Such is the power of the ‘Kate effect’ that a British fashion house was recently saved from bankruptcy after the duchess randomly decided to wear one of their dresses to an event. The ensuing demand for that one dress propelled the brand back into profit, and while they are not completely out of the red just yet, it goes without saying that they are in a much healthier position than they were previously. The phenomenal demand for Kate’s style really only began directly after she wore that famous Issa silk wrap dress for the announcement of her engagement to Prince William. Since then, her fashion choices have been watched with a sharp eye, with each look dissected right down to the brand of jewellery. One designer almost saw her website crash after die-hard Middleton fans discovered that she was the creative hand behind the earrings worn by Kate for the Jubilee celebrations. The designer herself didn’t even know Kate owned a pair of her earrings until she saw the newspaper photographs that had catapulted the traffic to her website.

If, like most women, you are in love with Kate’s wardrobe, then you will be pleased to hear that you don’t exactly need a royal bank balance in order to acquire it. (If the royal expenses released this week are anything to go by, Kate’s clothes this year so far have cost Prince Charles around €35k!) Here, at the Claregalway Hotel, we will reveal where you can find the duchess’s designer looks for a fraction of the price!

Kate’s fondness for lace dresses is nothing new. If anything, it dates back to the early days of her romance with William. This particular dress was probably one of the first of her lace collection, however it still remains as stylish now as it did back then; proof, if ever proof was needed, that it’s a worthy investment piece that will still be the epitomy of class in ten years time. The dress featured in the picture is an exact replica of Kate’s and hails from an Irish fashion website called ‘Glam Temptations’. Replica’s of this dress are quite rare, and for €45, this one is practically a steal. Source: www.glamtemptations.com

Another hit from the Glam Temptations site, this particular lace dress is from the wardrobe Kate paraded during her trip to Canada earlier this year. The replica dress featured in the picture, priced at just €47.50, is made from a soft stretch fabric and is fully lined.

Source: (www.glamtemptations.com)

The combination of the blue dress and black blazer is a favourite look of Kate’s, and one which she has donned several times. The replica items featured here were sourced from River Island and can be dressed to suit whatever the occasion. This blue dress would also work beautifully with a white blazer however if its the Kate look you want to emulate, then stick with the black blazer and clutch! All items are available from River Island on Galway’s Shop Street.

Source: Bianca cobalt hi-lo pleated dress – €50

Cutie black long sleeve blazer – €41

Black lock clutch – €15

A British website called ‘I Want That Dress’ features a number of Kate’s most famous regal looks. I find they are particularly good for stocking replicas of her floor length gowns, sometimes within a day or so of her wearing them. The dresses featured in the picture are just a selection of some of the gowns and dresses available from the site. Each one varies in price however most are within the £200 mark. Not bad considering the designer originals would have cost a few thousand!

Source: www.iwantthatdress.com

Kate adores printed dresses and she particularly loves to pair them with wedges. The day before her wedding, she greeted the crowds in a look that was equally as stylish as it was comfortable. River Island’s Harriet heart print dress is quite similar to Kate’s, and while the accompanying cardigan, also from River Island, is not a replica of Kate’s Reiss version by any means, it still captures the overall ‘Kate look’ when twinned with the dress.

Source: Harriet heart print dress – was €45 now €10

Cream Pointelle Fall Away cardigan – €25

Possibly one of the most elegant replica offerings, this was another dress Kate debuted during her trip to Canada. This particular dress from dressesi.e however is slightly deeper in colour and in fact, somewhat nicer than the one Kate wore! The bodycon style means it will highlight your figure and femininity in a very elegant fashion, the trademark style of Kate herself! For just €49, it’s a million dollar bargain!

Source: www.dresses.ie – €49

This was the public’s first introduction to Kate’s new royal wardrobe, and it couldn’t have hit us with more impact if it had tried. Iconic, timeless, feminine … these are words that you will always hear associated with the Issa classic. While the cameramen were busy clicking shots of the new royal bride-to-be, women worldwide were busy clicking on their keypads in search of the dress she was wearing. Within hours, it was impossible to find; gold dust would have been an easier ask by comparison. There and then, did we see the first spark of the ‘Kate Effect’ ignite. Over a year later, that particular dress is still very much in-demand. Fortunately, Dresses.ie have a very beautiful replica on their site, and, unlike the original, it doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. In fact, its just €49! This wrap dress also comes in a sandy brown colour, as well as in the famous Versace chain print.

Source: www.dresses.ie – €49

When photographs of the presidential visit to Buckingham Palace were released to the press, the subsequent reaction from the public could be best described as an online stampede. Hoards of fans made their way not to the political forums, or the news websites, but rather to the Reiss website, all in search of Kate’s sandy brown bandage dress. For many, it was too late, as it had already sold out worldwide within in an hour. Since then however, the look has been recreated by many brands and still remains as in-demand as when the pictures first went viral. This particular dress from Wallis (Terryland Shopping Centre, Galway) is one that you will have in your wardrobe for years to come. It refuses to date and thanks to the ‘Kate effect’, it’s style-factor is guaranteed for life. This dress is also available in black, white, orange and lime.

Source: Bandage bodycon dress – Wallis – approx €55

Possibly my favourite dress of all the ones featured in this entire write-up, the navy dress is a cocktail version of Kate’s famous McQueen wedding gown. If you prefer a little colour however, then you will be pleased to hear it also comes in red. The dress was constructed using a jersey fabric which means it is not only incredibly comfortable to wear, but also very easy to maintain. The lace detail on bodice and sleeves gives it a very glamorous feel thus making it suitable for any occasion. According to the Glam Temptations website, this dress is quite a generous fit so if you’re between sizes, the smaller one is recommended. If, however, you prefer a high neckline, then you will appreciate the option of the ‘Eva dress’. The lace immediately draws the eye upwards, which, as a result, makes this dress a particularly good choice for someone who is quite conscious of either their tummy area or bust-line.

Source: www.glamtemptations.com

Navy / red lace and jersey dress – €47.50

Black lace Eva dress (far right) – €39

While this offering from Wallis is obviously not a replica of Kate’s long-sleeved floor-length number, it is however perfect if you are looking for a white dress that encapsulates the elegance of the duchess. This particular maxi dress from Wallis can be styled to suit whatever occasion you are attending, (unlike Kate’s gown, which is quite formal.) If you like the Grecian look, the play up to the gold detail on the dress by pairing it with either gold or copper coloured gladiator sandals.

Source: White gold trim maxi dress – Wallis – was €80, now approx €50

Green Girl (Pic 11)

If you loved Kates gorgeous green Diane Von Furstenberg dress (which she has worn on two occasions, most notably, at Zara Phillip’s pre-wedding party) then you will love this particular offering from Dresses.ie. The dress itself is actually a replica of the Reiss dress Kate wore when meeting the Obama’s, however it would pass quite convincingly as a replica of her DVF favourite. According to the site, the dress is of a small fitting, and so, you would be advised to go up one size when ordering. This dress is also available in red, pink, white, blue and black.

Source: www.dresses.ie – €49

Kate rarely gets it wrong, however in my opinion, this long-sleeved teal dress was a horrendously bad decision. It seemed more frumpy rather than feminine, the colour quite bland, and the shape not in any way flattering to her figure. If, however, you like teal print and would like something similar, (just not as frumpy), then check out this very pretty offering from Awear. As you can see, the colour of the dress is far more vibrant than the one donned by Kate, while the cinched-in waist means it will really flatter your figure. Best of all, its on sale for just €20.

Source: Print Angel sleeve dress – Awear – was €40 now €20

This sparrow print dress is a favourite of Kate’s, and one she has worn on several occasions over the past two years (sometimes with nude heels, other times with her beloved LK Bennett wedges!) If you would like to recreate the look, Awear have two dresses that will do the job just nicely! The black polka dot dress (left) is of a fitted peplum style, while the navy sparrow print dress is quite loose but with a cinched-in waist. Both are quite typical of Kate’s causal wardrobe, and if its timeless items you’re looking for, then I would strongly advise that you snap these up as Kate will more than likely be continuing her love affair with prints for quite some time yet!

Source: Mela Navy Dot print dress, and Mela Sparrow ruffle dress  – Awear  – both €30

Twin this gorgeous lace dress with a headpiece and a silk belt and you will have yourself one of Kate’s amazing jubilee outfits! I defy anyone to find an event they cannot wear this dress to. For added elegance, just pair it with a cream shawl. Let the lace be the statement piece by keeping the accessories to an absolute minimum and by limiting the heels to the colour nude. This lace number is also available in green, black, blue and purple.

Source: www.dresses.ie – €49

Don’t miss out on the excitement at Claregalway Hotel, UEFA Championships 2012

Marilyn Monroe

Whenever you see celebrities on the red carpet, look closely at their lip colour. More often than not, it was created using a mixture of shades! Marilyn Monroe was one of the first to kick start the trend. She famously used up to five shades of red lipstick to perfect her trademark pout. After painting on a dark red shade on the outer part of the lips, she would then proceed to use lighter shades as she worked her way inwards. Rather than splashing out on lipsticks, arm yourself with a lip palette consisting of shades that compliment each other.

