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.

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.

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!

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

Elegant debutante: The Louise Kennedy Signature Fragrance Launch

Internationally renowned Irish fashion designer, Louise Kennedy celebrates 30 elegant years in business this year. Established in 1983, with it's headquarters based in Merrion Square, her fashion house boasts an enviable client list, having dressed stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Beyonce and Kylie Minongue- as well as royalty.

Traditionally lauded for her exquisite couture designs in luxurious fabrics, this October saw an exciting new venture being unveiled for Tipperary born, Louise and the Louise Kennedy label- with the launch of her debut signature fragrance, Louise Kennedy Eau de Parfum. With white floral notes, this beautifully elegant fragrance embodies the Louise Kennedy brand perfectly, while speaking volumes about the talented, ever-elegant sophisticate behind it- the flaxen haired, immaculately groomed lady herself, Louise.

Louise Kennedy Eau de Parfum comes encased in a classic fragrance 'bouteille', encircled with a perfectly-formed pink satin bow, and carefully placed in the prettiest of pink boxes. I have spritzed this little piece of heaven, but once on my wrist- but as a avid appreciator of beauty and quality, this stunning fragrance is without doubt, an ideal and perfectly formed Christmas present for ladies of all ages. Smiles, hugs and kisses of delight are sure to ensue on presentation, so be prepared!

Louise Kennedy Eau de Parfum can be purchased in The Marvel Room in Brown Thomas, with stores in Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway. The Marvel Room is a veritable treasure trove of gift ideas for your loved ones this Christmas season, and the perfect home for design marvel, Louise's debut fragrance.

AW13 Accessories to Oooh and Awe in

Statement necklace, e37, Oasis

Rosie earrings, e37, Coast

The crucial importance of accessories in the life and wardrobe of women cannot be underestimated. Not that I am putting their importance ahead of Third World poverty or the war in Syria- but in the general scheme of an woman’s life, a selection of some beautiful embellishments and 'objets d'art' in which to artfully decorate oneself in is essential. The right, correctly chosen trouseau of accessories make the successful functioning of a  woman's wardrobe an enjoyable, fun experience- and 'a piece of cake'. Chocolate fudge for  me, please!

Cashmere scarf, e179, Tommy Hilfiger

Accessories, chosen well can be your best friend- and can completely make or break your outfit. They are the single easiest and budget-friendly way to update your AW13 wardrobe without breaking the bank. That perfectly proportioned jewelled clutch-bag that pushes that plain black dress from hot to smokin’ on the style barometer, those stilettos with just the right curve make pins seem endless, the buckled belt that jazzes up an otherwise boring jeans and top ensemble- and cinches in that waist to boot!

Diamond-heeled Mary-Janes, e24, Penney's

The most vital accessory organ of all- in my biased opinion, as a born magpie, are jewels! Necklaces, cuffs, bracelets and earrings- all coiled up like glittering snakes in their velvet-covered boxes, ready to spring out at the shortest notice to embellish and transform my classic, but rather plain LBD- and add some sparkle and charm. High street shops, Coast, Oasis, Penney's and River Island are literally dripping in stunning statement sparklers this season- choose one of two pieces (or throw caution to the wind and layer it on!) to bring your outfit right up to date and put a twinkle in your eye! Designer brands worth checking out if you've a bit more cash (or a few real diamonds to sell off!) is amazing jewellery designer, Blaithin Ennis, as well as the stunning Pandora range of jewellery which offers stylish and contemporary pieces, studded with just the right amount of sparkle to cherish, collect and pass on as a beautiful family heirloom. I recommend checking out Pasara jewellery, a great Donegal based design company, super chic and original designer, Helena Malone,

Clutch bag, Coast

fabulously feminine jewellery designer Niamh Spain- and a personal favourite- Irish jewellery design brand, Chupi, for gorgeous delicately crafted pieces 'inspired  by the beauty of natural and wild things'. Last, but certainly not least, the stunning Thomas Sabo range of jewellery never fails to impress, and the intricate designs and inspired use of different tones of gold and silver will add warmth and interest to the simplest of outfits. Take a look at the loot of statement cuffs, necklaces and earrings which I've gathered from all over the country and brought back here to my glittering nest for your enjoyment!

Gina faux fur hat, e16, Boohoo.com

Key trends to note this AW season when indulging in a spot of accessory shopping are an abundance of texture and colour. Designers such as Matthew Williamson, Michael Kors and Roksanda Ilincic seemed to be embracing the whole concept of climate change and the seasons turning topsy-turvy opting for bolts of pinks, reds and oranges to illuminate their AW13 collections as opposed to the more traditional sombre, muted winter palettes of greys, blacks and browns. Add some shock-factor and inject some colour to your ensemble with a pink scarf or a cool pair of shoes in electric blue or eye-popping neon. Check out Oasis, River Island and A Wear for gorgeous clutch bags and for classic, no quibble quality totes head to tried and trusted American favourite, Tommy Hilfiger.

Tommy Hilfiger Gregory tote, e210

Other trends to channel from the catwalks into your accessories cupboard this season are hounds tooth print, and the whole invasion of the kilt debacle. So join in the highland-fling add some oomph to your outfit with a tartan scarf or bag.  Try if you can to choose from one of squares, checks and tartans covering the high-street from here to Scotland.

So, my advice before going accessory shopping? Take a couple of deep breaths and a few drops of Rescue Remedy- and enlist some some tried and tested muscle to accompany you. Why? To wrestle your bank card off of you in the event that you proceed to buy three pairs of boots and two sparkly clutches in one barmy binge, of course! Beans on toast for three months is not a nice experience- trust me!

Statement necklace, Warehouse