Fashion Fix

Cleaning a Sequinned Cardigan

Dear Martina, I have a sequinned cardigan and I was wondering how I could wash it myself as its not suitable for dry cleaning. Thanks, Jessie.

Hi Jessie,

We all love tems of clothing with sequins and a little bit of bling but as you are aware you do have to be careful when washing them as very often sequins can become detached during washing. I think your safest bet is to hand wash in luke warm water with a washing detergent suitable for delicates fabrics.

If you prefer to machine wash check the care instruction first and choose a low temperature or wash on the delicate programme and don’t tumble dry. While your cardigan is still damp reshape it and dry flat. Good luck.

Three-quarter length light summer coats

I love all the little three-quarter length light summer coats that are in fashion. I would love one but I am on a tight budget and all the coats I have seen are very expensive. Do you know where I could buy a cheaper version? Thank you for your help, Mel.

Hi Mel,

Well the most inexpensive swing coats I have seen are in Penny's - they have a couple of versions of the very popular opera coat which is everywhere for spring/summer.  Look for their cream cotton mac with three quarter length bell sleeves for €21. They have a couple of other styles in some wonderful summer colours all of which will help to up date your wardrobe and not break the bank. So take a look in today as they are being snapped up fast!

While you are there check out the little cropped cotton jackets which come in a lovely range of colours. Penneys do it again - we can't resist their bargain buys every season. Happy shopping.

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.

Funky without freezing?

How can I dress up and still manage to look funky without freezing to death when I go out at night? Thanks, Breda.

Hi Breda,

I think you need to add a nice funky coat to your wardrobe which you can throw on over your outfit and still look stylish. Another option is a classic trench coat or a bomber jacket. Both are popular this season and the bomber jacket will give your outfit a real street cred look. Finally you could try a nice faux fur jacket – it will keep the winter chills at bay and still have you looking very elegant.

Cropped Jackets

I love all the cropped jackets that are in the shops but I am a little unsure about the sleeve length. Are my sleeves supposed to show as much as they do? Thanks, Lillian.

Hi Lillian,
I love these little cropped jackets – they are also a must for everyone’s Autumn/Winter wardrobe.

Yes your sleeves are supposed to peep out from under the jacket. Try wearing yours with a contrasting polo-neck jumper underneath. These little gems will see you through the next few months and can be worn with anything. If the sleeve of the garment you are wearing underneath is not long enough to peep out underneath your jacket you can add a pair of long gloves which will add a nice elegant touch to your outfit.

Jackets and shapes

I think its time to put my winter coat away for a well earned rest. I have a couple of short jackets but I am a little unsure if the shape suits me as I have gained some weight since I last wore them. Can you give me any ideas what style jacket suits different shapes. Thanks Trina.

Hi Trina,

I know how you feel - we are all dying to shed the layers but we are not all happy with what we find beneath the layers when we do! Jackets are always a good buy so it is important to get one that flatters your shape and there are some great styles in the shops this season. Here
are some of our old favourites;

• Long jackets cover large bottoms.
• Jackets ending at the top of the hip flatter most shapes.
• Mid-length jackets look good on slim thighs.
• Bomber jackets look good if you have no waist.
• Tailored jackets flatter curvy waists.
• Long-waisted women should wear jackets that end mid-hip or lower.

Hope this is of some help to you Trina.

Lightweight black trench coat

I saw a black trench coat in Dunne’s Stores; it was double breasted with a belt very lightweight a cotton/nylon mix, nice bit of detail. It also comes in a stone colour and is priced at €55. In Sasha I saw a black trench with a wide collar and turn-up sleeves with belt, priced at €59. Finally there is one in Oasis (upstairs in Goods) with a tiebelt in 100% cotton and priced at €114. All three styles are very simple and classical great buy for spring. Hope this is of some help to you Bernie.

Velvet Jacket

I have a chocolate brown velvet jacket from last year I don’t wear much as I have never been sure what colours to wear under it. I am not very adventurous with colours. Any ideas? - Linda W

Hi Linda,

Well your velvet jacket is big news this season - a real classic for anyone’s wardrobe.

Try some of the following colours under it:  any shade of blue, maybe red or orange for a richer look, turquoise (I have always liked this with chocolate brown) or just white - maybe a simple tee-shirt. Finally if you like the colour pink you will find that it can help to soften browns. 

Hope this has been of some help to you Linda. Start wearing that jacket and have fun trying the different colour combinations out!

Winter Jackets

I am tired of wearing my old denim jacket and not ready to get into my winter coat yet. What can I do at this time of year to keep chills out?  Mary L

Hi Mary,

It's a tricky time of year but there are plenty of cover-ups around. Try a military-style jacket - I have noticed that they are getting heavier and warmer as the season progresses. Go for khaki or black both very versatile colours.

Another option is to invest in a soft knitted or mohair shrug or a cape that will see you through the winter and keep your shoulders warm.

Also there are lots of lovely scarves in the shops that look great doubled and tied - there is a great selection of scarves and wraps in Monsoon in Market Cross and Dunnes Stores have a excellent selection of scarves in jewel colours in various lengths all of which will add an extra layer of warmth to your outfit and help keep chills out.