Megan Fox

Anyone who has ever attempted to create smoky eyes knows the frustration of having to try and clean away excess eye-shadow without smudging their foundation. Fortunately Megan Fox has shared her wonderful trick. Scotch tape! Gently place it on the skin and it will pick up any loose eye shadow specks. Scotch tape is not as sticky as sello-tape and so will not damage your make up. To prevent eye-shadow from flaking (particularly loose glitter eye shadow), lightly apply some Vaseline to the eyelids. It will act as a glue and hold the eyeshadow in place. There are plenty of products designed for this purpose however Vaseline does the same job just as well!

Gisele

A frosty white eyeliner pencil is a staple item in the make-up bag of supermodel Gisele, as it also doubles up as a lip and brow highlighter! To create the illusion of fuller lips, Gisele runs the pencil along the cupids arrow of her top lip.

Tyra Banks

Supermodel Tyra Banks swears by Vaseline to help keep those dreaded crow’s feet wrinkles from appearing. To fight of dry skin and wrinkles, she claims to apply a generous amount of Vaseline around the delicate area underneath her eyes before bed each night.

Kate Middleton

Many an article has been dedicated to the skin routine of Duchess Kate Middleton. What few people know however is that she relies on the Karin Herzog brand to keep her skin in top condition. According to the company, the 30 year-old royal began using their products when at university and has been using them ever since to control breakouts and calm the skin. In the months leading up to her wedding, the company claimed she used their Oxygen Face Cream, the Mild Scrub, the Vita-A-Kombi 3 Spot Zapper, the Professional Cleanser and the Glycolic Rose Gel.

Christina Applegate

Actress Christina Applegate likes to use two different shades of foundation to contour her cheekbones. To do this, she uses Revlon Custom Creations Foundation in Medium Click 2, which has two separate shades in the one bottle. She uses her normal shade as the primary foundation before then adjusting the dial to the darker shade which she uses as a bronzer in the hollows of her cheeks

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr has often spoken of her love of using coconut oil in her daily beauty routine, and its no surprise why! Massaging coconut oil into dull-looking skin is one of the best-known ways to give it a refreshing kick. It removes dryness, leaves it smooth with a healthy-looking shine, and also strengthens the skin’s elasticity which in turn, restores that much sought after youthful appearance. Best of all, it will gradually remove blemishes and spots when used daily!

Another favourite of the Victoria Secret model is Rosehip Seed Oil. Rosehip Seed Oil can greatly help reduce wrinkles, facial scarring, acne scarring, sun damage, burn marks, premature aging. In fact, if its an anti-ageing product you’re after, this is one of the best you can get!

Like coconut oil, it is available from all health food shops.

Celebrity make-up artist Quinn Murphy

A New York City based makeup artist Quinn Murphy, who has worked on many celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Anne Hathaway and the Victoria Secret models, swears by Rohto eye drops to brighten and refresh tired bloodshot eyes. In fact he often finds himself relying on this product because the celebrities he deals with are often just off a long haul flight having had very little sleep. To immediately wake up the eyes and have them camera-ready, he just uses a few drops of Rohto. Even though it does sting a bit, it is quite a good if you want to relieve redness, dryness and irritation of the eyes. (Another little trick of Quinn Murphy’s is for rectifying dry chapped lips and making them even softer. He takes some sugar, mixes it with some Vitamin E gel and massages it on the lips for a minute before wiping it off with a damp cloth.)

Ken Paves

Celebrity hairstylist, Ken Paves, whose best known clients include Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson, has a brilliant trick for covering those telltale roots in between colourings. He lightly mists the roots with hairspray before applying eye shadow to the root in the same colour as the hair dye. Chalk also works well for blonde hair. You can buy temporary touch-up sticks in a variety of shades, though chalk and eye shadow both work equally as well in emergency situations!

Angelina Jolie

Whenever your hairline looks greasy, just follow Angelina Jolie’s favourite technique. Use a big make-up brush to apply a light dusting of baby powder (or dry shampoo) to the hairline and roots, before then blasting it with a hairdryer to get rid of any tell-tale residual powder. If you’re brunette like Angelina, its worth noting that Batiste have a range of dry shampoos that come in darker colours.

Penelope Cruz

Actress Penelope Cruz likes to use L’Oreal Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 Lotion on her skin each day. Some women like to apply it before bed, however I would suggest that you slick it on in the morning before you do your make-up. Its highly effective ingredients will prevent your make-up from settling into any fine lines on your face.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock relies on Haemorrhoid cream to get rid of wrinkles and puffiness from underneath her eyes. It seems the active ingredient that eliminates piles is also equally as good for reducing fine lines and wrinkles because it helps shrink blood vessels around the eyes to temporarily decrease swelling and redness. However its important to remember that haemorrhoid cream is not designed for use underneath the eyes so you need to be extremely careful and test it on a small area first to make sure you’re not allergic to the product. There are other highly effective (and safer) options such as placing caffeinated tea bags on the eyes. If you find that you are still suffering from puffy eyes then try cutting back on salt, drinking more water, exercising frequently with deep breathing and sleeping with your head elevated. Potato juice is also extremely good for fighting wrinkles and fine lines underneath the eyes. Just extract the juice from a potato using either a blender or a juicer. (I would recommend placing the juice in the fridge for an hour for an extra kick of energy.) Soak some cotton wool in the juice, then place it over the eyelids for 20 minutes. A cold potato slice over each eye is also as effective for brightening eyes and removing tiredness

Liz Hurley

Liz Hurley turns to Estee Lauder’s ‘Perfectionist Wrinkle Lifting Serum’ whenever she wants to smooth fine lines. The best time to apply it is before bed. That way, it will have the night to correct any little imperfections.

Terri Hatcher

Its hard to believe that anyone would waste a bottle of wine by bathing in it, but seemingly its worth the sacrifice! Terri Hatcher for instance is said to mix it with her bath water to help soften and refresh her skin. Using red wine to beautify the skin is known as ‘vinotherapy’, and according to professionals, it can help reduce wrinkles and shift cellulite. There is even an actual wine spa in France, whereby guests are wrapped, massaged and smothered in extracts from some of the county’s finest wines! While indeed red wine is full of antioxidants that we know are beneficial to our overall health, the challenge is making sure these antioxidants are actually absorbed into the skin. Wine contains resveratrol and polyphenols – compounds which can help improve elasticity and speed up cell renewal. There are easier and far more effective ways of softening and refreshing the skin. For instance, Cindy Crawford always carries a spray bottle that contains a mixture of water and milk. She spritzes this mixture on her face and skin throughout the day and it keeps her skin feeling soft, smooth and youthful.

Courtney Cox

If you suffer from creases in your make-up, then follow in the footsteps of Courtney Cox and apply some Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment face cream beforehand! Voila! No more lines in your foundation!

We always assume celebrities have an unshakable penchant for those unaffordable high-end designer brands, whether it be in skin care or cosmetics. The reality however is that the majority of our favourite names love those little bargain buys and rely on them so much more than their designer cousins. In fact, you might find yourself quite surprised to learn which budget products take pride of place on the bathroom shelves of some of the world’s best-known celebrities. Here on The Claregalway Hotel website, we have compiled the top budget brands favoured by our favourites!

**All products featured are available from Boots on Shop Street in Galway.

Maybelline Mascara

For long thick lashes, actress Kate Beckinsale relies on the worldwide phenomenon, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. When asked about her beauty buys, Kate once told an interviewer, “A lot of fancy mascaras flake and get cakey. Maybelline Great Lash mascara is really cheap and you can get it anywhere.”
Davina McCall, Alexa Chung, Britney Spears and Rachel Bilson are also said to be huge fans of the product. Alex Gerrard meanwhile prefers Maybelline’s Colossal Mascara. She once stated in her magazine beauty column, “I’ve bought about five different mascaras recently. My best one is the Maybelline Colossal mascara. It gives you tons of volume, but it doesn’t feel like you have lots on.”

Bio Oil

Abbey Crouch’s amazing complexion is largely thanks to the chemist beauty, Bio Oil. She once tweeted, “Covered my face in Bio Oil last night my skin feels amazing this morning.”

Her fellow WAG Claudine Keane is another fan of the brand having used it to successfully ward off any potential stretch marks during her pregnancy.

Baby Oil

Actress Jessica Alba, singer Beyonce Knowles and WAG Victoria Beckham are just three of the many celebrities that adore Johnson’s Baby Oil. While Victoria and Beyonce like to use it as an everyday moisturiser to maintain their smooth skin, Jessica once told a magazine that she prefers to mix a pea-sized amount of the oil with her usual moisturiser to create a subtle skin shimmer.

