September 30th, 2009
Welcome to our new BEAUTY & GROOMING corner where we’ll be bringing you the latest news, reviews, tips & tricks on all things cosmetic, hair, skincare and much more. In our first blog, the gorgeous Rachel Kavanagh kick starts beauty proceedings by putting some revolutionary hair extensions to the test.
To celebrate we’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win an uber-relaxing pampering package thanks to the lovely people at the Aveda Whetstone Spa on Parliament Street, Dublin. The prize includes having your tresses styled by top hair stylist and professional make-up application using the luscious Aveda make-up range.
TO ENTER: Simply answer the following question: On what street in Dublin is the Aveda Whetstone Spa located?
Post your answer as a comment to this blog entry or email them to darren@helpmystyle.ie. Closing date for entries is next Thursday, Oct 8th.
THE RULES: All prizes are non-transferable and to enter you must have an Irish postal address (on the island of Ireland). There is no cash alternative and our decision is final. This competition ends at 6pm on Thursday 8th October 2009. We respect your privacy and will never share your details with any third party.
Get those entries in and good Luck!
Darren
Tags: BEAUTY & GROOMING, competition, grooming, help, my, style
Posted in BEAUTY & GROOMING, Competitions, Style Candy | 42 Comments »
September 30th, 2009
M&S unveiled their latest collections for Autumn Winter 09 to a full house in the Baroque chapel at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. From 80’s inspired ‘Disco Diva’ where leggings are the order of the day with colourful pops of colour including lots of hot pinks to ‘Body Sculpture’ power dressing which featured the beautifully structured bow dress from Per Una. A nod to the more sultry era ’40’s Glamour’ included tweed trousers and Per Una fur coat.
PRICE (from left to right)
Look 1: Teal & Black Cardigan €40, Black Bandage Skirt €35
Look 2: Autograph Grey Dress €95
Look 3: Black Cardigan €24, Purple Bandage Skirt €35
PRICE
Limited Collection Pink Frill Sleeve Top €35
Limited Collection Lilac Skirt €35
Limited Collection Pink Jumper €40
PRICE
Per Una Jacket with Fur Collar €109 (available late October ‘09)
Limited Collection Brown Cardigan €54
Portfolio Mushroom Top €20
Leaf Print Skirt €35
Tags: autumn winter, dublin, fashion show, kilmainham, m&s, marks & spencer, marks and spencer, per una
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September 29th, 2009
A great alternative to black is classic navy which creates a super-stylist look. Rachel Bilson was spotted this week at the Salvadore Ferragamo Milan Fashion Week show, bringing a touch of elegance to proceedings in an uber-chic navy blue satin gown, with black net panels. The highstreet’s currently awash with great navy items. Here are a couple of my favourites.
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
PRICES
1) Frill front navy dress by t.b.a £135
2) Antoni&Alison Naval bow jumper £198
3) French Connection Rain drop dress £165
4) Embellished-shoulder navy jumper dress Dorothy Perkins £35
5) Luella Cashmere cardigan £285
6) Topshop embellished bust dress £125
Tags: antoni&alison, black ney panels, classic navy, Dorothy Perkins, fashion, ferragamo, french connection, luella, milan, navy dresses, rachel bilson, salvadore, satin gown, tba, topshop, week
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September 28th, 2009
Littlewoods look of the week brings some Gypsy Glamour into your wardrobe with this South printed georgette dress (€39), suede bow cross body bag (€44) and some fab Love Label ‘Heritage’ platform shoes (€39).
This Miss Sixty slinky jersey dress in red is bang on trend with cute ruffle sleeve and backless detail (€129).
Also from Miss Selfridge is this petite side ruffle mini dress with pearlised button. Would look great for autumn teamed with some black tights and black ruffle ankle-boots.
For more check out Littlewoods Ireland.
Tags: georgette dress, gypsey glamour, jersey, littlewoods, littlewoods ireland, love label, miss selfridge, ruffle dress, slinky
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September 25th, 2009
Inject some music and fun into shopping this October as BT2 celebrate the “FUNK” and bring us through the iconic music eras with impromptu gigs in BT2 Grafton Street. From live bands, guest DJ’s to midnight Silent Discos BT2’s “DO YOU WANNA FUNK WITH ME” music month will be brining us all the hits from the 1950’s to the present day chart topping hits.
