Zoe Jordan AW15

Alpine, a little androgynous, very wearable. 

For AW15, Zoe Jordan gives us the knitwear staples the brand has led us to expect, plays with proportion, bedecks us in oversized faux fur and presents tailoring that is to die for.

Trop cool.

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Heatons x Wide-Eyed and Blind

A few weeks back I got this awesome coat from Heatons. It's a dead ringer for a Céline piece a few seasons back that I adored and there are similar coats all over the place at the moment but this one is much more affordable at under forty euro. It's not something I'll wear forever but something I was aware was going to be a brief, passionate love affair. And really it doesn't mirror the things I usually buy for my wardrobe - pastel pink isn't overly present. So, the lower cost is a major plus. I also really like the fit and the texture 

Paired with the awesome reversible tartan-houndstooth scarf I got at the Heatons press day a while back, you get a cosy look combining several trends for this season (winter pastels, traditional prints, blanket scarves). And placed over an all-black outfit, it marks a bit of a break from the norm for me, which is always nice.

Cue moody winter light and looking very warm and wrapped up.

Sunglasses, shoes, leggings, long black tee - Topshop 

Coat and Scarf - Heatons

In the interest of transparency, it should be noted that both pieces from Heatons were given to me but all opinions expressed are my own.

Menswear//Outerwear

I've played personal shopper to many a family member and friend over the years. If people want to know where to buy a particular kind of garment they tend to ask me. I'm known to pick up ridiculous bargains - how many people can say they bought a pair of Stella McCartney heels for less than the retail price of most Primark heels?

See, shopping is kinda my thing. If it were a sport, I'd surely be representing Ireland.

And, charitable and kind soul that I am, I thought I'd share my skills with all y'all and help any dudes/people wanting to shop in the menswear sections (I know I do often enough) out there who might be looking to find the perfect coat on the high street. I've broken this down into categories and, if I'm honest, I think any well-dressed individual would be remiss in having a wardrobe without a least one of each of the following sorts of coats. But if you're only in the market for one of them, you're in luck too.

The Leather Jacket

Timeless, endlessly wearable and, if chosen correctly, durable. The right leather jacket can last a lifetime. But, if you're not yet ready to invest, a cheaper faux version can get you by (or if you're opposed to the wearing of leather). If you have the patience and time I would actually recommend trawling charity shops, thrift stores or vintage shops for this item. More often than not, you'll get a better quality, more inexpensive version than you will on the highstreet. For those short on time or energy, this is a less feasible option so feast your eyes on the beauties I've dug up below.

(From Left to Right: Zara, €89.95, H&M, €79.99, Zara, €49.95, H&M, €199, Zara, €49.95)

The Dressy Coat

Sure, you can't wear it with every outfit but clean lines underneath will immediately seem dapper. Hell, even sweatpants are a go if you want to do dressed-up sport luxe. Think of it as women do nice lingerie, the thing to make you feel damn good even on a crappy day. Plus, you can't really throw a parka on over a suit.

(ASOS, €177.73, Topman, €165, COS, €190, ASOS, €142.69, Religion, €284.64)

The Everyday/Practical Coat

You might not be able to just throw that parka over a suit but you still need it, or something similar. Something just a stylish but a little less sleek and a little more practical. This is the coat you get the most mileage out of, the one to keep you warm and dry - it's one to think on a little.

(Top Row: Topman, €82, Topman, €140, Topman, €88, H&M, €59.99. Bottom Row: COS, €225, Topman, €76)

The Trench

A classic trench is exactly like a leather jacket, timeless. There is a sad shortage of the traditional variety in camel or beige in stores at the moment but the options below are pretty damn good all the same. This is one purchase you won't regret as long as you ensure a great fit with room for layers beneath. I've an awesome trench but you can't get a thick jumper underneath which renders it infinitely disappointing.

(Topman, €115, Topman, €94, Selected, €89.57, Diesel, €355.45)


The Road Less Travelled

These picks are coats that are a little different, a little fresher, with a bit more flare or adventure. We're talking a-symmetry, vintage appeal, decadent fur trims, interesting silhouettes and material choices. Less wardrobe classics or basics and more something to try if you're feeling brave.

(Zara, €79.95,  American Apparel, €221.80, Zara, €159, Zara, €159)

Well, any particular favourites?

(Please note that all items were available going to press and this may not be the case if you try to purchase afterwards. Furthermore, all Topman prices are converted from pounds as this is the only price given online, the instore conversion may differ somewhat.)

Cos AW14 Menswear Collection

Today I'm talking menswear once more...although I ended up buying a piece from the collection for myself! But such is Cos. Infinitely wearable, hard to (impossible?) to get wrong and wonderfully androgynous.

Scandinavian and Irish design actually have ties going back to the sixties and, I think, that's why it's so popular here. Both are somewhat simple, restrained though prehaps imbued with a little more of a sense of humour in an Irish context because we're so good at laughing at ourselves and not taking life too seriously. But, I digress. My point is that Cos suits a modern Irish palate. It's metropolitan, durable, not overly caught up in trends and unfussy.

So, Irish men, if you're feeling a tad lost style-wise, I reckon you should hit up their AW14 collection. It's got some great investment pieces in the form of blazers and coats and some slightly more on-trend pieces with sixties inspired prints, cuts and footwear. The palette is largely in neutral tones with the pops of colour here and there that they do so well - one of my favourite sections in the store was the schlubby grey area. I may not be a 50 Shades fan but there's probably that many in my wardrobe. And the silhouettes are largely traditional and recognisable with less innovating in this area than the women's clothes tend to see. However, to update these pieces, give them a modern twist, the details are key; a leather panel here, interesting use of zips there.

