If the likes of a hot pink suit, which featured in the initial Versace for H&M collection in November, didn’t quite do it for your sartorial tastebuds perhaps this second installment might. Called the Cruise Collection (basically meaning it’s designed with lounging around a pool in mind) it’s a lot more toned down in comparison. The trademark Versace prints are still featured on most pieces of the line but in a far less conspicuous way – making it a collection that’s much more versatile and wearable. Denims, shirts, shorts, t-shirts, and jackets all feature as do dressing gowns with a distinctive yet simple motif. If this collection tickles your fancy, you’ll be happy to know it hits stores on January 19th.

I’m all about bold, bright colour at the moment and got very excited when I saw the awesome new collection for spring about to land in H&M. Yes, it’s bright, very bright, but what the heck, get on board and enjoy these colourful delights!

Top Left: Top €7.95, Bag €14.95, Trousers €39.95
Top Right: Crêpe wrap dress with tie belt & 3/4-length sleeves €24.95

Faux leather waist-length biker jacket with zipped pockets and sleeve zips €39.95

David Beckham debuts his first foray into mens underwear in a collaboration with H&M. In a first look at the collection we see that David has decided to model them himself. While the focus may be on fit, function and comfort, we can’t help but draw attention to his golden balls. Is it just me or does his bulge look considerably bigger than even his arms. A case of stocking-filler no doubt!

The ‘Bodywear’ collection features nine underwear styles for men designed by David’s “in-house team” and will be sold exclusively at H&M stores from 2nd February 2012.

What do you reckon, has Beckham stuffed?

@darrenken

Sassy going-out dress, tick; dancing shoes, tick; glitzy clutch, tick! Undoubtedly by now you have your party looks sorted for the onslaught of festive frolicking that’s about to begin (if it hasn’t already) with all manner of sequin and sparkle at the ready. That’s all well and good but what about the rest of the holiday season and into the New Year? For one thing, the weather is darn cold. So you need to be prepared. I’ve created my top three Christmas essentials to see you stylishly through whatever this month brings.

The LBD

The perfect little black dress, or LBD, is sophisticated and simple. It’s an absolute lifesaver at this time of year at times when you’re unsure what the dress code might be and don’t want to overdue it by going all glitzy but don’t want to risk turning up dressed too casual. The latest collection from Esprit, who have once again drafted in Brazilian modeling powerhouse Gisele Bündchen to front the campaign, includes two rather simple but very chic LBDs. There’s a mix of fabrics including the silhouette sculpting velvet dress (€119.95) and a stunning sleeveless lace detail one (€79.95). Both are quite timeless in cut and a welcome addition to any stylish wardrobe. At Awear the ‘Cameron’ brocade dress with embellish detailing on the shoulder is a great going out number. The best part, a classic LDB allows you to tailor your look for different outings through your choice of accessories meaning it has life far beyond current trends. A win-win and money well spent. This winter tick two trend boxes and team yours with some fun polka dot tights and some killer ankle booties.

Kimono Tops

If there’s one piece that’s versatile, super stylish and perfect for laid back casual outings with the girls this winter, it’s the kimono top. Most of highstreet stores including Penneys, H&M and River Island have hopped all over on this trend. My top pick is a teal coloured kimono jacket from Awear. The floral pattern is the perfect injection of colour for this time of year. And surprisingly it looks pretty awesome teamed with a sequin top, sweet!

Winter Boots

The snow is coming, they’re not sure when, but it is. If last winter you froze your tootsies off by not having the appropriate footwear or worse fell flat on your ass, then you’ll want to take note. Sorel has attracted a celebrity fan base including Elle Macpherson, Demi Moore (poor Demi) and Jessica Simpson for managing to combine all-weather protection with a touch of glam. The Tofino with its red lightweight quilted upper and stylish faux fur collar is a personal favourite. Inside they are lined with a Sherpa fleece for comfort and warmth. The molded rubber sole provides traction for the best possible grip on slippery icy surfaces to help keep you upright.

There you have it. If anything you can add these to your pressie wishlist. Wishing you all a fab and stylish Christmas!

We couldn’t make our mind up on which piece we loved the most this week so ‘Steal’ has become ‘Steals’ plural…all the better you say, we couldn’t agree more!

First up, it’s a satin kimono-style jacket from H&M. It’s part of the Conscious Collection and has wide 3/4-length sleeves and a chiffon lining. Great for a blast of winter colour and it’s only €19.95.

What girl doesn’t need a pair of gold glitter platform heels at this time of year? These ones are from Heatons and are only €20.

And because you can never have too many bags, this blue padlock tote from Penneys is the perfect shade for autumnal colour blocking. What’s more it’s only €13 and lands in stores mid December. Happy shopping peeps!

Snakeprint dominated many of the catwalks this year and now takes it’s deserved place on the highstreet as one of this season’s must-have prints. Shoes, bags, jackets and accessories all get the reptilian treatment but it’s the dresses – midi, maxi, wrap and mini, that get my sartorial tastebuds excited. The midi dress above is from M&S Autograph collection €120 and is super sweet.

