All this month Brown Thomas have been running The Masters of Fashion & Beauty throughout the country in all their stores. There have been various events with well known characters from the world of fashion and beauty taking part in Fashion Fix Thursdays and Fridays and Style Saturdays. We’ve also seen a series of master classes from International designers and celebrity make-up artists, meaning we, ‘joe public’, can get invaluable advice from the experts, straight from the catwalks.
There are many events running straight through from Thursday – Sunday but, we’ve cherry picked the best events running nationwide:
Brown Thomas, Limerick
‘Style Saturday’ will actually be running on Sunday this weekend with local celebrity Celia Holman Lee presenting a Style Workshop featuring Max Mara. Head to Level 1 at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm if you fancy picking up so fashion tips from Celia herself.
Brown Thomas, Cork
Model and TV3 presenter, Glenda Gilson, will be hosting a ‘We Love Shoes’ event showing her must have foot candy for this season. Glenda will be on Level 1 in the Shoerooms at 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm.
Brown Thomas, Dublin
One of our favourite Irish stylists, Cathy O’Connor, will be hosting ‘Style Sunday’ fashion workshops on this seasons contemporary and denim trends. Cathy is so approachable and a great stylist for anyone looking for help putting this seasons trends into action. You’ll find her on Level 2 at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm.
Brown Thomas, Galway
TG4′s Blathnaid Ni Dhonnchadha is presenting a series of fashion workshops along the same theme as Cathy O’Connor’s, including denim and up to the minute trends. These workshops will run on Level 2 at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Now, there’s no excuse to hang about all mismatched and bored this weekend.
The prize to the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Lady’ at the Ploughing Championships went to Roisin OBrien from Athy in Kildare and was well deserved. Roisin won a €5000 shopping spree for Littlewoods Ireland (I’m green with envy just typing that!), wearing a navy padded jacket, jeans, leather boots and cowboy hat from various high street stores. Ms. O’Brien’s look is elegant and stylishly casual looking far more expensive that it was showing it pays to accessorize right. Pictured with her is Eoin McDermott from Swords, who won a Louis Copeland suit and must have been the only man there carrying a bag!
Littlewoods have a South quilted jacket not dissimilar in style to the one Roisin wore and well priced at €60. A belted waist means you can have a shapely silhouette and still keep snug at the same time! Mix it up with different print scarves or hats as Roisin did at the Ploughing Championships, earning her a nice ‘little’ shopping spree.
Nationwide covered this on the day if you fancy watching it via RTE’s website.
Littlewoods.ie announced recently that they were the sponsorship of the “Most Appropriately Dressed Lady” at the National Ploughing Championships this year in Athy, Kildare which kicks off today until Thursday, 23rd September, where the final winner will win a €5000 shopping spree (please god let my wellies fit!) with www.littlewoodsireland.ie. Judges will be searching for the suitably stylish finalists on today with the final taking place in the “Fashion Show Marquee” after the 3pm show.
Good luck to anyone entering, great prize to win! Remember key to this look is a pair of wellies.
Hilda Lyon, Marketing Manager with Littlewoods Ireland and one of the judges of the competition said, “We’re delighted to be involved with the National & European Ploughing Championships 2010 as sponsor of ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Lady’. We look forward to meeting and greeting the ladies in Athy and with a fantastic €5,000 shopping spree from Littlewoods Ireland up for grabs, we’re sure to have a difficult choice picking just one lucky lady!” Good luck to anyone taking part.
Both options pictured are from the Littlewoods range with the wellies priced at €32 and the stylish leopard print brollie at only €10!
If you’re at a loose end this evening or hanging around town after work then this may be of interest to you. Designer Pauric Sweeney will be launching his new handbag collection (drool…) exclusive to BT’s Dublin this evening.
The bags are described as ‘edgy and modern but with a classical twist’. If you fancy a gander he’ll be there from 5pm to 7.30pm, Brown Thomas Dublin at The Accessories Hall on the ground floor.
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!
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.
So, I’ve had a very busy few weeks. Daddy’s been fundraising for his charity, Maintain Hope, (benefiting primary education is Kenya), Mummy’s busy running her newest charity, Care And Repair (helping older people lead more independent lives) while squeezing in her all important lunches and social do’s and I’ve been left to my own devices in my Dublin apartment. After a number of disastrous dates and many, many nights in with my friends (bitching and smoking), I’ve finally lifted the rock off my head and stuck my nose back into the fashion world. Oh, how I’ve missed it.
