Doo-lally have some great Summer steals running and the moment.  We decided to pick one of their gorgeous Summer dressed and ended with three!  See for yourself they are real cuties with price tags to match.  The Monaco dress with it’s puffball hem was also featured in last months Grazia.

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Do you want to dress to impress at the Galway Races?  If you aren’t already aware Ladies Day at The Galway Races, is on Thursday 29th July, and will no doubt be a great session not to mention a gambling and fashion frenzy!  We’ve had a quick rummage at our ‘never let you down’ stores Monsoon and Accessorize to kit you out head to toe and leave enough change for a little flutter on the GGs.

The favourite here at wow hands down was the fourth option – yes, it’s black, but it is also on trend encorporating sheer while still being a classic that won’t date, a great and rare combination!

1. Lilly Maxi Dress – Monsoon – €339

2. Cadby Trapeeze Dress – Monsoon – €250

3. Ella Dress – Monsoon – €115

4. Kipp Tunic Dress – Monsoon – €186

5. Koko tunic – Monsoon – €115

6. Obelia Dress – Monsoon – €199

7. Cut Feather Pill Box Fascinator – Accessorize – €34

8. Peacock Pill Box Fascinator – Accessorize – €37

9. Swan Lake Alice Band – Accessorize – €23.50

10. Lace Mini Top Hat Fascinator – Accessorize – €40

11. Glitterati Dress – Monsoon Fusion €95

12. Pippa Dress – Monsoon Fusion €99

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Awear want us to ‘Get Glam in time for race season’ and have just sent us this pre-view of what to expect….

With race season just around the corner, A|wear has given us an exclusive preview on some of the fab dress styles due to hit stores over the next two weeks. Lia Tallon, A|wear’s stylist to the stars has picked her six must have dresses for the summer season & with prices from as little as €35, there are plenty to see you through the social whirl of summer!

“Summer is all about colour and bright prints with maxi’s being one of the hottest trends to hit the catwalk this season, from light shades to deeper tones and bright bold prints, there is definitely a shade and style to suit everyone. The shift dress is also key whether dressed up with heels for all out glamour or dressed down with flats and oversized sunnies for a relaxed daytime look”.

Dresses come in both short & long this race season. Lia’s absolute favourite is a printed chiffon maxi (€50) in shades of vivid orange, purple or jade green, worn with super high wedges or simply with gladiator flats. The shift dress is also a staple for the season ahead but now with added detailing. Think monochrome graphic prints offset with ruffle hem details (€35) or pleated styles with shades of muted grey (€50). For the girl who loves her sparkle, the pewter sequin shift dress (€60) is perfect for a laid back glam look…pair it with killer heels and a simple clutch & your set to go!

Even better news for all our Galway Girls… A|wear is hosting an exclusive Girls Night In on the 21st of July just before the Galway races. Guests on the night will be treated to 20% off all full price purchases, free drinks courtesy of Bulmers, GOSH makeovers and our in store DJ will provide hot summery sounds! To tick all the fashion boxes on your race card email party@awear.ie to RSVP.

All dresses featured here arrive in A|wear stores nationwide over the next two weeks.

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I am SO excited by stores like Accessorize going organic and doing their bit to benefit poorer communities and the planet at the same time!  (yes… easily excited!)  This is just great news and hopefully more will follow suit and people will ditch the ‘it’s all hippy dippy non-sense’ attitude.  Organic cotton is starting to filter it’s way to the high street with more stores bringing in small ranges bit by bit meaning you can support this without compromising on style and your bank account.  It’s very easy to put your blinkers on and ignore the consequences of cotton production but if you take five minutes to read up on the effects this industry has on the planet and those involved in farming it you’d have to be made of stone not to feel something.

O.k… enough of the heavy stuff and back to slapping Accessorize on the back.

So they’ve gone Organic claiming it’s a ‘Beach Thing… Summer 2010′!

