ROSEMARY MACCABEanswers readers' questions
How do I accessorise a red-hot red dress
I'm looking for some good advice on accessorising a red dress for a wedding. Ideally, I'd like something to cover my arms, nude shoes and some funky gold jewellery . . . am I headed in the right direction?
Karen, by email
Definitely – gold jewellery, perhaps of the chunky variety, will look great against a red dress, and nude shoes are a great investment as they’re so versatile. Although I would caution against going too “officey”, lest you appear to have bought yours in 1988.
These caged toe shoes from Dune (€115) are gorgeous – the nude colour means they’ll go with a lot, and the toe detail makes them stand out. They are, though quite high.
When it comes to jewellery, I'm a serious devotee of Topshop's Freedom range. It has a huge selection of really cool pieces at relatively affordable prices. This beaded collar (€36 or £25 on topshop.com), for example, will look great with red and prove a real talking piece – plus, you'll be able to wear it again with collared shirts or jumpers and jeans for a more casual look.
Covering one’s arms is possibly the toughest aspect of all of this – you can run a serious risk of looking like your mother if you go too far on to the bolero side of the equation.
This cover-up from Coast (€140) is really cool, and is far better with red than black (too Girls Aloud). Its structure makes it funky rather than frumpy, and it will, again, prove really versatile – imagine it over a coloured blouse with a pair of skinnies and heels on a Friday night.
I'm looking for magenta bridesmaids' shoes
I’m looking for magenta shoes with a four-inch heel for my bridesmaids (I’m getting married in four months) – have you any idea where I could start looking? I don’t want to spend hours trawling through shops.
Deirdre, via Twitter
That’s quite a specific request you have there, but when it comes to wedding attire, the devil’s in the detail, so I’ll try not to go too far off magenta. The heel height, on the other hand, may be more difficult to specify.
These heels from New Look at Asos (left, €29.96) have a 4.5-inch heel. They do, however, have a concealed platform, meaning that extra half an inch won’t quite cripple any of your fair maids.
At Office.co.uk, the Kandi court in pink (£50) is another viable option, with a four-inch heel. They're suede, with a leather lining, so you're getting good bang for your buck. The only issue with these is that they may be a little more candyfloss-pink than magenta.
At houseoffraser.co.uk, these peep-toe shoes by Vince Camuto (£95) are a little lower than your specifications – but bear in mind, your bridesmaids may not thank you for that extra couple of inches. The colour should be about right, and the peep-toe adds a cute touch.
If all else fails, you could always buy the shoes you want in a colour you don't, and dye them to match. Special Day Shoe Dyeing ( specialdayshoedyeing.ie) is based in Cork but will accept shoes from anywhere and have them ready in two to three weeks – or within five days if it is an emergency. You supply the shoes and a swatch of the fabric you want them matched to, and they do the rest – prices start at €30 per pair.
