Last season she fronted the campaign for Pepe London, this season she’s the face of Danish brand Vero Moda…there seems to be no stopping Alexa Chung with brands paying big bucks to cash in on her style kudos. The latest images for the Vero Moda collection are pretty sweet with a distinct 70′s vibe. But will the Chung factor save the ailing brands fortunes? Would love to know what you think?

A beauty secret the likes of Victoria Beckham and Alexa Chung keep close to their chest. I recently worked on Alexa, and let me tell you, however good she looks in pictures, she looks better in real life (even with jetlag and little sleep!) So no wonder I went hunting down her cream of choice – ‘Calendula Weather Protect Cream’.

Calendula Weather Protect Cream is actually from the baby range, so a great multi-tasker for new moms. It’s super creamy so oily skins will probably hate it but dry skins will adore it. Like all the ranges, it is free of all fragrances, colours, preservatives and mineral oils. Beeswax and Lanolin (Lanolin is now back in fashion after a murky couple of years) provide protection. It contains Almond oil, Organic Camomile Flowers and biodynamically grown Camomile to help soothe the skin, so great on easily agitated faces.

Some of my other top picks are:

The Almond range, in particular the “Cleansing Lotion”. Reason being, there are very few cleansers on the market for sensitive skin that work. Normally they are too wishy washy to do anything, including cleaning! This one works and smells good enough to eat. They had a facial cream and a facial oil I couldn’t resist either.

“Skin Food” Weledas trump card. It’s like the sensitive skin version of 8hr cream (except I think 8hr is a gel like goop and not a cream) and this is an actual cream. It smells a bit “natural” for my liking but it does a great job at protecting. It also repairs surface damage. It can even be used on elbows, hands and feet.

” Wild Rose Smoothing Mask”, your face will feel like a plump satin pillow after this little fella. Those pesky lines that have started appearing seem to just melt away.

“IRIS Hydrating Mask” Turn your skin from sandpaper to silk. This will help maintain your moisture level, especially at this time of year when all the elements are working against you (cold weather, hot fires, wine, parties, the list goes on…)

Downside, they are just 30ml but priced accordingly, so I guess we can forgive them.
Available in Nourish and We-Care Pharmacies and most good Health shops.

By Resident Pro Make Up Artist Ciara O’Shea

With boys dressing like girls and girls dressing like boys, there’s no stopping one of this season’s chicest looks – androgyny – definitely one of my faves for AW11/12. The seeds of this trend were sown a couple of seasons back with the popularity of the boyfriend blazer, followed by oversized jumpers and then brogues. Now it has gone full throttle meaning no part of your boyfriend’s wardrobe is off limits. It has never been more acceptable to borrow clothing from your other half’s closet. Yay, I hear you say!

Embracing the androgynous trend doesn’t mean surrendering your womanly side. In fact, it can have quite the opposite effect and channeling some boyish charm can emphasise your femininity. Championing this gender-bending trend on the catwalks were Celine, Pucci, Chanel, Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana amongst others. Focusing on sharp tailored masculine clothes with linear proportions, key pieces include dapper two-piece suits, smoking jackets, crombies, stylish pencil pants, bowler hats, braces and brogues. This is tailoring at its very best with well-cut pieces injecting a touch of sculptural glamour.

Alexa Chung and Diane Kruger are both poster girls of this style and regularly nail the look. If you ask me their success lies in the feminine touches they inject into their outfits. Contrasting the masculine with cute details such as blinging rings, broaches or a pair of sequin stilettos. It’s not about dressing like a boy for the sake of it. It’s a statement.

Dare to bear and create a more sexy look by eliminating a shirt completely and wearing jackets with bare skin to bring the focus to a plunging neckline. This is a super sassy look that only the most confident and daring will pull off with panache.

My advice is to get into it gradually. Ditch your sandals for some brogues, swap your floral skirt for fitted cropped pants and replace floaty blouses with a structured shirt and jacket. The message is clear – say goodbye to the girlie girl of summer, autumn’s woman is streamlined and structured embracing the best of masculine tailoring. On the highstreet go-to shops for the androgynous trend are River Island, Penneys, Oasis, Asos, Awear and Zara.

Rachel Bilson

Androgyny at Celine

Diane Krugar

Mango

Asos

Alexa Chung

River Island

Zara

Ever since Marlene Dietrich first worked the tux look in the Thirties many would contest that it never went out of fashion. But over the past year or so the tux has been enjoying a revival riding high in the fashion stakes on the red carpet with all manner of celeb taking their turn with tux inspired looks – Diane Kruger, Kate Moss, Rihanna, Charlize Theron, The Olsens and Alexa Chung have all sported the look. Naturally, it was only matter of time before Penney’s got in on some tux action. Last season Zara and H&M produced some great tux jackets but if price point is your deciding factor it’s tough to top Penneys. Landing in stores in October, it will set you back the following:

Tuxedo Jacket €23
Two Tone Blouse €15
Slim Fit Trouser €19
Cut Out Wedge €18

A white / ivory tux jacket in itself is money well spent and a valuable addition to any wardrobe. In terms of the styling Katie Holmes nails the look for me recognising that the jacket is the main attraction and there’s no need to upstage it. She wears hers with a simple T-shirt and some slim cropped trousers. Do the same and you’re all set.

