We’ve all got our hang ups and issues so here are some quick tips on how to dress different shapes…

Hourglass Figure

To maximise your curves and flaunt a fabulous figure, opt for a waist cinching shift dress and a hip skimming bomber jacket for a strong day-to-night look.

Pear Shape

To balance out your hips go for a flared skirt and team it with a ruffle blouse to give the illusion of curves.

Apple Figure

A puff sleeve blouse will draw the eye up and away from troublesome tummy areas (also making the waist look smaller – yay!) and for a powerful office look wear it with chunky bangles and bootcut trousers.

Tube Figure

Play around with the peek-a-boo trend, maybe in the form of a lace top.  Wear it with peg leg trousers and lofty caged ankle boots for a powerful look.

Today’s Ask the Expert came from LittlewoodsIreland.

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

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.

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

Ebay is one of those things that some people tend to run away from. Fear of being defrauded and never getting what you ordered is a major turn off for people- but Ebay is one of those things that with a little care, you can really get into and not be defeated by. And the newest addition to it is the Ebay Outlet Store. The fact is that in a small country like Ireland, selection is kind of bare in some areas, and online shopping is the gateway to a better- and almost recklessly cheaper- world of fashion.

Ever before I get to that though, a few basic Ebay tips. There are Top Sellers on Ebay- and the first time buyer would be well served to try to buy from them. These people are guaranteed good at what they do; they’re generally considered to be the very best of sellers online, thorough businesspeople with fair postage rates and good products. Usually there are bids placed on Ebay- but there are also Buy it Now items you can purchase off the cuff.

I urge you to check to make sure that your chosen seller definitely delivers to Ireland (usually it will say that they deliver Worldwide, or at the very least to Europe), and finally, if you have any questions about postage rates to Ireland specifically, send the seller a question; they’re accommodating as hell on Ebay, and they always send you an answer. If they don’t, move on elsewhere; there’s more than enough choice.

Always use a PayPal account to make your payments. If you have a credit card or a debit card with a MasterCard or Visa symbol, register with PayPal. It makes sure that your purchases are made in a safe way, preventing the buyer from accessing all of your details, and so preventing fraud. Western Union transfers are not alllowed on Ebay for this exact reason. Anything else you need to know, look it up on the T and Cs of Ebay- which are, again, ridiculously thorough.

So now, onto the main affair. Ebay offers so many clothing and accessories choices on so many levels that it’s dumbfounding. The Ebay Outlet Store was set up to offer up to 70% off of brands you already know- Ben Sherman, Prada, Ugg and Ted Baker among them. To give you a small example, a pair of medium brown knit Uggs on Ebay will set you back about £70- and they cost up to €220 in the average show store. That’s a damn fine deal.

The site is easy to navigate and it’s simple to browse through what you want. If you have the time, try bidding on a few things and see how it works out. Wait until the last possible second to bid, and then go for it. You might get lucky. Ebay sees a huge stream of visitors and fashion items are hotly contested. Most of the shops have their own specific store and Schuh alone stocks loads of its current season shoes at hugely reduced prices. If you have some spare time and want to save a few bob, I recommend going to the actual shop, seeing what you want, and then make a visit to Ebay to find the right style to make a good saving.

Ebay is just chock full of bargains. With a little bit of planning and some thinking things through, you can make some serious savings.

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

Welcome to episode 3 of the Styleclinic in which stylist Kim Gilbert offers up advice to on how to shop and dress for your body shape.  Kim points out the do’s and don’ts when shopping for apple and hourglass shapes whilst giving great tips when buying fashion fixes on eBay.

Enjoy!

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

It is hard to find the perfect hat to wear during Summer time, especially while holidaying. The two basic options of peaked cap or wide brimmed hat don’t give us much opportunity to stand out from the crowd or accessorise in the best way possible. There is, however, another option that will leave your head sheltered from the sun while making you the most fashionable diva at the pool! I’m talking about Head Scarves. These cheap and space saving accessories are available in so many colours and styles that you won’t have any trouble finding one to go with whatever outfit you choose.

