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.

House of Harlow 1960 Jewellery

Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 Jewellery line has been coveted by many since its launch two years ago, with its vintage ‘60s and ‘70s influences translated into necklaces, statement cuffs, and chunky rings all in bohemian love-worn finishes.

In fact the bo-ho looking triangle necklace (€125) is one of the star pieces from the collection – shown here on Nicole Richie herself.

Look for Less

If you’re after the look for less, look no further than your local Marks and Spencers!

That’s right. This Limited Collection Collar Necklace (€20, pictured top right) looks very similar to the designer original.

While the Limited Collection Chunky Stone Ring (€11. pictured bottom right) is a showstopper in itself with similar black and gold design like the HOH Sunburst Cocktail ring.

Availibility:

Shop House of Harlow in Ireland at Harvey Nichols Dublin, or online at ASOS.com

Shop Marks and Spencers stores nationwide

Some trends keep popping up again and again, and snakeskin is no exception.  Celebs and fashionistas alike constantly refer back to python, so if you’re ready to acquire this sort of accessory, you’re in the right place.

The whatshewears team has done some Internet window-shopping for you and found our favourites, in a range of prices. As always, if you spot any similar bags or wedges in Ireland or elsewhere, so let us all know!

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie’s impeccable style grabs our attention every time. In Beverly Hills (pictured above) she accessorised with a vintage, snakeskin clutch. Find your python perfection with this Botkier purse from ASOS.

Mary Kate Olsen

Mary Kate Olsen was one of the first to rock the over-sized clutch trend a few season’s back, wearing this Prada purse  (pictured above). Luckily large clutches are back in so if you like Mary Kate’s style, consider this natural-look, faux snakeskin clutch (£8) from Boohoo as a thrifty alternative.

For those of you who love shoes (who doesn’t?), Terry de Havilland’s towering (5 inch) wedges are hugely popular with the Brit “It” pack . Sienna Miller and Kate Moss have been wearing them religiously since 2007 whereas Mischa Barton wore the metallic snakeskin wedges to Australian fashion week in 2008.

The Margaux Pewter wedges (€525) pictured above are from Lara (1 Dame Lane, Dublin 2, 01 670 79 51), direct from Terry DeHavilland himself and in other boutiques around Ireland. Dehavilland footwear doesn’t come cheap, so you may want to wait for the summer sales.

For a cheaper  snakeskin wedge, try these Kork-Ease wedges at Yoox (€65).

Kate Moss at Glastonbury 2011

Fashion Icon Kate Moss embraced the mud at the weekend and worked festival chic in her usual stylish way, teaming her signature leather jacket and wellies with a pair of chic, snake print skinny jeans.

Dressed head to toe in Balmain (apart from her Hunter wellies) her outfit may be out of our price-range but we did squeal with delight when we found these Limited Collection snake print jeans for only €54 at M&S !

Roz Purcell

Meanwhile while the rest of the UK was waking up to muddier Glasto fields last Sunday, Ireland’s top model was getting ready for a day at the races at The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

We love her take on race day dressing – no matchy matchy-ness or hats in sight.  Just sky high gold wedges, a dusty pink coloured maxi and a snakeskin kimono jacket from Topshop (sadly for those of us lookin to steal her style,  it’s no longer available).

Purcell transformed her simple maxi with a kimono jacket which also nods to this season’s boudoir trend. Nicole Richie’s Winter Kate collection has many kimono options (which we recommend as an alternative to a dress, to wear to a ladies charity lunch) but you’ll also find purse friendly alternatives chez ASOS.

By Gillian Brett

As the daughter of rock royalty Annie Lennox, Tali Lennox was predestined to be effortlessly cool in her attire. Yet, despite her parental prominence, the 18 year old has been making a name for herself in her own right in the fashion industry. She made her modelling debut in the Topshop 2010 Christmas campaign and has since become a formidable force in the London fashion scene.

Lennox was first seen on the catwalk in September 2009 at London Fashion Week, walking for Acne, Christopher Kane, Jaeger, Jonathan Saunders and Burberry, followed by Prada, Missoni, Miu Miu and Cavalli in Milan and Chanel in Paris—a remarkable feat for a fresh face in the industry. Tali’s CV also now lists ad campaigns for Burberry and Acne and additional catwalk appearances including House of Holland and Issa.

So how do we steal her style?

Probably best described at eclectic: she mixes vintage store gems with pieces she pinches from her mother’s enviable wardrobe. In fact, she credits her good eye for fashion to her chic lineage and adores wearing her mother’s old clothes because they ‘tell a story’. Tali also cites London stores’ Blondie on Commercial Street, Frock Me! in Chelsea and, of course, Topshop Oxford Circus as her favourite fashion haunts.