Festival season would be nothing if it weren’t for some style inspiration from Alexa Chung. At last weekend’s V festival, Chung worked her signature granny chic look. The brilliant thing about Alexa is she always manages to look effortlessly cool. So with Electric Picnic in clear view, why not channel some Chung into your festival style.

Not only does it look fab but it’s also, dare I say, very practical and comfy – the perfect combination for any festival. In an interview with Vogue about dressing for festivals Chung says: “Wrap up warm, take lots of layers, a good scarf, check the weather reports, invest in some wellies…it needs to be comfortable” and here at HelpMyStyle towers we couldn’t agree more!

Less is definitely more with this look. You want to start with some cut-off denims or to change it up try some leather shorts such as these faux leather ones from Penneys (€13). Take a modern graphic tee, like this one from Topshop (€25), and layer up with a chunky knit. I like this one from Asos (£45) for its colour and just the right amount of granny kitsch. To finish the look slip on some cute cropped wellies (I like these Hunter original lace ups €75) and you’re festival fit. Of course don’t forget your sunnies – we live in hope!

By Katie Prior

With leather appearing on both summer and winter catwalks this year it’s the perfect trans-seasonal investment. Not just outerwear and not just in black, this summer has seen light-weight leather t-shirts, minis and shorts in earthy shades. Tan is a popular choice but black will always be a classic.

The timeless biker jacket can be styled easily with a white t-shirt and skinny jeans or leggings, but other leather pieces such as leather skirts and pants can be a bit more tricky. Take inspiration from the catwalk shows of Yves Saint Laurent and Celine and give your look a more luxurious edge by pairing leather with fluid silks. You could also dress it down with casual basics, as was seen at Chloe and most notably on Alexa Chung who wore her black YSL shorts with a grey t-shirt and over-sized cardigan.

With a large selection of separates to choose from and many ways of dressing it up or down, leather is a wise buy. One word of warning, please don’t sport any visible cleavage with this trend, you might get arrested.

—
Katie Prior is co-owner of Shotsy Vintage. Shotsy stock a wide range of gents and ladies clothing dating from mid-century to the early 90s including some fabulous Turbans.

Dublin born artist Nina Divito recently transferred her talent and flair for painting fabulous footwear to actually designing her first luxurious shoe collection. Her elegant shoe portraits have already captured the eye of stars such as Beyonce, but it’s her latest venture that has women (including Saoirse Ronan and Jemma Kidd) clamouring to get their hands on a pair of her bespoke creations. Not only is she super-talented and intelligent but she’s also drop dead gorgeous. With caught up with Nina to talk all things sartorial…

Describe your style in five words?
Feminine, elegant, individual, fun and flamboyant!

Best style tip?
Wear what YOU love!

What’s top of your wish list at the moment?
A pair of my own “Lara” python and velvet fitted boots from my A/W 2010 Collection, a few more months to wait for them…..but they’re worth it! And any one of Sharon Waucomb’s stunning AW10 creations.

Favourite item in your wardrobe right now?
My “Berna” ribbon edged courts. They go with absolutely everything, are a great shape and are incredibly comfortable for a 5 inch heel!

Best shopping experience?
Shopping anywhere in the world with my sister. She is the ultimate “fashion insider”. She is a designer and professional make-up artist with a wealth of knowledge on anything fashion related. Plus she is the most honest person in the world. She would never let me out in anything dodgy….no matter how much I argue with her!!!

Favourite highstreet store?
I like Reiss and Top Shop. I prefer markets though…

Best place to shop?
I used to live in London and adored shopping in any of the amazing markets they have; Portobello for antiques and clothes, Spidlefield for crafts and arts and Borough for “you never know what gems you might find!”

Fashion on the web?
www.rebeccadavis.com is my favourite jewellery site. She buys an incredible selection of jewellery and has some amazing Irish designers like Meryl O’Grady.

Who epitomises great style?
Women like Coco Chanel, Cate Blanchet, Dita Von Teese. Women who know what they love and wear what they want to wear.

What era of style would you most like see return to fashion?
The 1940’s – an amazing time for fashion. So feminine, mysterious and exciting.

What does your style say about?
I hope my style gives people an insight into my personality.

Meet Nina this Saturday from noon to 4pm in Brown Thomas where she will showcase her stunning collection and be launching her new bespoke service, which is exclusive to the store.

Recently at a gathering in my family home I stumbled upon some photo albums that I hadn’t seen in years. Needless to say there were plenty of cringe-worthy ‘get-ups’ from decades past but one particular picture stood out. Decked out completely from head to toe in denim, there I was, 13 years old, looking quite happy with myself.

In retrospect to say my look was overbearing is an understatement. I wouldn’t mind the clothes weren’t even my own. I’d raided my brothers wardrobe, who’s five years my senior, and ‘borrowed’ (without permission of course) one of his newest pairs of Levi’s 501, matching denim shirt, denim jacket and doused myself in Dior Fahrenheit (also his!). At the time I’m sure I looked pretty stylish – at least that’s what I’m telling myself!

