Transitional style as summer draws to a close

Autumn is here and it feels very peculiar talking about AW fashion when I know so many people have barely gotten any wear out of their summer clothes.

I’ve been looking at my wardrobe and wondering if I’ll get to wear half of my pieces and whether it is just time to call it a day and pack some of them away. The only thing stopping me is sheer optimism that the weather will improve this month and also, I have a trip to Portugal planned in September, so I won't be too hasty.

I am however looking at what I can bring from summer over to autumn and what I will need to transition the wardrobe over and I don’t think I need to actually buy anything new. I’ll just hold tough till I reassess my proper winter wardrobe.

My attempts at not buying anything new could have been scupered during the week when I hosted an event in Douglas Court Shopping Centre. I had to pull a rail of AW transitional pieces from the fashion retailers in the centre and I was so spoilt for choice.

There was so much colour and print as well as amazing accessories and while I normally find this time of year and this sort of weather hard to dress for I ended up being inspired for the season ahead. One thing that I know is invaluable in the wardrobe for this time of year - in fact for any time of year is a blazer - and one of my go-to places for inexpensive blazers is Vero Moda. They always have such a selection in a range of colours and shapes from neutrals to brights and one of my most worn blazers is an oversized, orange one that I bought here years ago.

It’s a great place to go if you are looking to build a capsule wardrobe as they really design their collections around this principle combining neutrals with complimentary print and colour. I also find a great pair of jeans are a must to go with your blazer and the Nina Carter denim which is a new brand to Icon boutique are essential. I would highly recommend popping in and trying on a few pairs. There's just enough stretch to be comfortable but they don’t lose their shape. They are high-waisted which is the number one question I get asked about any jeans that I recommend plus they come in a range of shapes from skinny to straight, petite and also different washes. There really is a pair for everyone in the collection.

Now on the accessories front, I always find something special in Kilkenny Design. Always a champion of Irish design, it’s the perfect place to find a gift but also to treat yourself to something special. I especially love the Crystals and Co label which features both glitzy statement pieces and beautiful gold bangles and earrings that are perfect for layering. They also have created The Heritage Collection which is their first in-house design outing and features gorgeous knitwear pieces from hats and scarves to throws and jumpers. The Deirdre edge-to-edge double diamond Aran cardigan is sublime and would be perfect to throw on over summer dresses when the evenings get a little chilly but you can’t quite commit to the winter wardrobe just yet.