Fashion Fix

Some stripey advice

What is the story with stripes? I am very confused which ones I should go for - I have seen a lovely stripy dress in a shop but I not sure if it would do me any justice. Thanks Caroline.

Hi Caroline,
Well it's a tricky one to get right - try your dress on and I am sure all will be revealed! Diagonal stripes are best as they wrap around your body at an angle, making you look taller and flattering your shape. If your dress has horizontal stripes, go for ones that are narrow as they are the most flattering and if you are bigger on the bottom half stay clear of horizontal stripes - they will add pounds.

The good news is that vertical stripes suit everyone. But don't go overboard as you don't want to look like a zebra! Take care.

Slipping straps

I have bought a lovely dress for a wedding I am attending next month. However when I got home I tried it on and noticed that the straps keep slipping off my shoulder. It is very annoying – have you any ideas how this can be rectified? Thanks Marie.

Hi Marie,
I know what you mean as there is nothing worse then pulling at straps all the time. The
easiest thing to do is have them slightly shortened and this is extremely easy to do yourself. Get a friend to pin them at the back where they already join your dress and sew them securely into place. If you are not too comfortable with a needle call to one of the alteration services in town. Best of luck.

Dress for a special occasion

I am in search of a dress that is a little bit special, stylish and easy to wear. I have a couple of occasions coming up over the summer and want to look really good! Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks, Ruth.

Hi Ruth,
Well as I have mentioned in a previous column dresses are big news this spring/summer so there is a great choice around and we are all looking for an excuse to buy one! One shop in particular I would recommend is "Serendipity" boutique on Kieran Street (056 7756839).

Fiona and Maebh the proprietors stock a wonderful choice of labels some of which are a little quirky with a real edge to them. The girls recently hosted a customer evening to introduce their new spring/summer range which included some great dresses - everything from the very popular tee dress and wrap dress to the most glam glitzy dresses around (some of the cutest little dresses which would look great over jeans). What I like about this shop is the fact that its all wearable clothes - the days of buying an outfit and wearing it once are gone we want value for our
money. The girls in "Serendipity" will advice you on the right dress for you they also stock a lovely selection of accessories.

Happy shopping.

Button through dress

I have recently bought a button through military style dress but I am a little unsure what type of shoes to wear with it. I intend to wear skinny fit jeans underneath the dress. Any ideas for me? thank Kathy.

Hi Kathy,

Well you definitely have your finger on the pulse of what's hot in the fashion stakes as the shirtdress is big news this season. Your plan to wear skinny jeans underneath your dress gives you a few options, as skinny jeans are very versatile. You could try your jeans tucked into
boots, or a pair of heels or stilettos or a pair of cute flat pumps would look good. Hope this has given you some inspiration!

Teal Dress

I have bought a new dress for a special occasion and it’s a teal (blue) colour. I am unsure about what colour jewellery and shoes to wear with it. Can you give me a few ideas? Thanks Heather.

Hi Heather,

I love the teal colour, it’s very popular this season. I think you should try metallic colour shoes and accessories, or you could opt for silver. Try a pair of strappy stilettos, or a pair of peep-toe heels in silver and add jewellery in the same colour. The silver will definitely stand out more, and look great especially if its an evening occasion - don’t forget a little silver evening bag. Enjoy yourself.

Getting Married in October

I am due to get married in October. However I haven’t started shopping for my dress yet, as I have just moved back to Kilkenny from Australia and have no idea where to start. Can you tell me the names of the bridal wear shops in Kilkenny and what I should know when looking for my dress? Thanks Pauline.

Hi Pauline,

The first thing I need to say is start looking now. It can take up to four months from the time you order your dress from the company to have it delivered and then allow for at least two fittings after delivery. So you need to allow yourself at least six months and in your case you need to have purchased your dress by March/April.

Remember you will have a lot of other things to organise as time goes on so the sooner your dress is bought the better. You should try on various styles, as this will help you to choose a dress that is flattering to your particular shape, and of course its very important you find a dress that is comfortable as you will be sitting, dancing, bending, and eating in your dress for the day!

The first bridal wear shop I called too is “Cameo” which is situated on 40 Kieran Street Kilkenny (056 7765753). They stock a good selection of bridal wear, some very traditional and chic designs and also accessories such as tiaras, veils and lovely satin shoes in various shades (I even spotted a gorgeous ruby red pair). They also stock  flower girl and bridesmaids dresses - everything you need for your special day.

The next bridal wear shop is called “Jeutonic” bridal and eveningwear, 10 The Parade Kilkenny (056 7723295). This shop stocks a number of international and Irish designers with a good choice of contempory and classic styles and Jeutonic's owner, Caroline, also offers an in-house design service under her own label. They also stock a wide range of bridesmaids and flower girl dresses and a large choice of accessories. Caroline and her very experienced staff will guide you on the right style dress for you. This is definably bride’s heaven!

Finally you can try “Fashion Depot”, 66 High, Kilkenny (056 7765390). They have a large selection of bridal wear down stairs in their shop and on the day I called they were waiting on a new delivery to arrive. A good choice of elegant styles with gorgeous beading detail on some. Valerie the proprietor told me you can order your dress from the samples available and it should be delivered within a week. They also stock bridesmaids and flower girl dresses and accessories. All their bridal wear is bought direct from the manufacturers so they can offer a selection of styles for all budgets.

No matter when you get your dress you will always have the feeling that maybe there is something else out there. So if you find the dress you know is “the one” buy it no matter how early it is and do not dwell on other dresses that may come up.

Most importantly do remember this is a once-in-lifetime event and choosing your dress should be fun so happy shopping and good luck with the wedding plans.

Wrap Dresses

I have two wrap dresses I bough in the summer. I love them as I have a curvy shape and find that wrap dresses flatter my shape. Are they still in this season?  Thanks Kaye.

Hi Kaye,

Yes the classic wrap dress is still around, as you said the shape flatters curvy figures as well as standard and petite shapes.  You can update yours by wearing this seasons knee-high boots, and a little cardigan or a shrug. I have noticed some girls wearing jeans underneath them. Or you could add a skinny rib polo neck for extra warmth.