Put a sprinkle of designer in your life

designersparkle

I think I have discovered a serious problem in society …….. we don’t treat ourselves enough! Seriously!

Think about it, no matter how great a job you have or how much disposable income, it all seems to get sucked up into the relentless cycle of everyday life and keeping the show on the road. Mortgage to pay, childcare, bills, groceries. Of course, as the more cunning and resourceful of the species, us ladies will always find a way to shop and treating ourselves to a new top or necklace come payday is fairly standard practice.

However, with the realities of real life, the belt tightening recession and the endless overheads that come with being a 30-something, the nearest any of us will ever get to running amok in Brown Thomas with a personal shopper is in our dreams

Mention the word “designer” and most of your friends will start giving you the raised eyebrow stare and brace themselves for you to tell them you’ve just won the lotto. But if you do the sums, adding up all you have spent this month on a few bits from Pennys, a new Zara top, a work dress from Dunnes and there is easily a dent in your bank balance to the tune of a couple of hundred euro.

So instead of spending money on lots of little bits throughout the month, why not consider one decent treat every now and again that will actually last and add some real joy to your life. It’s all about value versus volume and putting your money into the right pieces that will actually get worn and complimented. And if not to treat yourself, then consider this your next hint list for the significant other in your life who may need inspiration for Christmas or your next birthday or anniversary.

So in ascending order, here’s my top 5 ways to add a sprinkle of designer into your everyday life:

A designer phone/ipad cover – You use your phone all day every day so this is a no brainer and it’s as cheap as designer gets. I got a gorgeous new iphone for my birthday this year so it could only be completed properly with a lovely Marc Jacobs cover. I get to look at it every day, it’s fancy, it stands out from my work phone when I’m rummaging in my bag and it was only €35 from Brown Thomas online.

Lots of nice phone and ipad covers available from Brown Thomas. Check them out here 

photo

Designer costume jewellery – OK so let’s get the disclaimer out of the way first, yes this is still only costume jewellery i.e. not sterling silver or real gold and if you can’t wear plated jewellery then you’re out of luck, and you may feel the price tag is still a bit steep for less than premium product.  If, however, like me, you have the hide of a Rhino and can wear anything, then why not treat yourself to some designer jewellery. Marc Jacobs do some fab ear rings, Chanel jewellery starts at surprisingly reasonable prices (I have the whole collection!!!!) and Vivienne Westwood and Calvin Klein also have lovely collections. CK jewellery is stocked in a lot of jewellers, Vivienne Westwood is stocked in House of Fraser and Brown Thomas stock both Chanel and Marc Jacobs.

My Chanel bracelet - €200,  Brown Thomas

My Chanel bracelet – €200, Brown Thomas

Nothing beats Chanel packaging - Gorgeous!

Nothing beats Chanel packaging – Gorgeous!      

A nice wallet – as with the phone, we use our wallets every single day so why not have the nicest one you can afford. It also gets a lot of wear and tear so a good quality wallet is actually an investment as it will last longer. And you get to flash it out and about a lot so the cost per use will work out very low, very quickly! DKNY, Michael Kors, Furla and Marc Jacobs are all at the more reasonable end of the designer spectrum and will set you back between €80-€200. I currently have my eye on this classic black leather, Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet in Brown Thomas, currently reduced to €156. you can buy it online here 

Marc by Marc Jacobs €156

Marc by Marc Jacobs €156

Fancy Sunglasses – I LOVE sunglasses and usually treat myself to a new fancy pair every couple of years. But they also make a brilliant gift as they last for years, go with everything and they don’t care what size you are! So if you’re racking your brains to try to think of ideas for the man in your life this Christmas then why not consider a gorgeous new pair of sunnies. They are just as important to have in the Winter as Summer and you will get a lot of wear out of them. My two favourite brands have to be Chanel and Prada, both classic and stylish and will always be in style. Coloured rims became very popular this year and the red or white Ray Bans are very cool, but personally I prefer to learn towards a classic style of black or tortoise shell. So if you don’t have a pair of designer sunglasses in your wardrobe then time to get them on the shopping list.

