How about that Harvey Nichols show, eh?

Wednesday night saw me walking through Dundrum in heels - and no, I wasn't on my way home from a night in Winters. In fact, Harvey Nichols had tempted me away from my usual plans (pyjama bottoms and repeats of Nothing to Declare) with the promise of sparkly drinks and even sparklier dresses!

The Harvey Nichols catwalk shows are infamous all on their own. Before you're even interested in the clothes - you're wondering where the show is going to be! Laura O'Brien, Press and Marketing Manager for Harvey Nichols was telling me they try to put it on somewhere different every year, keeping it interesting, last year they held it in the car park! And here's the fun part - they don't tell you where it's going to be.

And the suspense builds!

We showed up, drank coconut water (look out Rihanna) and champaign and sampled healthy chocolate (there is such a thing, apparently) and listened to a crooner do his thing while keeping a eye out for a secret entrance to appear.

We were lead out a service entrance, into the underground car park and guided into The Mill Theatre where we were transported into a dark, shadowy autumnal scene. Alfred Hitchcock was the theme of the night, and it was just perfect. Crows hung from the lights and in cages casting ominous shadows and letting us now that this was not going to be some bright, extravagant affair.

First look
Fur coat by Pinko

Dark, sultry and classically sexy the show opened with it's first scene - "The Birds", featuring stunning headpieces by Edel Ramberg; dark, dramatic and deadly the show pulled you in from the first beat.

Reincarnated femme fatals strutted the run way in chic, dramatic pieces - that were, at the same time, completely wearable by us normal folk. Each scene was named for Hitchcock's films "Marnie", "Vertigo", "Dial for Murder", "Psycho", "Rear Window" and "To Catch a Thief".

Alexander McQueen's iconic scull print scarf could be found numerous times, in every scene. Also Jeffery Campbells renowned Lita platform ankle boots and death-defying Nightwalkers took centre stage during "Vertigo."

Jeffery Campbell Nightwalkers

Vivienne Westwood featured heavily throughout the show - the signature draping perfect for the effortless, classic beauty each of the looks captured. Splashes and pops of bright, bold red in bags, scarves and gloves reminded me of the blood and sinister undertone of Hitchcock's films.

The final scene, To Catch A Thief, was the show-stopping gown collection. And WHAT a finale. English designer Amanda Wakeley stole the show with scarlet red silk and chiffon effortlessly gliding down the catwalk. And of course THAT Jovani gown reappeared, as seen in the Dundrum Fall for Fashion show, to close the show.

Amanda Wakeley
Image: Ian Maxwell Hall for DTC

I could go on for days! But rather than bombard you with film-student-meets-fashionista jargon so I'll simplify and recap my trend highlights and leave you to browse more of the show on my Pinterest or on the Dundrum Facebook.

Trend highlights, my must haves:

Lavish layers - mix textures, fabrics, coats, cardigans, scarves, draping and layering are your friends this season.
Fur - coats, trims, scarves, gillets - great for layering and warm too!
Heritage - not so much English country, but mix tweed with wool, cotton and, of course, fur and it's chic and classic all at once.
Oversize - draped dresses, oversized overcoats, bowling bags. It's go big or go home this winter.
Leather - anything and everything. Knee-high boots, driving gloves, coats, satchels. Bring edge to any outfit.

Vivienne Westwood
(also my favourite model from the night)

A special thanks has to go to my good friend Niamh for coming along as my Plus One and getting just as excited as I did when a Vivienne Westwood piece emerged from the wings. Alway good to know you have someone to call for a date to something like a fashion event - or anything with champagne for that matter!

Harvey Nichols put on an impressive 3 SHOWS in just under 4 hours. Quite a feat, but what an achievement. They even tempted us with 15% and teasingly placed the show pieces near the door for us to dote on.

I was on such a high I bought myself YSL Touche Eclat foundation - which I can review if anyone is interested, it's a really special product.