Probably the best value is the one below from H&M, a jersey dress with a wraparound top, and gently flared skirt…snakeskin perfect perhaps?

Mango Snake Print Maxi Dress £55.00 Asos

Lanvin Silk Dress

The U Highstreet Style Awards in association with Diet Coke took place at Dublin’s Mansion House on Friday (October 14th) and Penney’s walked away with the accolade of Overall Best Highstreet Store of 2011. Pictured above are models Talia, Sarah Morrissey and Blaidnaid, Penneys’ Triona Mc Ginley and Editor of U Magazine Jen Stephens.

Penney’s took home a total of four awards on the night, also scooping the awards for Best Accessories, Best Value and Most improved Store. The other big winners on the night were River Island who walked away with three awards.

With over 400 people in attendance on the night, the evening consisted of a drinks reception and a fabulous fashion show. The Best Dressed lady on the night was Lia Stokes from Galway, who was wearing an outfit by Galway designer Harlow & Harvey walked away with the most fabulous fashion prize. See below for the full list of winners:

Byron Yeats and Ciara O'Doherty

Michelle McGrath and Haley Ryan

Grainne Kirk and Karen Koster

WINNERS:
Best for jeans: River Island
Best catwalk to reality: Topshop
Best for accessories: Penney’s
Best for shoes: River Island
Best for Saturday night: A I Wear
Best changing rooms: River Island
Best for customer service: A I Wear
Best for plus size: New Look
Best for value: Penney’s
Most improved store: Penney’s
Best Department Store: Debenhams
Overall Best Highstreet Store: Penney’s
U Magazine Hall of Fame: Marks & Spencers
U Magazine Editor’s Choice: H&M

This season fashion is going Native with luscious layers inspired by all things Navajo and Aztec. On yesterday’s Four Live on RTE One, two wannabe stylists took on the challenge to create a Native-inspired look in just 30 minutes, using clothes from top highstreet stores Forever 21, River Island, H&M, Topshop, Aldo and New Look. A tough task, see how they got one here…

David Beckham has never been shy about flashing his golden balls so it was only a matter of time before his started cashing in on them with his own business. Hardly a huge surprise but Beckham has finally announced he’s branching into the world of fashion. His first foray will be mens underwear in a collaboration with H&M for his debut line. The range is due to hit stores globally on February 2 in time for Valentine’s Day. It’s a two year deal which will see him introduce new bodywear products each season.

Keep up with Darren on Twitter here!

Karen Koster arrived at the launch of the Summertime Festival at Kildare Village last Friday, looking effortless chic in an outfit that’s bang on trend this summer. Karen is a gorgeous girl and we normally tend to see her all dolled up, looking super glam. But I for one have to say, this laid back, more casual vibe really does it for me and suits her down to a tee. Admittedly, you can be much more daring with this trend but that’s not to everyones taste, Karen included it would seem. For anyone unsure, or indeed afraid, of how to wear this season’s colour blocking take note.

The beauty of this outfit is in its simplicity. Choose a neutral colour like black, white, grey or beige to anchor the outfit. In Karen’s case she’s gone for a simple black tee with some jeans. This acts as the base of your outfit and you can now decide which colours you want to introduce. Clashing fuchsia pink with orange was one of the stand out colour combinations from the Jill Sander show who really championed this trend. If it ain’t broken why fix it – Karen’s casual pink blazer works a treat and rather then wearing the second colour, she has introduced it in her bag – this is a useful tip if you think you might feel overwhelmed wearing two such bold colours in one outfit. Eh voila, you’re good to go!

White was the big colour on the red carpet as fashion’s leading ladies arrived at the Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka the MET ball) in New York last week.

Cool white dresses most definitely championed at the event. Hot on the heel’s of her Royal Wedding gown success, Alexander McQueen head designer Sarah Burton wore a flowing white gown, one of her own creations of course. Nicole Richie looked demure wearing a white vintage gown with cut out embellished sleeves – definitely one of my favourites on the night.

Indian beauty Freida Pinto was stunning in a semi-grecian style white satin gown from Chanel Spring 2010 Couture collection. The gorgeous Emma Roberts went for fabulous cut-out Michael Kors dress.

You too can get in on the white action this summer. Here are some of my favs in the shops at the moment:

H&M is adding to its selection of fab affordable apparel with a line of clogs. A collaboration of sorts with cult shoe label Swedish Hasbeens, the wooden-soled shoes will be one of this spring’s must-haves and will be available April 20 in Irish stores. This latest collection fits perfectly with the ’70s bohemian look that’s such a huge trend for the coming season.

The collection includes three styles of wooden-soled clogs made exclusively for H&M which are inspired by the traditional Swedish styles of the ’70s. Using handcrafted methods and environmentally friendly materials, Hasbeens now have an international cult following including Sarah Jessica Parker and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

H&M multi strap wedge €59.95

There’s a gladiator style strappy wedge with three buckle ankle straps and a progression of straps going over the foot, all sitting on a wooden wedge, available in three colours, cream and tan on a pale wooden wedge and black on a black base. Then there’s the heeled summer sandal with one ankle strap, which comes in cream and red on a pale wooden base. The third style is a peep-toe slip-on wedge on a wooden sole, with snake-effect leather laced on top. The shoes range from €49,95 or € 59,95.

