As we’ve already mentioned AWear launched their Autumn Winter collection and got the almighty thumbs up from the wow.ie ladies.  Have a look at this clip made on their press day launch to see what big names in Irish fashion industry think.  We hear from Brendan Courtney, Meg O’Keeffe of Image magazine, stylist Courtney Smith and more, plus we even get to see our favourite gal Angela Scanlon work a couple of pieces that took her fancy.  You’ll get tips on how to wear some of the pieces.  Check out the camel coat that could be from any high end designer and THE key item to have this Winter, we reckon it will fly off the rails!

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Pictured above is a selection from their Antique look with both dresses priced at €35 and will work with tights, boots or pumps for a boho look.  The antique border lace skirt has been reduced from €30 – €10… HELLO!!  You can always bank on these guys to enable you to buy into trends without bursting your overdraft banks.  Their site is also useful to pick up tips even if you are not buying and incredibly user friendly so it’s a win win.

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Pick of the day today is this bow tie back Trench Coat from Dunnes Stores.  The coat, which is part of the latest Savida range, hits the print trend and will work with either day or evening wear, for office or going out.  It’s due in store this week and will cost you the lowly sum of €40!!  There’s a cinched in waste so it will work on any size and give a flattering shape.

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Yes, you read that right, Heatons are now available on line.  The value for money store is now available from the comfort of your home, or office depending on where you while away your on line shopping time!  If you prefer to not have your purchases delivered right under your bosses nose then you can organise for free collection in a store of your choice.  For more go to www.heatonsstores.com.

That’s not all the latest gossip from our budget friendly brand, they’ve also launched their A/W ’10 collection so we thought we’d bring you a little snippet to get you going… to their new site

Let’s start with a key trend this season, knitwear.  If you are conscious of looking ‘bulked up’ opt for fine knits.  This draped waterfall look cardi is easy for all shapes to wear and a bargain at only €25!  Team  it with a basic pair of skinny jeans or leggings from your wardrobe to instantly create the on-trend look or, team with office wear and it will see you right through the season.

The next look has a smack of Fearne Cotton.  It’s the continuation of last seasons trend into Autumn, the vibrant print.  Oversized prints will bring a splash of colour to your Winter wardrobe, and the printed skirt is a great quick fix, great to get away from dull blacks, if you’re brave enough!  This all-over print skirt (€15.00) is paired with a black long line vest (€6.00) for an attention grabbing look!

Round two and equally as stylishly pocket friendly!   A good coat is a sound investment at this time of year and a casual alternative to fur at the catwalk shows was Shearling.  What’s Shearling I hear you ask, well, a Shearling coat is defined as a fur coat comprised from lamb or sheep pelt.  Heatons have a collection of Shearling coats and jackets if you are on a tight budget this Winter.  This 60’s inspired swing coat (€39.50) will work in most wardrobes and comes in black or purple.

The sweetheart dress (€20.00) in warm berry with shoulder detail gives a sophisticated Autumn look.   Heatons also has a great collection of knit dresses including an Argyle print dress (€20), perfect dressing for chilly Autumn mornings or an office with no decent heaters!

It’s worth throwing your eye over the new collection and now you won’t even have to leave your seat, enjoy.

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If you are following us on twitter you’ll know I was lucky enough to have a sneaky peek at this collection last week and let’s just say I was very impressed.  Working girl meets 60′s is how to best describe the collection with some pieces looking more high end than high street – yay!  They’ve also a great range of maxi dresses and skirts for anyone on the hunt plus aviator style jackets and faux fur.  Personally, it was their dresses that made me swoon which were also very versatile.  This collection is available today.  To celebrate the launch AWear have given us a bag from the collection, which will be up for grabs over the next couple of days so keep watching

Take a look at the AWear press release and a couple of images to give you a taste of what to expect.

Salon Perfect Starlet meets Urban Beatnik

~A|wear launches Autumn 10’~

Get set for a season of modernised proportions & clean lines as the influence of the swinging 60’s comes to the forefront for the launch of A|wear’s new Autumn 10’ collection. Think Sienna as Edie Sedgwick in ‘Factory girl’ or Carey Mulligan in ‘An Education’ & take your style tips from some real fashion icons…..Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren & of course Twiggy. It’s time to channel your inner 60’s kitten!

Speaking on the launch of Autumn 10’ Brand CEO A|wear, Annmarie Flood said, “The retail landscape continues to change and our customer more than ever wants fashion she can fall in love with & at the same time is affordable. The new A|wear collection allows her the luxury of selecting several must haves pieces that will carry her through the entire season. My personal favourites for the season are the faux fur leopard jacket… so in keeping with the 60’s and perhaps what I love most about it, is it’s timelessness…. it’s a piece I will covet forever. In terms of colour, Camel is the colour that dominated the Autumn 10’ catwalks, whether it be warm shades of honey or caramel it’s really key this season. Another favourite piece of mine is the A|wear cape detail mac selected as a favourite by Vogue when we showcased our collection some months back, it’s the must have piece to transform your wardrobe for the season ahead. In dresses……I have always been a dress girl and this year there is so much to choose from in all lengths mini to maxi…there really is a dress for every girl.”

