Only a couple of weeks ago I was gushing over the latest spring summer look book from Penneys/Primark (over here if you missed it). For anyone

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Urban Outfitters Spring Summer 2012 look book is quite the visual treat, jam-packed with all manner of colour, prints, textures, metallics and flowing fabrics. I’m particularly taken with the oversized hooded jumper dress

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I’m pretty sure wherever you are in the country this morning, it’s pretty miserable outside. But there’s bright news on the sartorial front. Penney’s latest spring collections for 2012 will be trickling into stores over the next couple of weeks. And we’re in for a treat – a riot of bold, bright, vibrant blocks of colour, oversized florals

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If the prospect of snow boots and flood gear is all becoming too grim a reality then for the next couple of minutes cast your mind forward to warmer, sunny, spring times. The fashion world is already in full swing for Spring Summer 2012. Yesterday I popped along to the Topshop SS 2012 press preview in Fitzrovia, central London

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Marks & Spencer unveiled their 2011 Summer Collections on Thursday evening (2nd June) with a delicious BBQ featuring live food stations from key M&S Irish suppliers and a stunning showcase of M&S alfresco homeware

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Well not quite pure and simple but that’s exactly what I love about this bag. The detailing in the drawings, which is so Love Moschino, and the Chanel-esque interlaced chain strap plays up the mix of textures. Perfect for summer and all yours for €160 at Arnotts. It’s a bit of a

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Pictured: Carmel Brehany & Rachel Allen; Michelle McGrath; Heidi O’ Sullivan & Suzanne Cairns

The M&S summer BBQ is always one of the highlights of summer and this year was no exception. Unveiling their 2010 Summer Collections and showcasing M&S alfresco homeware, guests were treated to a live cookery demonstration by the gorgeous Rachel Allen and dined on her delicious M&S creations like South American Steak with Chimichurri Salsa and Eton Mess.

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What do the Christian Brothers, dentists and American Tourists all have in common? They all wear Birkenstocks on a regular basis. At least until fairly recently, I used to always associate the famous sandal with all of the above

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I don’t know about you but I never go out in the sun without suncream, even in Ireland. When it comes to my hair however I must admit I’m not so diligent. It’s not just your skin that needs protection during the summer months. Without the right sun care routine hair can suffer from the same damaging effects of UV rays – namely unruly frizz caused by changes in humidity, faded hair colour and dehydrated ends.

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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

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By International Makeup Artist Ciara O’Shea
(fresh from working on the Dior Couture show in Paris if you don’t mind!)

I see a trend in old school glamour this season. Lace, beading, intricate designs and couture tailoring. I see a return to sleeves, shoulders, and straps, more so than ever before. The vibe is Grace Kelly; the mood is late 1940’s. I am thinking velvety lips, shimmery lids and expensive lashes. This is the time to indulge your inner goddess.

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By Ciara O’Shea

This is the final installment in this summer skincare series and by this stage you are nearly top to toe gorgeous but we still need to talk about hands and feet, very important for this time of year. Hands are normally the first point of contact so it is important to make a good impression. They are pretty low maintenance as far as body parts go so there is no excuse. The secret is applying a really hard working cream at night, something with AHA’s that will buff and beautify while you sleep. During the day always carry a hand cream with an SPF in it and apply regularly. This will pay dividends in later life.

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With my 10-year college reunion on the not-too-distant horizon, I recently met up with one of my best buddies from Uni. We started to reminisce about the good old days when all you needed was a ten pound note in your pocket and you were sorted for a night out on the town, with enough change left for chips and a battered sausage on the way home. Back then when it came to clothes I embraced colour in all its glory, never shy of any shade. Leaving the world of scholarly pursuits behind and starting to “mature”, I noticed the colours I was wearing started becoming less vibrant and I guess you could say more subtle.

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By Ciara O’Shea

I don’t know about you but I am always ashamed of the amount of neglect my body suffers through the winter. Then regretful when it comes to summer and I have to unveil my dull drab skin. So if like me your skin needs a little extra help, here is the lowdown on how to get your body looking divine (without any nasty dieting). To make it easier to manage I have broken it down in to parts.

Part 1: NECK, ARMS & BOOBS

Body wash – Just to cheer us up in the morning. Try Korres Fig Body Wash. It’s a beautiful deep pink colour, looks good in the bathroom (essential) and gets the body perfectly cleansed without stripping any excess oils.

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