Taylor Momsen is Madonna’s Material Girl
My first piece of goss is that Gossip Girl star, New Look model, phenomenal singer and my personal Goddess, Taylor Momsen, is set to be the new face of Madonna’s first ever clothing line, Material Girl. Material Girl is a collaboration with Madonna’s daughter, Lordes, and is aimed at the tweens of the world. Unfortunately, the line will only be available at American department store, Macy’s, from August 3rd onwards. If you want to get the sex-grunge look that Taylor is infamous for, I’m sure after a month or two pieces from the collection will appear on E-Bay. On the other hand, you could always ask an American relative to pick up a few pieces for you and mail them across the Atlantic.
A little closer to home, Taylor Momsen’s look can be purchased at high street retailer, New Look, under the name Idol.
The video for Taylor’s new song, Miss Nothing, is out now on YouTube, and it’s really worth checking out.
Angelina at Salt in Versace
In other fashion news: my future wife, Angelina Jolie, attended the Russian premier of new movie, Salt, in a red hot Versace gown on Sunday 25th. Ange helped earn Salt a number two position at the box office this weekend (behind DiCaprio’s Inception), raking in $36.5 million, making the movie gross more than Tom Cruise’s Knight And Day and Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood.
In the Alias meets Tomb Raider movie, Angelina plays an American agent who is told by a member Russian secret service that she’s a plant and will kill the president of America. I really hate the way Americans go out of their way to demonize Russia (THE COLD WAR IS OVER!!) but I love Angelina, so I’ll definitely be making a trip to the cinema soon.
We can clearly see, from the pictures of her, that Angelina has put on a bit of weight and is looking much healthier than she did a few months ago. I’m glad. I love Angelina Jolie and I cannot wait to see her new film!
V.I.Prisoner? LiLo’s Getting Special Treatment
It seems that Lindsay Lohan is not very welcome in prison. LiLo is eating the same meals as everyone else in the Century Regional Detention Facility but according to Maria Medina, a relative of one of the other inmates, every time LiLo moves the whole place goes into lock down.
“She’s not treated like if it was anyone else going to jail. Like, if they even want to bring her new clothes or bring her anything, they put the whole facility on lockdown. It happens all the time. For example, just yesterday [Friday 23rd], Lindsay had to go to the mini-clinic and the whole place was on lockdown again.”
Los Angeles Sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore, denies Maria’s claims. He told People magazine, “It’s business as usual. Lindsay’s getting no special treatment.” He also said there is no such thing as ‘lockdowns’.
I don’t know anything about prison but I’ve seen stuff on TV and I feel very sorry for Lindsay. She broke the law and should be punished but I imagine, after Paris Hilton’s prison ordeal, that the criminals of California are getting quite sick of having celebrities for cell mates.
Miranda’s Mummy Loves Orlando
The super under-the-radar couple, that is actor Orlando Bloom and model Miranda Kerr, tied the knot last week. Now Therese Kerr, Miranda’s mother, has sung Orlando’s praises to People magazine.
“All we have ever wanted is for our children to be healthy and happy and we have never seen Miranda healthier and happier than she is right now.” Therese says that Orlando is a true gentleman and followed tradition by asking for Miranda’s hand in marriage. “We had no hesitation; they truly are a gorgeous couple, are very much in love and bring out the best in each other.”
With race season well and truly upon us why not throw your best pedicured foot forward with a chance of wining one of many Ladies or Gents Days. The prizes are well worth the effort with everything from new wardrobes, exotic holidays and good old fashioned cash, so root out your finest and get pouting.
If your finest has seen better days check out this link on TV3 (… fast forward, it’s the last segment on the show!) with some great hints from Murphy Sheehy on how to update an old guna!
Ladies Style tips
Deirdre Devaney, Fashion and Beauty Director at Arnotts has these tips to help Ladies and Gentlemen be Best in Show at Blossom Hill Ladies Day (amongst others!) at the Fáílte Ireland Dublin horse Show:
1. The most important criteria is style. A woman must look confident and comfortable in what she’s wearing and understanding the cut and colour that works for you is key.
