Once upon a time, not so very long ago it was all about following trends. Now it’s more about buying wisely. So what makes an investment purchase? Usually something you will wear often and feel comfortable in. At present there are a few pieces that look as if they’re not going to date overnight. If you love something, can afford it and know you will treasure it, then sometimes it’s worth investing in a special piece. Remember the golden rules… you must answer yes to the following 3 questions; – Can I afford it?… Do I love it? and Does it work well with my wardrobe?
Wearable Art
It’s expensive but it’s to die for and it’s top of my wish list (friends and family make a note please!) for S/S 2012 because the design is borrowed from nature and made with love on the banks of Lake Como.
A brightly printed scarf adds a dash of colour to a monochrome outfit. In the luxury bracket, Richard Weston scarves are extra special because they are inspired by his intimate knowledge and love of nature. As the Brown Thomas sales assistant pulled it out of the box, it sprang into life, almost taking flight. Such is the organic quality of the silk satin and the vibrant print.
Prize winning architect and landscape designer, Professor Richard Weston creates unique pieces inspired by the forms, patterns shapes and colours found in nature. His luxurious collection of silk satin scarves are digitally printed with mineral stone and fossil designs. Given their affinity to nature’s beauty it is fitting that they are printed and made in an artisan fashion at Lake Como in Italy. Weston scarves are available on line at westonearthimages.com.
Orange Pietersite Print Silk Scarf, Weston Scarves £165.00 (€190)from www.liberty.co.uk and Brown Thomas nationwide
The Little Red dress
Kate Middleton wore this Issa dress in long sleeved blue for her engagement and it sold out worldwide within 24 hours. I splurged out on the red version three years previously for a special occasion, though in my usual fashion I managed to get it at the Harvey Nichol’s sale (I have a policy of never paying full whack). The style has proved so timeless, Issa have once again included it in their collection. It’s very accommodating if like me your weight fluctuates. Pricey, but the good news is there hasn’t been a price increase since it was first introduced.
Red knot-front dress in silk jersey €460 at www.matchesfashion.com
Star Print dress
Star prints have been around for the past three years. It started with Chanel and was followed by other major fashion houses. Remember the skull print (began at McQueen) has been around for eight years and is till going strong. The star denotes more optimism than the skull and I think it’s a winner for a few seasons ahead. Get it in scarves or in this cute little dress.
Star Print dress at Zara,€69.95
A Great White shirt
A timeless classic: – one white shirt is a must in every woman’s wardrobe. Here’s an elegant take on the white shirt;- perfect with jeans or skirts. It could even be worn with a long skirt as part of a formal wedding outfit.
SHAWL COLLAR CROSS-OVER SHIRT WITH TIE FRONT PRICE: £89.95 NOW £54.00 (€68)from www.theshirtcompany.com
The Aspirational Piece
If money were no object this hand embroidered dress is my number one choice. Just when I’ve begun thinking designers have gone boring I’m blown away by the exquisite hand embroidered work and creativity in this dress and shrug. It’s by innovative Japanese designer Junya Watanabe and is available at www.netaporter.com It’s sure to be a celebrity winner this season as no mere mortal could afford it.
I’m in awe of how utterly fabulous it is and simply had to show it to you. Makes me want to get the sewing machine out again… Anyone got a red faux leather jacket I could cut up?
Available at www.netaporter.com
The Versatile Tunic
Easy to wear tunic dress has a nod to Tribal in the addition of coral and turquoise beading, especially when paired with flat sandals. You don’t have to be skinny to wear this silk piece. It’s extremely versatile and can look quite 60’s if you backcomb the front of your hair and wear it with coral stilettos. On the other hand, wear it with flat sandals for a look that says effortless chic. For colder days, try it over skinny jeans.
EMBELLISHED CUFF SHIRT DRESS by Warehouse €95
Printed skinny jeans
Top fashion label Current Elliot was at the forefront of this trend with their animal print jeans. It looks set to continue as it hits the high street. Tacky in natural leopard but ultra cool in grey/black! Among an endless choice of printed denims, there’s a gorgeous pair of giraffe print jeans by RICH & SKINNY available online at www.revolveclothing.com
ANIMAL PRINT ULTRA SKINNY JEANS by Warehouse €60
www.revolveclothing.com have a variety of printed jeans varying in price from $145 to $299
Digital print
Digital printing started with designers like McQueen and 3 years later it’s gaining momentum among high street labels. It can be great in blue… images of outer galactic space odysseys!
Fluid marble print dress €175.00 by Karen Millen
Cargo Jeans
If you’re cash rich invest in the original J-brand cargo jeans. If not there’s lots of choice in a variety of price brackets. Remember these are different to utility pants worn loose. Wear them tight for a super sexy look. Add a pair of heels and a fluid white shirt.
TOMMY HILFIGER CARGO JEANS from asos.com vary in price from €85.00 to €95 depending on the model, fabric and detail.
Two Tone Heels
Two tone heels are hot this season especially in this colour combination.
LAMINATED HEEL SANDAL by Zara, €59.95
The Blazer
The blazer as seen at Stella Mc Cartney for the past five seasons, is now just catching on in the high street. Pretty in pink, this is a versatile and elegant jacket.
BLAZER in almond pink, €99.95 at Zara
A go-everywhere bag
A classic bag in the season’s statement colourcan be bought on-line from Irish designer Orla Kiely.
Layered Link Classic Ella Bag sale price £243.75 at Orla Kiely www.orlakiely.com
The cardi-cosi
Another great buy; DKNY’s cardigan- cosi in cashmere/silk mix. First introduced 3 years ago, it’s as popular as ever. It’s available in a myriad of different colours and can be worn 11 different ways according to the DKNY website.
Price approx.€195
You can also view my other posts in this series: From Designer to Where and Get an Edgy Look on a Budget.
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