Prada Cat Eyes

Prada Cat Eyes

Designer Watch – This is the priciest item on my list but it’s probably the most popular and a good watch seems to be on a lot of ladies lists this Christmas. Rose Gold is still the metal of choice and the only two brands in the running really are Marc Jacobs or Michael Kors. I have a rose gold Marc Jacobs watch that I got for my birthday a couple of years ago and it genuinely does get noticed and admired a lot and I really do love it on my arm, like a nice piece of practical jewellery.

Brown Thomas have a great selection of both MK and MJ here 

Net a Porter also have a good selection here 

Michael Kors from Net a Porter

Michael Kors from Net a Porter

I’m really liking this slightly different rose gold watch from Michael Kors. The white stripe adds a touch of sports luxe and a modern twist.

So there you have it, my top five sprinkles of designer that should be on every 30-somethings to do list! It’s always nice to treat yourself but even better to let someone else do the honours, so with Christmas just around the corner it’s time to get hinting now.

 

Caped Crusaders

Caped_crusaders_Crossing_by_fraser0206

My almost 4 year old son and his creche gang are obsessed with superheroes at the moment. Being the indulgent and supportive mother that I am, I’m constantly keeping an eye out for batman or spiderman t-shirts and clothing so that he can dress the part while pretend flying and shooting webs from his wrists. Hey, I’m all about dressing for the part – fake it till you make it, right?

Somewhere along the line the superhero fetish must have rubbed off on my 36 year old self as I am OBSESSED with all things caped this Autumn. If it has a cape or a swing cut then I want it. I am a sucker for nice tailoring anyway but there is nothing like a cape to take things to the next level. Talk about could be designer, these things were made for the catwalk.

And to state the bleedin’ obvious, most caped clothing tends to be roomy and baggy so this trend ticks my favourite boxes of comfort and coverage. Yay it’s Autumn, we can hide our bodies again for the next six months :)

All the high street buyers must also have 4 year old boys as the cape trend is everywhere this Autumn/Winter. So since we’re all Superwomen anyway, let’s just formally acknowledge this fact and put our best foot forward with our power capes swinging.

Here are my best picks:

COS Black Cape Dress €89

COS dress €89

COS dress €89

Check out this bad boy, serious Batman stuff going on here. You can’t go wrong with a statement black dress for A/W and the big cape really adds the wow factor. I would let the cape do all the talking here and would just accessorise with big ear rings and red lipstick.

COS Zip Up Blazer €135

COS Blazer

COS Blazer

How amazing is this blazer? I love it. Made form 75% wool, this is a really good quality statement jacket. The zip close and the cape add an edgy finish and this is definately on the “could be designer” list. Team this with a black polo neck and black jeans and let the jacket do all the talking.

Savida Cape Jacket – Dunnes Stores €55

Savida Cape Blazer

Savida Cape Blazer

savidacape2

Everyone needs a little dressy black jacket for the upcoming party season and this is it. It’s actually  more like a fitted waistcoat with the cape draping over the tops of the arms so it could even be worn on it’s own as a dressy blazer over jeans and black heels or worn over a LBD as a nice cover up on a night out. I’d add a nice blingy brooch to the lapel and then you’re ready to swoop on out to hit the town.

Savida White Blouse - Dunnes Stores €30

savidawhiteblouse

I love this blouse because it blends ladylike chic with a kick ass cape, to really take feminine power dressing to the next level. White is also a gorgeous colour for A/W and can be worked into a classic monochrome look with tailored black trousers or a more casual style with blue jeans.

Massimo Dutti Navy Cape Blouse €79.95

massimodutti

massimodutti2

This is a beautiful 100% silk blouse in a lovely fluid fabric. I would compliment the small gold clasp with chunky gold earrings and a big gold cuff and wear with nice skinnies and heels.