Lennox works laidback indifference like no other and is most frequently spotted wearing a well-worn leather jacket, slouchy gingham shirt, slim-silhouette trousers and a pair of gravity-defying heels. Her look is grungy with just the right touch of girlie.

Despite not finishing her A-levels to pursue her modelling career, this ambitious youngster is determined to make a name for herself behind the scenes too (she’s been gracing Grazia’s party page for months now) and has plans to design her own fashion line. With a personal style as impeccable as this, personally I can’t wait!

Tali Lennox Style

Look 1 (left): Dressed down black blazer & purple hat

Black embroidered jacket, Debenhams

Lace knit jumper, All Saints

Black Skinny Jeans, Topshop

Wedge boots, Bank

Purple suede clutch, Wallis

Look 2 (right): Dressed up grey & white dress with black Hat

Floppy fedora, French Connection

Black and cream lace print dress, Quiz Clothing

Buckle Platform Shoeboot, Asos

Mini Lady Bag Purse with Chain, Asos

Dear Ask the Stylist

I’ve seen a few maxi skirts around this summer and they look great on holidays and in sunnier climates. Are there any maxi skirts suitable for an Irish autumn? I quite like the idea of one but don’t know where to look. M.S.

That’s a good question. The maxi skirt is set to be a big hit this autumn and indeed has an autumal look, as opposed to the holiday feel we’ve seen already this summer.

As seen on the AW catwalk by many designers, the best maxi, in my opinion, was the tailored look from Aquascutum. Good news for fans of this label as they’ve recently opened their first Irish store in Kidare Village, which means that while you may not get the latest collection, you will get your hands on the designer brand at huge discounts.

With the maxi skirt, you can go for a grunge or glam look. Petites and shorties needn’t worry either – you can wear this long silhouette with wedge boots or heels, height and comfort are what are called for here.

Jersey Maxi Skirt

A simple option for wearing this look is  a jersey maxi skirt and Topshop were first to the high street with a Rick Owens inspired black jersey fishtail skirt (£40). The jersey maxi is also a great weekend look – Myleene Klass wears hers running about town with a pair of converse.

Pleated Maxi Skirt

Jersey skirts might be too clingy for some, so you might want to try a pleated style. Acne, the “of-the-moment” Swedish label  which recently landed in Brown Thomas, have a cool black and floral pleated maxi dress (£385). For the non flowery fans, Acne also has a plain pleated skirt in khaki green (£279 and also available online at Farfetch.com)

Sequin Maxi Skirt

For super glam evenings, there are always sequins. River Island has a metallic pewter sequin skirt (£50), which you could team with a white vest for understated, on-trend evening glamour.

Nude Maxi Skirt

Nude, beige and camel colours will stay au currant this autumn winter, so what better way to wear the nude maxi skirt than half casual, half formal like Nicola Roberts did at Harrods two days ago when she re-launched her pale skin make up range,   Dainty Doll. To steal her style, try this Nude Seam Detail Maxi Skirt from ASOS (£26.00).

Animal Print Maxi Skirt

There are some great prints out there that would look great with a plain top. I’ve seen this look at festivals and it will work equally as good in colder climes.

For example, this grey feathered print against a black background (pictured, Dorothy Perkins, £25), would look nice with a black or grey top.

The same styling principle applies to animal prints – this one from New Look (pictured, £23), would look great with a slim fitting jersey top, and with its elasticised waistband and stretch fabric, it will be super comfortable too.

So whichever maxi you choose to work this season’s long-length silhouettes, with all the choice that’s available in the shops right now, you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit.

We’re all over this season’s ladylike chic trend like a rash.

No longer overlooked, it’s now fully on-trend, adding some romanticism to your wardrobe.  This should please the girly girly dressers amongst you.

As usual, this trend has trickled down from the catwalk to celebs and onward to the high street.

Chloe’s autumn winter 2010 collection was full of girls bows, ruffles and sparkles and the embellished collars at Alberta Ferretti to high neck collars at Miu Miu firmly confirmed to us that the detail is in the collar.

Actress Carey Mulligan was one of the first to rock this trend  at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, with her Peter Pan collared dress by French designer Azzaro (pictured).

So taken with it, or perhaps it was the Alberta Ferretti embellished collars,  that Awear followed suit, with this delicate pearl collar Bella blouse (€35, £30) in grey, which also comes in powder blue.

Team it with Autumn knits for a romantic weekend look, or wear on its own with a pencil skirt to the office  – both Marks and Spencers and Asos have great selections of pencil skirts at the moment.