2. Originality is important, attention to fashion trends and, of course, the outfit must also be appropriate to the event – when at the Horse Show, cocktail wear is a real no-no.
3. Style is about how you put an outfit together and carry it off, not how much it costs.
4. Accessories can make the outfit, it is important in choosing an accessory that will match your outfit on the day. Don’t wear a hat just because it’s the Horse Show. You can always try other things like cute head bands and flowers in your hair.
5. Skip the oversize hefty bag and opt for a clutch – it’s just that little bit more elegant.
6. Natural beauty; don’t go overboard with makeup bear in mind that make-up is an accessory too. Simple, basic grooming adds the finishing touch to a look and whatever you do, don’t overdo the fake tan!
7. Predicting the weather can be as tricky as the Puissance, the clever girl knows that a chic cover up is very important. Always take a pashmina or a wrap because even if it is a sunny day, the temperature can drop dramatically by the afternoon.
Mens Styling Tips
Look like a winner at this years Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show by following these top tips from Arnotts Head of Menswear Valerie O Neill.:
1. Be Suited. Nothing oozes style and sophistication than a man in a well-tailored suit. A suit is an investment so be wise and choose good quality fabrics that will enhance the cut. Show your personality with your choice of tie or be more laid back with an open neck shirt. Keep it cool by wearing a linen mix or a lightweight wool and mohair mix.
2. Accessories are key for that winning look! From the great colour combination in your tie or the timeless elegance of your cufflinks to the personality of your humorous socks and don’t forget to buckle up – a great belt can complete the look.
3. Remember less is more. Don’t mix too many colours or patterns from your suit to your shirt. You don’t want to be noticed by the judges for the wrong reasons.
4. From Schoolboy to Windsor knot so much can be deciphered from a man’s tie. Many men choose to stay away from ties altogether and instead open the top two buttons to create a casual laid back look. My advice if you want to impress the judges is to get practicing your knotting technique.
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.
It has come to our attention that Re-dress (supporters of sustainable fashion), are looking for festival volunteers or fashion designers and generally creative enthusiasts to get involved in this years Festival of World Cultures in Dun Laoghaire on July 24th and 25th. So, if you are free and have sewing, design or fashion skills this may be of interest to you…
CALLING All FASHION DESIGNERS, FASHION ACTIVISTS & TEXTILE ARTISTS
Here’s your chance to exhibit with Re-dress at the Festival of World Cultures, Dun Laoghaire. Re-dress will be creating a DIY fashion/art area at the festival this July 24th and 25th and are asking designers and artists who use recycled / upcycled textiles as their medium to submit a piece to be exhibited on the Harbour Plaza over the two day festival.
To Submit:
Send a one page description / inspiration sheet of your piece to subscribe@re-dress.ie
Submission Date : July 16th
Check out the clip below for an idea of what to expect…
Have you got the look to become the next Irish Spectacle Wearer of the Year? If so, now is the time to get noticed, as Specsavers’ annual hunt to find Ireland’s ‘spec’sy new model is nearly over. With just two weeks remaining, now is the time to enter in-store at any of the 36 Specsavers stores nationwide.
Xposé TV presenter Glenda Gilson launched the Irish Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition, helping Specsavers to find ‘ordinary Irish people’ who look extraordinary in their glasses. Entrants can wear glasses as a necessity or even simply for fashion purposes. Men, don’t feel left out, if you are half as good as Johny in a pair of specs you are certainly in with a chance!
The Irish winner will be announced in Frangos World Cuisine at the Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin, which will be compeered by Glenda Gilson. The winner will then go on to represent Ireland in the International final, held in London in November 2010.
In addition to competing in the London final, the winner will automatically receive a year’s representation with model agency – Assets, as well as a photography portfolio with Lili Forberg, a €500 shopping spree in Dundrum Town Centre, a goody bag from hair and make-up experts, Brown Sugar and a €250 voucher for Specsavers. Should you actually win the over competition expect holidays to St Lucia and many more delicious delights.
Entries can be made at any of the 36 Specsavers stores across Ireland, or by logging on to specsavers.ie. The closing date for entries is Saturday 31 July 2010, best of luck to anyone entering…
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