Neon’s been knocking round the shops the past two years or so now…it’s been through the nu rave wave and back again. It’s been on hoodies, shoe laces and leg-warmers but now it’s time for neon to get serious. The best way? Team it with neutrals. Greys are magic. Charcoals and muted heather greys make neons really glow. The key to the trend is to keep the neons to a minimum. A day-glow yellow belt, a fuschia pink bracelet or bright orange tights really add a touch of interest to an all black or charcoal look. Take these shoes for example-picked them up in Office, Belfast. What a find. While I’m on the subject, Belfast is a great city for shopping and with the exchange rate as it is, Euro goes a lot further up north. Check out Victoria Square while you’re at it.
The Winter Sales
So here’s my theory: If this was an episode of Animaniacs, the shops would be unloading these huge cardboard boxes of sales goods from a truck with ACME on the side…stuff you’ve never seen on the shelves or rails of the shops prior to the 70% sale. Beaten up shoes. Chiffon summer dresses stained with fake tan. Weird looking tank tops that shrink at the first drop of water. Basically rags. Then there’s the ridiculous party dresses that couldn’t be sold. Sad shimmering numbers slumped skew ways on hangers…aw but they look so sad…
Trend Watch: Feather Bags
Black feathers were all over the catwalk for Autumn/Winter 2008. The easiest way to wear them? On a bag. Zara has one in the window of their new Stephen’s Green shop. They’re selling out fast though.
It’s not just the high street chains that are working the trend though. Julian McDonald has introduced one into his Debenhams collection. While Zara’s version is rectangular with a chain strap that can easily be turned into a clutch, Star by Julian McDonald is flouncy and pretty. Goth-ilicious and luxe at the same time…perfect for adding some interesting texture to black on black. If I could just get my hands on one…
Umbrella Eile
Plastic cagey ones, curly handled ones, ones that look like frogs when they open…ones with milk bottles on top instead of a point. Seriously. I saw one yesterday. When did umbrellas become so fabulous anyway? I blame it on Rihanna. The humble brolly is now having a fashion moment.
I like the ones Topshop are selling. They’re frilly and dainty and polka-dotted with curly faux leather handles. Very My Fair Lady. At €23 they give the phrase ‘saving for a rainy day’ a whole new meaning. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far there’s always Primark’s cheap and cheerful ones. Penneys from heaven indeed.
Promod Clothing
Who is this Promod? http://www.promod.com/ is the new kid on the block in Liffey Valley. Expect casuals and basics with a chic French twist. Shoes and accessories are high quality too-buttersoft leather bags and boho suede boots. Get them while they’re hot!
Cheap Cosmetics Alert
Check out www.strawberrynet.com for fantastic discounted make-up, perfume and cosmetics. Best of all, shipping is absolutely FREE to anywhere in the world.
Crafty T-Shirts
Bored with Bershka? Tired of Topshop? Fed up of being a high-street fashion clone? You could consider designing your own t-shirts. Before you reach for the Dylon tie-dye kit, first log on to http://www.threadless.com/. It’s a site dedicated to creating and voting for original t-shirt and hoody designs. Right now they’re running a competition based on the theme of travel. There’s a trip to Iceland up for grabs for the best design. Time to get crafty! Even if you’re not the ‘orty’ type, you can show your appreciation by snapping up one of the limited edition designs.
Off The Rails Off The Mark
If RTE ever came up with an original TV format it would probably die of loneliness. Just last week it re-launched the new series of Off the Rails its ‘homegrown’ fashion series with two new presenters. Can’t say I’m sorry to see Caroline Morahan or Pamela Flood go, but the new series is nothing but an amalgamation of Channel 4′s 10 Years Younger, Trinny and Susannah Dress the Nation and any of Gok Wan’s shows. Except it’s in Ireland. So Brendan, what’s the colour of the season? Wait, let me guess, it’s ’scarleh’, isn’t it?!
Why would anyone want to put themselves up for a make-over show anyway???
I Heart Forever 21 More
Great news if you haven’t got the doubloons to fly to New York. Forever 21 is now shipping internationally! Now you’ve no excuse for missing out on kicky t-shirts like this or this or even this! They’re a steal.
Farrell and Brown or Abercrombie and Fitch?
…speaking of Abercrombie…what’s the deal with Dublin’s Farrell and Brown store? Just opposite Trinity College on Dawson Street, I first got suspicious of this place when I saw the potted palms outside the door. I pass this place everyday on the bus, but only went in on Saturday. Now if they’re not some kind of sister store of Abercrombie, I’d be calling the lawyers in. From the dark mahogony furnishings to the encased casuals, they’ve taken the essence of Fifth Avenue’s store and plonked it smack bang in rainy Dublin. All that’s missing is the good looking greeters……..even the hats say F&B. What’s going on?