You may know Anna Dello Russo, darling of the fashion bloggers, whom she likes to please with extravagant get-ups, and countless changes of outfits, during the world’s fashion weeks? (If not, check out our street style pic of her at Paris Fashion Week).

The Italian “fashion maniac” is Fashion Director at Large and creative consultant at Vogue Japan is now set to design an accessories collection for H&M. The line will be available from October 4, 2012, at the peak of the global fashion week’s tour, in around 140 stores worldwide and online.

The collection features jewellery, sunglasses, shoes, bags and a trolley allowing H&M customers uniqueness at an affordable price.

“I am excited by this collaboration: this is the first time H&M involves a Fashion Director in a special project. This is the sign of an important evolution in fashion, and I am both thrilled and humbled to be the one chosen to lead it. I wanted to create precious accessories that are impossible to find.

As a stylist I know accessorisation is essential: it is the personal touch to any outfit. With these pieces everybody can have fun, turning an ordinary day into a fantastic fashion day”, says Anna Dello Russo.

If the accessories line is anything like the woman herself, it’ll be over-the-top and we can’t wait to see it!

Availability: October 4, 2012 in selected H&M stores and online at HM.com

Marni’s H&M collection went on sale this morning at 9am with those at the front of the queue saying they’d been there since 4am.

H&M staff marched up and down the queue from an hour before kick off, explaining the system for shopping “only one piece per style allowed” and that everyone would be given a wristband, allowing them to shop for ten minutes, with only 20 shoppers admitted at a time.

Once the doors opened, WhatSheWears had a peek inside to witness a bunch of 20 excited shoppers allowed into a “pen”, frantically grabbing whatever they could find.  We spotted stylists Aisling Farinella in the mix while presenter/stylist AnnMarie O’Connor was there since 8am, comforted in the queue by a Butlers coffee.

The pen

The accessories were a big hit, as was the Marni print, with people snapping up totes, perspex necklaces, skirts and t-shirts. You name it, they nabbed it. The collection never stood a chance of surviving long sitting on a hanger.

The females in the crowd were somewhat older than the usual H&M designer collaboration crew and we saw at least three sets of mothers and daughters diving in.

There was no wristband system for the menswear, in fact they had an easy time of it, once they got inside. WhatSheWears bumped into Street Style blogger Stephen Moloney, who nabbed a bright yellow vest for himself in “fisherman’s raincoat yellow”.

By 11.10 there was only a smattering of t-shirts and pink silk shorts left on a lonely rail in the corner.

Some people were hanging around at the cashier’s desk and changing rooms, in case anyone should return an item -  we overheard shopping strategies being hatched left, right and centre.

Did any of you make it in or manage to buy online or are you wondering what all the madness was about?

See a street style snap of one of the first Marni for H&M shoppers

Hailing all the way from Alberta in Canada, 19-year-old Alyssa Lau is a student who set up her blog ‘The Ordinary People’ in July of last year with her cousin Kurtis. Though they come from a small town, the duo wanted to document how even ordinary people (as the name suggests) can have extraordinarily good style. As this month’s Style Staring candidate, Alyssa shares her wardrobe loves and hates and her unusual fashion phobia…

1.    How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style changes as much as I change outfits (which is a lot). I’m constantly inspired by street style photos, and that in turn, influences my style choices. I tend to stick to a more girly style though, although I’ve been trying to mix that up. And not going to lie, I’m really enjoying the grunge look. As you can tell, I love trying new things!

2.    What inspires your look?

My main inspiration comes from places like lookbook.nu, where there is just so much creativity crammed into a tiny website. I absolutely love how sites like these are overflowing with inspiration! You can find just about any style on that site.

3.    What is the fashion scene in Canada like?

Well, I live in a pretty small part of Canada, and fashion here definitely cannot compare to New York, or Toronto even! Regardless, the fashion here can be quite remarkable, if you look in the right places. Aside from the rather conservative everyday-wear, you can always find people who embrace fashion readily.

4.    Which magazines and blogs do you read regularly?

I don’t read magazines too often, but blogs are a whole different story. I probably have too many to list, but Flattery, Jean Greige and India Rose are a few of my favourites!

www.flattery.ca
www.jeangreige.blogspot.com
www.indiaroseblog.blogspot.com

5.    Is there anything you would never wear and why?

I could and would never wear anything with shoulder pads. I have an irrational fear that my shoulders are too broad!

