There’s something about cold weather that gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Maybe it’s the fact that, in Ireland, one gets to sit by open fires with a hot chocolate (or sometimes even a hot port or whiskey) and on the very rare occasion, watch the snow fall outside from the cosy comforts of  indoors.

So, to keep all your body parts warm once you do go outside, it’s worth putting some thought into a “cold weather outfit”, when the last thing you want is to be miserable with the cold.

Trinny Woodhall, of Trinny and Susannah fame, is my inspiration for this outfit. She paired her winter coat with black to-the-knee boots, a deer stalker hat and added a splash of colour with a pink scarf.

Winter is associated with dark, bland colours,so a great way of adding some fashionable flair to your outfit is to add interesting details with a fabulous pair of boots, colourful scarf, or bag.

Padded, puffas and parkas

A padded jacket may not be the most flattering of coat shapes, but it’s definitely the warmest.  There are plenty of styles in the shops right now – you can choose between a long sleeping bag style or a shorter “jacket” length. I’d love to have this black quilted puffa jacket from Burberry (€486.50 pictured) but alas a puffa from Benetton (€150) is more in my price range while Zara do puffa coats well year in, year out.

It’s also true that the colder the weather gets, the harder it is to stay chic and a few years ago it was hard to imagine puffas in this category. Luckily, puffa coats are now more streamlined; hence the Michelin Man look  is no longer necessary.  I love the fake fur trim on the hoods of some parka jackets too- a la Fearne Cotton (pictured).

Wool Jumper

Under your coat you can add layers of clothes – there is nothing warmer than wool and nothing thinner than cashmere wool, so this is a time to invest in some wool or cashmere jumpers, cardigans and polo necks if you haven’t done so already. Ladies with short necks be warned though, as polo necks are not for you (they make your neck look even shorter) – you should opt for cowl neck jumpers instead.

Thermals

Thermal underwear may sound fuddy duddy but can be your saviour for the exceptionally cold spells when you have to be outside. Vests, long johns and socks are all carefully secluded under the rest of your clothes. Both Topshop and Marks & Spencers have good ranges.

Thermal can be trendy too; just  think long sleeve granddad tops  (like the one pictured from Next, £18, €21 which comes in charcoal or ivory). 

Hence, should the log fire get too hot once you get indoors, if you do feel the need to strip off your layers, you’ll still look the pretty part!

What cold weather gear will you be wearing this winter?

There’s so much planning and pressure that goes into New Years Eve that the night itself hardly ever lives up to my expectations. However, the best part of the night is the getting ready.

These days there are so many New Years Eve “parties” to choose from – a few drinks at the pub, a black tie event, a house party or perhaps a sit down dinner party. Whichever way you spend your Auld Lang Syne moment, here are some suggestions on how to do it in style.

Black Tie

This is probably the most difficult to dress for although with black tie weddings around this time, there’s sometimes no way out of the dress code.

This is not a place for your cocktail dress; black tie = full length so head for Debenhams who have a huge array of full length gowns. At a higher price band for ball gowns try Lara or Fran and Jane.

If you’ve really planned in advance for the event, you can grab a beautiful gown such as a bejewelled Jovani dress for a fraction of the price online.  Try www.edressme.com who now ship to Ireland (add about $80 for shipping and taxes on top of their retail price).  Monsoon and Coast have some lovely full length dress options which are all reduced at present due to the sales.

Alternatively, go for a vintage dress with an original gown from Dirty Fabulous.  Another (online only) resource for vintage black tie ball gowns or vintage dresses in general is www.mysugarland.co.uk.

The other alternative, if you don’t want to splash out, is to hire your vintage or designer gown from Covet – prices start at €85 per hire.

The pub

This sounds like an easy option, but New Years is still a time to up your glam factor so some effort is required. Add heels and a glitzy jacket or top to your jeans – sequins are everywhere this season (note: wear one or the other, not both!).

You could also wear a sequinned or girly dress and ‘dress it down’ with a leather jacket.

House Party

With the sometimes extortionate cover charges venues command for New Years Eve, you could host or attend a house party and spend the entrance fee on your outfit instead.

You’ve an opportunity to go wild here –choose a cocktail (knee length) dress in a bold print like leopard print or wear feathers, fake fur jackets or gilets.

If it’s a dinner party you’re attending, your top half will be on show (as youre sitting down!), so this is your chance to up the statement jewellery factor – wear some costume rings or earrings (such as both these ones pictured from Talullah Tu, £20 for the earrings and £18 for the cocktail ring) a la Dannii or Cheryl in X factor.

