Tuesday 19 July 2011

Pre-Collection SS12

To set your fashionable tastebuds alight here are some amazing looks from some incredible designers to be featured in London Fashion Week.

House Of Holland explode with an assortment of powerful brights...ah the mighty Henry Holland..








Christopher Kane









Peter Pilotto






 
Matthew Williamson







 

Preen




Orla Kiely..doing it for Ireland





No words needed!

Thursday 14 July 2011

SALE SALE SALE!!!

So at the moment there are sales in nearly every shop in the country.

This is great. Lots of people buying, keeping our retailers in jobs and we, as customers are getting great bargains. So where have the best sales???? Obviously it depends what you are looking for but nearly all the shops we love have red sale signs emblazoned all over their windows. Here are a few places I've picked some bargains up in.

Topshop. I have been thinking of getting the following garment for a long time ( well a few weeks anyway!) I described it to the sales advisor as the following...'I'd like one of those big woolly looking things, that you put over your shoulders, they kinda wrap around you and look like a rug or a carpet...'!
Ah yes she said directing me straight to a rail filled with these rug coats.Who knows what they are called. All I knew is that I wanted one. I found it. It was an absolute bargain at €15! I know I'll be wearing it in years to come. It's warm, it' stylish, I love it. It's like a big cosy, protective blanket. It'll mind me through this odd summer of cool days we're having and see me through the winter that lies somewhere in the distant ( ah!!it's kinda near!) future.

River Island. Possibly the maddest messiest sale of all on the high street but it's worth the effort. I picked up these lacy shoes for €12. They are incredibly comfortable and look young and frivolous and slightly enchanting! What wonderful feet decorations for so cheap!

    TK Max. Hello mother of all sales. An everyday shopping experience in TK Max is quite like what a sale day is in other shops. There are clothes and bags everywhere, falling off hangers, laid on floors, hanging from chandeliers, but it's quality designer gear just waiting to be discovered. You won't believe this but I'll tell you anyway. I got an Alexander McQueen top for €12!!!!!!!! Originally it was €16 but I bargained the manager down due to the snag on the back of it. Quite brazen I know seeing as the item was already on sale but knowing from past experience in TK Max they will go lower to get you to buy. And buy I did.
    Fashion heads are probably thinking what are you talking about Style Angel? Alexander McQueen-TK Max? These in the one sentence make no sense. Well let me explain. What they have done is brought a line called 'Gold Choice' to the store. You can get Pucci, Edun, Prada, Moschinno, D&G no joke! all in TK Max!!! So you have the cheaper TK Max price and then when they go into sale you have hit the mothership. Hello savings! Just get to a TK Max and check it out. The best one in my opinion, is the store in Blanchardstown shopping Centre. I can't believe I've given that hot secret away but lets all share in the cheap designer priced madness together!

     My treasured McQueen ensemble!
New Look. With reductions of nearly 70% on a lot of the goods it's definitely a spot to hit on your sale run. The one in Jervis Street Shopping Centre is the chains biggest and best. There are 8,000 pairs of shoes I'm told and currently about half of them are gone into sale. You can find amazing shoes in here starting at €11!!! You just can't find a better place for high fashion on trend shoes and clothing so well priced. I picked this beautiful piece up for €12.






There are plenty of bargains out there to be got. Just think before you buy. Yes those silver leggings may only be €4 but are you actually going to ever wear them? You don't HAVE to buy things just because they are cheap, you just need to take a few minutes to think about your purchase. Check out store policy too on returns. Most places are exchange only on sale items, so once you pay that €20 for those chunky gold platforms with gold glitter embedded on them there's no getting your money back!

Monday 27 June 2011

Get Crafty in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin


With 2011 being the 'Year of the Craft' it makes perfect sense that Fingal County Enterprise is marking it with a special conference. This special conference will focus on inspirational talks from recognized leaders in the craft industry. It takes place Thursday the 30th of June kicking off at 1.30pm and going right through until 7.30pm finishing with a networking reception.

There'll be guest speakers such as Greg O ‘Gorman – Group Marketing Director, Kilkenny shop and Melissa O’Gorman- Manager, Kilkenny shop.

Also a number of Craft / Design companies will share their experiences and knowledge with guests such as:


So if you're interested in setting up a shop, would like top tips on selling to the Public, interested in selling in the U.S or if you just need some inspiration from other Craft workers, to develop your business and make it grow, then pop along to Farmleigh House this Thursday.