6.    What are your favourite current trends, why do you like them and how are you wearing them?

I am obsessed with jewellery right now, and especially stacking as much as possible on my arms and fingers. Sometimes my friends look at me weirdly because I have bracelets crawling up my arms and rings on every finger, but hey, I love it!  Another trend I love right now is the stud trend (is this even a trend?). I bought some studs off etsy and put a ton on my jean shorts just to show how much I love it.

7.    Name one go-to piece in your wardrobe and tell us why you love it?

My one go-to piece in my wardrobe would be my Jeffrey Campbell cowboy-ish styled booties. They can go with anything and everything! Also, the distinctiveness of the boot makes it just that much better.

8.    Where are your favourite places to shop in Canada?

I haven’t gone shopping outside of Edmonton in a while, so I’ll just list some of my favourite places to shop here: Gravity Pope, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Oak + Fort, Forever 21 and any thrift/vintage store!

9.    What is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought and your best bargain?

The most expensive thing I’ve bought… would have to be a Y3 jacket I bought in Singapore for $420 SGD. Gosh that’s a lot. As for my best bargain, it’d have to be a pair of loafers I bought for $6 at a thrift store!

10.    What do you love most about fashion?

I love how versatile and dynamic fashion is, but what I love most though is the fashion community behind it all. I’ve never talked to a more supportive and kind group of people! They’re the reason why I keep blogging.

11.    Do you have any fashion pet hates?

I can’t quite say I hate anything, because sooner or later, I give in and want to try it out anyway! I take that back. I don’t like shoulder pads.

Looks pictured above  from left to right:

1: Thrifted vintage loafers and bag, scarf from Crow’s Nest Knits, dress from ASOS

2: Knit scarf from Crow’s Nest Knits, Thrifted bag, canvas wedge heels from urban outfitters, eliza mint dress from montaffair.com, go gadget go anchor necklace, forever 21 cardigan

3: LOVE black chiffon cross bust maxi dress, Jeffrey Campbell boots, envelope bag from romwe, soft leather jacket from Sheinside, knit tuque from Crow’s Nest Knits, body chain from Beginning Boutique

4: Pour La Victoire wedge booties, sequinned bat wing top and cotton skirt from causeway mall, wewood watch, go gadget go anchor necklace, knit headband from Crow’s Nest Knits

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.

As you soak up the last few days of summer, now’s the time to start contemplating what exciting new trends you’ll be investing in this autumn. One look that’s repeatedly caught our eye on the catwalk is the Wild West trend, often referred to as Navajo (taking its name from a native South Western American tribe).

Tasselled ponchos, Navajo prints, beaded moccasins and fringed boots are top of the checklist, but to save you wandering into Halloween costume territory, follow our style tips on how to get this look right.

The Cowboys

For autumn/winter 2011, Proenza Schouler took us on a road trip to Santa Fe to be as inspired as they were by Native American culture. The duo picked up some authentic blankets along the way and hit the computer to alter, pixilate and explode their patterns into their own digital designs.

While the designers took these psychedelic prints and clashed them against one another, in real life one geometric pattern too many and people will need 3D glasses just to look at you!

How to get the look

Your best bet is to do like Blake Lively in a poncho and jeans and take a single Native American style article of clothing and pair it with your own wardrobe staples (remember denim is also a key material here).  Add a few indigenous accessories and you’re good to go.

Remember also that with heavier fabrics like chunky knits and ponchos, proportion is essential; balance them with a shorter hemline or tailoring to keep the look clean.

The Indians

2011 is the year of the fringe. No designer knew this more than Isabel Marant, whose Navajo-inspired autumn collection is punctuated by miles and miles of fringing. Her fringe-trimmed over the knee leather boots, for example, are a ‘shoe-in’ as autumn’s It footwear.

Bulky Navajo knits skimmed the thigh above these boots and legs were then covered by tight jeans, dyed with pinto pony markings.  Marant’s models also wore huge ponchos, bulky blazers and oversized puffa jackets in grey wool and felt with big hoods.

How to get the look

Accessorize with authenticity –bolo ties and Navajo hand-crafted jewellery are great ways to add subtle accents of the look to your outfit (think Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella festival).

