Long before leather satchels or shearling lining became this seasons fashion trend, Garvan de Bruir was producing his leather satchels and laptop bags with real sheepskin lining. Although relatively new to the accessory scene, Garvan de Bruir has been producing architecture, furniture and sculpture from his Kildare town workshop for a few years now and has been tipped as one to watch for a few years now with Irish Tatler, including de Bruir on their Hot 100 list for 2005.
Garvans leatherworks are made using the finest leathers and traditional saddlery skills. His leather collection consists mainly of luggage and technology covers. His recently launched quilted and sheepskin lined iPad covers are the best iPad covers I have seen and are well worth the investment at €95 – €110.
My particular favourite is his sheepskin lined laptop bag, which fits perfectly into this seasons trends. I could see myself leaving the laptop at home and just using this as a bag. You won’t get these goodies in a high street store but they are available to buy online at http://www.debruir.com/
De Bruir leatherwork doesn’t come cheap but quality never does and if you doubt the work and skill that goes into these bags, the next time you are visiting the Kildare Village Outlet Mall, why not make a trip to the De Bruir workshop which is just a 5 minute walk from the Mall. For more information check out the link above.
It’s Derby week in Kildare. With the Dubai International Derby on this Sunday, Kildare’s boutiques are clamouring with woman looking for accessories to finish off their outfit. I came across Heavenly Shoes in Clane, Co. Kildare as they stock Rockin’ Reptile shoes as seen on Xpose, but when I arrived I was surprised that Rockin’ Reptile is not the only reason to pay them a visit. The store has an amazing selection of shoes, bags, parasols and other accessories. The store stocks some exquisite brands; Mary Frances Bags from San Francisco (below) and Belen Donate Shoes from Spain (below) are highly detailed and ornate pieces, priced at the high end for the special occasion or red carpet shopper. For the mother of the bride, Lisa Kay shoes and bags are a popular brand at the boutique, often featuring a lower heel; more comfortable shoes that are great wardrobe staples and can be worn again and again. To my delight the much loved Fiorelli bags ( mentioned here before at wow.ie) are also in stock at Heavenly Shoes.
Staying in Kildare, I can’t leave the topic of race day accessories without mentioning Aristo-Hats hat rental in Newbridge. Aristo-Hats has a spectacular range of hats for rental at very reasonable prices – I just rented a hat there for €35. Hats for rental include those by Philip Treacy and other great milliners, and have topped off best dressed ladies at recent ladies days including Punchestown. For more information, see www.aristo-hats.com
The media are not always kind to uber stylist Rachel Zoe. Only last year I heard one TV programme blame Rachel Zoe for Nicole Richie’s very thin frame, saying that the stars association with the stylist had led her to try to mimic her body shape, resulting in an eating disorder. However, when watching a marathon session of ‘The Rachel Zoe Project’ recently, her body shape was the last thing on my mind. This programme is the latest in a number that have used the American fashion industry as a source for reality television, but is way more insightful and interesting than Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. This is worth watching even if it is just to enjoy Rachel’s own personal style in action. She totally hits Boho Chic out of the park, loves statement accessories, and all things vintage.
One of the things that surprised me most is how little input the Hollywoood A-listers that use Rachel to style them for the Oscars and Emmys have. They seem to leave it all up to the stylist to arrive with a few options for the events including dresses, jewellery, footwear and even underwear and insoles! The deciding factor seems to be the option that will get them most noticed but least likely to end up on the worst dressed list.
If you want more of Rachel Zoe, her book Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour is available to buy online or you can sign up to her daily newsletter at www.rachelzoe.com.
It is hard to find the perfect hat to wear during Summer time, especially while holidaying. The two basic options of peaked cap or wide brimmed hat don’t give us much opportunity to stand out from the crowd or accessorise in the best way possible. There is, however, another option that will leave your head sheltered from the sun while making you the most fashionable diva at the pool! I’m talking about Head Scarves. These cheap and space saving accessories are available in so many colours and styles that you won’t have any trouble finding one to go with whatever outfit you choose.
Now of course I have been inspired in my discovery by the latest Sex and the City Movie. In one scene SJP wears a beautiful turban with her peach Halston Kaftan Dress. Now I’m not brave enough to wear a turban but I found that the right headscarf, tied the right way, can be just as effective and less likely to get you asked if you’ve just flown in from Abu Dhabi!
So where to start, well first you need to locate a nice scarf. The problem is that many scarfs that are widely available are long rectangular scarfs (like the one seen below from Monsoon), but in order to achieve the right affect you really need a square scarf that is folded diagonally to produce a triangle. Not to worry, if you buy a long rectangular scarf, you can double it over and then fold over a piece at the end to produce a square, then fold diagonally to make a triangle from this. Then simply wrap the longest part of the triangle around your forehead, bring the edges of the triangle around to the back tightly and tie.
You can leave your hair flowing down underneath and add a few soft curls with a curling tongs for a nice affect ala SJP or you can tie the scarf under a pony tail and then wrap what is left of the scarf around the hair.
