Military jackets are here to stay. Discover three ways to wear them now by looking to Ireland’s top style setters.

Pictured left to right:

Angela Scanlon

From Stella McCartney to Isabel Marant, it’s all about sportswear this spring. Take cues from uberstylist Angela Scanlon who clashes her army jacket with a basketball top and Zara sequin skirt for a modern evening look with a sporty spin.

Buy now: Angela’s jacket is from Shutterbug, Kilkenny or try Shutterbug’s Facebook page for vintage military pieces.  Urban Outfitters Vintage Surplus collection is another top choice for camouflaged army jackets.

Blanaid Hennessy

Do like Shutterbug vintage store owner Blanaid and nonchalantly tuck a vintage sequin top into some ripped boyfriend jeans (which are artfully torn and worn with heels – THE way to wear jeans right now). A khaki military jacket and Topshop heels complete this weekend-ready outfit.

Buy now: Blanaid’s jacket is Penneys (and no longer in stock) so try this River Island one for size instead.

AnnMarie OConnor

Stylist and presenter AnnMarie O’Connor teams her camouflage jacket with a slick leather skirt, killer heels and a striped Breton top for a contemporary cocktail look.  Just add a punchy shade of lipstick.

Buy now: O’Connor’s army jacket is actually a Carhartt shirt which she got from the men’s section of from Urban Outfitters, Temple Bar. It’s roomy enough to layer up as a light jacket!

Photo of Blanaid Hennessy, by Ciúin Tracey.

Photo of AnnMarie O’Connor and Angela Scanlon, courtesy of Diet Coke

My daughter is making her First Holy Communion this year, and I haven’t a clue as to what should I wear.  I’m a young mum (30) and I just had a baby a couple of weeks ago so my figure is a bit bigger than usual . I haven’t a clue as to what would be appropriate so… any ideas? 

With communion and confirmation season just around the corner, your question is very timely. The same type of outfit suits both a communion and a confirmation.

The “rules”

Just as the rule for “you can’t wear white to a wedding” comes into play at weddings, unfortunately there is communion and confirmation etiquette to adhere to too.

This is not a place for short hemlines on dresses or skirts nor for showing off cleavage (imagine trying to cover yourself up from the bishop when you go up and greet him as guardian in the case of a confirmation?).

The same goes for cocktail dresses and bare arms are out too –don’t wear anything strapless or too revealing.

Communions,  although not cocktail or wedding attire, are still quite dressy. Mums dress up for this and usually turn to boutiques which have matching seperates or modest pieces from the high street.

Day dress with a jacket or coat

A day dress with matching cardigan or jacket is a good option. At the the upper end  of the scale  Louise Kennedy has a beautiful collection this summer, you can see all the dresses here.

Otherwise check Zara for a Chanel style boxy or “boucle” jacket which are always elegant and in style and can be worn with jeans and a tshirt after the event.  You could wear either of these styles over a black dress  – both €99 and online here.

Monsoon have lovely outfits too (see dress pictured), try an empire line (cut for the bust) to hide a yummy tummy and as with any outfit, be sure to wear a pair of shapewear! Monsoon also do skirts with matching cardigans/tops/jackets which is also a good option for a communion.

A day dress with a coat  also appropriate, as the weather here can often play havoc if youre planning on just a dress on its own. For example,  if you choose the pink dress I’d get a black coat or if you chose the navy dress I’d get a cream or white coat – both very elegant combinations.

Shift dresses also hide a multitude of sins including “ jelly bellies”. The key trick is some shapewear to smooth and hide everything – Spanx is good (Arnotts, Clearys and Brown Thomas) but if not, Marks and Spencers do good shapewear.

Another option is a wrap dress.  I love the wrap dresses at Ingenue (circa €99) which has styles like the one Kate Middleton wore for her engagement (the pepita dress).

Accessories

This all sounds very strict but by wearing accessories, you can show off your personal style. A multi strand necklace (if you’ve a mono coloured outfit) or some nice earrings will do the trick– but don’t get experimental.