If you’d only like to dip into the trend, make like Minka Kelly (pictured below) with a western print scarf.  Electronic Sheep is our go-to resource for funky wool scarves that will make a statement without being too try hard trendy.

Get the look for less

While the catwalk is great for giving us inspiration – it’s out of reach for most. Luckily H&M, the hero of the highstreet, has some great staples and accessories to perfect your Wild West look. They’ve got lots of ponchos (€19.99) – our favourite being this white fringed one (pictured, 2) which seriously channels the Isabel Marant catwalk look.

This gorgeous brown, fringe-trimmed top (pictured, 1) can be worn with skinny jeans, over tea dresses or a long maxi – it’s real find at £24.99/€30.00

Also, this very versatile feather accessory (pictured, 3) can be worn in your hair, around waists, as necklaces or fashion with a scarf to create a customised halter top. £3.99/€5.00.

The result? The Navajo trend sorted for autumn winter 2011.

- Gillian Brett

Some other Navajo looks to inspire you

[View with PicLens]

Pictured: 1. Ruby Topall Harem ring,  Annoushka at Brown Thomas

2. Black and colourless diamond Vortex cuff Stephen Webster at Paul Sheeran

3.  Satori collection, Katie Rowland

4. Glass pearl strands,  Kenneth Jay Lane at net-a-porter.com

5. Giambatista Valli

We love a bit of bling and someday would love to master the art of self-adornment. So, who better to help than Natasha Sherling—one of Ireland’s most gifted gemmologists. Natasha’s been a jewellery editor and stylist for years, working across a range of titles including The Gloss Magazine and LeCool Dublin.

Sherling imparts her jewellery expertise to accessory fans and confused husbands to be through a jewellery advisory service. “I am often called on to source particular items – as bridesmaids’ gifts, important birthdays or just hard-to-find pieces like certain vintage watches. I also help clients looking to sell or perhaps revamp pieces they already own.”

But today, we have her all to ourselves – she’s here to tell us what pieces to put on our autumn/winter accessories shopping list and what’s worth investing in.

The best places to buy:

Vintage Jewellery- Rhinestones, in Dublin, have a great selection of vintage costume jewellery – and their staff are always helpful. Delphi Antiques in the Powerscourt Centre have the greatest selection of stunning antique fine jewellery.

Costume Jewellery- Kenneth Jay Lane (at select stores and online): he used to make paste version of the dazzling diamond pieces for actresses of the 1960s, once they’d taken the real deal off, and his brand continues to release gorgeously glamorous costume pieces.

An Engagement Ring- Engagement rings are so personal, there is no one right choice – that’s why I’m here! Couples (or just the man) can come and discuss exactly what is needed before setting out to find it.

Trend-Based Pieces- Loulerie, on Chatham Street in Dublin, always has the most exciting selection of designers.

High-End Jewellery- John Brereton, Paul Sheeran and Weirs have the best selection in Dublin. Cobwebs and Hartmanns both have beautiful – and different – selections in Galway.

The biggest watch trends for A/W 2011 is “Classic, classic, classic!  Big watch brands have all gone back to basics, drawing on their heritage to create the most beautiful timepieces. Oversized round faces, with a noticeable lack of diamonds, in stainless steel or gold and a smart leather strap.”

Our Insider’s top jewellery picks for A/W 2011 are “Shorter-length necklaces, a little longer than a choker. They were all over the catwalks (my favourites were Salvatore Ferragamo and Giambatista Valli), but even in the world of fine jewellery they have been making more of an appearance. Store the long strands of beads and pearls (or wrap them twice around the neck)!

The jewellery on a budget is from H&M for on-trend costume jewellery. Or for fine jewellery look at auction houses. “There are astounding bargains to be had for some seriously beautiful pieces that could set you back three times the price firsthand. My favourite is O’Reillys on Francis Street in Dublin.”

If you’re having a bit of a splurge, head to ESL in the Powerscourt Centre – “as well as beautiful fine jewellery they make nearly anything on request, meaning you can tweak stones, metals (and therefore price) to suit taste and budget.”

If you’re going to invest choose “Diamonds (which incidentally have been increasing steadily in value since the beginning of this year) and the best watch you can afford.”