Little Black Dress

If all else fails, pull out your favourite little black dress and glam it up with makeup and accessories.

Since you’ve saved money by not buying a new frock, why not treat yourself to a blow dry in your local salon.

This is the night for experimenting with your makeup too – either by wearing a bold coloured lipstick or plenty of glitter (try The Body Shop’s glitter pots or spray their Sparkler over your décolletage).

To add some New Year’s flair to your LBD, take this opportunity to pick up a few inexpensive bits of glitzy jewellery (hello Penneys).

So, what will you be doing this New Years?

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Last week I popped along to Peter O’Brien’s inaugural collection for Arnotts launch.

His previous collections have been with Awear, where I really didn’t see the fit (Awear is more about buying your weekend outfit that a couture piece!) and as the marriage unfolded, I think that the new collaboration with the Irish department store will be more up his street.

His new line for Arnotts is a capsule 23 piece suite in black, navy and camel with flashes of white which includes wool cashmere coats, a pencil skirt, a classic trouser, a slim pant, silk blouses and four dresses, which complete the collection. Prices range from €110 for a wrap blouse to €495 for a fitted wool cashmere coat.

If I could get my hands on the little black dress with sheer sleeves, I’d be a happy woman, but other than that the collection is not really “me” – it’s for an older woman who’s style is timeless and elegant.

Check it out for yourself in the video I shot below, where Peter talks about his first job, which coincidentally was in the display department of Arnotts, where he was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent.

I also bumped into David Greene, TV3 Style Wars winner. See my interview with him here.

For a one off Peter O’Brien piece in aid of a good cause, his We are Tee design for Oxfam Ireland is €35 at Awear. It features the cutest cow on the bottom right hand side – and is definitely one Peter O’Brien piece I’ll be buying.

About Peter O’ Brien

Recently described as ‘Fashion Royalty’ Ireland’s International Fashion Designer, Peter O’Brien first graduated from St Martin’s School of Art (now Central St Martin’s) in 1980 –  followed by a year’s post grad study at Parsons in New York.  Peter’s career spans design roles at The House of Christian Dior, Givenchy and Chloe.  However he is best known for his time as Chief Designer with The House of Rochas in Paris.  Peter is the only graduate of St Martin’s to design his own Haute Couture collection under his own name, shown in Paris in 2000.

One half of RTE’s Off the Rails, presenter Brendan Courtney is a familiar face on Irish television, dishing out style advice to women of every shape and size.

The London based ex Pat has a quirky sense of style which we love and a huge personality that keeps audiences entertained and amused, as he presents the Style Show which is currently taking place around the country.

Here are Brendan’s Top 5 fashion tips for every woman.

1. Go get fitted for a bra

It’s estimated that 80% of women are wearing a wrong size bra.  By getting fitted for the right size bra, not only does this give you a new found asset, it will help you realise your body shape by creating a waist. Get fitted by a professional each time you need a new bra.

Off the Rails use “Intimate Lingerie” for viewer makeovers, which always starts with fitting women with proper underwear.  We here at WhatSheWears.ie have also used the wonderful bra fitting service offered by Dublin shop Intimate Lingerie, who also offer bridal underwear, corsets and custom made control underwear – Pauline gives you a one to one service and can tell what size you are even by looking at you!

2. Invest in some control underwear

No matter what your body shape or size, there is shape wear out there to make you feel more confident about how you look. Shop around.  The most expensive item doesn’t mean it’s the best one out there.

One Brendan particularly recommends is the power body shaper by Ultimo (€62 at Debenhams).  It flattens the tummy, slims the hips, smoothes the thighs and lifts the bum and looks like Spanx but has straps, (you you can still wear your own bra with it).  Brendan points out that the fact that there are straps mean that there’s no “overspill” which you get with the shorts style of control underwear.

3. Dress for your body shape

Take a look at your body and find out which shape you are. Whether it’s Apple, Pear, Ruler (also called Column= straight up and down), Hour Glass or Amazonian. Once you’ve established what you are, you will then know the areas to highlight and to hide.

Here at WhatSheWears.ie, we’re big fans of dressing to suit your body shape. In case you missed it, here are tips on swimwear, summer dresses, hats and jeans – all to suit your body shape.

4. Swap black for navy

This is one of the best tips I can give any lady looking for an instant style hit. Navy is great on every skin tone and really suits Irish women. It’s a richer colour than black and lends itself to other colours very easily.

5. It’s fashion, have fun with it

Remember; don’t be afraid to experiment with new trends in fashion. But remember, trends don’t need to be followed by everyone, try to make each look your own and have fun with it!

