Claire is a fashion fairy godmother

AS REGULAR readers will know, fashion is fickle and trends can be tricky. The shops are full of leopard prints, leather and lace; spandex, sequins and sparkle â€â€ and that's before you get to the tartan, treggings and tiaras. It's enough to put your head in a spin. And yet, the streets are full of glamorous ladies, stylishly put together and beautifully turned out. How do they do it? 'Some people just have it naturally,' says Tuam-born style coach Claire Golden. 'They're born with a sense of style. Everyone always said my mother had great style, and she still does. Knowing what suits you is the main thing.' Some are not so lucky, however, and that's where Claire comes in.  A former hairdresser and Weight Watchers leader, she is now a fully trained and qualified style coach. A real â€Ëœfashion fairy godmother,' Claire has helped hundreds of women look and feel better, restoring their confidence in the process. 'I want to give women back their fashion mojo,' she tells Herald eXtra. Generally, women in the west of Ireland are very well-dressed, but I think there are certain stages where they can let things go a bit. Often when a woman has a family, the children will be immaculately turned out, while she's happy to go around in a tracksuit. I want to encourage women to remember to spend some time on their own style and appearance and they'll feel all the better for it. It's a very positive thing.' Although she has a naturally keen eye for style and a huge love of fashion, Claire has completed a rigorous training course, and is a member of the Style Coaching Institute. 'I just love fashion and everyone always told me I had a sense of style, but I felt it was very important to get a formal qualification. The training I undertook was very intense, but I loved every minute of it, and it made sure I know exactly what I'm doing when I'm working with a client.' Claire offers style coaching for individuals and groups, and is a popular speaker at women's group meetings. She also coaches boutique owners and her personal shopping service is in huge demand. 'Personal shopping is usually one-to-one. I would compare it to a fun shopping day with a friend. The big difference is that I am completely objective. I will be totally honest about what suits and what doesn't. 'We start the session with a coffee and a chat and that's when I will discuss exactly what the client wants and what they want to spend. I work with any budget and it's not at all about expensive designer clothes. I often save the client money on what they had planned to spend because I know where the bargains are. 'At the end of the day, I provide the client with all the details on their body shape and the styles that suit them. Every client I've had has said they wished they'd tried the service years ago. They feel amazing and I always come home on a high, it's wonderful to help people feel so good about themselves.' Claire also caters for women who would prefer to shop as a pair, such as mothers and daughters. 'That's even more fun, we have a great day out,' Claire says. 'I also cater for house parties of between ten and 15 ladies. That's a great way to spend an evening.' A native of the town, and the daughter of Junior and Mary Monahan, Claire is a huge fan of Tuam's boutiques. 'Tuam really is a great place to shop. When you go to the boutiques, you really get a great service. Talk to the staff, if you don't see what something in your size or your price range, just ask.' Claire's top seven style tips: â€Â¢ Wear styles that suit you. Don't be a slave to trends. â€Â¢ Dress for your age. Certain styles are for under-25s only. â€Â¢ Wear the correct size. Clothes that are too small make you look larger. â€Â¢ Wear colour. The shades that suit you are the ones that light up your face. â€Â¢ Buy local. You'll get great advice and bargains. â€Â¢ When it comes to accessories, less is more. Keep it subtle. â€Â¢ Get advice. Style coaching is a great investment in your appearance. More details on Claire's expert service can be found on www.clairegolden.com, or by contacting 087-2783827.