Be A Better Shopper IV: Know Your Limitations; The LOVE List

So you made your need list and all your needs have been met. You've paid your rent, have credit in your phone, stocked your kitchen with more than 'Pot Noodles' and suprise suprise, you've still got some extra dough! Yipee - time to break out your 'Love' list and do some shopping! Oh you didn't make a 'Love' list yet? Silly me! Your 'Love' list should be chock full of things that you love. The things that make you you and show off your unique style. Shapes, colours, accessories and even beauty products that may not be totally necessary for day to day survival but you adore, and having them make you happy. Maybe you like an insanely stylish embellished pair of jeans that doesn't really translate into your daytime wardrobe. Buy one pair anyway for your nights on the tiles! Maybe they don't go from day to night but you love them and you deserve to have them! Perhaps you can't make it through the week with out some crazy expensive eye cream or highlights from FAV colourist. Go ahead and get them. What are on my personal Love list? Great red lippy, statement heels, my signature scent and more!

Love List by EmeraldApple featuring Chanel shoulder bags No they aren't on your essentials list, but you've got the dosh and they make you smile. You're a hard working lady, go for it and enjoy - no buyers remorse, totally guilt free. Bills paid, you've got the clothes you need from your essentials list, you can still enjoy a few luxuries, recession or not! Happy Shopping! xxox

Spotted Out - Mid November Part Deux

Residence, St. Stephen's Green, was awash of Celags and Fabu types Wednesday evening! A-Listers abound to toast the opening of Total Management Ireland. Tara O'Connor, resident PR goddess was surrounded by friends and clients alike to support and celebrate her new business venture.

One gorge attendee told me that the evening was all about 80s for many of the glam ladies in attendance, rocking new spins on some of the decades most prized fashion trends: "sculpted shoulder pad jackets [were] the must have item. Rosanna Davison wore hers emblazoned with sequins, whilst Xpose presenter Lisa Cannon opted for a sleek black style, and model Laura Toogood wore hers in striking purple"

Claudine Palmer was full on WAG-alicious donning a Roberto Cavalli dress and embellished stilettos but her best accessory? Mum Joan!

Hayley Rock was demure pairing her classy dress with Chanel pearls, totally hott single lady Leigh Arnold chose this season's sex on a stick slashed leggings while Andrea Roche, who happened to being doing double celebratory duty, arrived with husband PJ Mansfield looking fabulous, relaxed and beautiful!

Not enough mega-watt glam you say? Also partying it up on the night, Assets models Diana Donnelly and Suzanne McCabe, Katie-Jane Goldin, Virginia Macari, and Chloe Arnold, arm in arm with hottie boyfriend and music star, Justin Manville. Jealous yet? We know we are...xxox!

Spotted Out - Mid November 09

As you can probably tell, I've been really slacking the past week! I'm really sorry folks and I promise the rest of my Recession Era Shopping Posts are coming shortly but for now, wet your style whistle with some Society news courtesy of of one of my many gLaM spies! xxox "The Annual Race Against Breast Cancer Day recently took place at Leopardstown Pavillion. Ireland's glitterati were out in force to help raise money for Breast Cancer Ireland. The guest list was scattered with many high profile guests. Rosanna Davison arrived looking radiant in a black and red coat which she wore over a stunning dress. Rosanna was accompanied by Wesley Quirke and her parents. Chris de Burgh even gave a highly appreciated impromptu live performance at the event. Rosanna was joined at her table by model best friend Laura Toogood, who made her first public appearance since darkening her hair. A number of well known personalities were in attendance including TV stars, Brendan Courtney, Sinead Desmond and Aisling O’Loughlin. Assets models Sarah McGovern and Aoife Cogan turned heads in their striking outfits. Mary Kennedy acted as MC for the afternoon. Tina Koumarianos of Image magazine wore a striking hat and former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds had the pleasure of celebrating his birthday on the day. The event, which is now in its fourth year of running, raised over €290,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland"

Be a Better Shopper III:Know Your Limitations - The Essentials

So now you've got all this empty space in your wardrobe and drawers but, can you shop again? I mean we are in a recessions people!! It is all over the news! Shouldn't I be hoarding any and all cash I have in a shoe box under my bed?

Well yes and no! Yes you can shop! No - do not hide your money in your flat that is a seriously bad idea for numerous reasons!

Back to the shopping! During your previous great wardrobe purge, you may have parted with more than just pieces too trendy and what not. You may have gotten rid of some items that you love and can't live without but had gotten into raggy shape. These are the first things you need to shop for.

So, stay organized!

Start out by making a list. There are staples that you need in your collection, they make life, and getting dressed in the morning, easier and more fabulous!

When we've talked to some of Ireland's fashion and style elite we've asked them what their essentials for all are. Fionnuala Bourke suggested good bras and undergarments, noting the importance of how they make your body look and the rest of your clothing fit. She also said to always have on hand some "sexy high heels,a pair of jeans that you feel amazing in, and...you're good to go!" Darren Kennedy suggested it is wise to to invest in a "good coat, shoes, grooming".

So, time to make the list. Get out a pad and make three columns with the following headers;

Need, Want, Love!

The Need Column are the staples. Really try to limit to to multipurpose essentials and versatile pieces that will make you work and social life glamorous and easy. Our suggestions?

• wel tailored black pants
• the perfect pencil skirt
• a crisp white shirt
• pumps that go from day to night
• the perfect LBD
• interview ready suit(if your line of work calls for it)

Wardrobe Essentials by EmeraldApple featuring Yves Saint Laurent shoes

We also agree with Fionnuala and Darren, good jeans are a must have. Find a pair that fit you well and make your ass look great and buy it tow or three different washes and/or styles. These will save your life over and over again.

A really good, warm, high quality yet fashionable and well fitting coat is a big must. We all know the weather here, you can't get away with not having a coat. Spend the money and get one that you like, looks good, does it's job and you can wear to the club, to the office and the shop.

All these pieces may seem a bit bland but think of it as your blank canvas, or the white walls of your flat. It is the items you put on your Want and Love lists that will add colour and style to your outfits - these pieces are your fashion foundation waiting to be built on!

Winter Hue....

Come the winter months most of us see the colours of our wardrobe transition slowly from bright neons or pale pastels to deeper, richer tones and holiday-esq colours but, your clothing isn't the only way to update your look and feel more in season. Take a cue from the lovely Laura Toogood and darken your tresses as well!Richard Keaveney is the colourist who transformed Miss Toogood from blond to brunette. Richard is part of the the wonderful Keaveney family, who founders of Peter Mark, and is one of the top colourist. Just when we though Laura's eyes couldn't be any more GORGE, this new colour totally makes those baby blues pop! Jeal of Laura's new look, than check out the Peter Mark link above and find a salon near you!