Star Buy of the Week: Bag some Love this Valentine's Day with Parfois

The arrival of Portuguese accessories chain, Parfois on the Irish street has seen me add considerably to my already ample handbag collection! My addiction to beautiful scarves, jewels, shoulder-bags, clutch-bags, totes, shoes- and gorgeous accessories which transform any outfit in my wardrobe for dull to wow on application, has reached new levels since the excellently priced, top quality brand Parfois opened its doors to the style savvy women of Ireland last year. There is sure to be a Parfois store near you- with stores in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, as well as in Terminal 1 in Dublin airport-the perfect way to get your holidays off to a stylish start!

This weeks Star Buy from Parfois is a an extra special one, as this Friday is Valentine's day- the day where you'll either weep into your cornflakes ( I don't think so!), as you  'celebrate' another year of singledom- or the day where you startle the guy delivering the flowers and chocolates for the second year running with a bear hug and lipstick kiss!

Well, this year will be different whether you're loved up or single- as my Star Buy this week are two gorgeous, affordable shoulder-bags from Parfois' SS14 collection- one in a neutral taupe shade at just e19.90, and the other in a beautiful berry hue at a reasonable e29.90- a nice little guilt-free treat to buy for yourself, boyfriend or no boyfriend!

 I couldn't decide which one to crown 'Star Buy' this week, so hopefully you'll be able to choose your favourite- or find the handbag of your dreams this Valentine's on www.parfois.com, where you can shop online with delivery to Ireland. And remember girls (and boyfriends and husbands)- a girl can never have too many handbags or pairs of shoes!

Warehouse SS14 Collection Preview: Elegant, edgy, effervescent!

The hotly anticipated Warehouse SS14 collection preview which I attended last week- where I checked out the newest offerings from this high street gem (and personal favourite of mine) with bated breath and high expectation last week did not- I am glad to report, disappoint! In fact the effect on me was the direct opposite. The collection was a like a bright ray of  '70s style summer sunshine illuminating the edgy, modernist store and cutting through the damp, windswept weather we've treated to for the last few weeks.

                        

Casual wear, occasion wear, beach wear- or 'just shooting the breeze' wear, I'm excited to report that Warehouse has got it all in the bag for you this season. Good quality pieces with an excellent fit, that you'd perhaps expect to have to dig a bit deeper in your boyfriend-style jeans for, are reliably and stylishly studded throughout the collection as usual- I was relieved to find. These are the core characteristics of a high street brand that can count me into their loyal fan base, and which keeps me returning to this high street gem season after season- or whenever I have 'nothing to wear moment' or a hot date to wow!

The Spring/ Summer collection from Warehouse is a total feast for the senses- a riot of eye-popping colour, tropical prints, soft sorbet shades, acid bights, and always-in monochrome. Hem lengths are either mini or midi- and the presence of neoprene (the material used to make scuba-diving suits!) is an interesting accent in the collection- with a superb ability to add full-on girly swing and swirl to a skirt. The strong themes of lace, palest pastels, logo t-shirts and saintly all over white  (just grab your halo girls!) are also strong themes in the collection- and prevalent SS14 trends to look out for in all your high street favourites.

      

The collection itself is split like a dreamy dessert trolley in to eight delicious segments, each telling their own story and channelling their own unique vibe- with gorgeous, evocative names like 'Botanic Acid', 'Night Circus', 'Poetic Garden' and 'St Etienne'. My favourites pieces include the two piece cobalt blue tropical print peg-leg trouser and loose tee ensemble (wear with flats for a great daytime look or dress it up for evening-wear with a pair of killer heels), the white mesh-ended mini (this piece will goo with literally everything in your summer wardrobe!) and the stunning cream evening dress embellished with beautiful gold beading- a timeless, vintage style piece designed to get heads swivelling- when nothing but high-octane glamour will do! The million dollar question is which 'dessert' will you choose to indulge in- or will you throw cation to the wind and savour a slice of all eight? It would be rude not to, I think!

