Olivia is officially a blogger!!!

I could hardly contain my excitement when I found out that style icon Olivia Palermo had just launched a style blog. It will contain regular updates on fashion (yay) as well as travel and beauty tips from her globe trotting around the worls to style updates from various Fashion Weeks!

Prepare to get hooked peeps:

http://www.oliviapalermo.com/

Credit: http://www.oliviapalermo.com/

The September Issue...

I took a little haiatus from mylittleblogdress of late but could not resist the urge to start blogging again!

Whilst I must confess to not being the biggest fan of Spring/Summer fashion (what's the point in Ireland!?), I adore Autumn/Winter  fashion and in case you have moved to a sunny climate, you cannot but have noticed the darker evenings, the cool chilly breeze in the mornings and the need for hot water bottles!!

But fear not, as the new A/W trends are arriving in stores at the moment and there is something to suit every taste, size and shape.

Zara has produced a strong trend driven collection which is full of jewel coloured tones such as berry/crimson, mustard and jade with splashes of metallic in gold, silver and bronze adding a glamourous touch.

Animal print looks like it's here to stay too and whilst leopard print dominated the looks last season, snakeskin has replaced its spots on everything from shoes, clutch bags, scarves and wallets.

The 60s mod trend can also be seen in the form of peter pan collars, swing coats and pleating on skirts.

Skirt length has been dropped a few inches from the hem and the mid-length skirt or midi looks like it's here to stay.

Leather too is huge this season. Leather trimmed tops, leather panelling, leather tunics, skirts and leather leggings (think Isabel Marrant style) are all featuring heavily in the shops.

I will follow up this post with mylitttleblogdress's star buys for the season ahead but in the meantime I hope I have whet your appetite for a/w fashion....

Get the Whitney look!

This is a photo of me grinning inanely as I'm standing next to Whitney Port at the launch of the Summertime Festival

I was running so late that I had to beg the PR people to let me meet her and get my bag signed!

Whitney was exactly how she comes accross on screen, friendly and sweet.

I complimented her on her Topshop jacket which I think she appreciated! So if you are looking to emulate Whitney's affordable style, buy her exact jacket in Topshop priced at €99.00:

Photos courtesy of Entertainment.ie

Whitney Port launches Summertime Festival

Fashionistas/The City/Hills fans, get yourselves down to Kildare Outlet Village on Friday 01 July 2011 to meet the lovely Whitney Port!

The City star and fashion designer will be in Kildare to launch the Summertime Festival at 7.30 pm and showcase her self designed canvas tote in aid of Barrretstown!

The bag costs a mere €15.00 and all proceeds are going to a very worth cause! Support the cause and meet Whitney Port....I'll be there, just like don't tell Olivia!!

For more info check out: 
 http://www.kildarevillage.com

Olivia gets tangoed...

DO embrace colour this season like Olivia Palermo (pictured above) who looked stunning in a bright tangerine shift dress from the Victoria Beckham Dress Collection.

Olivia teamed her look with her favourite Charlotte Olympia leopard print shoes and a bright pink clutch bag for a colour blocking edge.

I love her choice of shoes with this look and I love that she has scraped back her hair and let her dress be the focus but I don't think her choice of bag works as there's enough going on already.

What are your thoughts?

Credit: Zimbio Pictures

Summer Sales.....WINNING!!

If there was a prize for getting the biggest bargains during the sales, I may have just won!

The Summer sales have well and truly begun and with most shops offering 40% - 50% reductions, now is the time to snap up some great bargains.

Sales always tend to bring out my bad side  i.e. stalking an item that I think someone might snatch before me, spending too much money, justifying spending too much money and generally losing the run of myself whilst trying to get a 'good deal'. 

However, this time around I have managed to only spend on items that will last and carry me through to other seasons i.e. I am embracing quality over quantity. 

With this new thinking in mind, I made my way to Mulberry in Brown Thomas and found the 40% reduction in their bags too hard to resist. I have always lusted after a Mulberry bag but never been able to afford it so when I justified the purchase to myself and calculated the cost per wear ratio (v important don't you know!), I bought the Mulberry Lily Bag! (see photo below)

Here  are my tips for sale shopping:

1. Don't simply buy something because it is reduced. Think if you are actually going to wear it and if it fits in with your existing wardrobe. If it doesn't, it's probably a mistake.