Mango Cape Coat €89.95

mangocapecoat

This is as cool as a boring black winter coat gets.  Combining a military feel with superhero style this coat is the ultimate in power dressing. Wear with statement leather gloves to make the most of the exposed arms.

 

 

 

 

Mmmmm Monochrome

2014-06-26 22.07.30

Everyone has an opinion on Kris Jenner. You may not be a fan of her parenting “momager” style or her “sell your granny” approach to business deals but there is one thing she does to perfection – her monochrome wardrobe! She has made black and white tailoring her signature style and for a “more mature” lady who has popped out six kids, she rarely puts a foot wrong. Monochrome is definitely a favoured look here at Mutton Dressed As Glam!

Processed with Moldiv

Black and white is the most classic colour combo of them all, it transcends all trends and seasons and if ever there was a timeless classic this is it. You can never go wrong in a monochrome outfit, it suits every dress code and occasion and you will always be classy and chic, with the bonus being that it always looks expensive. If it’s good enough for Coco Chanel then it’s good enough for the rest of us common folk!

Even the celebs can’t get enough of monochrome and know they can rely on it for any event:

Jenny McCarthy

Jenny McCarthy rocking secretary chic

Jenny McCarthy rocking secretary chic

 Danni Minogue

Danni at the National Television Awards a few years ago

Danni at the National Television Awards a few years ago 

Michelle Keegan

Michelle wearing a gorgeous pair of silk trousers from Six Ames (House of Fraser)

Michelle wearing a gorgeous pair of silk trousers from Six Ames (House of Fraser)

Miranda Kerr

Miranda can do no wrong, even when she's doing casual daytime!

Miranda can do no wrong, even when she’s doing casual daytime!

Here’s my round up of monochrome must haves from the high street this Summer:

River island – white sweat shirt jumper €33.00

River Island €33

River Island €33

I love this casual sweat shirt. Perfect over jeans with converse or even with black yoga pants or trackies for a veg day.

Zara – trousers with combination sides €49.95

Zara €49.95

Zara €49.95

Amazing, amazing, amazing, get these ASAP! The ankle grazing length means you can go sporty casual with flats or else dress them up with killer heels. Did I mention they also have an elasticated waistband? Happy days :)

Coast – Pill Side Bow Net Hat €19.00

Coast Hat €19

Coast Hat €19

How gorgeous is this hat?? It is currently reduced in the Coast sale from €80 to €19!!!!!!!!!! Bargain central. And it is the perfect accessory to liven up an LBD for a  Summer wedding or a day at the races. This is actually the kind of thing I would buy as a “just in case” accessory for future events, for this price it is well worth having to hand.

Next Utility shirt €41.00

Next €41.00

Next €41.00

Gorgeous dressy shirt, perfect for the office. Stick to the monochrome theme and pair with tailored black trousers or mix it up a bit with a splash of colour and tuck the shirt into a bright pencil skirt (pink orange and yellow really work well as a pop of colour against monochrome)

Dunnes - Gallery Spot Dress €45.00

Dunnes Gallery €45.00

Dunnes Gallery €45.00

Polka dots are a fun way to wear monochrome and this lovely dress from Dunnes will become a wardrobe stable. The faux wrap effect is super flattering on waistlines and bellies and this is a very versatile work dress which can see you right through Autumn and Winter by adding a blazer and black tights.

Closet – Monochrome dress €62.00

Closet €62

Closet €62

So everyone is probably missing Closet dresses ever since A-Wear shut it’s doors, but I found this little number on the Next website. Closet can still be purchased in Next and Dorothy Perkins and they can always be relied on for a good party dress. I love the paneling and structure of the stripes in  this dress and the back is gorgeous with an exposed zip. Perfect for a big night out, a Summer wedding or the races.

