Helen McAlinden A/W 11 Collection

This morning Irish designer Helen McAlinden showcased her a/w 11 collection at her new boutique on Dublin’s South William Street. Featuring an assortment of go-to garments in luxe fabrics and finishes, the range makes everyday luxe a delicious expectation. Key pieces include a classic wool and cashmere wrap coat, cable knit coatigan, tartan mohair jacket and an expertly draped snakeskin printed wrap dress. Info: Helen McAlinden, 20 South William Street, Dublin 2. 01-672 9633.

Stylist: Mark Andrew Kelly
Hair/Make-up: Dylan Bradshaw
Shoes: LK Bennett
Furs: Barnardos
Gloves: Paula Rowan

It's On!

After Monday's biblical floods and predictions of snow (according to last night's cab driver) as early as next week, I'm feeling rather smug. "Why?" you may ask looking at the video below. Granted I was unable to pass the de facto lake that had once been Ravensdale Park due to lack of waterproof footwear but that's all changed. I've got my Sorel boots from Fitzpatricks strapped to each tootsie - that's why! What's more, these beauties (favoured by Sundance filmies and Elle MacPherson), were test-driven only last Monday in the freak-ass floods without so much as a leak. Are we impressed? Erm, yes! So, it's on - Mr. Weather. Do your worst!!

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How to Wear It - Irish Examiner - Oct 22nd

HOW TO WEAR IT...VINTAGE
Step back in time with a one-of-a-kind vintage find.... Annmarie O’Connor shows you how.

Look 1
It’s not often you discover a gem like this original military jacket. A maxi skirt and t-shirt provide an uncluttered backdrop; while the bullet necklace adds some armoury.

Army jacket, 9 Crow Street Clothing €60
V-neck tee, American Apparel €24
Necklace, Forever 21 €7.90
Skirt, Annmarie’s own
Kurt Geiger boots, Brown Thomas €195

Look 2
This `60s brocade skirt was a total find! I love the sweetness of the textured mohair sweater and the ballet flats make it oh-so-wearable.

COS mohair sweater, BT2 €69.95
1960s brocade maxi skirt, Shotsy Vintage €18
Kurt Geiger ‘Lilian’ ballerina flats, Brown Thomas €155

Look 3 

I had my alterations centre convert this tweed coat into a gilet by removing the sleeves. It makes for an ideal layering piece with an Aran cardi and sweater dress.

Tweed gilet, Oxfam Vintage €30
Aran cardigan, Penneys €16
Boots, Topshop €103
Dress, Annmarie’s own

Credits
Styled by Annmarie O’Connor
Assisted by Bríd Ní Laochdha
Photos by Maura Hickey

WhatSheWears.ie Guest Editor

I play guest editor this week on award-winning fashion website WhatSheWears.ie. Many thanks to Gillian Brett for kindly considering me. CLICK HERE for a goo!

www.whatshewears.ie

How to Wear It - Irish Examiner - Oct 8th

HOW TO WEAR IT...ANIMAL PRINT
Fancy trying out some animal print?.... Annmarie O’Connor shows you how to heed the call of the wild.  

Outfit 1
Looking for drama? A cheetah print faux fur can make a simple black silhouette pop.  
Cheetah print faux fur coat, Topshop €149
D&G sweater, Brown Thomas €190
By Malene Birger leather skirt, Brown Thomas €440
Glasses and shoes, Annmarie’s own

Credits
Styled by Annmarie O’Connor
Assisted by Bríd Ní Laochdha
Photos by Maura Hickey

Let's Do It for Ben

We all love a good knees up but we love it all the more when the proceeds go to a deserving charity. Ben Murphy is a very sick little boy whose parents need to raise €30-40,000 for a specialist consultation in the USA and another €200,000 if deemed suitable for his operation. There is currently no real media backing behind this charity but if we can generate even a spark of exposure, it could go a long way towards helping a child in need. All you have to do is pay €10 to attend a fashion show / mahoosive party on October 11th in Dublin's Lost Society. Not a bad deal. Tickets available on the door. More details @ www.letsdoitforben.com. 

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Karl Donoghue

Join me at Brown Thomas, Dublin tomorrow as I introduce British designer Karl Donoghue and his winter 2011 collection. 

This unique Q&A / styling presentation will take place at Brown Thomas, Dublin this Thursday, 6th October from 6.30pm on Level 2.  

Well known and loved for his ready to wear and accessory collection made from the finest shearling and leather, Karl’s pieces have been spotted on fashionable faces from Erin O’Connor to Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss.  

Get an insight into what inspires this London-based designer, along with top tips on how to wear his versatile wardrobe staples.

Gratitude

A belated thank you to Meg O'Keeffe at Image magazine for featuring I Blog Fashion in her Top Blogs feature. Pick up a copy of the November issue today for the full article.