L’Oreal / E45 Cream

Cheryl Cole was a firm L’Oreal fan long before she was signed up to be their official spokeswoman. Her mascara of choice is L’Oreal’s Volume Shocking Mascara, while her lips are usually coated in L’Oreal’s Glam Shine Reflection lip Gloss (Sheer Cassis). By her own admission, True Match Roll-On is a staple item of her make up bag. She once told Glamour Magazine, “Its just so quick, its really clever. There’s a lot of times when I’m running late, I’m just looking a bit rubbish because its early, I haven’t got time or I cant function enough to sit down and put my make up on – so I find that fantastic. It’s the simplicity”

When it comes to skincare, Cheryl opts for L’Oreal Pure Zone Step 1. To moisturise however, she swears by E45 cream. She was once quoted as saying, “My skin can get very dry so I use E45 moisturiser. You don’t have to use mega-expensive products, you just need to find the right products for your skin type.”
Ponds Cold Cream

Who would have guessed that good old Ponds Cold Cream would be among Kylie’s skin care moisturising must-haves? She once said, “if there’s one must-buy product then Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser is it.”
Of course the only thing better than a bargain buy is a multi-functional bargain buy. Again, Ponds Cold Cream fits the bill as it also works as a make-up remover and deep cleanser.

While Kylie has admitted to having Botox injections in the past, she says she now relies only on Pond’s when it comes to helping her skin defy the years. Apparently the singer first began using the product following the advice of her mother, Carol, whose own skin is enviably youthful. Kylie now uses the cream every day, and even once raved, “It has really changed my skin. It’s all I use to look after my skin. It’s such an old classic. My mum uses it and it really does work. It’s made such a difference.”

Sales of Ponds increased by 120 per cent in the days following Kylie’s praise!

Optrex Eye Drops

Despite her phenomenal wealth, Victoria Beckham still enjoys the inexpensive offerings of her local pharmacy. In fact, one item you will always find in her handbag are Optrex Eye Drops, which she uses to keep her peeps bright and camera ready. Other bargain favourites of Victoria’s include Nivea Dry Deo Compact Deodorant and Johnson’s baby wipes, which she uses to clean away any residual white deodorant marks on her clothes!

Schwarzkopf Yoghurt & Coconut Shampoo

Nothing goes unnoticed on television, so in order to keep her hair looking in top condition, M&S covergirl, Lisa Snowdon, uses Schwarzkopf Yoghurt & Coconut shampoo. This product can also be found in Sienna Miller’s bathroom cupboard!

Sudocrem

Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh depends on Sudocrem whenever a spot break-out threatens. While the product is usually associated with nappy rashes, Kimberley (and sometimes Cheryl!) reportedly use the cream to help dry out spots overnight.

Veet In Shower Hair Removal Cream

Part of the WAG uniform is mandatory hair-free legs, and Wayne Bridge’s girlfriend, Frankie Sandford, knows this only too well. The Saturday’s singer relies on Veet In Shower Hair Removal Cream to keep her legs clean and smooth, and cites it as being the “one product she cannot live without.” She once told an interviewer, “it works in just three minutes, keeps my legs smooth for weeks and contains a moisturising complex to keep them soft”

Barry M Cosmetics

Singer Christina Aguilera is definitely not one celebrity you would normally associate with bargain buys, however it seems the starlet is a massive fan of the budget cosmetic company Barry M. She once told an interviewer, “Barry M cosmetics are fabulous, they’re the only way to glam up an outfit!”
While former Spice Girl, Mel B, favours their black glitter eye crayon, FHM’s newly crowned ‘worlds sexiest woman’, X-Factor judge, Tulisa, adores their 147 lipstick. She once said, “it’s a beautiful peach shade and is very matte, which I really like. It looks great with a smoky grey or brown eye”

Alexa Chung likewise followed suit, raving, “I love Barry M nail paint in red glitter…it looks like Dorothy’s shoes.”

While there’s no doubting the star calibre of Barry M’s following, its place in the vanity case of every celebrity was firmly secured when Rhianna’s make-up artist revealed that his client “loves Barry M lip and eye colours”.

The eternally quirky Paloma Faith is also a die-hard Barry fan. She once said, “Barry M have just sent me their green lipstick! This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Barry M have the most exciting range of colours and glitters ever. I cant live without my new number 52 lipstick. Its so joyful!”

Garnier Ambre Solaire

With all the sun holidays she enjoys, Alex Gerrard needs a good quality SPF to keep her skin well protected. She chooses Garnier’s Ambre Solaire Clear Protect, because, “it’s clear, so it doesn’t leave marks on my clothes, which drives me crazy!”

Dove

Lorraine Kelly’s face just fails to age. If anything, it looks better now than ever before. Her secret is generous amounts of Dove’s Pro-age Nourishment Body Butter. The best time to apply such products is right after a shower when your skin’s pores are open and able to fully absorb the product.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

TV beauty Holly Willoughy has often cited Batiste Dry Shampoo as her number one beauty item. Whether you want to inject some volume into the roots, or salvage another day between shampoo’s, this product is definitely the go-to item on every girl’s dressing table. It is available in a large range of scents, as well as different shades to suit different hair colours.

Bourjois

Victoria Beckham has long favoured make-up brand Bourjois for their high pigmented pearlised eye-shadows. Likewise her fellow WAG, Coleen Rooney, loves using Bourjois’s Rose Dior blusher to help her achieve a more subtle natural look. Singers Jessica Simpson and Dannii Minogue are also said to be firm fans of the Bourjois brand, in particular, the eye-shadows, while Paris Hilton loves their kohl eye pencils.

L’Oreal’s Elnett Hair Spray

With countless paparazzi lenses trained on her every move, Scarlett Johansson relies on L’Oreal’s Elnett Hair Spray to keep her tresses in place. Other celebrity fans of the hairspray include Kim Kardashian, and stylist Rachel Zoe.

Rimmel Eye Liner

While Kate Moss is often photographed without foundation, its rare that you will see her without at least some eyeliner or mascara. Her favourite product is the Kohl Eyeliner pencil from Rimmel.

There are so many superstitions associated with bridal style.

For instance, some say the tradition of a wedding veil stems from the days when it was used to protect the bride from evil spirits. Others say it comes from the tradition associated with arranged marriages whereby the bride’s face was covered until after the ceremony so as to prevent the groom from backing out if he didn’t like the way she looked! Even the earrings you wear on your wedding day are said to have superstition attached in that they will bring you luck and happiness for the rest of your life. Today, fortunately, the emphasis of our choice is based more on style than superstition! If you’re on the search for a bridal gown, you will be pleased to hear that The Claregalway Hotel has compiled for your perusal some of the trendiest bridal looks from one of the city’s many bridal boutiques, ‘Belladonna’.

If you like tailored styles but don’t necessarily want a dress as fitted as a fishtail gown, then perhaps a subtle column/sheath dress, such as the one featured in the picture, is the kind of gown you should be aiming for. That said, I strongly recommend you try on all styles, even the ones you think you won’t like. All too often, brides-to-be end up falling in love with the kind of dress they initially assumed they would hate. You can’t accurately judge a wedding gown when it’s on the hanger, so keep an open mind and try it on. Remember, comfort must be a priority when it comes to your wedding gown. When you fit on each dress, try moving, sitting, and hugging, and see if you can do these with ease. The dress should not restrict you in any way. It may sound daft, but wave your arms above you to make sure the shoulders and sleeves aren’t irritating your underarms.

This dress featured is from the Novia D’art collection, a brand of which Belladonna are the only stockists of in Galway.

This stunning A-line gown, from the Franc Sarabia collection, is perfect for brides in search of their fairytale dress (but without the meringue factor.) Best of all, if you have a slim waist, this style of dress will highlight it beautifully. Furthermore, the Grecian style feature on the shoulder is ideal for disguising a fuller bust, so if it’s something you’re conscious of, then I would recommend you try on dresses with this type of embellishment.

If you are just beginning your dress search, it can be quite daunting when you suddenly find yourself faced with rails of gowns for the first time. If you’re unsure as to which style will best suit your figure, go with A-line first. The A-Line cut is suited to almost every shape. The diamante/lace dress pictured is from the Fara Sposa Bridal Collection. Belladonna is the only boutique in Galway (and just one of nine in the country) to stock the Fara Sposa Bridal range.

Knee-length wedding dresses, like this particular number from the Charlotte Balbier collection, are becoming increasingly popular each year. Now that the law has been freed up to allow ceremonies take place in public places, sometimes a shorter gown is more suitable for the setting. Given the level of detail on this dress, I would recommend that you pair it with plain satin shoes. Following the reception, you could change into silk pumps.

If you like a touch of Grecian detail, then you will love the sweeping effect on this Novia D’art dress. Given the detail on the dress, I would recommend you opt for a plain veil. When you are trying on gowns, always spare a thought for the kind of jewellery that will best suit the shade and style of the gown in question. Simplicity is the key to wedding beauty so if, for example, you are wearing a diamond tiara, then avoid wearing a diamond necklace and earrings. Have one key piece but make sure your other pieces are toned down considerably. In this particular case, the key piece is the diamante detail on the dress so try not to overshadow it with too many accessories.

**Tip: Don’t forget about the post-wedding care of your dress. I would suggest that you have your dress vacuum packed as it is the best way to preserve the material and colour. Another option is to wrap the dress in acid-free paper and store it in museum-quality boxes.