River Island – Kimono €33.00

RI Kimono €33.00

RI Kimono €33.00

Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE a good Kimono and River Island are always top of the class when it comes to cool Summer style. Think festivals, Ibiza and general feel good Summer vibes. Now remember you live in Ireland so you will not exactly be skipping around Marley Park in hotpants and this Kimono on a daily basis. But worn as “Glam” evening wear, a Kimono really dresses up an outfit. Wear this over a black vest and black skinnies with heels or over a short black dress and you’re all set for a night on the tiles.

 

What to wear? Returning to work from Maternity Leave

Returning to work from maternity leave is a BIG day! Kind of like the first day of school all over again, a mixed bag of excitement and nerves and feeling like the new girl again. And of course, there is one burning question at the forefront of every mother’s mind as she counts down the final days. No actually, it is not “How will my poor darling child survive without me” but rather, the age old rhetorical, usually uttered as a juvenile wail “WHAT THE FUUUUUUCK AM I GOING TO WEAR?”

Forget about sleepless nights caused by teething, you are more likely to toss and turn in the days leading up to D-Day with thoughts of your return to work outfit. The script of your inner voice will look something like this:

“Oh Jesus, I need to get the bag of work clothes out of the attic soon”

“OMG, was it really 12/15/18 months ago that I packed everything away?”

“Hmmmmm, can’t really remember now what was actually in the bag of work clothes, I think I fired in anything with a waistband once I was 4 months pregnant”

(Starting to panic) “Hopefully something fits me”

(Nervous high pitched laughter) “Something surely will fit me, right?”

(Slumps) “What if I hate everything or it’s all completely out of date and untrendy……..”

“I don’t want to be the fat, frumpy, untrendy aul one of the office……….”

“I want to be like Miranda Kerr getting off a transantlantic flight – cool, coordinated,effortlessly stylish….and skinny”

(Delusional reassurance) “Sure I’ve lost a fair bit of the baby weight and I’ve been doing my walking…….”

(Sitting bolt upright)  “FUCK, I’m going back to work in a week, I need to join weight watchers,lose 2 stone and invest in a whole new wardrobe  by next Monday!!!!!!!!”

Sound familiar? If so then here’s my step by step guide to putting together a return to work outfit that will make you at least look the part, even if your mental state is questionable at best.

So let’s assume that you work in some sort of office type environment that is of the usual semi-formal, smart casual dress code of modern day corporate Ireland. Let’s also assume that regardless of how many millions you have just handed over in crèche fees, you are going to go shopping, that’s just what us ladies do in these circumstances.

Laying the foundations: You need to start with your underwear. Believe it or not, if you have been on leave for the best part of a year you have probably let your standards slide in the lingerie department and have been probably wearing the same three nursing bras on a loop (breastfeeding optional!). Plus, your poor aul boobs have been through an awful lot over the last while and may have changed forever in the process, it’s time to treat them again! Go get measured in M&S and get  some nice, grown up, new bras. I’m also a big fan of Calvin Klein bras and their store in the Kildare outlet always has some great basics at really good prices.

Make sure the trusty spanx/hold in knickers are to hand as they will work wonders under work dresses and trousers in helping to get the right silhouette. And don’t forget you may need to invest in some new G-strings to avoid wearing your granny pants under your work trousers. You may be a busy working mom now but there is NO excuse for the dreaded VPL.

Shops: M&S, Calvin Klein (Kildare), Dunnes do great hold in knickers

Tights: So every Irish lady needs a few decent pairs of tights to hand. Since we enjoy that uniquely Irish climate known as “year-round winter” most of us will be wearing black opaque tights pretty much all the time. So no matter what season you plan to return to work I can guarantee that you will need some nice new tights to hand – black opaque in a heavy denier and you’re sorted. Do not make the mistake of leaving your maternity tights in the drawer and wondering why all of your tights have suddenly grown a pouch and don’t fit you anymore. Bin those bastards as soon as you get the chance.