They have collaborated with Oxfam this season to develop some accessories that are ethically sourced and have 100% ‘green’ credentials. Oxfam has been working on it’s Organic Cotton initiative for the past five years, working with major High Street retailers to produce accessible organic fashion pieces that you would actually wear as opposed to ‘sack like fashion’. Go Organic! from Accessorize launched last month (June) with two beach pieces that have been designed and produced with farmers from Southern India, as part of an ongoing Oxfam initiative.

The perfect bandeau dress and beach bag, with embellished Indian embroidery, are just the start of a longer-term collaboration, using organic cotton farmed under Oxfam’s long-term policy of supporting poor farming communities. The overall policy offers cotton producers greater security and access to new markets.

Go Organic! products will also benefit Accessorize’s own charity efforts, with 10% of all profit made going back to the farmers to ensure the organic cotton growing cycle continues, benefiting all those involved. www.monsoontrust.org

Accessorize’s in-house design team have worked closely with Oxfam to ensure that every product produced becomes a wardrobe staple so the customer is happy as well as the farmers! Both of these items are available in-store and online at accessorize.com, the beach dress is €59 and the co-ordinating bag is €51 and are in the season hottest colour.

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The well established British luxury department store Debenhams was founded in 1778 as a single London store. Debenhams has since expanded to over one hundred and sixty stores throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark and has over twenty four-thousand employees. Debenhams is perhaps best known for its discount designer fashion lines, contributed to by high end designers, such as Mathew Williamson, John Rocha and Jasper Conran. The home collections are magnificent, and while they may be a bit pricey, you’ll be using the same cutlery and sleeping under the same duvets for decades to come.

I love Debenhams. I was in the Tallaght store last March when a fabulous black Jasper Conran coat caught my eye. It was reduced from €230 to €130, as it was a winter coat and winter was well over at that stage. I instantly fell in love with it and bought it on the spot. The friend I was with (a Tallaght native) went uncharacteristically quiet when she saw the price tag. I told her, “Like all things from Debenhams, it’s a really good investment.” She remained green-eyed and silent for the duration of the taxi ride home. Of course, I still haven’t had a chance to wear my amazing coat, as the weather hasn’t been cold enough. So, I’ve been praying that summer would be freezing this year – no such luck.

Another thing I adore about Debenhams are the perfumes and cosmetics. In Chanel, in the Newbridge branch, the staff know me by name. The entire lay out of the cosmetics floor is very similar to that in Brown Thomas; thankfully the products are noticeably cheaper.

I think the best thing about Debenhams is undoubtedly the discount fashions by the high end designers. I simply love strolling through John Rocha and having a quick browse in Mathew Williamson before buying myself a new pair of Jasper Conran trousers, with mother’s money, of course.

The first outfit I’ll be showing all you WOW.ie followers today is a beautifully structured ensemble by Irish born designer John Rocha. From the Rocha line is the White 78 Linen Trousers (€62) teamed with the White Ruffle Top (€70) and finished off with the Drape Jacket With Zip Front (€62). This look is worn here with a pair of tan platform leather sandals and a masculine deep maroon skinny belt. This look is very relaxed-day-out-shopping. The colours are right for the season and you’ll look effortlessly sophisticated traipsing down Grafton Street with Rocha on your back.

British fashion designer Mathew Williamson is a big fan of colour and his pieces are reflective of the time he spent working in India for high street clothing chain Monsoon. From Butterfly by Mathew Williamson are the Voile Embellished Top (€59) and Abstract Butterfly Skirt (€54). The aquatic coral colours on the skirt are very Versace while this season’s warrior trend is in play with the embroidery in the Grecian style top. The look is completed with chunky coral coloured bangles and works beautifully.

From Star by Julien MacDonald is the Multi Coloured Embellished One Shoulder Dress (€93). This is the ultimate party dress for the summer. The sheer black left shoulder sleeve beautifully offsets the deep aquatic colours in the body of the dress, which are also accentuated by the beading detail on the left side. The dress reminds me of Versace for this summer and is a timeless piece you can wear summer after summer.

From Den de Lisi’s BDL line comes the Marble Print Dress (€232), which is ideal for any debutant ball or charity gala dinner. This dress is one of the best I’ve seen all season. I’m a big fan of marble prints and on this dress it’s so subtle that it looks like the inside of a live volcano. Whatever about the price tag, this dress can easily be worn many times throughout the year and is one you’ll have for the rest of your life. This Marble Print Dress is my Lifetime Investment Piece for spring/summer 2010.