If you’re not one for embellishment and fancy a smart Peter Pan collar, this Pinpoint Oxford Round Collar Short Sleeve Button-Up Shirt by American Apparel (€46) will sort you out. I’m the proud owner of the Jade one pictured below (it also comes in grey) and it works both buttoned up and open collared for a conservative office look .

Oxford Round Collar Short Sleeve Button-Up Shirt by American Apparel (€46)

Images: Awear, Getty

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Pictured left to right: Model Chanel Iman, Littlewoods leather skirt, Penneys pleather trousers

Leather and its many great faux alternatives (also known as leatherette, “pleather” or plastic leather) is no longer limited to leather jackets and accessories and if you’ve popped into a shop in the past month, you’ll see the attention’s turned to other leather styles and silhouettes.

Leather trousers

Banish those thoughts of Ross in Friends trying to remove his leather trousers with talcum powder; this is perhaps the easiest leather piece to wear, once you get them on that is.

They’re a favourite of Victoria Beckham who was spotted wearing them with towering heels at New York fashion week, and where Posh leads many follow.

The difference in this year’s style is that they are sleek and skinny and look great worn with a sheer blouse, a yeti coat or long T-shirt. Think of them as an “upgraded” glamourous alternative to skinny jeans or jeggings.

You’ll find leather trousers at all price points, from Malene Birger (€670 at Harvey Nichols) to Reiss (€285, £250) while the best pleather alternative is to be found in Penney’s (€19).

Be warned though – leather trousers are not for the faint hearted or the thick thighed!

Leather dress

If you’re feeling brave, then the leather dress is for you and I’ve seen some fierce fashionistas wearing them to events recently. I love the draped version Chanel Iman wore to a Bottega Veneta New York launch – such a contrast to the fierce, structured dresses that adorn the shops at the moment. It’s a Nero Washed Lambskin Dress (€3900) but this Eksempel sleeveless leather look dress (€42, Asos.com) softens the toughness usually associated with the fabric and gives a fresh way of wearing a leather dress.

Leather Skirt

If the thought of a full leather dress scares you, a leather skirt allows you to dabble in this trend without going head to toe. Leather skirts come in mini or midi length  -John Rocha at Debenhams €302 is good for the latter-  but a failsafe solution would be faux leather pencil skirt, pictured, from Littlewoods (€79) which also comes in black.

An A-line hem is also flattering.  Look no further than Topshop who’ve mastered an all in one top and (faux) leather skirt together (€80, £70) , which would mean you don’t have to think about what to go with it, as it already comes built in!

Again, wear the industrial leather skirt with something lighter, like a soft T-shirt, blouse or top. The different textures mean that the look will work for itself.

So the lesson with leather is that it’s is not just for rock chicks.  Whatever your look, you’re sure to find at least one way to incorporate it into your current style, which will last for seasons to come if the spring summer 11 catwalks are anything to go by.

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By Aisling Kennedy

This was definitely a tough list to narrow down. Seriously, there are so many fabulously floral bits and pieces out there at the moment it’s hard to choose a top five. However, some ‘must-haves’ have absolutely taken centre-stage this spring season.

Floral patterns and flower pieces can be found on or attached to everything from killer heels to comfy cardigans.

Everything floral also fits in perfectly with the spring-fling mood; think pastoral walks in the sunshine, gingham picnics and rambles through a farmers market for a hazy, romantic pre-summer feel.

The spring/summer2010 catwalks featured an eclectic mix of flowery prints, from Japanese-style silkscreen prints in shimmering gold and burnt amber hues at Alberta Ferretti (pictured) to little explosions of electric floral colour on silk calf-length dresses at Vionnet.

Celebrities rocking the trend include Dita Von Teese in a jungle patterned floral fifties style skirt and Pixie Lott in a bold monochrome flower patterned dress. 

‘Slebs aside, my favourite floral pieces for this season are:

1. First up is a statement shoe from Nina Divito’s launch collection, (which will be in Brown Thomas on Grafton St and Kalu in Kildare by the end of March). This particular design, known as the Eddie shoe, is a white Nappa leather court shoe with a large organdy ruby red rose attached to the side of the shoe and a vine detail entwined around the heel. A stylish heel for a glam night out! Prices start at 355 euro.

2. Lipsy are a great brand when searching for that perfect feminine and flirty spring dress. Their VIP Bejewelled dress (pictured) is definitely a winner for this season with its tiered powder pink petals, clinched with a band of black sequins at the waist. Lipsy is stocked in both BT2 and Topshop and they have a shop in Dundrum Town Centre.

3. A pin-on floral bow from Topshop would look great pinned on a boyfriend blazer or even clipped into the hair. The bow in question is a creamy colour and covered in a teeny-tiny multi-coloured flower pattern.