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by Louisa McDonnell

Wags watch out. This month, WhatSheWears.ie reader Louisa McDonnell, an Irish expat in Manchester, gives us her stylish insider tips on shopping, eating and going out in Manchester.

With cheap flight deals available regularly and only a short flight away, Manchester is a great location to visit from Ireland.

From Manchester airport you can get a train directly into the city centre, taking about 20 minutes. You’ll be glad to hear that once you get to the city, there’s a free bus service serving the city centre.

Eating out in Manchester

First things first, you’ll need to eat once you get to your city break destination. These are all my favourite places, having lived in Manchester for some time now.

Visit Katsouris, a small continental deli on Deansgate for breakfast or lunch serving hot and cold European food. Coffees here are excellent too. It’s one of the first things I seek out in the morning, a good coffee to set me up for the day.

For mid afternoon break, try Teacup on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter for a pot of tea and a delicious cupcake. Owned by Mr Scruff, a famous Manchester DJ who is renowned for his fondness of a good cuppa and that’s exactly what you can get here with some lovely added extras, mismatched china and polka dot fabrics.

Mr Thomas’ Chop House on Cross Street is an authentic Victorian bar serving hearty traditional English fare. When you step through the door you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Even worth visiting if just for a pint of ale!

Shopping in Manchester

Manchester is the epitome of variety for shoppers.  If you are after high street shops, concentrate on Market Street and the Arndale centre, while just a minute’s walk away, you will reach King Street, with designer shops including Vivienne Westwood, Hermès, Karen Millen and Mulberry.

Visit the Designer Handbag Agency in the Triangle Shopping Centre in Exchange Square, which sells authentic pre-owned luxury handbags, shoes and accessories including Chanel and Louis Vuitton. You will find many independent boutiques in  “the Triangle” too.

Opposite the Triangle is Selfridges, the famous department store which is worth a visit alone if you’re strapped for time as it has everything under one roof in opulant surroundings from designer beauty and clothing to an amazing food court.

Vintage Shops in Manchester

For vintage clothing and accessories, stick to the Northern Quarter and visit Affleck’s Palace, a tall Edwardian red brick building containing little individual shops and stalls, including kitsch Japanese clothing and accessories, Goth and Indie wear, independent student designers, and many fantastic vintage shops. You can even get your fortune told in here! 

Shopping Centre in Manchester

If the Manchester weather proves unreliable during your visit, head to the famous Trafford Centre, just a bus ride from the city centre, where everything  is under one roof, including John Lewis and another Selfridges, plus cinemas and restaurants. 

Going out in Manchester

Manchester’s nightlife is varied and vibrant. For fabulous cocktails, go to Bluu or Walrus in the Northern Quarter. If you’re after a quirky and funky alternative with great beer, try Odd on Thomas Street or its sister bar, Odder, on Oxford Road.

Spinningfields Cinema is one of the only outdoor cinemas in the country and you don’t need a ticket, so just turn up. This cinema shows retro films as well as new releases. Carluccio’s restaurant and deli beside it, will provide hot or cold picnics which are just perfect for a date or an evening spent with friends.

For a vibrant night out with a difference, visit Manchester’s gay village, centred on Canal Street, and go to Bar Below, a tiny bar underground playing cool tunes that stays open long after all the others have closed.

Hotels in Manchester

Stay at Malmaison in Piccadilly, an opulent hotel with stunning rooms and fabulous late night bar. The hotel’s location is perfect for shops and bars.

Other Tips for your City Break

Pick up a copy of the Manchester Evening News paper, given out free in the city centre, to see the events guide of what’s on during your visit.

And finally, let’s hope you have the most stylish weekend in what I regard to be the best English city – maybe you will even need to increase that baggage allowance for your homeward journey with all the savvy shopping you’ve done.

Images: clockwise from left:Exchange Square, Afflecks Palace, Spinningfields Cinema, Odder Bar

Where does she get the time for it all? New mum, X Factor judge and now part fashion designer, Dannii Minogue has just launched her first clothes designer collaboration with London designer Tabitha Somerset-Webb.

Inspired by Dannii’s unique style and Tabitha’s flair for fine design, the collection which is called “Project D” introduces their first capsule collection, featuring flowing silk day looks, cocktail chic and red-carpet-ready dresses.

Dannii Minogue, a huge favourite of mine since her sweeping style statements on the X Factor, is also an ELLE Style Award winner and amongst the top five Vogue UK’s “Best Dressed List”, has joined forces with Tabitha to create a ready-to-wear line of luxurious dresses.

