Not long to go now, the countdown is on!  Forever21 is finally coming to Dublin!  For those of you that don’t know (just in case!) Forever 21 is an American highstreet store that is as fun, funky and girly a store as Topshop is.  They could be described as a version of Penneys with clothes being more stylish and also with Penneys prices!  It’s always been on my hitlist when I holidayed in Florida and New York.  It’s really every girls dream walk in wardrobe with clothes to suit every girl from rock and urban to girly and chic.

The chain stocks everything from dresses and jewellery to lingerie and beauty buys.  The uber chic store has chosen Ireland as their first port of call and decided to test the waters here and see how popular it will be.  Lucky us!  The expected launch opening is pencilled in for around the November mark which means we’ll have their Winter collections to look forward to and believe me…. I haven’t seen them disappoint to date.  It’s said to be a central location and much speculation has been made of the closure of the Arnotts project and so I’ve heard whispers that’s where it will be.  It’s definitely time for an exciting injection of much needed american influence.  Their collections by `Twelve by Twelve` and `Heritage 81` have long been favorites of mine.  Take a look at their current collections… just to give you a peek of what’s to come and what’s on offer!  Ok hurry up Sephora, it’s your turn next!

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Good news for the ladies who aren’t huge fans of a four-plus inch heel but do love a designer purchase.  Following Lanvin and Pierre Hardy’s lead Jimmy Choo has ditched its high heel in favor of a more urban rock collection.  Jimmy Choo is a big name in the shoe world but not all ladies feel comfortable walking around in that height heel and prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground!  So with this in mind the salubrious House of Choo has finally launched a collection of flatware for us ladies!!!

The trainers come in two very different styles: the Tokyo version is high top and the Miami version are low top.  All styles feature a mix of patent and suede material and are finished with the trademark Jimmy Choo star.  Now, I don’t know exactly how I feel about these trainers yet as I’m a total heel gal and am never parted from my heels BUT I’ll try anything at least once!  My favorite pair are the metallic, white and beige low tops.  They’re comfy yet stylish and will definitely see you through the Summer if you do decide to go and invest!

Prices start from €350 and upwards, if you are feeling like a splurge go and treat yourself!  The collection is available now from JimmyChoo.com.  We predict them to be a favorite amongst fashion editors on the go.  Check `em out..

Would you rock these?

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Ok, so there’s not a girl I know that doesn’t have a style crush on Pixie Lott.  The quirky 19 year old is favoured for her effortless, bo-ho festival chic.  Constantly photographed in her trademark hippy style, I’m a huge fan of her style and so when we heard she was launching her own Summer range with Lipsy we couldn’t wait to see what the collection was to consist of!  It will be two separate collections: one for Summer and also one for Winter!  Each collection will contain around seven different pieces.

So far we know that the Summer range consists of bleached denims, vintage dresses, fringed waistcoats and draped maxi dresses.  All styles will feature this seasons hottest trends such as studding, fringing, embellishments, chiffon and animal prints.  What a collection and you can see for yourself right now on the Lipsy.com site or if you don’t fancy waiting too long for it, head to BT2 right now and check out the pieces.  The online store and concessions will be stocking the entire range in sizes 8 to 14 with prices starting at €50.  Here are a few for you to drool over right now. My favourite is the white and embroidered dress with boots and knee high socks… perfect for the Summer festivals coming up.  For a more relaxed day time look it has to be the grey-blue maxi dress.  Oh which to choose, can I have them all??

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Go nude… and blush!

With Summer finally here (we’ve been waiting aaages!) it’s time to say hello again to… culottes!  Yep, that’s right, they’re back and I couldn’t be happier!  Topshop, Oasis and River Island have all been freshly delivered with the cute shorts but Penneys have done it again and caught my attention first.  These cute salmon pink culottes with black polka dots are only €11 from the pocket friendly store.  I’ll be wearing mine with a little black crop top and pumps!

The hat is also from Penneys and is an unbelievable €4.  A safer bet if you are not a sequin headpiece kinda gal.

Continuing to embrace neutrals I’ve paired them with this blush pink top.  It’s from Topshop and is priced at €58.  It has a zipper back and victorian style sleeves.  Yes please!

