Bag The Autumn/Winter Trends

My biggest fashion weakness has and always will be accessories in particular statement jewellery and bags.  Accessories are the easiest and maybe safest way to dapple in current trends and you don't need to have a big shopping budget.  This season my fave high street stores for their accessory departments are River Island, A|Wear and Penneys.  Here are a few on trend bags that I'm loving at the moment.

Heritage Trend - River Island

Winters hottest hue (red) - A|Wear

Floral Trend with Vintage look - Next

Faux Fur - Penneys

Colour Toning perfect for Minimalist Trend - Wallis

Embellishment - River Island

Leather, Winters must have fabric- Accessorize

Shearling Trend - Littlewoods Ireland

The River Island check bag (1st image) is my ultimate pick, what's yours?

Style Warrior

Last week I meet David Greene, winner of Style Wars, for the second time.  The Style Show in Clontarf gave me my first opportunity to chat with David where he made a great first impression and then again this week aboard The Oasis Fashion Bus on Stephens Green.  I adore his quirky style which in his words is 'an edgy twist on 1950's preppy glamour' but image aside he is so approachable and down to earth; a very loveable character.  Since his Style Wars win he has moved to London to work for Aurora Fashions who represent Oasis, Warehouse, Karen Millen and Coast.  David will be working for Oasis for the first 6 months and Karen Millen for his final 6 and the lucky chappy gets to travel to NewYork, Barcelona and many more enviable destinations.  In my eyes he is very deserving - definately my favourite of the Style Wars contestant (Holly Shortall coming a close second).

Find out more about David in his 'My Chic Life' interview on Chiconomics

E-Wardrobe

Spending most of my days researching images for use in my weekly fashion feature for 24Seven mag and Chiconomics website I discover endless clothes and accessories that I'd love all for myself.  Lack of time and funds mean I haven't treated myself to any of these finds.

If I don't have the time to visit, or the funds to buy, these pieces, I've decided that I can always create an e-wardrobe of my Autumn/Winter must haves.  Enjoy.............

Deliah Maxi Dress, €285 Coast - This is my absolute favourite piece.  Viewed this dress at Coast A/W Press Day and fell in love.  The metallic embellished shoulder is exquisite and maxi it THE lenght for evening gowns this season.

Reiss Camel Cape €245 Arnotts - The ultimate coverup and it's in the hottest colour straight off the catwalks of Chloe and Dries Van Noten and practically every designer worth knowing.

 

Red big shoulder dress http://www.kateandava.ie/.  I love this dress for it's hot hue, statement shoulders but mostly because it is a blank canvas for accessorising and dressing up or down.  Dramatic neckpiece, colourful print belt so much styling fun.

Alove Knit €45 http://www.divine.ie/.  Gorgeous piece that will add instant glamour to my denims, simply love the flower detail.

Achieve the all woman Prada A/W silhouette for a fraction of the cost with this perfect LK Bennett Lyric Dress €245 Arnotts.

Ideal dress for my shape and the colour is mouth watering.  This dress makes it's own statement only requiring wrist bling and power heels.  Hoss Intropia Dress €220 http://www.elainecurtis.ie/

You may have notice there are no accessories - they deserve a post all of their own - I'm saving them for next time!!!

Catch of the Day

I'm loving Red Herring Accessories at the moment! I was in Debenhams in Waterford at the weekend and couldn't resist these pieces, particularly when I saw the little red stickers with 70% off.  Red Herring jewellery first gained my adoration 2 years ago when I bought a stunning piece for an outfit I styled for my sister-in-law (it still pains me that I didn't keep it for myself).  Accessories aside the label also offers footwear, outerwear, occasion and casual wear not forgetting beachwear.  If there isn't a Debenhams near you or you just don't have the time for a visit go to their website now there are lots of Red Herring deals http://www.debenhams.com/

Bracelet was €15.50, I paid €4.65 - Earrings were €12.50, I paid €3.75 - Necklace was €19, I paid €5.70

Play Date

One month has passed since receiving a special thank you gift from Annette Matthews of Shugal for featuring her shoe clips in 24Seven - today I decided it was about time the clips, my shoes and I had some fun.  Seconds later my floor was a sea of shoes but I managed to narrow it down to 3 pairs a pair for each set of clips.  The clips as promised are simple to attach and my feet were completely unaware of their adorned accessories.  I must make this a regular play-date; similar to an afternoon in a shoe shop without the hefty bill at the end.

Shugal Shoe Clips are available to purchase on line and there are a number of stockists in Ireland of which details are given on http://www.shugal.biz

PS Thanks Dylan x (my son the budding photographer)

24Seven Publication 13th July 2010

I haven't posted my 24Seven Publications in over a month - didn't want it to take over my blog as it is a weekly magazine.  Going forward I've decided to only post these images once a month choosing my favourite from the past months features.  To view all of my 24Seven Features check out my Facebook page.

