Saturday 30 November 2013

Weekly Style Edit: Sparkle and Charm!




Handbeaded neckpieces from e90 by Marion Murphy- Cooney,
The Design Atelier, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
The rapid, slightly disconcerting evaporation of dull, dreary November into thin air is no great tragedy or loss- especially to the fashion-loving women of this island. So bring on Christmas, packed full of excuses to dress up and sparkle and shine! It's time to start planning your festive wardrobe and settling on what's a savvy splurge or cash-splashing moment. So check out my top style picks for this week and weave them into your wardrobe to add some stylish magic.
Jumpsuit by AQAQ from Divine boutique




It's always a worthwhile exercise to venture into the depths of your existing wardrobe and carry out at least a quick assessment (or a clearout if you're in the mood!) before you hit the town for some festive fashion fixes. This little procedure- which admittedly, is a kind of boring, painstaking task, will pay you dividends in the long run, and will take you an hour at most to do. You'll quickly realise what you lack and what you could set up a shop with and sell- and that in itself will save you a lot of time and bother when shopping. This is also a good opportunity to audit your wardrobe for basics which are fundamental to every wardrobe. When I say 'basics', I don't just refer to socks, tights and quality well-fitting underwear- it goes without saying that these are vital wardrobe elements, I think! I also factor in items like the perfect pair of jeans and black trousers, white shirt, black t-shirts, white t-shirts, a pair of black dressy courts, a classic pair of ankle/ Chelsea boots, a simple, a quality tote in a neutral hue such as tan or black and the ubiquitous winter coat which covers a multitude- and which you can just throw on in a hurry and look stylish in a flash! Who's to know what sort of confection is going on underneath? Just pray that the central heating isn't turned up to it's zenith wherever it is you were dragged out to at the last minute- or you may well get a headstart on the turkey, and start to cook!

Dress from AQAQ from Divine boutique


Thomas Sabo rose quartz pendant from e318

Tommy Hilfiger Jordan Cool Sport e169



























Check out the fabulous finds which I've dug out from the mire for you from fabulous Irish designer, Marion Murphy- Cooney, a treasure trove of wallet-friendly looks from on-trend brand, Boohoo.com, some preppy all-American classics from Tommy Hilfiger, luxuriously pretty jewellery from Thomas Sabo, stylish coats from Bastyan, fit-for-a-princess charm bracelets from Pandora- and dresses to die for from the aptly named Divine boutique in Kildare, among other style swag chosen by me to inspire a successfully stylish December and New Year!
Thomas Sabo heamatite, quartz and pearl charm bracelet
e112


Outfit from Boohoo.com








Pandora Silver Snowflake charm e55




Tommy Hilfiger Tinsley clutch e160






                                     Coats from Bastyan



Thomas Sabo rose gold feather-wing bracelet e198

Thomas Sabo rose quartz ring e179
Thomas Sabo rose gold feather earrings e259









Monochrome dress from boohoo.com
Sheer black top from Boohoo.com










Tommy Hilfiger Chelsea boots, e159.90
Tommy Hilfiger boots, e199.90





* Tommy Hilfiger, Pandora jewellery, Bastyan clothing and Thomas Sabo jewellery are available from stockists nationwide. Marion Murphy- Cooney handbeaded neckpieces, her debut ready-to-wear collection- MMC and her exclusive made-to-measure service are available from Marion Murphy- Cooney, The Design Atelier, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary and selected boutiques nationwide. See www.marionmurphycooney.com for details. For further information on all pieces from Divine boutique, Manor Mills shopping centre, Maynooth, Co. Kildare- or to purchase online, see www.divine.ie

Friday 29 November 2013

Star Buy of the Week: Octagon clutch bag from Divine boutique



Christmas- sparkling, busy and beautiful is almost upon us, and who doesn't want to look ultra stylish and their very best? It's one of the few times of the year when we all want to cut a dash, push the boat out and generally show that we've still got it! The prospect of the office Christmas party, glamorous balls, dinner parties, family gatherings and one too many nights on the tiles thrown in for good measure, is sure to make the most stylish of us quiver in our Louboutins, as we try to calculate what on earth we will wear to look the epitome of style and beauty- and preferably steal the show!

