New launches land on the high street

I’m just back from a photoshoot that I styled for Opera Lane and let me tell you I am feeling beyond inspired to add some pieces to my wardrobe.

Now most of these items are very weather dependent but I am willing spring to make an appearance by the sheer power of my mind. Whether that will be successful or not is yet to be seen, but I was told by one very optimistic person that the weather is meant to change this week and for the better, so

we will keep fingers and toes crossed.

It also remains to be seen if I will ever write a column and not mention the weather but sadly I am that weather-obsessed stereotypical Irish person.

Anyway back to matters of fashion which we all know is why you’re here. After living in jeans for the last few months, I now feel able to bare the legs again and get back into the dresses.

On the shoot we were really spoilt for choice with Topshop and H&M having some incredible pieces. Launching in store this week was the Johanna Ortiz x HM collab and it is a riot of colour and print - a must for anyone who loves a bloom print.

My particular favourites were a light green palm print dress in heavy linen with a v-neck and the most beautiful statement sleeves. It would be amazing on holidays or even for a wedding abroad worn with metallic heels or a gold espadrille. Add a straw basket for a super cute and casual vibe.

I also adored a full length and oversized red printed dress that was just a great mix of visual impact and yet had a casual silhouette. It’s very long though, so definitely one for the taller gals. There’s also some easy to wear one shoulder swimsuits and a black and white floral print wrap dress if you like your florals more low-key.

Also launching this week was the second drop of the Topshop Idol range and we really got some fabulous pieces into the Opera Lane store. A black mid length dress with dipped hem and yellow and black floral print may be making its way home with me, as it did with a few of my personal shopping clients, as it’s the type of dress that you could wear with leather jacket and biker boots or dress it up and wear with a barely there black sandal and blazer for a relaxed wedding guest vibe.

Topshop also has a very bohemian scarf print dress with a floaty sleeve that would be so flattering on so many different body shapes. If you have a summer event, communion or confirmation coming up it’s definitely a good time to check out what’s in the stores at the moment.