To finish off the look you can add a nice brooch to the scarf close to one of your ears. But if you wear one of these don’t expect to get much relaxation by the pool. You will be constantly bothered by admiring girlies asking where you got yours.
If you’re in need of a good ‘pick me up’ or, if you are looking for a great day out for an upcoming birthday or other special occasion, Bella Makeover in Dublin’s city centre might have just what you need – as I discovered on a recent trip to their studio with the girlies. ‘Bella The Makeover Studio’ is the only studio of its type in Dublin as it provides a full hair and makeup session before your photo shoot. This is a really great combination of services and it ensures that you really look your best for the photo shoot.
On arrival, we were treated to champagne while a staff member hung the outfits we had brought along for our different looks. After a cleanse, tone and moisturise, and mini manicure, our hair and makeup were done according to our preferences. We were given the option of false eyelashes which cost €19 extra, but this included being shown how to apply them and an assurance that they could be reused up to 15 more times.
Next came the actual photo Shoot (a la one of the girlies above). Our female photographer was very friendly and made us all feel relaxed. Now don’t worry if you’re not the modelling type, the photographer is great at showing you how to pose and seems to know what works well for most people. They advised that we bring four outfit changes but were happy to accommodate more outfits than that on the day if we wanted. The photographer also had some of the studios own hats and other accessories which helped to really add some thing extra to some of the shots. It was really great to do it as a group with some friends and we also got some great group shots, which the photographer was happy to facilitate.
During our photo viewing session which followed, a very patient lady showed us all of our shots and allowed us to order our prints to be collected the following week, allowing enough time for any airbrushing required.
The Good – Very friendly staff, equally as good at hair and makeup, really listened to what each of us wanted. The studio also offers hair and makeup sessions and lessons if you’re not interested in a photo shoot. The studios very own lip plumping gloss really works. You can purchase this from them for €15.
The Bad –The hair, makeup and photo session costs €200 and does not include any hair and makeup change during the shoot, so if you wanted to change your hair or makeup for a particular outfit, there is an extra cost, although they did give us a complimentary lip change on the day. The mini manicure only included one layer of nail varnish, a second coat would have helped it last longer.
The Beautiful – Overall we were all very happy with our experience at Bella and with the shots we came out with. It was a totally positive experience.
It’s like a pick ‘n mix of Hollywood Glamour, the Oscars are the night when the most perfect are dolled up to the nines to look their best, but some still fall short. Here are my picks for best dressed, worst dressed and a few other observations.
Best Dressed
Sandra Bullock looked fab in this beaded Marchesa gown. So pretty and glamorous and suited the occasion perfectly. Because of the amount of detailing and lush fabric this is a look not easily replicated by us mere mortals.
Jennifer Lopez’s irrediscent pink Armani Privé (Armani Haute Couture) gown showcases a trend that Jennifer Hudson wore at this years golden globes – origami folds. Jo Lo really got it right this year compared to last years gold mess. The iridescent pink combines two other major trends in colour this year – blush tones and metallic. Poor Amanda Seyfried wore a very similar dress also by Armani – ouch someone’s in trouble.
Not so Nice
Nicole Richie got a great response in this Reem Acra vintage gown but sorry I just don’t like it. I think it swamps her tiny frame and makes her look about ten years older than she is. The dark hair, dark make-up and dark dress combined are just so depressing.
Demi Moore gets marks for a good effort in this Versace but unfortunately her fake tan blends in with the dress, and I’m so over blush ruffles, Penelope Cruz did this look at the 2007 Oscars in a gown also by Versace.
Risk Takers
Sarah Jessica Parker often takes risks on the red carpet and somehow she always manages to pull it off. It must be her off centre beauty as I don’t think this dress would look half as nice on a classic beauty. By the way it’s Chanel Coture.
What the Hec?
Poor Charlize Theron. She is the face of Dior but some cruel person at Dior put her in this awful creation. It looks like one of Madonna’s corsets got wrapped in a bridesmaid dress. I know it’s Haute Couture but that’s no excuse for making someone look just plain silly.
I was browsing through Debenhams in Whitewater Shopping Centre a few weeks ago when I stumbled across their bag department. I love a distinctive bag that has lots of visual interest. Debenhams have really scored with their handbag range from designers like Jasper Conran and Ben de Lisi, Matthew Williamson, Modalu and Risk, but the range that really struck me was their bags from Fiorelli.
Fiorelli products are designed in London by a team of designers and they stock many shops in the UK and Ireland, including Debenhams. Their current range seems to be influenced by the aesthetic of Italian leather handbags with frills and ruffles in soft imitation leather. They also have lots of handbags in this seasons nude tones. Fiorelli have their own website from which you can buy their handbags – see www.fiorelli.com/shop/
Here are some of my favourites from bags at Debenhams and the Fiorelli range;
Light brown slouchy shoulder bag in real leather – £99 by Modalu, available at Debenhams online and in store.