H&M €49.95

By Avril Collins

If you’ve gotten into a style rut of relying on the all-too-handy one piece approach to styling that is ‘the dress’, this is your season to shine! Now, don’t get me wrong I’ve as many dresses in my wardrobe as the next gal and they will always be a staple but never before have I seen such a variety of separates from designers and the high street alike.

Trouser Styles
The array of trouser cuts and styles on the high street offers real potential to achieve a look that screams individuality. From the chic 7/8 length that Victoria Beckham adores, to sleek body hugging jodhpurs, leggings and jeggings that can look great as part of a layered look loved by our current style crush, the ever glossy Olivia Palermo. Harem trousers haven’t gone away but I think they’re reserved for the braver style-soldiers among us.

Killer Blouse
The blouse has also made a resurgence in many guises from 70’s soft pussy bow styles to oversized boyfriend chic shirts – a trend Zara has nailed. Wear high waisted cinchers with a killer blouse for an instant, pared back, glamour hit. Quality is always king and it’s in abundance from the likes of Reiss and Whistles. For more purse friendly options, H&M has a killer range of shirts and softer blouses while River Island boasts some chic gems amid the usual smattering of sequins.

Don’t be daunted by the choice, just dive in and mix it up! Think you’re very own Barbie wheel of fashion…now that was fun!

The fashion label known for its dramatic draping and romantic ruffles, Lanvin, is currently collaborating with high-street retailer H&M.

Lanvin is an iconic Paris-based fashion label, with an artistic director who is known as a connoisseur of womenswear that women really want to wear. Alber Elbaz has brought an elegant sophistication to the label, with an emphasis on exaggerated volume and always creates stunning silhouettes. Recently his collections have had a much darker and edgier feel yet the label’s identity has never been negotiated. If the sneak peek photograph (above) of the H&M collaboration is anything to go by, this exclusive collection will have a distinctly dark yet romantic feel.

Despite his previous protests of never collaborating with the high street, Elbaz decided that H&M was the perfect fit for his luxury brand Lanvin. He spoke of the fact that the two companies were such a great fit because they “share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.”

The range will be revealed on the 2nd of November in the guise of an on-line film, (hm.com) whereas the exclusive line will hit H&M on the 23rd of November. May I suggest that you studiously watch the film and carefully put together your shopping list then because come the 23rd you won’t have the chance!

By Siobhan Lam

Daniel Craig has a lot to answer for. Thanks to the now infamous 30 second scene in Casino Royal where 007 emerges from the sea in the shortest of short blue trunks, with bulging muscles, toned within an inch of his life. He has single-handedly raised the bar of female expectations about the male physique. Ronaldo and Beckham have since jumped on the bandwagon, having both fronted campaigns for Armani’s range of skimpy underwear.

If you’re beach bound this summer here’s a guide to all that’s fashionable this season when it comes to bearing leg or more…

SPEEDOS
Affectionately referred to as ‘budgie smugglers’ and ‘slug huggers’ the speedo is the shortest of briefs. Not for the faint hearted, speedos great advantage is they are quick-drying, smooth to touch and allow for an all over tan. This season Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel and Aussiebum are all favouring the speedo-style brief. This fashion infusion moves away from the plain, block colours associated with traditional Speedos, adding different colour combinations and prints to the mix. To be quite frank, unless you spend hours with regular gym sessions sculpting your body, best to avoid speedos at all costs. If you reckon you’ve got the bod for them, then go for it!

SHORT SHORTS
Squeezing yourself into some hipster-style trunks a la Daniel Craig is unlikely to have quite the same effect as 007. That said sales of short shorts have rocketed this year with some fashion experts suggesting that as men’s swimwear gets shorter, it bodes well for economic growth. Whether this be true or not, to pull off wearing this slightly racier style of shorts, you need to wear them with confidence. The ‘League Brief 10’ range by Aussiebum is a sure winner when it comes to this style. Boxer-style briefs are perhaps the more ego-friendly less fitted variety of short shorts.

BOARD SHORTS
Forget baggy Bermuda shorts, this season board shorts go preppy with somewhat of a 60s feel with key styles including check patterns, pocket detailing and strong bold colours. In contrast to preppy, geometric prints are also very popular and create a very eye-catching look. This style is all about looking relaxed and laid-back at the beach or chilling out in town. Shorter guys should beware of oversized shorts as these will make you look even shorter. Ted Baker and H&M both have a great selection of this style.

TAILORED TROUSER SHORTS
The most formal of the bunch, tailored shorts in neutral tones are another big trend having featured heavily on the catwalks of Jill Sander, Calvin Klein and Bottega Veneta. To really achieve this look, fit is paramount. The ideal pair should sit at your hips, with a slim taper to the leg and remain above the knee. Paired with a monochrome shirt and flip-flops or boat shoes, they create a simple yet uber-sophisticated summer look. H&M have a really smart slightly sheer grey pair. Zara and Gant, Dundrum are also worth checking out.

By Darren Kennedy