The girls’ philosophy is to provide perfectly designed dresses that easily take you from day to evening, feeling great and looking fabulous.

Commenting on their collaboration (often dubbed “collab” in magazine circles), they girls said:

We’ve been friends for many years and we always dreamt that one day we’d end up working together on our own collection. We each have very different styles but essentially, we look for similar things – beautiful pieces which make you feel feminine but empowered, amazing quality and attention to detail.

We were always swapping stories of our latest finds and forever searching for the next perfect purchase when one day it just clicked…we should create our own wardrobe heaven! Fusing together sophisticated glamour (Dannii’s signature) and a rock ‘n’ roll edge (Tabitha’s touch); we think we’ve found a perfect balance in our capsule range of dresses.

We believe that there is a perfect piece here for every woman and for any occasion. We just can’t wait to see you wearing it!

Where to buy the Dannii Minogue collection in Ireland

Prices for the dresses range from €235-€450. Dannii Minogue’s collection is available in Ireland at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin.

Update 12 January 2011: Project D is now also available at Brown Thomas Dublin

All these summer weddings, festivals and horse racing have left us feeling shattered and in need of some TLC .

Luckily for us then, that The Body Shop will be offering a Pamper Day this Saturday 7th August for all the ladies in need of some rejuvenation.

Relax and take some time out with an express Mineral Make-over, a relaxing hand and nail massage or indulge in a 15 minute mini facial for €15, redeemable off a skin care product of your choice.

As appointments are limited for the facials, we are recommending that you book your appointment in advance and secure your appointment with a €5 deposit to avoid disappointment.

The Body Shop Dundrum Telephone 01 296 3224. The Body Shop Grafton Street Telephone 01 6713725

How to enter

To be in with a chance of winning a Pamper Me Basket from The Body Shop worth €80, answer this question in the comments below. Who was the founder of The Body Shop?

What’s in the Pamper basket ?

1. Warming Mineral Mask – Enjoy a self-heating mask that draws out impurities and deep cleanses while moisturizing with the warm aroma of cinnamon and ginger.

2. Elderflower eye gel – Fragrance free, wide-awake refreshment to soothe, cool, and refresh those delicate peepers. With gentle elderflower extract and witch hazel.

3. Coconut Body Scrub – Reveal softer, glowing skin with gently-exfoliating coconut husks and ground coconut shells in a creamy, moisturizing scrub.

4. Coconut Body Butter – Drench your skin in a rich, intensive cream with a lush coconut scent that moisturizes for up to 24 hours.

5. Round Body Brush – Massage and gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate blood circulation using a rounded wooden brush with soft bristles.

6. Coconut Shower Cream – Lose yourself in the creamy, coconut-scented lather of this soap-free body wash made with Community Trade pure organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil.

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The competition is open until midnight on Wednesday 11th August and a winner will be chosen at random and announced in next week’s newsletter.

By Jennifer Ennis

Victoria Beckham presented her Ready to Wear Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection in New York’s Upper East Side with such poise and professionalism (she circled the room greeting every guest personally before beginning); it was almost as impressive as the clothes themselves. But not quite.

Mrs Beckham’s new collection is an ensemble of evening and power dresses in mostly nude, red, black and blue tones. All the dresses are in block colour and were teamed with matching shoes and black sunglasses for the presentation. She experimented with silhouettes including a flowing maxi dress, statement mini-dresses, floor-length red carpet gowns and of course her trademark pencil skirt. This season confirmed that Victoria is fast gaining multiple respect within the industry as a serious fashion contender.

Highlights included the breath-taking nude floor length gown with draping detail which Victoria hinted as a personal favourite, the red wool shift dress with nipped in waist and back zip detail and the blue silk full column gown. The collection excited fashion editors and critics worldwide and is now making its way to the exclusive department stores, including our own Brown Thomas. When Mrs Beckham came to Dublin to launch this season’s collection, she munched on Ladurée Macaroons, no less.

As per usual, designer prices apply (expect roughly to pay anything from €1,105 to €3,500 for a dress) but if you have the cash to splash this season, a Victoria Beckham dress is a beautiful, timeless gown in colours that will flatter the Irish woman.

Related article

Victoria Beckham Collection Spring/Summer 2009

Win tickets to Sex and the City 2 Charity movie screening plus an evening of glamour

Can you believe it has been two years?? But now the wait is over and its back !!!

Be one of the first to see the new Sex and the City 2 movie and support The National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI).

