Getting Rosie out of black and into the 'wow' factor
Meadhbh Monahan • Published 13 Dec 2012 09:30
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Slender mother-of-two Rosie Reihill "loved" her experience of appearing in the Impartial Reporter's fashion feature this week.
The self-confessed trouser and t-shirt fan was transformed by colour and style consultant Catherine Robinson, who said her main aim was "to get Rosie out of black".
A pharmacy assistant in Corry's pharmacy, Darling Street, Rosie is a busy mum and has just taken part in the successful Westville Family Resource Centre's Not So Strictly Come Dancing event dancing the tango and the jive. Admittedly, that event got her out of trousers, but no-one would be advised to wear such flashy costumes on a day-to-day basis!
Comfortable clothes are a must "when you're working full-time every day and have a house to keep and two children," (Mikey, 18 and Lucy, 20) Rosie explains.
While Rosie keenly reads fashion magazines, she has always assumed that trousers suited her shape better and would "never go near dresses or skirts." She also thought that dark colours suited her dark complexion and associated colourful styles with blondes.
Back in the 1980s, Rosie admired the colourful styles of Toyah Wilcox and once while she was away on holiday, her mum counted 38 pairs of shoes and four pairs of boots in all shapes and colours. In recent years, she has opted for a more conservative style; with some statement jewellery to add life to her outfit.
Following her transformation, under Catherine's expert guidance, shopping for cute and comfy day-time dresses and glamorous party or occasion wear will "not cost her a second thought", Catherine predicts.
Upon meeting Catherine, Rosie was surprised to find an array of colourful dresses to suit her svelte figure.
"The most important things to consider first are colour, shape and personality," Catherine explains. "Rosie's comfort zone has always been black so I've chosen four outfits that have a real 'wow' factor."
Rosie's first outfit is a simple but effective print dress teamed with a fur and wool gillet, both from Exhibit. Her hair and make-up was done in Studio 37, Belmore Street, Enniskillen.
"There's so much out there, especially at this time of year," says Rosie, who loves the bright colour combination on the dress. Catherine adds to this look with black boots and a beautiful ostrich and snake skin print bag, both from Shuphoric on Townhall Street. "I'm adding some animal jewellery to the outfit as that's all in that the moment," Catherine adds.
For the second outfit, Catherine suggests a means of re-vamping an old leather jacket. "Take your leather jacket and layer up with the fur and wool gillet for these cold winter days." She teams the dress with brown tights and 'Irregular Choice' Baby Beauty brown tweed and floral ankle boots from Shuphoric. The peach mid-size 'Gabriella' handbag with gold padlock detail adds a touch of femininity to the "rock chic" outfit.
Rosie admits to feeling great. "It's my favourite," she says. "When I tried it on and showed it to Catherine in the changing room I thought: 'I actually like that!'
A glitzy and glamorous Rosie appears in her third outfit, a "charleston-esque"
nude dress from DV8 with "beautiful beaded embellishment." The peep-toe shoes are Rosie's own, from Next.
"I wouldn't usually wear something like this," Rosie admits. However, she looks comfortable with her new look. Catherine explains: "She is now ready for a dinner party or a Christmas party."
Catherine opted for a "dreamy day after your wedding" option for Rosie's final look. Rosie, who will marry Laurence Miller next summer, likes this soft style; a nude and cream dress with masses of pearl embellishment on the collar, also from DV8. Pearl earrings and nude patent shoes from DV8 complete the look. The stunning ensemble is set off with a bouquet from Flowers by Sylvia.
"I loved it all," Rosie tells the Impartial Reporter. "The second outfit was my favourite though," she adds. "I would definitely go to Catherine for advice on occasion wear in the future."
Rosie finishes with a warning to her daughter, Lucy: "My daughter has always told me to get out of black and when she sees my new look she's not allowed to lend!"
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 13 Dec 12
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