And finally, I hope you find the outfit of your dreams and have a great “first communion”.

Jeans are a staple part of a man’s wardrobe, and for both guys and girls they can tend to be a flippant purchase. Usually because we have been buying jeans for so long we think we have it nailed.

But styles change, body shapes alter and a re-vamp at your old favourites may be in order.  With this in mind here are few hints and tips on choosing the right pair to look good in this season.

I know for some the whole process from first sight to stuffing the receipt in the bag can take about 10 minutes! Although it may take a little longer at first to figure out what suits you, when you find the best pair for your shape  you can then go back to the 10 minute purchases. So let’s get down to brass tacks.

Firstly, you need to keep three things in mind – The Fit (how the jeans sit on the body) The Cut (the shape of the jeans) and The Wash (the colour and finish).  Having the focus on these three elements, combined with the knowledge of you body type, the result should be a pretty flawless one.

Tall and Lean

If you are tall and slender physique you have a few style options to choose from. The straight cut will show off your physique to its best. The bootleg shape is also good particularly if you are wider on the hips as it will balance out your shape.

You can also opt for the wide leg jeans but really only for casual wear, as your physique won’t fill them out completely. As a result, the overall look of baggy jeans works best with tees and runners.

Slim and Slender

If you want to achieve the ‘Iggy Pop look’ then your slim physique is good for this style.  If however you would prefer a more regular fit, a slightly flared cut will give good balance to your slender frame. If you would like the illusion of a bit more meat on the rear, choose styles with bulky pockets.
I would advice against very wide leg style as a slender frame can tend to look a bit lost in these.

Sporty Athletic

A loose fit jean works best for the sporty athletic body as it gives shape to your muscular shape without over emphasising it. Tighter styles tend to make you appear over-bulky.  If you would like to show your rear off a bit more, back pockets that are small and far apart work well as it gives a defined shape.

Heavy Build

Wide leg styles also work really well for your physique. If there‘s a little more of you to love, then this style will help conceal love handles and a wide waist.  Ensure the fit is not too baggy as this will make you appear larger than you are. Large back pockets that are close together will give the illusion of a smaller rear.

So go on get out there and shop for a great pair of jeans this season and if you find the crème de la crème of jeans, buy two pairs! With a pair in dark and medium wash you’ll be covered for lots of looks.

- Ann-Marie Proudfoot is a stylist at http://proudfoot.ie

I’ve had a few requests asking how to wear this season’s florals and seeing as it’s a style that is dropping into stores right now, here are three ways to wear the floral print trend.

1.    Accessories

If you feel like dipping your toe in the trend, there’s no better way than to wear Mary Katrantzou.

Mary Katrantzou’s collaboration with Longchamp is one of the best ways to wear this trend. Available exclusively at Arnotts ( Tel 01-8050400) this large tote costs €365.

Update 21/02/12: Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp is in Arnotts from today! Prices range from €61-€365. We’re lovin’ the classic Longchamp “Pliage” tote, which has been Katrantzou-d into a print of orchids and lanterns floating like balloons against a backdrop of blue sky – divine!

2. Head to toe prints

Adventurous types can opt for the head to toe print look. Styling this is easy! Nothing has to match (prints wise) – Just wear from head to toe and keep accessories such as shoes and bags, minimal and to one (mono) colour.

My favourite take on it is Stella McCartney’s palm print for spring summer 12 (available at Brown Thomas). For a high street take on the trend, this skirt €52 and top €46 combo from Warehouse is the perfect way to mix it up.

3. Separates

This is a less extrovert look than full-on, head to toe prints.

It’s true, Irish girl’s love their dresses but this season is all about separates – it’s just a matter of learning how to wear them.

With so many options to choose from, my style tip here is to choose just one print piece and pair with simple separates -  wear a pair of print trousers with a luxe t-shirt or pastel top.

Another favourite is this ASOS print blazer  – wear over a plain white t-shirt or shirt and black pencil skirt or cropped trousers. (It also comes in a cigarette pant for those who want to wear it as a suit) Divine!

