think Twice Before you Splurge
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??
Here are 5 tips to HELP YOU THINK TWICE
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Do a regular stock take of your wardrobe to remind yourself of what you have. We usually gravitate to the same styles - more often than not, there is something similar hanging in your wardrobe or stashed in the back of the shelf.
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Establish need v want. If your wardrobe is missing a staple like a good pair of jeans, black blazer or smart white shirt, maybe you can make room and justify the investment. Otherwise, do you really need it?
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Take time and think about it. Put the temptation back on the rail. If you’re still dreaming about the purchase a week or so later, revisit the scene. If that fuzzy feeling comes over you again, treat yourself!! And if the dream garment is out of stock, be thankful that the decision was made for you.
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Try it on & think long term. If it looks good in the mirror, visualize occasions where the garment will be worn. How can it be coordinated with other outfits in your wardrobe? Will it become another relic in your wardrobe or end up in the charity shop pile?
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Remember, there will always be something better hanging on the rails next week. Try to hold off & see how the season plays out. What looks stylish in September might look past it in December. And there’s a good chance the item you wanted to buy at the beginning of the season will be dangling on a bargain rail weeks later at half the price.
A/W 2025 styLE PREDICTIONS
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;
- Faux Fur - not conducive to our warmer winters but faux fur coats, fur collars and scarves are set to be big this Winter. Let’s hope it’s a frosty one.
- Lace everything from trim to whole - this may be a slow burner but elegant lace always seems to break any fashion barrier to become a favourite trend.
- The pencil skirt - continuing from last season... I love this look and if worn right can be very flattering with a tucked-in blouse or top.
- Barely There / Sheer - still on the lace theme, sheer is here if you dare. This look might be better to leave on the catwalk or carefully layered with sheaths of material & undergarments.
- Soft Slouch Bags - already on the pages of fashion magazines and a favourite of SJP on And Just Like That, soft leather slouch bags are here and being worn under the arm as well as over the shoulder.
- Brown is the new black - see all shades of brown from chocolate to earthy tones this season. It's a neutral choice and a nice break away from black, even if it's only for the season.
- Cape Drape Outwear - not sure about this one. A dramatic look that may be difficult to pull off as everyday wear. A cape scarf coat might work if you want to make an entrance & get noticed in a crowd.
- Animal / Leopard Print - does this trend ever go anywhere?
- Belt up - thanks to Muireann O’Connell’s daily Insta clips, I’ve been trying on belts with dresses & skirts and they do transform a look. A/W will see belts wrapped around many styles from bare bellies to over coats.
- Loafers - this is the most disappointing news for me… loafers are back! I know I’ll never be a loafer girl but there are many who can stylishly wear this square polished shoe - whatever works for you!
And on that note, many fashion sources concur that individuality will be huge this season. So we can follow the trends as we find them but do our best to make them our own.
British Vogue has some more A/W trends for you to digest here.
Shiny Happy People
Your jewellery & you ...
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.
Can you identify with any of these bejewelled personality types?
The Daring One
Design: Big beaded necklaces & bracelets, bright-coloured bold earrings, watches to match every outfit.
Personality: Confident, daring, fearless, coordinated, organized.
Dainty Darling
Design: Gold or silver delicate chains, small pendants, stud diamond earrings, small-faced watches with metallic straps, solitaire diamond rings.
Personality: Conscientious, careful, thoughtful, understated, elegant, minimalistic.
She’s So Crafty
Design: Handmade crafted jewellery head to toe.
Personality: Arty, earthy, meaningful, creative, unique.
Miss Tiffany
Design: Branded or designer necklaces, rings, bracelets and watches.
Personality: Confident, proud, expressive, kind to themselves.
The Classy Lady
Design: Classic pearl or diamond necklaces, earrings & bracelets, traditional-style watches.
Personality: Sophisticated, stylish, refined, traditional.
Yesterday’s Girl
Design: Ancestral wedding rings, lockets, heirlooms, charm bracelets.
Personality: Sentimental, empathetic, caring, thoughtful.
The Unadorned
Design: None/maybe the bare minimum pieces on special occasions.
Personality: Simple, natural, no fuss, practical.
The Future Of Vintage
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.
Nevertheless, the popularity of shopping in charity and thrift shops continues with these retail outlets getting busier all the time. There is a bit of work involved when browsing through second hand clothes as many of us might find we have better hanging in our own wardrobes. But that’s the challenge, to seek out the good finds that are off season and something no one else will have. There is a certain thrill in discovering that alternative quality piece of clothing, at a good price, sometimes donating to a worthy cause.
No longer looked down upon, thrifting is now considered a smarter way of shopping being the environmentally friendly and sustainable choice. Pegged as ‘recommerce’ or the 'anti-fast movement', shoppers are becoming swappers believing in ‘out with the old old, in with the new old.’ There are many popular online platforms where you can buy and sell clothes, like Vinted and Depop. Although I haven’t used them, they are ideal for making some extra cash or finding branded items for less.
The thrifting or second-hand market is only going in one direction. Now with big fashion brands increasingly embracing this ideal, it feels like the future is only getting brighter for the circular economy.
Hello Kitty
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.
In the 1960's, Audrey Hepburn was responsible for the popularity of kitten heels following her movies such as ‘Breakfast At Tiffanys’ and ‘Funny Face’. In the 90's this trend made a resurgence as I remember well from my shoe selling days, the shelves were lined with kitten heel shoes and mules, often suede with a ornate diamante embellishments.
