening I like to go full glam, anything that sparkles, I have to have it.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I used to read magazines a lot, I even had a subscription to LOOK magazine as it showed affordable pieces that were available on the high street but recently I have been finding a lot of inspiration on social media, I like to shop local, so I follow a lot of boutiques.

Do you read fashion magazines and if so, which ones?

When I have time I do, I enjoy the magazines that show affordable pieces and keeps me up to date with current trends.

What is the best style advice you’ve received and who gave it to you?

I’m not sure if it was advice but working over the years for ACA I spent a lot of time in court heels.

I have never underestimated the power of a good nude heel since. The pointed toe elongates your legs and can make any outfit look classy.

What is your favourite fashion trend at the moment and why?

I have been wearing a lot of scarves in my hair recently. Not sure if it is a trend or the fact that my roots are down to my ears because of lockdown but I am loving scarves wrapped around a ponytail or high bun.

What’s the oldest item in your wardrobe and what is so special about it?

I would have to say the ballgown I wore as a MissNI finalised back in 2012. It was a floor length sequined gown with pink satin material that fell across the back.

I haven’t worn it since then but I don’t think I could ever part with it. I have too many fond memories of being a finalised and my granny bought me it, I feel very attached to the dress.

And the most recent?

I recently bought a pair of high waisted orange trousers with a matching beige crop top from Zara, both in satin material and think I will wear the outfit to my best friend’s 30th birthday coming up.

Do you keep things in your wardrobe that you haven’t ever worn?

YES! This is my worst trait. I hate getting rid of clothes! I have so many things in my wardrobe with labels on them, even my friends say to me on a regular basis about the amount of clothes I have but never wear.

What was your worst fashion mistake?

I remember buying a dress because it was covered in sequins, but it was from the petite section in Topshop.

Well let’s just say at 5ft9in I am not petite but it was just so sparkly, I spent the entire night with my arms by myside because every time I moved my pants were on show.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought, clothing-wise?

It would definitely be the ballgown I bought for the second time I was a MissNI finalist (yes, once wasn’t enough) I can’t even have the dress in my own wardrobe because it pains me to think of how much it was so it stays at my parents’ house, and no, I will never sell it either. LOL

What is your favourite item of clothing and why?

I have a pair of ‘mom’ jeans that always seem to be in the wash because I wear them all the time. I find them so easy to dress up or dress down and they are so comfortable.

What are your favourite colours for clothes and why?

I love most things that have a bold colour, but I stay away from anything yellow because I have always been so blonde and feel like it makes me look pale.

What shoes do you wear most often and do you have a particular favourite pair?

My vans are definitely my most worn pair of shoes at the minute, they are so comfortable.

My favourite pair of shoes would be a pair of rose gold stilettos that I bought years ago, I just find them so classy and I always get complimented when I’m wearing them.

What are your fashion pet hates?

I cannot stand the chunky trainers that have been going around the past year, I don’t get the fascination. I also cringe when I see people wearing pink and red together.

Who are your style heroes?

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for sure! I just wish I had the confidence to wear some of the styles you see her in. Blake Lively is also another favourite, her red carpet looks are to die for.

What fragrance do you wear?

During the day I would wear Gucci, Bloom. In the evening or for special occasions I would wear Jo Malone, Myrrh and Tonka, I am obsessed with all the scents in the Intense range.

What accessories do you normally use?

I am quite minimalist when I am accessorizing, I always wear the same watch, necklace and ring but If I had on a statement shoe I would ditch the earrings or vice versa.

If I am going full glam I normally slick my hair back and put on a pair of sparkly earrings.

Do you think you can be fashionable without spending a lot of money?

Of course! I see so many bloggers on social media throwing together amazing outfits from Pretty Little Thing or Missguided and showing their followers different ways of wearing things. You don’t have to wear expensive clothes to look good.

What are your favourite local shops and why?

I love Sarah Alexandra Boutique in Newtownards, Sarah is always updating her social media with outfits on a daily basis and has such a good selection between casual and dressy clothes.

When I am in Belfast I also can’t walk past My Sister’s Closet without having a nosey, that would be my go-to shop if I needed something for a wedding or event.