I was trying to pretend for weeks that I wasn’t really interested in the Royal wedding, partly in reverence to my English mother who was a most vigorous anti royalist. Every time they came up in conversation she would mutter under her breath ‘bloomin waste of space’ or words to that effect!! I can see her point though and she was in some part sympathetic to the notion that people would have to spend their entire life ‘being nice’. The job basically entails shaking hands and saying and doing nothing very important at all, save for turning up at openings and reading speeches that one has written for one, once a year. The Queens speech happens each Christmas just in time for the people (commoners) who at that stage are so full of Christmas Pudding and alcohol that the couch and the telly are as far as they can manage. There is something though about pomp and circumstance that has a collective comfort blanket effect and today was one of those days when some of us were transfixed at a Royal Fairy Tale wedding.
I couldn’t however resist the invitation from Boodles on Grafton Street to watch the wedding and sip champagne and Pims while being surrounded by the most beautiful gems from one of Britain’s leading Jewellers. The weather was beautiful, the setting was perfect and we all agreed to a woman that ‘The Dress’ was very Grace Kelly, very beautiful. We all laughed when the ring had to be forced on, we all thought the Queen at nearly 85 looked very smart in yellow and we all thought that the Bridesmaid was super gorgeous and the bridesmaids adorable. We debated heavily (if you can call it that) about whether Kate had done her own make up and thought she looked a little tired. All in all the event was a winner, We drank Champagne, Pims, Bellini’s, and Mint tea, we ate little cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches (with the crusts cut off) and beautiful cup cakes decorated in the British flag colours all catered beautifully by The Right Catering Company
Champers with Camilla
Watching
on the telly
“Get a Life” Palladium Jewelry Collection.
I can’t think of anyone who could model Vivienne Westwoods latest limited edition Jewellery collection ‘Get a Life’ other than actress Christina Hendricks. Made of Palladium which is related to platinum this is the first Jewellery I’ve fallen in love with for a long time. I’m adoring this necklace. The collection will retail for between €600-€1000 and will be on sale in the Vivienne Westwood boutique in London this Summer.
Danielle McCrosssan may be blond, may love pink but is anything but dumb. Her CoCo Boutique on Dublin’s Clarendon Street is the haunt of Rosanna, Glenda, Amanda and Virginia as well as every girl who loves party wear and goes all out when picking something wow for that special event. The latest venture for young business woman Danielle is the launch of fabulous jewellery collection, Sparkle. Prices from €29-89 are reasonable for this high quality very glam collection. The expression ‘Bring on the Bling’ certainly apply here. Great earrings and bracelets/cuffs with amazing statement neck -pieces and over sized cocktail rings in bold and bright colours as well as diamond and black combinations make this a very complete story, perfect for present shopping or a treat for self.
All Jewellery from Coco Boutique, 40 Clarendon street, Dublin
Wholesale enquiries to Danielle Mc Crossan
One of the great things about working in town is the regular walks I take through the streets when I need to leave the showroom to take a break (that’s my excuse anyway). A couple of years ago I temporarily took up residence in Fashion City which is just off the motorway and hated every moment. Being stuck in an industrial setting was about as inspiring as watching paint dry.
Thursday’s market on Coppinger Row just off Grafton Street is small but perfect. Breads, organic fruit and veg, crepes and gorgeous sweet treats sit alongside Reichhold Originals. Richard Reichhold is an unusual designer who does not watch fashion trends but manages to produce a delectible display of jewellery. Collaborating with Italian lampwork bead makers he uses sculptural form and manages to make individual statement pieces. Priced from 15 euro up these make perfect gifts.
This one WILL be mine, sterling silver and Italian glass in ruby red
Necklaces Galore
Reichhold Originals can be found at the People’s Park Dunlaoire every Sunday, Coppinger Row every Thursday and Ranelagh Village Market Thurs-Sun. email reichhold@gmail.com www.reichholdoriginal.ie
Fashion and Jewellery go hand in hand and nothing transforms an outfit from plain ordinary to stunning like the right statement piece. Chosen with care and not necessarily by spending a fortune you can make all the difference to an outfit. There is such great choice in the shops right now so here are a few tips on how to avoid the pitfalls.
BRACELETS
Cuffs make a great big bold statement and worn with slim fitting long sleeves can look great.
Classic bangles are another must have. They can be bought cheaply so stack them high
RINGS
Apart from the obvious a great fashion ring is a good buy but it should be fun and not pretending to be a 40 carat cocktail bling ring!
NECKLACES
Choose your neck piece based on the neckline of the garment you are wearing. The higher the necklines work best with longer length chains. Plunging necklines are best with 17-19″.
Strapless dresses work best with a choker or princess style necklace. Halter and one shoulder dresses need only drop earrings to show them off.
Above all avoid matching sets, too old fashioned and predictable.
Rebecca Davis has a fabulous collection of fashion and statement jewellery in her shop in the Westbury Mall in Dublin and also online. Chosen from the best collections from around the world Rebecca has an eye for what works and gives really great advise to her customers.
Rebecca Davis, Unit 27 Westbury Mall Dublin
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