It's a free event but places are limited so if it tickles your fancy get on the phone and book yourself a place.

Any further information or to book a place contact Suzanne May on 0872676650       

Thursday 23 June 2011

Something Iconic in the making...


Something very special is happening in Dublin on the 26th of August 2011. All fashionistas keep this date free : ) Plenty more to come on this in the following weeks so check back in.....

Wednesday 15 June 2011

bow of Powerscourt


You'll find it hard to find a prettier shop than bow of Powerscourt Townhouse on Dublin's South William street. Opened two years this August the store combines the talents of three incredible women.
Margaret, Wendy and Eilis each bring their designing and findings to this little haven. I feel like I'm entering their home as I step inside their quaint store. It's like walking through the doors of an old, well kept house in some low key yet glamorous place such as the Hampton's. All decor is white and wooden. There is a cosy fresh feeling as soon as you step over the threshold..I instantly feel comfortable and at home and ready to potter around..




They sell all sorts of wonderful pieces. A favourite I picked out were these vintage luggage cases.
They are very 'Murder on the Orient Express'. I would love to buy one of these but at €80, today they do not fit my budget. They look historic and used and that's what is great about them. They are living on through the ages..waiting for the perfect owner to bring them on their travels and create some new exciting memories.



The lovely Wendy and Margaret were in store when I wandered in. Wendy was a great help to me on the day and I know that whether it be herself, Margaret or Elis in store when you arrive, they will drop what they are doing and give you the help you may need. (Even if they are discussing Elis' latest feature in Stellar magazine-a testimony to the talent that lies within these walls)


I felt like I was in a museum at times. But that's a good thing because I like museums. Everything looked perfectly in place. It was all very neat and the price tag was marked clearly on each hand-written tag.


The experience of shopping in bow to me was perfect. There aren't too many bundles of clothes, there isn't rail upon rail of jam packed stock. There are a number of pieces and that's it. You can see everything clearly and it makes for very easy shopping. Jewellery sits on old school jewellery boxes and there are rich deep wooden features such as the centre piece table holding lovely little wonderments.



It is such a relaxing store with its soft lighting and nothing is in your face or annoying. It doesn't even feel like a store, more like rooms joined together filled with creative vintage finds! As I said before like a home.. decorated with a fabulous wardrobe!


Vintage leather skirt and shirt both €75



Some beautifully made delicate bows above caught my eye as soon as I entered bow. Added to almost anything they would create a pretty dainty feel. At €70 I thought surely I could make these myself for cheaper. But then I thought of the effort, the patience, the sourcing of material, and suddenly it seemed like a good investment. Especially supporting an Irish designer.


Lace Cape €220

This lace cape actually made me gasp and get excited! It is just gorgeous! So glamorous, I'd wear it with anything and feel like a million dollars!


Dress €375

And this fabulous glitzy dress would be perfect for a night out whether it be a fancy dinner party or hot club in town. It is pure elegance and would be flattering for every skin tone and every figure.


Lou Lou Belle Bag €200  

A perfect addition to the above dress. Plenty of room for all essentials : )

Bow chain €75

This bow necklace is so very clever. It felt to me like a lazy man's Dickie bow. I have always wanted to wear a Dickie bow. How very masculine and sharp. This I think will be what I will wear instead. It's just a little piece of brilliance in my eyes. Super stylish, slick neck wear.


Grey studded dress €375                                  Polk dot dress  €300


Vintage Bag €150

I just love this brown vintage leather bag. It looks effortless and classy. It looks like it has so much history and is the most stylish weekend bag a lady could carry with her.



I came away from bow feeling slightly embarrassed. In all my years I have bought whatever I have liked and rarely thought about how it was made or where it came from. My attitude has changed. It's time I saved my money and invested in decent hand made Irish designs. They stand the test of time. Everything in bow will look as incredible now as it will in seventy years time.
It's a whole other article about buying cheap versus investing in expense but I believe good quality is worth investing in and that is what bow has on offer. Impecable quality. I want to congratulate bow on bringing beautiful vintage and newly made creations to my attention. I will return for my leather case and a well made dress when I have my €500 in hand.

Monday 30 May 2011

So many hats and just one head!

Three of the greats Humphrey, Frank and James knew the importance of the Hat...

This write up is all about hats...