Stamp Approval for Irish Fashion Designers

I have a vague memory of beginning a stamp collection when I was a child.  Little enjoyment was attained so it was a short lived hobby and stamps went completely off my radar (barring the posting of Christmas cards and the odd postcard).  Who'd have foreseen a day when I'd find myself rush excitedly to the Post Office not solely to see their most recent stamps but to take their photo?  On Thursday 15th July An Post launched a collection of 6 Stamps designed by Ger Garland to honour the National and International work of a selection of Irelands Fashion Designers.  The first set celebrates the work of Paul Costelloe, Louise Kennedy and Lainey Keogh while the second set honours John Rocha, Philip Treacy and Orla Kiely.  The stamps look fantastic and the embossed print adds some touchy feely luxury.  Both sets will be stylishly framed and hung with pride in my office as a reminder of our countrys fantastic designers and my pathetic attempt at stamp collecting.  http://www.irishstamps.ie/Shop/c-62-irish-fashion-designers.aspx

Meeting of the Sales

I had my annual meeting with the sales earlier this week as a birthday treat and had an amazing day - did not want to come home!  With my birthday falling midst the summer reductions and having my wallet lined with extra cash (thanks to my loving family) I'd like to think over the years I've become a savvy spender.  Here are my top sale shopping tips to help you

• Review your wardrobe; make note of pieces you don't wear but would love to if you had a top to match or co-ordinating shoes.  Do you have lots of Going Out Clothes but lacking Casuals?  Lots of trousers not enough tops?  Need a new jacket?  Scribble down a small list of items you could buy which will help you wear your existing wardrobe more.

• Plan your shopping trip for an early morning weekday when the shops are quieter. The sale rails and rows of shoes won't be in disarray from crowds of manic shoppers and you won't have to experience the unpleasantness of pushing and shoving.

• Shop ALONE I know it doesn't sound as much fun as a day with the girls but you won't get second opinions or be distracted by what they're looking at.  Plan a separate trip with the girls when you can show off your new purchases.

• Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to change in and out of (again and again).  Normally I wear jeans and a simple top with a light cardigan/jacket over it and comfy wedges.  Avoid wearing bracelets....either they'll snag the clothes when trying on or you'll have to take them off each time.  An across the body bag will leave your hands free for routing and carrying.  Bring some water and chocolate to keep you hydrated and energised (I'll make up any excuse for chocolate breaks)

• Don't purchase anything without first trying it on and looking at yourself from all angles.  If possible it's a good idea to step out of the changing cubicle and take a look at yourself from a distance for a far more flattering and full lenght view.

• Stick to your list - if you must make an impulse buy then treat yourself to some statement jewellery.  You can never have too many accessories.

Happy shopping!!xx

Good Morning Primer

My Day does not begin without make-up.....some even think I sleep with it on!?! It's not that I'm vain (please don't call me vain) I simply enjoy the ritual of applying my make-up each morning.  Coffee lovers can't tackle their day without a caffeine kick - well make-up is my coffee.

Two months ago, with a little arm twisting from my sister the make-up technician, I purchased Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer.  Since my splurge I can't have my make-up fix without first applying my newly treasured primer.  For all you girls that haven't experienced Gosh Primer it's the equivalent to rubbing the softest smoothest silk (or maybe velvet - as the name suggests) all over your skin - DIVINE.  The pleasure doesn't end there, after waiting a couple of minutes for the primer to work its magic, you'll pleasantly find your foundation gliding effortlessly over your face leaving you with a flawless even coverage.  Even better still you will notice a significant increase in your foundations staying power - I definately did.

24Seven Publication 8th June 2010

24Seven Publication 1st June 2010

24Seven Publication 25th May 2010

24SEVEN

Anyone like getting FREE magazines well watch out for Irelands newest glossy magazine - 24SEVEN.....I recommend flicking straight to page 12 for my 3-page Fashion Feature!!  From 18th May the mag will come with the following papers:

Carlow People (my local paper), The Argus, Bray People, The Corkman, Drogheda Independent, Fingal Independent, Guardian, The Kerryman, New Ross Standard, Wexford People and Wicklow People

Vintage Fashion Fair

All things vintage have seen a huge popularity increase over the last couple of years. Our monthly clothing budget may have decreased but we're looking on the bright side and getting creative; mixing designer with highstreet with vintage and best of all adding our own unique customisation.

I was hit with an overwhelming buzz of pure fashion love, addiction and even a whisper of "look at what I'm wearing" at the vintage fair last Sunday. So check out who impressed me with their style at the event.

Even while vintage shopping you can still follow this seasons key trends.  Designers of today are constantly influenced by designers of the past.  While routing through the rails I found a divine navy floral jumpsuit - and I'm wondering why I didn't bring it home - it would have made a perfect addition to my Summer wardrobe and you've guessed it soooo on trend.  I did however purchase a indigo denim quilted bag which will definately be a extremely mixable piece for me not just for this season.

I also stumbled upon some amazing designer bargains at A&E Vintage/Retro's stand my fav being a Chloe Wool Wrap Coat at an unbelievable 200 Euro, the colour - stunning!!  I watched lots of people of all shapes and heights try it on....fab on everyone.  Another eye catcher was a very wearable dress by 1960's designer icon Pierre Cardin, if I remember correctly this piece was selling for 70 Euro.  A big thanks to Edwina for letting me take some pics and for my gorgeously denim bargin bag.

This was my second vintage fair experience and I truely recommend it to all fashion lovers/addicts.  This event is returning in October so watch out for your Chiconomics Email  nearer the time for all the details.

Stacking

Christmas is long forgotten but I wanted to share with you one of my favourite pressies - a glitzy stacked Martine Wester ring from my significant other. Sadly the boutique where it was bought is no more....a recession casualty. Whenever an occasion warranted a surprise for me I steared my Hubby straight there and the owner Deidre would discretly tell him exactly what I wanted....everyone was happy!

I googled Martine Wester yesterday and found her website, http://www.martinewester.com/. You can shop online or visit an Irish Stockist; Butterslips, Kilkenny; Fran & Jane, Dublin & Cork; Halo, Dublin; Wogan's, Dunleer and Luca in Cork. Check out her new selection of stacked rings - gorgeous combinations of pearls, bead clusters and crystals - I still covet mine but will definately be adding another to my jewellery box.