London calling …your insider shopping guide!
By Avril Collins

With sterling offering such tempting bang for our euro right now, a trip to London is well timed to snap up those key Spring looks hitting the high street and beyond. Catering for all walk of stylista, London is vast so if you want to make the most of a two day trip, equip yourself with our guide to the hot spots. Taking London area-by-area, we’ve focused on our favourites spots from a recent visit. Drop us a line at HelpMyStyle.ie if you would like more info on any of the below!

Central London:

Oxford Street – we’re all fitted with a homing device for this high street mecca but why spend your whole day there when you could just as likely be on Henry Street. For a quick fix, hit Topshop and New Look and Selfridges for pricier, fashion forward pieces.
Carnaby Way – is located at the top of Oxford Street and is a true hidden gem. It boasts a Steve Madden shoe boutique (the US king of footwear that has yet to hit Irish stores), and an arcade full of vintage shops that house much cheaper vintage handbags, jewellery and clothing than the basement vintage hive in Topshop.
South Molton Street (off mid-Oxford Street towards Old Bond Street) – if you’re an accessories addict and covet the crystal drop earrings and chunky bangles worn by every self respecting celeb, take a deep breath before you tackle this side street. It boasts Kurt Geiger, Moda en Pelle and bling emporium Butler & Wilson! The costume jewellery at Butler & Wilson is amazing and they also stock designer vintage dresses that are to die for (but be warned, they are pricey).

East:

Spitalfields Market – Spitalfields has an excellent vibe and the shops don’t get any funkier. The vintage stalls take place every Thursday but don’t fret if you’re visiting on Saturday, there are still a handful of shops worth visiting including Dolly Dare for edgy designs starting from £65.
Absolute Vintage – is among my all time favourite vintage stores, offering one of the best ranges of designer vintage I have ever seen – 60’s and 70’s Gucci and Dior clutches, Manolo and Gina shoes from times past, pre-loved Hermes and Louis Vuitton scarves.
Beyond Retro – think Wild Child but 10 times bigger, this vast warehouse of vintage goodies is a favourite with fashion magazines galore in the UK due to it housing items from practically every decade. The prices are unbelievably reasonable and while it’s a bit rough and tumble, it’s definitely a destination shop!

West (Kensington and Chelsea):

Harrods, Knightsbrige – a visit to Harrods is about pure spectacle and if you have time to spare, the shoe boudoir is a must. Harrods do luxury goods like no other and whether you’ve the spends or not, it’ll have you salivating!
Sloane Square – is home Harvey Nics and many boutiques and is similar to our Westbury Mall / Clarendon Street area. If you’re looking for something a little different at mid to high range prices this area is definitely worth a stroll.
Portobello Road Market – much further West on the tube is Portobello Market where young designers and vintage stalls are a-plenty. The market goes on for miles so discipline is definitely needed or you could end up unintentionally whiling away a few hours here.

North:

Camden Market - is the main attraction in this area of London. The market can be a bit of a mish-mash tourist trap but it does feature some good stalls from up and coming designers. Also, head to the Stables Market for a number of good vintage shops like Thea Vintage, Lost and Found and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Time to announce some winners of our recent competitions. First up, for a Naturelle D’Argan hamper with the full range worth over €200. Drum roll, the winner is:

* Jennifer Beaton from Dublin.

We also had 5 packs of L’Oreal’s new Youth Code products worth over €70 each up for the grabs. And the winners are:

* Josephine M. Battye from Co. Waterford
* Mandy Derwin from Dublin
* Anna Horgan from Co. Cork
* Lorraine Weldon from Laois
* Tricia Sheehan form Co. Meath

Congrats to all the winners, your prizes will be winging their way to you shortly. Please allow 28 days for delivery. Thanks again to EVERYONE that entered – you gals (& guys) clearly love your beauty products and we have more great competitions coming up so tell your friends!

Details after the cut

1. Topshop Single Rose Glitter Clips €5
2. Lace Jacket from Karen Millen €250 (due in stores 22nd March)
3. A|wear nude fringe & beaded scarf €10
4. Ted Baker Flynt small shoulder bag €199 approx
5. Ted Baker Scorey Thick woven belt €59 approx
6. Fringe bag from A|wear €35

Who ever thought the trend for wearing underwear on the outside would be one of this season’s hottest trends? The last time we saw a shift towards lingerie as outerwear was in the 80’s and not much has changed since then in that this look can be very unforgiving. The key to creating a sexy, sultry and sassy look is to keep it subtle in terms of styling and colour (avoid red it’s too overtly sexy).