Shops: Dunnes, Pennys, Wolford, M&S

Footwear: Even if you were the queen of the high heels pre-baby, just remember that it’s probably been a while since you wore proper heels for 8-12 hours straight and also bear in mind that you will most likely be doing a  childcare run involving hoisting a maxi cosy out of the car and waddling under the weight of car seat plus infant to the drop off point,  then a sprint back to the car as you realise how late you are for work. You need shoes that can look stylish and work appropriate but pack a secret punch of practicality and comfort. While flats are great for driving and running around, the bottom line is that they just won’t make you feel as good about yourself as a nice heel. Every inch counts towards making you feel taller and slimmer and arriving back to work with a presence.

Enter the perfect shoe –I discovered these bad boys recently in Marks and Spencer and have been evangelizing about them to all my work girls ever since. They are affordable, comfortable and stylish and their classic style means you can wear them with any outfit, all year round. The added bonus is that M&S are one of the few remaining shops that do half sizes so I went up half a size and they are the perfect fit, so comfy and genuinely wearable all day long. In black and nude patent and at €35 a pair, you would be mad not to get a pair in each colour. The cost per wear you will get out of these shoes will soon be in the minus figures.  And the lady in M&S reliable informed me that they are stocked all year round.

Other tips for a return to work heel – a block heel or a wedge shoe

The clothes: So obviously the options of what to wear are endless (which doesn’t help alieviate the panic). Blazer and trousers, skirt, suit, jeans, dress etc. are all acceptable work wear and all come with their own pros and cons. In order to stay focused and kill lots of birds with one stone, I am going to make that decision for you and narrow it down to one recommendation ….the wrap dress.

A good wrap dress (or wrap effect) is a must have in every working moms wardrobe. It is flattering on every single body shape, is dressy enough for any office environment but casual enough to be comfortable and appear that you’re not trying too hard. Plus the biggest bonus of choosing a nice dress is that it is your whole outfit in one and you can avoid all the challenges of trying to match separates and find the right shoes to go with trouser lengths and tops that will cover waistbands etc.

With the right underwear and good tights, a good wrap dress will sit well and give you a lovely shape, it will flatter boobs, disguise bellies and give you a proper waist and overall feminine silhouette. If you are top heavy or carrying a bit of extra weight then you can wear a vest or shirt under the dress or a nice long cardi or blazer over.

The best places to find a good wrap/effect dress are:

1. DVF – Diane Von Ferstenburg pretty much invested the wrap dress and cannot be beaten in terms of fit, quality and lifelong value. Yes, we are talking designer prices here -a DVF dress will set you back about €400. BUT if you are looking to invest in a really good dress that will last you for years and you can rely on for all manner of dressy day time occasions then you literally cannot go wrong here. Sizes are also generous which will make you feel great about yourself. If the pricetag is a bit much for you, fear not, use the website to check out styles and then look for clever replicas on the high street.

DVF dresses are stocked in Brown Thomas and BT2 and can be purchased online from netaporter.com and theoutnet.com (keep an eye out for the sales on the outnet and you may be pleasantly surprised)

http://eu.dvf.com/dresses/wrap-dresses

2. Phase Eight – this is a great brand for exactly the kind of dresses I am talking about, thick jersey, wrap dresses with sleeves and flattering cowl necks. You may not have heard of them because they are a UK brand and are only stocked in Brown Thomas, however they do ship to Ireland so you can buy online too. I can promise you that you will find the perfect return to work dress in Phase Eight and while still on the higher end of the price range (about €100) they have great sales where you can pick up a fab dress for about €50. And the big bonus, nobody else will have it!

I absolutely love this heart print dress, navy is a gorgeous alternative to black and you will sashay back into the office in a pop of colour and fun. Currently on sale at €49!

