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.

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Last call for budding models with specs appeal!

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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It is the most stylish event on the Irish Fashion Calendar and the socialites and stars did not disappoint!

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!

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Glenda Gilson and her mum Aileen did a photo shoot at Brown Thomas yesterday as they ‘picked up ideas’ to celebrate Mother’s Day.  Both of their dresses were at hit with us and we adore Glenda’s nail choice.  We can’t make up our minds though as to who is more glamorous, you decide!

Here’s what they have compiled as their top ten gift ideas…

The Top Ten Mothers Day Gift Ideas from Brown Thomas

1. Nespresso Coffee Machine from €149

2. Jo Malone Cologne €88 / Candle €61.50

3. Silk Flowers from €3 each

4. Designer Sunglasses, Chanel €211

5. Folli Follie Bracelet from €55

6. Tiffany Mum Charm €1,265

7. Yves Saint Laurent Medium Shopping Bag €756

8. Ladurée Macaroons Box of Six €12.90 (Box with Charm €22.90)

9. Cookbook such as Clodagh McKenna’s ‘Fresh from the Sea’ €20

10. Treat your Mum to the ultimate pampering experience on March 13th and 14th – your Mum can relax and sip a glass of champagne at the Jo Malone Tasting Bar™ at Brown Thomas while indulging in a complimentary hand and arm massage using the Vanilla and Anise Collection. To complete her experience she will also receive a delicious box of hand-made chocolate ganaches. A €20 booking fee applies, which is redeemable against purchases on the day.

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The Xpose girls (…. & the lovely Sean!), hosted the Time For Beauty Event this evening at Brown Thomas with demonstrations from celebrity make-up artists, and experts on hand all night dishing out advice.  You could avail of having your nails done, skin care advice and make-up application whilst enjoying a glass of bubbly and canapes as the incredibly glamorous DJ did her thing.

Karen Koster came across so well and looked fab in a Karen Millen dress. Lisa Cannon is a real ‘classic beauty’ and rocked THE most gorgeous pair of nude shoes from Fran & Jane (I’m not giving any more away on those before I grab a pair!).  Sean seemed like such a sweetie, I had to do everything in my power to stop my fingers from pinching his cheeks and telling him how cute he was… facial cheeks ladies, not what some of you are thinking!

There was a great buzz in the beauty hall, a great atmosphere and people coming at you from all angles wanting to offer you advice and a chance to be made over.  Wow.ie was on hand to take snaps of those indulging in the spirit of this beauty event….

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