No, not me! www.thisgreedypig.com is a fresh new Irish-owned and operated online clothing store set up by three friends – Russell, Greg & JJ. The focus is on street-wear with some cool pieces from some of the best independent, young clothing labels from around the world and very importantly at home here in Ireland.

Stocking a fairly unique mix of collections from places such as New York, Vancouver, Dublin and Helsinki including Irish outfit Bluefingers, Makia, Mishka and Wemoto, ‘This Greedy Pig’ also hosts it’s own in-­house line of ethically sourced t-­shirts, literature and limited edition screen prints. More than simply an online shop, it’s a platform to follow some of Irelands most exciting emerging young artists and designers.

Aside from the retail arm of things, the site also has some rather interesting and quite cool blog articles. It’s refreshing to see a platform to promote the work of young aspiring writers alongside creative design talent (…we’ve a lot of both!). There’s a steady flow of original content on everything from art, music, design and film. Below are just a few of the pieces that caught my eye.

Jacket by MAKIA €199

Heart Breakout Wall Graphic €59

Keith Haring Untitled Heart Wall Graphic €59

Death Adders Crewneck Sweater €55

Pop over and check them out www.thisgreedypig.com .

I’m all about coats at the moment and Burberry Prorsum’s raffia-trimmed cotton-twill parka is just to die for. Since spotting it a couple of weeks back, I’ve found myself on several occasions daydreaming about it, imagining myself lost in it’s lushness out in the cold. It looks soooo cosy!

Doing what they do best, Burberry’s modern interpretation of military has won them an army of devoted fashion fans the world over. This piece is no exception and is made from hardwearing cotton-twill so it will last donkeys. What’s more the raffia-trimmed hood is detachable making it very versatile. I personally don’t think I’d ever take the hood off, it’s the contrast of texture and colour of the bright raffia against the khaki cotton-twill that I love. It’ll only set you back €2,088.16…start saving NOW!

Over the past 10 years, Elaine Curtis Boutique in Carlow has been a must-visit destination for fashion lovers across the country. Yesterday the boutique unveiled their brand spanking new online shopping website at www.elainecurtis.ie. Billed as Ireland’s answer to ‘Net a Porter’, the new streamlined site will bring the best of national and international fashion to doorsteps nationwide.

Coinciding with their 10th anniversary celebrations, the new online shop will provide easy access to highly coveted designer brands including By Malene Birger, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Hoss Intropia and new to Elaine Curtis this season, Orla Kiely. Elaine Curtis is also the exclusive Irish stockist for Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti and Rada and is the only independent boutique in Ireland to stock the highly coveted Diane von Furstenberg collection. The new look website will also sell an exclusive range by Irish knitwear designer Tim Ryan.

As anyone who shops online regularly will know, an excellent delivery and returns policy is a must and these are guaranteed at www.elainecurtis.ie as well as an advice service from the highly experienced team of style experts. To celebrate the launch of the new online shopping facility Elaine is also offering customers 20% off purchases until the end of November 2011. Awesome!

To check out the new site and browse the A/W collections available visit www.elainecurtis.ie

PHILOSOPHY DI ALBERTA FERRETTI Convertible Cashmere Mix Coat €790

Yesterday I was delighted to join RAW actress Charlene McKenna for the launch of Denim Day 2011 at BT2. Coinciding with the launch of the BT2 DENIM App, 50c from each Denim app download between the 19th and 21st (October) inclusive will be donated to the Denim Day appeal in aid of the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF). The best part, the app is FREE to download so get downloading people! This year’s Denim Day fundraiser hopes to make more than €20,000 which will go towards projects helping young people around the country. More information about the 15th Annual Denim Day can be found at www.iyf.ie/denimday.

The rather cool peeps over at Style Hunter HQ asked me to demonstrate how to recreate a look I love for less using eBay.ie. I choose to recreate one of my favourite looks from the Missoni Menswear AW11 collection. Rosemary Mac Cabe from Fash Mob also got in on the action recreating a luscious street style look she spied at Fashion week. They’ve even developed a spiffing new Get The Look tab to house it on their facebook page. Check out the tab by clicking here.