Cherry leather & suede ‘Ivy’ grab bag by Risk – £110 available at Debenhams online and in store.
Below are from the Fiorelli range;
Mink ‘Hampton’ large shoulder bag by Fiorelli – £59 – available at Debenhams and Fiorelli online and in store.
Bronze ‘Lynhurst’ large hobo bag by Fiorelli for Debenahms – £55 available at Debenhams and Fiorelli online and in store.
Aaron Medium handbag by Fiorelli €79 available at Fiorelli online.
A trend that I see emerging everywhere at the moment is one that is so simple and easy to achieve but is totally classic and elegant, it is the black skirt and white/cream top. Almost all the high street stores are serving up their version of this trend, and many of them are making it easy for us by combining the black skirt and cream top into an all in one dress. The great thing is that most of us have these wardrobe staples already, so we can easily combine them with a few accessories to bring them right up to date.
The only possible pitfall of wearing this trend is that if you don’t get it right you could be mistaken for the waitress if you wear it out to dinner! To avoid this it is probably best if the top is not a collared blouse or cotton shirt. Instead go for interesting cream tops in indulgent fabrics like satin, lace or chiffon. You can have great fun with this trend by contrasting the fabrics and textures in the black bottom and cream top. There are also lots of great black and cream accessories out there right now that you can use to pull the look together. Add a string of pearls or oversized flower (yes, sorry the oversized flower hasn’t gone away) and viola, you’re ready to go. Add a red handbag or other accessories for an eye-popping contrast if you wish.
Pictured above from top left to bottom right – Karen Millen Belted Knit Dress – £99, Lipsy Colourblock Bow Dress – £45, Coast Jeffie Shirt – £70, ASOS Two In One Jersey Workwear Dress – £20.00, ASOS flower clip – €4 for pair of two, Faith Cirence Court Shoe – £60, Oasis Button Front Skirt – £40, Monsoon Pearl Bracelet – £8
The great thing about attending a good boutique fashion show, rather than that of one particular designer, is that you get to see lots of different looks by different designers carefully selected and presented together in a highly wearable manner. This was certainly the case at last nights fashion show for Aria Boutique in the Village at Lyons in Celbridge.
Several different themes were presented, including Smart Casual, Statement Coats, Colour, 40′s, 80′s, Party Season and Couture. Stylist Cathy O’Connor guided us through each theme explaining how best to achieve the look in an accessible manner. For those worried about how to wear colour, Cathy explained that colour can be added to any outfit using tights and accessories. Many of the girlies in the audience had already worked this one out for themselves as there were loads of coloured tights and contrasting coloured boots and shoes visible on the attendees.
One of my favourite themes presented was the ruffles and bows and it was expertly demonstrated that the best way to achieve this look was to go for ruffles and bows on a trim. The 40′s theme with a fitted silhouette and fabulous headwear showed some beautiful outfits that would be great for a winter day event. One outfit was matched with long pearl necklace (see pic below), nothing new here, but it showed how to achieve that classic look perfectly.
The evening was presented by Rosanna Davidson, who looked fab in a silver and black sequin dress from Italian Designer, Fairly, which was also presented as part of the party theme. This party dress is totally on trend and is available at Aria Boutique for €420, expensive but I could imagine getting a few party seasons out of this dress.
In plenty of time for you to get kitted out for the party season, Aria Boutiqueof Naas and Saggartare hosting their Annual Fashion Show on 8th October in The Village at Lyons (In Newcastle, Co. Kildare) at 7.00pm.
Pieces which will be on view on the night will be from International designers such as Malene Birger (pictured), Ben De Lisi, Custo Barcelona, Fairly and She So. All the latest trends of Autumn/Winter ’09 will be on show, from dual tones, ruffles / bows, 1940′s, statement coats and 80′s rock, so something for every taste.
Derrick Carberry will be on hand to give this seasons make up tips and style tips will be available on the night from one of Ireland’s leading stylists Cathy O’Connor. The whole night will be hosted by Rosanna Davidson.
Now before you decide you can’t be bothered dragging your way down to some village in Kildare of a Thursday night for a fashion show when we are already mid season, I have below some reasons why you might want to make the effort for this one;
- The Village at Lyons is worth a visit in its own right. It’s kind of a show village that was restored and opened in 2006. It has beautiful restaurants, functions rooms etc. To see what I mean visit www.villageatlyons.com
- You know you want to see Rosanna Davidson in real life because you don’t trust the Miss World Judges and you’ve always wondered if she was really that gorgeous. (Now be nice girls, no bitchy comments please)
- Make up tips from Derrick Carberry, he of the “Gothic Look” shoot for Xpose – you need to hear his advice if you don’t want to end up looking like that guy from The Cure this autumn winter.
- Aria Boutique really do pick some great pieces, don’t believe me, see www.ariaboutique.ie
- Tickets are €50 and ALL proceeds go to theJack and Jill Foundation, so no guilt involved in this fashion spend. Tickets are available by contacting Aria Boutique directly.
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