So step forward into floral prints this spring – there’s a style out there to suit you.

Dear Ask the Stylist

I’ve heard that a peplum is one of the key trends for this spring summer, how can I wear it? I’d like to spend very little on this look and have it in a colour that easily goes with other items in my wardrobe. N. R, Galway.

Yes the peplum  is back with a bang. Jason Wu and Preen were all over this look on the AW11 catwalk  and Christian Dior (pictured) has revived the fashion house’s trademark which first came to prominance in the ladylike 40s and 50s.

You’ll be glad to hear that it’s no longer regarded as a prim ladylike look, it can be trendy and figure flattering too.

Here are three ways to wear it:

As a dress

A peplum on your waist will slim your hips. This dress is ideal as black on your bottom half is slimming so it has a double skinny affect!  The cobalt blue adds a pop of on-season colour too.

Two tone dress €40, Savida at Dunnes Stores. In store now.

As a top

If you’re more of a separates kind of girl, opt for a peplum top. This is the figure flattering SS12 catwalk trend that celebs love to wear (Emma Watson wore it on the red carpet recently).

The peplum affect below a waistband makes your waist look smaller. Wear this red peplum top with a black skirt or trousers. You surely have a pair of black smart trousers or pencil skirt right lurking in your wardrobe?

Style tip: add a skinny belt to sit just above where the peplum veers outwards and it’ll shrink your waist even more!

Red peplum top €25, Savida at Dunnes Stores. In the shops now. This top is a dead ringer for the Christian Dior SS12 look, pictured above, which has the built in belt.

On a coat or jacket sleeves

As seen at Roksanda Ilincic SS12A coat with three-quarter-length sleeve which ends in a peplum or tulip,  is a cool take on the look. What bingo wings you say?

Let me know if you’ll be adding peplums to your wardrobe this season.

Dear Ask the Stylist

I’ve got big calves and I can never find winter boots to fit me! I’m after a pair of knee high boots. Any tips? B.B.

We’ve found the perfect solution for you in the form of “Duo” – an online shoe store that makes custom boots to fit your size. So, whether your calves are too big or too small, simply send them your stats and they’ll send you your made to measure boots. It’s €15 to ship to Ireland.

http://www.duoboots.com

They’ve also got 30% off some styles in their winter sales at the moment. Good luck and let us know how you get on with them.

Read about our Must-Have Shoes of the Season

How to Wear: Winter Boots

Dear Ask the Stylist

I’d love to wear a “different” hat to the races this Christmas. Can you suggest anything?

Trilby hats are a great look for winter racing.

Make like Sonya Lennon (pictured) who is one of the judges at this year’s Most Stylish Lady competition at Leopardstown Christmas racing, with her bright trilby and cape combination.

Sonya’s chapeau of choice is Philip Treacy at The Design Centre, Powerscourt and you’ll also find some amazing trilby hats by Martha Lynn at Project 51  – pictured is one of Martha’s designs in purple (€275) which also comes in navy.

On the high street, we love the selection of trilbies at Aso, the nude one pictured is €28.25 at ASOS   while over at Topshop (£28) we found them in teal and in purple.

Wear over a jumpsuit, seperates or dress and accessorise with a pair of long leather gloves by Paula Rowan, (from €148.72), some faux fur and a stand out clutch.

- By Ann Marie Proudfoot, a personal a stylist at Proudfoot Style

By AnnMarie Proudfoot

Dear Ask the Stylist

I picked up a faux leather dress in H&M a few weeks ago for my Christmas party. It looks more expensive than it was fits perfectly and is really comfortable to wear, and I would probably wear it again. I was thinking of wearing it with black tights, suede ankle boots and a black blazer.

However now I’m panicking like mad that I will be totally off the fashion radar, as the trend seems to be for velvet and lace for the party season and I’m wondering if what I was thinking of wearing with it makes me look like I’m heading to a funeral instead of out for the night? I would really appreciate any help you can send my way, before I run out and spend money on something that I’ll probably not wear again and that everyone else is already be wearing! G.

