It’s that time of the month again when payday seems like it’s never going to come around, you’re hemorrhaging cash (or at least you will be tomorrow after Paddy’s day) and you’ve your eye on the most amazing pair of shoes that will max out your credit card – yet again. The good news if you are cash poor this week, is that this time of year when spring really starts to take hold you can transition your look with some cute accessories that don’t need to break the bank…at least some of the won’t and those that may are oh so worth it!
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! Read the rest of this entry »
Last week I got very excited about the arrival of Mulberry, in particular their Alexa bag, to Brown Thomas. However with price tags ranging from €500 to €2,000 realistically they’re out of the reach for most of us mere mortals. Luckily the highstreet is on hand to fill the gap. Here are some of my favourites, images and prices after the cut Read the rest of this entry »
Despite the drop in temperatures over the past few days, the evenings are stretching and hopeful signs of spring are on the way – in fact I caught a glimpse of my first crocus today in Stephens Green.
It’s always great to see this change being reflected on the highstreet and this week A|wear showcased their new collections for spring summer 10 which didn’t fail to impress. Read the rest of this entry »
Whether you need inspiration for your Christmas party or indeed the perfect dress to convince you to actually go, these party dresses are sure to make you feel a little more festive. The added bonus of course is the price tag – all five dresses come in at under €50 – absolute bargain!
1) Penneys Striped sequin shift dress €21 2) Rare at Topshop €49 3) Black/pink rose power dress, Dorothy Perkins £25 4) Love Label one shoulder dress, Littlewoods Ireland €49 5) A|wear Jacquard Bow Bandeau Dress €45
A|wear has joined forces once again with top Irish designer Peter O’Brien to create a beautifully designed capsule winter wardrobe. The collection of 22 limited edition pieces include new additions such as big chunky grey knits, skinny style cropped pants & a beautiful full taffeta skirt in mink & navy. Peter fans take note – we’re sad to say this will be your last chance to buy Peter’s collection for A|wear.
The entry price starts at €60 this season for a chiffon blouse and peaks at €200 for a winter coat. The pieces to watch out for are definitely the tailored pieces in charcoal grey which include a skinny cropped pant, hip hugging wide leg trousers, a pencil skirt and a beautiful fitted jacket.
PRICES
Grey ruffle cardi €100
Duck Egg Blue Blouse €80
Mink blouse €90
Black dress €150
Mink Dress €150
Navy taffeta dress €180
Peter O’Brien’s last collection for A|wear is available in the following A|wear stores from the 14th of October – Grafton St., Henry St., Dundrum, William St. Limerick, Patrick St. Cork, Galway & Newbridge. The collection will also be available to purchase at Awear online.
In her latest video for new tune ‘Celebration’, Madonna is embracing the 80’s high-powered, high-glam, big shoulder revival wearing a bejeweled mini dress from Balmain Fall 2009 campaign paired with black thigh-high boots.
Awear actually have a dress in the Impulse Laura Whitmore collection that’s very similar. In the video Madge is looking fab (and it has to be said a little bit cheap at times showing off her undies) but overall she is working it, especially considering she is 51 years old!
The track is released as a lead single off her new greatest hits compilation of the same name, “Celebration”. The ‘Celebration’ video will no doubt be on a screen near you very soon. In the meantime here’s a short preview where you can see the dress. To view the video in full check out Perez.
One of my favorite trends for autumn is military inspired pieces, in particular, military style jackets. For the past couple of months blazers have been the-must-have for any fashionista worth their salt. Going into autumn it’s the turn of the military jacket. A good fitting jacket will be sharply tailored giving a chic look.
Like most trends military jackets have had their comeback so many times already and will stay around for another couple seasons. The great thing about the military style jacket is it’s easy to update – give your look a rock, boho, romantic or even vintage touch depending on your own personal style. Below is a selection of military inspired jackets available on the highstreet. Left: M&S Per Una Military Pea Coat £89.50).