A career-long ambition of chef Clodagh McKenna was fulfilled last night as she celebrated the launch of her ‘Homemade by Clodagh’ restaurants at Arnotts department store. ‘Homemade by Clodagh’ consists of a self-service restaurant and a food-market, had its officially unveiling as over 250 guests celebrated the launch. Among those in attendance were Masterchef’s star Dylan McGrath (pictured above with Clodagh McKenna), Avril Bannerton, Clodagh Hopkins, Sonya Reynolds, Designer Peter O Brien, Clodagh’s parents Jim and Irene McKenna, John Healy, Noel Kelly and his wife Caitriona, Avila Lipsett, Bairbre Power and Roisin O’Hea. Guests were treated to a range of sample items from the menu, including Wild Mushroom Crozier Cheese and Rocket Bruschetta, Orange Zested Duck Confit and Smoked Salmon Mousse on Herb Fittatas.

Suppliers to the restaurants are predominantly based in the greater Dublin area but as far a-field as Tipperary, Cork and Kerry. The restaurants, which employ 75 staff, will help support over 250 jobs at these suppliers indirectly, in addition to the 75 it employs directly at Arnotts. The number of Irish suppliers to the restaurants under ‘Homemade by Clodagh’ has increased by 30% since the take-over of the concessions in May.

If there’s one item of clothing I don’t need it’s another pair of trainers. But hey who says ‘need’ must come into the equation! I recently clapped eyes on this delicious pair of trainers-cum-boots by Y-3. Y-3 is a collaborative brand between the uber talented Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto and Addidas. The result is beautifully crafted and tailored sportswear.

These Y-3 Hayworth classic fuses the rugged build of a work boot with the easy, every day comfort of a sneaker. And let me tell you they are super comfortable to wear. The upper is made of smooth full-grain cow leather with contrast colour stitching and inner lining is canvas and pig leather. A bit costly at €290 (Brown Thomas) but for this style and quality it’s well worth it for the pep in your step!

Keep up with Darren on Twitter.

Fashion Designer Heidi Higgins graduated from NCAD in 2008 and after spending an exciting formative year working with Louise Kennedy, she proudly introduced her own label to the Irish market in May 2009. Now as well as running her own boutique in Portlaoise, her collections are stocked in Arnotts and boutiques across Ireland.

What’s your background?
I studied fashion in the National College of Art & Design, Dublin.

What did you want to be growing up?
To work within the creative industry so fashion, textiles & interior design were all on the list!

Your big break?
Setting up my own Studio & Boutique in Portlaoise has been the best decision I have made to date.

Two adjectives to describe your style?
Classic Chic with Modern Style

Style or Trends?
Style

Today I’m wearing…?
‘Astrid’ – a red wool crepe dress from my AW 2011 collection (pictured above).

Style icon?
Audrey Hepburn – who also played the leading lady in the 50’s classic ‘Sabrina’ which inspired my AW2011 collection!

Favourite trend this season?
The classic 50’s style with an 80’s attitude to colour!

Favourite beauty product?
Anything from the Dior counter in Arnotts

Can’t live without…?
My i-Phone!

What’s a typical day?
I don’t really have a typical day. I could be designing in the morning, serving customers in my Boutique during the day, lots of emails (ordering fabrics), preparing for my photoshoot, sewing in the evening and lots more in between!

Toughest part of the job?
Some days I need a double of myself – just as well women are great at multi-tasking!

Favourite hangout?
Bridie’s in Kilkenny & Chez Hans in Cashel

Friday night treat?
I work on Saturdays in my Boutique so Friday nights are perfect for catching up with my friends & boyfriend after a long week.

Your perfect weekend is…?
Finishing up work early on a Saturday afternoon and heading down the country with my boyfriend to visit friends. We love going down to Kenmare.

Last time you laughed out loud?
I’m always laughing!

What’s on your iPod?
A mixture of everything!

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
The fashion industry is very demanding. Work experience is key! Help out on photo shoots, back stage at fashion shows and keep your portfolio up to date.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
All of the above! I am very privileged to be doing a job I love and everyday bring new challenges and experiences. I get to travel to Paris to the fabric fairs, be creative in my design, meet my customers in my Studio & Boutique, stock my collections in exclusive boutiques around the country including Arnotts in Dublin and work with very talented Irish photographers, stylist, make-up artist when doing our photo shoots. What more could a girl ask for?

www.heidihiggins.com

This shoot entitled ‘Serendipity’ features Irish Designer Charlotte Gallagher’s NCAD Graduate collection 2010. The aesthetic is somewhat surgical with clinical detailing such as bandage like sleeves and the rubber/ PVC textures of the obscure shaped dresses. Overall there’s quite an ethereal sense to the shoot.