2. Invest in quality i.e. go for good tailoring, high quality leather etc

3. If you're going to invest in Designer, make sure that you're not buying into a fad trend that will be out of fashion before you know it and instead, invest in classic designs that will exude Designer luxury.
4. Try not to exceed your credit card limit!! ;)

Pippa loves Maje..

I've already proclaimed my love for French label 'Maje' in a previous post but it looks like I'm not the only one enchante by this label as Pippa Middleton proves, wearing a red floral skirt from the French label. 

Since the Royal Wedding Pippa has become an  overnight sensation and has been photographed consistently ever since. She is always championing the High Street and wears labels such as Zara, Whistles and Maje.

Whilst I love that she has teamed her Maje skirt with a simple tee and black blazer, I'm not so keen on the white gold buckled pumps (Is it just me, or is she constantly wearing these?) or the shiny flesh tights! I think black peep toes (minus the tights) and a clutch would have complimented the skirt better. What do you think?

If you fancy buying this skirt or checking out other Maje clothing, click on:

http://eboutique.maje.com/eboutique-maje/e11/silhouette-fiche,1045 

Credit: Zimbio Pictures

God Save Her Style

Whatever your personal or political views are about  Queen Elizabeth II's visit to our fair Isle,  one cannot deny her style!

The Queen arrived dressed in a green (rather appropriately I might add) and turquoise dress with a green dress coat and hat for her first historic visit to the Republic of Ireland.

She later changed into a cream dress and coat with floral detail in a moss green (I see a theme emerging) and accessorised with her usual black gloves, shoes and handbag. Her hat finished off the look nicely.

One cannot help but wonder whether the colours chosen for the Queen's visit were deliberate insofar as green is associated with Ireland and cream is symbolic of peace but whatever her reasons were behind her outfits, one cannot but salute her Majesty's royal style!

Credit: Zimbio Pictures

           Evening Herald 17/05/11

Olivia does masculine tailoring...

Yes it's another Olivia post! (I know, I know!)

If you were a fan of 'The City', you may recall Olivia's constant rants about how much she loved masculine tailoring to Creative Director of Elle Joe Zee, who happened to like, love it too.  

Anyway, it would appear that she does and as only Olivia can do, she manages to pull off black skinnies, with a white shirt and blazer accessorised with a black silk tie with crystal brooch, Charlotte Olympia leopard print heels and a perspex clutch. 

Whilst ordinarily I couldn't imagine this look working, Olivia pulls it off with aplomb in her usual glossy, groomed way.

Credit: Zimbio Pictures

J'adore le français...

If you have bought any fashion magazines lately, you may have noticed the striking add campaign for clothing brand 'The Kooples'.

A relatively new brand, the adds feature models posing as a couple with details of how they met, how long they have been dating etc.

The brand itself designs edgy fashion staples such as lace tops, leather shorts and tailored jackets etc. It was announced yesterday that rock n'roll hellraiser Pete Doherty will be designing an exclusive menswear range for the label...now that will be interesting!

Unfortunately there is no store on these shores as of yet but the clothes are available to buy online on http://www.thekooples.co.uk/

Another label worth noting is French label Maje, which has recently been launched in BT2 stores nationwide.

Striking the perfect balance between Carine Roitfeld's sophisticated soignée and Julia Restoin Roitfeld's sartorial joie de vivre, the French line Maje is comprised of super-chic staples that are sure to leave you enchante.

For anyone who loves Isabel Marant, this label is for you and with the Anna Wintour seal of approval firmly embossed, any budding Fashionista out there worth their Miu Miu should check out this label.

http://www.maje-paris.fr/#/en

Also keep an eye out for Sandro, yet another French label exclusively available in Brown Thomas. Girly yet tailored classics...

http://www.sandro-paris.com/accueil

Style icon in the making....

French Actress Clemence Poesy has made quite an impact on the fashion world with her tres chic Parisian style.

As a style ambassador for Chanel, she is frequently seen in their couture designs. Off duty she wears labels such as Isabel Marant and teams skinny jeans with loose fitting blouses or embellished jackets, finishing off the look with a trilby for a slightly edgier look.