Roll on another thirty years or so, this feminine chic style is back again, this time in many varied forms including open-toe, t-bar, mules and slingbacks. Last week I tried on a pair of black slingbacks in Dunnes Stores (see picture). Wearing denims at the time, I found them to be quite flattering for the short length of time I hobbled around in them. As I had just sprained my ankle, I decided to put them back on the shelf not wanting to topple over again so soon. But they are definitely earmarked for my shoe collection at a later date this Summer.
Other styles that are making a comeback this year are the low block heels and ballet pumps.
For more shoe trends S/S 2025, visit here. (ELLE Magazine - May 2025 edition)
Women in Suits
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.
Women’s trouser suits are popping up on the red carpets and catwalks more and more frequently these days. This statement style is empowering as it imbues strength and individuality. There is something rebelliously feminine about stepping out in a well-tailored jacket and trouser suit. And along with the tailored waistcoat that is also making a comeback this Spring/Summer 2025, women can feel like they're breaking all the rules.
Trouser suits can be worn casually with a simple tee and runners. Or for a more formal/business look, dressed up with heels and a smart blouse or shirt. And for those feeling adventurous, a tie or dicky bow can perfectly complement the look, depending on the occasion.
Another style plus, suit pieces can be worn as separates with alternative tops and bottoms in your wardrobe.
Hopefully the long flowing dresses that have been on the shop rails for one season too many will move over to make room for this chic new trend. It’s time for a style revolution!
Read more - The suit trend was everywhere at the 2025 Met Gala
Glamour Magazine - May 2025 edition (Kathleen Walsh)
(Image from Vogue Magazine)
Going Old Scholl
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?
The Scholl brand was started by podiatrist William Mathias Scholl in 1906 and would typically bring to mind flat sensible shoes worn by your mother back in the 70s when these sandals were marketed as ‘exercise sandals’. Known for comfort and functionality, they were the practical choice although considered versatile enough to be worn for many occasions.
Now they are making a comeback in a different light and can be seen on the pages of glamour mags worn by fashion icons such as SJP and Lily Rose Depp. Unlike the casual Birkenstocks that can be unflattering and difficult to pull off with grace, Scholls manage to exude that extra oomph that could potentially give any outfit a lift. I can imagine that this style will work well with long flowy dresses, flared jeans, denim skirts and culottes.
We may not all be able to afford the Scholl/Balenciaga Frankenshoe priced at around €800 but I am looking forward to this style hitting the high street shops. I have a feeling that it is only the beginning as this trend might be around for the next few Summers, and along with the return of the wooden clog mules, they will definitely hear us coming!
Read more - Why Fashion Can’t Get Enough Of Granny Shoes
Vogue Magazine - January 2025 Edition (Alice Cary)
Get the Blazer Look
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.
We have all probably spotted the model on the pages of fashion magazines wearing a vintage white tee with a black oversized blazer, torn stone-washed denims and white stilettos. Admittedly not many women can effortlessly pull off this look. But it might be a good idea to invest in a good quality black or neutral-coloured blazer that you can have hanging in your wardrobe at the ready to throw over just about any outfit. You can choose a well-fitted tailored option or personally I prefer the oversized style that appears more casual & on trend. Or why not have both as they are classic and timeless pieces.
Blazers are perfect for this time of year when you are packing away your winter jackets and will take you through Spring and even well into Summer to wear on a balmy night out for dinner with friends.
20 Blazer Outfit Ideas You'll Want to Wear Tomorrow (Instyle Magazine - Feb 2025)
(Trivia: The word "blazer" originated from the bright, red jackets worn by members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club at St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1825, where the term "blazer" referred to the "blazing" or noticeable red colour of the jackets.)
Loafing Around this Spring
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.
Many stylish women can effortlessly pull off wearing loafers pairing them with jeans, tailored trousers, skirts and dresses. Loafer styles have different sole textures, heel heights, shapes and embellishments that allow women to choose from a range of designs for their wardrobes. And you don't have to pay a fortune to get the look as most high street shops carry loafers that exude designer luxury and style. I know by the end of this Summer I will be tempted to add a pair to my shoe collection but if they trigger haunting memories of school uniforms, nuns and knee high socks, I may have to give this one a miss.
Here are some loafer tips from Glamour magazine (author Kelsey Stiegman)
Keep it or Ditch it?
How many times do you regret giving away a piece of clothing? Those moments when you’re standing in front of the mirror and wishing you still had that short black cardigan or pencil skirt that you thought had become too bobbly or worn. Are there some garments in your wardrobe that you should put aside just in case the occasion ever arises? Many fashion articles tell us to declutter to get rid of anything too worn, old fashioned or clothes that don’t make us feel good. But in today’s world of fast fashion, I am beginning to think that we should try to reinvent the good quality clothes we have hanging in our wardrobes or alternatively store them away for a rainy (or sunny) day.
(Trivia: The word "blazer" originated from the bright, red jackets worn by members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club at St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1825, where the term "blazer" referred to the "blazing" or noticeable red colour of the jackets.)
Dotty for Dots in 2025
Polka dots are back on trend this year with designers showcasing this design on the catwalk. For many it was a must have in the 80's when Pretty Woman star Julia Roberts wore that chocolate brown polka dot dress attending a polo match with her handsome love interest Richard Gere. It looks like this timeless style has not changed too much over the years as the dresses & blouses currently in high street shops maintain the same classic look.
The February edition of online Vogue offers inspiration on how best to join the dots with other looks (article by Cortne Bonilla)