But for now, I'll leave all your lovely faces with some eye/arm candy. Enjoy!

What's not to love about a man in a Saville Row suit
Image: Ian Maxwell Hall for DTC

Dundrum Blogger in Residence: Round 2 - Must have Accessories for Autumn Winter 2012

Vote for me as the Dundrum Town Centre Blogger in Residence - I'll love you forever if you do!
(Voting is only open for 24hours!)

Round 2

Must have Accessories for Autumn Winter 2012

Not in the mood to read? Or want more - check out my video where I talk about the pieces I've picked for my own personal collection of Autumn Winter must-haves
(featuring awesome original music by my super-talented brother)

Let’s face it – fashion is an expensive hobby.  It’s in one day, and the next day it’s out (Heidi Klum
said so, it has to be true) – so keeping up with the trends required both time and money. Not something we’re all blessed with.

The trends this season range far and wide – from gothic black leathers to clashing hyper-colourful patterns. This is the season you can really make your own, and I am head-over-heels in love with the gothic, 90s-revival grunge looks floating around and while I might have a few pieces from over the years - the light, bright colours from Spring/Summer are nowhere to be seen, so I am finding myself lacking some of the real key pieces. 

But don’t worry, years of student-living and minimum wage have taught me a few things – including the art of accessorizing and how the pick accessories that are up-to-date and under-budget.

To me, it is the accessories that really make the outfit in the end, and this season especially the trends are carried by the details, the embellishments, so why go out and invest in a whole new wardrobe when Autumn rolls around, when a few key pieces can update what we already have?

So these are my key pieces, my "Must Have Accessories for Autumn/Winter 2012" – they won’t break the bank and they’re bang on trend -  and what's more they can all be picked up in one shopping trip as everything is available in Dundrum Town Centre. 

Goth Black is in like never before, and black leather is leading the way. Vogue called it the "New Noir" - elegant black leather pieces have been seen on the catwalks of Valentino, Mulberry and Givenchy and the high street has added the extra edge and put studs on EVERYTHING. For me, a great way to incorporate this into everyday-wear is a piece like the studded black leather bow pictured above. I picked this up in Topshop recently - it's both a hair clip and a brooch, so it's great as a hair accessory with a bun or a high ponytail, or it can be pinned to a coat or a bag to instantly update the piece. One key piece like a studded purse or handbag is an easy way to welcome this trend into your wardrobe

As well as studs, skulls are everywhere - if you aren't brave enough to go for a full-on skull print shirt, adorable skull bracelets are available in Topshop and in Claire's Accessories in a variety of colours making them a great addition to any outfit.

Check out my "Goth" board on Pinterest for some goth inspiration and more examples of studded accessories, handbags and skull prints. I think one or two of these pieces and you're set.

Collars Statement collars and decorative collar tips have started popping up everywhere; but instead of having to buy a new range of shirts and blouses just for the collars - why not pick up some detachable collars or decorative colar tips. They come in a range of styles from metallic and beaded to embellished fabric and they can be teamed with almost any outfit for an instant pick-me-up. They're super simple, but I'm a complete convert for collars. Grab a leather studded collar and you've got two trends in one! What's not to love? Check out my "Collar" board on Pinterest and I'm sure you'll agree

Statement necklaces If you only buy one accessory this season - make it count, make a statement and make sure it's a necklace. A great way to jazz up any outfit, a great statement necklace will take you from the office, to dinner and on to the dancefloor. If you really wanted to you could pay anything for a statement necklace, but Topshop, Accessorize and Penneys to name but a few have some amazing pieces that will last you all season and look amazing teamed with anything from a simple shirt to an oversized jumper. On a night out you can let the necklace do the work teaming it with block colours, simple shapes and you're ready to go. Not only that, you can capture any of this season's trends in a necklace from baroque to art-deco to gothic glamour. Super-girly, super-chic and super simple, a statement necklace is a great way to look your best this Autumn, Winter - and, dare I say it, at the Christmas parties (hides behind couch)

