Buyer's Remorse BE GONE!

So we've talked about a lot lately about still having the freedom to shop even in the midst of this recession but we are realistic at the same time. We know that even with all the smart shopping, organizing, reevaluating and penny pinching, when you go out on a spree sometimes a few hours later the guilt sets in. Buyer's Remorse! We've all bee there; 'Do I really need this?' 'Did it really look good on me?' 'Do I have anything to wear this with?'

All the previous exercises we've gone through have now assured that the answers to all those questions are yes. If that doesn't help and the baddy thoughts are still there here is a new way to start to look at your purchases;

Let's say you buy a nice warm coat that costs you €275. Now, judging by the cool Irish weather let's say you wear that coat 3 mornings a week to work starting from the second week in October through the end of March. That is 72 uses right there. That is around €3.80 for each use. Don't you think you're OK with spending that to keep you warm and cozy each morning on your way out the door? I buy fashion mags that cost more than that!! This gorge wool-blend coat from Juicy Coture could be yours! A winter coat is easy to excuse, what about a purchase that seems a little more extravagant? Again, even a 90€ bottle of perfume usually has about 500 spritzes in it. A spritz a day until the bottle runs out ends up costing you €1.26 a week! Come on ladies, you can afford that!

Too cool to reuse? Hardly. Even Hollywood's more stylish (or shopping crazed) ladies re wear their fav items! Below see Paris Hilton, sister Niki and even fashion icon Rhianna re-wearing some pieces!

Be A Better Shopper Part V: Shopping Smarts

So you've cleaned out the closet, you've evaluated your wants and needs - now it is time to ask yourself some tough questions and then really go out and spend the dough - buyers remorse not included. It is now December and the Holiday season is very much upon us. We need fresh updated winter basics for our day to day looks as well as exquisite extras and eye catching statement pieces to truly make our Christmas Merry! So what is it that you are coveting for this season of parties and dinners? There must be one pieces or item that you know you will literally use almost every day to get you through all the festivities - which means it needs to look good, fit and last. We all know, that Holy Trinity of clothing doesn't come cheap so this might be a pricey purchase so I am going to teach you a new guilt free way of approaching shopping! Below is a list of Holidays '09 essentials that will help pull together and polish off any outfit and will always be worth the splurge!

• A Tailored Blazer- A Classic black blazer that fits and compliments your shape is a solution to almost any outfit problem. Whether it's being worn to the office, over a top and jeans or atop a super feminine dress it helps to polish the entire look and chase away any bit of winter chill.

This Smythe Les Vestes blazer with it's cropped sleeves and tuxedo-like satin embellishments works wonderfully for this season as it is dressy enough for any Holiday Do, and encompasses the very in 'boyfriend-style' trend of this winter. Available now at Harvey Nichols for right around €625.

• Cocktail Dress- Yea I know, duh. But in reality, many ladies think they can coast through the Christmas season with a smattering of glittery tops, crisp jeans and the occasional pair of black leggings or pants. Those will get you through a few nights out and your girlfriend's miniature faux tree-trimming party in her flat but what about your office party? Christmas dinner at Gran's? Cocktails with the BF's parents? You gotta kick it up a notch! No matter what body type you may be there is an LBD out there that will make you feel glamorous.

This black lace overlay dress from DV8 is amazing for €45! Just glam enough - it can be dressed up or down with accessories depending upon the occasion, is subtly sexual buy showing just the right amount of skin! With the scoop back you can throw a cropped jacket over it for the office party and take it off when you hit the club after!

• Showstopping Heels! - Even the more conservative of ladies can get behind this! You may keep the rest of you all buttoned up - whether at work or out on the lash - but you let your inner sex kitten out when it comes to your shoes! Whether they are strappy, embellished, brightly coloured or just sky-high, eye catching pumps are a great investment piece - especially during party season!

Nobody does stand out heels like Mr. Manolo Blahnik and lucky us Irish girls, we can snap them up at Brown Thomas! (Price upon request) Don't these red satin bow numbers just scream Happy Christmas?!?! Statement Necklace- storing a truly fab glitzy necklace in your purse can take a casual-chic office look right to cocktails and dancing. With so much black getting worn in the winter months, it is nice to be able to out on the glitz with one really bold chunk piece. Where last winter it was the cocktail ring, this year everyone will be wearing the bib necklace. Though the name sounds silly, it really articulates what the babies -seen all over the winter catwalks - are!

