Taking their cue from Hollywood… the stars that got it right on the night kept the dresses simple and elegant, accessories to a minimum and barely there makeup.

You’ll remember from The Oscars, that bangles and chandelier earrings were the must-haves for jewellery, while statement necklaces were nowhere to be seen, gold and neutral hues ruled the red carpet and hair and makeup was minimalist.  Well, the VIP Style Awards certainly followed suit.

Total Xposure contestant and Assets model Ruth O’Neill looked beautiful (it’d be hard for her not to!), the dress reminded me of the paired back subtlety of Kate Winslets’ Yves Saint Laurent dress at The Oscars. It was simple and classic… if a little bit old for her.  Although it could have done with a bit of an iron before she left her house!

And can we say va-va voom… Glenda Gilson is certainly no wallflower, and with her private life recently being splashed all over the press it was great to see her basically stick two fingers up to the world and dress to kill!  She looked sensational in a bejeweled red dress with cut-out detailing and won the most stylish award!  Refreshingly she really sticks to her own rock-chic style while presenting on Xpose, wearing jeans, boots, rocker t-shirts, leather jackets etc.  She is true to her own style which makes her deservedly most stylish of the year in my eyes too.

There was one big trend that a few stars picked up on, which is the underwear/outerwear trend that is everywhere on the catwalk and high-street this season!

Sinead Desmond kept the lace overlay quite subtle and feminine, which is why she pulled it off superbly, and with a daring neckline the dress was made more exciting and reminiscent of a corset vibe.

But other guests who attempted the lace look weren’t so successful, the lace was either too dark, too much, or too heavy and they ended up looking more like they had been caught up in Spiderman’s web, than his love interest, heroine Mary Jane.

Yes, there are always a few misses at these events too and unfortunately the beautiful Rachel Kavanagh was another guest who got it wrong.  It firstly was something I would expect to see on a mother of the bride, or at least someone forty+ years Rachel’s senior.  The kimono style print and matching wrap-over was reminiscent of a 60’s housewife’s nightwear, and for someone so young and pretty it was a pity to see her drown herself in this outfit.

Anna Daly looked sensational… talk about hitting all the trends in one!  Ruffles down the train (but subtle), the gold hue ivory worked perfectly against her skin tone, and the unique butterfly/waistcoat effect on the bodice of the dress as well as the open back with jeweled spaghetti strap details, made it a statement number!  With the dress having enough detail she kept jewellery to a minimum with just one big bangle.  According to one Irish paper she had actually recycled her wedding dress for the event… well talk about recession proof and being ahead of the times!  Top marks.

But the star that stole the show in the style stakes was adopted Irish star, Michelle Heaton… a dress stunning enough to be seen on The Oscars red carpet.  (In fact it was nicer than most of The Oscar dresses we saw!)

The dress flowed in a teal blue chiffon with crystal cap sleeves and small crystal belt detail, she kept the accessories to a minimum and let the dress do the talking!  Her hairstyle was inspired by old Hollywood glamour, with sweeping waves and a side parting, and she also kept her makeup very natural and let her true beauty shine.  Although she arrived with her friend Katie Price, who was hounded by the paparazzi, it was Michelle’s timeless look that stole the show!

It was one of the most cringe worthy fashion moments of the 90’s when Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake turned up on the red carpet in matching denim outfits.  But who was to know that they would become the muses and inspiration behind the top design houses for Spring/Summer 2010… Double denim is back with a bang, yes, wearing head to toe denim is now actually acceptable.  Attempted originally in the 80’s, where permed hair was also acceptable, then reprised by the aforementioned tween pop stars and now finally hitting the catwalk and every magazine as the hottest trend of the season!

D&G, House of Holland, Chloe, Ralph Lauren, Jeremy Scott, all have the denim-on-denim done to perfection!  Denim jackets teamed with jeans, skirts, dresses and even hats.  But the best part of this trend is the re-invention of this classic all-American original was denim into jumpsuits, dresses and even suits.

House of Holland took denim to a new level with looks inspired by bondage and suiting, while Chloe attempted a daring dolly look with denim patchwork.  Chambray seemed to be the denim colour of the season which is a lighter than light denim-wash… this was seen on the Jeremy Scott models, while Ralph Lauren and D&G kept it retro classic with almost cowboy country inspired looks.  Lauren kept his American cool vibe he has every season, while D&G spiced up the generally casual fabric with detailing like ruffles on denim dresses and skirts and showing flashes of skin.

So how can we get away with this tricky trend off the catwalk?  Well, if wearing the same tone denims in one outfit like Jeremy Scott, then break it up with colourful or tan accessories, like a belt or jewellery.  Another way to wear this look is to mix up the denims with different washes, dark, light, chambray etc.

And if you are still unsure about this look, why not opt for the safer version and wear coloured denim jeans like white or peach, and team with a plain denim jacket!  At least that way it isn’t as obvious and you are easing your way into the trend.

Fashion creator Christophe DeCarnin re-inventing the military style on the catwalks of Paris.

Balmain’s eagerly anticipated Spring/Summer shows were an even bigger success than last seasons if you can imagine that!  Continuing with his structured coats and jackets, Christophe DeCarnin toned his line down this season just a little and continues to surprise us with his military line.  The collection of distressed military jackets were the highlight of his Paris Fashion Week shows!  We show you how to get the look for a lot less!  Check out this Vero Moda beige/nude military style jacket at asos.  Bang on trend, bang on colour and bang on price at €56.84!