Hi G

Firstly, don’t panic, we’re here to help!  To start, you are not off trend; you can’t go wrong with black as a base colour. I do understand your concern that all black can look a little funeral like or can tend to make us look a little pale in the winter.

Before running out to buy a whole new outfit, let’s work with what you have. The dress sounds great and for €20, what a bargain! I think you have the basis for a really nice outfit; I would just add a little colour or design into it, to lift the overall look.

Here are four options to add to your current outfit. I have taken examples from ASOS, River Island and Topshop, but if you can’t get to these stores you should be able to pick up similar options from other high street stores.

1. A statement scarf . This Aztec print scarf will work great with all black.

2. Statement tights.  They will add interest and a bit of fun to your outfit. Wear some stacked up bracelets with this look.

3. A statement bag. Gold metallics look great with black. Team this with stacked bracelet from above.

4. A statement belt.  Adding a belt over your blazer with give it a nice feature and also add a good shape to your figure.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get on with the outfit. Enjoy your night out!

AnnMarie

 This Ask the Stylist was brought to you by stylist AnnMarie Proudfoot – read more about her on Proudfoot Style.

And so it landed yesterday at 9am.

WhatSheWears went along to H&M South King Street to see what others thought of the collection and if there would be the same fashion frenzy that ensued for the H&M Lanvin and Jimmy Choo collaborations.

There were 100 shoppers gathered outside the store, some there since 6am and one girl, Michelle Walsh who was first in the door, had queued all night. We were there to greet her when she emerged with her purchase (a multi coloured leopard print bomber jacket) before she dashed off for an interview in Brown Thomas.

Determined to get their hands on the designer collaboration, staff let them in in groups of twenty, for twenty minutes at a time so by the time we got in, there wasn’t much left.

None of the leather jackets or fur gilets which we’d liked were to be seen, with only signature print jackets and scarves in blue, green and yellow left, which were just too Donatella for our liking. We would’ve bought one of their cool cushion covers had they been there, but the homeware side of the collection never reached Dublin.

There were plenty of happy shoppers though.

Erica Finnegan was determined to get her hands on a choker, but alas staff wouldn’t sell it to her as it was on a mannequin, so she settled for a bomber jacket instead. She’s going back for the choker today though, on a promise that they’ll take it off the mannequin.

Ciaran Mac Lanky was annoyed that there was no men’s collection in the South King Street store whatsoever, despite men’s, women’s and home ware being promised. He settled for a scarf while his friend, fashion blogger Leanne Woodfull only wanted one thing, a pair of signature print leggings.

This won’t be the collaboration that we’ll remember most for wearable pieces so roll on the next one; with  Tom Ford we hope!

Dear Ask the Stylist

I have a winter wedding. I’d like to get something that might be suitable for work later – I work as a trainer. I’m a curvy 5ft , carrying a little too much weight round the middle. What would you recommend? Colour would be good, but need to be covered too. A.B.

Lucky you, I love a good winter wedding!

I suggest a dress, as they can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

A wrap dress will help show off your curvy figure, the draping at the front will help disguise problem areas. It will look great with black tights and a shorter length (above the knee) works well for your height.

This swing dress can be jazzed up with some gold accessories and a cream fur for the wedding and then toned down for work with a crop navy cardigan over it. This style will skim over problem areas. Team it with navy tights and if you want to add a pop of colour, a pair of red shoes.

Swing dress, ASOS

Another option is this Zara print dress (pictured above, main image) which will cinch in your waist. The gathering below the waist and print will help disguise problem areas. Again, this can be dressed up for the wedding with a bracelet and a crop fur jacket added to the look. The shorter style is great for your height.

Style tip: Cropped jackets, stoles and cardigans are great for maximising your figure and height.

Enjoy the wedding!

Ann Marie Proudfoot is a stylist at Proudfoot Style