As we head towards 2012 and all that the new year will bring we can celebrate in style and what better way to dress than with a LBD, the staple of every woman’s wardrobe whatever her age. I tend to wear a small brightly coloured scarf at my neck whenever I’m wearing all black as an accent to brighten my face. After a certain age all black can be a little too draining on my skin tone. So here are a few gorgeous LBD’s to wet your appetite. The shoes are rather delicious though I tend to think that personally I would need a taxi and then a bevy a lithe slaves to carry me Cleopatra style around the place as walking wouldn’t really be an option in these heels! I have never quite managed the high heel walk that young women these days are so adept at. One of my (lesser) new years resolutions will be to try to learn to walk in heels!
The idea of a pair of shoes with removable heels that can be changed depending on which height you prefer has finally arrived. A practical idea and one of those that you say to yourself ‘now why didn’t I think of that”? These shoes look a tad cheap to me and I would want a better quality shoe to warrant the price tag.
When I was at the Arnotts press day last week I spotted a great competition for all print designers. It’s a collaboration with betafashion.com which is worth a look at to see what’s what and the winning scarf will be made and sold in Arnotts in March.
Bright and light can best describe what will be in store from early January. River Island takes several themes from the past which merge to give a collection infused with colour, print and texture. Latin America evoking heat and a distinctly sexy vibe sits side by side with pretty pastels, florals and prints. The early 90′s sit side by side with the 70′s hippy look. All the trends are feminine and fun, pastels and chiffon in baby pinks and soft yellows look perfectly happy with the more purist clean silhouettes and casual tailoring. One of my favorites is the perennial ethnic trend that River Island continues to do to perfection.
Being transported into the glamorous world of cinematic elegance on a chilly day in Dublin is no mean feat but that’s exactly what Arnotts managed to accomplish today when they showcased their Spring Summer collections to the Press. From the heady 20′s came nudes, metallics and beautiful embellished pieces new collection Anderson & Lauth as well asHoss Intropia and Badgley Mischka. Soft feminine print dresses from Anna Sui (new to Arnotts from February) are simply beautiful and reminders of Summer parties. While Tara Jarmon, Jaeger and NW3 all do the classics superbly. The Victoria Beckham jeans and silk vest T’s are perfect while Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Lee look gorgeous.
accessories that I particularly liked came from Hoss Intropia and Zac P while Coach is taking centre stage having made its debut this season.
Karl Lagerfeld has never been to India but never one to pass an opportunity the recent Chanel presentation entitled ”Paris-Bombay” held in Paris at the dome in the Grand Palais had all the hallmarks of the excess of the Raj. An amazing opulent set was the backdrop for clothes that even though they had all the hallmarks of the finest of traditional Indian craft finishing were all hand finished in Paris. It all has the look of the privilaged continuing to party while everyhting around crumbles. I’m not sure whether this was tongue in cheek or serious but whatever it was the clothes do the talking here and are beautifully crafted for a modern woman whether Indian or from anywhere else for that matter.
The colour of 2012 as decreed by the Pantone Institute is…(drum roll…) Tangerine Tango. If you don’t wear it yourself you will at least see it everywhere since the colour institute informs the industry a year ahead and the high street are all ready to take to the rails. It could be worse and if you don’t want to wear it head to toe (heaven forbid) accessories could make a welcome splash of this colour that screams energy and passion. Two things we could all do with more of in these uncertain times.
On a day when budgets target the disabled and lone parents and the poor get poorer the only thing I can say is that I do hope those people on large pensions and half decent salaries that have been only marginally affected are spending all their disposable income in Ireland and not on shopping trips to New York or London. Those cities are terrific but right at home there are some fantastic shopping parties (as I like to call them) happening all over the country. Boutiques are hosting events where you can sip champagne, eat nibbles and shop at discounted prices. Look out for them because they are all happening and in a boutique near you very soon. One event that I thought looked interesting is taking place this Thursday//Friday evening and that’s in Oasis in Dublin and Cork
The Oasis My Personal Stylist launch event is being held in Oasis St. Stephen’s Green Dublin on Thursday evening December 8th from 6pm – 9pm, and the Oasis Cork launch which is happening in Oasis Patrick Street Cork on Friday December 9th from 6pm – 9pm. I am assured that all my followers are included in this invitation.
The launch includes exclusive 20% discount off during the party, in store DJ, prizes and pampering treatments on offer in store, as well as Celebrity Stylits Lisa Fitzpatrick offering free style consultations on the evening. Watch out for activity in Oasis Dundrum Town Centre and Oasis Belfast across the weekend as they are offering lucky dips to customers to win vouchers and discounts.
Makeup artist to the stars Mary Greenwell, who has worked with everyone from Diana Princess of Wales and Gwyneth Paltrow to many of the world’s top models has teamed up with Jo Fairley, beauty writer (the Beauty Bible) and founder of Green & Blacks and produced a series of video master classes. The first of video just arrived and I just had to share it with you as it’s brilliant. I am constantly trying to improve my choice of foundation and more importantly how I apply it. Check out the new website and bookmark it now www.high50.com.