The cyclical nature of fashion (no matter how bad the photos are from the first time round) inevitably means most styles from past decades enjoy a revival in one form or another. Towards the end of ‘09 the denim shirt made a revival and this spring summer it’s the turn of double denim – wearing two items of denim in one outfit – last seen in the early 90’s.

This time round, it’s easy to avoid the disastrous stereotypical cowboy look (a la Britney and Justin see below) as there are so many different styles, washes and types of denim on the highstreet.

The key to rocking the double denim look is to mix colours and washes. Unless you want to end up looking like Britney or JT please do not wear denim jeans and a denim jacket/shirt of the same colour or wash. The double denim look is all about mixing and layering. The easiest way to achieve this is to combine a nice dark wash pair of jeans with a lighter denim wash shirt/jacket (not both!). Team with something like leather or lace for contrast and a pair of killer heels, brogues or some simple converse and you’re all set.

Clogs have been given the high-fashion treatment this season with models at Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Céline strutting down the catwalks in the revamped industrial shoe. Enter Alexa Chung sporting a pair on the cover of Vogue UK and other celeb trendsetters such as Rachel Bilson follow. At first I wasn’t overly impressed but I’ve since warmed to them somewhat. Here’s my pick of the best;

1) Slingback Clog £75, Asos.com
2) Kurt Geiger £200
3) Hobbs fringed clog, €119
4) Wooden clog with bow detail, £150 Feud London
5) Clog sandal with lace up, £245 Stella McCartney

As if inspiring Mulberry’s latest-must have bag and having it named after you wasn’t enough, super cool fashionista of the moment, Alexa Chung can now add Pepe Jeans London to her list of style credentials.

Yes that’s right, the TV presenter/ Model / Global style icon has teamed up with Pepe Jeans to be the face of their new SS’10 campaign. In typical Alexa style, the images (shot by Tom Munro and styled by Alexa herself along with Patti Wilson) are very laid back and relaxed featuring denims styled with cute tees and cropped biker style jackets.

Alexa’s ascent into style Royalty is set to continue with reports that she is to design her first ever collection in a collaboration with US clothing brand Madewell. The fruits of her labour will be available this September and will be sold under the label Alexa Chung for Madewell

More images from Alexa’s new campaign with Pepe after the cut

One trend that never seems to abate is nautical and this spring it’s going to return to prominence once again.

Designers at Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Tommy Hilfiger are just some of the labels that have given their nod to nautical and why not? The bold patterns, colors and whimsical details create the look that many celebs have been rocking recently including Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, Katy Perry and Olivia Palermo.

The real question is how do you make it look fresh? The trick to that is in the detailing and this spring nautical themes are completed with fabulous sequins and lavish detailing. Pair with a simple blazer, skinny jeans, and an oversized tote and you’re in business.

Celebrities have embraced leather with open arms and here’s a few stars who really rock the look. The key to this trend – wear only one piece of leather in any outfit (jacket, trousers…) and mix with other fabrics.

Megan Fox looks stunning in this Stella McCartney leopard motif t-shirt, black cropped leather jacket, cropped black trousers and amazing purple heels.

Alexa Chung, rapidly becoming one of this decades style icons, teams a cream polka dot dress with her casual black leather jacket and black shoeboots to create a gorgeous, girly look.

Kate Moss does what she does best creating a cool look by teaming a black leather jacket, grey skinny jeans and black calf length boots.

I got very excited last week when I came across a leather jacket adorned with sharp brass pyramid studs across the lapels by London Label Religion (click here to view). Here’s some more great detailing available on the highstreet;

1) All Saints Mohan Leather jacket £395
2) Topshop leather square bolero jacket £150
3) New Look Idol Stud biker jacket £50

Move over Cheryl Cole…fellow Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh is set on conquering the fashion world. It’s been announced Kimberley is to follow in the footsteps of Brit fashionistas Lily Allen, Alexa Chung and Agyness Deyn after scoring a campaign to be the face of high street giant New Look.

Kimberly takes the reigns from Alexa Chung as the new face for the autumn/winter 09/10 campaign, and can be seen sporting everything from funky lumberjack shirts and flared jeans, to trendy belted trenches, over-sized knitted cardigans and sequined blazers.

Meanwhile Cheryl Cole has landed her very own contract with L’Oreal Paris reported to be worth over £500,000. The X Factor beauty has signed a deal to front a major TV, billboard and magazine campaign for the fashion house this autumn, following in the footsteps of Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Aniston. There certainly seems to be no stopping the Girls Aloud ladies at the moment!

Apart from tweed, there’s also a strong emphasis on big, bold, statement shoulders. Inspired by Christophe Decarnin’s Balmain catwalk for spring/summer 2009, the exaggerated shoulder power dressing look on dresses and jackets is a trend that is continuing into autumn winter. With this look the emphasis is on the top half of the body so the silhouette of the waist down should be short or narrow to maintain a feminine shape. Dolce & Gabbana and Stella McCartney have gone for a more toned down shoulder look.