Athenry Fashion News – April 2007

Starting this month The Athenry Mag will bring you up to date news on the what, where, when and how in fashion and beauty, in Athenry.

Not too long ago the ladies of Athenry and the surrounding areas had to travel to Galway and Dublin and other cities and towns to get an outfit for that special occasion or the latest trends in the glossy magazines – well not anymore!

In the last few years Athenry has become well know for its fashion, the length and breadth of Ireland.

Now, ladies travel from Dublin, Donegal, Limerick, Galway, and many other towns, too many to mention, for that special outfit but the question is, do the Athenry ladies know they don’t have to leave their own town to get their fashion, I wonder?

At present Athenry has no less than six ladies fashion boutiques, one lingerie shop, two men’s shops, two kids boutiques, two shoe shops, one jeweller, and two ladies fashion accessory shop. Wow that is some amount of retail therapy in one little town.

Athenry fashion boutiques cater for all tastes, you must remember when you have that many boutiques in such a small place, the owners of these boutiques have to travel worldwide to source their styles, for the simple fact that no two shops can have the same designer, shopping for their styles, the owners have to decide what they are looking for and what area of fashion they want to specialise.

In this issue of the Athenry mag, I will take you through just a little of what is available in Athenry.

Sharon Dolan, Darcy – Lousha Boutique, Northgate St., Athenry. 091 845302

Formally The Square Athenry. I have always referred to this boutique “as a little Aladdin’s cave”. For the simple fact, that you never know what you are going to find when you walk In the door. I have never come out of Lousha Boutique without buying something. There is always a little item that catches my eye that I feel I must have.

Special occasions are a speciality at Lousha, from wedding guest, to party wear but do not forget that as I said, Aladdin’s cave always has a treasure trove. And, of course, Sharon and her team love to dress women, and pride themselves on giving a very honest opinion to all their customers.

The array of colour at present at Lousha Boutique is just so vibrant and eye catching.

Flowing silks with co-ordinated wraps and shrugs, beautiful linens, stunning knitwear and casual trousers, outfits for every thing you can think off. So, if you need to have a nice day outfit for work or you have a special place you have to be, or maybe you just feel like you want a snazzy little top or blouse, then you won’t be disappointed at Lousha Boutique.

Labels like Rosner and Gardeur for Trousers offer great tailoring detail and offer a very sleek fit. Dolores tops are just so beautiful, will take you anywhere and apart from being casual they have a touch of elegance with intriguing fits. Designer evening wear are Kali Orea, Mezzo and Arruba, and that is just a selection. Another little thing you should be aware off which not many people are aware of is the fact that Lousha Boutique sizes range from size 10 to 20 – Yes, I said size 20. This may be of great interest to all you voluptuous ladies who are finding it difficult to find a beautiful outfit. Now you know where to go. Head pieces and accessories are all available to complement your outfit. I know you will not be disappointed by a visit to Lousha Boutique.

Aoife Doherty and Loretta Rabbit – Kiss Boutique The Square Athenry 091 845696

Another little gem of a boutique, the styles and vibrancy within this boutique are so refreshing.

Kiss boutique has a very energetic feel to it, from the moment you walk in the door you just can’t help but feel the buzz. Aoife and Loretta specialize in the very trendy look, giddy and young, bubbling with fun. You can find a little of everything here, casual day wear, sleek cut jeans to party wear ,and then there is that little party dress that every woman should have in the wardrobe.

The prices are another factor that adds to this boutique. Who says you can’t have a beautiful party dress without paying a fortune. The Vila label is stunning and so is the price. I picked up a dress for a lady, which looked stunning on her and I was shocked to find out it only cost € 54.99. I told my client to buy two in different colours.

Then you have the stunning evening wear, these designer dresses are to die for, halter necks for those warm summer evenings, the short designs would be perfect for that wedding or an elegant evening out. Then there are the long gowns, silks with hand beading that flow to the ground great for that gala dinner or that ball you are going to. You know the one, that’s right, the IHCPT Ball in the Raheen Woods Hotel on the 16th of June, tut tut tut. Of course, Aoife and Loretta will give you a personal dressing service if you require it! Just ask and you shall receive.