HOW TO PULL IT OFF?
The body beautiful will pull off cropped corset tops, suspenders, slip dresses and balconette bras but for most, layering, contrast and a bit of imagination will make it work. Think mixing girly, feminine lingerie with tougher fabrics such as leather or denim. Opt for lingerie in this season’s softer colour palette of neutral, pastel and honey tones and layer with a waistcoat or boyfriend blazer. If in doubt about revealing too much flesh, layer a top underneath or cover with a sheer blouse. Socks and tights also offer added coverage if slip dresses are your thing. Of all the looks to emerge around underwear as outerwear, exposed stay-ups and suspenders are without question the most risqué and difficult to pull off. Even Lady Gaga only barely manages it!

WHO’S DOING IT?
On the catwalk Galliano for Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander Wang, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs and Bottega Venetta all channeled the trend to a certain extent. For us mere mortals, the highstreet has a great variety on offer with Topshop, New Look, Miss Selfridges and BT2’s are all paying homage.

WILL IT LAST?
Like most trends these days, its moment will be short lived. However unlike many other fashion fads, the beauty of buying nice lingerie is that ultimately it will never go out of fashion. The trend for wearing it on full display might wane but it will always remain fit for it’s original purpose – underwear!

It’s never too late to treat your Mum to a stylish SABA Sunday Session. A treat for Mother’s Day, or simply just a treat, is the perfect time for freshening up Mum’s wardrobe and what better way to update your look while having a fun day out, some fabulous food (and even a glass or two of your favourite tipple) in Dublin’s top eatery.

We’re delighted to announce due to popular demand the return of Saba Sunday Sessions. The session on Sunday, March 21st will see RTE presenter and top stylist Darren Kennedy of www.helpmystyle.ie giving helpful tips & advice on how to update your look for spring/summer without having to spend a fortune. Darren will also be on hand with sample clothing from local boutiques (including Fran & Jane, Coco Boutique and EMMA) and to help with any fashion dilemmas.

Tickets cost €35 per person which includes lunch and drinks. To book tickets email saba@whpr.ie. Places are limited to two per person so book early to avoid disappointment.

Full details of the final outfits here.

To celebrate the launch of GOSH cosmetics across A|wear stores this month, A|wear has hooked up with U magazine to offer you the chance to star in your very own photoshoot!

Your prize will include:

1. A make up session to make you look fabulous with make-up artist to the stars Natalie Kinsella. Having worked on famous faces from Christina Aguilera to Stella McCartney as well as catwalk shows for Chloe & Vogue, Natalie will guide you through all the latest spring must haves & colour palette from GOSH & you’ll leave with the full collection to take home!

2. A new wardrobe to the value of €500! And a makeover session with A|wear’s Press Stylist Lia Tallon who will take you through all of spring’s hottest trends.

3. Becoming the star of your very own U magazine photoshoot…once your fab new look is complete; your very own photographer will arrive to take lots of pic’s. Watch out for the next edition of U out on April 5th when you’ll star in a full page spread!

4. Five runner ups will also win a makeover with Natalie at the GOSH counter in A|wear Grafton St on Saturday April 10th!

To be in with a chance to win, simply email gosh@awear.ie with a fab photo of you using your must have GOSH product or in your favourite A|wear outfit & say in one sentence why you deserve to win. It’s really that simple!

* This competition is not exclusive to HelpMyStyle.ie

Karen Millen launch their Spring/Summer 2010 collection this morning in the salubrious surroundings of the Aviation Lounge in Bentley’s on the Green. This latest offering heralds a new carefree mood from KM with elegant, draped pieces perfect for layering combined with lots of flowing fabrics with feminine detailing.

A more relaxed silhouette dominates the collection in a mixed palette from calm neutrals to hot tropical colours & prints bringing vibrancy to the mix. Some of the highlights include the pale grey silk top decorated with delicate ruffles and cocktail dress finished with gorgeously embellished jeweled shoulders.

Body-con continues this spring with one of my favourites being the sporty sharply-cut dress with origami fold neckline in monochromatic stripes. Fans of colour need not worry as cobalt blue, coral and yellow add pops of bold uplifting colour and abstract digital prints providing a cool, futuristic feel to summer dresses.