The theme for the shoot was based around the secret discovery of desire for textures. The creative avant garde doctors mask accessory, combined with bleached eyebrows, white clay highlights & smoke bombs in the the beauty image, were used to create a mysterious desire for high fashion.
All garments were constructed with the use of recycled synthetic materials. Shoes are from: River Island and Carvella.

Photographer: Lee Malone
Make-up: Julianna Grogan
Hair: Joe McGivern @ Morgan the Agency
Styling: Sara Mia Styling
Model: Tracey Tough

Tommy Hilfiger are celebrating its new home within Arnotts with a women’s style event hosted by top Irish stylist and Off the Rails presenter Sonya Lennon on Saturday 24th September from 1pm. The area will feature the new Autumn collection including looks focusing on soft knits, vibrant tartan and elegant camel pieces, offering a full collection of both day and evening wear.

The style event will include fashion shows displaying Autumnal looks from the new collection as well as coveted one-to-one styling sessions with Sonya Lennon herself – one of which we have to give away to one lucky reader here on helpmystyle.ie…AND as if that weren’t enough the winner will also receive a Tommy Hilfiger goodie bag worth €150. Sweet!

Sonya will walk you through the new seasons trends and give some top tips on those wardrobe must-haves for the season ahead! Also, make sure you pop down on the day as there will also be an hourly prize draw for an exclusive shopping experience and a special edition gift with all purchases on the day!

The lucky WINNER is…
Sandra Purcell, congrats Sandra!!!

To enter, simply tell us one of the looks featuring in the new Tommy Hilfiger Autumn collection?

To win you must be a fan of Helpmystyle.ie on Facebook and a registered user of this blog. Simply subscribe by entering your email address in the box on the bottom right hand of this page and press subscribe. Post your answers as comments below or email to win@helpmystyle.ie. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. Closing date for entries is 5pm, 18th September 2011 . Our decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. For full competition T&C’s click here.

Keep up with Darren on Twitter.

Irish highstreet favourite Awear have officially launched their autumn ‘Jet Set’ collection. Focusing on clean lines, longer silhouettes & higher waists it’s a range that feels more mature and sophisticated. Inspired by the 60’s & 70’s, it includes classic separates that have been given the 2011 treatment. The colour palette features shades of honey brown, ochre, camel, terracotta and burgundy – all of which are very easy to wear on classic Irish tones. Some of my personal favourites are the horse print pussy bow blouse (€32), the red & black paisley print pleated dress (€40) and the heritage inspired tweed blazer (€60). Check out the collection below for yourself and let us know what you think…?

Pictured above is the coral knit jumper, €35 and felt hat, €20.

Peter Pan Collar Top, €32, Chunky Navy Cable Cardigan, £45, Tweed Shorts, €38; Green Satchel, €25

Navy Printed Dress, €50; Mustard Cardigan, €40; Coral & Gold Necklace €8

Red & Black Print Pleated Dress, €40; Black Double Buckle Belt, €10

Horse Print Blouse, €32; Wide Leg Trouser, €45

Cropped Peg Leg Trouser, €45; Shearling Aviator Jacket, €55; Camel Cable Knit Jumper, €35; Green Floral Scarf, €12

Paisley Frill Blouse, €35; Pleated Palazzo Pants, €50; Heritage Tweed Blazer, €60; Brown Satchel, €30; Tan Belt, €8

Always one of the most highly anticipated fashion shows of the season, Marks & Spencer once again exceeded everyone’s expectations with a fabulous AW showcase on Wednesday evening. The venue, a chic urban Warehouse space on Dublin’s Barrow Street, acted as the perfect backdrop for the collections. (Pictured above Alison Canavan & Karen Fitzpatrick; Colette Fitzpatrick: John Healy & Olivia Tracey. Pix Kieran Harnett)

Top Irish stylist Catherine Condell produced the show focusing on the major trends for the season including 60’s Pop, Retro Glamour, Masculine / Feminine, Luxe Craft, Winter Berries and Two Tone Graphics. Top models Olivia Treacy who was home from LA for the show (and who just has the most amazing aura about her. Every time she stepped onto the catwalk she brought a smile to my face she seemed to be enjoying it so much), Alison Canavan and Thalia Heffernan showcased the range

The front row was filled with TV’s finest including Collette Fitzpatrick, Sybil Mulcahy, Brendan Courtney, mum-to-be Aisling O’Loughlin and Xposé queen Debbie O’Donnell. Other guests included Lorraine Keane, RTE’s Sandra Byrne, Designers Deborah Veale & Peter O’Brien and Irish Tatler’s Jesse Collins.