Now of course I have been inspired in my discovery by the latest Sex and the City Movie. In one scene SJP wears a beautiful turban with her peach Halston Kaftan Dress. Now I’m not brave enough to wear a turban but I found that the right headscarf, tied the right way, can be just as effective and less likely to get you asked if you’ve just flown in from Abu Dhabi!

So where to start, well first you need to locate a nice scarf. The problem is that many scarfs that are widely available are long rectangular scarfs (like the one seen below from Monsoon), but in order to achieve the right affect you really need a square scarf that is folded diagonally to produce a triangle. Not to worry, if you buy a long rectangular scarf, you can double it over and then fold over a piece at the end to produce a square, then fold diagonally to make a triangle from this. Then simply wrap the longest part of the triangle around your forehead, bring the edges of the triangle around to the back tightly and tie.

You can leave your hair flowing down underneath and add a few soft curls with a curling tongs for a nice affect ala SJP or you can tie the scarf under a pony tail and then wrap what is left of the scarf around the hair.

To finish off the look you can add a nice brooch to the scarf close to one of your ears. But if you wear one of these don’t expect to get much relaxation by the pool. You will be constantly bothered by admiring girlies asking where you got yours.

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

The CW’s Gossip Girl is one of my favourite shows. The Upper East Side, luxurious penthouses, fabulous wealth and torrid scandals make it one of the highest rated shows on American television, not forgetting the ridiculously good looking cast, of course.

With Taylor Momsen’s style on sale right now in New Look, you can mimic Jenny without a bother. But, what about Blair, Serena and Vanessa? Their looks can be found at the CW Gossip Girl Store.

Blair Waldorf’s Jet Faux Pearl Necklace ($18) is as refined as Blair herself. Nothing could be more elegant than a string of pearls. While Blair may have ditched the headbands (until she attends Columbia next season, that is), she will never ditch her pearls. After all, elitism, snobbery – that’s is what Blair’s all about.

Also from the Blair collection is the Emily Sisal Cloche Hat in Raspberry by Louise Green ($245). Who could ever forget the magnificent outfit worn by Queen B herself at the van der Bilt’s polo match at the beginning of the third season? While the cloche hat may be a bit pricey, bear in mind that it is designer and if it’s good enough for Blair, it’s good enough for us all.

Jenny Humphrey wore the one hundred per cent silk Emma Long maxi tube dress ($126 – 40% off) to Rufus and Lily’s wedding. Jenny’s style is rocker with a slash of sex (which is highly inappropriate, seen as she’s only sixteen years old) and this dress IS rocker formal. The grey tones are punk enough for Jenny, while the lavender gives the piece its formality and elegance.

Jenny also most recently wore these Ray Ban’s Classic Aviator Sunglasses ($129) in the episode How To Succeed In Bassness. You too can get Jenny’s ‘too-cool-for-school’ look with these designer shades. however, if you’re like me and refuse to spend that much on sunglasses (losing three pairs of designer sunglasses will prompt you never to buy real ones again), then you’re sure to find a close knock-off in New Look stores nationwide for a fraction of the price.

Serena van der Woodsen (former Queen Bee) wore the Ben-Amun Strand Spike Necklace ($160) in the second episode of the third season. While I may loathe Serena, the necklace is fabulous and can also be worn if you’re more of a Jenny. This seventeen inch necklace features rhodium plated pewter spikes dangling from a rolo chain. A second strand of spiked plunges down for a dramatic look and fastens with a lobster claw clasp.

Vanessa Abrams is supposed to be poor, right? So, why is it that she can afford such expensive clothes? Ah. Who cares? She looks great. Get Vanessa’s Zipper Leggings by LnA ($105) for the liquid leg look. V’s tan boots go great with the look so pick yourself up a pair from House of Fraser or Harvey Nick’s online stores.