Phase Eight Dress

Phase Eight Dress

And currently this fab black number is on sale for €46, you CANNOT go wrong here.

blackphaseeight

Phase-eight.co.uk

3. Dunnes Stores – Admittedly, Dunnes tend to have a better selection of wrap style workwear dresses in Winter than in the Summer but they have made it onto my list as I have got some gorgeous dresses for work here over the years, especially from Savida and Gallery. I got a fab wrap effect red dress in Gallery just before Christmas that was only €35 so well worth keeping an eye out in Dunnes when their Autumn/Winter collections arrive.

4. Marks&Spencer – I’m a big fan of M&S dresses if for no other reason than the fact their range is so vast. If time is limited, you can make M&S your only shop, safe in the knowledge that you are guaranteed to leave with something. Their clothes are very good quality but wearable and washable too. I love their autograph and limited edition ranges for some really stylish and “could be designer” numbers but for staple work dresses, M&S really holds it’s own too with secret support dresses, very reasonable basics and lots of comfy day dresses that are pretty and stylish enough for work. This lovely wrap style is on their Irish website for €54.

5. Oasis – I’ll be honest, I don’t actually buy a whole lot of stuff from Oasis, but I would still always rate them when it comes to looking for a nice dress. They always have lovely feminine dresses and their fabrics and prints are always so pretty and nice for work. Think polka dots, heart prints, florals. Oasis is always an option for a flattering wrap style too. I found this little stunner online. It ticks all the boxes, respectable neckline, sleeves and a really flattering knotted waistline. It comes in a gorgeous royal blue or red (two of my favourite colours) and it’s only €37!!!!! Sure you may as well get one of each :)

Oasis dress €37

Oasis dress €37

The accessories

  • If you have to sell your soul to the devil, try to find some time to get a blow dry the day/night before your return to work (Top Tip, try not to go back on a Monday if at all possible!)
  • Failing the above, make some time to wash/dry your hair properly the night before
  • Do your nails or even better, get somebody else to do them for you. A good blow dry and manicure should be part of your back to work treat to yourself.
  • Dig out all your nice jewellery and WEAR IT! Nice ear rings especially and a necklace since your little one(s) will usually be swinging out of them chances are you haven’t worn any jewellery for the last few months
  • Dust off your best big handbag – DKNY and Michael Kors are top of the pile when it comes to quality, classic, large shopper style bags that are perfect for work
  • Don’t forget to put your make up on, even if it is a half arsed job in the car its better than nothing

 The outerwear

  • A classic beige trench coat is perfect for any time between April-September. Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti always do lovely trenches.
  • October through March – make sure your good black winter coat still fits you, get it dry cleaned to spruce it up and off you go. If you don’t have a good black winter cost then make a beeline for Zara. (Top tip: if your good winter coat is now a year or two older since you’ve last worn it then give it a really quick facelift by it by changing the buttons. Good buttons will make a coat look way more expensive than it is!)

Hopefully the list above has given you a good shopping list and a few tips to prepare you for the big day. Best of luck and big hugs.

Avril

 

 

Orange is the new Black

Nope I’m not referring to the brilliant Netflix series, although it you haven’t seen it yet, put it on the “to do” list. I’m talking about the latest colour trend taking Spring/Summer by storm.

I love strong colours and a strong, bright orange has been top of my shopping list for a few months now. It’s just such a warm, happy colour, a kind of sexy older sister to yellow! Still bright and bubbly, yet just that bit more mature and sassy.

A perfect colour to liven up a head to toe black outfit or to coordinate with white or denim. If you’re scared of looking like a highlighter pen, then think subtle splashes of colour in the form of a statement necklace or handbag.

Depending on your skin or hair colour you also need to choose the best tone of orange to suit you. Here’s a few orange treats that have made their way onto my radar (and some into my wardrobe too!) that can help you give your wardrobe a Vitamin C injection this Summer.