Peeps it’s with great excitement I announce our latest competition…!

Just launched by L’Oréal Paris, Youth Code, is the first range of anti-ageing products available on the high street and supermarkets that is based on breakthrough research on skin genes.

Following 10 years of research working with Paris St-Louis Hospital (centre of excellence in dermatological research), L’Oréal have established the genes & proteins responsible for the youthful characteristics of skin. Youth Code uses L’Oréal’s Pro-Gen™ technology which contains an ingredient called Biolysate that speeds the rate at which the genes linked to skin recovery are expressed. This marks the start of a new and very exciting era for anti-ageing skincare products…which equals good news for you and me!

The lovely gang at L’Oréal have generously given us five ‘packs’ (worth over €70 each!) to give-away to HelpMyStyle.ie readers. If you want to win one, (who wouldn’t!!) read on to find out how…

TO ENTER:
Simply answer the following question…what L’Oréal technology created Youth Code? HINT – see above!

* To be eligible to enter you must be a registered user of this blog. ** If you’re not already registered, it’s quick, easy & free to do now by clicking REGISTER on the top right-hand corner of this page. Once registered, email answers to win@helpmystyle.ie.

Closing date for entries is 5pm Monday 15 March. Rules and more info after the cut.

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. We respect your privacy. Your personal information is safe, and will never be shared with any third party. Note: Your email address will be added to our email list. You may opt out at any time.

HERE’S THE SCIENCE…
L’Oréal determined that when put under stress, certain skin genes linked to epidermal recovery were activated. This activation is known as “gene expression”. In young skin, gene expression peaked at six hours after external stresses such as exfoliation, were applied. In mature skin however, the peak did not occur until 30 hours, indicating that mature skin takes longer to respond and recover itself, compared to younger skin. This has enabled them to identify and develop new skincare ingredients that improve and help accelerate the epidermal recovery process. With this knowledge, they can improve the youthfulness and youthful behaviour of skin.

Since last Wednesday’s finale programme on RTE One, we’ve been inundated with requests on the blog and on the Operation Transformation website & facebook from people wanting to know where Amanda Casey’s dress is from.

Given your overwhelming response, we thought it deserved a special mention! This perfect party frock from Fran & Jane on Clarendon Street in Dublin is an ideal dress for someone like Amanda.

Firstly given her age, it showed off her playful, youthfulness, not to mention her best asset – those legs that go on and on and on! The black bandeau is very complimentary to a bigger bust – the black acts to minimise while the pink belt draws attention to the smallest part of her body and newly defined waist. The scalloped cut fabric gives movement and catches the light beautifully as she moves. Fran & Jane have several stores nationwide (including Cork, Belfast, Kildare & Tipperary) so I’d recommend you contact your local store quickly if you have your eye on this little number.

Darren went on a shopping trip with Amanda before the finale and here’s what happened…

This Sunday, Norma Smurfit will host Ireland’s biggest ‘Spring Clean for Charity Sale’ in the Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin. With fabulous fashions, accessories, toys, trinkets, gadgets and games, designer bags, toys, tea-sets and much more, it’s certain to be a treasure trove for all bargain hunters.

A number of well known faces from Irish television, radio and business will be taking part hoping to raise as much money as possible for the chosen charities, including Bill Cullen, Jackie Lavin, Lorraine Keane, Lisa Fitzpatrick, Mary Kennedy, Celia Holman Lee and many more. With over 100 stalls containing goods donated by supporters around the country, all proceeds from the day will go towards the Society for the St Vincent De Paul and Norma’s charity, the Irish Famine Commemoration Fund.

Open from 11am – 5pm on Sunday March 7th in the Serpentine Hall, RDS. Admission is €2. For further information or to donate towards the event, please contact Anne Dargan at (01) 2103860.

Here at HelpMyStyle.ie we’re big fans of RTE’s Operation Transformation and followers of the programme will know that our man Darren Kennedy is the show’s reporter with The Gerry Ryan Show on radio, TV and the Operation Transformation website.

He’s been an exceptionally busy man of late and has been multi-tasking…Yes, as well as reporting, he also styled the five leaders for the show’s catwalk finale which was broadcast last night on RTE One. So we thought we’d share some of his handywork just in case you missed it. More images after the cut

A fab new range of beauty products has arrived in Ireland – Naturelle D’Argan – quite literally super food for your skin and here at HelpMyStyle.ie we’re giving you a chance to win a Naturelle D’Argan hamper with the full range worth over €200!