I can guarantee you when you leave Kiss Boutique you will be thinking , “humm, what else have I coming up? Let me check that diary, I’ll find something.

Maureen O’ Halloran – Modesty Boutique & Lingerie Northgate St, Athenry 091 850982

Now, as I always say, you cannot and should not buy your outfit without buying your under garments first. 95% of women are wearing the wrong bra size and that’s a fact. I get women into me telling me they are a certain cup size, and believe me they are all usually one size bigger, in other words if you think you are a B cup you more than likely are a C cup, and so on.

Modesty is the first lingerie boutique in Athenry and when it opened on the 3rd of December 2005 it caused quite a stir among the locals, to say the least. Now over a year in business, people of Athenry have come to realise that Modesty Boutique is a necessity and not just an accessory.

The fact that I am a certified personal dresser gives me the advantage of knowing exactly what type of look I want to achieve while dressing a lady. All women are different in shape size height and width, colouring and skin tone, along with personality. All these factors have to be taken into account before a lady is dressed.

Illusion is the secret to any outfit and whatever is going on underneath the clothes is no one’s business but your own. So, ladies, get the illusion.

All the brands I stock are tried and tested to create the illusion. I will not stock bras or clothes that cost a fortune and achieve nothing.

My top selling brand in the underwear is ADORE. This bra is designed to totally lift the bust and allow the woman’s curves to show. If you are a woman that has bought this bra from Modesty, then you already know what I am talking about. You more than likely

have three or four of them. I also stock Gossard level 4 sports bra, this bra is a necessity if your cup is from D up to G.

Whether you are working out or just doing your normal day to day chores, you should be wearing a good support bra, Berlie is my strapless and believe me it works very well. There is also a wide range of Flexees magic underwear to pull everything in and smoothes you all over. Maiden Form, Luna, Triumph, Verdisama, from Italy, and a few more brands that enhance your figure.

At Modesty, we also stock a small selection of outfits exclusive to Modesty from top designers in Milan, Athens, Paris and as with the underwear, all my outfits help to create the illusion. There is also the Miss Ireland collection, Heart & Soul, these dresses are affordably priced, with dresses starting at €79.

Designer brands, O’ by Obi, Boutique, Maililli knitwear, exclusive to Modesty are Miss Jenny, Zino Jordan, and of course the ultimate occasion designer wear from Kekatou, maternity bras and mastectomy bras are also available at Modesty. So, for that perfect fit and straight talking honest advice on what not to wear call to Modesty Boutique & Lingerie.

Craven Clothes, Northgate Street, Athenry 091 875523

For the men about town, well we can’t leave them out, now can we? After all we do need to dress them as well. Finding an outfit for a man in any town or city can be just as bad as shopping for a woman, Believe it or not, nowadays men can be very difficult to dress. They have become more aware of how they look and yes they are right. Choice of brands is not always great in the smaller towns but visiting Craven Clothes I found so many top quality brands available, I was nicely surprised. This shop has it all.

Craven Clothes has been open for business in Athenry for the past year and a half. This shop caters for males of all ages,

They stock a full range of men’s clothing, from casual to formal wear. I want you to take a look at what Craven Clothes have to offer, I am quite sure you will also be nicely surprised.

Their suit designers are well known among the best dressed men. They include names like Remus, Carl Gross and Saint Hilaire. The tailoring is so precise that it would be very difficult not to look good in one of their suits. The shirts are from Bugatti, Remus, Massimo Acciai, Jean Chatel, Vichi and Advice, all fabulous designs to complement all the suits.

There is a wide range of casuals to choose from, jacket designer labels are Remus, Carl Gross, leather jackets from Frank Eden. T Shirts designs are from Remus, Outrage, Urban Stone, Vichi and of course Disel. All the top brands that you would normally only find in top men’s boutiques in the cities.

Next you have the jeans, cords and trouser section, brands from Mish Mash, Remus, Vichi, Urban Stone and Outrage Jumpers, Hoodies And Zip-up’s.

So, lads what are you waiting for, step into Craven clothes and step out in style.

