Monday, September 20, 2010

Ploughing C'Ships Style

For the next 3 days, I will be moving my style HQ to a field in Athy, Co. Kildare.

Yes, you read that correctly. But, this ain’t no ordinary field, for this is the site of the largest annual trade exhibition in ireland – the National Ploughing Championships.

For the uninitiated, the annual Ploughing Championships is a huge 3-day festival which celebrates the best of Irish country life. As the name suggests, the event draws the best sod-turners in the land – but you could spend 3 days walking around the site and not see a plough, so huge is the site! Whether you’re into cookery, gardening, health, well-being, lifestyle, interior design, building, music or style, you’re bound to find an exhibit that appeals to you.

If you are intending to head to the show, be sure to follow this piece of advice to the letter; dress appropriately. If Met Éireann are to be believed, we’ll see all four seasons over the next few days, so be sure to bring plenty of warm and waterproof clothing with you. This is not the place for high heels and fascinators – even if you do have aspirations of winning the best dressed lady competition.

I will be working at stand K205 at the show, with my family’s business – Adare Machinery. Strictly speaking, my job for the next few days is to sell tractors (back to my roots!) but I’ll be bringing a bit of style to the event too, so if you’re around, be sure to pop in and say hello. Our stand is located very close to RTÉ, in the hub of all the action.

CAROLINE’S PLOUGHING WARDROBE RECOMMENDATIONS

Wellies: I’d love to wear colourful boots but the farming fraternity simply won’t take me to their hearts unless I’m wearing the industry standard black or green wellies! Whatever colour you choose, make sure that your boots are comfortable, or you’ll know all about it later on when your feet are in agony from all the walking. Likewise, for extra comfort and warmth, I suggest you wear thick long socks underneath – ski socks are ideal.

Derwent Wellies €79

Derwent Muck Boots, €79 (from Wellies.ie)

Navy Jeggings: These always look great tucked into snug boots. I’ll be wearing my reliable €12 pairs from Dunnes Stores but I also like the look of these stretchy denim leggings from South at Littlewoods.

South leggings

South Denim Leggings, €29 (from LittlewoodsIreland.com)

Jumper: I’ll be wearing my Adare Machinery fleece with pride, but I’ll spare a thought for this Love Label cable-knit jumper, which epitomises this season’s love-affair with knitwear. Wrap a belt around the waist for an instant slimming effect.

Love Label Cable Knit

Love Label Cable-knit Jumper, €49 (from LittlewoodsIreland.com)

Coat: I’ll be relying on my trusty fleece to keep me cozy, but if I was off-duty, I would jump at the chance of wearing this gorgeous Fuse By Preen herringbone coat, which I think personifies country chic.

Fuse By Preen

Fuse By Preen Herringbone Coat, €124 (from LittlewoodsIreland.com)

Hat: A warm hat is a must, and continuing with the tweedy theme, here’s a rather lovely baker-boy hat, again from Littlewoods:

Herringbone Hat

Herringbone Hat €19 (from LittlewoodsIreland.com)

Bag: A large bag, with a cross-body strap is a must for the Ploughing. You will need something sizeable to store all your purchases (believe me, it’s impossible to negotiate though the food-halls without indulging in some sweet treats), and a cross-body strap will make your bag more comfortable to carry for the day. Choose a waterproof style, that is easy to clean afterwards.

Organiser Umbrella Bag €32

Organiser Umbrella Bag, €32 (from LittlewoodsIreland.com)

It would be a good idea to bring umbrella, scarf, gloves and probably sunglasses too, given the mixed forecast; nonetheless, whatever the weather, it’s bound to be a wonderful event as always. Here’s to a great few days in Kildare!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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