The highstreet is bursting at its seams with handbags of every colour, size and material. From the classic clutch to shoulder bags, cross-body bags, satchels, shopper bags and purses, you’re sure to find a suitable bag for every occasion without breaking the bank. Today I thought I’d take a look at some best buys currently in stores or soon to be available. In typical form, Topshop have managed to produce some crackers! (Above M&S Two tone leather shoulder bag £25)
A|wear and Impulse bodyspray (the peeps who keep us smelling fresh & fashionable!) have joined forces to create an exclusive, capsule collection to hit stores in the coming days.
MTV Presenter Laura Whitmore is the face of the aptly named ‘Impulse Collection by A|wear’ which features 20 pieces picking up on some of the key trends this season – sharp shoulders, military detailing plus a generous sprinkling of sequins! Think rock chic with a hint of glam grunge. Key items from the collection include the sequin harem pant, the 100% leather jacket with leopard print lining, ruffle front jumpsuit and my personal favourite, the sharp-shouldered military jacket. (See pics below).
With prices averaging between €30 – €70 it’s sure to go down well with price conscious fashion followers.‘Laura Whitmore’s Impulse Collection by A|wear’ is available in Awear stores nationwide and on Awear.com from the 12th August.
A|wear’s newest collection of dresses are due to hit stores nationwide over the next forthright and with a super selection of stylist dresses all for under €50 you really can’t go wrong. From bright pinks to electric lime greens and cobalt blues, this latest offering is very impressive. And with race season under way it could just be the ticket for price-conscious Ladies’ day aficionados!
Buy a dress online at www.awear.com and you’ll even receive 20% off a matching bag!
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PRICES LIST:
* Lime Ruffle Dress -€35
* Pink Satin Dress – €40
* White Zip Detail dress – €40
* Purple Leopard Print Dress – €35
* Blue ruffle dress – €40
* Cerise Pink Dress – €35
* Blue Satin Dress – €40
* Navy Zip Detail Dress – €40
A|wear launched its new summer collection last week collaborating once again with Irish designer Peter O’Brien. The end result is an elegant capsule summer wardrobe focusing on quality fabrics and flowing, feminine silhouettes. The entire collection consists of just 24 pieces in total and comprises of cashmere knitwear, pure silk dresses, blouses and skirts. Peter’s eye and attention to detail is as evident as ever in this tasteful and subtle collection which features his signature detailing, the polka dot, scattered across the garments in soft shades of duck egg blue, mauve and cream.
A|wear have developed a Peter O’Brien mini-site on www.awear.com for online shoppers. Below is a quick peek at what’s available.
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Price List:
• Cream silk lace dress – €190
• Navy Cashmere Cardigan with chiffon scarf detail – €120
• Full navy silk skirt – €120
• Polka dot detail silk dress – €190
• Stone Mac – €180
• Navy silk lace dress – €190
The maxi dress offers a great summer look. Pair with some wedges and chunky accessories for a cool, fresh look. A word of advice for shorter women – to avoid being drowned by your maxi make sure your dress is well cut and in proportion with your petite frame. Keep things fitted up top and avoid an overly voluminous skirt. Sleeker, stylish A-line or bias cut, is usually more complimentary.
For larger women, a halter-style or bandeau top is preferable to thin spaghetti straps, as they are more flattering to the bust. A V-neck draws attention away from the bust and is flattering for the fuller figure.
Some of my favourite maxi-dresses available this season on the highstreet…
This season Nautical is back with a bang and more vibrant than ever. Traditional navy and blacks with white are back of course but the big difference this season is that they are mixed up with bright colours – lots of reds, greens and yellows in stripes. This injection of colour adds a fun twist to the traditional nautical look and works well with calming white.
Sailor shirts, tees, dresses and marine coloured jackets are evident in most collections with anchor motifs, sailing boats, rope & bow details featuring on accessories. All of these can be worn with skinny or baggy fit trousers. A word of caution though Nautical items on their own can look quite sporty so if you want to achieve a more chic look team them with smart pieces to balance it out.
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Blue Stripe Dress €76 from M&S
Nautical striped tote bag €85 from Tommy Hilfiger
Navy/Red colour block platforms €25 newlook.co.uk
nautical navy trousers from a/wear €36
red stripe jacket with bow from a/wear €45
Neo silk stripe €47 from Principles
Skinny nautical bow stretch belt €15 from Accessorize