Its not easy to carry off the fishtail look, but if you’re a fan of this style, then give careful consideration to a couple of factors before you set your heart on it. Firstly, while the nature of a fishtail gown is to be quite fitted, its very important to ensure that you allow for some breathing room otherwise it will become extremely uncomfortable as the day progresses. Remember, the bride and groom are on their feet quite a lot. From posing for photographs, to greeting guests, to dancing, it is essential that you are able to move with ease. Ask yourself honestly, will a fishtail gown restrict you?

Secondly, if you are having a summer wedding and you’re blessed with a hot day, you may end up feeling quite clammy in such a tight fitting dress. Bear this in mind.

The two fishtail gowns featured are at the very fitted end of the dress scale. The first one, which looks so similar to the wedding dress worn by Eva Longoria, is from the Franc Sarabia collection, while the second gown is from the Novia D’art range.

The two gowns pictured here are perfect for the bride in search of a subtle fishtail style without the restriction of a tight fit. If you opt for a strapless gown, your tan will need to be absolutely perfect. This is why it’s a good idea to have it applied three days before your wedding. That way, you are giving yourself ample time to correct any mistakes or to have a top-up if necessary. The first gown you see here is from the Pronovias collection while the second is from the Venus range.

Lace was always popular when it came to wedding gowns, however thanks to the influence of a certain royal bride last year, its impact has increased significantly. If you liked the elegance of Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton’s wedding dresses and would like a similar effect for your own, then these two gowns may be to your liking. The first is from the Franc Sarabia Collection while the second dress is featured as part of the Fara Sposa Bridal range.

This fabulous dress, from the Pronovias Collection, is the epitomy of a fairytale wedding gown. A dress like this will be quite heavy so ensure that your shoes are comfortable. In other words, forget high heels. (Don’t forget to wear your shoes around the house a week before the wedding so as to help you get used to them and break them in.)

As you can see, the lower half of the dress is quite full and would not be suited to a petite frame.

*** TIP: When I interviewed Ireland’s leading wedding planner, Tara Fay, for Lisa Fitzpatrick’s book ‘Enjoying Style & Fashion’ back in 2010, one of her top tips for brides was ‘budgeting’. Decide on what you can afford and stick to it. There is no hard and fast rule as to how much you should spend on your dress and accessories, however some experts say a good guideline to follow is approximately 5.5% of the total wedding budget.

Here’s another elegant hit from the Pronovias range. This beautiful number is actually quite similar to the Monique L’Heullier wedding gown worn by Andrea Roche. There’s quite a lot of delicate lace detail to this dress so be extremely careful not to snag the material on your bracelet. (Charm bracelet’s in particular are big culprits for this.)

Fara Sposa Bridal’s knee-length prom-style gown is perfect for a summer wedding. In fact, this would be quite a good choice of gown if you’re eloping to a hot climate to get wed. In terms of footwear, I would suggest recommend that you remain inkeeping with the feminine style of the dress and opt for satin sandals. The bridal shoes featured here for instance (also available from Belladonna) really complete the look.

This Franc Sarabia gown is the perfect example of balanced detail.

A plain dress with a lace-embellished veil is a timeless look and is perfect for a bride of any age. The detail on the midriff, you will notice, also adds to the elegance of this look.

Brides getting married for the second time tend to stress over the most appropriate gown to wear. There are no rules as to the kind of gown you have to wear in such situations. In fact I would personally recommend that you wear whatever dress you love most, regardless of how embellished or full it is. If, however, you’re after subtle understated elegance, then this champagne Franc Sarabia gown may be just what you’re looking for.

***Tip: Do not collect your dress until the week before the wedding. If you bring the dress home with you months before the wedding, you will keep looking at it and trying it on. Before you know it, you’ll be bored by it.

This particular gown, from the Novia D’art collection, is structured enough to highlight your figure, but not enough to cause discomfort. A popular trend amongst brides lately is to look for a dress that they can reuse following their big day. This is certainly the kind of dress that you can upcycle from a wedding gown to a formal one. A good seamstress will be able to remove the train, and it would not be difficult to either dye it yourself or have it professionally dyed for you. I would recommend going for black, crimson or navy.

If you don’t like bare shoulders, or if like a lot of us, you are conscious of your upper arms, then this dress from the Amanda Wyatt collection is the kind of style that will be best suited to you. The sheer lace cape-detail on the shoulders will detract attention away the areas you are most conscious of, while at the same time, maintaining the femininity of the gown.

If you like halter neck wedding gowns, such as this Franc Sarabia number, then make sure you bring a strapless bra with you when you go to try on. That way, you can accurately determine whether or not the halter neck style is suitable to your shape and if it will offer the necessary level of comfort and support on the day. Keep in mind that halter neck dresses focus on the upper half of the body, including the shoulder, bust and face, so if you have large hips or thighs, then this style will disguise such problem areas. Given the emphasis the halter neck places on the upper half, it is not the most suitable style for fuller busted brides.

**Tip: When you try on a full dress, pay attention to its weight and/or beading and ask yourself if wearing such weight will leave you feeling exhausted before you have even cut the cake.

This gown, from the Franc Sarabia collection, is one of my favourites. Just remember, whenever you are trying on a dress that requires height to show off its shape, ask yourself if you will need to wear a heel higher than what you are comfortable with. It may be an age old cliché, but there’s a lot of truth in the saying ‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail’.

This dress is perfect for the bride that wants something simple but elegant. If you’re worried you may trip on the skirt, you may have to have it shortened slightly. However before you take any drastic measures, discuss with your seamstress if it will change the shape of the dress in any way. This dress, from the Venus collection, also has a matching bolero.

I love the detail on the back of this gown. All too often brides pay little attention to the back of their dress, however what they forget is that the back of the gown is precisely what their church full of guests will be looking at throughout the ceremony.

This dress from the Venus collection, is the perfect example of a gown that will generate admiration from a crowd even when the bride has her back turned to them.

This Charlotte Balbier gown is quite traditional in style. The raised neckline and fitted corset is a nice contrast to the free-flowing lower half of the dress. Don’t feel limited to wearing white or cream on your wedding day. Try on champagne, ivory and gold wedding gowns as they may be far more flattering against your skin tone.

Soap & Glory products have been slowly trickling into Boots stores over the past two years or so. Fortunately, fans of the brand can now enjoy the full Soap & Glory offerings as Boots in Galway are now stocking their extensive range of make-up and body products. Most of these products are multi-use, which means this is one brand that will definitely get you your moneys worth! Here on the Claregalway Hotel website, we have selected some of the best products to suit whatever your requirement may be!

‘Arch De Triumph’ – Two-Step Shaping & Highlighting Crayon

(€10)

There’s a reason ‘Arch De Triumph’ is on Soap & Glory’s very own top ten list of most popular products. In short, its main purpose is to shape and lift the brows so as to give them much more definition. Eyebrows always frame the face, and believe me, a highlighting product like this can make a world of difference to your entire appearance. In order for this to work its best however, your brows must already have some form of shape. If they don’t, then it would a good idea to make an appointment with a beauty salon to have your brows plucked or waxed. It’s very inexpensive and it will give you an indication as to how good your brows could look. All you will have to do after that is simply maintain their shape every week by plucking any stray hairs you see. A good trick to use when plucking your eyebrows is to use an eye pencil and colour the eyebrow into the shape that you want. Next, pluck the hairs outside the shape you have created on your brow. (Just try not to pluck your brows right before your period, as this is when it will hurt the most. If you’re sensitive to pain, hold an ice cube on the area for a few seconds. This will numb the skin so that you don’t feel the sting. If your brows are red and irritated from plucking, just soothe the area with the help of a few cool, wet tea bags. You will feel the effects immediately.) If you’re having trouble taming your brows, take an unused toothbrush and spray it with a little hairspray before then brushing over the brows. (Clear mascara also works very well) The stickiness of the hairspray will help keep them in place. A thoroughly washed mascara wand will also work as a brow brush when sprayed with hairspray.

Kabuki Brush – for powder, blusher, bronzer, blending, etc. (€11)

The bigger the brush, the more even the application. In fact the best way to achieve a natural look with your make-up is to use the biggest brush you can find. That way, the bristles will distribute the blush/bronzer/powder over a wider area thus giving you a softer, more subtle look. Smaller brushes tend to have tightly packed bristles which deliver a stronger, more concentrated colour. This is why some women have quite streaky blusher – they are using the wrong brush! Furthermore, always use separate brushes for your bronzer, blush and face powder otherwise when you go to apply your blush or face powder, you may notice that the shades are somewhat darker then they should be. This is because the particles from the blusher and bronzer are still in the fibres of the brush and will transfer onto your face each time you use it.

‘Solar Powder’ – Mix & Match Multi Shade Bronzer – €13

If you don’t like the bronzed look per se, then you need to get your hands on a shimmer/colour brick. The colour duo will give your skin a nice natural colour along with a subtle shimmer. If you dust this over your face and neck, you will prevent the dreaded ‘bronzed neck/white face’ from occurring. (For the most natural look, use a big powder brush)

‘Trick & Treatment’ – Double-Action Under Eye Dark Circle Corrector (€11)

This product not only hides the dark circles, it also treats them!

