Galway Advertiser 2007/2007_07_19/GA_1907_E1_020.pdf 

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Galway Advertiser

July 19 2007

NEWS

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FASHION

BEAUTY

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H E A LT H

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LIFE

MARY

O'CONNOR
shoulders back, head straight, small and medium steps and don't look down." If killer heels seem like more trouble than they are worth, choose a wedge heel. "They look great, are very popular right now and will ensure you will be able to stand all day and still look beautiful." Good grooming is essential. "Make-up, nails and hair must be immaculate. Moderate your make-up and fake tan and do not forget to apply some sun block." Attitude is important, too. There is no point being dressed to kill but ruining the look by appearing bored or in pain (from pinched toes). "Your attitude will say so much about your style and personality in any occasion of your life. Look confident and comfortable. The way you carry your body and clothes is part of your style. Remember to keep your shoulders back and head straight. Do not forget your good manners and smile!" Men can cut a dash at Ballybrit this summer by opting for brighter shades. "Wear colours, and wear those that suit your colour type. You will look confident, fresher and that will show off your personality. Why not try orange, pink, yellow, purple or bright blue. Balance them with neutral colours such as beige, grey, dark navy.Whatever your style is, don't forget that the most important thing is to look confident and comfortable." with a scarf and sunglasses. Finish off with deck shoes, comfortable and so smart." Accessorise your look with items such as scarves, man-bag, dapper hat and sunglasses. "But do not over accessorise. Less is always more." Choose your footwear with care as the right shoes are essential to your overall look. "Whether you decide to buy a new pair for the occasion or wear a pair from your wardrobe ensure that they are clean, polished, they suit the outfit and above all that you can walk comfortably in them. "Groom yourself from head to toe as well. Get a new haircut! Clean, exfoliate, moisturise your skin, shave, do not forget the nails and a nice fragrance. Apply a little sun cream at least 30 minutes before leaving your place."

Racing style
Fits perfectly
Delila Bouakkaz stresses the importance of dressing for your size. "Before buying any outfit, know your size. Wearing clothes that suit your size will enhance your overall image. Ensure that each item fits you perfectly." She recommends dressing to suit your individuality, too. "For this occasion, the suit is the most popular outfit but there are other combinations that you can go for which are equally sophisticated and stylish. If you don't want to wear a suit for this event then try linen trousers with a shirt teamed with a v-neck pullover and accessorise

If you like hats, the Galway Races is the ideal occasion to indulge this fancy. They are the perfect accessory to add pzazz to an expensive new outfit or to revitalise a bargain buy. While there are a variety of styles in the shops to suit most people and budgets, it is important to put some thought into your prospective purchase before you hit the shops. Like the clothes you wear your hat should accentuate your good points and play down any imperfections. It is important to match your hat to your outfit. If a new hat is out of the question, consider revamping one you already have or look out for a budget priced one in the shops. If it does not fit the bill, you can dress it up to suit the day. Feathers or large ribbons which can be used to cover the band of a plain hat will add panache and a designer touch to the simplest of confections. When choosing the colour opt for a shade which complements your outfit and skin tone. Experts say the secret to

choosing the right hat is to keep in mind your face shape, body and the outfit with which you hope to team it. Opt for a hat which reflects your style and personality, also. If you are splashing out a lot of cash on it, it makes sense to choose one which is adaptable and can be dressed up or down for casual or formal wear. Delila Bouakkaz, a French stylist and image consultant who is based in Galway, says a hat is de rigueur for the races.

Flatters your face
Wear it properly and you will look stunning. "If you decide to wear a hat, choose one that flatters your face. High foreheads can get away with almost any style of hat. Low foreheads are better suited to highcrowned hats. Whatever hat you plan to wear, do not wear it too far back on your head." If you are not a hat lover, there are other ways to "dress your head", she says. "Headpieces come in

various shapes, colours and styles. You could also try to wear flowers or butterflies, they add a touch of glamour. My favourite is the stylish wide-head band. It can be trimmed with a subtle veil or flower. It combines elegance, retro, and individuality. You will just have to ensure to pick the one that will suit the overall look." Dresses are big winners this season so you will be spoilt for choice when you hit the shops. Black and white are good combinations and are easy to co-ordinate. The brighter styles are guaranteed to be winners too and look wonderful on sunny days. Suits are another option and will take you from day to evening with effortlessl chic. Ms Bouakka says the secret of success is to coordinate each item strategically. She strongly recommends choosing a colourful outfit. "You will stand out from the crowd and look just amazing. Pick colours that suit your colour type. Keep in mind that each item and

colour will either complement or contrast the look. Ladies, this rule applies also for make-up and hair style." Accessories can make or break an outfit. "Take time picking out the appropriate jewellery, bag, belt, sunglasses and scarf. The only rule to follow is less is more! In case of rain, wear a raincoat or carry a handbag big enough to insert a mini umbrella."

Hat tricks
Here are some tips to help you make the right choice when shopping for a hat:* Avoid wide brims if you are petite. A small brim or a low crown is a better option. * Large brims can look great but hats like this are easily blown away. * Bear in mind that the crown should never be narrower than the jawline. Choosing the right hat for you should not only accentuate your outfit but also complement you. * If you have a long face choose a wide hat with a floppy brim. Steer away from narrow brims because these will make your face look longer. * If your face is round, avoid floppy hats or circular varieties. Hats that hug the face or head or have a tailored look are "no, nos" too. Opt for a hat with a high brim and angular shape instead. Soft textures with trimmings which direct the eye upward are a good idea, also. * Do not think that because you are wearing a hat you can get away with less than coiffed hair. If your hair is long, tie it back. If short, make sure it is styled and that the hat does not flatten it. * Square faces look good in hats which turn up on one side and down on the other. This will divert attention from the shape of your face. * Hats with pretty, dainty trimmings look good on those with small faces. Avoid oversized brims because these will swamp you. * If you wear glasses consider getting a hat with an upturned brim.

Walk effortlessly
Many women opt to wear high heels to the races. They look great, help your legs to appear longer and contribute to an overall stylish image. "It is a fabulous thing to be able to walk effortlessly in high heels," says the image consultant. "It is crucial to pick the shoes that you are comfortable in. Avoid too tight or too large shoes unless you want to do a remake of Cinderella! Decide the heels length and thickness and be honest with yourself. My advice is to practise, practise and practise until you master those heels. Walk tall,