Not that long ago, my world was a place where no-one dared to wear a tuck. Nothing was ever exposed on the front side of the outfit as it looked better to let everything hang out on the outside. The main purpose of the baggy jumper, the oversized shirt or the long tee was to hide the midriff and any protruding belly that may lay underneath. I never questioned this style, it just looked right.

Over the last twenty years, the Christmas jumper has gradually been gaining popularity. Be it in the workplace, on a pub crawl or at the annual Christmas party, year after year these flashy knitted garments have become part and parcel of Christmas. And the gaudier the better. It’s no longer embarrassing Dads with the flashing red noses who are causing the cringe factor. Today both young and old, males and females, are willing to spend at least one day a year looking seasonally kitsch.

Cowboy boots are definitely having their moment this Autumn/Winter thanks to Beyonce, Taylor, CMAT and the pages of fashion magazines. Some of us might have a pair stashed at the back of our wardrobes from days gone by, in which case it might be time to dust off the toes and try them on for size. This heavy wooden clunky footwear style may not suit everyone..  only the fearless & edgy who dare to push the boundaries of fashion, mainly due to the fact that styling cowboy boots needs careful planning and consideration. The boots have to be the star of the show owning every outfit. All other style facets get in line and hope to become part of the look.

When the new season begins, it’s often difficult for many of us to say no to freshening up our wardrobes with new garb. Especially with so many new styles, colours and trends hanging on the shops' rails, temptation is everywhere. Even though you know your wardrobe is choco and it’s time to declutter rather than clutter, sometimes it's impossible to resist. After all, we are the victims of consumerism living in a world of fast fashion. It's not our fault, right??

It’s almost that time of year again. Shop rails are starting to fill up and we’re catching glimpse of what trends are ahead for the rest of the year. According to Harper's Bazar, here are the top 10 trends to look out for this Autumn/Winter 2025;

Gold & silver, diamonds & pearls, what does the jewellery you wear say about you? More than an accessory, jewellery can often express someone’s style and personality. From bright bold statement pieces to elegant and subtle designs, jewellery can give the world an insight into who you really are.

Recently shopping in a second-hand shop in Dublin, I got talking to the shop owner who spoke about how it is becoming increasingly difficult to source good quality used clothing as fast fashion has been rapidly on the rise over the last twenty years. It’s challenging for vintage shop owners to get their hands on non-High Street, obscure brands to hang on their rails to satisfy the avid thrift shoppers.

This year we're seeing shoe styles from the 1990's coming back with a bang. Especially kitten heels with those extra pointed toes. It's a confusing trend as the height is not high enough to elongate the body (5cm approx.) and yet not flat enough to walk too far in comfort. Regardless, they are very present this Summer in the High Street shops, on the catwalk and pages of fashion magazines.

There's lots to love about Andie MacDowell’s recent red carpet appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. Her natural long grey hair was creatively camouflaged in a sleek cropped up-style and she wore a black tuxedo that looked more sophisticated than an elegantly designed Chanel gown. Fabulous! And at age 67, she shows us that women can stand out and be unique at any age.

Last week brings the launch of a new breed of sandal that combines haute couture with comfort, cushion and support for your feet. Introducing the ‘Frankenshoe’ - designer brand Balenciaga has collaborated with orthopaedic brand Scholl to invent this hybrid footwear that has all the features of the classic Scholl Pescura sandal with a cork sole and spindle heel. What’s not to love? 

Blazers used to be considered formal, bringing to mind job interviews, old fashioned fuddy-duddy suits and something to bury yourself in. Nowadays blazers are one of the most adaptable pieces of clothing you can have in your wardrobe as you can match them with denims, shorts, dresses or skirts.

Loafer shoes are a trend this Spring/Summer and one that I am slow to warm to. To me they appear masculine, conservative, plain and too professional for everyday wear.  But I felt the same resistance towards wearing runners with dresses & skirts when this style became popular about a decade ago.