Star Buy of the week: Bastyan Amazon Prints

Sleek, stylish  label Bastyan, founded by designer Tonia Bastyan in 2009 has has always been one of my top 'go-to' labels. You can always rely on Bastyan to conjure up a titillating trouseau of expertly tailored, flawlessly feminine pieces to update your waning wardrobe every new season- and the SS14 collection is an absolute dream for women of all ages and sizes.

 Lady-like glamour and casual- luxe are firm fixtures in every Bastyan collection- elements which are guaranteed to win me over every time. However, trying to choose this weeks Star Buy was an especially tough task this week, as the entire collection is so beautifully wearable, ultra stylish- and yet sexy, which is no mean feat for any brand to pull off successfully!

So, after changing my mind about three million times, the magnetic lure of three amazing Amazonian print pieces from Bastyan won out the day. These gorgeous pieces which will add a definitively cool, tropical feel to your new warmer season wardrobe- sans the vibe of the vile Hawaiian-print shirt which I still get nightmares about my Dad wearing on family holidays as a teenager!

So flattering and easy to wear- (just pop on with a pair of skinny jeans- try Bastyan's legendary Italian made ones for a fabulous fit, with no dreaded bunching) choose from the classic silk tunic, the softly tailored silk blouse- or the quirky silk shift dress to capture the ethereal beauty and lush colours of the Amazon in your SS14 wardrobe- and channel your inner Jane if you dare!

The Bastyan SS14 collection is available from Brown Thomas stores in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway- and BT2 stores in Dundrum and Blanchardstown. Now all that remains to complete this ensemble is a suitably buff Tarzan- the must-have accessory this season!

Good Karma at the Thomas Sabo SS14 collection launch

I've always been a believer in the importance of good karma- and in looking good while exchanging the positive vibes also, of course! The Thomas Sabo SS14 collection launch which I attended last week in the Marker hotel in Dublin's Docklands certainly ticked both of these two boxes in my stylish book, with a stunning array of stylish new designs and updates to existing the Thomas Sabo, Glam and Soul and Rebel at Heart collections. My favourite addition to Thomas Sabo has to be the stylish, yet funky Karma Beads jewellery range to to the Glam and Soul collection which include funky customisable bracelets, necklaces, pendants, rings and creole earrings- all guaranteed to inject style and karma into your wardrobe in the warm sunny days ahead. Well thankfully, there's always the backup plan of hopping on a Ryanair flight to one of the Costas if our summer decides to make a non appearance!

The word 'karma' comes from Sanskrit, and means 'action' or 'deed'- which I think is an apt name for the Thomas Sabo Karma Beads range, as the wearer can choose how she wants to express or portray herself by dipping into the treasure chest of beautiful, blinging beads. The combination options are infinite, with 72 beads to choose from- and starting at just e19. The Karma Beads particularly appeal to me, as they are a very personal piece of jewellery, and the choice of beads which you choose to wear- or to buy for a friend all weave a special and unique story that other jewellery ranges physically cannot. Also, from a personal point of view- we all grow and change as we go through life, and the beauty of the Karma Beads- and almost all Thomas Sabo pieces, is their ability to grow and change with the wearer- or even perhaps signify a secret ambition or heartfelt wish for the future!

The beautifully designed Karma Wheel (which symbolises inner balance),along with the 72 intricately designed beads make up the Karma Beads range, and all are crafted from sterling silver, rose gold or yellow gold plating and are are adorned with luxuriously pretty embellishments such as semi-precious stones and cultivated freshwater pearls. Check out the stunning photoshoot of the collection shot by top fashion photographer, Ellen Von Unwerth, and modelled by hot model of the moment, Georgia May Jagger (daughter of the legendary Mick Jagger and supermodel Jerry Hall) for seriously fabulous inspiration on how how to sport the range to its best- www.thomassabo.com

The Karma Beads range and the Thomas Sabo collections are available from dedicated counters in Arnotts, Dublin, Brown Thomas, Cork and House of Fraser, Dundrum- as well as from quality, independent jewellers nationwide.

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

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?!

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!