I love that she never looks overly done. She wears little make up and has slighly messy tousled hair, which compliments her easy going innate sense of style! Oui J'adore!

These are just a few of my favourite looks. To emmulate her look, try brands such as Maje, Sandro (both available in BT2) and even Zara for inspiration.

See: http://www.maje-paris.fr/
http://www.sandro-paris.com/accueil

Credit: Zimbio Pictures

The Olivia effect...

As regular readers of mylittleblogdress will know, I'm slightly obsessed with Ms. Palermo's style for two reasons namely: 

1. She rarely gets it wrong and always looks immaculately groomed. (Ok that's 2 reasons)

2. She wears High Street, making her look attainable for the masses.

In relation to the latter,I came across this gorgeous oversized bag during my lunch break the other day and subsequently found this picture of Olivia Palermo with same.

It is a large tote/shopper bag from Zara and is priced at €119.00. It is the perfect accessory for a weekend break or a stylish alternative to canvas bags for shopping trips! 

If you fancy channelling some downtown New Yorker chic, hop down to Zara and pick this bag up in either tan, red or beige.  

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/ie/en/zara-S2011/61145/196027/PLAITED%2BSHOPPER

Credit: Zimbio Pictures and Zara

Oh no you di'int!!

This is what happens when bad hair happens to good people! Cheryl Cole and SJP.....what were ye thinking??

Although Cheryl is responsible for making big, wavy blow drys stylish, her influence stops right there! This bouffant looks horrendous!! It looks like she got an electric shock, combed back the static hair and finished off the look with a whole can of Elnett hairspray and don't even get me started on that colour blocking disaster of an outfit!

Sarah Jessica Parker fails to impress with this bouffant hair don't! Although unlike Cheryl, at least she managed to get the outfit right and unlike Cheryl, she does not look like an extra on a Scobby Doo movie set! Meow!

Credit: Zimbio Pictures

Royal fever withdrawls

I cannot believe I have not posted anything on the Royal Wedding! With so much hype, rumour and speculation about who would design Kate Middleton's dress, the beautiful bride, to some critics surprise, chose to walk down the aisle in a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen creation.

Catherine Middleton or should I say the Duchess of Cambridge, looked exquisite in her gown, which had a similar lace sweetheart neckline to that adorned by Princess Grace of Monaco on her wedding day.

There was however another Middleton turning heads on the big day  namely Pippa Middleton, sister of Catherine and Maid of Honour, whose  profile has literally skyrocketed since wearing that dress. It is incredible how one dress can generate such a buzz but as was the case with Elizabeth Hurley in her infamous Versace safety pin dress, Pippa is no exception! Pippa is set to become a style icon with rumours circulating that she has been inundated with offers of  fashion photoshoots already. She has even been dubbed 'Your Royal Hotness' by the media.

Pippa's ivory Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress with its simple cowl neck and fitted silhouette complimented Catherine's dress beautifully. 

With the wedding over, it remains to be seen how the Duchess of Cambridge's style will evolve with that of her new Royal Title but one things for sure, all eyes will be on her from now.

As I struggle with post Royal Fever,  I will no doubt continue to watch re runs of Will and Kate- The Road to Romance (cringe), re-watch their wedding on sky plus and buy just about every copy of Hello or Grazia I can get my hands on!

Credit: Zimbio Pictures

Steal her Style...

This is how to do colour blocking without looking like a fashion victim!

Katie Holmes  nailed the look and looks gorgeous in her Holmes & Yang top, Miu Miu shoes, and a skirt and cross body bag both by Ann Taylor.

To achieve this look on the High Street, I've selected a few key pieces:

  

Ariana shirt from Reiss - €140.00

Coral skirt- Zara - €29.95

Shoes- Zara- €79.95

Credit: justjared.buzznet.com 

South William VVIP Awards...

Last night I attended the South William VVIP Awards in Andrews Lane Theatre.

The VVIP Awards is an awards ceremony with a difference....it does not take itself seriously nor is it pretentious  in any way with awards including 'Best Haircut, Best DJ who can't DJ, Best Bar in Administration/Receivership etc...Props to Sir Anthony Remedy for putting on such a stellar night! I will be def be back next year...