Finally, by Pearce II Fionda, I give you the Full Length Floral Sequin Dress (€620). The price may not be right but the shape certainly is. This dress will cling to your curves and promote your feminine figure, creating a whole new you. The sequins give the dress the glamour element while the free flowing hemline will show off whatever pair of fabulous shoes you’ve picked out to go with the dress (my opinion – silver stilettos, they’ll reflect the dress while giving you that extra bit of height).

So, there you have it: five of the best pieces for the season on offer by Debenhams.

Debenhams will always be a few steps above high street stores in terms of fashion value, quality and clientele. Thankfully, the prices aren’t as high as those in Brown Thomas but the fashionable clothes are just as timeless. Debenhams is always my first port of call for all things fashion as never fails to meet my expectations. Make Debenhams your spouse this season and, mark my words, you’ll never even flirt with another store as long as you live.

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Seriously, how excited are you about this? Wait, you don’t have to answer that, I am excited enough for everyone. I usually don’t get this happy about movie inspired fashions, but Alice in Wonderland is the exception. Besides being my favorite book when I was younger, it was turned into my new favorite movie by one of my favorite directors Tim Burton. Now designer Sue Wong has created fashions, which were inspired by the movie. First, you have a dress inspired by the character Alice; this short dress is combined with a black lace bodice, bold empire waist, and a rose colored skirt. Words to describe this dress feminine, fun, and flirty.

The next dress was inspired by the White Queen, with its spaghetti straps, beaded detail bodice, and embellished overlay on the front, this dress can only be described as vintage looking, with a hint of sophistication.

The Red Queen inspired dress is a strapless cocktail sheath dress with Victorian metallic embroidery and bead work. For people that don’t exactly want to wear red, you can also find this dress in black as well.

The White Rabbit inspired fashion is a short bubble dress with draped bodice and 3-D flower appliqué with beaded centers. Bubble was big last Summer but you can still get away with it this year. Can I just say that I absolutely love this dress, what’s not to love!

The last fashion inspired by the movie is the Organza Short Halter Dress with a ribbon flower embroidered skirt. This look was inspired by the Talking Flower Garden. This dress can also be described as fun and flirty; doesn’t it remind you of spring? There are also a couple other looks inspired by this movie as well, you can find them on www.suewong.com.

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Littlewoods want to see us all march into Summer on trend and have sent us a sneak preview of what to expect.  The new Summer collection will be available from the 19th April… enjoy!

The Military Look

A key look this Summer is utility dressing with a focus on combat colours and military detailing.  For frontline chic, try Military jackets or cropped combat trousers.  A great way of giving a subtle nod to the trend is to inject utility colours into your Summer wardrobe, replace grey’s and navy’s with khakis, creams and browns for easy-to-wear combat styling or try adding aviator sunglasses to your outfit for a subtle hint of military.  South Military shoulder detail jacket – €72.

Pastels

Pastel and nude tones dominate this season as nudes and sugar coated colours such as lemon, baby pink, cream, and lilac create soft romantic looks.  Lace, frills and feminine fabrics and details such as chiffon, silks and ruffles add extra femininity to this pretty girlie style.  Vila Satin Petal Effect Skirt – €52.

Statements Prints

Statement prints offer an alternative to the softer pastel shades this season and are a fantastic way of injecting some needed colour into a summer wardrobe.  With bold paint splashes, abstract, floral and geometric designs, there is something for everyone from dabs of colour to dramatic attention-grabbing prints to create a statement look for the extrovert.  Teatro Floral Printed Dress – €62.

Flowing fabrics & beach holiday

This season see’s the welcome return of the maxi dress and flowing fabrics, for Summer in the city to beach holiday, a must for every wardrobe.  From the floral-print or bloc-colour tiered maxi to calf-length bandeau dress, there are cool & stylish options catering for each individual shape and more importantly each budget!  South Print Maxi Dress – €62.