Carmel Breheny, Marketing Manager for Marks & Spencer commented ‘It has been a superb evening for us and we’ve been delighted to welcome such a great crowd of media, stylists and fashionatas to check out the new collections, which are arriving in store now.”

Carmel Brehany & Sonya Lennon; Debbie O'Donnell & Teresa Murray; Corina Cunnane, Dearbhla Lennon & Lisa Gernon

There are some gorgeous new pieces coming to stores with stand out items including the iconic
Autograph black lace dress, a must-have stone blazer, classic trench and per una Speziale
firework dress.

It wasn’t just fab fashion, in typical M&S style guests were treated to delicious M&S canapés and champagne cocktails.

Daniel Holfeld from Cabinteely in Dublin started off with a career in front of the lens. Realising his true passion lay behind the camera, he began working as a freelance fashion, commercial and fine art photographer and is rapidly making a name for himself as one of Ireland’s Top photographers. His work has appeared in the Sunday Independent, Tatler, Life magazine as well as recently shooting for GQ South Africa. I recently had the pleasure of working with Daniel and not only is he incredibly talented but he’s a genuinely lovely guy to boot…

How did you get into photography?
When I was about 19 I started modeling. I enjoyed it and went to Milan for a season, where I learned that I really wanted to be on the other side of the lens. I liked the industry but not the role I had in it. I never felt modeling was for me so I came back got my BA [Hons] in photography and went freelance. I first wanted to do fine art stuff and exhibit my work because I found the idea of fashion photography daunting and slightly nerve wrecking but bit-by-bit I became more involved by starting out doing model portfolios and test shoots, then I fell in love with it and away I went.

What did you want to be growing up?
A film director and I was a huge Steven Spielberg fan! As a kid I used to write to his fan club and they sent me a load of movie memorabilia. I got a camera, which I loved and used to make short films on my Dad’s video camera. I was always drawn to cameras they seemed to click with me, excuse the pun! I’d still like to get in to film, I’ve made some short films and have a documentary coming out in September which I shot in South Africa, I just love anything to do with cameras.

Your big break was…?
It’s hard to say because everything seemed to lead on to something else. Most recently I guess shooting for GQ in South Africa was big, but closer to home I’d say when the editors started giving me chances and putting my shots on their covers.

What’s a typical day?
Lately it’s an early run in the morning, then either shooting or brainstorming and pitching ideas to clients for upcoming shoots. Then if I can squeeze in bikram I will and I’ll always end my day by preparing a decent meal, I’ve gotten really in to cooking lately so I try to take time to eat something proper.

Toughest part of my job?
The spontaneity of it, its a double edged sword sometimes you love it, sometimes you hate it.

Your style, what two adjectives best describe it?
Simple and elegant.

Style or Trends?
Style

Today I’m wearing…?
I was wearing sweat pants and a T, it’s a lazy Saturday, don’t kill me for that Darren I know but I’m a ‘behind the scenes’ kind of guy!

Style icon?
David Bowie, he changed the way masculinity was conventionally perceived and he still looks amazing every time!

Favourite trend this season?
For Autumn/Winter I guess it’s the relaxed tailoring we’re seeing a lot of, less stiff and more casual, time to loosen those top buttons I think!

Favourite beauty product?
Lush Lip Service

Can’t live without…?
Yoga, whether its bikram or astanga, I’ve got to have it at least once a week. I’ve been doing it since I was 16 and it really does cure everything, especially after a long week of lugging equipment around and hunching over a camera.

Favourite hangout?
Anywhere I can relax and chill, I’m not fussy if my friends are with me.

Friday night treat?
A glass of red wine and a nice steak from the barbeque!

Your perfect weekend is…?
Nothing too glam, just catching up with my friends, eating nice food and switching off my phone!

Last time you laughed out loud?
I’m always laughing these days, usually at myself for being slow on the uptake on something!

What’s on your iPod?
Anything that gets me moving, I’m loving Nicki Minaj.

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
Work hard, always push yourself and don’t be lazy. It’s important to recognize when you’ve done a good job, but next time try to top it by bringing it to another level.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
A job with a budget for travel, big production and where I had full creative freedom! Yes please!

Check out Daniel’s work here.

Keep up with Darren on Twitter.