"Statement necklaces on Pinterest"

Blue Every season has it's colours - and while we know that Black is definitely in, we always need a wildcard colour. For me, this season it's cobalt blue. Just picture how it eye-catching it will be in the winter light! This season I am on the lookout for a pop of blue in the form of an oversized clutch or a purse. Trust me, the deep, strong hues will look amazing against all the black we'll be wearing as well as a being a great complementary colour to the red/purple/burgundy tones making up our neutral pallet this Autumn. As with the statement necklace, one great blue piece will carry a whole outfit in one swift move. Don't believe me? Check out my "Blue" board on Pinterest

Hair doughnut There's still so much more I could go on about, but I'll have to leave you with this. Hair. I've looked this up and an "accessory" is something added to something else to make it (among other things) more attractive. So why not include our hair? And if there's one hair accessory I won't be seen without this season it will be a hair doughnut. Buns are everywhere - sleek ballet buns and messy top-knots, and these little babies make all that possible and more. Not to mention the staying power; wind and rain be damned, our hair will stay in place - and we won't have to spend hours at it either. Once you get the hang of it, throwing your hair up in a bun takes no time at all leaving you time to add hair clips, alice bands - whatever takes your fancy. You can hardly call it an investment seeing as from Boots to Penneys to H&M you're hardly going to pay more than €3 for one, but it will be the best €3 you've spent in a long time. I've got a Pinterest board packed full of top-knot-inspiration that's well worth checking out if I do say so myself

Phew! That's a lot of accessories. If you haven't already, check out my video where I go through some pieces I've picked up myself for this season - and if you have, well, that's all I've got! My Pinterest is full of inspiration for this season and some incredible pieces all available in Dundrum Town Centre, including a more detailed look at the Geometric and Retro trends.

Like my stuff? Vote here to get me through to Round 3 in the Dundrum Town Centre Blogger in Residence - pretty, pretty please!

What I'm most looking forward to about Autumn...

The weather this summer, this year more like, has had a strange effect in nearly every corner of the world. Here in rainy ole' Ireland we've had it completely backwards. Farmers are up in arms. Apparently we'll be taking out mortgages to buy bread soon enough.

But the grey skys and gathering winds have not left me wanting for sun - three days in 30+ degrees in New York was all the sun I'll ever want to experience, in fact it just got me excited. Groundskeepers have been remarking that the wet, wet weather has caused many trees to turn early - and that's all I needed. Autumn. I love Autumn. It's the perfect season. I don't do heat very well, I feel suffocated, clammy, fatigued, I live for the days I can wrap up, curl up and and smell the scent of Autumn in the air. Realising just how late in the year it is all of a sudden becomes less of a shock when I think of the things I can look forward to.

Pinterest

I love Autumn...

Not for it to be cold outside, for it to be a little bit chilly

For the mornings to be dusted with just a sprinkling of frost

For how it's spelled A-u-t-u-m-n, even that satisfies me

For the sight of steam rising hot coffee in take-away cups held in gloved hands

For gloves

For scarves

For soft, floppy wooly hats

For brown leather boots

For Golden Hour evenings

Pinterest

For the crunch

For rich colours, for fiery oranges and soft reds

For pumpkins

For Halloween

For root vegetables

For hot Sunday breakfasts

For bright, grey mornings

For piles of leaves

For Autumn-blooming flowers

Flickr

For regular TV programming

For thigh-high wooly socks, always in grey

For Autumn/Winter collections

For flushed cheeks

Not for Christmas shopping, but starting to think about presents

For romantic fantasies of how Paris, London, New York and Boston look and what it would be like to be there

For long sleeves

Pinterest

For cinnamon cocoa

For cinnamon anything

For the sight of the starts and the sound of the wind as I go asleep...

... These are the things I love Autumn for

"But I miss you most of all my darling When autumn leaves start to fall" - Autumn Leaves