My ruff guide to spring
‘The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.’ This sign hung in the front porch of one of my neighbour’s houses for all to see.
We have since moved, but I used to think about this neighbour – a 50-something woman with two red setters she’d take to the local park a couple of times each day – whenever I passed her door. I’d wonder what sort of people she’d encountered to make her feel like that, and whether anyone was ever brave enough to visit. It’s not exactly a sign that makes you want to pop over for a glass of pinot and a chinwag.
Sometimes, however, I know what she means: my dog is definitely better company than some of the people I meet.
This woman was also one of the many owners you see who bear more than a passing resemblance to their pet. If that’s truly a thing, I look like a mini yorkshire terrier called Freddie. Indeed, my husband often says I share the same colouring as our dog, which actually makes me like my hairdresser even more.
Lucille, the lovely dalmatian pictured here, was borrowed for this shoot, but please don’t tell Fred – small dogs are ferociously possessive and he’ll be furious. However, while Fred may be tiny, he’s definitely not a handbag dog – I hate the idea of dogs or cats being confined in any sort of bag. Not so supermodel Claudia Schiffer, who recently attended her director husband Matthew Vaughn’s latest film premiere with her cat Chip peering out from inside a hard-shell rucksack that matched her dress.
Poor Chip. I bet the last thing he wanted to do was be squished into a bag and gawped at. It doesn’t take much to distress a cat and animals were not put on this earth to be plonked in fashionable bags and shown off like a hot new accessory.
So instead of cats, I will be concentrating on rocking these spring trends instead…
Envelope clutch This is one that comes from the season’s infatuation with the 1990s. Slim and sleek, it looks so chic tucked under your arm.
HPointy flat mules Apart from trainers, I don’t do anything round on my feet any more, as I find long, pointy styles are much more flattering and make your legs look slimmer, too.
HGreek-inspired details such as twist-knots on tops and dresses. Gladiator sandals are also making a comeback and this time they can be as complicated or as minimal as you like.
HSTEP UP THE STYLE
Proving that fashion is wonderfully random, green shoes are hot right now. Snap up this Penelope Chilvers pair and watch others turn the same shade with envy.
Shoes, €279, penelopechilvers.com
A WANG WINNER
Following her 2019 masterpiece The Farewell, director Lulu Wang has been on Hollywood’s radar for big new projects. Expats, her Amazon Prime debut starring Nicole Kidman and Brian Tee (below), is devastating and stylish in equal measure.