Style columnist Breid McDaid shares fashion inspiration for women of all ages.

Hey Everyone,

Hope you’re all having a nice Sunday and enjoying the first bout of Spring sunshine.

I took advantage of the lovely weather this weekend and decided to take some pictures in Ards Forest Park. I’m so lucky to have it on my doorstep, just a short 10 minute drive away, an ideal location for a spontaneous shoot like this.

Here is an example of what’s involved in what you’d describe as a standard personal shopping experience.

Height, body shape, and skin tone are some of the important factors taken into consideration when tailoring the shopping experience to the individual’s needs.

As we have my niece’s Confirmation coming up shortly I decided to have a little scout around for a comfortable, yet stylish outfit for my mum to wear on the day.

Initially I hadn’t considered a jumpsuit, however I knew this one from Dunnes Stores had great potential and proves there are options available to suit any age. Being 5ft4, I knew I needed to find a block colour, in a bid to elongate her body to give the illusion of appearing taller.

Another way of doing so is with the addition of a pair of heels, a tricky concept where mum is concerned, as she doesn’t feel comfortable wearing anything too high.

I was delighted to find an option in the colour navy as black can often prove too harsh against her fair complexion. Although black is a common, sometimes considered ‘safe’ colour in most wardrobes, mid to dark navy tones are much more flattering against the fair, Irish skin tone.

A low neck doesn’t suit mum so I had to come up with alternative additions to counteract this, both including a beautiful silk scarf from the Paul Costello range, held together by a dainty colour co-ordinated leaf shaped brooch from Marks and Spencers.

I also found this gem of a necklace in Marks as well, the perfect statement to draw the eye.

A plain canvas doesn’t have to be considered boring, it can often be easier to work with in many ways. Navy is commonly known to work well with grey/silver tones, however in this case I decided to compliment the ensemble with a brocade gold handbag and dressy, but low heel shoe.

Now this would never be the case if I was shopping for myself as the time you’re looking for something in particular is often the time you won’t find it, however due to the excellent ladieswear selection currently available in Dunne’s Stores, the initial outfit shopping trip swiftly snowballed to become a mini shopping splurge.

Between the Gallery, Savida, and Paul Costello range, we were spoiled for choice with regards dressy casual wear showcasing pieces to suit women of all ages.

See below for some alternative looks that I put together using some other favourites from the collection.

All links are embedded in the images below. Those that aren’t are unavailable online but are all in store.

As always, thanks for taking the time to read. I hope you enjoy.
Breid @ styleyourstory x