A night out with the girls awaits! Strap on your Manolo’s grab your Chanel bag and get ready to immerse yourself once again in the wonderful world that is Sex and the city

MSB Events in conjunction with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute will be hosting glamorous Charity evenings across the country to launch the new Sex and the City 2 movie.

The Dublin event will kick off in the Gresham hotel Dublin AT 6:45pm where guests will be welcomed with canapés and delicious cocktails on arrival.

After sipping on cosmopolitans, you will be escorted to the Savoy cinema to see Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte – the stylish New York ladies of Sex and the City in action. An arrival you will receive a goodie bag fromSex and the City 2.

After the movie you are invited to join us for the exclusive after party in Krystle Nightclub Dublin where you will gain FREE entry. This will be a girl’s night to remember …

Best Dressed Competition

Why not dress up as one of your favourite characters from the movie? Or dress in Pink – the colours of the NBCRI, and be in with a chance to win a great prizes on the night.

WhatSheWears.ie will be judging the Best Dressed Lady at the Dublin event on 29 May. The winner will receive these Steve Madden blush peep toe shoes from the designer shoe haven that is Cocobelle (Unit 19, Royal Hibernian Way, Dublin 2. Tel 01 707 1818).

Celebrities worldwide are fans of this New York designer and these very Steve Madden ” Regaal” shoes were featured in Grazia on 19 April 2010.

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Sex and the City 2 Competition

WhatSheWears.ie is offering two lucky readers a set of tickets for you and a friend to the Dublin event on 29 May.

Plus, to get the winners looking totally glamorous for the event, you’ll get a hair ‘do** with hairdresser to the stars, Dylan Bradshaw in his state of the art salon on 56 South William Street in Dublin. This award winner hairdresser is the guy who brought the 12 week blow dry to Ireland after all!

To enter to win, email giftbag@whatshewears.ie with “SATC2” in the subject line and include your name address and phone number. You must be subscribed to our FREE weekly newsletter to enter. Sign up here.

The SATC2 charity events in association with the NBCRI are running in the following cities:

Dublin 28 May (sold out)

Dublin 29 May

Naas 28 May (sold out)

Cork 28 May

Galway 28 May

Click here to buy your tickets for the event, €35, which  include:

-         Cinema Ticket*

-         Pre Cocktails and Canapés reception

-          Goodie bag

-          Free entry to Kyrstle nightclub after the movie

*This is a free seating event. Seating will be allocated on a first come first served basis. This is an over 18’s event.

** Consists of a “VIP wash and blow dry” (glass of bubbly and a shower beforehand if you need to freshen up from your day’s shopping!) at Dylan Bradshaw’s salon in South William St, Dublin 2

Competition closes on Friday 21st May and winners will be notified by email then.

To celebrate the launch of Debenham’s Beauty Club, we would like to offer THREE WhatSheWears.ie readers a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

What’s the Debenham’s Beauty Club?

It’s a reward card where you’ll collect points on all your beauty and fragrance purchases in store, building up to reward €s that you can spend in store to make those pampering treats that little bit easier to afford.

Visit your favourite Debenhams store and ask in the beauty hall for your free Beauty Club Reward Card. Start collecting your points straight away and even indulge in a free makeover .

As a Debenhams Beauty Club member, the V.I.P treatment doesn’t just stop at Points and Rewards you’ll also benefit from regular Beauty Gossip emails – giving you the latest news on hot new products we know you’ll just be running into store to try, information about our forthcoming exclusive events and offers so you can save the dates in your diaries and not miss out on any of our beauty exclusives (as well as some top tips for looking good).

• Exclusive Gifts and special offers from your favourite brands
• Free Beauty Makeovers whenever you want them
• Expert skincare consultations so you leave knowing the best skincare routine for you
• Tips and Advice (the insider beauty secrets that will leave you able to create professional make up at home)

Competition

Unique, quirky and 100% gorgeous, Benefit is like a sweetie-shop for grown up girlies. Founded in San Francisco in the 1970s, Benefit has made a name for itself by creating high quality products that offer simple answers to everyday beauty dilemmas. We love the multi-tasking, award winning products such as High Beam, Benetint and Dr Feelgood.

So why wait, get the Bene-bug and enter for one of three chances to win €150 worth of award-winning Benefit products!

To enter to win, email giftbag@whatshewears.ie with “Debenhams Beauty Club” in the subject line and include your address and phone number. You must be subscribed to our FREE weekly newsletter to enter. The competition closes next Friday 14th May and winners will be announced in the newsletter next week.