This black satin and crystal bib from Vera Wang is to die for! I Love the rosettes and think it is just the right combo of over the top/understated glamour! If you aren't looking to go all out these actually make a really easy DIY project with the right materials and a little bit of creativity!

Mixing one or possibly two of these pieces with your current wardrobe staples and holiday pieces can really make the difference in your Holiday look and attitude! Not sure what it is that is worth it to you? When you are out in the shops in the coming days and weeks ask yourself a couple of questions before you head up to the cashier with your goods;

• Does this fit the way it really should or does it only fit the bod I pretend to have in my head? If the answer here is yes that's great but, don't run to check out just yet. Fitting is key but isn't the only reason you should make a clothing purchase, especially on expensive items.
• Am I using ever muscle in my body to stop myself from putting this on right now and running out the door? Another yes? That is great. I think we all know it is very rare to find a piece of clothing we absolutely aaaddddooooore that fits well too!
• Will I want to wear this next month? How about for the next season? What about come this time next year? A truly versatile piece that can you transition from winter to early spring that is stylish yet you have a hunch just classic enough to still be hott next year is the Holy Grail of clothing.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Pay the girl and get outa there before some other smart shopper snatches it from yours hands and is out the door! Happy Shopping Kiddies!! xxox

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

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!

Be a Better Shopper; Make - Up bag edit!

Yesterday we expelled the importance of trimming the fat on your wardrobe, really knowing what you already own and why it works for you. But, clothing isn't the only area in which we over indulge and over buy. How many times have you bought a pair of killer heels that literally kill your feet and therefore never wear? Maybe you've just never been able to find the right outfit to go with them? Or perhaps that really cute purse covered in fringe that in reality you cannot even fit your mobile phone into?

Fashion clutter builds up everywhere and it is really important to have every area spic and span so you know exactly what you've got in your style arsenal. But, no other place can over-run with the unused like our make up bags can! Dump every piece you have on to an empty flat surface so you can really see what is there, rather than just poke around in the bag. Anything that you've had since secondary school. in fact anything you've had for the past year and have barely used - dump! We've talked in the past about the importance of cleaning your brushes and tools, but bacteria builds up in the make up itself and if it is sitting around not being used, why keep it? Think about it though, when are you really going to reuse that heavily-glittered purple cream-eyeshadow you bought for a fancy dress?

You might pick up on trends here too. Do you have 14 different variations of mocha coloured smoke eyeshadow because none of them ever seem to be the right shade? IT might be time to turn to a professional. Sitting down at a cosmetics counter for a one time make up consultation will in time save you hundreds in misguided purchases. Once again now, after shifting the unusable, you will have a more clear picture of what you like, use and need. This is going to be a big help. Not only will you figure out what truly works on your face and shave minutes off your beauty regiment each day, you can evaluate which products are worth a splurge. If you know that YSL's liquid under eye concealer is really the only one you like but any pink lip gloss will suit you can more accurately budget you cosmetics cash and always have what you need on hand!

Need some help figuring out what you need and what you can leave? Here are the piece every chick should have some form of in her make up bag;

• Good Cover-Up/Concealer -in reality, most women do NOT need to wear a layer of foundation and certainly no one needs to wear it every day. A skin balancing moisturiser (tinted if you like) will help to even out the tone of your skin. Then take a concealer to hide any dark patches or red spots as well as a dot or two under the eye to highlight and around the curves of the nose to soften. Much less work, and your skin will thank you.
• Loose Powder - super sheer and perhaps with a small amount of highlighting shimmer, blend over your T-Zone as well as brown and cheek bones for luminous easy coverage.
• Bronzer/Blush Duo- Without going to rosy or too tanned, brush up your cheek bones and over your forehead and lightly across your chin to lift your entire complexion and create a healthy glow.
• Light/Nude Lip Gloss - avoid anything to sparkly, too shocking a shade and too sparkly and this gloss can take you from day to night, interview to first date. Chose a shade just enough to enhance and slightly exaggerate the fullness and colour of your own lips.
• Thickening/Darkening Mascara-a lot of girls make the mistake of buying different kinds of mascara for different times of use but, lets be fair, good mascara is pricey! Invest in a really good mascara that both thickens, lengthens and darkens that lashes and comes with a wand that will really define them. Rather than have a light shade for day, a darker thicker type for hitting the town and a defined one for work, just modify your application. Pile it on top and bottom for nights out, apply a one thin defining layer to both for work and maybe just a quick swipe to top layers for every day use. Even a little bit makes the face seem more awake!
• Smudge Proof Brown Pencil- By opting for a dark brown this pencil can do double time as liner and brow perfecter.

