Floral prints are everywhere this season and we like to think it’s a nod of a long hot summer to come! Possibly wishful thinking but we live in hope.  We saw floral prints hit the runways many times over February and three designers that spring to mind are Diane Von Furstenburg, Peter Som and Anna Sui.  Images below are from the Peter Som Spring/Summer 10 collection.

Should your budget not stretch that far then Littlewoods have this pretty flirty floral take on the trend.  The dress, from Love Label, also comes in the form of cute culottes with shorts being another trend!  See our previous post on Trends from NYFW.  Priced at only €59 you can’t go wrong!  Love Label at Littlewoods have a fantastic collection of floral designs with 80′s (ish) tees, shorts, dresses and shirts, none of which will leave you broke!

If you have great pins gladiators will work so well with the dress giving it a festival vibe… roll on the summer!

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

Nude is THE colour palette of the season and one we are loving for it’s ease of wear.  Anything nude is so inoffensive and discrete you can almost get away with wearing anything once it’s nude!  This colour will work so well coming into summer with nude shoes blending seemlessly and elongating your leg rather than cutting off the length at your calf or ankle – yay for us small people!  Not forgetting to mention they are also a discrete way of wearing the gladiator shoe/sandal, one to have been previously avoided if you are short of stature!

We’ve picked out some of the best on offer and hope we’ve found something to suit all styles and budgets. Jimmy Choo‘s patent leather sandals won our first pick hands down.  With the zip detailing to the back of these shoes they will work well with everything from skinny jeans to floral print dresses.   Next to JC comes a fab studded pair of gladiators by Italian designer Giuseppe Zanotti.  Both available on Net-a-porter with the first coming in at $950 and the gladiators at $790.

Next we had a look at what Asos had to offer and we weren’t disappointed – excluding Bertie‘s brogue, (the shoe label Bertie and not the ‘give us a dig out’ Bertie)!  If you like brogues Asos have a great selection but we chose these as we loved their description of ‘distressed’ suede lace-up shoe, more like ‘devastated’!  Priced at €94.74 not a shoe we favour. These peep toe ankle boots are Steven by Steve Madden and are so versatile, and being of soft leather you won’t have to sacrifice your comforts – €214.74. The last pair above are at Dorothy Perkins and priced at €60, they were released in December so be quick if you fancy these as there may not be many left in stock.

Below the cream/nude crisscross lace up sandals are part of the Spring/Summer collection at Tesco, £18.  Faith brought out these fab peek-a-boo style sandals in January as part of their Spring/Summer range. They are another favourite here at wow.ie as they not only knock nude of the ‘must have’ check list but also the platform AND the gladiator!  If pumps are your thing check out Littlewoods.ie for these Love Label courtesan jewelled ballerinas for an amazing €27!!  There are more great pumps on Asos…

See our previous post on brogues here or our post on nude fashion at the IFTA’s to see which Irish celebs champion this trend..

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

The shoulder detail trend continues into Spring 2010. This dramatic ‘outsize’ look loved by everyone from Lady GaGa to Lady Beckham has been seen making a style statement on t-shirts, jackets and dresses!

Littlewoods take on the look is this exaggerated shoulders dress from Love Label.  The Love Label dress with shoulder details in magenta is a serious bargain at only €69 and also available in black if this shocking colour is too much for you!  Add some round glasses (preferably white) and a bow to your head and voila… you’ve gone gaga!

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

One of the key trends for Spring Summer 2010 is bright vibrant colours that bring a splash of sunshine to the new season. Littlewoods have bright pieces in key pop colours to add an instant dash of life to your wardrobe. Bold, optimistic colours in shades of coral, sunny yellow, pink, purple and turquoise are an instant way to update and accent a dull winter wardrobe without breaking the bank. The key to this trend is picking bright signature pieces that will see you through the new season and complement your existing wardrobe.

They have everything from gorgeous floaty dresses in acidic shades to neon shoes and bags, all you need to update your look without spending your life savings! If it all seems a little too loud for you then accessorize using these key colours with scarves or bags so it’s less overpowering.  Valentino (above) and other big fashion houses exhibited neon colours through their collections at Couture week in Paris which we previously wrote about. Littlewoods offers a far less expensive way to buy in to this trend especially as we feel it will date.

