Yesterday I bumped into Cathy O’Connor and found myself going with her (gate crashing) the Kilkenny Shop Spring Summer Fashion Show in store on Dublin’s Nassau Street. Kilkenny is the home of Irish design featuring both crafts and gifts. It also has a large fashion collection from really good Irish design but with a commercial edge. Price points are in the mid range and so I was delighted to get to see what’s on offer for this Summer. Notable greats that I spotted were from Ella Boo and FeeG both of which were terrific in terms of wearable affordable fashion. We sat in the restaurant upstairs and I wolfed down some delicate sandwiches and little cakes washed down with a lovely cup of tea (there was lots of wine on offer too). The models did a great job and I spotted my old trekking pal Lisa Cummins who looked stunning. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to say hi as the models had to do it all again for about 500 women who were waiting patiently until after the Press event for their chance to see the show. My pictures were taken on my iPhone as I was taken short once again but I think you can get a glimpse of what a great collection Kilkenny has in store for this season.
I literally stumbled into Josephine Fairley and Sarah Stacey today while I was in Arnotts delivering some Falke swatches into the hosiery department. The great Leonard Daly was on hand to beautify and the two Beauty and Health guru’s were being interviewed by Xpose while loads of women lined up to have the latest book by these two women signed. I had my iPhone with me and pressed the video button instead of the photo one hence the 3 second video below!
In this latest book in the bestselling “Beauty Bible” series, health and beauty experts Josephine Fairley and Sarah Stacey bring together everything a woman needs to know about feeling great, looking gorgeous and being fabulous, whatever your age. Chapters include guidance on skin, hair, make-up, hands, feet and nails, sleep, exercise and much more. There are top tips for taking off ten years in minutes as well as the secrets of inspirational older women. And of course Jo and Sarah’s trademark ‘tried and tested’ reports on scores of health and beauty products – reliably tested by 2,400 women. Loaded with insider info from the world’s leading experts, this is the bible for all women, showing you how to look, feel and be fabulous – forever.
As a beauty junkie I managed to grab a few (or more) minutes with both women and have a chat. We covered sunblock, skin care, inner health and beauty and the all important Irish weather which they agree is partly responsible for our good skin! All this in under ten minutes as only three women in full flight could possibly do! I reminded them of their first book which came out 15 years ago in pre Amazon days and to get it I had to call a London book shop, send a draft and have it posted to Ireland! What I really like abut this book is not only the independent reviews and testing but the great tips and information. This is one book I can heartily recommend for everyone who is interested in what works. It’s on sale for €23.50 in Arnotts and a great Mothers Day Gift…(hint,hint)
Arnotts Book Launch from Nicky Harris on Vimeo.
When I was at Pure in February one of the busiest stands was Ruby & Ed who make the most gorgeous range of Slippers and all things cozy for Women, Men and Children. Think the most luxurious fabrics in gorgeous colours cocooning your cold feet on a Winters night and you’re nearly there. But what’s on the menu for Summer? I hadn’t thought too much about them but had left my card with them having enthused and complimented the range on offer so imagine my surprise when a box arrived to the showroom the other day only to find in it a great pair of canvas runners perfect for Summer. A terrific fawn retro colour and they look just perfect on. Looking at their website they do have the most lovely gifts which include the lovely hairbands that would look perfect teamed with a light cotton dress. The website is easy to navigate and well worth a look especially if you are buying a gift for any woman who likes a little bit of that country and comfort Ruby & Ed do so well.
There’s a hint of Summer in the air and ever the optimist I’m predicting a hot one. Even if I’m wrong many of us will be heading to the Sun or live in climates hotter than here. One thing is for sure in the last few years those of us who aren’t aware of the dangers of the sun’s rays are few and many of us are all too aware of the dangers of UVA rays which easily penetrate clothing, don’t burn, but do contribute to skin cancers. I really like this company Mott50 who have recently produced a really wearable range of clothing which can be bought online . All the clothes have a Sun protection factor 50 built into the fabric. I love the dresses and the 70′s style floppy hat. All I need now is a ticket and some sunglasses and I’ll be good to go.
I wrote a piece about the new Christian Louboutin Boutique in Brown Thomas Dublin a few weeks ago which is doing a roaring trade, and by all accounts a huge success. Not all the shoes there are of the four inch heel variety so I could easily find a comfortable pair to adorn my aging (and now bunion adorned feet) if I so desired.
These babies from the latest collection (and very beautiful to look at ) would certainly challenge the pain threshold on lots of feet I know.
“I hate the whole concept of comfort. It’s like when people say, ‘Well, we’re not really in love, but we’re in a comfortable relationship.’ You’re abandoning a lot of ideas when you are too into comfort. ‘Comfy’ – that’s one of the worst words! I just picture a woman feeling bad, with a big bottle of alcohol, really puffy.” – Christian Louboutin
Well, that certainly has me thinking……
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I couldn’t let the passing of a great movie actress and style icon go without mention. I’m sure that loads will be written and said but for me her strong eyebrows and beautiful Violet Blue eyes, her childhood screen role in the film ‘National Velvet’ and later in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ (amongst lots of others) and her love of the beautiful things in life( including men and diamonds) says it all for me. Not a selfish woman she was a great giver of charity and worked extensively for AIDS raising many millions of dollars for that cause. Born in Hampstead UK Feb 27th 1932 to an American family Elizabeth Taylor has over five dozen film roles, received two Oscars, had seven husbands, eight marriages (none lasted more than six years) and four children. Elizabeth Taylor 1932-2011
Here are some of my favorite images
Since the weather has started to become more Spring like I’ve started to seriously consider the Trends and the trendlets. At this stage it’s too early to say which is which and often little ones become massive and big ones start with a bang and die quickly. One Summer trend that pops up ever Summer is the colour white and this season all white dressing was big on the catwalk. It works as a 70′s hippy look but also as a structural and more tailored offering. Worn with over large statement jewellery or accessories really makes this look one to at least to admire if not to wear. Not so great on pale and pasty skin or indeed without a blue sky backdrop. I’m watching and waiting for the Summer we certainly deserve or that holiday I really need before I embrace my particular form of inner white!
Wearing Pleats by nickysragtales featuring a white tee
Pleated Skirts are a strong trend for Summer but how to wear them? and more importantly can you wear them? Just a few rules and you should be able to wear a lovely skirt, a refreshing change from skinny pants and floaty dresses. Just a few rules to bear in mind. Mix them with bright colours, nothing bulky or floaty on top. A simple T-shirt or slim blouse or fine knit. You can toughen the look if you wish with a leather jacket. Don’t do the granny look by wearing courts. Wedges or chunky heels look great and a skinny bright belt to complete the look. There, easy peasy!
$10 ($5 for Japan)
Khaki and Leather Bag $50 ($25 for Japan)
Print $10 all proceeds to Japan
Thousands of people in Japan are homeless all the above can be purchased through Etsy, just click on the links below
Tote Bag
Khaki Bag
Print
I’m in a Happy St Patrick’s Day mood. Never a one to celebrate by watching parades. Long walks and a half pint of Guinness afterwards is more my style. Green is one of those colours that actually goes with everything though you need to take care near your face as some of the green shades can be a bit sick making! If you think about nature and about all the wonderful shades of green (which never clash and provide a wonderful backdrop for everything that nature has to provide) then you can incorporate one of the fresh shades or khaki for a great Summer perennial colour.