Natasha’s top 5 favourite Jewellery designers are:

Fine – I dream of JAR, Annoushka, Van Cleef & Arpels, Solange Azagury-Partridge and Stephen Webster
Fashion – Monica Vinader, Alexis Bittar, Sadbh McCormack, Miss Bibi and Kenneth Jay Lane
Eveningwear –  “Jewellery shouldn’t weigh a person down! A big necklace with chandelier earrings is overkill – and old fashioned.  And instead of piling on layers of bracelets, pick one big piece. It looks so much cleaner.

Natasha’s tips for wearing jewellery

“Jewellery should reflect the wearer’s personality – don’t get stuck in a pearl stud or silver pendant rut! Just because certain pieces are deemed ‘classics’ doesn’t mean you should have to like – or wear – them.

I’m a huge fan of one standout item – one great neckpiece, one giant cocktail ring, a stellar pair of earrings – but not all at the same time!

Wear a ring and a bracelet on opposite hands – if you must wear both. There is something gorgeous about a bare arm and wrist leading to a big ring!

And a big ring or cuff looks great with a one-shoulder top or dress, worn on the opposite side to the one with the strap as it offers balance.”

 - Gillian Brett

By Ailbhe McNeela

Email info@whatshewears.ie with your favourite city tips and you could appear in our next Style City Guide!

Stockholm is my kind of city. Just over two hours from Dublin airport and you find yourself in a country that’s a breath of fresh air. This city suits people from every walk of life. It has a wonderful mix of history, culture and activities to keep even the pickiest busy! Stockholm is made up of many small islands which each have their own character, so you can always find one for you. 

Shopping in Stockholm

From Cheap Monday to Acne, to long established brands like H&M and IKEA, Swedish fashion and design is taking the world by storm. These are my favourite places to shop in the Swedish capital.

Beyond Retro, Drottninggatan 77

Just like the London ones, only better, just because it’s Sweden. There are quite a few in Sweden, usually hidden.

Old Touch Upplandsgatan 43

A vintage store with a twist. Of course it sells cute shoes and dresses but you will also find an array of cutlery, collars, underwear and linen which are all authentic. It’s fun to visit, if only for a browse. 

Lisa Larrson and Repris on Bondegatan are other great vintage stores offering both designer and lesser known labels.

Åhlens, Klarabergsgatan 50

A department store, like Arnotts, which has everything you could need! From top brands to the more reasonable, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for. 

NK, Hamngatan 18-20

At NK you can experience five floors of the most prestigious brands from Sweden and around the world. From the food hall to the cosmetics, accessories, and ladies’ and men’s fashion to the home department. Scandinavian design is unparalleled, especially when it comes to fashion. Have a peek in Acne, Whyred or Carine Wester to whet your appetite. Forget about Brown Thomas, NK takes luxurious to the max.  

H&M Home (pictured left)

Sweden is home to clothes retailer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M to the rest of us), and Stockholm has just witnessed the opening of H&M Home – its home textile and accessories store in central Stockholm. What makes this so appealing for interiors lovers is that there’s no other “home” shop like it in the world – check it out for the fascinating “accessories” hanging from the ceiling and the art gallery-like displays. If you thought Ikea was cool then this place is one interior design step ahead.

Things to do in Stockholm

Centralbadet, Drottninggatan 88

A swimming pool…but so much more. This is located in central Stockholm and decorated in art deco style. There are Jacuzzis, saunas (proper “let’s get naked” ones!) and pools. They offer spa treatments too which might be pricey, but very professional. They have special rates for students and for others it can be cheaper at certain times of the day. 

Gamla Stan

Literally the ‘old town’. This is simply unmissable because it is so beautiful. The old and new Stockholm is combined together here. The town was set up in the 14th century and most buildings are from the 17th and 18th centuries. With its narrow, cobblestone streets and undeniable character, just taking a stroll will satisfy the senses.

The dominant building in the old city is the king’s castle, where you can see the changing of the guards daily at 12 noon. It’s not something that should be compared to the likes of the changing of the guard in London. The square is usually packed with a band playing music to entertain all. Afterwards you can look at the gorgeous selection of Christmas decorations they have all year round (come on, it’s never too early!) .

Vasa Museet, Galarvarvsvagan 14 Djurgården

This museum houses the ‘Vasa’, a warship built in the 17th century. Vasa sunk because it was the largest of its time, the king demanded an extra floor of canons, against the advice of his ship-builders, which made it top-heavy and it blew over on its maiden voyage. Surrounding the ship are various exhibitions telling the ship’s story. Really nice to go see if the weather is bad.

