Fashion Fix

Handbag Hanger for a table

I saw on TV recently a little hanger for your hand bag which you can clip onto a table and thus keep your bag off the ground. Do you know if they are available here? Many thanks, Lucy.

Hi Lucy,

I love those little gadgets - I am not sure if they are available locally but if any readers have seen them for sale here or elsewhere do let me know? The handbag hanger is a stylish way to hang your bag on the edge of your table and as you said will keep it clean and within easy reach for security in restaurants and bars.

These little gems are available in a variety of colours and designs and will easily fit into your bag. They are available from www.handbaghanger.com.au - do let me know if anyone is aware of them being available in Ireland. Thanks, Martina.

TIMELESS ADVICE TOP TIP!

Classic styles are always a better fashion option than up-to-the-minute trendy styles which will look dated next season. Make your classics trendy with inexpensive jewellery or accessories.

Belts for large hips

I love all the belts that are in fashion now. However as I have large hips I am not sure what style belt will best suit me - any tips? Thank you, Maura.

Hi Maura,

Yes belts are big news for Autumn/Winter as the waist is the main focus this season. For larger hips opt for a skinny belt but don’t wear it too tight and put itjust above your hips as this will help balance out your shape.

For a round tummy wear a belt draped just below the waistline. And for those of you with a boyish shape wear a thick leather belt, which will help to create the illusion of curves.

Finally wide coloured belts are the new way to add drama to an outfit.

Wallis Funky Jewellery

Wallis in Market Cross shopping centre have the most amazing range of costume jewellery in this seasons colours and designs such as big bold chunky chokers and beads in blues, purples and pinks. You will also see an abstract flower choker which is a real statement piece.

All of those are very reasonably priced and an inexpensive way of updating your wardrobe and adding that splash of colour I mentioned in the previous question. You will also see bangles, cocktail rings, and neckpieces with matching earrings.

What's the difference between nude and sheer tights

What's the difference between nude and sheer tights and which is the best type for the nude leg look? Many thanks, Emily.

Hi Emily,

Sheer and nude mean two different things. Sheer means the thickness of the tights, which is measured by the denier, while nude refers to the colour. Thick and nude don't go together so if you want to achieve the bare leg look opt for an ultra-sheer as this will allow your natural skin tone to show through. If you are wearing fake tan it will also be shown.

KCLR piece

I am just back from doing a piece with Sue Nunn on our local radio Station - KCLR. We talked about dressing for an Irish summer (endless rain showers!), what to look out for in the sales and a bit about the sort of personal shopping work that I do with my clients.

It's always nice to do radio pieces and great to be asked :-)

Martina

Trendy Shopping Trolleys

I was in Barcelona on holidays recently and I saw a lot of very trendy shopping trolleys everywhere. I would love one for taking around town - is there anywhere in Kilkenny that sells them? Thanks, Emma.

Hi Emma,

I know the ones you are talking about, all the very young trendy people of Barcelona can be seen walking around the streets pulling these colourful trolleys behind them.

These are nothing like the old lady trolleys we are familiar with as they are very funky and I saw some lovely styles for sale in Geraldine’s Boutique on Ormonde Street. You will see some great colours and they are water resistant and can be dismantled for handy storage. Pop in and take a look for yourself - you will definitely cut a stylish dash around the streets of Kilkenny with one of these shopping trolleys. 

Shopping in the Summer Sales

Now that all the summer sales are on I am dying to pick up a few bargains but I am unsure what to look for. I want something I can wear into the winter as I am on a tight budget. Any tips for me? Many thanks, Mary.

Hi Mary,

We all love a rummage through the sale rails but do be aware that you will come across a lot of tat as well as genuine bargains so take the time to have a good look.

Don’t buy an item unless you are sure you are going to wear it as it’s not a bargain if it is left hanging in the wardrobe. For the same reason avoid the high fashion item as you probably won’t wear it next summer.

So what to do? Go for classic styles that won’t date. Look out for jeans on the sales as we wear them all the time and in accessories look out for big chunky bangles, large chains and pendants as jewellery is big and bold for Autumn/Winter. Now is a good time to pick them up half price and will give you an edge on the trend for later on.

Pick up some nice sandals as there are lots of bargains around, go for a good pair as they will probably be half price and you can always wear them next summer. The same goes for leather pumps and you will wear them in Autumn/winter also. Have a look at kaftan style dresses which you will have in your summer wardrobe for many summers to come as they can be worn over your swimsuit or jeans. Very easy to wear and a real classic.

Finally look out for a nice classic trench coat as they never date and are just the thing for summer and Autumn - great for a showery day! Happy shopping.

Pilgrim Jewellery

I have seen some of the Pilgrim jewellery range in Dublin recently and I thought it was lovely - is there anywhere in Kilkenny that stocks this brand? Thanks, Paula.

Hi Paula,

Pilgrim is well known for doing very trendy costume jewellery and their rings in particular are real statement pieces. Aqua by Genevieve on the High Street stock the complete range of Pilgrim jewellery which includes their new range of sunglasses. These are very stylish and definitely worth taking a look at. 

The lovely Liv Tyler is the new Pilgrim model which just goes to show how trendy and stylish this brand is.

Buying Sunglasses

I want to buy some new sunglasses and I intent to buy a good pair so I would like to choose a pair that suits the shape of my face. Can you give me a few tips on how to choose the correct shape for my face? Thanks Ellie.

Hi Ellie,

Well we are spoiled for choice as there is such a huge selection in the shops for summer. According to the experts humans have seven basic face shapes. You can work out what shape face you have by looking in the mirror and tracing a line around your face on the glass with a lipstick! Then look below and see what shape Sunnies will shape your particular shape face.

1.  Round face look better with a rectangular shape frames.
2.  Square faces look good in round or oval shapes.
3.  Pyramid Faces look best in cat’s eye shape frames
4.  Diamond faces are best suited to cat’s eye and oval shapes.
5.  Oval faces suit wide or oval frames
6.  Heart shaped faces are good with aviator styles.
7.  Oblong faces are balanced by the oversize glasses.

But again I would always say choose a pair that you feel happy and comfortable in especially as you plan to buy an expensive pair. Take the time to try lots on and make sure they fit you correctly - your glasses should never rest on your cheeks and most frames should just cover or fall slightly below the tops of your eyebrows. Happy shopping.