The Balmain inspired peep-toe heels have a touch of military about them to toughen up this look.  They are from New Look and are priced at €19.  They’re very comfy too… trust me!

This Turquoise bag with gold chain detail and mock croc effect is sure to brighten up the dullest of outfits.  It is priced at €28 and is from Asos.

Oh Summer, we love you!

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1940′s Flapper Glam!

Well, it looks like Dunnes Stores are going to keep on continuing to wow us with arrival after arrival of stunning dresses and party wear!

I spied some gorgeous girly party dresses and accessories, not forgetting the shoe department!  They’ve come up trumps I can tell ya, so get down and have a look for yourselves!  This 1940′s flapper dress is a total bargain at only €20 and it is looking so much more expensive than the price tag they have displayed to us.

It’s still all about neutrals so I’ve paired this look with nude peep toe heels.  They have a front platform making it so much easier to walk in.  You’ll spend longer on the dance floor in these comfies!  They are from Schuh and cost €75.  As they are colourless they will clash with less enabling you the choice of wearing them with a number of outfits… win win!

This clutch has a snake skin effect which never seems to date.  Wear it with anything to anywhere to add instant style and glamour.  It’s an amazing €7 from Penneys.

In keeping with the era check out this gold sequin head piece.  Once the sought after item of ladies at ladies day, headpieces are fast becoming a wardrobe staple.  This one is from H&M and priced at only €5.90!  Get experimenting ladies..

This is my favorite item of the week that Asos have to offer.  A nude lace pair of wristlets.  Perfect for the girly lady out there.  I got a pair myself and I have them worn to death!  They are €7 and only one is pictured here but they do come as a pair.

And finally we have the bracelet.  This three row pearl bracelet is from River Island and is €11.  Pearls will always stay in fashion… they are here to stay!

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Kate Moss is never one to miss out on parading the hottest trend and she certainly didn’t disappoint stepping out looking her usual glamourous self rocking the Spring/Summer ’10 military trend.  We’re just about over the pvc leggings craze and Kate shows just why!  Leather trousers are the item of the season to invest in.  However, do splash out a little extra on them as not only will they last you a life time, with more and more wear, they will succumb to the distressed look adding more character to your leather.

Kate has kept her look dark and mysterious and has paired hers with a plain black tee and a suede and embroidery shawl.  Embroidery has been re-introduced the last two seasons but thanks to Christopher Kane and the late Alexander McQueen they have made it a modern and glamorous welcome embellishment to any piece of clothing.  Adding colour to her ensemble Kate chose a pillar-box red clutch and has topped it all off with a pair of multiple inch Louboutin booties.

Heres how to get the look!

These leather trousers are only €88.42 (from €126.32) at Asos and with delivery only €4 to Ireland you’d be carzy to say no.  These are definitely the best priced leather trousers around!

Choose from one of these black tees, both from Miss Selfridge. The one on the left is priced at €19 or if you’d like to glam it up opt for this sexy one shoulder top that will look fantastic with your leather trousers once the cardi comes off!  It is only €21!

This lightweight cardi is perfect for both Summer and Winter (just layer it up in winter!).  It’s a real statement piece from Reiss and the fringing detail is really doing the rounds this year.  Priced at €179 but don’t let that put you off.  I know you’ll wear this to death so price per wear means it’s a bargain!

Whether or not your trousers/leggings have belt slots, still stick this trendy belt around your waist to instantly add a little something extra to finish off any look.  It has punched hole detailing around the band, is versatile, and you’ll find it at Oasis – price €25.

These open wedges are from Reiss and I can’t think of a single item of clothing they won’t go with.  I love the multiple rope detailing!  They are €189 and also come in cream.

Adding a much needed splash of colour to this look, I found this gorgeous red corsage bag.  Simply pop the chain inside or keep it out depending on whether you want a clutch or on the shoulder bag!  New Look bring us this gorgeous bag and is a steal at €15.  It also comes in black and baby pink/nude.  Take your pick!

Just add some smoky eyes, red lip colour and messy hair and you are ready!