Skansen, Djurgården

It’s an outdoor museum of …life! And there is a zoo!  Buildings have been moved here from nearly every part of Sweden. Most of them date from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors to the old houses and farmsteads are met by historical interpreters in period costume which satisfies both the historians and the fashionistas! 

Fashion and Design Events in Stockholm in 2011

Fashion Week 2011

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week takes place in Stockholm 31 Jan – 2 Feb.

Stockholm Furniture Fair

The world´s largest meeting place for Nordic design, 8 – 12 Feb.

Places to eat in Stockholm

Hötorgshallen, Hötorget

A food hall with the best of all delights! For a quick lunch or snack, drop by and try something from one of the many Turkish stalls. You will not be disappointed. It’s especially wonderful if you’re staying in a hostel or apartment and cooking for yourself. This way you get nice food without the expensive price tag.  

Mosebacke, Mosebacketorg 3

This is predominantly an entertainment venue and is the most popular place in Stockholm for live music. This historical building, located on a hill 2 minutes from the Slussen T-bana in Södermalm, is definitely worth the long walk up the hill. The large terrace at Mosebacke is the perfect place to relax and have a beer with a magnificent view of the city. There are plenty of tables but it is always very busy.

Judit & Bertil, Bergsundsstrand 38

This is a cute bar, which also does great food. Dishes like Caesar salad to something more Swedish are always on offer. You will see the best of Swedish fashion here as the trendies stroll in and although it has a casual vibe, you might want to bring the lippie with you. There are tables which you can carve your name into, cinema seats and an array of virgin/alcoholic cocktails.

Berns, Näckströmsg. 8

Hotel, bistro, restaurant, nightclub and anything else you want it to be. Berns has been mentioned alongside some of the best in the world and it’s easy to see why. Silver service is nothing in comparison to what you get here, where your wish is their command. The architecture is something else, having been there from 1863.

I have been lucky enough to have eaten in both the French bistro and the Asian restaurant which are delicious in different ways. The nightclub downstairs makes you feel like a celebrity with the unisex bathroom giving you an insight into exactly why Swedish men are so good looking!

On a final practical note, I won’t wish you a happy trip; it is inevitable that you will have one. But take this advice with you: 

If you leave the underground and get back on it before an hour has passed, you don’t have to pay for another journey. Allowing you to hop-on/ hop-off at your favourite shops, purchasing the first nice thing you see and when questioned by your better half/ mother/ other as to all the new bags of clothes you have, your excuse can be that you needed to make it back to the underground in time!

P.S Don’t just take my word for it.  If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm anytime soon and want to know the very coolest places to go in the city, then be sure to watch this video in which Acne’s Creative Director, Jonny Johansson (what a cool name!), reveals his favourite  places in the Swedish capital.

Ailbhe McNeela is the creator of soooali.com.

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We’re very exicted to reveal that the next H&M designer collaboration will be with Lanvin, one of the most influential brands of the 21st century.

Designed by Lanvin’s artistic director Alber Elbaz (pictured), and menswear designer Lucas Ossendrijver, the collection will go on sale on November 23 in around 200 H&M stores worldwide. WhatSheWears.ie can confirm that the Lanvin for H&M collection will be available  in Ireland at H&M, South King Street, Dublin 2 and Dundrum Shopping Centre.  Ireland is getting most but not all of the collection.

The collection of both womenswear and menswear will be revealed to the world on November 2, just three weeks before the clothes hit the store, making the launch of Lanvin for H&M among the most anticipated fashion events of the year.

“H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin.

Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M promises that this is “very much a Lanvin collection, using their cut and tailoring, with lots of focus on form and details for both women and men”.

What you can expect

Lanvin’s signature dresses in one shouldered pink or purple,  print mini dresses and cool T-shirts with drawings of Lanvin girls.

I’ve my eye on a red ballerina style in what looks like tull.  The accessories range from brooches, necklaces in red enamel and sunglasses to clutch bags.  There are four styles, stilettos that come in red or black patent, floral or leopard print with Swarovskistudded heels and ankle ribbons.