If you are going to go all out and follow this seasons military look be sure to go all out and make the look your own!  Oasis‘ leather military jacket is extra hot as they’ve combined the two hottest looks at the moment!  Leather AND military.  Team it with a pretty floral dress for an extra twist.  Rock and Girly = Super Cool!  Having said that leather will always be in style so consider this an investment (at €150 we’d have to!), that will go with almost anything you have in your wardrobe.  You’ll wear it for years, trust me…

This New Look jacket is the newest addition to my wardrobe.  At €45 it is affordable disposable chic perfect for all you girls who like to stay ‘in style’.  I have worn this twice already and I expect it will see me right through the Summer!  Pair it with high-waisted shorts, a cute playsuit or a tight body con for night time.  You can dress it up or down!  Just don’t forget to add some height girls!  Check out River Island if you are on the hunt for a white version.

This month get yourself to Brown Thomas and support Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

Designer Tory Burch has created this limited edition bag to be exclusively sold at Brown Thomas stores to raise much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society and Donna Europa Ireland.  The leopard print canvas tote features the designers signature bright orange lining and is sure to be this Summers must have arm candy.  The tote is due to be launched on the 19th of March and the New York designer herself will be making a personal appearance!  Celeb fans include Blake Lively, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Hilary Swank.  If it’s good enough for them…!  At €45 you’ll feel good about not splurging and even better helping a worthy cause.  Yummy!

The immortal trench coat.  This seasons catwalks were awash with…. trench coats!  From laid-back neutrals and beige minimalism Burberry did it once again and managed to keep the trench coat just as popular.

The high street has been swamped with replicate versions but I think I’ve found the best and I’m even willing to share it!  Check out this New Look version.  It has the same great ruching on the sleeves, open swing skirt and fab girly sleeves!  How could you pass it by?  At €45 it is a steal and a big saving of €2,300!  Bargain of the century we think.

Good news for all you Kate Moss devotees.  The super model has teamed up with french company Longchamp to create and produce a range of bags.  The collection starts at €200 (that’s the good part!) and works it’s way up to €900.  From tan colours to zebra prints, zebra print lining and more there’s sure to be a style for all you fashion princesses to choose from!   For more have a look at longchamp.com.  The collection is available from Arnotts right now.   See ya there!

I recently got to work behind the scenes with U Magazine and Sarah Rickard!  The photographer, Johnny Mc Millin, was amazing to work with and he captured some really great shots.  Sarah’s mission was to take fifteen catwalk pieces and bring them to you via the high street!  Yipppeee!  One look I had eagerly awaited was the Lanvin onesie… remember?  Pictured bottom if not!  Divine!

Well, she managed to do so, and with the €129 Zara price tag, who could say no?  Model Agent participant Jennifer Foley was on hand to bring the pieces to life along with Theo @ 1st Option.  Looks created on the day ranged from Dior’s lingerie outerwear look, Stella McCartney’s blush lace jumpsuit and Burberry’s drapping goddess dresses!  With prices kept under €250, you’ll have this seasons whole wardrobe before you can say Autum/Winter!  Keep a look out for the shoot which hit the stores March 12th!

We recently told you about THE latest hair news to hit our shores, the dry style bar at BT2.  Naturally we will be testing this out on your behalf, just so we can report back… for work don’t you know!

Do you have a big night out coming up and want a red carpet hair make-over?  Whether you are a fan of sleek, bounce or curls the magic fairies at this dry style bar will send you out looking pap-tastic!  Well, the good people behind this ingenious idea are offering one lucky wow.ie reader a free session!!  You can have this session at BT2 Blanchardstown or Dundrum.

To be in with a chance of winning this session just tell us in the comments box below which celebrity mane do you most covet!  Good luck ladies, this is a great one to win

This Boucle Bead & Bow Jacket is available from New Look at £55.  M&S did an even better copy last year (below) that sent every self respecting recessionista Chanel fan into a frenzy.  The New Look version has a 2010 twist by adding the bow detailing and embellishement.  New Look’s version has a ribbon trim where as Chanel used a crocheted black rubber braid trim but who’s nit picking!

This ultra fab Deux Lux sparkly clutch will take you from evening to night and is the perfect outfit updater!   And at €89.63 you won’t feel too guilty about treating yourself!  Definitley on my Summer wishlist.  Swoon…

And for the rock chick in you check out this cool All Saints skull tee priced at €57.  Pair it with some wet look leggings or be totally different and tuck them into some beige high-waisted peg trousers.  You’ll get more than a second glance!

Keep on trend with these feminine military boots à la Balmain.  This seasons khaki colour is perfect for the Summer making these boots more appealing than last seasons drowned out colours.  They’ll take you all the way through Summer although, might be best to leave these babies home when hitting oxygen!  Priced at €250 @ Kurt Geiger.

And finally, saving the best for last, this cupid inspired asymmetrical jacket (matching shorts available).  I heart Sonia!  This piece has taken centre stage at almost every Spring/Summer collection this month including House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.  Priced at €370, it is on the expensive side but you know… buy once wear forever and ever!  All found at BT2.