Fall Fashion 09 - Shop Local; Dresses!

The last few weeks of Summer become the perfect opportunity for designers and fashion houses to dress the biggest Hollywood stars in whatever look they are hoping to push for fall. The red carpet doubles as a a Fall Runway and all the 'It' girls don what we mere mortals will spend the Autumn /Winter trying to recreate!

The close of this Summer has seen one very particular trend flooding ever press call, premiere and showbiz fete; The long sleeve Mini Dress with Statement Shoulders!

Kristen Bell -House of LavandeRachel McAdams - Emilio Pucci Molly Sims - 3.1 Philip Lim Michelle Monaghan - Rachel Roy

Camilla Bell - Chloe

Normally, girls (me) see these pictures in the various glossies and immediately hit the world wide web trying to find a dress similar. But is that really necessary? As the recession trudges on, I can't help to think how important it is to shop local and support small and independent Irish business!We have amazing boutiques here throughout Dublin and around the country, all carrying the hottest trends for fall! So, Think Globally but, Shop Locally!

Looking for this dress trend in particular? head to Fran&Jane! With a location in Cork and shops throughout Dublin, Fran&Jane and their line Regine is one of the longest running fashion labels within Ireland, having been founded in 1974 by Fran Nolan. Fran's daughter Laura now heads up the design team and was nice enough to forward me on some new looks that are coming into the shops now and totally capture this big fall trend!

So ladies, it is up to us to bail Ireland out! Let's start our own Economic Stimulus Plan and shop 'til We Drop! Remember; Think Global, Shop Local!

*check out the Regine website or the Fran&Jane fan page on Facebook for locations, store hours and a peak at the collections!

TREND ALERT!

...Bow Tie Tops! This look is everywhere, it instantly dresses up an otherwise casual or drab blouse and means you need not worry about a necklace! Great for the office, the bar or a lady's afternoon of lunching and shopping, we think you'll go crazy for these tops!

Bow tie tops by EmeraldApple featuring Monsoon

The collage above includes variations of the trend for all budgets and price ranges! Balmain at Brown Thomas, Marc Jacob's at Harvey Nichols as well as BT2, DV8, Oasis, Monsoon, Marks and Spencer and Vero Moda! Happy Shopping!