'We can't try on the clothes but we know what looks good!'

In just four months, Funky Fashion Frolics has attracted almost 8,000 followers, most of whom are women from Ireland and the UK. The Facebook blog and page was started by couple Michael McCarthy and Paul Carroll who simply share a passion for fashion.
Both Michael, from Blessington, Co. Wicklow and Paul, from Slane, Co. Meath have won various best dressed men competitions in recent years and say they have a ‘good eye’ for what suits a woman.

Paul from Rosnaree has been hairdressing for over 30 years and after 15 years with Peter Mark in Navan, branched out to open the now highly-regarded and established House of Paul salon in Slane 19 years ago.

He is also a trained Image Consultant and fashion designer who has worked on a number of fashion shows as well as judging the Ms Ireland heats for Meath.
He said: “Mike and I have been together for the last three years and there’s nothing we like more to do, than sit down of an evening with a glass of wine and have a chat about fashion.
“People were always advising me to start a blog, saying I’ve a great eye for fashion so just four months ago, I decided to do just that with Mike. It is classy but edgy and with humour.

“We love getting dressed up and going to the races, even if there are no best-dressed competition. We’ve met some fantastic people at the races over the years, including milliners, fashion designers and boutique owners who have all been a huge help and inspiration.
“Our blog is concise, factual and broad-minded and covers fashion for all shapes, sizes and ages.
“It not about being stick-thin - it’s all inclusive. We love supporting small boutiques but we will also comment on high street fashion.
“It’s just been an amazing journey so far. In the first two weeks, we got over 2,000 followers and even now boutique owners and fashion designers from Ireland and the UK are approaching us, asking us to feature their ranges.”
Mike, who is a social care worker, said: “What’s different is that we are two men commenting on ladies fashion, which is very unusual in Ireland.
“The feedback we are getting is that ‘these guys know their style.
“We really put effort into the blog and every question is important and answered as fast as we can. We reply to absolutely everything.
“We spend a lot of time chatting in the evening and researching and putting different looks together. There are some men following us, but most are women. We have had no negative feedback so far. We try and encourage positivity. Our page is all about feeling comfortable and feeling good. We have fashion trends, we have accessories and most importantly, we have humour.

“One person commented negatively on a picture we posted of Melania Trump. We posted it because we thought the outfit was fabulous and very Jackie Kennedy. It was meant to be light-hearted and dignified and not political.
“It’s great in that now, people are even sending us private messages, asking for our opinions on a certain outfit. One lady sent us pictures of her bridesmaid dresses and asked for our advice on accessories for her big day. That means everything to us, that people are trusting us that much.”
“We’re coming to the party from a different perspective than women fashion bloggers. We can’t try on the clothes but we know what looks good. Sometimes women don’t know what looks good on them but that’s something everyone can learn.”

Mike, who was on the X-Factor and was a contestant on the TV series Do the Right Thing reckons every woman has the same ‘go-to pieces’ to return to again and again.
“You could have a wardrobe full of stuff and yet, most women will go back to the same outfits. Yet, if you are smart, you could rotate 10 or 15 pieces for completely different looks for all occasions. You might change office wear to going out with just a simple shoe swop or added jewellery.”
They may be men, but they know all women have their ‘hang ups’ when it comes to their bodies.
“We’re never going to be 18 again so it’s all about wearing a longer shirt to hide your tummy or simply sucking it up for pictures. I would say to anyone, don’t squeeze yourself into something that will just look unflattering.

“You can add exercise and diet into your routine but at that moment, just go for a bigger size. Be comfortable with who you are and how you look.”
Agreeing, Paul added: “Dress to suit your shape and size, to be comfortable and feel good. Everyone has that problem area, the trick is to take the eye away from it with a few fashion tricks.
“Our blog doesn’t eliminate any body type. It has something for everyone, with the help of boutiques which have been fantastic with giveaways to us.”
The blog statistics have even revealed the best times that their site is viewed.
“It tends to be after the school run when women are sitting down with a coffee or at night, after the kids are put to bed when mums start looking at the page,” said Paul.
He admits that over 30 years spent listening to women in hair salons has also rubbed off and added to his expertise.
“Women would point an outfit out and say, ‘that would be great if it had longer sleeves.’ I’ve learned to identify certain hang-ups with certain ages.

“I can also recommend various hair styles, depending on the outfit.”
It’s also the perfect time to start a blog, with the economy growing legs again.
“We’ve been talking to boutique owners and even jewellers who have told us that this year was the first Christmas in a long time that they have seen women treating themselves again. That’s a good sign,” said Paul.
And, if you are one of those ladies sitting down with a coffee right now, get yourself on to Funky Fashion Frolics and join in the fun with Paul and Mike at www.facebook.com/funkyfashionfrolics, @funkyfashionfrolics, Snapchat FunkyFashionFrolics and #funkyfashionfrolics on Instagram.

This feature first appeared in INSPIRE magazine out FREE each month with the Meath Chronicle.