Fashion Fix

Top Tip - Loose Knitwear

The loose knitwear which is everywhere (such as knitted dresses and big chunky cardigans) is a chic alternative to a coat and look very stylish worn with a chunky belt.

Where can I get hatboxes?

I am looking for some nice hatboxes as I have a few hats and they are getting very dusty and battered in my wardrobe. I have had a look around town but I can’t see any boxes suitable for this purpose. Any suggestions?
Thank you for your help, Patricia.

Hi Patricia,

I have seen some lovely little round hat boxes in the Butterslip boutique on the corner of Kieran Street and Rose Inn Street. They are sold separately and are available in various sizes with cute little prints on them. These boxes will help protect your hats and they will also look great on top of your wardrobe.

FOLLOW UP TO WASHING A SEQUIN CARDIGAN

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about washing a sequin cardigan as a reader was unsure if she should machine wash hers or hand wash.

Well since then I have been told by a reader that if you do decide to machine wash on a low temperature you can pop your cardigan in a pillowcase as it will help keep your delicates safer. Thanks for that tip Elly :-)

Occasions for Kids

As from May the 1st Occasions for kids on John Street will be under new management and the new owners will now be stocking a wonderful range of debs dresses and flower girl dresses so take a look in.

I have been told they will have a very exclusive range so all you débutantes take note - you now have another shop to add to your list.

Is a Halter Neck Top suitable for me?

When I was out partying over Christmas I noticed a lot of girls wearing halter neck tops and dresses. I would love to wear a halter neck top to an event I am going to in a few weeks time but I am unsure if it would suit me as I am tall with a small bust. I was also wondering about the correct bra to wear with a halter neck. Thanks, Sue.

Hi Sue,

Yes this is the time of year when you see a lot of halter neck style tops and dresses on the dance floor. Your shape sounds just right for this style as smaller busted ladies really look good in halter necks and there are bras specially designed to wear with them which will give the support you need without showing bra straps.

They are also a nice way to show off your shoulders. Make sure your skin is in good condition and add a little fake tan if needed which will give you a nice golden glow.

Colours with Black?

I have been invited to a a party in a couple of weeks, I already know I will be wearing a black satin pencil skirt and high black suede peep toe shoes with silver detail but I am unsure about the colour of my top. Should I stay with black or go for colour low or high neckline? Thanks, Marie.

Hi Marie,

The world is your oyster as far as colour is concerned - black would look classier but a bit of colour would be fun. There are some great eighties style tops in the shops now in a jersey fabric which would look good on you. Some of them have slash neck or curved neck lines. Both are big at the moment and they are not too low.

You could opt for black style with a silver decoration on the front which will give your outfit a lift. If you go for a colour other then black team it with some simple silver accessories. Enjoy your evening.

Vintage Satin Dress

I recently bought a beautiful vintage satin dress and after been worn a couple of times it now needs cleaning. Can you recommend a dry cleaners for me? Many thanks, Caryn.

Hi Caryn,
I would recommend that you take your special dress to a reputable dry-cleaners of which we have a few in Kilkenny. If needs be call to them all with your dress and choose the one who demonstrates the best knowledge of working with silk and vintage garments. Do remember that dry-cleaning chemicals can damage vintage clothing so be sure to choose a dry-cleaners that use gentle chemicals. Good luck.

Black Halter Neck

I bought a black halter neck dress on sale recently but I haven't worn it yet as I think it looks a bit too dressy. How can I wear it casually? Thanks Helen.

Hi Helen,

A little black dress is always a good buy as it can be worn in winter or summer, dressed up or down. You could try wearing it with a little cardigan, a shrug or a short denim jacket on a chilly evening. Add some flat sandals or pumps and the colourful funky jewellery which is everywhere this summer.

Thinking ahead to winter you could wear your dress with a pair of flat boots and a chunky knit and you could also add a wide belt slung low around your waist. Hopefully this gives you a few ideas to ensure you get the optimum wear from your dress. Take care.

March Wedding

I am attending a wedding in March. I have my outfit bought but still have to buy shoes. I have started looking around the shops but they are waiting for their new stock to arrive. Can you give me some idea what the trends for footwear are for spring summer 2006. Thanks Kate.

Hi Kate,

The trends in footwear for spring summer 2006 are very glam and sophisticated as the 40s and 50s will have a big influence this summer. We will see a lot of platforms in jewel colours and velvets brocades, satins and patent will be big. The very glamorous peep toed shoe will make a come back as will the high wooden clog. But it’s not all about heels, as the ballet pump and flats are going to be everywhere also in great colours and rich fabrics along with fun poka-dots.

I think there will be a good choice for all. Most of the shops should have their new stock on the shelves in a couple of weeks - it tends to vary from shop to shop. It will be nice to see the new styles arriving in the shops, a real sign that spring is here!

Stiletto Strappy Sandals

Dear Martina,

I have a special occasion to attend in a couple of weeks and I have bought a great pair of stiletto strappy sandals. The only problem is the strap at the back of my foot keeps slipping and it’s very uncomfortable. Is there some way of preventing this from happening? Thanks Marian.

Hi Marian,

We are all aware of Scholl Party Feet at this stage but they also have another product especially for sling backs. They are basically the same idea as Party Feet but a small discreet gel filled strips which prevent your sling backs slipping, and that awful feeling when your shoes start rubbing. You get two pairs in a pack and they are available from most chemists and shops where you see the Scholl stands. So slip a pair in your stilettos and dance the night away.