My Star Buy of the week this week, the Octagon clutch bag from Divine boutique in Manor Mills shopping centre in Maynooth, and also online (www.divine.ie) is a show-stealing gem of a find- and its quirky, vintage-inspired design will jazz up any outfit over the festive season- and bestow true style kudos on the holder!


This little box-bag of sheer stylish joy in all its gold and jewel toned geometric glory comes in two hues- pack a punch with the pink or bag the blue option to equally bedazzle. The Octagon clutch can be yours for just e69, so pop into Divine boutique in Manor Mills shopping centre in Maynooth or check out Divine's website- www.divine.ie and snap up the perfect little clutch to see you into the New Year in style. The Octagon would make a most gorgeous present for someone you love also- but how hard would it be to hand it over?!

Wednesday 20 November 2013

A Phoenix from the Flood- Iconic Dublin store reopens

The iconic Clerys clock

Iconic grand-dame of Dublin retail, Clerys department store is set to reopen on this Thursday, November 21st-and amid plenty of fanfare and festive cheer, I suspect- dispelling with glamour and glee, the persistent rumours that the store was yet another victim of the recession, and to close permanently. The store, which first opened in 1853, was one of the world's first purpose-built department stores, and the exquisitely designed building was inspired by and modelled closely on the famous Selfridges department store on London's Oxford street.

The store was bought in 1941 by the Guiney family whom single-handedly ran it for 70 years- a remarkable feat, I think, during a period when Ireland was just a developing country with no booming economy to assist the survival of large retailers like Clerys. Ironically, Clerys was a benefactor and victim of the Celtic Tiger- sadly going into receivership in 2012, and forcing the Guiney family to sell the family silver. US company, Gordon Brothers stepped in and took over the the store, instated a new managerial team and began steering the store back into the glossy, good times once again.


The fashionistas and nostalgics of Ireland collectively breathed a stylish sigh of relief. Clerys would soldier on and weather the recession like the rest of us- and keep the country looking its best, as it had done for 160 years, to boot. Cue the infamous Irish weather- and the biblical storms and flooding which battered the building in July (of all months!) of this year destroying the interior of the historical, listed building and causing part of the roof to cave in! The newspapers and media were rife with rumours that this was the final nail in the coffin for Clerys- and with the grand old doors sealed shut and all of the staff laid off indefinitely, an air of gloom and mystery surrounded the Dublin style institution. The papered up windows concealing what was metamorphosing within- and the minimal information surrounding the store's future all added to the speculation on the Irish capital's streets and the rising curousity was akin to the secrecy and mystery associated with Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, where like Clerys- nobody was ever seen going in or coming out!


Some weeks ago, when hope of a triumphant comeback had all but disappeared, word filtered through that a pop-up shop would be opening at the back of Clerys, on North Earl street in anticipation of a grand reopening date which had yet to be confirmed. The pop-up shop quelled all fears of of Clerys permanent closure - and provided a sort of 'counselling service' for those loyal Clerys customers traumatised by the void left by Clerys absence from O'Connell street and Dublin retail.
Customers were invited to write and stick a Post-it note on a special Memory Wall, and to share their past memories of Clerys- a really lovely idea which I saw with my own eyes when I visited the pop-up myself recently. And who knows- maybe it prevented some demented Clerys fans from tipping over the edge with all the mystery and suspense endured over the last few months of a 'Cleryless' Dublin!