There were plenty of stylish hipsters in attendance and I snapped a few of my fave:

The gorgeous Cici Cavanagh rocking a vintage jumpsuit with turquoise accessories. Describing her style as Boy George  meets rock n' roll meets KISS. Cici won Best Haircut on the night and thanked peroxide and all the little children who shave their heads so she can add it to her own....what a ledge!

Chewy wearing an eclectic mix of a Hawaiian shirt, denim cut offs and a sailor hat!

Former Big Brother Housemate Caoimhe Guilfoyle keeping it simple and stylish in a jeans and tee. Her style icon? Irish stylist and blogger Annemarie O'Connor. 

The lovely  Louise Johnston and Vogue Wilson looking stunning. Vogue's style icon is Alexa Chung and it shows when you look at her white tee, leather shorts and statement accessories ensemble. I want her clutch bag!! Louise takes inspiration from everyday life and people and looked very sophisticated in her navy pencil dress and nude accessories. Gawjus!

 Miriam Mataboro- Isn't she a dead ringer for Rhianna?

Nidge McGee rocking his Paul Smith man bag in style!

The lovely Joanne from BLINK PR 

Andy Kennedy in double denim

Eco conscious fashion

H&M are launching their Conscious Collection next Thursday 14th April!

The collection which caters for women, men and children is made from environmentally adapted and greener materials such as organic cotton, Tencel® and recycled polyester. Eco warrior or not, you can invest in the collection guilt free!

The collection consists of crisp white broderie anglaise, lace and cotton tunics, dresses, tops and shorts. 

Natalie Portman has already been pictured in a beautiful white lace tunic from the collection, which means it is sure to sell out! It's not surprising to see the Oscar winner supporting such a collection since she is a devoted vegan and even launched her own vegan shoe range a few years ago.

If previous H&M limited edition collections are anything to go by, get queing early to avoid disappointment!

Prada to Penneys....

Primark aka Penneys has launched its Spring Summer 2011 collection and it's full of stylish staples like this Prada inspired dress above. Prada's s/s collection featured dresses with banana prints and other tropical fruits and was worn by Eva Mendes and Anna Wintour. This lemon fruit print dress is tres cute! Team it with pumps for day and strappy wedges or heels for night.

For a affordable fashion fix you can't go wrong with Penneys! Here are some looks from the collection to inspire you....

Credit: http://www.look.co.uk/ and visit Penneys stores nationwide

Workin 9 to 5 ...

I'm always on the look out for fashionable stylish and affordable work wear, so my stylish followers, I have scoured the shops and brought you some essential items for you to revamp your office look:

There are a few wardrobe staples essential to any workplace namely:

• A tailored suit
• A well cut pencil or shift dress
• Comfortable heels
• A crisp white shirt

Here a few items to kickstart your office look:

1. These black peep toes from Marks and Spencer are a great buy as they contain Insolia technology which make them easy and comfortable to wear. 

They also come in a gorgeous red/burnt orange suede which would look fab with a grey dress, tapered trousers or skirt or any block colour to make the look pop.

2. This dress is clever insofar as it gives the illusion of seperates i.e. a top and skirt with a belt. What it does is create a lovely hourglass shape whilst nipping you in at the waist and giving you some definition. Wear on its own or with a blazer or cardigan for the office.

3.  Why not wear a pop of colour for a spring/summer look? Team with nude accessories.

4. Tapered trousers are more flattering than you think! Tuck in a crisp white shirt or colourful top and wear with heels or pumps.

5. Invest in a good blouse or shirt for work and you can mix and match it with everything. If you're going for white/cream, make sure you pick a good quality fabric such as cotton, silk or viscose that has been property lined so it is not see through.

6. Admittedly bias when it comes to this bag as I have one but I think it is a great classic. Not only does Reiss' Bleecker bag resemble the Hermes Birkin,  it's also made of quality soft leather and has beautiful gold lock detail. It's also big enough to fit all your bits and bobs and looks tres chic for the boardroom. It comes in black, caramel and white/black.

• Looks 1 -3- Marks and Spencer. See www.marksandspencer.com or visit stores nationwide
• Looks 4-5- Zara- www.zara.com
• Look 6- Reiss- www.reiss.co.uk