Best in Show

Race season has started and for many ladies, the competition in the style stakes is far more intense than the actual horse racing. The prizes for Best Dressed Lady have never been so fabulous like this week's Punchestown Races, sponsored by Coast, in which the winning lady will enjoy a 2 day stay in New York, Madrid and Spain; have personal ‘Coast by Appointment’ style consultations, with prize vouchers of €1,000 to be spent in each Coast store. All flights and hotel expenses will be paid, so the focus is on enjoying the ultimate shopping experience in some of the world’s most stylish cities.

My advice for dressing for the Races is to work with a structured dress to suit your body shape, whether that be a tailored piece that accentuates your silhouette or a kick skirt, according to your style preference. A bright on-trend colour like a coral pink provides a strong base that can be easily accessorised with a headpiece and jewellery that complement the bold colour. Alternatively, opt for a printed piece in keeping with this season's hottest trend but keep accessories a little more minimal and allow the dress to be your statement piece. Be mindful of the weather and pick a cropped jacket or complementary shawl to offset the look.

Don't feel you need to spend a fortune to be in with a chance of winning on the day as judges favour recession-friendly labels styled in a creative way over pricey catwalk labels. Similarly when it comes to your headpiece, unless you have the budget for a Philip Treacy beaut, get creative with the superglue and see what your local haberdashery store has to offer.

Check out these fab racing frocks from Oasis

Tis the Season to be Grubby

It's officially the beginning of my favourite season of the year, when the heels get swapped for wellies, cocktails swapped for cider and night clubs swapped for muddy fields... oh yes, the festival season is finally here! ''Festival Chic'' has become a little predictable in recent years with the ubiquitous 'wellies, denim shorts and parka' brief done to death, so thank for Coachella's stylistas to inspire this year's look. It's clear from my style stalking that for this year's festival fashion as ever maxis are huge, denim jackets are making a sneaky comeback, the crossover bag is the hottest accessory and dip-dye is the new way to wear your denim. Emma Watson pushed the romper as a prominent piece (try battling that in a portaloo, no thank you) but my festival style icon for the third year running is Kate Bosworth, donning the perfect mix of effortless cool juxtaposing feminine florals with an oversized masculine military jacket and the mandatory Hunter wellies- stylish, practical and cool.

Here are some of my favourite looks from Coachella 2012

New Daddy for Dior

Raf Simons has been selected to replace John Galliano as artistic director of Dior, after his controversial firing following an anti-semitic rant last year. Simons, who is known for both his own menswear line as well as being creative director at Jil Sander, has been credited with starting the bold colour block trend that has heavily influenced catwalks and high street collections over the past few seasons. Admittedly Simons seems an unusual choice for Dior as his work at both Raf Simons and Jil Sander have a more floaty, feminine feel than the edgy collections we have seen in recent years at Dior under Galliano's hand. I in no way doubt his creative ability however, and perhaps a fresh creative brain is exactly what the 66 year old luxury brand needs to bring back the classic signature designs with which it was once associated and perhaps got lost in Galliano's eccentricity. Simons' first Haute Couture collection for Dior will debut in Paris this July.

Here are some of my favourite picks from his career to date

Jil Sander Spring 2010

Jil Sander Spring 2012

Jil Sander Spring 2011

Jil Sander Spring 2011

The Pyjama Pant: Not Just for Bedtime

Over the past couple of years we have seen pyjamas slowly creeping into women's outerwear wardrobes, making a steady transition from bedroom to 'popping to the shops' apparel to eventaully being one of this season's hottest catwalk trends. The silk pyjama pant has been seen on the catwalks of Peter Pilotto, 3.1 Philip Lim and Proenza Schouler amongst others. Team your printed pant with a clashing print blazer and button down shirt for high fashion boldness or wear it with block colour separates for a more subtle nod to the trend. For maximum effect this look is best worn with a heel but can be dressed down with a plain t-shirt and chunky heeled boots for daywear.

Olivia Palermo rocks out in her Tibi PJ Pants

Get the look from Oasis, 62 euro

To the Max