(‘Trick & Treatment’ features a special yellow pigment mix to neutralize dark purple under-eye circles.) I would also suggest using a home treatment to help conquer the problem. My favourite is a remedy that involves applying some plain natural yoghurt underneath your eyes each morning to help take away the dark circles and puffiness. Yoghurt contains vitamin K which helps diminish hyper-pigmentation, bruising and dark circles. Ideally you should leave the yoghurt on the eye-lids and under-eyes for 10-15 minutes in the morning. If however you’re stuck for time, then I would recommend that you apply it underneath your eyes the moment you get up and leave it on while you are brushing your teeth, etc. Rinse it off and then moisturise preferably with a cream that contains Vitamin E. If you have fifteen minutes to spare at night, I would suggest that you use this really good face mask to help brighten up and refresh your skin. Mix a couple of tablespoons of natural yoghurt (without preservatives) with one teaspoon honey. After you’ve thoroughly cleansed your face, apply the mask and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off with warm water. You will definitely notice results from this mask.

‘Lid Stuff Fabulous Flawless Finish’  – Perfect-Wear Eye Shadow (€12)

One of the most commonly asked questions I get from readers concerns how to stop eye-shadow from creasing or flaking. Few eye-shadow products can claim to conquer these problems however the ‘Lid Stuff Fabulous Flawless Finish’ is one that can! It will not flake, crease or even fade, so you can rest assured that its intense colour (which also comes in a matt or metallic finish) will stay in place for the night!

This eye-shadow palette comes in four shades, however if you want to create smokey eyes, then check out Soap & Glory’s YouTube tutorial featuring the ‘Smokey Dokey’ palette. Just make sure you have a good eye-shadow blending brush. Believe me that’s half the battle!

‘Show Good Face’ – 2-in-1 Skin-Energizing Foundation & Primer

(€13)

Primers can be expensive, (and are not entirely necessary unless you have oily skin). Finally however, there is a product that combines the primer and foundation in one. Better still, the formula in this product features ‘retinol’  – an effective anti-aging weapon against fine lines.

Remember however, cosmetics are pointless if you don’t already take care of your skin. This is why I never like to rely solely on cosmetics for results particularly considering how there are so many little adjustments you can make to your skin routine instead. For instance, I would recommend that you moisturise with coconut oil (which you will find in any health food shop). Coconut oil helps increase elasticity in the skin which is why it is also the best thing you can use on your face as it prevents wrinkles and tightens your skin. Skin loses its elasticity when it’s dry, so each night before bed, apply a generous amount of coconut oil, or if you don’t have that, then use a good vitamin E oil or olive oil.

‘Supercat’ – Carbon Black Extreme Eyeliner Pen (€8)

The marker tip on this liner makes it ideal for creating different looks, be they dramatic or subtle. Soap & Glory describes ‘Supercat’ as “long lasting” however to really ensure it goes the distance when you wear it, just seal the line in place by tracing over it with an angled brush dipped in black eye-shadow. If you find yourself having difficulty getting the hang of applying eyeliner, then try dotting the liner along the lid and just connect the dots! Another trick is to lightly create a line with pencil liner and trace over it with liquid liner.

‘Thick & Fast Mascara’ – Super Volume False Lash Effect Mascara (€12)

When it comes to mascara, pigment is everything. A clump-free formula also helps too! Fortunately this false-lash-effect mascara offers both.

While Soap & Glory’s ‘Thick & Fast Mascara’ will help create the illusion of longer, fuller lashes, I would suggest that also try to achieve the most glamorous lashes possible with the help of a home remedy. Coat your eyelashes in olive oil before you go to bed every night for two weeks. This will help lengthen your lashes as well as thoroughly condition them. If your lashes are conditioned, the mascara will not only stay in place much longer when you wear it, but it will also give you a more defined curl. Now when you wear your Soap & Glory mascara, your lashes will look their absolute best!

1 – ‘Hocus Focus’ – Instant visual flaw-softening lotion (€15)

2 – ‘For Daily Youth’ 6-in-1 superboost moisture lotion (€14)

We all have those days when our skin just feels tired, and lets face it, no amount of make up will ever disguise that feeling! This is where ‘Hocus Focus’ comes in! It helps diffuse the appearance of large pores, blemishes, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation as well as giving the skin a quick boost of energy. This multi-use product can also be used on its own as a cheekbone highlighter, or, when blended with 2-3 pumps of your foundation, it will give your skin a youthful, dewy, luminous look! For those make-up free days, mix it with some moisturizer and use it as a skin brightener. I would suggest using this in conjunction with ‘For Daily Youth’, which is designed to help fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All you have to do is smooth some onto a clean face and neck every morning and/or evening. You should notice a nice glow appearing after a few seconds of it being applied.

1 – ‘Flake Away’ – Body Polish (€8.64)

2 – The Righteous Butter – Body butter (€12.21)

‘Flake Away’ is a skin smoothing body exfoliator that contains shea butter, sweet almond oil, peach seed powder, sea salt and sugar. (Best of all, its scented with Soap & Glory’s beautiful ‘Original Pink’ fragrance!)

Just be careful that you don’t apply it to irritated skin or abrasions, as salt scrubs can really sting. Once you are out of the shower, slick on some ‘Righteous Body Butter’. This award-winning product contains softening shea butter and aloe vera. (It also comes in the same fragrance as the body polish exfoliator which means the scent will last much longer on your skin, particularly if you then combine it with Original Pink perfume!) Remember if you ever want a scent, such as perfume, to last longer on your skin, try to use shower products in the same fragrance. For instance, if you like wearing Elizabeth Arden Fifth Avenue perfume, then use Elizabeth Arden Fifth Avenue shower gel and moisturiser. When you layer the scent, it lasts longer. This is precisely why perfume/shower sets were created!

‘Super Colour Fabulipstick’ – Collagen Boosting Lipstick with Plumping Pre–Peptides (€11)

‘Super Colour Fabulipstick’ was voted ‘Best Lipstick of 2011’ by The Daily Mail Newspaper last year and its not difficult to see why! Two of the ingredients in this wonder-product include Shea Butter and Vitamin E which means it keeps your lips beautifully conditioned and chap-free. Fabulipstick also contains Ceramide 2 for aging repair and visible wrinkle reduction so as to help give you a soft, smooth, dewy, plumped up, colour-filled smile.

To help your lipstick remain in place as long as possible, just dot your lips with some foundation, gently rub it in and then apply your lipstick. This should give your lip colour a longer lifespan as well as a more even finish!

‘Great Kisser’ – A super fruit butter moisturising lip balm – €7

The ‘Great Kisser Super Fruit Butter Moisturising Lip Balm’ meanwhile is slightly pricey at €7 however this conditioning lip balm doubles up as a very subtle lip gloss. Best of all, unlike a lot of other lip balms and glosses, this one is not too waxy, not too slippery, not too greasy and not too sticky! Personally I love how Soap & Glory chose the lip balm’s ingredients for very specific reasons. It features mango butter (to moisturise), apricot butter (for weather protection), lingonberry oil (to boost the barrier repair and prevent water loss) and pomegranate extract (to renew the ‘dewy’ look of your lips). The balm comes in three flavours, two of which have a colour tint. ‘Juicy Peach’ is a gorgeous coral tinted shade, ‘Sweet Coconut’ is clear but has a hint of shimmer while Chocolate Cherry meanwhile is a sheer ‘popsicle pink’ shade.

‘Hand Food’ (mini) – Travel size non-greasy hydrating hand cream (€3)

Soap & Glory’s ‘Hand Food’ is by far my favourite product of the entire range, and if you hate the feeling of dry hands, I guarantee you will love it too! I would advise that you try it out first by using the travel sized bottle. Its very inexpensive and you only need a tiny dollop to re-hydrate your hands. The scent ‘Original Pink’ is delicious! Best of all, its not greasy and will not leave a residue on your skin.

‘Mighty Mouth Lip Balm’ – Extreme Hydrating & Super Glossy Lip Balm (€10)

The ‘Mighty Mouth Lip Balm’ is a moisturising lip butter with a peptide complex to give you that plumping effect. Its also a perfect handbag companion for those of you plagued by dry lips. If you want to really improve the condition of your lips, try exfoliating them with a toothbrush and some Vaseline first.

‘The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser’ – 3-In-1 concentrated deep purifying formula (€12)

‘The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser’ will clean and smooth the skin as well as melt away any residual makeup thus leaving you with ultra-spotless skin! All you have to do is massage it onto your face and neck for at least sixty seconds, concentrating most of it on your nose, chin, and other clog-prone spots. Finish by gently pressing it off with a warm, wet cloth. (The product also comes with a free muslin face cloth!)

‘Glow All Out’ Luminizing Radiance Face Powder (€13)

This is wonderful for lifting the cheekbones, and even better for dusting lightly all over the face for that dewy look. It is known as a radiance powder because it features pigment pearls – an ultra-fine creamy powder shimmer – which gives the foundation a nice pearlescent finish.