Prices start at approx €9 for lipsticks (in four different shades) and go up to €299 for a black trench with ornate buttons. Alber Elbaz artistic director of Lanvin

Since joining Lanvin as artistic director in 2001, Alber Elbaz has transformed the Paris-based label, founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, into a fashion powerhouse bursting with ideas and creativity. Alber Elbaz has pioneered there some of the biggest trends of the past decade – ribbon, bows, pearls, raw edges, sumptuous colour and metallic embellishment among many others. Alber Elbaz has a mastery of cut and an instinct for cloth which leaves a very personal signature on his work, ensuring that all Lanvin clothes are instantly recognizablem (see image far right from the Lanvin ready to wear AW 2010/2011).

Lanvin is the latest brand to collaborate with H&M, with previous collections designed by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Sonia Rykiel and Jimmy Choo.

Image right (Style.com), Lanvin ready to wear collection AW 2010/2011.

Image centre (Courtesy of H&M), Alber Elbaz

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This month we have carefully selected some standout pieces (translation: absolute must haves) which are as hot as the sunny weather we’ve been graced with recently.  Each item will be a unique addition to your wardrobe or boudoir that will see you leading the pack in the stylish stakes.

Lap it all up for cheaper everywhere you go too, for it is sales season after all.

1. Candy Floss coloured nail polish

Warmer weather manicures and pedicures are sporting different shades of pink this month. Rachel Zoe, stylist to the likes of Nicole Richie and Jennifer Garner, tweeted the other day that “my shade preference for the summer is. OPI’ “Bubble Bath” (Candy Pink) coloured nail varnish, $8.50”.

If you can’t get your mits on the OPI brand, try Ruby & Millie’s Candy floss-coloured nail polish from Boots (€11). 

2. Hat, H&M, €8

Remember Johnny Depp in Benny & June? He wore this fantastic hat which has seen a comeback this summer. Just in time for Oxegen festival this weekend, we found a lookalike in H&M for €8! What a steal.

3. Kenneth Jay Lane, Crystal stone ring, €58

Sales, sales and more sales. The summer sales are in full swing, and although we get stressed with the chaos in the shops and have learned to restrain from picking up a dress for €10 “just because its  a bargain”.

We simply love our costume jewellery, so we’re delighted when we found this attention-grabbing cocktail ring which is reduced by 60% in the Net-a-Porter summer sale. It’s the perfect option to add a dramatic flourish to even the simplest ensemble.

You can also pick up Kenneth Jay Lane’s fabulous jewellery in Cocobelle, Royal Hibernian Way, Dublin 2.

4. Wedge Wellies £35 (€40)

Not going for a pair of Hunters for this years festivals, but still would like some funky wellies with extra height? Try these giraffe print wellingtons with wedge heels from www.wedgewelly.co.uk which also come in a number of designs as well as block colours like black and green too.

Holly Willoughby is a fan, as is Jordan who was papped at the Badminton Horse Trials wearing a pink pair called “Candy girl”.

5. Vitamin E Hand & Nail Treatment, The Body Shop, €12

This is a miraculous cream for hands and nails. Until recently, I was not one for manicured nails, but this was recommended to me by my friend Heidi from Cleansheets.ie and I went from having neglected nails to having strong, long nails in 3 weeks applying twice daily, morning and evening. Even the nail technician commented on their condition while she manicured them into perfection!

Just when we were getting over the excitment of Matthew Williamson for H&M collection, another top designer collaboration is announched. We just can’t keep up with the Swedish chain!

News broke last week that High Street retailer H&M have announced plans for a collaboration with luxury shoe designer Jimmy Choo. The luxury brand, famous for sky-high stilettos and large handbags, will create a collection of shoes, bags and accessories for men and women.

The capsule collection which is due to hit the shops on November 14th, is the first time an accessories designer has had a partnership with H&M. Better still, Jimmy Choo will also produce a collection of menswear for the shop.

Founder and President of Jimmy Choo Tamara Mellon commented, “Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!”.

 Margareta van der Bosch, the creative director of H&M is also thrilled. She stated, “This collaboration is particularly exciting because it’s our first shoe designer collection. It’s a joy to be able to offer top end designer shoes and bags of excellent quality to our customers.”

We can’t wait to check out the shoes and bags in H&M in November, and just in time for the party season too!

Images courtesy of H&M