And so it has been confirmed that Clerys will reopen Thursday, November 21st, welcoming Dublin and the world back in through it's historical doors in time for the festive season and Christmas shopping rush. The urge to satisfy my curiosity ( I'll finally get to see what on earth was happening behind those papered-up windows!) and get my Christmas shopping off to a stylish start will see me back in the atmospheric city centre this weekend and exploring a brand new, revitalised Clerys.The legendary, ornate clock embedded in Clerys stunning facade (an historic Dublin landmark and famous romantic meeting point in bygone, pre-mobile phone days) will call time on closure and misfortune when the store reopens it's doors and a new chapter in its history tomorrow. Welcome back Clerys!


Sunday 17 November 2013

Star Buy of the Week: Alex and Ani bangles

             
Constellation, e41
Rock and raw wrap, e63














It's no secret that I have a soft spot for accessories. This week, I've fallen head over heels for my Star Buy- Alex and Ani bangles, with their gorgeous jewel tones and effortlessly stylish design. The potent powers of a smattering of amazing, 'go to' accessories in your wardrobe- like a armful of glamorous Alex and Ani bangles, stacked to perfection is incredible- transforming an outfit from dull to dazzling, and from day to night in an instant, like a fashion fairy godmother!

 So yes, accessories in all their sleek, beautiful, colourful and sparkly glory have been held in my fashionable affections for many years ago now- starting, I suspect, at some point during a raid of my Mum's wardrobe as a six year old! Jewellery, shoes, handbags and their sisters are quite simply quick 'n easy glamour fixes- and have justifiably been afforded 'pride of place' status in the wardrobes of women the world over- from the Champs Elysee to 5th Avenue, to the tribal women of the sweltering Sahara, where unique hand-beaded jewellery has adorned the female form since the beginning of time.
Nautical exapandable, e30

When it comes to gilding my wardrobe with worthy accessories, I am a fussy shopper, I'll admit. Despite my long running love affair with accessories, I am a difficult diva to please, requiring 'tried and tested' proof that products are quality and stylish- and that they'll stand the test of time, and make me look good! Well, what girl doesn't like some gorgeous arm candy from time to time?! 

When I discovered the stunning Alex and Ani range of jewellery just a few weeks ago- quite acidently while  indulging in, Xpose, on TV3 (the best fashion related programme to hit Irish TV screens in the last few years, in my opinion), I was immediately hooked. The seriously stylish American designed range of jewellery is cool, edgy and effortless- full stop! Its beautifully crafted bangles, infused with positive energy easily transfer from day to night, minus any fuss and drama- as well as enlightening and empowering mind, body and spirit, which can only be a good thing!
Studstruck wrap, e45

Alex and Ani have just launched two new collections for this season- the Eden's Equinox collection and the Starry Eyed and Raw collection. Gorgeous rich jewel tones permeate the collections- complemented by stud and rhinestone detailing  which add interest and edgy femininity to the pieces. Actress and DJ ( and wife to Brian McFadden), Vogue Williams recently modelled the new collections on TV3's, Xpose, and they were styled exactly as I would have elected. Scores of beautiful bangles were stacked to perfection on Vogue's arms, keeping the vibe slightly bohemian- yet modern.
Starry eyed wrap, e63

Alex and Ani bangles are my Star Buy for this week, not only for their stylishness and beautiful design- but also for their affordability. Starting from just e26, a piece of Alex and Ani jewellery would make a very nice present for someone special- you included! Watch out for Alex and Ani in Arnott's, Dublin- as well as in wide selection of independent jewellers nationwide. Check out www.alexandani.com for further details.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Weekly Style and Beauty Edit


This week and every week, I will bring you the best and most beautiful of fashion and beauty gems to bring sparkle and smiles to your week  Feel free to post comments on any posts or to mail me. Enjoy, and hope you get some inspiration to add some sass and style to your winter wardrobe! Who said cold, winterly weather had to equal drab, unsexy clothes?? Take your pick from this weeks edit and let your imagination run wild! A cute pair of shoes, a stunning necklace, a classic handbag- what will it be?