‘Sexy Mother Pucker XL Extreme Plump’ – Collagen Lip Shine (€12)

The ‘Sexy Mother Pucker XL Extreme-Plump Collagen Lip Shine is a tingly lip gloss that gets to work the moment it hits your lips. In fact you will literally feel it buzzing and tingling on your lips after you apply it. While this extra-strength collagen lip shine will give your lips a little help in the plump department, I would suggest that you combine it with a home remedy for maximum results. Apply some peppermint or paprika to your lips every night for two weeks and you should notice a slightly fuller difference in your pout!

Make Up Bag (€12)

A vintage-inspired make-up bag in which to store your Soap & Glory goodies! it’s the ideal size to carry with your in your handbag or to leave in your desk drawer.

2012 will bring with it many trends, one of which includes the ever classical, ‘nautical’ theme. Even though this trend is set to be popular for Spring/Summer, Wallis (in both Debenhams and the Terryland Shopping Centre) has already begun stocking up on the basic key items. Here on The Claregalway Hotel website, we have compiled the most stylish nautical looks on offer.  

A wrap dress is never a regrettable purchase. Not only is it very slimming and comfortable, its long sleeves makes it ideal for those colder days. I would strongly suggest going for nude shoes so as not to distract from the detail of the dress, however if you are wearing this dress to an event such as a wedding, you could pair it with gold sandals.

Blue Chain Print Wrap Dress – €45

Beige Patent Court Shoe – €40

Metallic Clasp Top Purse – was €10 now €6

Its not often a trend is equally as stylish as it is comfortable, but fortunately the nautical theme is just that. This tunic for instance looks fantastic when worn with leggings and wedges, however if you want to dress it up, you could pair it with white skinny jeans and sandals.

Navy Asymetric Stripe Tunic – was €40

White Tassle Shoulder Bag – €35

Pewter Patent Wedge Heel – €38

Sometimes people assume that the nautical trend only consists of blue and white shades. Fortunately this is not the case. Grey and beige shades, like those in this particular outfit, are equally applicable. As you can see, the detail on the neckline is characteristically nautical. If you want to inject a little colour into this look, I would recommend tying a print scarf through the loopholes of the trousers; a look that has long been associated with the trend.     

Stone Stretch Wide Leg Trouser – €33

Purple Smudge Print Scarf – €20

Grey Rivet Detail Jumper – €40

This top is incredibly pretty, however if its warmth you’re looking for from a jumper then this one may not be the best choice as the material is quite thin. 2011’s hugely popular trend of brightly coloured jeans looks set to remain in place until the dreaded trend of patterned jeans takes over in the coming months. Of course, such colours are not to everyone’s taste. While this navy top looks amazing when paired with these red jeans, the blue jeans would be a better option if you’re not particularly comfortable with such a bright statement colour. White skinnys would also work beautifully.

Navy Logo Motif Jumper – €33

Red Straight Jean - €35

Indigo Suedette Insert Jean – €40

Taupe Pointed Flat Shoes – €35

This outfit proves that you don’t need a lot of detail to create a stylish look. If you wear a long tank top inside the cardigan, you could pair it with leggings and wear it as a casual but fashionable ensemble. On the other hand, you could really embrace the nautical trend by pairing it with white or denim skinny jeans.

Blue Cocoon Cardigan – €20

Camel Shoulder Bag – €35

Topaz Rhinestone Necklace €15

This blazer is of fantastic quality however it’s deceptively big in size. In fact, you may find yourself having to reach for a size or two smaller than your usual. Given that the sleeves on this blazer are also slightly longer than average, I would not recommend buying this item online otherwise you may risk disappointment with the fit. To really complete the nautical look, I would suggest pairing it with this white camisole and silver linked rope necklace.

Navy Tipped Ponte Jacket – €50

Indigo Suedette Insert Jean – €40

Stone Plain Cami Top – €10

White Tassle Shoulder Bag – €35

Silver Linked Rope Necklace – €20

If you don’t like purchasing trend specific fashion, then I would suggest that you instead buy simple pieces and create the trend look through accessories. This fitted jacket for instance is quite plain and so can be accessorised to suit whatever look you want to achieve. If you are going for an understated look with a touch of the nautical trend, then you could twin it with this silver shield necklace. If however you want to fully embrace the theme, then you could do so with this black stripe flower corsage and cream patent flat loafers. Its all in the detail of the accessories.

Navy Edge Blazer – €52

Black Stripe Flower Corsage – €12

Silver Shield Necklace – €19

Cream Patent Flat Loafer – €40

While this item is technically a dress, it also doubles up as a very stylish long top which you can wear with leggings and pumps, or skinny jeans and wedges. Given the heavy stripe detail, I would recommend limiting the jewellery to either a ring or a watch.

Petite Black Bow Tunic – Was €42, now €22

Black Facet Stone Ring – was €12, now €3

Black Patent Peep Toe Heel – €40

Anyone who has ever watched ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ will more than likely remember the episode where Mrs Bucket turns up for a boat trip, dressed from head to toe in a nautical theme, complete with a sailor hat! Well this particular top is also very obviously of the nautical trend but not in Mrs Bucket’s distinctively OTT way! Sometimes people steer clear of such overtly trend-specific items, however this jumper is so pretty that it will look stylish even long after the trend has surpassed.

Stone Anchor Stud Sweater – €40

Indigo Wide Leg Jeans – €40

Lilac Charm Bracelet Pack – €11

Here we have another example of how a trend can be achieved through accessories. If you are trying to cut back on spending, then a good quality plain white shirt will most certainly serve you well in the long run as it can be accessorised to suit whatever trend is in fashion. For €30, this shirt is a steal.

White Chambray Shirt – €30

Blue Delauney Print Scarf – €17

Gold Beaten Stack Ring – €9

Bronze Gladiator Wedge Sandal – €40

The best items to invest in are the ones you can wear in both a casual and dressy style. This shirt dress for instance, which is available in both black and light blue, can be completely transformed through shoes and jewellery. With the black dress, I have chosen nude heels and a gold cuff bracelet as a comfortable yet dressy look. For a more casual style, check out the accessories I have paired with the blue dress up next.

Black Gold Button Shirt Dress – €45

Gold Ridge Swirls Bracelet – €16

Beige Patent Court Shoe – €40

From the colour of the dress to the style of shoes, everything about this look is characteristically nautical. As you can see, the right accessories have given the look a more casual feel. This is another prime example of how a plain item can be utilised in a variety of ways through simple adjustments.

Blue Gold Button Shirt Dress – €45

Taupe Pointed Flat Shoes – €35

Lilac Charm Bracelet Pack – €11

While this very feminine butterfly tunic would look perfectly fine with plain blue jeans, I do think the nautical trend is always best showcased through white trousers. Unfortunately Wallis doesn’t have white skinny jeans in stock at the moment which is why I have turned to River Island for these beautiful yet inexpensive skinnies. If comfort is the call of the day however, then this top is certainly long enough for leggings.

Navy Butterfly Tunic – €35

White Skinny Trousers (River Island) – €30

Pewter Patent Wedge Heel – €38

I love those casual looks that have a stylish edge in the small details. Cardigans such as this one can be paired with a white camisole and a statement necklace for an immediate infusion of style. If you prefer trousers with a more structured fit, then these beige wide leg trousers are also available in a slim line cut similar to that of a skinny jean.

Blue Curve Hem Cardigan – €28

Crystal Rhinestone Necklace – €16

Stone Stretch Wide Leg Trouser – €33

We all have those days when we feel most comfortable in black clothes, however that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the trend. A black dress can become a nautical number in seconds when accessorised with this black and white stripe scarf and handbag.

Black Crepe Wrap Dress – €55

Black and White Stripe Scarf – €17

Mono Two Tone Bowler – €30

Not all tie-tops mean belly tops! These two t-shirts are full length and look bang on trend when twinned with white jeans. If however you are conscious of weight on your midriff or thighs, then it would be a good idea to steer clear of tops with such tie-detail on the front as they will only draw attention to the areas you are most conscious of.

White Bootcut Jeans – River Island – €40

Gold Fossil Dome Ring – €9

Blue Jersey Tie Front – €19

Stripe Tie Front Tee – €24

If you are of a petite frame and would like to give your figure more definition, then these horizontally-striped tops are definitely the way to do it. If however you want to slim down your upper half, wear tops that have a vertical stripe.

White Skinny Trousers – River Island – €30

Navy Button Stripe Jumper – €32

Black and Ivory Stripe Tee – €19

Black Patent Pointed Flat Shoe – €30

This gorgeous top bears a striking resemblance to that worn by Duchess Kate Middleton during her trip to Canada last year. All too often, women purchase tops like these without taking into consideration the appropriate underwear. For instance, a white bra will still be visible underneath a white top, particularly one as light in material as this. Play it safe and invest in a nude seamless t-shirt bra.

Cobalt Straight Jean – €30

Cream Bird Frill Shirt – €38

Metallic White Satin Sandal – €23

The navy trench is more ‘understated nautical’, particularly when paired with these beige trousers. Like the white shirt, it is also an investment item that will undoubtedly last you years. Definitely worth the purchase.