4. At asos.com there is a striking floral print blazer (pictured). Team with a pair of stone washed jeans, a plain tee and a pair of wedges for an edgy daywear look.

5. A baby pink floral lace purse at H&M is a steal for just ten euro.  Day or night rock this little gem with almost anything from denim sailor shorts to the staple, little black dress.

Looks like I’ll be digging my beloved, well worn and at least five seasons old floral Betsey Johnson dress out of the depths of my closet. It’s been worn so much I’m surprised it’s still intact, I just refuse to give it up!

All that’s left to do now is to enjoy spring in this season’s fabulous floral designs.

By Linda Gallagher

Would you love a designer wardrobe but only have a high street budget? Perhaps you want value for money without compromising on style?

One of the easiest ways of achieving an A-list look without spending a fortune is through accessorising. From bags to belts to bling, accessories are the fun and decorative elements that complete a look.

Here I have selected four designer inspired pieces at purse friendly prices, that will take you right through autumn and beyond.

Christian Louboutin Shoes

Making its seasonal reappearance is the shoe-boot or ankle boot. For autumn winter 2009, Christian Louboutin has designed The Moulage - a stunning black patent shoe boot with a concealed platform sole and five inch heel (€665 at Brown Thomas).

High street favourite Aldo pays homage to the Frenchman with their Hiner shoe boot (pictured here centre, approx €105). It’s similar in style and colour to Louboutin’s design but without the distinctive red sole and accompanying price tag. Wear them with a cutsey dress like ‘The City’ star Olivia Palermo as seen above or with cute ankle socks a la Alexa Chung.

Chanel style cuff

Coco Chanel continues to inspire and this Double Wraparound Cuff from ASOS (€12.55) which could easily be mistaken for one of her creations. Reminiscent of the straps on Chanel’s chain handbags, the woven black leather and gilt bracelet is available in cream, hot pink and in a funky leopard print. Celeb fans include Nicole Richie.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

A lover of bling, Victoria Beckham has made the large diamond ring part of her signature style. While Posh’s rock cost at least seven figures, you can emulate her look with your own pear cut knuckleduster for only €300. Specialising in simulated diamond jewellery, diamondlite has a terrific collection of gems that would not look out of place at any red carpet event.

Lulu Guinness Clutch

Lulu Guinness celebrates twenty years in business this year, and to commemorate the event, she has designed a sequinned clutch bag emblazoned with a Union Jack design. In the traditional British colours of red, white and blue, this bag is currently appearing on the pages of Vogue magazine.

Accessorize have also included sequinned evening bags in their autumn collection and there is a real “Cool Britannia” vibe to their ‘Wow Union Jack clutch’ (€33, pictured bottom right). This multicoloured clutch bag is both stylish and versatile and is large enough to hold all your handbag essentials!

So spend clever and shop smart -you don’t always need designer to look chic.

Linda Gallagher is passionate about fashion and interiors, having studied both. She also loves art, old movies, 1980’s music, biographies, current affairs and designer shoes.

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Inspired by: Coco Chanel

Tipped off by some of our readers (you know who you are), I discovered Jeggings this winter – you may recall back in October, our Ask the Stylist: Jeggings article gave us the lowdown on how to wear these leggings cum jeans and so this installement of Go Buy Now is dedicated to shopping for them.

I’m now seeing this new wardrobe staple everywhere on the high street and this week’s find came from none other than Vero Moda (that’s “real fashion” in Italian).

Last week, again through a readers tip off, I bought a pair of jeggings in Vero Moda and am now wondering how I survived without them.

They come as “jeans” (blue denim, stone washed grey and or black) and also in solid colours such as navy, dark grey and true light grey.  I loved the pair of black ones I bought so much that I went back the following day for a navy and a “blue jeans” pair.

They cost €14.95 each or you can get two pairs for €24.95. Needless to say, the second time around I availed of the two pairs offer!

Vero Moda is located in 14 towns in Ireland and in many UK cities (except London?!).  Locate your nearest shop here. You can also buy these jeggings online via Asos who sell Vero Moda.

Dare I say it but the Vero Moda grey jeggings look like these ones worn in January by Victoria Beckham spotted at Heathrow airport (hers were Stella McCartney ombre jeans worn with an Isabel Marant a/w 2009 fur coat, a grey tank top,  a grey trilby hat and Brian Atwood suede peep-toe ankle boots).

After discussing the styling implications for wearing jeggings (the main thing is to cover your crotch!), these babies are so comfortable and fit into my winter boots perfectly – they super fitted and even make my legs look slimmer!

So out with the skinny jeans it is. My denim effect jeggings are now my new skinnies.

Image credits: Red Carpet Fashion Awards, Asos.

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