Top five items to add a splash of colour to your Spring Summer wardrobe from Littlewoods:

1. Pick a bold signature shoe

Scared of bright bold colours? Start off small by adding bright bursts of colour to accessories. Shoes are always a great start. Pair the Love Label Capulet‘ rose trim platform shoes in bright pink with a little black dress for an instant update to your existing wardrobe. €47

2. Update the denim look

Every wardrobe needs denim and this season it’s a key trend. Skinny jeans are still in so go bold with Love Label fashion biker jeans in pink. Pair with a simple top for a casual, on trend summer look. €42.00

3. The Mac is Back!

Let’s face it, we live in Ireland which means even though Spring is coming, there will always be room for a new coat! Go for the South fashion trench in a bold shade to bring the mac into a new decade. Perfect over any outfit and a great way to add colour to every outfit. €72.00

4. Give occasion wear a lift

Stand out from the crowd in a gorgeous floaty chiffon dress in a WOW shade! One shoulder and bright yellow are right on trend for the new season making this Enchanted by Ann Louise Roswald One shoulder corsage dress the statement occasion wear piece of the season. Team with simple accessories and let the dress do the talking! €104.00

5. All the colours of the rainbow in one look

As vibrant shades dominate, update your partywear with a bright funky top in a kaleidoscope of rainbow shades. This Love Label spectrum blouse in pop shades of pink, blue, green and yellow is bold but never over the top when paired with skinny jeans or black leggings. €44

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

Littlewoods could be your ‘one stop shop’ for beautiful bumps if you are expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet whilst watching your own swell by the week!

Dublin, 1st February 2010: There’s no need for women to sacrifice their style just because they’re expecting. Instead, mums-to-be can make the most of their pregnancy glow in style and comfort. Gone are the days of over sized dungarees and shapeless dresses, there’s a huge variety now available – thank God! Littlewoods Ireland have a fabulous range of maternity looks to keep every Mum-to-be happy!  They also carry Mamas & Papas and Holly Willoughby‘s range (previously covered on wow.ie) which is almost worth the great expansion of your waistline alone!

We found everything from the gorgeous Vintage Belle look to trendy work and evening wear at LittlewoodsIreland.ie. We also discovered they offer free delivery in just four days, so you’ve no excuse!  This is good news as previously it was really only smaller specialized boutiques that catered for this market often being quite expensive and sometimes ‘mumsy’ and lacking in anything current or on trend.  Add all that to the stress free way of shopping on line whilst downing your hot chocolate and you’ll be the envy of friends both pregnant or not!  We’ve selected a couple of items just to give you a taste of what is available to keep you on trend during your pregnancy.

Littlewoods Top Five Items for glowing Mums to be:

1. The Skinny Jeans

Just because you’re expecting doesn’t mean you have to forget your fashion favourites! Little bump Skinny Jeans €32 are not only flattering, but also keep you up to date with the latest fashion trends.  These South skinny jeans in black would also work for the office so are a great versatile piece to have in your wardrobe that you will wear again and again.  They also come in indigo.

2. Working Woman

Comfort is everything with a baby on the way, even more so in the work place. This South Long Sleeve jersey dress, €42 offers a classy daytime look. We also love this South Printed tea dress, €42 is the perfect solution to work wear. The great thing about having a couple of dresses in your wardrobe means you just throw them on and you don’t have to worry about what to wear with them or if it will be comfortable around your bump.  You can also get away with wearing pumps with either of these dresses.

3. Out on the town

Just because you are pregnant that doesn’t mean you’ve to hide away for nine months although you may well feel like that!  We found this South Wrap jersey top €22 great for an evening out and would work perfectly teamed with a brightly coloured scarf or jacket.  Grey is everywhere this season and we fell in love with this Mamas & Papas grey cardi with tulip shaped sleeves for €69, great with white vest tops or shirts.

4. Sporty Basics

If indulging in some light exercise (are you crazy!!) this South Hooded jersey jacket €32 and black leggings (2 pack) €32 combination is ideal! This look will provide comfort and style when active during pregnancy, the leggings will also work under skirts or dresses.

5. Vintage Belle

With its pastel shades and floral prints, Vintage Belle, is our favourite. We absolutely adore this Mamas and Papas Floral Tea dress, €55, great for day or night. For daytime this Mamas and Papas longline shirt €47 is perfect for an elegant look, accessorize with chunky jewelry or a scarf.