Black Facet Stone Ring – was €12 now €3

Navy Belted Trench – €75

Stone Stretch Wide Leg Trousers – €33

With the exception of a more prominent neckline, this tunic is very similar to that featured in picture 8. While this item could be worn with leggings, I feel white skinny jeans and black heels do it the best justice.

Given the detail on the neckline, skip the necklace and limit the jewellery to a watch and a bracelet.

Black Eyelet Stripe Tunic – €42

Black Patent Peep Toe Heel – €40

White Skinny Trousers – River Island – €30

If, like a lot of people, you find your body temperature can often go from extreme to the other, then this is the kind of layered outfit that you will love. Gold jewellery, such as this bracelet, best compliment the tones in the cardigan.

Cream Waffle Stitch Cardigan – €40

Stone Plain Cami Top – €10

Indigo Wide Leg Jeans – €40

Gold Facet Bracelet – €15

January usually means three things.

Cold weather, post-Christmas-blues/exhaustion, and of course, SALES!

As we all know only too well, sales are synonymous with large crowds which, in turn, can sometimes make it incredibly difficult to source the real bargains hanging on the rails. Fortunately however, the Claregalway Hotel website has taken the hard work out of the bargain fashion search by featuring some of the most stylish looks to be found on Galway’s high street.

When it comes to sales, we’re all guilty of buying items that we will never wear. If however you have promised yourself to be more money-wise this time around, then might I suggest this particular look?

Blazers and jeans for instance are never bad buy’s as they can be worn with a multitude of items in your current wardrobe. For this look, I have paired them with a stylish t-shirt which, for an added edge, can be twinned with a dramatic necklace.

- White phone print embellished vest – River Island - was €18 now €7

- Caroline smart denim short jeans – Monsoon - was €50 now €15

- Grey smart blazer – River Island - was €65 now €30

- Cropped tailored jacket – Oasis - was €163 now €88

- Clean collarless jacket – Oasis - was €88 now €62

- Black pearl and chain necklace – River Island - was €40 now €20

This is wonderful multi-tasking outfit in that it can be made formal enough for the office but yet stylish enough for an evening event. All you have to do is slip off the blazer and change the handbag for a clutch. In literally seconds, you’re ready for a night out!

- Jay dress – Monsoon - was €95 now €33

- Grey bag – Mála (Tuam) - was €12.99 now €9.99

- Black diamante trim satin clutch – Oasis - was €20 now €14

A warm sheepskin aviator coat is one you’ll get plenty of use out of considering the year-round cold weather we get. Admittedly, this particular one from River Island is still a bit expensive however given that it previously cost almost €300, it’s definitely a bargain if you’re in the market for a good quality jacket. To complete the look, I have paired it with light beige skinny trousers from River Island and a gorgeous brown tote from Tuam’s newest handbag shop, Mála.

- Khaki sheepskin aviator jacket – River island - was €275 – now €100

- Light beige skinny trousers – River Island - now €30

- Brown tote bag – Mala (Tuam) - €25

Christmas might be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign the sequins and feathers to the back of the wardrobe! This feather-embellished dress is a brilliant item to have in your wardrobe for when you need something that’s quite dressy but not overly so! Hold back on the accessories when wearing this dress, and keep the jewellery and footwear very simple. If you want to inject some colour into the look, do so with a clutch bag. To keep the cold at bay, opt for a plain blazer.

- Feather embellished shift dress – Awear – was €69 now €50

- Charm bracelet – Oasis - was €12 now €8

If you love colour, you will love this striking next look! Gold and purple work beautifully together and with this halter neck dress reduced to €12, its an absolute steal!

- Contrast edge jacket – Oasis - was €62 now €50

- Metal halter neck dress was – Oasis - was €19 now €12

Whether it’s a day shopping or an evening at the cinema, this look will work. Even if you don’t buy the cape top or the belt, I would strongly suggest that you get your hands on these stylish jeans which are available for the incredibly low price of €15 from Monsoon. Hats are set to make a comeback this year so if you want to get ahead of the trend, you could do so with this cream mohair trilby for €5 from River Island!

- Carmaine cape top – Monsoon – was 45 now €30

- Caroline smart denim short jeans – Monsoon -was €50 now €15

- Gold tone chunky circle chain belt – River Island - was €20, now €5

- Cream mohair trilby hat – River Island - was €20 now €5

Without doubt, Oasis have the best selection when it comes to the January sales. I particularly love this next look, which costs a very reasonable total of €43! Of course, if you don’t want to wear a tank top, you could always go for a white shirt instead. I would recommend pairing it with subtle gold sandals.

- Twist neck vest top – Oasis - €25 now €12

- Gold tweed A-line skirt – Oasis – was €37 now €25

- Sequin skinny scarf – Oasis - was €10 now €6

If you like wearing soft feminine styles, then you will definitely get your moneys worth with these items! Grey trousers are always worth investing in given their versatility, however unless you pair them with the right top, your outfit will be at risk of looking too office-like. Try if you can to only pair them with bright colours, like this pink cardigan for instance.

- Light pink ribbed cardigan – River Island – was €32 now €12

- Grey wide leg trousers – River Island - was €25 now €10

- Double metal tassel and bead earrings – Oasis - was €8, now €4

A tank top inside a pencil skirt is a look that will never ever date. (The same goes for a white or black shirt tucked inside a pencil skirt). If you want to give this style an extra edge, then how about accessorising with a faux fur snood or fur scarf? The brown snood compliments the brown belt on the herringbone light grey skirt, while the light grey fur scarf works against the dark grey tweed skirt.

- Twist neck vest top – Oasis - was €25 now €12

- Sparkle tweed pencil skirt – Oasis - was €25 now €19

- Herringbone sculpture light grey skirt – Oasis - was €25 now €19

- Grey faux fur scarf – River Island - was €22 now €10

- Faux fur snood – Oasis - was €21 now €15

If you’re sticking to your New Years resolution of daily exercise, then show off your figure in this ridiculously-inexpensive blue satin dress!

To even further highlight the beautiful blue colour, I have twinned it with a vibrant pink clutch. Perfect for a girly night out.

- Cut out back satin dress – Oasis - was €50 now €31

- Large leather frame purse – Oasis - was €31 now €19

This amazing Sky Lark dress from Monsoon has been reduced from €160 to staggeringly low €48! If there are any weddings on your 2012 calendar, then this would be an ideal dress to wear to one! You can opt for either a dramatic necklace or a statement clutch, but never both! To complete this look, go for subtle silver sandals; any other colour or shoe style will just detract from the dress.

- Sky Lark dress – Monsoon - was €160 now €48

- Nantes chain layer necklace – Monsoon - was €22 now €6

- Pleated satin frame bag – Monsoon - was €31 now €17

At €17, you genuinely cannot go wrong with this dress. The best thing about this dress is that you can wear it two ways – either on its own or over white trousers! If you opt for the latter, I would suggest accessorising with this gold belt.

- Kimono sleeve shift dress – Oasis - was €35 now €17

- Gold tone chunky circle chain belt – River island - was €20 now €5

You should always have a ‘just-in-case’ dress in your wardrobe. This is the kind of dress that you know you can rely on should you receive a sudden party/wedding/etc invitation. I personally find the red dress to be  particularly elegant. If however, you still haven’t worn it come 2013, then simply have it shortened and wear it as a cocktail dress!

-Red cut out back maxi dress – River Island - was €45 now €20

- Mona dress – Monsoon – was €135 now €47

If stylish work-wear is what you’re on the look out for, then you may appreciate this next look. The sheer sleeves make this dress a very pretty feminine number whilst the high neckline makes it more than appropriate for the office. The jacket meanwhile is very Chanel in style and will make for an elegant addition to any outfit.

- Blouse fit and flare dress – Oasis – was €49 now €31

- Frill jacket – Oasis - was €81 now €37

If ever there was a time to go on a hunt for a good quality coat, its January. More often than not, people will balk at the idea of spending big money on a coat when they could be spending the same amount on a new dress or a pair of high heels, however what you need to remember is that you will more than likely have the coat for years to come. Furthermore, you need to forget the image of the coat being a boring wardrobe staple. As you can see from these items, the coat is a very stylish number and will more than dress up a plain outfit.

- Sequin princess coat – Oasis - was €100 now €75

- Collarless lace coat – Oasis - was €100 now €75

- Double breasted reefer texture coat – Oasis - was €119 now €81

If, like so many women, you are conscious of some extra weight on your arms or shoulders, then you need worry no more! This Mai Tai dress from Monsoon very discreetly covers the arm and shoulder areas without losing its dressy edge. Now you can enjoy your night out without being self-conscious! I would suggest pairing it with a black blazer.

- Mai Tai dress – Monsoon - was €140 now €42

- Feather purse – Awear - was €25 now €12

If you prefer to wear a smart long coat over your dress, as opposed to a short blazer, then you may like this black and grey longline jacket from River Island. Its colours are so neutral that it will work with almost every item in your wardrobe. As you can see here, I have paired it with a beautiful lace dress.

- Black and grey longline jacket – River Island - was €75 now €30

- Lavena lace dress (available in white and black) - Oasis - reduced to €49

There’s no point in stocking up on tops during the winter sales if you don’t have the right trousers to wear them over. All too often, we automatically pair out jumpers and t-shirts with blue jeans, when in fact, they would look much more stylish if worn with a khaki or beige trouser. I particularly love these three from River Island.