Oasis: 

Oasis Biker Coat €119

Oasis Biker Coat €119

This is a gorgeous coral longline biker jacket that is a real all rounder. Perfect for casual wear over skinnies and a t-shirt or dressy enough to wear to work or for a night out. Also a perfect pop of colour over an all black ensemble, this coat will take you right through into Autumn/Winter. My motto is that that an Irish girl can never have too many coats since who knows what the weather will be like tomorrow!

Dunnes Stores:

Dunnes shift dress €30

Dunnes shift dress €30

Dunnes is a great option for picking up on-trend colours and styles at great prices. This orange shift dress is dressy enough to be glam but simple enough to actually be understated as it’s a lovely deep orange. Perfect for holidays, work or a day event (communion guest or fancy lunch). Buy it online or order it into your local store here

Dunnes top €15

Dunnes top €15

I’ve seen this top in store and it’s gorgeous in real life and with a price tag of €15 you really can’t go wrong. The top is sheer so layer over a nude vest or over an all white/black combo of jeans and vest for a pop of colour. Perfect for a casual weekend look and the scoop neck and short sleeves are very flattering. Order it here

Zara: 

Zara Blazer €49.95

Zara Blazer €49.95

It’s not difficult to understand why Zara is my favourite shop. They have the most beautiful on trend pieces all year round that look designer but come with a budget price tag and their clothes are really well made (if a little on the small side!!!!) I’ve included this blazer to show you some alternative options from the orange colour spectrum. Described as Tangerine, this stunning blazer is the colour of a Solero so perfect for Summer office wear. One of the girls in my office has it (Hi Karina!!) and it is perfect with just a nice white t-shirt underneath and a statement necklace. Order it here

Zara dress €39.95

Zara dress €39.95

This is a perfect Summer holiday dress. It’s baggy enough to be comfy when you are on your hols but the detailed front and low back make it a little bit sexy and exotic for Summer nights abroad. WARNING: it is sleeveless so if like me you hate your arms, a light denim jacket is perfect to throw over it in the evening as a cover up. Order here 

Zara jumper €12.95

Zara jumper €12.95

No this is not a typo, this jumper is indeed just over a tenner!!!!! I have this orange jumper and also got it in white, but to be honest, I’ll probably have bought one in every colour before the Summer is out. A really light fine knit, baggy jumper at this price, it’s a complete no-brainer! it’s so versatile and so comfy you will wear it all the time. Wear it over a crisp white shirt to the office or throw it on over skinny jeans for the weekend. This jumper needs to be front and centre of your Summer wardrobe. Order one in every colour here Oh, and you’re welcome :)

River Island: 

River Island Kimono €47

River Island Kimono €47

I LOVE Kimonos and this one is an absolute cracker for Summer. Kimonos are a great alternative to cardigans and blazers in the Summertime and really dress up an otherwise simple outfit. Let the gorgeous detail of this bad boy do all the talking by pairing it with a simple backdrop of black skinnies and a black vest. The sleeves provide coverage for arms and it’s long enough to cover arses and thighs so just let a bit of clevage peep out of the vest and you will be covered but sooooo glam. And different!!!! Order here

Warehouse: 

Warehouse Maxi €39

Warehouse Maxi €39

Everyone needs a maxi dress for Summer and this lovely orange one from Warehouse ticks all the boxes. The bright orange block colour means that although it is bright enough for Summer, it’s also a neutral base to accessorize with a variety of colours. Gold and orange are a perfect combo so embrace the full on Grecian look with loads of gold bracelets, gladiator sandals and a statement necklace and you’re all set. Order here 

And remember, if I haven’t managed to convince you to Oompa Loompa yourself up this Summer, you can still add subtle pops of orange in the form of jewellery, handbags, shoes and scarves. Orange works brilliantly against black, white and denim so even the smallest splash will add a slice of zest to your wardrobe this summer.

Happy shopping

Avril  

Me in my luminous orange birthday dress - €60 River Island

Me in my luminous orange birthday dress – €60 River Island