Sat 26th & Sun 27th Oct:
Take a trip down memory lane with the temptous Tea Ladies and indulge in cupcakes and nostalgia with rhythm and blues from the 40’s and 50’s. (Playing in BT2 Grafton 12pm to 5pm)
Sat 3rd & Sun 4th Oct
Step into a sixties time capsule with DJ Dandelion and revel with her one hundred mile an hour pounding northern soul anthems and primitive growl of the 60’s garage groups and pop productions, whilst shopping for the ultimate mini dresses from Manoush and psychedelic patterned pieces from Lipsy and Miss Sixty, totally reminiscent of the flower power era.
Sat 10th & Sun 11th Oct
Drag diva Devina Devine will perform in BT2 Grafton St. mixing music from the 80’s, with a radiating personality and an hilarious performance that will entertain all.
Tags: brown thomas, bt2, devina devine, dj dandelion, funk month, temptous Tea Ladies
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September 24th, 2009
Frued famously asked “what do women want?” The answer seems to be – shoes, the more the merrier! Most of us have an inner Imelda Marcos and to feed your addiction Divine Boutique have introduced a fabulous new range of funky shoes from London brand ‘Fued’ and Firetrap. From leather to patent – platform to wedge, a simple change of shoe changes everything and you can NEVER have too many pairs!
Lynx by Firetrap €140
Suede Fringe Ankle Boot €140
Ginny by Firetrap €140
For more check out Divine Boutique
Tags: divine boutique, divine shoes, fued, fued shoes, shoe addiction, shoes
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September 22nd, 2009
If you were listening to Gerry Ryan, 2FM this morning, you’d have heard me talking about how to update your wardrobe and shopping tips. Yes, It’s that time of year again when you have to think about turning the heating on and packing away the summer clothes to embrace autumn/winter. With so many different trends, brands and shops to choose from sometimes it can be a bit daunting, so here are my top 10 tips on how to approach and get the most out of time spent shopping.
1. You can instantly change your appearance for the better with good posture.
2. There are at least 5 ways you can wear the clothes you already own, be experimental!
3. Does this go with that? When in doubt – don’t. Your self-confidence is more important than the experiment.
4. Before you go shopping check your wardrobe for clothing gaps and think about how you spend your time
5. Wear clothes and shoes that it’s easy to get in and out of in changing rooms
6. Buy two pairs of trousers when you like the fit and adjust the hems so you can wear one pair with flats and the other with heels
7. With some designers you pay for the name with others you pay for the quality – learn to recognize which is which.
8. When you are undecided, take a photo on your phone and look at it and make up your mind later.
9. Wearing slim-fit under layers (i.e. vest, leggings etc) makes loose-layered outer garments look better. Layering clothing is best for this time of year and hot shopping.
10. Shopping with friends can be a bad idea. Consciously or unconsciously they may not always offer the best advice!
Tags: 2fm, buying clothes, changing rooms, darren kennedy, Gerry Ryan, shopping, shopping tactics, shopping tips, shopping with friends, tactics, tips, update wardrobe
Posted in Style Candy | 2 Comments »
September 22nd, 2009
Model and Total Xposure contestant Ruth O’Neill has a great fashion sensibility and exudes her own personal style. Having modelled for many of the country’s top design houses and fashion brands, 21-year-old Ruth is currently working with designer discount fashion brand, Ruby Couture, ahead of their upcoming show at the Mansion House this weekend September 24th to 27th. We caught up with her for a quick fashion fix…
What five words best describe your style?
It ranges from girly vintage dresses to cool jeans and tees with boots or converse. I like to feel glamorous and sexy on nights out though! I’m trying to experiment a bit more now though and try different looks.
Best shopping experience?
Every time I go over to the states, I come back with bags of new clothes! I like to save up before I go and hit it hard! Here in Dublin though, I just got an amazing Chloé dress from Ruby Couture reduced from €3,000 to €300!! Money saving experiences are always enjoyable!
