I'm taking advantage of my last day abroad/in exile and doing a spot of shopping! Happy Thursday Kiddies! xxox
...all things Fab about all things Irish!

The fight for gay marriage is not a fight regarding sexuality, it is a fight for civil rights. Anyone who believes in truth, love, freedom and equality should got involved in this fight, anyway they can.
When a once snapper-happy couple suddenly becomes camera shy, it seems only fair that the public and media give them some time away. Fakeup or not, I hope the both of them are very happy...
Growing up, were you always as into clothing, style and fashion as you are now?
Growing up I always had a very keen interest in clothes and would save up to buy the items I really wanted but my parents were not willing to spend the money on. My first big fashion splurge was on a pair of black moleskin pinstripe trousers that cost me £200 pounds, back in the day. I was only about 15 years old and, at the time, most of my friends were still wearing clothes their mother picked for them!
Did you have style icons, or muses when you were younger? How about now? Was there one big fashion moment or style turning point for you?
My mother’s a very fashion-savvy lady, always has been so I think a lot of my interest in fashion and style comes from her. Diana Ross, over her career, has had a fantastic sense of style, she’s never been afraid to push it and I love her ostentatiousness. Today, Diane von Furstenberg is amazing with a super sensibility and femininity to her clothes that I just adore. Alexander McQueen and John Galliano for fantastic and creative menswear lines.

You always look so fab! Will we ever see Darren Kennedy in a pair of trainers and some trackies? Trainers are my absolute Achilles’ heel when it comes to shopping. When I come across a pair I like, I just have to buy them and unfortunately for me there’s never just one pair I like. For that reason I try to avoid shoe shops if not necessary. I have a collection to trainers that could dress an army platoon (some of which have yet to be worn)! You’ll see me wearing trainers a lot – probably 9 times out of 10. I’ll wear trainers even with a relatively formal outfit. Why not! I reserve the tracksuit for the gym though.
What word do you think you use the most every day when you are working?
Whether I’m broadcasting or styling, the most important thing is that the person I’m working with is comfortable. So rather than using any particular word, I practice a lot of active listening to try to be aware of not-so-much what they are saying but how they are saying it. If my interviewee or my client is happy, I’ve done a good job.
As a stylist, what would you say is the most important aspect of any wardrobe? What are the staples that every guy and girl should have?
Bringing things right back down to the very basics, everyone, man or woman, should have a classic shirt/blouse that’s well-fitted and makes them feel good about themselves when wearing it. You’ll never go wrong and a classic white/black shirt or blouse will work for any occasion once you accessorize correctly.
What is the most rewarding part of helping a client with their style and wardrobe?
Seeing that ‘Eureka’ moment when their eyes come alive as they discover new looks and realize ‘You know what, I actually can wear this and I rock!’
If you could give one person a total fashion overhaul, who would it be? What would you do?
I’m actually working with an up & coming band at the moment called Run Kid (check them out on-line). There are four of them in the band (one lady, three guys) and they’ve signed up for a complete style overhaul so I have a lot of ideas for them and can’t wait to work with them.
What are you working on now? What are you most excited for coming up in your professional life?
Between my presenting work and running www.helpmystyle.ie, I’m really busy at the moment and very thankful to be. I report every week on The Gerry Ryan Show, 2fm and I’m also a reporter on the Derek Mooney programme on RTE Radio One so there’s a huge amount of variety to my work. For example, last week I was interviewing Ronaldo and meeting the Real Madrid team with a group of children from Barretstown one day and the next day I was on the streets of Dublin testing the nation’s taste buds to see if they could spot the difference between some battered fish! In terms of TV, I’m doing more work with Sky’s WeddingTV and recently introduced HelpMyStyle TV online.
Name the top five shops, products or tools you can’t live and work without?
My iPhone: it has become my life. Sad I know, but you’ve got to love it!
My new grey Adidas Vespa classic trainers. They’re quite discreet for trainers and very comfortable when I’m presenting and on my feet all day.
Shops: Indigo & Cloth; Reiss; Urban Outfitters and Genius
My mac (Apple not the garment!)
My glasses (got them in NYC and I’ve grown very attached!)
We loved your article in the Herald about not spending a cent! Any recessionista fashion tips? What is worth the splurge? In what way is best to save?
Recession tips:
1) If you’re strapped for cash but find something you really like in the shops, put it ‘on hold’ for three days and if after three days you’re still thinking about it then you should buy it, especially if it’s a classic piece
2) Don’t scrimp on the basics (good coat, shoes, grooming etc); they will pay dividends long-term.
3) Be creative with your clothes – they’re not uniforms, mix up what you already have and try different combos.
Any mottos – style or otherwise – that you live by?
Two of them actually that I always try to bear in mind:
‘Every NO is one step closer to a YES!’
‘Bend like a reed’ - a beautiful Buddhist mantra.
Where is your place to shop, either personally or with clients? Any little hidden fashion gems in the city you’d like to clue us in on?
Indigo & Cloth is a new favourite. They have a basement store on South William Street. Also the flea Market on New Market Square, Dublin 8. If ever in London or New York, swing in to UNIQLO, fab Japanese casual wear.
You always seem to be out and about, working and what not. How do you unwind? Where do you like to blow off steam?
I enjoy being on the go but I also make sure to take time to just enjoy being. I enjoy socializing and traveling with my partner. Walking our dog Harry, he’s a mini-Yorkie and super cute, is always fun, usually in the Iveagh Gardens. Time with friends is important for me, as is doing pilates and drinking coffee! I really enjoy my food and eat out as much as possible. Saba, Clarendon Street, is a personal favourite.
Ok I get everyone with these so I’ve gotta;
FOUR is Total Xposure contestant Ruth O'Neil. Miss O'Neil has always been on the scene but her Xposure exposure has elevated her status to new heights and I fore one, feel like I am noticing more and more of her modeling work that I hadn't before now that she is on the telly every week.
This week's THREE is Louise Kavanagh. It's summer, it's bikini time (even if it isn't bikini weather )and I think it is safe to say that there are very few ladies on this little island of ours who not only fill a bikini like Louise but have no shame is doing so-anytime, any place! We think Louise is great and a natural born hustler baby! Make that money!!
At number TWO we have the ethereal Daniella Moyles. Is it me or is losing Total Xposure the best thing to happen to that girl? Don't get me wrong it is a terrific gig and good on ya to whoever scores the coveted role but, the whole country has seen this beauties talent and we think there are nothing but big things is Daniella's future!
Number ONE is old standby and just about every one's favourtie, Glenda Gilson. Glenda's charm, wit and bod are enough to get her headlines and column inches but lately it is her are they-aren't they love life/hott and cold personal life that has everyone so intrigued. Not worried though, Glenda is a lady and the last person we see becoming defined by the relationship she is or isn't in.
Rounding out the top ten is as follows; 10 the leggy HAYLEY ROCK, 9 snake charming EMMA QUINLAN, 8 Miss Universe-e;ect DIANA DONELLY ,7 Industry insider MICHELLE McGRATH 6 the always fab ROSANNA DAVISON.
I do not think we can say enough about Amy Huberman! She is gorgeous, glam, talented, kind, sweet, genuine and seriously class! We know all of you love her too so we thought you'd just be dying to spend 2 minutes with her! Here ya go;

Last Book You Read?
I am reading Sophie Kinsella's "Remenber Me?" at the moment and loving it!