Vanessa’s other great piece is her Westwood Calf Hair Satchel in Leopard Print by Hammitt ($585). Once again, for a poor girl she really does have nice things, right? The bag is fabulous and screams Manhattan socialite. This satchel is a bust-buy for any Gossip Girl fashionista.

While some of the looks may be quite pricey, they’re worth every penny. How cool would it be to be able to say ‘I’m wearing Blair Waldorf’s hat’ or ‘This is Jenny Humphrey’s dress’? The wardrobe people at Gossip Girl have created four fashion icons over the past three seasons. Blair is refined elegance and very well bred, Jenny is nouveaux riche while in keeping with her true self, Serena dresses in earth tones and adds a splash of glamour with her jewellery and Vanessa dresses true to herself and always looks fantastic.

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

River Island was founded in 1948, by Bernard Lewis. Since then the store experienced many name changes before finally becoming known as River Island in 1989. River Island operates over 250 stores worldwide so it’s only natural that the company has become a household name.

River Island has always been ahead of other high street stores and their collections are a tad more fashionable.

When Italian fashion giant Versace showed bright and airy white and dark, rich grey in their Summer collection the high street went wild. Whites and greys quickly began showing up in every single high street store across the world and River Island is no exception.

The Space Dye Cardigan (£26.99) teamed with the Ecru Scoop t-shirt (£12.99), Prince Red trousers (£29.99) and Block Stripe Trilby hat (£14.99) is quite possibly one of the oddest combination of garments I’ve seen all season (and I’ve seen this year’s Dior!). The whole ensemble looks kind of gay – which is fine. But, if you’re not looking to out a mating call to the same sex, swap the trousers for a pair of while linen or medium gray ones. I do love the Clock necklace (£12.99) and think I’ll get one for myself. It’s like a twenty-first century pocket-watch.

The Dandy Blue blazer (£59.99) works very well with the white-collar (LOVE!) Duran check shirt (£24.99). This look is very ‘country house in up-state New York or Connecticut’. (Trip van der Bilt from the CW’s Gossip Girl wore something very similar in the episode The Treasure of Serena Madre – and Trip was, after all, a van der Bilt). For a casual/semi-formal look, team these two with the Burn and Wash jeans (£34.99) and Rambo shoes (£54.99). If you want a formal feel, wear the blazer and shirt with a pair of dark navy trousers.

The Jenson check shirt (£24.99) worn with the Faschino trousers (£29.99) are very Polo Ralph Lauren. I take issue with the Tan Gladiator sandals (£24.99) but the brown Plaited belt (£16.99) is fine. I like this look, bar the sandals. Its very Summer casual meets house in the country. It works well and exudes an air of the old-money established families.

Wear the Seersucker check blazer (£44.99), Malbec shirt (£24.99) and Seersucker shorts (£24.99) for another Polo Ralph Lauren summer look. The Polka bowtie (£9.99) will add a spot of formality to the outfit, while the Zorza white brogues (£44.99), reminiscent of Gucci’s country look of two years ago, make for a light and airy Summer appearance.

For a formal look this Summer, wear the Petrol Fierce suit jacket (£89.99) with the Petrol Fierce trousers (£39.99) and Rosette shoes (£54.99). The fine stitching and rich material on the jacket is very luxuriant and will get you noticed when you walk into a room – in a good way. The White shirt (£19.99) is optional.

As I said, River Island has always been one notch up from other high street stores, and I think it’s quite clear why. Their looks almost mirror those seen at various fashion weeks throughout the year, their eveningwear is guaranteed to get you noticed when you walk into a room and their casual clothing is designed to fit every man, regardless of his shape or size. Whether you’re looking for a smart suit to wear to a formal function or just a simple day to day outfit there is no better place to start looking than River Island.