Coats & Jackets

Top of your shopping list for Autumn | Winter 2010’- A must have camel coat. Whether it be a simple mac, an oversized cape or the all important duffle coat. Team it up with deep indigo skinny jeans and a leopard print pussy bow blouse to bring it to life. As a contrast to camel & a key print of the 60’s, leopard makes a reappearance. Available in both a cropped style with faux fur trim or the swinging 60’s shift shape. Add a dash of leopard print to anything to ensure absolute seasonal definition. The collarless biker jacket in black and the faux sheepskin shearling jacket in warm stone are two jackets that really make a high impact fashion statement this season. The ideal pieces to be worn with ankle length denims and cute ballet pumps for autumn. Add a pop of colour to your outerwear this season with mint green, coral & red seen also across the A|wear duffle coat collection. Perfect for your back to college wardrobe at just €50.

Dresses & Skirts

An iconic style associated with the 60’s, the shift is the shape to be seen in this season. A-line cuts skim the knee & embellishment remains minimal with girly touches such as cute bows on shoulders and sleeves making this shape exciting yet oh so simple. Choose long sleeves for a dressed down daytime look & sleeveless styles for night time glamour. The 60’s were all about daring to bare and this season is no different! Baring your legs is bang on trend so ditch the tights or get yourself some flesh coloured hosiery and work your shift like a real 60’s icon.

Colour is key across dresses with a shade of deep tamarind stepping up to the forefront. The warm coral shade can be seen across laser cut dresses with a touch of chiffon. Lace sticks around from spring and is seen across short shift shapes & skirts. As was the norm in the 60’s, the mini skirt makes a strong statement this season with the new addition of the maxi length set for a comeback.

Knitwear, trousers & blouses

Chunky oversized alpine knit cardigans step up this season providing a welcome fashionable alternative to coats. Available in shades of grey, black and winter white, belted to add definition, they can be worn with absolutely everything & anything this autumn. For the girl who likes to make a bold high fashion statement, a faux fur gilet is functional and fabulous whether worn over a long sleeve shift or with fit & flare denims.

Trousers come tapered and calf length with cute turn ups this season. Fitted & skinny is key, worn with cute cropped cardis & simple chiffon blouses. Skinny denims are also a wardrobe must this season & will complement any 60’s inspired pieces. Blouses are high necked for autumn & the pussy bow returns in bold graphic prints with flowing chiffon sleeves which make’s it the perfect accompaniment to this seasons slim fit trouser shapes.

Accessories

The handbag for Autumn 10’- Big or small, it wants to be carried by a short strap, in your hand or hooked over the forearm. Classic is back & quilted statement totes in an assortment of colours are key for autumn, made famous by Chanel. For a more casual approach add a vintage inspired carpet print bowler bag. Hats are a staple for this season with patent trim peaked hats oozing 60’s glamour while bobbled knits make for a fun alternative.

Images Top – Bottom:

1. Bow Detail Shift Dress, €45

2. Patent Trim Peaked Hat, €15 – Dorelli Coat Camel, €60 – Skinny Jeans, €35

3. All Over Petal shift dress, €50

4. Bow Detail Shift Dress, €45

5. 60′s Waffle Bow Coat, €50 – 60′s Lace Tunic, €40 – Two Tone Quilted Bag, €30

6. 60′s Leopard Swing Coat, €70 – Colour Block Satchel, €25

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Here’s just a very quick look at what GANT have to offer this Autumn/Winter.  The collection is in part inspired by first lady Mrs. O, hence the elegant feel.  The designers stayed Stateside for inspiration taken from Georgetown, winter nautical and Santa Fe. Vintage American sports wear influenced their Rugger collection.

The two favourites picked out here at wow.ie were the Georgetown Wool Wrap Skirt – €149.50.   Does what it says on the tin, it’s an above the knee wrapskirt, fully lined and buckle side fastening, very ivy league college y’all!  The second pick was the Georgetown Herringbone Blazer – €370.  This blazer is fitted and again fully lined with elbow patches (Granny would be so proud!).

Take a look for yourself, it’s such well tailored clothing with a more grown up take on the coming seasons trends.

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As always we can rely on Topshop to offer us all the trends at budget friendly prices, or fast fashion as we like to call it.  The theme for their Autumn Winter collection incorporates a mix of peasant chic with prairie style skirts and dresses, switching to the opposite end of the scale hinting towards old English country gentry (super or oversized in this case!).  Expect to find: faux fur, lace (even in footwear!), animal print, metallics, tweeds and crochets.  They have covered every angle on the trends this season with something to suit all.

The peasant theme crosses over to their footwear collection with lace up boots from sheepskin to suede in mossy autumnal colours and animal prints.  Slouchy ankle boots teamed with prairie dresses are the way forward for Winter ladies while thigh highs and skinny jeans are back – not a look for the faint hearted!