My essentials have to be the simple black bomber, the navy suit (looks good on EVERYONE - all genders should feature one of these bad boys in their wardrobe), Chelsea boots, canvas backpack, navy peacoat, classic Breton striped tee, tweedy canvas slip-ons and a sturdy duffle coat. It's what boy-me would wear/live in!

Use of materials - classic bomber in scuba fabric.

Use of zips.

Leather details.

So, what do you all think of the collection? Should I cover menswear more? 

AW14 Shopping List

I've already posted on the looks I'll be going for this AW but I thought I should also mention some of the key pieces I'll be injecting into my wardrobe. To me, these are indispensible for the coming season and some will also be great investment/non-agey pieces to boot!

1. Penney's/Primark Coats.

Love the Irish landscapes of the AW campaign, love the outerwear even more. They killed it this year. I want all the coats. The three I've gone for here are a pale pink Celine-esque number, a vintage-inspired faux-fur mod-like piece and a timelessly androgynous navy duffle.

2. Sailor Moon themed everything.

Because that equals cute, ne? This tee is from Lookhuman.com and is one of many, many tees, sweathers, bags and pieces of jewellery centred around Sailor Moon that I've fallen crazy in love with. Gimme.

3. A solid midi.

The mini may be the cut of the season but I like the proportions of a midi more at the moment. The khaki Topshop number is cute and manageable but the Lennon Courtney is the real one I'm after.

4. A pair of New Balances.

They've been on my list for a while now. Practical enough to run in...cute enough to wear when that inevitably doesn't work out.

5. Witchy/Nineties School Shoes.

These types of shoes were all the rage when I was eleven or twelve. I direly wanted a pair but my much-cleverer-than-I mother refused to buy them for me as she knew I'd never be able to run around the playground in them (ie What was I thinking?) Now I think (probably) I could do it. Vagabond were the brand of the day and I kinda wanna commit to the full childhood dream and get a pair now.

6. Grown-up heeled Chelsea Boots.

I live in ankle boots in the winter/always and I've been working my way up to a kinda proper heel so a classic Chelsea with a bit of height is what I'm after next. 

7. Hats.

I always want more hats but I've two sorts in mind: A classic Irish tweed number specifically from Evelyn the Arty Weaver and a stetson like this one from HIGH. NEED.

8. The Statement Jumper.

Specifically, this one from NATALIEBCOLEMAN. In love from the moment I first saw it.

9. Capes.

Yes, they're a thing again! I'm still searching for the perfect one but this Lennon Courtney capelet would sure go a long way towards quenching the need!

So, what will you guys be buying this AW?

Festival Necessities.

With Glasto behind us and many more festivals yet to come, here are my essentials for survival and style.

1. Glitter.

Love it. Embrace it. Become one with it.

2. Hair Chalk.

Like the glitter, this allows you to temporarily go crazy with your look...and then wash it away when the festival is over.

3. Statement Sunglasses.

In general, sunglasses are a wardrobe staple for me and for festivals, they're even more important. You're outside, possibly hungover and it's hopefully going to be sunny. Necessity. Then, when you're trying to pack light, they can be a great way of taking an outfit to the next level.

4. Docs.

Docs have taken me through many a festival and gig. They're better and more durable than wellies and you'll feel it less if someone stand on your foot.

5. Hair accessories.

Because second day hair is great, third day is...less so. Everyone and their aunt is over flower crowns but I think cute alicebands are a sweet, playful alternative to suit any look.

6. A coat.

If you're in Ireland or the UK, you're probably going to need one. Be honest with yourself, be realistic, be dry. Ones that can pack away or are light are your best bets.

7. Light layers.

Leggings, tanks, baggy sweaters - these things will be essential for temperature and weather changes. Build up your outfit starting lightest layers first and leave yourself the opportunity to add or lose more. A festival is shit when you're cold or damp...but then, maybe I'm getting old.

8. A flannel shirt.

Following on from above, flannel shirts are an easy layer to add warmth which can be easily worn around the waist when unnecessary and can double up as a waist-belt.

9. A towel.

Look, you'll probably get wet at some point, this is just so key I barely need to say it. Do I?

10. Baby wipes.

To bathe, to remove all that glitter, to wipe at drink stains when someone in a pit spills on you...it's obvious but it's a major essential.

What are your festival necessities?

Supersize it, please.

By which I mean: supersize my outerwear, please.

I may or may not have noted here before, the trend of moving from body clinging to skimming in the industry. Already, I'm somewhat of a convert from skinny to boyfriend jeans. This trend is something I can really get behind - I've never really been a fan of bandage dresses or discomfort. I like a little room to breathe, thank you very much. An extension of this is huge outerwear. I'm somewhat of a coat fiend (I blame my mother - her collection is insane) and these hut-like garments that can be snuggled inside are majorly appealing to me. As a teenager I was crazy for thinner coats and jumpers because I was terrified baggier clothing would make me look fat. Since then I've embraced layers and with many of the giant coats that were on the runways for next season, no one could ever mistake their volume for fat - the difference in size between them and your face or arms is too obvious. Another point in their favour is the drama factor; sweeping into a room or down the street in a giant coat makes a statement.

But anyway, here's a round-up of some of my favourites!

(As always, images from vogue.co.uk)