- Cream rope belt chinos – River Island - was €33 now €15

- Light beige skinny trousers – River Island – reduced to €30

- Brown straight jeans – River Island – was €42 now €25

Whether you have an event coming up or you’re looking for a stylish work dress, then these two River Island numbers may be to your liking.

I would recommend wearing them with nude closed-toe shoes.

- Blue / Beige cap sleeve ruffle front dress – River island - was €40 now €25

- Black pearl and chain necklace – River island – was 40 now 20

This is exactly the kind of design you should be going for if your mission is to hide the Christmas weight and appear slimmer. The dark panel in the centre of the two white panels slims the figure and immediately gives the appearance of a more defined shape. Its all in the illusion! This design is also available in the form of a top.

- Faux leather piped dress – Oasis - was €31 now €19

- Colour block ponte top – Oasis - was €44 now €25

- Large leather frame purse – Awear – was €31 now €19

If you took full advantage of Christmas cheer then chances are you will be planning a full-on detox as part of your New Year Resolutions.

While a new health kick will undoubtedly help your hair, skin and nails, there are a number of remedies you can use in the meantime to help rectify any yuletide party damage. Whether it’s a case of excess hair products leaving your hair feeling dry and lack lustre, or perhaps too much make-up leaving your skin suffering from break outs, the tips below will help you get back on track. These tips are also especially helpful for brides-to-be who want their hair, skin and nails to look their absolute best on their wedding day. 

Problem 1: No shine

Remedy 1 - Avocados are often referred to as green gold thanks to their high levels of Vitamin E. This vitamin is known for its moisturising benefits and is one of the best things you could apply to your skin and hair. In fact, this is precisely why you will often hear shampoo adverts emphasising the avocado and Vitamin E content of their products. Rather than relying on such products however, I would recommend that you make your own avocado treatments. That way, you are getting the full benefits of the fruit without having to contend with any added chemicals. This following treatment will make your hair incredibly shiny as well as give it that lustrous look often associated with Kate Middleton. For this mixture you will need one avocado, four tablespoons of natural yoghurt and four tablespoons of olive oil. Cut the avocado into slices and mash it in a large bowl. Next, fold in the yoghurt and the olive oil and continue mixing until a paste has formed. After wetting your hair, apply the mix and rub it in until the hair is enveloped in the green paste. Cover your hair with a shower cap (or a swimming cap) and allow the paste to sit for up to half an hour. Afterwards, wash your hair thoroughly. While this remedy can differ from one individual to the next, avocado treatments usually work best on normal to dry hair. Carry it out once a week for absolute best results. 

Remedy 2 – To inject your tresses with a glossy bounce, shampoo your hair as usu­al and then use approximately one cup of vinegar in the final rinse of your hair. Allow it to sit for three minutes, then rinse and dry as usu­al. There will be a slight smell from the vinegar but this should be gone by the final rinse.

Remedy 3 – If its glossy poker-straight hair you’re after, then heat some oil (extra virgin olive / coconut / or almond / etc) in a saucepan and massage it into the scalp. (You will find these all these oils in any branch of Galway’s Evergreen health food shops.) Wrap a hot towel on your head and allow the hair to absorb the oil for over half an hour. Thoroughly wash your hair afterwards.

Problem 2 – Limp Hair

Too much product build-up is one of the most common causes of limp dull looking hair. Even if you only ever use shampoo and conditioner, a build-up of product residue can still occur. This is precisely why you should carry out one of these four remedies once every two weeks to give your hair an injection of freshness.

Remedy 1 – To really clean your hair thor­oughly and strip it of product build-up, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with ½ cup of apple cider vinegar. Massage the mix­ture into the scalp before rinsing off and shampooing.

Remedy 2 – Add one teaspoon of lemon juice to your regular shampoo once eve­ry two weeks.

Remedy 3 – Take one tablespoon of baking soda and massage it into wet hair before rinsing and shampooing as usual. For this treatment to be effective, it should be carried out weekly.

Remedy 4- Another option is to shampoo your hair, rinse, then apply a glass of beer to your hair before rinsing again. (Believe it or not but Heineken is quite good for giving your hair a nice shine!)

Problem 3 – Congested skin

If the winter has left your skin feeling congested, chop up some parsley, sprinkle it into a bowl of boiling water and stir the mixture. Place your face over the steam with a towel over your head to lock in the benefits. This is the perfect primer, as it will refresh even the most jaded complexions.

Problem 4 – Dry brittle hair

Sometimes hair can feel like it’s thirsty for moisture. Achieving soft silky hair fortunately does not require expensive products. In fact all you need is a bottle of olive oil and 30 minutes of your time.

Simply apply the olive oil, (as much as you wish) to your hair half an hour before you wash it. Once you have it combed through from root to tip, wrap your hair in a tow­el and let every strand soak up the oil. Once the 30 minutes are up, sham­poo as usual. You should feel a noticeable difference in your hair immediately afterwards.

Problem 5 – Dark circles

If the Christmas parties have left you with dark under-eye circles, just dab on some almond oil underneath the eyes twice a day. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing away with water. Another method is to mash half a cucumber with one tomato. Next, break open a Vitamin E capsule and add four drops into the mixture. Place the mixture around the eyes, sit back and allow it to soak in for 10 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse your face and moisturise.

If your problem is more to do with tired eyes, then all you will need is potato juice. Simply extract the juice from a potato using either a blender or a juicer. (Place the juice in the fridge for an hour for an extra kick of freshness.) Soak some cotton wool in the juice, then place it over the eyelids for 20 minutes. If you want to also reduce the appearance of crows feet, just dab some of the juice on the fine lines. A cold potato slice over each eye is also effective for brightening eyes.

Problem 6 – No Volume

Until your hair is back to its full health, there’s one styling trick you can avail of to give your hair a little volume. Crimp the roots of your hair (about 1-2 cm’s from the scalp). Apply some hair spray then brush it out. The crimp won’t be at all noticeable but the fold in the roots will help give your hair long lasting volume.   

Problem 7 – Dry skin

Next time you’re running a bath, add in a small amount of baby oil (preferably containing aloe vera). This will leave your skin feeling smooth not to mention beautifully fragrant. It will also add a touch of shine without leaving your skin looking greasy.

Problem 8 – Blemishes

Applying carrot juice to your face on a daily basis will help fade unwanted blemishes. Pressing a potato slice against a blemish will also help reduce its redness and swelling.

Problem 9 – Dull skin

No amount of expensive make-up will disguise tired and dull looking skin. If you neglect your skin, believe me, it will show. Here are two complexion-improving remedies that have been favourites of women for generations. 

 Remedy 1 – Take approximately ½ cup milk and mix it in with some Vaseline until a paste is formed. While mixing, add in a few drops of almond oil. Apply the mixture to the face and allow it to sit for around 10 minutes. As always, you should repeat this regularly to get the best results.

Remedy 2 – Another method involves dipping a cotton wool ball in some milk and applying it to the face. Try to apply at least two tablespoons of milk. Allow the liquid to remain on the face for at least 30 minutes before washing away with water. It might be hard to believe, but this simple trick alone will help improve your skin quality as well as leave

it soft and smooth. For best results, use frequently.

Problem 10 – Stained nails

To whiten your nails, try brushing them with whitening toothpaste. Apply the toothpaste to a nail brush and then scrub them for a few minutes. This will not only whiten your nails, it will also remove stains and leave them with a glossy shine.

This year, we want to give prospective wedding couples something that is definitely different. We are opening our doors and welcoming all Brides and Grooms to be, to experience the style and service that wedding couples enjoy on their big day at Claregalway Hotel. The premier award winning Claregalway Hotel will be showcased to guests as it would look if it was set for a real wedding.

The Waterdale Banqueting Suite will display a number of unique wedding themes, to inspire our guests and to showcase a sample of our own range of possibilities. It’s all about you! Whatever you want, however you want, it is your special day and for you anything is possible at Claregalway Hotel.

Our highly experienced wedding team, led by our wedding planner Nora Gill, will be at your service on each of the days to discuss any queries you may have and offer you exclusive suggestions and tips. Those attending the Wedding Open Day events at Claregalway Hotel will have the exclusive opportunity to speak one-on-one with Nora to discuss our wedding brochure and all – inclusive wedding packages.

Claregalway Hotel prides itself on being one of the premier wedding venues in the West of Ireland and has established itself with a reputation for exquisite food and excellent service. This has been recognised with the Optimus Mark of Best Practice Award 2011 and two recent nominations for Best Wedding Venue in Connaught 2011 by two of Ireland’s leading online wedding websites. Claregalway Hotel promises to cater for no more than one wedding per day so you can be guaranteed a personalised service with standards of excellence and a venue that is second to none.

A visit to one of our Wedding Open Day events is a necessity to those planning their nuptials, so grab your friends or your partner-to-be and explore all that this stunning wedding venue has to offer.

For further details call (091) 738300 or send an e-mail to nora@claregalwayhotel.ie