Footwear

The Summer collection is jam-packed with footwear from fashionable flats, stylish pumps & killer heels to the must-have Summer peep-toe booties to help complete your look.  The ever popular gladiator sandal see’s another season with various takes on the look from flats, wedge to high heel. L-R, Firetrap Pace Gladiator Sandals – €89, Ravel Ezra Leather Studded Sandals – €69.

Nautical

This trend never seems to die away and just sees designers scrambling to put their twist on it year after year.  Nautical can be done many ways, trendy, smart, chic, with accessories or clothing depending on how you like yours!  Love Label nautical cardigan – €37.

Occasion Wear

Coming into the season of “Ladies Day’s” and weddings, Littlewoods have a stunning collection of occasion wear to get the perfect glamorous look for whatever your Summer event is.  Love Label Printed One Shoulder Dress – €69.

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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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Steal her style from Littlewoods.ie have picked Victoria Beckham‘s Spring wardrobe as the look to re-create today.  At first you may think this isn’t one you would opt for, but hang on before you wander off into cyber space, these looks are actually easy to wear, even for us mere mortals!

Spring is definitely here and this steal her style segment sees this seasons key catwalk trends covered for the months ahead!  Eye balls ladies, pay attention – a full wardrobe update that won’t mean spending your holiday fund and doing a Father Ted style caravan break!

Catwalk queen (!) Victoria Beckham rarely gets it wrong when it comes to what’s on trend.  Below are three of the designers most recent looks showing you how to get the look for a fraction of the price.

Without further a do ladies, let’s see how to recreate Vicky’s Spring wardrobe…

1. Soft spot for Polka Dots!

Dots and spots are big news this Spring and a fun and flirty element to our sometimes serious wardrobes!  Mrs. Beckham was ‘spotted’ (couldn’t resist..) in this belted mac with her trademark collar up and oversized bag.  This South Double Breasted Spot-Belted Mac reduced from €59 to €39 from Littlewoods.ie is almost identical without the designer price tag!  It also comes in red.  (If spots aren’t for you have a look at this similar check trench recently seen in the window of the Tommy Hilfiger store in Dundrum Town Center)

2. Leather Mania!

Forever the wardrobe statement, leather is here to stay and in every form imaginable from jackets to shorts and skirts to accessories!  Colour trends for leather this season are grey, tan and of course black!  The trendy Spice Girl wore this fitted black leather jacket with stonewash skinny jeans and killer heels.  Love label have this fabulous Studded PU Biker Jacket reduced to €35 with round collar and side zip detailing.  The bleach wash stud jeans are also Love label at €59.

3. Sculpt and shape!

While the lady herself is pictured modelling one of her many structured dress creations (naturally!) Littlewoods Love Label have come up with this great ‘looky likey’ Sculptured Dress at €62 with peplum style waist and side panels – all helping to create the structured look her designers are notorious for.

One to note – Delivery is free and within four days so you can order on the Monday, wear it on the Friday!

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Aisling Cullen from Sherbet Stars Blogazine is feeling Summery this week after discovering a new brand called Sretsis.

At last!  The sun is finally shining and I’m beginning to think of my Summer wardrobe.  One brand that got me inspired is Sretsis (‘sisters’ spelt backwards) by Thai designer Pim Sukhahuta.  Pim’s sisters both work for the company – her sister Kly does the marketing and Matina collaborates on jewellery.

Sretsis is already lining the closets of Beyonce, Zooey Deschanel and Katy Perry.  And with these cute designs, it’s easy to tell why stars are clambering to wear the collection.

I adore the cute daisy Sretsis sunglasses – these are a collaboration with eye wear designer Thierry Lasry.   I can just imagine myself eating a 99 ice-cream cone by the beach on a windy day wearing these sunnies…

I also love the combination of baby blue with coral and white in Pim’s fashion collection.   And the designs are so whimsical and fun!   To see more of Sretsis, you can view their collection by clicking here.

Unfortunately Sretsis is not in Ireland yet, but you can get this cute collection at Maxmillia.com and Pitbull Mansion.com which both deliver Internationally.

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