Tasha O’Connor and Mary Woulfe are both busy mothers and tend to do most of their shopping online.

“I’ve never bought clothes in a boutique before and we don’t spend too much on clothes,” says Tasha. “I usually just gaze in the window.”

Tasha, who is from Abbeyfeale and lives on a farm with her husband and their three boys, adores fashion and shopping but wanted to find smart clothes to suit her shape. Mary, who is from Athea and is married with two sons, often goes to race days with Tasha and loves fashion as much as her friend.

“We love the glamour of the races,” says Mary. “It gives us a chance to dress up. We’re at an age where our friends are married and we don’t get the opportunity to all go out very often.”

Jasmine Boutique and MacBees, Kilarney, were the shops we visited and the ladies were styled in-store. Jasmine provided the pretty in pink race-day look, while MacBees offered outfits that were slightly more casual but still smart.

“I was nervous about going to boutiques before, but I’d definitely walk in now,” says Mary. “I never would have worn white trousers or a loose top, but they were so comfy and I love the yellow. It was nice to step outside my comfort zone.”

Hair was styled by ST2 in The Reeks, which is a branch of Sean Taaffe’s Hair and Beauty, while Lancôme provided the make-up.

“It was definitely an experience,” says Tasha. “I loved having my hair and make-up done.

“I think Killarney is a good town to spend a day shopping,” she concludes. “There’s a great mix of high street and boutiques.”

Kerry Fashion Week

Gaining a reputation as one of the most stylish events in the year, Kerry Fashion Week (KFW) returns from 3 to 8 March.

Now in its sixth year, KFW gives local designers and retailers a platform to showcase their work. Established and emerging talent is recognised by the Kerry Fashion Week Irish Industry Awards, with past winners including Simone Rocha, Clodagh Irwin Owens and Laura Jayne Halton. This year’s ceremony will be held at the Malton Hotel on Friday, 7 March.

Other highlights include the business of fashion seminar on Thursday, 6 March, where fashionistas such as blogger Erika Fox and Fran and Laura Nolan from Fran & Jane will speak about the industry. The KFW New Collections Show takes place on Friday, 7 March, and will see New Yorkbased designer Don O’Neill, who is originally from Kerry, showcase his new Theia Couture collection. Both events will be held at the Malton Hotel.

Visit www.kerryfashionweek.com for more information or to purchase tickets for any of the events.

Outfit one

Tasha

The pillbox headpiece is very on-trend at the moment thanks to Kate Middleton.

Dress (€180)

Matching jacket not pictured (€135)

Headpiece (€120)

Bag (€39)

Shoes (€165)

Mary

Mary is petite and was able to carry off the dropped hemline in this dress. The dramatic headpiece makes it a great outfit for a day at the races.

All items stocked by Jasmine Boutique.

Dress (€215)

Headpiece (€160)

Shoes (€150)

All items stocked by Jasmine Boutique.

Outfit two

Tasha

The ruching in this jacket highlights Tasha’s slim waist. The use of block colouring is slimming for all shapes and sizes.

Dress Exterior (€470)

Jacket Exterior (€248)

Shoes Model’s own

Mary

Bouche jackets are a great investment piece and can be dressed up or down. The high-waisted slouch trousers are fashionable this season.

Jacket TMX Bouche jacket (€173)

Blouse Essentiel (€176)

Trousers Tara Jarmon (€215)

Shoes Scotch Glow natural combi women’s smart sandals from Walsh Brother’s shoes (€60)

All clothing, except for shoes, from MacBees Fashion Boutique

With special thanks to:

The Malton Hotel, Killarney

064-6638-000

Walsh Brother’s Shoes

4 New St, Killarney

064-6631-078

Upfront PR and Model Management

The Studio, Gurrane, Killarney

066-9765-016

Jasmine Boutique

New St, Killarney

064-6639-676

and 1 & 2 Russell St, Tralee

066-7102-463

MacBees Fashion Boutique

26 New St, Killarney

064-6633-622

Make-up: Niamh O’Dwyer for Lancôme @ CH Chemist, Tralee.66- 7121-331

Hair: Louise Morris and Ruth O’Sullivan from ST2, Sean Taaffe Hair and Beauty, Reeks Gateway, Killarney. Call 064-6637-675 or 1850-822-333