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

Yes after sieving through celebrity photos from last week we happened to stumble over a noticeable trend that kept popping up on several celebrities! Each one seemed to be rocking the biker chic look and making it look pretty good, the leather jacket was obviously a must-have for these girls to complete their desired look. Check out the culprits below and see if you’ll be giving the biker chic look a go….

Charlize Theron looked great above whilst attending the Artists for Peace and Justice Haiti relief brunch on the 24th January. I’m loving the feminine yellow and black spotted dress and the leather jacket just completes her look so perfectly. Demi Moore also teamed a short leather jacket with puffed-sleeved, teamed with skinny jeans and a crisp white shirt, a classic and elegant take on the biker trend.

Last Tuesday Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewan from (the ever changing!) Sugababes both demonstrated how to rock the leather look! Both girls looked great in their outfits, especially Jade in her three-quarter sleeves and cropped jacket, it really oozed coolness.

The day before we saw Eva Herzigova attended the ETAM Fashion Show in Paris, she is pictured here sporting her distressed leather jacket and over-the-knee boots (another key trend) along with a black shift dress. Personally I’m not so keen on the jacket with this outfit, however, Eva still manages to look good… surprise, surprise!

If you want to give the leather look a go, I’ve found a few you may be interested in…

To start we have the Caprice Fitted Leather Biker Jacket at €119 from littlewoods.ie. This is a black fitted zip up leather jacket, with a deep rib collar that can be turned down or zipped fully up to give it more versatility.

Next we have the Waterfall Soft Leather Jacket from AWear at €120. This black leather fitted jacket is really feminine and pretty with it’s frilled chest detail. You will definitely look the part in it and will spot many an envious eye whilst out and about in it too!

Lastly I found this Luxe Leather Jacket at Oasis for the bargain price of €94. This black 100% leather jacket is uber cool, this style has been spotted on the likes of Kate Moss to name but one in recent times. The blazer style jacket has great detailed sequins on the shoulders that complete the fabulous look.

So there you have it ladies, I’ll leave it up to you as to whether or not you will be investing in a leather luxury or leaving this latest trend by the wayside!

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

As glamour seems to be the theme of the week with the Golden Globes being of such interest to us all we thought the theme of Littlewoods.ie look of the week was quite apt. ‘What’s the Occasion’?

This gorgeous corsage detail dress by Teatro is sure to prove a big hit this season – whether it’s a spring wedding, a dinner party or a night out with the girls you are bound to feel SJP-ish in this beautiful dark pink dress!  We love the detailing of this silk dress which is also lined (yay to no undies on display!), and even more so the well cut shape that leaves the dress to hang beautifully. Actress Zoe Saldana was at the Golden Globes wearing a Louis Vuitton dress of a similar colour also with ruffle detailing.

The corsage detail dress by Teatro is priced at €119 and the diamante stud box clutch €30.  Don’t expect to fit more than your lip gloss and a comb into any bag described as ‘box clutch’!  I bought one once for a wedding and was horrified to realise the rest of my make up wouldn’t fit in, needless to say that’s why mens suits have pockets.  The bag was given away with twinges of delight that I would never have to use it again!  We adore these Tamora court shoes by South with patent frill detailing whilst also adoring their price tag of €39.  They also come in this seasons hottest trend, nude which we actually prefer to the black.

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

Trench coats are big news for Spring 2010 – Littlewoods Ireland has a great collection in a range of styles and colours. We love this number from Love Label with button fastening to the front and adjustable belt and gold button detail also to the front. Ideal to dress casual with your jeans (ultra skinny to be on trend) and also glam up with a dress!

The Love Label storm flap trench coat, short will cost you €92 (available in black or stone).  Skinny jeans are also Love Label – €37 (indigo) and again Love Label leyla flat shoes also in pink, €27.  Not bad considering all pieces are so versatile individually.

Littlewoods Spring 2010 collection is now available…

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

Yes, it’s still FREEZING!  Can you believe the weather?  I spent the day yesterday snowboarding in Wicklow, now there’s a sentence I didn’t think I’d write!  As it is set to last for another couple of days I’ve jotted down four of my top tips for buying a coat suitable for your body shape…

Coats for pear shaped figures:

The trick here is to draw attention away from your hips, get people to look up!  So balance a bigger bottom half with an oversized collar because the extra fabric will draw peoples attention to your neckline and balance out your shape.  Littlewoods have this great coat with large collars, the neckline is still open enough to knot a scarf underneath to change the look.