Carmina ankle-strap courts, e105, Coast
                                     
Karla hat, e79.90, Tommy Hilfiger; Earrings, e259, Thomas Sabo
               
Alex & Ani bracelet, e41
Chunky chevron belt, e28, Warehouse



Kohl eye palette, Brown Sugar Hair & Beauty




Abbey Duffle bag, e310, Tommy Hilfiger


Statement necklace, Zara


Limited Edition necklace, e10, Penneys






 

Animal print blouse, e13, Penney's


NOTE* Tommy Hilfiger can be purchased in stores nationwide, Alex & Ani jewellery in Arnotts and independent jewellers nationwide including Breda Fitzgibbon jewellers in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Pandora jewellery in stores nationwide, Thomas Sabo jewellery in Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Cork, House of Faser, Dundrum and independent jewellers nationwide. Kohl  make-up products available from Brown Sugar Hair & Beauty salon, South William Street, Dublin.

Weekly Sale Rail and Special Events

www.awear.com

Every week from now until Christmas ( yes, Christmas- the six week countdown is now on!) the shops will be displaying, posting, emailing, tweeting- and generally shouting from the rooftops about all the fabulous special offers and sales they've got going on, all to tempt you in to part with your hard earned cash. I've decided that instead you having to rely on luck- or trawling through websites and endless emails (and often miss out on the best offers and bargains- so annoying!) to bring you all the best offers to you every week on Ms Style Guru, in one nutritious shot. Everyone knows that dresses and shoes- and handbags, lest we forget, are packed full of vital vitamins which are essential for both health and happiness!

Choose your weekly dose from this concentrated edit to make you glow..

Check out Divine boutique's three day Flash Sale for quality designer pieces from as little as e10! Taking place from  Thursday, 14th to Saturday 16th November in Manor Mills shopping centre in Maynooth, this is an event not to be missed. Check out Divine's online boutique also on: www.divine.ie.

The Ted Baker Winter Shopping Event takes place today and tomorrow- 13th and 14 th November, offering 20% off of all purchases online on both days, and exclusively instore on Thursday, 14th. Use the discount code TED20 at the online checkout to snag your very handsome discount! Ted offers free delivery on all orders. www.tedbaker.com

The Debenhams Great Winter Spectacular is spreading pre festive cheer and discounts in its stores nationwide this week, offering a generous 25% off throughout the store this week, and peeling 10% off of all your favourite beauty and fragrances brands such as Lancome and Clarins! www.debenhams.ie

Check out Irish high street favourite AWear who are giving 30% off on selected lines instore and online at the moment. They also offer free delivery on all orders over e30 which is kind of great if you want keep warm and toasty in this freezing weather, and click your way to Styledom. www.awear.com

Dundrum Town Centre are hosting their Shop and Rock style event tomorrow, November 14th with live music throughout the centre including performances from Dublin Gospel Choir, Heathers and Gavin James. Enjoy mouth-watering free samples of treat like Bailey's new Chocolate Luxe and Lindt chocolates- and be one of the first 200 shoppers to Penney's and snap up one of their goodie bags containing Coco Brown tanning products and, wait for it- a e20 voucher! The Shop and Rock event kicks off a 7pm and rocks on until midnight and will feature great store discounts. To keep up to speed on the special discounts being offered- keep a close eye on www.dundrum.ie this evening when all will be revealed!

* NEWSFLASH!! Just revealed that H & M, River Island, Hobbs, Coast, Tommy Hilfiger, Karen Millen, Kiehl's, Molton Brown, Lipsy, Lifestyle Sports and Office to name but a few, will all be offering 20% discount exclusively for the Shop and Rock event. GAP are offering a whopping 30% discount, BT2, 10% off, Harvey Nichols- 15% discount on women's fashions and accessories and  Monsoon, a15% discount. Pandora will be offering a 10% discount to all customers for Shop and Rock- and if you spend over e125, you receive a FREE silver charm bracelet!