Best style tip?
Tights look better than bare legs with dresses after the month of October in Ireland up until March when it becomes acceptable again to show skin in such turbulent weather! I’m actually still digesting that tip myself….
Favourite item in your wardrobe right now?
My classic white Chanel bag hands down!! Sinful price but worth every penny!
Who do you think epitomises great style?
I think Sienna Miller can do no wrong. I also think Fearne Cotton has such a cool unique sense of style.
Best high street store?
Topshop- they should probably start charging me rent at this stage I’m there all the time!! I like Zara too and French Connection has some beautiful dresses.
Where’s your favourite place to shop?
In Ireland and UK- Topshop. In America- BCBG Maxaria and Forever21
Fashion on the web?
I always browse on asos.com but I’ve never actually bought anything from it. I love shopping as a social experience; I like to go with some girlfriends, get lunch and then help each other pick clothes out. An online store doesn’t give you that blunt honesty that your friends offer!!
What’s been your worst fashion moment?
Wearing skirts that were too short or hotpants to nightclubs a few years back! Looking back on photos, I now realize it was a bit nasty!!
Tags: designer, designer discount, designer discount dublin, discount, fashion brands, help my style, helpmystyle, ruby couture, ruth o neill, style secrets
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September 21st, 2009
Brogues first made an appearance on the catwalks in ‘07/’08 and in true form, a good year later they are now all over the highstreet. They’re the perfect footwear for this time of year – early autumn when it’s too chilly for sandals but too soon for your winter boots.
Brogues perform at their absolute peak when worn with bare ankles (or lace ankle socks) and turned up jeans. They look very pretty when teamed with an A-line skirt or pretty tea dress. The other great thing about brogues – they are flat, comfortable and not ballet pumps!
Black Pattern Stiletto Brogue New Look
Dorothy Perkins Grey pointed brogue shoes £28
Melissa Swarovski Brogues
Topshop Kameryn Brogue Shoe £55
Urban Outfitters Giraffe Print Brogue
Topshop Kowboy Studded Brogue £55
New Look Sling back Sandal
Tags: autumn shoes, brogues, new look, pennys, topshop, topshop brogues, Urban Outfitters
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September 18th, 2009
Punk-pop star Avril Lavigne (24yrs) debuted her fashion range Abbey Dawn at New York Fashion Week on Wednesday.
Having launched her own brand of perfume Black Star earlier this year, Avril has branched out into the world of fashion. Staying through to her punk-chic style her Abbey Dawn collection burst on to the catwalk in an array of vivid pinks, purples and sparkly blacks. The entire line exudes Avril’s quirky style, including top hats, braces and brightly-coloured statement boots.
Not necessarily to everyones taste, this line will appeal particularly to a younger audience but it bodes well for the future and I look forward to seeing more sophisticated ranges from Ms Lavigne as she matures herself. She’s only 24 so plenty of time!
Tags: abbey dawn, avril lavigne, new york fashion week, nyfw
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September 17th, 2009
Pepe Jeans new ‘London’ collection for men is quintessentially British in style, as you might expect from the brand. They’ve gone for a urban street look, quite utilitarian in style with heavily constructed detailing. Trousers are slim and tailored with a colour palette mainly of earth tones in khaki, navy, olive and black. Layering is key to the aesthetic which is quite casual overall.
The new womenswear collection is also worth checking out and features everything from skinny pencil skirts, figure hugging dresses through to full circular skirts and biker jackets.
For more check out Pepe Jeans.
Tags: menswear, pepe jeans, pepe jeans women, pepe london, quintessentially British, utilitarian, womenswear
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September 15th, 2009
Victoria Beckham launched her new fashion collection for the first time at New York Fashion week this week. Based entirely upon her own personal style she described it as “my dream of a lifetime” and looking at the dresses, I could picture her wearing each and every single one.