Caroline Deehan Byrne – Just Kidz, Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Athenry 091875610

The little people in our lives are not afraid to let us know they want style. They want to be just as fashionable as mum and dad. And to be honest mums you want your little angels to look their best.

A lot of children’s clothes can be very expensive and a little over rated so finding a shop like Just Kidz in Athenry is great news. Just Kidz has all the kiddies fashion you could ever want, and very nicely priced as well.

This shop has to be the snazziest of kiddie’s boutiques I have ever walked into. It has it all, top fashion styles, shoes, socks, anything you can think of for your child

The brands available are Exit, (this label are widely known for their great colour and fashion sense, from babies up to teenagers) Name It, Mexx, Lynnatt and Peter Rabbitt. are all in the same high fashion league.

Shoes are by Italian designers Primigi which are 100% leather, waterproof and breathable. What more could you ask for!

Wait for it, Just Kidz goes a little further, for the expectant mum, they are also stocking the maternity label Mamalicious, so ladies even while waiting for your little bundle of joy, you will be able to keep up with the style. And when the little one arrives there is a wide range of nursery products including pushchairs and car seats and so much more.

So, next time you need something for the little people in your life pop into Just Kidz, it is definitely a kids zone and a mothers dream.

William & Caroline Duggan – Center Jewellers, Bridgewater Shopping Center, Athenry  091875344

Center Jewellers opened last October and is a welcome addition to the town. The shop is spectacular in its presentation and stocks a wide range of Gold and Silver jewellery for both men and women.

Fantastic engagement rings such as the classic solitaire, traditional trilogy, diamond cluster and so many more amazing designs that will leave you breathless and of course there is also a verity of matching wedding bands, so no excuses now lads, the shop is on your door step.

Gifts of all kinds including the beautiful Newbridge Silverware, John Rocha Jewellery, Pilgrim, Eclipse Silver Genises figurines and of course, the beautiful Belleek China range. They stock the leading brands in watches such as D&G, Citizen, Rotary, Fossil and Tommy Hilfiger and Freelook. The staff at Center Jewellers are so polite and helpful, if you are not sure what you are looking for, just have a chat with any of the assistants and they will give you their professional advice. Jewellery is forever, make someone you love feel special with a gift from Center Jewellers Athenry.

A donation from the Heart  – This year Center Jewellers have kindly sponsored a beautifully designed white gold diamond cross to be auctioned at the Irish children’s pilgrimage trust ball, which will be held in the Raheen Woods Hotel Athenry on the 16th of June 07. Never before have I seen a more beautiful piece of neck jewellery, it is absolutely amazing. This piece was selected for the charity event personally by William & Caroline. When I first spoke to Caroline about the upcoming ball she told me instantly that Center Jewellers would be delighted to make this presentation to such a great charity event. I must admit I was overwhelmed by their generosity and delighted to accept their gift on behalf of the I.H.C.P.T. fundraising ball.

Sharon Concannon – Sharon’s Hair Salon, Northgate Street, Athenry 091844599

Now Opposite This ‘n That Sharon’s hair salon has moved to new premises. Sharon opened her hair salon in Bridge St Athenry in 1999 and has made quite a name for herself. As the years have gone by, Sharon and her team of hairdressers have built up a thriving business. Their funky styles amazing colours and precision edge cutting has earned them great praise in the hairdressing industry. And with their loyal customers.

Sharon’s hair salon is now in new premises in Notthgate St. next to Bláthanna Flower Shop.

A more detailed piece on Sharon’s hair salon will be continued in next month’s issue of the Athenry Mag along with other hair and beauty outlets.

That’s it for this issue ladies, I think you will agree, Athenry does have a lot to offer where fashion in concerned. Remember ladies never buy anything that you do not get the wow factor from and never judge an outfit from the hanger. Hangers walk the cat walks, real women wear the clothes.

Next month, in the Athenry Mag, I will bring you even more of the great shops in Athenry. Don’t miss it.

Ladies, if you want any advice on what does and does not suit you, send in a letter to MOH/ at the Mag and I will get back to you. Until next month, enjoy the retail therapy in Athenry.

This article was first published in News and Views April 2007