PR Manager Marie Shields shares her love of fashion with Donegal Woman.
Marie Shields is PR and Communications Manager for Lottie Dolls. She is a full-time fashion addict who loves to champion good people, places and brands. Here is her DW Style Study…
DW Style Study
How would you describe your personal style?
Hard to say! I try to be a bit different and I love fashion, but at the weekend I could be in runners and a raincoat! Never perfect.
Who is your style icon?
I love Giorgia Tordini, Erika Fox (Retro Flame) and Kate Hudson.
What is your favourite piece of clothing?
I love oversized Aran knit jumpers, especially a big cream one which was my mum’s and I ‘borrowed’ it a few years ago.
What inspires you when choosing an outfit?
I like to make sure what I’m wearing is flattering and has something unique about it, I love dark greens and burnt orange, as well as trusty black and white – but most of all has to be comfortable!
How would you accessorise a look?
In autumn/winter I love huge scarves and long waistcoats, they make you look taller and add texture/interest (warmth!!)
What is your most recent fashion purchase?
Embarrassing to say… a Christmas jumper! It’s more like a ski/fair isle jumper but I had to have it, got it in Asda of all places.
Where do you usually shop for clothing?
Penneys, ASOS and TK Maxx. I love Siopaella and Folkster when in Dublin, but they’re online too.
Do you have any favourite local fashion boutiques?
For occasionwear Tokyo in LK is excellent, great service and a really pretty selection, Olivia’s is great for accessories and Florrie Jane’s Vintage are lovely for one offs (both in Dunfanaghy) – I also am a fan of BogBean designs here in Donegal (Anna) makes and sells knitwear through craft shops.
What are your wardrobe staples?
Black ankle boots, polo neck tops, midi dresses and scarves!
Do you follow trends?
Not religiously, I follow bloggers and am influenced by their outfits (anything Tara O Farrell aka @TaraMakeUp, shares on Snapchat I immediately buy!) – which I suppose is the same thing!
Heels or flats?
My mum said her own mother always said ‘you need a bit of a heel!’ and I have to agree, I’m tall with bad posture (!) so I prefer a heel. (..but I hate kitten heels, for the record.)
Shoes or handbags?
A good handbag every time, I’m like Mary Poppins have everything in there.
What is the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever heard?
‘If you’re having second thoughts, don’t wear it’ – I don’t think you should go out wearing something just because it’s new, a label, or you hoped it might look nice, because you’ll feel awkward and that shows.
What do you think about the fashion scene in Donegal?
Donegal women are really stylish, I’ve always thought that. Whenever I’ve lived away, I always felt strongly that Donegal women and Irish women in general make a real effort and have great personal style.
What has been your best investment piece?
A massive Calvin Klein pink handbag I got in Canada, it was worth every penny I always use it.
I also love Chupi jewellery (an Irish designer) her stuff is amazing and inspired by nature and my Olivia Burton watch (although reasonably priced!) always gets compliments.
What’s the wackiest item you own?
A clutch bag in the shape of a car I wore to the Galway races one year.
If you could wear only one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The outfit wasn’t particularly perfect because the day took me by surprise – but the outfit I was wearing the day I got engaged -because of the lovely memories (cream shirt, dark jeans, boots, camel coat and fluffy white bobble hat!)
What has been your biggest fashion faux-pas?
Have so, so many… jumpsuits that looked like boiler-suits, neon tops, cropped leggings under denim skirts with a half-cardigan/bolero and beaded necklace, anyone my age knows ‘that outfit’ *shudder*
If money wasn’t a factor, what would you buy?
A Celine or Chanel handbag. But, money can’t buy you style!
How do you feel when you’re in your favourite outfit?
Might sound silly to some, but I’m a happier person when I like my outfit – clothes are a lovely expression of yourself – that don’t need to be expensive or revealing in order to look good, so long as you’re happy in them, who cares.
Keep up with Marie’s style on Instagram @mtotheshields
Want to share your fashion secrets in the #DWStyleStudy? Email us on news@donegalwoman.ie
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November 23, 2016
Good luck Rachel