Pop into AWear in the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick tomorrow, November 14th where from 5- 9pm they are hosting an instore style event featuring a Torres Wine Bar, live DJ, and nail bar. Avail of the 20% discount being offered exclusively for this event. and update your winter wardrobe with one of their gorgeous print dresses or cosy knit. Snap up one of the goodie bags on the night- filled with treats for attending fashionistas.



Saturday 9 November 2013

Star Buy of the Week: Pink and grey panelled blouse

Blouse from Penney's, e11

The presence of some ladylike blouses in your wardrobe is a must this season- adding instant elegance and refinement to whatever you choose to wear. A versatile piece, the blouse can be paired with a pretty midi or skater skirt- or equally happily married off to a a sharp form-fitting pencil skirt or a stylish pair of skinnies.

Essentially this classic wardrobe must-have will take you anywhere- and from day to night in a instant. Just add a sparkling statement necklace or some cool earrings- a spritz of your favourite fragrance (Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel is my personal favourite at the moment!), a touch of 'je ne sais quoi' and a slick of rouge- and you're good to go.

A beautiful blouse in your wardrobe's artillery is the key to pulling off chic, effortless style in less time that it takes to rustle up your favourite cocktail! So while your friends are pondering complicated clothing concoctions, and generally taking an eternity to get ready- you can sit back, relax and look pretty in your gorgeous, uncomplicated ensemble and sip on your cocktail- and all made possible by 'a big girl's blouse'!

                                         
              

* Me wearing the 'Star Buy' with sports luxe trousors from River Island, biker boots from New Look and statement necklace from Penney's

Personally, when it comes to selecting and investing in some desirable blouses (as opposed to the all too easy to find dowdy ones!), I favour a slightly vintage style and overall look. The blouse, although an extremely elegant wardrobe staple, has the potential to look a bit frumpy and can give the impression that you're channelling your granny's style- and not in a good way, if you get my drift! The key to conquering this conundrum and getting it right is either pairing your blouse with something quite modern- like a pair of skinny jeans, or going for a quirky, vintage look and teaming it with a swishy midi- skirt, some patent courts and a Chanel- style boucle jacket. The choice is yours- and there are endless hours of stylish fun to be extracted from this little gem.

My star by of the week this week is this gorgeous damask pink and dove grey panelled blouse from Penney's (Primark). This little beauty cost me all of e11 to buy, feels great on and will carry me elegantly through the winter season. It also comes in a monochrome combination which is right on trend currently- and of course I couldn't resist loving it, and taking it home with me too!

Monday 4 November 2013

Marvellous news: The Marvel Room opens its doors!


The spectacle of the Christmas lights being switched on in Dublin's Grafton street every year- by whatever Irish 'celebrity' who happens to be in vogue at that moment in time, is always an occasion to behold. The moment that the twinkling, artistically moulded fairy lights resembling magical chandeliers flicker to life, was the moment when Christmas as I knew it, began. This annual seasonal event, steeped in memories and tradition could never be surpassed, and it's status as the 'gong' that sounded Christmas' imminent arrival was an unrivalled given, set in stone and to be forever respected and revered- or so I thought! Then the Marvel Room arrived on the scene. Like a delicious dessert placed in front of you when you're on a diet- or a shockingly handsome guy asking you out when you're 'on a break from guys', I was powerless to resist it's charms!
Jo Malone Christmas Trousseau


The Marvel Room in elegant Irish department store, Brown Thomas first opened its magical doors to mortals three years ago. This Narnia-like land is full to the brim of carefully chosen, beautifully displayed unique lotions and potions, trinkets and treasures- as well as exclusive designer pieces from internationally renowned fashion houses like Gucci, Prada and Chanel. Each of the four Brown Thomas stores- in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway houses it's own exclusive Marvel Room, with a hoard of unique treasure within, waiting to be discovered.