Hailed as ‘liquid gold’, Argan oil has been treasured for centuries in Morocco. An incredibly rich source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it has astonishing healing, conditioning and anti-aging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalised. Exceptionally rich in unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 6 and Omega 9, Vitamin E & Polyphenol, Argan oil brings nutrients to the skin and plays a major role in the protective functions of the epidermis, nourishing, protecting and moisturising it. Argan oil can also be used to treat dry hair and split ends, scars and stretch marks, eczema and psoriasis, cuticles and hands.

TO ENTER:
Simply answer the following question…In what country is Argan oil produced?

* To be eligible to enter you must be a registered user to this blog. If you are registered simply email your answer to win@helpmystyle.ie.

** If you’re not already registered, it’s quick, easy & free to do now by clicking REGISTER on the top right-hand corner of this page. Once registered, email answers to win@helpmystyle.ie.

Closing date for entries is 5pm Monday 8 March. Rules and more info after the cut

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. We respect your privacy. Your personal information is safe, and will never be shared with any third party. Note: Your email address will be added to our email list. You may opt out at any time.

The Naturelle D’Argan is the only Argan oil range available in Ireland and includes pure Pure Argan Elixer, Purifying Cleansing Milk, Exfoliating Cleansing Gel, Source Defense Day Cream, Regenerating Night Cream, Silky Moisturising Body Lotion, Extra Rich Shower Gel and Extra Rich Soap. With prices from €5.95 up to €33.95, the Naturelle D’Argan range brings the healing and conditioning properties of Argan oil to consumers at a friendly price.

Further information on Naturelle D’Argan is available at www.naturelledargan.com. Naturelle D’Argan is stocked in pharmacies nationwide. For a complete list of stockist call (01) 845 5632.

Now in its 6th year, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer raises awareness and much-needed funds for cancer charities. In the last few years, Elle Macpherson, Helena Christensen, Erin O’Connor, Minnie Driver and Sir Paul Smith have all been involved with this campaign.

This year, New York designer Tory Burch has designed the bag and is coming to Brown Thomas Dublin to launch the campaign, and Limited Edition Tory Burch Tote Bag, on Friday, March 19th. The fab leopard print canvas tote which features Tory’s signature bright orange lining is super stylish and will undoubtedly be a ‘must-have’ bag this spring.

Burch has a legion of celebrity followers including Cameron Diaz, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, Uma Thurman, Hilary Swank, Isla Fisher, Rachel Weisz and Katherine Heigl to name but a few. Gossip Girls Leighton Meester and Blake Lively wear many of Tory’s designs on the hit US show and indeed Tory had a cameo role in Gossip Girl 2009.

Retailing at €45 in Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway and BT2 Grafton Street, Dundrum and Blanchardstown Shopping Centre from Friday March 19th 2010. All proceeds raised will go to Action Breast Cancer and Europa Donna Ireland. This year the campaign specifically focuses on early detection of breast cancer amongst young women in Ireland.

I must admit it’s taken me sometime to warm to Christine Bleakley, presenter of BBC’s The One Show. Over the past couple of months I’ve come to really like the Northern Irish beauty for her genuine presence on the small screen but there’s always been one thing I’ve loved about her – her glowing, healthy looking skin!

Turns out she’s had some help in that department and her perfect glow is thanks to the He-Shi’s range of tanning products. He-Shi’s products are perfect for Irish skin tones, and are easy to apply and can be used to build up varying levels of colour, from a natural golden shade to a darker tan option for more sallow complexions like Christine’s.

With Mothers Day (March 14th) just around the corner, why not treat your mother to some relaxation at home and indulge her skin with some pampering. The He-Shi range includes a variety of products from an exfoliating bodywash to prepare skin ahead of tanning, a body mitt and a hydrating soufflé moisturiser to ensure smooth and soft skin. It comes in an elegantly packaged gift box which includes He-Shi Liquid Tan 150ml, Body mitt, and Fusion Multi-Bronze & Brush, all for just €53.50.

He-Shi Tanning Products are available from leading Department Stores, Day Spas and Beauty Salons throughout Ireland. For your nearest stockist log onto He-Shi.