How to… rip and distress jeans

After umm-ing and err-ing about whether or not to rip up a pair of jeans myself or just buy a pair I finally bit the bullet today. I attacked these light blue denims with gusto and I’m happy to say after ripping, slashing, filing, tearing, snipping and fraying, I am delighted with the results. It took a bit of research and practise but I managed to get the look I was after. I wanted to make quite a few rips in the jeans and I wanted the rips to look authentic. This is the result, I turned up the hem for a more summery look.

Here’s how to get the look…

Peter O’Brien for A|wear Summer ’09

I was lucky enough to be invited to the A|wear offices today to preview their beautiful new summer collection by Peter O’Brien. I was blown away, it was so different that what I expected; it was an ultra feminine and utterly timeless capsule collection – (only 24 pieces in total). There are dresses, blouses, sweaters, skirts and a mac. The collection has a small yet effective palette of duck egg blue, navy blue and cream. The fabrics are luxurious; Crepe de Chine, lace and cashmere and all the dresses and blouses are 100 percent silk. The stand out pieces have to be the dresses in fact and I love the sheer yokes and the on-trend polka dot printed silk chiffon.

Here are a couple of Peter O’Brien’s Sketches…

Ripped to the Max

If you are going to go ripped this season, then you have to really tear it up…

A little scuff around a pocket or two just isn’t going to cut it I’m afraid, you need to rip it up like Balmain SS09 and buy jeans that have rips and scuffs along the entire leg length. The best jean shapes to go for are skinny or straight leg. To transcend the seasons try wearing lacy tights underneath the jeans so the lace will show through the rips and holes as the weather get chillier.

How to… wear colour combinations

There always seem to be rules about what colours should and should never be worn together. Thankfully we’re pretty lax on when to wear what colours unlike our US cousins; all that no white after Labour Day nonsense??

I still think that the rules we set for ourselves can be really restrictive though. True, some colours require confidence to be worn well, but there are ways around those fears…

Diaz gets Her Star in Oscar de la Renta

Cameron Diaz flashed her pearly whites in her usual big grin as she posed for pics next to her shiny new Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

Wearing this pretty, girly, white lace linen dress by Oscar de la Renta, Cameron looked delighted with her new accolade. The matchy shoes and belt are a bit much but the dress is gorgeous and looks great on the star.

How to wear City Shorts in Summer

Having been in the fashion wilderness of late, Mischa Barton is upping her style status while on the set of her new TV show, The Beautiful Life. Not due to air in the US until mid-September, the show, which also stars Elle Macpherson as a model agent, is already causing an internet storm. The show is based around a group of models who live together in New York and is being produced by Ashton Kutcher. But if this outfit is anything to go by, the show is set to be our new weekly style fix.

The long sleeve stripy Chanel Tee is super casual and I love the way it is teamed with the tweed monochrome blazer. The tailored shorts make Mischas legs look even longer than usual and because they end high up her thigh, she is able to wear those high platforms with a gorgeous ankle strap and not lose any leg length. I love this city shorts summer look and here is a high street version to create a similar look:

Long Sleeve stripe Tee €45 CC , White Linen Blazer approx. €100 M&S, Black pocket smart shorts €24 New Look, White skinny patent belt €25 Topshop, Carvela Apelle peeptoe ankle strap platform €100 KG

Friday Floral Fashion

What with all this sunshine and the promise of more of the same fabulous weather all weekend – Slane here I come! – I absolutely could not resist this blue and green abstract floral skirt in New Look today. (€30). I adore the tulip shape, the chunky zip, the gathered detailing down each side that disguises two side pockets, but most of all this abstract neon green and blue rose print.

How to… Dress Clever When Invited to a Wedding

During these hideous “times of hardship” we all know that we have to make the most of every special occasion. We all love a night in with the girls and a bottle of Sauv. Blanc or dinner at a friend’s house but now that staying in is the new going out there are far less opportunities to really get dressed up to the nines.

So when that wedding invitation drops through your letter box and along with it the chance to partake in the three d’s (dinner, drinks and dancing), make sure you make the most of it and dress smart. By this I don’t mean with a warm cardi and comfortable shoes (God forbid)…

Dress with maxi-mum effect

Yes maxi-dresses are still the garm of choice for summer days; they are as popular as they have ever been; you only have to hit the high street to see just how popular they are with hundreds to choose from in all colours and fabrics. This is fab news, they are the singularly most feminine and flattering piece of clothing you can wear, but accessorising them well could be an issue. The natural choices of accessories of course, are gladiators and chunky jewellery which do work wonderfully; but there is a more effective partner for your favourite maxi…

Fashion Maths: One gorgeous Maxi dress + one cropped denim jacket = great, feminine, summer outfit.

All you have to do is remember these simple rules, the denim jacket has to be light blue – a perfect summer shade, hip-length – slouchy will not work with your maxi-dress and the sleeves should be turned up at the elbow to complete the laid-back look and the collar should be worn up for an edgy feel to your outfit.

Nicole Richie (of course) Cheryl Cole and Rihanna all know how to do denim with their Maxi-dresses. If you are bored with the usual floral / ethnic / bo-ho maxi-dress prints, then go for a block neutral colour like Rihanna, or a faux two-piece like this Alice & Olivia dress that Cheryl is wearing.

New Look and Topshop both have great fitted denim jackets at €40 and €60

If Money was no object…Zac Posen

…this incredible Zac Posen Maxi leopard print creation would be my dress for summer. Teamed with gold accessories; glads, clutch, bracelets…? oh stop!

As it stands money is very much an object; so I shall instead dive into Dorothy P’s and nab this equally fab leopard print maxi for €35!!!

N.B: Zac Posen is available from Harvey Nichols at Dundrum

www.harveynichols.com