Frends headphones
The whole concept of the Marvel Room was the brainchild of super stylish, creative Brown Thomas fashion director, Shelly Corkery, who with the Brown Thomas buyers have sourced the most stunning collection of limited edition products, and brokered exclusive collaborations with top design houses to create 'one off' creations exclusive to the Marvel Room at Brown Thomas.
Karon Jacobson earrings

I'll admit that I was completely bedazzled when I initially entered the Marvel Room in Brown Thomas, on Dublin's Grafton street. When I eventually gathered my faculties and reapplied my lipstick, I quickly began the business of marvelling, softly sighing, and casting long lustful looks at the luxurious treasures- coyly lounging on the shelves, enjoying all the compliments and attention! The black and white box clutch bag by Tom Ford with statement ring detail quickly caught my wandering eye- a cool e1,275 if you're feeling flush! The super cute Alice and Olivia shoes- embellished with a cat face on the toes, and the gorgeous Erdem printed scarves at e295 each, also captured my attention. This duo are guaranteed to light up a winter wardrobe- or the face of a loved one with a smile, in a flash.
Tom Ford Clutch bag

Colour in the face of super model of the moment, Cara Delavigne with the Cara Delavigne Colouring Book- a fashionable snip at e10, or go for broke, and splash out on the stunning diamond and ruby encrusted Karon Jacobson tassel neckpiece at a cool   e11, 000! It's a pretty safe bet that every women who loves jewellery, loves Tiffany's, so for all the guys wondering what to buy their nearest and dearest, drop in to the Tiffany's counter in Brown Thomas, Grafton street and ask for the Paloma Picasso for Tiffany's necklace- exclusively designed for Brown Thomas- and available to purchase nowhere else in the world!
Natasha Sherling jewellery

Other marvels worth checking out include the achingly stylish Frends headphones in eye-catching rose-gold and white- a high-tech investment guaranteeing style and street cred (and whatever else you're having!) as you bop about town. Prada's gorgeous geometric print iPad case, exlcusive to the Marvel Room will go down a treat- as will Jo Malone's Christmas Collection Trousseau, a luxurious brand synonymous with quality and 'slip down beneath the bubbles' decadance.
Erdem Scarves

I was impressed to note that Brown Thomas hadn't omitted an Irish presence in the glamorous folds of the Marvel Room. Luxurious 100% cashmere scarves by Irish label, KDK, Irish jeweller and gemmologist, Natasha Sherling's bespoke collection- and internationally renowned Irish designer, Louise Kennedy's debut signature fragrance, Louise Kennedy Eau de Parfum, are just a taste of the Irish marvels on offer.

Cara Delavigne Colouring Book
Some forward planning is always a good thing, I maintain- paying you priceless dividends in the long run! A natty little gadget to keep your boyfriend, brothers or the kids occupied- and you from going insane is always wise to keep parcelled up and to hand, should events start to get out of hand. The latest 'toy for big boys'- the WiFi Spy Tank, e125  and available from the Marvel Room, is the ideal candidate for this most important role. This cool WiFi controlled gizmo is the epitome of James Bond style techno-wizardry, allowing you to a sneaky peek at whatever is in its view- and pretty much guaranteed to provide hours of fun and entertainment for the guys in your life, when cabin fever rears its ugly head over the festive season.


Louise Kennedy Fragrance

The Marvel Room is a relatively new phenomena on the Irish retail scene-and while it can verge on the expensive side of gifting, there is a superb choice and price range of potential gifts on offer. It is certainly well worth checking out- speaking as a seasoned and discerning shopper! The opulent setting of Brown Thomas, as well as the range of unusual and exclusive items on offer, make it a great starting point at which to begin your Christmas shopping. Soak up the luxurious, stress free atmosphere as you shop, and ease into the festive spirit. The Christmas lights will be switched on in Grafton street (my now second favourite pre Christmas event!) on November 14th, when at the strike of 6 o'clock the street will be illuminated into a winter wonderland- complementing the magic of Brown Thomas and the Marvel Room perfectly. Let the shopping begin!


WiFi Spy Tank