Across the board are shades of Autumn and this includes their Core make-up range.  Tip – if you go to their make-up section you can view video tutorials on creating various looks for day or night.  All round we’re excited about this collection, be warned it’s a time tunnel once you hit their site to view the collections hours or even days could pass you by!

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The start of Topshop’s new Autumn Winter collection has finally landed and is said to be a mix of “tattered knits, tough leather, dark denim, flowing chiffon and intricate lace”… claiming it’s a trend that’s “tough on the outside and pretty underneath”.  Chiffon and lace has been seen across the board with each store putting their own stamp on the trends.

The experts at Topshop recommend laying contrasting textures to create a refined grunge look with denim continuing to be a hit as we think about our Winter wardrobes.  Keep up with the fake tan for now ladies if denim shorts are your thing but as the weather cools down team with leggings and a chunky knit jumper or leather gillet, all of which Topshop have done in style.  Our favourite from the new collection had to be this sleeveless Leather Biker By Boutique jacket which will see you right through next season, priced at £160.

We are also told pointy boots are back so time to dust off your winkle pickers!  Pair heavier fabrics with the softer while metal chains, studs and crochet add more depth.  Embroidery and mesh will add femininity to your wardrobe and it’s still ok to layer up your clothing – layering textures being key.

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The large mob of people standing in the blazing early evening sun in Paris extended to the curb, providing a model sized walk through for the guests of the Valentino haute couture show to enter the Place Vendome. The crowd was desperate to catch a glimpse of Liz Hurley (in a fuchsia slip dress) and other young socialites who were inside.

The collection designed by Valentino designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, was mainly based on an ultra short trapeze dress (or stunning coat) in organza, gazar or wool crepe. Adding to the designs were bows and feminine flounces. The models had their hair styled in dome-shaped buns and wore mules with more bows and tiny flowers tied to the tips, making them look lighter than feathers that might suddenly blow away. Fragile was the word du jour, though the look only suits certain body types (such as Calista Flockhart’s and the waif thin models used). The collection is comprised of high hem lines, patterns from the mind of a little girl and flimsy shapes. Even the beautiful Elizabeth Hurly would have a hard time making the collection work on her immaculate figure.

Despite the delicate cuts, the collection is easily the most impressive shown by Chiuri and Picciolli since taking over design at Valentino. The heart of the house was shown in the pale yellows and greens, the infamous Valentino seductive red and splashes of pink. The wool crepe suits with vented sleeves tied with tiny bows and precise to-date mix of feminine airy fabrics and structured cuts are signature Valentino, reminding us that heaven can be achieved on earth. Valentine himself is a fan of excess, as can be seen throughout the collection and in his previous couture shows.

One might say that Chiuri and Piccioli have not really experimented with classic Valentino standards, nor raised them. We want to see young clothes, as do the designers themselves (should their clientele die from old age and sales die out faster than Lindsay Lohan’s acting career), but perhaps the previous designs are immature and inexperienced?

This collection is easier on the eyes and the message is easier to read. High end, eccentric fashion is not just for Upper East Side queens, but is for women of all ages. Simplistic femininity is a timeless look. Bows, transparency, floral cuts – these are feminine, and femininity is innate to all women. Embrace it.

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If you are aged between 30-45 you should be full of excitement as FWM have created their Autumn/Winter collection with you in mind!  The designers know that your time is precious balancing work, family and life in general so have tried to come up with a collection that that will give you ‘effortless glamour’.  They also know that this age group are experienced enough to expect quality, luxury and durability from their wardrobe – here here.

If they are true to their word this label could be your NBF!   With varying price points there’s something to suit all pockets.  Prices as follows: Jackets €131 – €275, Leather Jacket €479, Sheepskin Jacket €599, Dresses €107 – €479, Trousers €119 – €143, Skirts €107 – €203, Tee shirts €47 – €119, Shirts €95 – €119, Knitwear €95 – €239, Coats €299 – €355.

Left -Right: Flower Print Silk Linen Lifestyle €179, Harbin Linen Tweed €190, Photo flower print €179, Oriental Flower Print €190 and the Wild Rose Print €107.

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Yes it’s seriously clammy and hot so thinking about Winter fashion almost seems like a chore!  Bare with us, the clip below will tease you back to thinking fitting coats, capes and wolly jumpers.

We’re totally loving Karen Millen‘s Autumn/Winter collection.  What do we like most… the colour palatte, as they’ve opted for simple muted tones that are more inclined to show off the tailoring as opposed to a loud print.  You are always guaranteed well fitted clothing with these guys but they are probably better known for their use of bling, silk fabrics and prints.  Not any more, check out their A/W ’10 collection here with Creative Director Gemma Metheringham giving a run through of what to expect.

We’ll bring you more on this when the temperature reduces and you can get your head around looking at Winter woolies!

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