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

Following on from last season’s obsession with lace, crocheting is shaping up to be one of this summer’s hottest trends. Though lace is still being spotted, the real fashion-forward ladies out there have swapped the look for chunky, knitted styles – most frequently seen in white or off-white. The good thing about this trend is it can either be worn as a cool summer day-look, or it can be dressed up as classy evening-wear.

A classy take on crocheting requires a delicate balance: too much flesh on display isn’t classy, but too much coverage and you wind up looking frumpy! So try on a few styles and be sure to get a second opinion from a friend. On their Spring/Summer 2010 catwalks, Marc by Marc Jacobs opted for a high neckline, long sleeves and a knee-length skirt to try and counter the almost see-through nature of their heavily crocheted dress. However a more easily worn (not to mention affordable) take on the look comes from Mango. By keeping the crochet detailing to the neckline and sleeves, their crochet dress will protect your modesty whilst the flirty ruffled skirt adds a youthful flair.

But despite it’s granny connotations, crocheting doesn’t always have to be worn conservatively. The trend has also been picked up on by party-girls and rock chicks world wide. Kate Bosworth went for a cool crochet mini paired with on-trend ankle boots for the hippest music festival of the year, Coachella. Kate keeps her dress daytime-friendly by layering it over a long white vest whilst her aviator sunglasses and slouchy bag complete her laid-back festival look. The best thing about this dress is you can snap it up for about €50 from Topshop – celeb fashion on a budget!

Meanwhile, Lois Winstone has been spotted in an even more cutting edge take on the trend. At the recent opening of Topshop’s Knightsbridge branch (glamorously situated opposite Harrods), the wild child of London’s fashion pack turned up arm-in-arm with Daisy Lowe wearing a white crochet mini over visible black underwear. With red wine lipstick and a shock of bleached blonde hair to top it off, Lois clearly knows how to create an attention-grabbing look!

Whilst I wouldn’t recommend recreating Lois’s outfit (you might be getting attention for the wrong reasons), there are other ways of bringing crocheting bang up to date. For example, try going for a crocheted romper instead of the more traditional dress – making it two trends in one. Free People make a great white romper with crochet detailing on the back which will cost you €79.88. Though it borders on pricey, the romper is a great all-rounder as it would look just as good at the beach, the barbie, the bar or the fields of Punchestown for Oxegen.

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

Style Clinic two is a follow on from the first Style Clinic a few weeks ago giving advice on shopping for fashion on ebay.

Today’s clinic is hosted by Designer and Stylist Kim Gilbert showing us how to shop by ‘neutral’ on ebay.  Shopping neutral is basically offsetting the cost of new items by selling old, unwanted items.

Kim offers up tips on how to sell old and unloved items online, and fills us in on what nice new pieces to buy for the new season without spending a penny.  Watch below to see Kim update her wardrobe!

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

Go nude… and blush!

With Summer finally here (we’ve been waiting aaages!) it’s time to say hello again to… culottes!  Yep, that’s right, they’re back and I couldn’t be happier!  Topshop, Oasis and River Island have all been freshly delivered with the cute shorts but Penneys have done it again and caught my attention first.  These cute salmon pink culottes with black polka dots are only €11 from the pocket friendly store.  I’ll be wearing mine with a little black crop top and pumps!

The hat is also from Penneys and is an unbelievable €4.  A safer bet if you are not a sequin headpiece kinda gal.

Continuing to embrace neutrals I’ve paired them with this blush pink top.  It’s from Topshop and is priced at €58.  It has a zipper back and victorian style sleeves.  Yes please!

The Balmain inspired peep-toe heels have a touch of military about them to toughen up this look.  They are from New Look and are priced at €19.  They’re very comfy too… trust me!

This Turquoise bag with gold chain detail and mock croc effect is sure to brighten up the dullest of outfits.  It is priced at €28 and is from Asos.

Oh Summer, we love you!

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