A Fresh Coat

Here is the text for this Wednesday's page, all about your number one investment this season....

A Fresh Coat

A coat is one of those items that deserves a little investment. A good coat can accentuate a figure, draw attention and compliments, keep you warm, and give you a little thrill of ownership each time you put it on. A bad coat, however, makes you look like a walking sack of potatoes or a tablecloth, is not warm, makes your skin itch, and fills you with a school child’s stubbornness of not wanting to put on your coat.

This year, spend a little to love a lot, anything from €100 to €200 is a decent amount to hand over, anything above is a real treat, anything below is either a wonderful bargain, or a waste of money that will hang in your wardrobe for the next few years, unworn because it’s unloved.

No matter what your shape is, there is a coat that was made for your figure. Designers admire different silhouettes, it’s just a matter of discovering who loves yours enough to flatter it through their cuts. Style itself also loves different shapes, each era throwing up an icon that defines it, and a look that inspires the rest of us. There are many different styles this season that will dominate the stores, from Twiggy to Masculine to Tweed, no one will be untouched by the fashions that will sweep over us. Just remember, when dealing with these latest inspirations and trends, it’s not about fashion, it’s about style. Never sacrifice a wonderful cut and fit for a trend that may not suit you.

The Shoot
This week we welcome Emma Holohan back to the modelling fold. She is currently amusing herself with the frivolities of education, which means she can only do the occassional shoot during the school year. I mean, what about your priorities Emma, what’s education compared to getting to do the odd shoot for the Kilkenny People? Joking.
She is a wonderful model, professional and great craic. Her sallow skin and caramel toned hair complements our Swedish looking blonde Rachel, also from Kilkenny, who has been gracing these pages of late with her unique beauty. I know the girls are a little embarrassed when I say how great they are, but they do us such a service here at Style, and the shops in Kilkenny as well. They model the clothes available to perfection, I hope that their work is appreciated by any store that they so immaculately represent.

From left to right, Emma is wearing a cream soft wool Mac style coat from Benetton on High Street. This comes highly recommended, I think it is a superb addition to any wardrobe. Think of all the things it will go with, trousers, skirts, boots, shoes, anything. Emma is wearing tweed wide legged trousers from Oasis, and a bottle green polo neck from Vero Moda. The tan round toed shoes are from Faith.

Rachel looks remarkably like Grace Kelly in this beautiful black coat from Coast in Goods. Again, it is a soft wool mix, decadent in it’s comfort. I think of shapes like this as “opera” style, so classic and sophisticated. It is collarless, yet has wide lapels, a look which creates an unfussy line that highlights the neck. There is a wide sash tie, that can be knotted or bowed, depending on your taste. The width of the tie makes your waist look tiny. The skirt of the coat is full and turned under in a tulip style, it is such a exquisite creation, it is one of my ‘yearn for’ pieces of the year. The black patent shoes with Christian Louboutin style red soles are from Wallis, in the Market Cross. Wallis is being feted as this seasons one to watch, similar to how Debenhams new lines were received last year. They are being commended for their value, colour and fit. Wait a little while for their Autumn range to come in fully, and then go mad. We will be doing a feature on them in the Weekender in two weeks time.

Through the trickery of magical photography, Emma is back in the frame modelling this 1960’s inspired red boiled wool trapeze coat, from MiMi on High Street. The colour is vibrant, the cut is perfection, and the buttons are a bit of fun. Combined with this cute black beret with brooch detail, and stunning black jersey dress with puff sleeves, both from Oasis, and the black patent shoes from Wallis, we have created that alludes to this era, without coming over all beatnik. I like to think of it as what the Parisians were wearing in the Sixties.

Rachel returns with another key look for the season, tweed and deconstruction. Praha on High Street are known for stocking the edgier labels, and this coat is no exception. In a subtle tweed, with a great cut, and unfinished raw details all over, this coat is a great supplement to a winter wardrobe, adding a splash of fashion without being overly trendy. The fake fur detail on the collar adds warmth and texture. The jeans are from Benetton and are a marvelous fit and style, and also very reasonably priced.

So, make the most of the chillier season, and show off your taste with a coat that will last you a lifetime. Don’t be afraid to invest, and don’t be afraid to try on at least twenty different coats before settling on the one you love. Much like choosing a husband.