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When I saw the ultra quirky POP range by PPQ at Littlewoods, I was so impressed and as usual had come across a few pieces that I pencilled on my ‘want list!  The collection is full to the brim with bang on trend designs.  From nautical prints to colour blocking and girly frills and broiderie, the collection is oh so tempting.  It’s probably my favourite collaboration that Littlewoods have produced to date.  They have come up trumps with their designs and celebrity collaborations are becoming more and more popular.

To date Caprice, Holly Willoughby, and Peaches Geldof have all worked on collaborations for the catalogue clothing site.   It’s fun to mess around with fashion and this POP range allows you to do just that!  The collection was launched in January and I’m not much of a catalogue shopper but while browsing the website these colourful designs really caught my eye.  The designs and cut are so retro.  Perfect for anybody who would describe their style as eclectic and not at all safe!  The prices are pretty reasonable too, considering it’s PPQ!  Not one item exceeds the price of €70!  Here are a few teasers for you to drool over.

This chambray dress is priced at €69.  It has a cute tiered effect skirt and you can pull the sleeves down or keep ‘em up!  Beach time or lunch time this gorgeous dress will hang in your wardrobe Summer after Summer.

This casual day dress can be dressed up for night time too.  Just be sure to add tonnes of gold bangles and of course the sky high heels for effect!  Try mixing it up a bit by adding lace tights or for those who like to play it a little more safe wear it with black tights.  It’s €69 and the simple style ensures it will not date for at least the next four or five seasons!

Now this number just screams Dolce!  Really wish I had the figure to rock it but i dont, so, for those of you who do here we go.  It’s a chambray bra top with matching swing skirt and screams Hello Summer!  The top is €24 and the skirt is €59.  Now all we need is a fab white (cropped, if possible!) cardi to add to it!

Colour block!  Nothing makes me happier than an item of clothing that has a dozen colours in it.  I never play it safe and much prefer to experiment and this dress is perfect for that.  With multiple shades this dress gives you the option of being able to pair it with an array of different shoes and accessories.  Great for those who don’t like to be too limited.  It’s €44 and as it’s a bodycon you have the option of slipping over it, a simple black crop top (Penneys, remember?) to give it a new lease of life!

Ok so here it is… my personal high light of the collection.   This nautical inspired dress is so different from the usual designs we’ve seen so far.  It is highly retro and simply commands a second glance!  The dress itself is a halterneck style.  Only €44 to own!  I’m literally in heaven just looking at this dress.

Take your pick ladies!

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With summer fast approaching and sun holidays being booked it’s time to get our Summer fun wardrobe together!

As always our trusty favourite Penneys saves the Summer yet again!  Thrilling us with cute play suits, flirty dresses and mega trendy hats!  They just keep on surprising us and this has definitely been their best year yet.

Check out this Dior look girly dress.  It’s part of the Penneys‘ limited edition collection and is priced at €23!  Perfect for dinner at night on your hols!  It is due in stores at the end of March (get your skates on!), so come on girls, it’s all about the underwear as outerwear!

Another cutie arriving to Penneys at the end of the month is this gorgeous black floral dress (the boat hat was in at the end of Feb).  Looking much more expensive than the €18 price tag this shift dress can be worn so many different ways that you’ve already got your monies worth!  It’s on my shopping list and I’ll be pairing it with my white pumps, maybe my tan brogues or perhaps my 5inch peep-toes.  How will you wear yours?

This colourful rainbow themed bikini, €10, is due in stores right now and is definitely a purchase to make!  It’s sure to grab you some attention as you walk along the beach and looks like so much fun to wear.  Be extra girly and add a cute corsage to the bikini strap.  Pennyes have a wide range from only €2 to €4!

Who knew walking on the beach could be so glam!

Matalan have lotsa surprises up their sleeves for us this Summer with a fab range of swimwear in their Spring/Summer collections.  This pink satin two piece is priced at €20 and will compliment most Irish skin tones. The twisty detail on the top and bottom are just the perfect design to add to this strapless number!

The Hawaiin floral bikini is another favourite (God I want/need them all!).

It is €13 and again from Matalan.  The wooden embellishments add something extra giving the illusion you are wearing this Summers big hit… a statement necklace.

Which two are your favourite?