Coats for big busts:

Zip it! There is nothing worse than seeing a person in a top or coat with buttons stretched and looking like they’re going to pop at any moment! Find yourself a coat with a zip as this will close easier and look an awful lot better.

Coats for Small Chests:

Get plaid, animal print or something with a design! Having a design on the coat will draw attention away from your small chest. If you want to ‘pump up the volume’ up top, get a double-breasted coat, it will get the illusion of a larger chest.  Awear are carrying this animal print, a trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

Coats for Curvy Bodies:

Debenhams Jasper Conran Trench Coat, €109.

Belt up! A good trench coat with a belt will define your waist and instantly slims, so check out this Jasper Conran trench perfect to ‘trim and slim’ your look!  Keeping wrapped up doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style, just work with what you have and enhance or disguise where needed.

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend

Yes, it’s hard to start thinking about Spring/Summer clothing when there are the remains of snowmen everywhere you turn, but it may brighten up your dreaded return to work if nothing else.  Littlewoods Ireland launched their Spring/Summer collection yesterday and it’s a real mix of colours, fabrics, prints and styles so there should be something there to suit everyone. This season sees a number of new key trends including vivid colour clashes, head-to-toe denim, the revival of leggings and feminine dresses in luxurious fabrics, and Littlewoods manage to offer us all these looks at affordable prices so all you on-trend fashionistas need not fret.

The new collection is all about mixing fashion with affordability and there’s something for everyone with all the major fashion trends covered, from the casual ‘Urban Dancer’ look – feminine warm-up gear with crop tops and vests with organza trimmings – to glamorous occasion wear with dresses in all colours from acidic yellows through to strong artistic – inspired fashion statement colourful pieces. Polka-dot dresses are big this season (AGAIN!) with spots in big and bold candy colours, dotted randomly and working in stunningly feminine fabrics. Dogtooth is still around and Holly’s version is one to consider if you fancy buying in to this look, it won’t break the bank at €104.

‘American Retro’ will be another major fashion trend this season with statement fringe leather jackets, think Ralph-Lauren inspired jackets with a southern cowgirl twist.  We narrowed our selection to down to these three.  The first being a South Military style coat available in black or purple and great for day or evening, €94.  The second is a really great blast of colour, this teal Miss Selfridge coat has frill detailing to the front and is a bargain at €84!  My personal favourite is the classic Love Label drape front trench coat which looks great over jeans again €84.

Head-to-toe denim will also be on-trend with studs and tie-dye making a fashionable resurgence. Women can choose to wear a tie-dye cowgirl shirt with on-trend leg-revealing skirt or to team a black denim all-in-one with a fringed leather jacket.  You can thank D&G for the huge surge in all things denim and cowgirl.  The Miss Sixty jersey top, €79 complete with batwing sleeve will have you bang up to date and definitely noticed.

‘Daisy Duke’ is a cute mix of innocence and daring pulling together college-inspired casual popper-front sweaters worn over a bra top, one of the key looks this Spring/Summer.

Tribal continues to be a key look for Spring/Summer, particularly in footwear with heavily-beaded sandals giving an ethnic twist. The gladiator sandal will remain on trend in futuristic, metallic finishes, giving a new edge to this huge footwear hit of 2009.

‘Aviation’ will be another key this spring, with aviator sunglasses (do they ever go out of fashion!) and soft scarves the accessories to be worn with pencil skirts or pedal pushers, made sophisticated with tailored sleeveless leather jackets. Think Top Gun with a contemporary twist.

Our two final choices, the v-knit dress from Oasis, €79 has a banded hem so would work really well with skinny jeans for that Kate Moss look.  You have got to love this stone Mischa Barton studded bag, great with most of your wardrobe and you don’t have to sacrifice half your make-up bag to use it – €79!

Commenting on the launch of Littlewoods Ireland’s Spring/Summer collection, Geoff Scully, Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted with the new Spring/Summer 2010 collection and with such a comprehensive range covering this season’s catwalk looks, we have something for everyone.”

• Recommend on Facebook
• Tweet about it
• Tell a friend