Fashion Fix

What is Geometric?

The geometric print is big for spring/summer - every shop you go into on the High street is packed with this great print. It’s a retro folksy print we saw a lot of last year (some items you see might have little square designs on them or swirls just to mention a couple). It’s going to be one of those trends you either love or hate.

What I like about it that it will add a much-welcomed splash of colour and it can be worn with your existing winter clothes to help update your look a little. You can choose from skirts, or long sleeved mini dresses which will look great over skinny jeans leggings or opaque tights all of which you probably have in your wardrobe from last season.

There are some great shapes in this retro print which will show everyone you have your finger on the pulse. But like any trend don’t go overboard - just add little pops of this to your existing wardrobe and you can’t go wrong. It will help you create a wonderful stylish look. Happy shopping.

Dressing for gym

I have just taken out a gym membership for the first time so I haven’t a clue what I should wear when it comes to working out gear. Any suggestions? Thanks, Patricia.

Hi Patricia,

This is a good question as a lot of people feel a little intimidated when entering the gym for the first time. Like any new situation we want to feel confident and relaxed, the best gym gear is functional but above all should be comfortable.

Your best buy would be separates - some tracksuit bottoms to start off with and a couple of lycra tops. You should always wear a good sports bra and when it comes to trainers get advice from one of the sports shops in town. They can advice you on the best ones for gym use as there are so many brands to choose from. And don’t forget a water bottle - very important. Best of luck.

Meeting my future in-laws!

I am meeting my boyfriend’s parents for the first time in a couple of weeks time. We are having dinner and  I so want to make the right impression. Have you any tips on what I should wear? Thank you for your help, Annie

Hi Annie,

Well the first tip I will give you is be yourself and don’t totally change your style and try to be someone else as you will be uncomfortable for the evening. When choosing an outfit wear something you know you look great in. Take your time when doing this and do take shoes into consideration - don’t wear a new pair that will end up hurting you and making you hobble.

Not a good look! Also avoid flashing too much flesh - go easy on the plunging neckline! But above all don’t be nervous and remember he thinks you are great so I am sure they will too! Best of luck.

Who could use a personal shopper?

I would love to have the services of a personal shopper but I don’t know if I would benefit from such a service. I feel I am stuck in a fashion rut and to make matters worse I hate shopping - I find it a daunting experience. How would a personal shopper like you help me? Thanks, Laura.

Hi Laura,

A lot of people are curious as to how a personal shopper works. A lot of the clients I have are women like yourself who feel they are in a rut. They are bored with the way they look - they might have shopped in the same shops for years and worn the same style clothes forever.

I suppose we all like to play it safe and sometime it takes a significant birthday, a special occasion or even the need for a personal treat to motivate my clients to give me a call.

Personally I like to start with a meeting over coffee with a new client. We have a chat and I find out basic details such as your favourite shops, your favourite style of clothes and your budget. I then do the leg work and we arrange to meet again and hit the shops with force!

I will help you choose clothes that are flattering to your shape and colouring and that you feel comfortable in. I organise the various sizes for you etc and bring them to you so you don’t have to leave the fitting room if you do not want to. A lot of women find this of great benefit specially if they don’t enjoy shopping and of course a lot of women don’t have the time.

I will help you put outfits together, coordinate with accessories and finish with you feeling happy with your new look.  It might be that I introduce you to a shop you have never visited before or it can be something as simple as a different length jacket or the different ways you can introduce a few inexpensive accessories to your existing wardrobe.

Its all these little touches that will help get you out of a rut and you will find that your self confidence and self esteem will be boosted by this - all of which are very important.

I look forward to your call!

What to wear with a trench coat?

I have a trench coat from last year that I never wore much. I was always unsure what to wear with it especially when it came to footwear. Have you any suggestion for me? Many thanks, Alice.

Hi Alice,

What a great wardrobe basic to have. The trench coat is going to be big again this season - they are so versatile and great for flattering all shapes. You could try teaming yours with jeans and a pair of riding boots for a very stylish casual look or alternatively try a pair of skinny jeans and pumps. For a more sophisticated look team your trench with a pencil skirt and heels.

So there are a few ideas to have you looking stylish at work, shopping on a Saturday afternoon or out and about. Dust of the trench coat, put it on, tie the belt tight to enhance your waist and off you go.

Short legs and Denim!

What advice can you give for women when it comes to denim? I am 4 11 and blessed with short legs. I love to wear boot cut denim but is that making my legs look even shorter! I just read that you should not wear tight trousers. Thanks, Kathy.