And not forgetting Next!  These guys tend to be outdone by the likes River Island and Topshop but this season they’ve excelled themselves.  With so many gorgeous items in their swimwear collection, we narrowed it down and selected the best for you to choose from.

This pink bikini is in stores now and priced at €40.  It has clever ruching on the bikini top giving the illusion of a fuller chest.  Yes please!!

Hello St. Tropez!  What a gorgeous, black jewel-encrusted mono-kini with a price tag of €40!! and it’s perfect for those who love sparkle.  Wear it on the beach as well as for night time drinks by slipping over a classy pair of high waisted trousers or sleek skinny jeans!  A great option for those more conscious of their tummies.

It’s definitely all about the sparkle this Summer and that’s why we’ve added this lovely.  The bright yellow color is perfect for those of you wanting to show off that fab tan you’ve worked on (after all, it did take a long time lying on that hot beach with sand stuck to your face!).  It is €35 and has subtle yellow sequins on the top and also the bottoms.  So cute, how could you say no!  Yellow is also one of THE colours this season.

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Over the weekend I had the exciting priviledge of assisting Catherine Condell on the model train (at BT’s). Catherine is one of my favourite Irish stylists so it was a huge thrill to get to meet her!  The model train is a weekly fashion show held on a Saturday in Brown Thomas.  The models are booked to wear one particular designer each week and parade the stores four levels in the choosen garments.  It runs twice a day with three outfit changes and looks really stunning and gives you a great idea of how to work the range.  The ‘line up’ looks like a fashionable version of crime watch!

Seven models were booked on Saturday including well known models Sarah Morrissey, Sarah Mc Govern and Yomiko in the line up.  This week it was Donna Karan‘s designs that were being showcased.  The highlight out of all the pieces for me was a wrap top called a ‘cozy’.  The cozy can be worn twelve different ways, comes in an assortment of colours and ranges in price from €195 to €495 – depending on whether you want a cashmere one!  Although wearing it twelve different ways you’ll definitely get value for money with this piece.  Here we have a picture of the lovely Sarah Morrissey being demonstrated on by a DKNY assistant.  The top is amazing as it can change from halter to strapless to butterfly effect.  You name it!

This week we also had male models on the model train (it’s usually just the girlies!) who were showcasing Spring/Summer creations from Paul Smith and Prada.  The boys wore a mixture of suits, Summer wear and accessories (yay!).

Between the seven girls and four boys it really is a fun and eye catching way to make the clothes come to life.  The train normally finishes up around 3.30.  As if the eye candy wasn’t enough you can also enjoy sipping champagne whilst enjoying clothing demonstrations – what a lovely way to spend a Saturday!

Donna Karan pictured on the homepage.

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So ruffles were created to hide the flaws?  Well, I don’t believe so, however it is an added bonus that sometimes a ruffle dress can be a lifesaver at times when we may have exerted ourselves or plan on doing so.  Ladies take note.  Yes it is far easier to get away with a ruffley skirt or dress as opposed to an ultra tight waist cinching body con.  All that sucking in is sooo hard! With Summer here (well… it is outside my window!)  it’s time to get girly and embrace the ruffle.  Although it’s not a look suited to all body shapes, as Vera Farmiga highlighted at this years Oscars wearing Marchesa, it can be adapted quite easily.  RareFashion.co.uk’s new Spring Summer range is packed with so many gorgeous girly ruffles your bound to find the ruffle of your dreams!

For those of you not ready to go full on ruffle take a look at this cute tiered top.  Perfect for Summer and beautifully feminine.  Just add shorts and flip flops!  €34!

This girly pastel dress is perfect for all things Summer whether it’s an outdoor bbq or a night out with the girls!  At €45 we are saying yes please!  Pair this lovely with nude booties and your ready to go!

I can’t get enough of Rare’s new collections and I’ll definitely be adding this to my wardrobe.  A fab strapless, tiered white dress.  At €61 you won’t feel too bad when Summer is over!  Be careful though, it’s very…. white!

Check out this little cutie.  A ruffle skirt with cinched in waist for those of you who would like to combine both trends!  This dress is so versatile and costs just €60! Pumps, flops or killer heels, this dress can accompany all three.  Wear it with a fab cardi, cool pashmina or simply on its own!

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