On Thursday April 22 the luxurious McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, will open its doors to the Style Wars fashion show, an event featuring exciting new spring/summer trends. Style Wars is a fundraiser for Balla Secondary School and will give an insight into colour and style for 2010.
A touch of sparkle is a trend that is built to last and whether you wear it on your tights, on lamé socks with high heels, around your neck, woven into your chiffon evening gowns, or tied to your handbag, a little bit of glitter always does a girl good. Shoes are still big statements but heels are coming down too. Last summer we obsessed about colour blocking, 2010 will be about subtleties of tone: nude with peach with washed out nutmeg, or grey with icy blue and a touch of lace will keep things interesting.
White is always a trend for summer, but 2010 is expecting a full washout - bleached cotton comes tailored and masculine or bulging and ruffled. If you want colour, make it a check.
So what to buy, when you do go shopping? Party dresses - lots of them, to be worn day and night: with interesting (and forgiving ) folds around the hip for added shape. A jumpsuit - single shouldered or strapless if you dare. Loose trousers that taper to the ankle, preferably in silk. Bring shoes down a level or two, and if you venture from the washed out palette, make it a bold, tribal, or ethnic print. A trench coat, long or short or turned into a party dress. A belt - skinny ribbons or wide leather versions; the waist intends to allow you to show off your curves this summer.
Boutiques showcasing at the event include Greens, Gossamer Girl.com, Pretty Woman, Kokas, Claremorris and Ballinrobe, Enjoi, Phillips, Boo, and Shine. Arrive early to enjoy a cheese and wine reception, piano recital, and the school choir before the event.
Tickets cost €15 and are on sale at participating boutiques or by calling 094 936 5082.