Castleknock native Alison Canavan was catapulted onto the international stage at the tender age of 15 when she represented Ireland in the Supermodel of the World competition in Las Vegas. This spawned a near 17 year career in the fashion industry which has taken her to the fashion capitals of London, Paris, Milan and New York. She spent the past 7 years based in New York working all over the US for clients including Hermes, La Croix, Rochas, Paul Costelloe, John Rocha, Nicole Fahri, Hussein Chaylan, Hugo Boss, Episode, Marks and Spencer, BHS, Harrods, Selfridges, The Clothes Show, Igedo, Dorothy Perkins, Top Shop, L’Oreal and L.K. Bennett. Recently Alison had her first child and she currently writes a monthly mothering diary for VIP and The Mail on Sunday.

Five words to describe your style?
Simple, elegant, classic, fun and flirty

What’s your beauty essential?
Burt’s bees new tinted lip balm

What item could you not live without?
Concealer, I’ve a baby!!!

If your house was on fire and you’d only time to save one thing, what would it be?
Old family Photos.

What’s top of your fashion wish list at the moment?
Chloe oversized black clutch to go with everything. Unfortunately I think it’ll be on the list for a while!

Best style tip?
Wear what suits you not what’s in fashion. Bring elements of current trends into your wardrobe but maintain your own style.

Favorite high street designer collaboration?
Anyone who collaborates with Topshop. They’re always one step ahead in every area including accessories and shoes. Pamela Love’s new jewellery is beautiful. I’m addicted to earrings. I also love the new scarves by illustrator Steve Morris from New York. When I was expecting they had some great and on trend dresses and jeans. No need to feel frumpy with your bump.

What’s in your handbag right now?
Diary, IPhone, Make up bag, Baby wipes, spatone, purse, a nappy, baby rice cakes and sunglasses.

Who is your style-crush?
My best Girlfriend AJ Celi. I’ve never seen anyone put an outfit together like her!!

Worst and/or best shopping experience?
On a recent trip to Marbella I passed a boutique where everything was €14.99 as they were closing. It didn’t matter if the dress was €300 or €30. I was there for hours and picked up some great stuff.

Highstreet favourites?
Zara, Topshop and Penneys

Ultimate favourite place to shop?
London

What is your travel essential?
A good moisturizer as travelling can be both tiring and dehydrating. A water spray is a good idea to keep you feeling fresh. After 17 years of non stop travel loads of water is essential!

Fashion on the web?
The weekly edit, its current, informative with really nice editorials. Asos.com for their enormous selection. I worked for them numerous times so I know what you see is what you get.

Worst fashion moment?
Body tops which were painful (trip to the bathroom took a while!) and tracksuit bottoms with stripes down one side, like Adidas and my green NB’s (It was during my EMF stage!!)

What era of style would you most like see return to fashion?
A mixture of the 20’s and 50’s. 20’s for its femininity and elegance and the 50’s for enhancing a woman’s body and curves.

Finally, what do you want your style to say about you?
Very simply that it reflects my personality and mood.

For more on Alison, hope over to www.alisoncanavan.com

Aisling Kilduff, owner of the Design Centre at Powerscourt, is involved in all aspects of the day to day running of the business. As one of Dublin’s leading fashion boutiques, the Design Centre has undergone a few changes over the years to bring Dublin the finest fashion from Irish designers and international fashion houses. Style comes with the territory and we wanted to find out more about Ashling…

Ashling what two adjectives describe your style?
Understated and timeless

Style icon?
Eva Mendes

Favourite trend so far this year?
Spring/summer2011 feminine/minimalism

Favourite beauty product?
Anything from vanity rooms Stepaside

Can’t live without…?
High heels

Style or Trends?
Always style

Today I’m wearing…?
A dress from Claire O Connor

What did you want to be growing up?
Anything to do with fashion

What’s a typical day like for you?
Dropping my children to school and heading into Design Centre where everyday is different.

Favourite hangout?
Lost Society Powerscourt centre (recently voted Dublin’s most Stylish bar!)

Friday night treat?
Sharing a bottle of Moet & Chandon with my husband after a busy week at work

Your perfect weekend is…?
Chilling out with my family

Last time you laughed out loud?
Today with my friend Siobhan too many reasons

What’s on your iPod?
Slow by Rumer

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
Be prepared for hard work and long hours – its not as easy as it looks.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
Thankfully I’m already in my perfect job! I travel every year to great cities to buy amazing collections for the shop, I also have the privilege to judge the best dressed competition at the Hennessy Gold Cup. This year for the second time, I judged along side renowned hat designer Philip Treacy, it doesn’t get much better than that!

www.designcentre.ie