These aren't the only items you should have or keep, just suggestions of staples to hang out to and mix with other FAV pieces and tools. Now, give that make up bag a shake or a wipe and pile all your keepers back in!

Feeling kinda wasteful tossing all this seemingly good stuff in the trash during a critical financial period? Then don't! OK, the old make up has to go, that would be icky, but the clothing, especially piece in good condition don't have to be rubbished. Maybe you have a few pieces that don't fit your style or body type but you have a girlfriend that they would? Organise a swap. Encourage your BFFs to sort through their own things, meet in a group and see if anyone has castoffs you feel are worth nabbing. One woman's trash is another girly's treasure! Mix up some cocktails and put some Sex & the City DVDs on in the background and make it a party!

No friends that share the same size? There are thousands of woman in need of clothing for work and day to day use all over this country. Check out Enable Ireland to find out how your old frocks can be put to truly good use!

Be a Better Shopper; Get Reacquainted With What You've Got!

The Celtic Tiger is no more and we are in a recession folks, there is no way around it! Everyday we are seeing articles in the paper about the end of glitzy charity balls, the farewell to A-List Launches with over stuffed gift bags and the near shuttering of many Fab establishments.

Both home and abroad times are tough and things are changing but, the end of the free-spend era doesn't have to mean the end to glamour - it means the beginning of a new way of thinking!When you are operating on a budget you need to be a much smarter spender. Everyone knows when you are trying to ace an exam the first step is to get yourself organized and passing through this recession with flying (and trendy!) colours is just the same! With a few tips and tricks all of us can stay fab and get back to shopping so keep reading!

We've already preached the merits of shopping locally with a global approach, meaning find the latest trends and strong investment pieces in local shops rather than scouring the Internet or running to a cheap high-street chain - more to come on that front as well - but now it is time to start thinking a lot more locally - your wardrobe!

As the days get shorter and the air gets colder now is the perfect time to put away your summery glad rags and pull out your more substantial winter frocks. BUT- don't be too hasty in getting this chore done. Take a good long look at your collection. If the wardrobe in your bedroom looks like a version of either above or below, now is the time to streamline. Set aside a hangover-free Sunday and really sift through what is there.

Take a few minutes to come up with all the necessary categories and subcategories your clothing should fit in to; Dresses -Summer Dress/ Winter Dresses. Pants - Work/Casual/Jeans etc. and create piles consisting of every scrap you own -nothing gets left behind.

Now comes the hard part - discard.

Are there pieces in you 'Summer' piles that went the whole season without being worn? Maybe 'Winter' bits that never got an airing last year and are unlikely to get one this? Let go! Pieces you love to death and therefore wear constantly so subsequently they are a bit tattered? Purchases that looked great in the shop on the hanger but never quite translated as well on to your bod? Buh bye! Maybe pieces that were just too trendy and alas will get use no longer? All of these go on the toss pile - we will get back to that!

Now it is time to organize what we are keeping and get an understanding of why. Sort through the kept clothes and come up with at least one reason why you are keeping or what you like about each piece. Chances are you are going to start to see patterns. It maybe a certain label or brand, certain shape or cut, or perhaps just even a colour palette that you feel suits you best. If you were to go through the reject pile you'll probably find patterns too but we don't want to waste an entire Sunday on this exercise...

Finding a theme in the keepers is two fold. For one, it will help you create even more subsections of organization now that it is time to put all your clothes back in their places. Check out this color-coordinated super efficient press below, isn't it gorge?!?

After that, knowing what you have and why you have it will now help you to be that smarter spender. No longer will you stroll willy-nilly though Brown Thomas picking up pieces for no real reason other than they seem to be 'in' and you 'want' them. Now you know what works for you, you know what you will be happy to put on , make you look and feel fab and fill you with confidence.

Congratulations, you are the proud owner of a gorgeously neat, tidy, self empowering, totally glam wardrobe! Tune in later in the week because with all this new found room in your cupboards and the knowledge of what makes you look like a stone cold fox, it is time to go SHOPPING!!