Victoria’s third ready-to-wear collection, consisting of just 10 styles, is based entirely upon her own style and no doubt she owes a lot to one of her favourite designers France’s Roland Mouret, inventor of the ‘Galaxy Dress’. Luxury fabrics such as silk organza, silk crepe, taffeta, wool stretch and fine cottons, in a colour palette of black, navy, cream, cobalt and flesh-tone define the collection which costs between £600 and £1,900. With a timeless feel to it, it’s by far the best we’ve seen from dvb to date.
Tags: dvb, help my style, new york fashion, new york fashion week, nyfc, roland mouret, victoria beckham
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September 14th, 2009
Selected Femme created a fantastic buzz on the international fashion scene when it launched last year and likewise plenty of fanfare greeted it’s arrival in Ireland earlier this year. The new season’s Selected Femme collection has landed and no doubt will have a similar impact this autumn if these images are anything to go by.
This collection achieves the right balance of cool, sophistication and sexy, using luxury fabrics and pared down elegance in a very functional way.
Simple cut shirts and structured, sophisticated dresses with arty prints (Highlights of neon pink and bright lime) define the range. Skinny jeans are worn with voluminous blouses and throughout the collection clean but slightly textured wools are used for tailoring. The knitwear consists of heavy chunky materials and super fine gauges.
PRICES
Image 1) Coloured Dress €159.95
Image 2) Leggings €54.95
Image 3) Cardi €119.95
Image 4) Top €139.95 Leggings €54.95
Image 5) Black Dress €159.95
Selected Femme Autumn/Winter 2009 is now available at Brown Thomas stores nationwide.
Tags: aw09, brown thomas, bt, BT's, selected femme
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September 13th, 2009
Michele McGrath is a singer, model and member of pop quartet ‘Industry’ whose latest offering ‘Burn’ debuted at number one, ending Black Eyed Peas’ six-week reign over the Irish singles chart. Since the release of their first single, ‘My Baby’s Waiting’ which also debuted at no. 1, Michele has been touring the country pretty much non-stop. So on a recent pit-stop in Dublin, I caught up with the lovely Dubliner to talk fashion and find out how she manages to stay looking so stylish despite being on the road most of the time…
Describe your style in five words?
Rocky yet girlie, quirky, trendy, fun.
How is your personality reflected in your style?
A lot. I’d like to think I’m a fun person and I’m quite girlie but I like to mix it up with rocky key pieces. But I dress differently from day to day depending on my mood.
You’re on the road a lot with the band, what is your best style tip for any woman on the go?
Wear clothes that are comfortable but that can be easily dressed up. I’m loving cute lil dresses at the moment with tights and converse and all I have to do is pop on my heels and I’m good to go if I have an interview or need to be anywhere where I have to be presentable.
Worst or best shopping experience to date?
Best shopping experience has to be my Ingwa Melero dress I bought for a party last year. I love it sooooo much it’s a classic lil black dress. I got so much wear out of it last year and I’m sure coming up to Christmas I will get loads of wear out of it again.
Who do you think epitomizes great style?
I love Mary Kate Olsen’s style she’s quite gothy but yet still manages to be glamorous.
Where’s your favourite place to shop?
My fav place to shop has to be Alila on Drury’s Street. They have amazing one-off pieces at affordable prices.
Tags: alila, burn, fashion, Igwa Melero, industry, Ingwa Melero, mary kate, michele mcgrath, michelle mcgrath, my babys waiting, olsen, style, style secrets
Posted in Style Candy, Style Secrets with... | 1 Comment »
September 11th, 2009
Congrats to ALEXIS MC GAHON from Louth who has won this weeks competition for a beautiful piece of Miss Chic jewellery. It’s in the post and making it’s way to you now Alexis!
A huge thank you once again to everyone that entered over the past couple of weeks, we’ve had an enormous response. Special thanks also to the fab people at Gemini London and Miss Chic for the beautiful prizes!
There’ll be lots more fabulous fashion & beauty competitions and chances to win over the coming weeks so make sure to check back soon. In the meantime, have a great weekend!
Tags: competition style, darren kennedy style, Darren kennedy stylist, fashion freebies, freebies, gemini, help my style, helpmystyle, helpmystyle darren kennedy, miss chic, win gemini, win jewellery
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