Hi Kathy,

Well I would agree with what you read never wear tight trouser if you have short legs as they will only draw attention to where your bum ends and your legs begin. Boot leg cut is definitely the most flattering style jean to wear for most women - always go for a dark wash denim such as indigo or black. The darker the better as they are more flattering then a light blue denim and also tend to go with a lot more in your wardrobe.

Wear your hem to the ground when wearing trousers with high heels and this will help to elongate your legs. If at all possible wear a heel with your jeans – again this will do wonders for your overall look. If like a lot of women you avoid heels try a wedge as they are more comfortable and will give you the much needed bit of extra height without the discomfort.

Finally try wearing dresses over your jeans/trousers as this look helps cover up where the legs begin. All the best.

Skin allergy - can you recommend jewellery?

I always enjoy reading your column and was hoping you could advise me on this problem - I have an allergy to earrings, necklaces and bracelets that are not in silver or gold. This seriously limits my choice, and makes accessory purchasing an expensive business. Do you know of any brands available in Kilkenny or even on-line that cater for this type of allergy? Many thanks, Claire.

Hi Claire,

I am aware this is a problem for a lot of women and can be frustrating when there is such a great choice of costume jewellery in the shops these days.

I found a brand of earrings called Ear Sense which a couple of shops in Kilkenny stock including Sasha on the High Street, and Dynasty in Market Cross.

This is a very fashionable range which include little cute diamante studs with coloured stones and small hoops. They are nickel free and 100% hypoallergenic and are very reasonably priced ranging from €7 and I was told they are a very popular range.

I would also advice you to call into Silver Oasis on James Street as they stock a great selection of very fashionable silver jewellery, which is very well priced. The fact that colourful chunky plastic and wooden jewellery is very in at the moment means that it is worth considering as its inexpensive and trendy.

A tip I was told by a client recently who suffers with the same allergy is to put a little dab of clear nail varnish on the clasp - it will help you to avoid a reaction to the metal, worth trying!

There are also a few web sites that also cater for people with an allergy to jewellery one in particular I noticed is www.simplywhispers.com. Best of luck.

Bargain in Communion Dresses

TOP TIP

While I am on the subject of Oxfam I noticed the other day that the High Street shop here in Kilkenny have a lovely range of girls communion dresses in stock. These are all new with some still in plastic and with the shops labels intact. Priced at €15 they are my bargain of the week. Worth taking a look but don’t delay they are being snapped up!.

Oxfam - Clearurgear

CLEARURGEAR FOR OXFAM IRELAND

Whether we bought a size too small, the wrong colour or splashed out on a whim we all have clothes, CD’s and unwanted gifts we don’t use anymore. The next time you are looking through your wardrobe and you see all those items of clothing you haven’t worn in ages put them to one side. This is a perfect time of year to have a good clear so gather them up and pop them in a bag for Oxfam - you can pick up their clearurgear bags in their shop on the High Street or fill your own.

A lot of people are organising collections through their work place - you could ask all your work mates to bring in their unwanted items and take them to your nearest Oxfam shop. They will gladly accept CD’s, clothes, books toys, and ornaments but please remember they are looking for items in good condition as it costs Oxfam Ireland between €3 and €5 to dispose of a bag of unsaleable books!

So have a good rummage and spring clean your wardrobe etc and you will also be helping to combat poverty and suffering in poorer countries around the world. You will be surprised how much stuff you don’t actually need or use anymore.

Altering new clothes

I always have problems finding clothes that fit me correctly - should I just buy clothes I like and get them altered? Many thanks, Mary.

Hi Mary,
I think that getting clothes altered to suit you is a good idea, but it is important to find a good alteration service that you can depend on and who know their stuff. Ask in a couple of your favourite boutiques and see who they use for their alterations.

Here are a few little tips to keep in mind when getting your clothes altered:

• Always take your shoes off when getting trousers or jeans altered. 
• If you want to wear your trousers with heels keep the length a little longer.
• Don’t think for a minute that the whole item can be remade! Moving buttons and zips takes time and therefore the seamstress will charge you more. And there is only so much that can be done before the item looses its shape and cut. Keep this in mind as you are trying clothes on before you buy them – compromise on the look if it means you are reducing the amount of alteration work required.
• When getting a coat or jacket adjusted, keep it buttoned up when it is being measured. Don’t make it too tight, as you will be wearing clothes underneath.

Hope this is of some help to you.