I need to start by stating that anyone can wear a hat. Saying you don't look good in a hat is like saying you don't look good in shoes! You just need to find the perfect one that you love, then your look will fall effortlessly into place.


The hat is my favourite accessory. Whether it be a handmade Panama hat, or a stylish trilby, I simply think that when added to a look, they complete it. My love for them was passed on to me from my dad. His hats live on. When you wear a hat, you become the dream that started when the hat was conceived.  The original energy that was put into the hat doesn't die, it only changes forms and owners.  The dream is passed on from generation to generation. ( surely the inventors of the hat just wanted to keep their heads warm Style Angel? Ah yes indeed but even back then they were stylish looking!)


These Greek boyos sporting one of the earliest hats known as the 'Petasus'.


I wonder did the Greeks think that one day there would be a 'Hat Person of the Year Award'. Look what they started! The 2010's winner of the award was the effortlessly cool Johnny Depp. One day the Headwear Association will award me with 'Hat Person of the Year!' You watch this space Johnny.



Panama Hats, Bowler Hats, Top Hats, Fisherman Caps.

Hat snobs will claim you have to wear all of the above a particular way. I say wear your hat whatever way you want. I rarely wear ladies hats because they are too prim and proper for my style. I like hats which look like they are old and have a bit of history, something a bit rough around the edges,unkempt, a bit wild and wonky looking, so ladies 'racing day' hats don't do it for me!

Any male readers this is especially for you. Certain hat etiquette is expected such as the following:




  • In general, any circumstance where you are in the presence of a lady, you are to remove your hat. The only time when this might not be practical is outdoors in a storm (where you would get drenched) during a brief encounter.







  • It is also customary to remove your hat when in an lift (elevator) with a lady. This is considered a private setting, similar to an interior room, but if the elevator is very crowded, keeping your hat on saves it from getting crushed and inconveniencing other people.







  • I think doffing of ones hat ( taking it off) is only expected nowadays when someone enters a church or enters a persons home, but surely this is old fashioned? I don't take my hat off to anyone, but I'm a lady so I think I'm exempt from the 'gentlemans' rules. I do think I'll start 'tipping' my hat, which is the slight tilting action to the front of it. I may do this when I greet people. I think it's a very polite gesture!

    Enough about hat history and lets get to what is available today.There is a vast choice online and in stores currently so I have picked out my top 10 to give you a decent selection. I think you'll be happy that there is a hat out there for any price range or occasion so here are some beauties.


    No 1 : The 'Band Hat' From Beyond Retro £45 Clearly quite unusual, you may need a shot of confidence to wear this and a 'fuck it' attitude to follow up as a chaser!





      No 2 : The Straw hat from Heatons priced at €4 you can't really go wrong. Perfect for summer days..and sure if it blows away in a gust of wind it was only four euro! 


    
    No 3 :  This Vintage 80's Blue Satin Bow hat is from http://www.itsvintagedarling.com/. Priced at £30 I think it is a beautiful statement piece that would add a special glamorous touch to any look. 



    
     No 4 : This fresh Corsage Trilby is from Republic and costs £14.99.
    No 5 : This stunning Swarovski crystal pin-embellished straw hat is from Lanvin and costs a crisp €610

    
    
    No 6 : Straw Hat from Diesel at littlewoods.ie €50
    
    No 7 : Why not! Sherlock Holmes Hat £ 24.95 from http://www.hats&caps.co.uk/
    
    



    No 8 : Beautiful Bright Straw Hat  From O'Neill  at Debenhams  €21






    
    No 9: This sophisticated Savanna hat is incredibly slick and can be found at http://www.fanclothing.com/ for $38



    No 10 : For Vintage style Fedora this bright orange spectacle is perfect. It's from Peekaboo Vintage Store and costs £45



    If you don't like any of the hats above why not check out having your own custom hat made by the ultimate Hollywood Hat Maker? This is the place to get incredible hats. They have been making hats for many years for all genres of film and have celebrities queuing up outside to get their hands on their custom designs. Check it out http://www.baronhats.com/





    Why hide them away in hat boxes! Bang in a few nails and get them up on a wall where they'll be superbly easy to access.


    "A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor, and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothes and wearing a costume; it's the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it's the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over, and to make all men feel masculine about. A piece of magic is a hat." - Martha Sliter

    Kate Moss doing it for the girls in a leather Fisherman Hat


    So here's your hat what's your hurry? Go and get yourself one of the most stylish accessories to don and join the stylish hat brigade.