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In a series of Fashion Critic for a Day, Rachel Duggan took part as one of the fashion critics giving her personal loves and loathes, Do’s and Don’t’s as well as acting as fashion police on some great celebrity looks.
Here is the full feature as Fashion Critic for a Day.
In your opinion, what’s the biggest DO and DON’T in fashion?
A fashion do is ‘Do Accessorise’.
I love adding statement jewellery like large bib and collar necklaces,quirky rings and dramatic earrings to an outfit to complete the look and add some fun.
A fashion don’t is “Don’t wear real fur’.
With so many alternative options out there, there really isn’t an excuse. I love Imposter from the US by fashionable faux fur activist Jaclyn Sharp, who do the most luxurious faux fur products. Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Kardashian are big fans too!
An essential clothing piece in your wardrobe would be?
Blazers. They give a sharp finished look to any outfit and are so versatile and can be worn with a dress or shorts and carry your outfit through from day to night. As Dubai evenings cool down, they are great!
What’s a trend you’ll never follow?
My personal style doesn’t follow specific trends (though looking back at high school photos, there are some things I should have never worn!). I like take pieces from different looks and put my own style and stamp on the look.
Who’s your favorite celebrity when it comes to style?
Olivia Palermo and Poppy Delevigne epitomise polished chic. They mix high-street and haute couture and can create some of the most interesting outfits. From IT bags and pieces straight off the runway to enviable accessories, they both have a ladylike grace about them that certainly compliments their style.
Describe your personal style in three words.
Classic with Colour,
What are the three things you can’t live without?
Terry de Havilland Wedges, a Black Blazer and my Blackberry.
Who’s your favorite designer? (Middle Eastern – both young up and coming and established in addition to internationally established designer)
Who’s your favourite designer is like asking a DJ what his favourite song is! Having so many favourite designers, picking a favourite designer comes down to the occasion, season and city!
There are so many great designers in Dubai and the Middle East offering such a selection of looks and styles. DAS Collection, Reemami, Bow, Neon Edge are all Dubai based brands I follow closely.
‘Bint Thani’ by the wonderful Khulood Al Thani is one of my favourite Emirati brands. She is such an inspiring woman and her collections are feminine and chic using beautiful silks and laces with some quirky detail too.
With a fantastic selection of Irish emerging designers on the fashion circuit and with a growing list of celebrity fans including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Daphne Guinness and Michelle Obama; Claire O’ Connor, Una Burke and Joanne Hynes are some of my favourite designers.
For internationally established designers I love Etro for their prints, Amanda Wakeley for her timeless silhouettes and YSL for their sharp tailoring. That list would be endless.
Which make-up item is a must?
Shiesedo tinted moisturiser which has a great SP20 and adds a great glow to you skin!
DO’s or DON’T’s
Sheer pleated skirts – do or don’t? Definitely Do!
Neon colors – do or don’t? Do with a neutral palette. Less is more!
Hats – do or don’t? Do. Protects against all elements no matter where it is rain, hail or shine!
Yellow heels – do or don’t? Absolute don’t! They are for 90’s girl bands.
Colors that will never match? I love mixing and matching lots of colours but pale yellow and grey are two colours that will never ever match.
Fashion Police – Agree or Disagree
Eva Mendes – Disagree
An appropriate day time outfit by Salvatore Ferragamo, the colour combination is lost on her caramel toned skin. While the colours are contrasting, it blends into her skin.
If the brown colour was replaced with a stronger colour, the dress would have more character and appear more eye-catching on her.
Niki Reed – Agree
On trend with spots as done by Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs this season, the short hem line is balanced out with three-quarter length sleeves and a minimal neckline. And great to see high street favourite Topshop on the red carpet.
Michelle Williams – Agree
An elegant, simple red carpet look from Nina Ricci that focuses on the dress and metal and sequin bodice detail complimented by minimal makeup and simple jewellery. A perfect outfit.
Jessica Beil – Disagree
A colour that enhances her natural beauty, the voluminous shoulders on this Giambattista Valli gown dwarf her tall frame & takeaway from its elegance.
It has a long layered skirt, so such a layered shoulder isn’t necessary.
To cover the shoulder a simple layer to cap the shoulder or a faux fur stole or even a bare shoulder would have even worked but this shoulder definitely doesn’t work.
