On Saturday 18th August the style conscious were out in force to check out the upcoming A/W '12 trends at the Appletiser StyleFIX Roadshow in Victoria Square, Belfast. Already in it's 3rd yr, the event boasted an afternoon of high impact catwalk shows whilst audience members indulged in mini makeovers at the special beauty stations & enjoyed a refreshing glass of Appletiser. My expectations were high as having attended the previous yrs events I knew I was in for a good show! From luxurious layering to florals, crazy optical prints and chic tweeds, Victoria Square's stylist Rebecca McKinney didn't disapoint as the models strutted out in this season's hottest trends! Whether you're a high street lover or label queen, there was something for you, illustrating how catwalk trends can be achieved on all budgets. First out was a classic blue shift dress by Hobbs, given a modern twist with a fab black leather peplum belt (also from Hobbs). As soon as I spied it I knew it was a must have as it will update any simple shift dress into the season's hottest silhouette!!
Eye popping optical prints in the form of Ted Bakers artistic palette midi dress and a blue & green spotty jumpsuit from REISS proved how fun & wearable this trend is, paired with block coloured accessories to keep the look paired down. However a personal favourite of mine had to be a stunning pair of leather burgandy shorts from Vila @ HoF. From Gucci to Dior, glossy, butter soft leather was everywhere on the catwalk & I cannot think of a better way to show off my legs this AW!! Also on offer were a pair of uber short tweed shorts & matching tweed jacket from Therapy at HoF giving the countryside trend a fun & sexy vibe!
Influences such as Christopher Kane's leopard embossed garments could be seen in a beautiful pair of snakeskin-printed skinny jeans from Guess, styled with a simple top. While a super tight and sexy gold skirt paired with a studded collar top (another key trend) from River Island reminded us that high street can give designer brands a good run for their money!
Of course anyone who knows me knows I love my designer brands and I was extremely pleased to see two of my favourite brands: Victoria Beckham & Herve Lerger making an appearance courtesy of CRUISE. The LBD was given a makeover by Mrs Beckham, showing that you can still be covered but yet remain super sexy in a super tailored black & snakeskin dress that would give master tailor Roland Mouret a good run for his money!! Next out was Herve Leger, who is synonymous with short, sexy body con bandage dresses, however this time we were treated to a floor sweeping full length red body con bandage dress! A Red Carpet gown, that would be aptly named the Goddess Dress!
Audience members also got their chance to show off their style & I was lucky enough to be Style Spotted for the StyleFIX Best Dressed Competition! Wearing a Chanel style green jacket & very short optical print green playsuit, I styled this with metallic green python platform sandals, a green pearl necklace from Honora Pearls, Fendi sunglasses & my favourite winter white Karen Millen leather tassle bag! My picture also featured in the Sept edition of "IN" Magazine, photograph by Rodney Simpson.
A big thank you to Appletiser Ireland, CMPR, Victoria Square & Stylist Rebecca McKinney for staging a hugely enjoyable StyleFIX Roadshow, and for anyone who missed it this time round don't forget to check out their Facebook page www.facebook.com/AppletiserIreland for updates of future shows! All photographs of the models have been kindly provided by Stephen Potter; Photograph from "IN" Magazine, taken by Rodney Simpson.