Fashion Fix

Communion Dresses now in Oxfam, Kilkenny

Oxfam on the high Street here in Kilkenny have a lovely selection of communion dresses - they are all unworn and in their original plastic covering. You will see some very pretty and simple styles ranging in price from €15 – €50. Do take a trip in if you have a little girl making her communion this year but be warned they are selling fast!

Winter Wedding

I am attending a wedding in a few weeks times and I still have’nt anything to wear. I have a few things in my wardrobe I could wear but I am unsure about as I feel the cold. I don’t want the added expense of buying a new coat. Any tips you have would be great. Thanks, Jan.

Hi Jane,
If it’s very cold and for added warmth wear thermals underneath your outfit. This would also mean you don’t need to wear a heavy coat which would hide your lovely outfit underneath. And remember gloves as they will keep you warm and can look very elegant - but do avoid the woolly version.

You can always wear a nice short jacket with a fake fur trim which will instantly add a bit of glamour to your outfit. Finally don’t be tempted to wear all black as it’s an easy one to fall into for winter weddings! Enjoy the day.

Two different sizes - what dress style?

I want to buy a dress for going out over the summer but I am two different sizes - a size 14 on top and a size 16 on the bottom. Because of this I find that dresses never seem to suit me and I am tired of wearing tops and skirts. Have you any ideas for me? Thank you, Amy.

Hi Amy,

This is a problem for a lot of women but one solution is a halter-neck A line style dress which will help to balance out your shape.

Try and keep to darker colours and a flattering fabric such as stretch cotton. If a halter-neck is not for you opt for a square neck-line as this is also very flattering. Another option is to try a knee length dress or one of the very popular floor length styles that are big for summer.

Matching Accessories for Chocolate Brown Dress

I am attending a friend’s wedding in July and I have bought a chocolate brown dress to wear at it. I am a little unsure what colour shoes and bag to match up with it - any suggestions? Many thanks, Aine.

Hi Aine,

There is a lot of that shade around this season and I think it looks very stylish. Here are some suggestions:

• Gold strappy shoes and a matching bag is a nice combination with brown.
• Orange is good and will really make your dress pop
• Cream is also a winner with brown
• Or you could opt for a light blue such as an Aqua, which will add a nice burst of colour.

I would also suggest that when buying your accessories that you take your dress with you to get the perfect match. Enjoy the Wedding.

Grey/Silver Pasmina

I am looking for a grey/silver shawl/pasmina for my bridesmaids to wear for my  September wedding. I have tried other colours but I think grey or a silver are the only colours that will work. I have looked all over Kilkenny but not seen anything suitable and was wondering have you seen one of these on your travels? Thanks for your help,  Susanne.

Hi Susanne,

I love these questions as I always enjoy trying to track down the item in question and better still this has given me the perfect chance to tell you all about the new shop that has opened on 1 Pudding Lane off Ormond St. It is called The Big Occasion – a great name for a one-stop shop for wedding planning and accessories for your big day.

It sells items such as shoes, tiaras, the cutest little sequin bags, neck pieces and cufflinks to name a few of the items available. They also stock wedding favours and stationery.

Niamh the proprietor who is ever so helpful also offers a shoe dying service. You can bring a sample of your fabric into her and she will get your shoes dyed the colour you requested if at all possible. When I called in I spotted a variety of organza wraps in some great colours including a silver/grey so you might be in luck! Its definitely worth checking out Kilkenny’s newest wedding accessory boutique - it’s a little haven for the bride to be or any member of the wedding party as you never know what you might find!  Happy shopping.

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.

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!.

Keeping warm at a wedding

I am attending a wedding in a few weeks’ times and I have a dress to wear. It is chocolate brown with a cream satin detail and the only problem is I need to wear something over it to keep myself warm. Have you any suggestions for me? thank you, Val.

Hi Val,

Your dress sound great and this season you will see lots of little cropped jackets in the shops which I think would look lovely and complete your outfit. Try a cropped jacket in an evening fabric like a cream or gold brocade, or a faux fur bolero or shrug – they were everywhere last winter and remain popular again this season.

Another option would be a woollen shawl or pashima in a contrasting colour and you could secure your shawl with a vintage brooch for a nice stylish touch. Enjoy the wedding.

Top Tip for the Christmas Season

When buying your Christmas party outfit don’t forget your underwear as a great outfit can be ruined by the wrong underwear. Make sure your is up to the job.

Ivory mid-length satin dress

Dear Martina,

I am getting married soon and have an ivory mid-length satin dress. I am unsure what colour shoes to buy or what style. I would appreciate your advice on this. Thanks, Amy.

Hi Amy,

Wedding planning can be so stressful and having to match colours can be a waste of precious shopping time so a good choice would be a metallic strappy sandal or shoe with a heel. You could look out for a pair with pearl or gold detail and I am sure you will end up wearing them again which is a plus. Enjoy your special day.