'To be pampered for a day is the dream'

Mary Fleming was nominated for a makeover by her grandson Ben James because: “She is an inspiration and proves that you can be a fantastic mother and grandmother while also juggling the hard working life of a farmer.”

Mary, who is the Kerry chairwomen of the IFA Farm Family, rarely gets the chance to shop, but was very excited about the day out.

“To be pampered for a day is the dream. I couldn’t believe that I was selected,” she says. “I’m very busy and never make time for anything like this. I’m so thankful to my grandson for putting me forward.”

Mary certainly deserved to be spoiled for the day. Earlier this year, she organised a fashion show in Castleisland which raised €5,000 for Pieta House and Talbot Grove.

“I wanted to organise something special for the ladies in the farming sector and raise funds for charity. Most farming women never go to fashion shows and when we were younger and milking cows everyday, there was no such thing as a day out either,” she explains.

She was accompanied by her daughter Joanne, who works as a guard in Fermoy. We visited Chic Boutique for the clothes, where owner Mary Flaherty styled the ladies. Chic Boutique is the official sponsor of Listowel Races’ Ladies’ Day and is well-known in Kerry for providing a range of stylish designer clothes for women. Hair and make-up was by Rachel Gill and Mary Boyle from Changes Hair & Beauty in Listowel.

“I was out of my comfort zone and I really didn’t know what to expect. Normally, with my work on the farm, I just wear trousers. For the makeover, I was persuaded to wear dresses and heels, which is the stuff I would never wear. I loved the outfits,” says Mary.

“I want to thank Mary from Chic Boutique, the ladies from Changes Hair and Beauty, and the Irish Country Living team for a fantastic day,” says Mary. “I’d love to do it all again.” CL

Joanne (left)

Hats are very in this season. The hat Joanne is wearing is a very

suitable alternative to a fascinator for a winter race meeting.

Coat Sandra Flaherty (€695)

Hat Complit (€85)

Gloves Italian leather – Astra (€95)

Tights Wolford (€29)

Boots Marian from Perfect Pairs in Listowel (€125)

Mary (right)

A wrap dress suits women

of all sizes and ages. The

muted tones really

flatter Mary.

Coat Elena Miro (€595)

Dress Elena Miro (€295)

Bag Franco Giazzi (€350)

Shoes Le Babe from Footprints in Listowel (€190)

Scarf Elena Miro (€125)

Tights Wolford (€30)

Gloves Italian leather – Astra (€95)

Joanne

Red is a colour that suits all skins tones, but you have to find the right shade. Ankle boots are great for anyone with slim calves.

Coat Caractère (€595)

Dress Caractère (€250)

Boots Marain (€125)

Tights Wolford (€29)

Gloves Astra (€95)

Mary

Fur adds a bit of glamour to any outfit. The tights Mary is wearing are by Wolford and cover any blemishes or varicose veins.

Coat Elena Miro (€475)

Skirt Elena Miro (€195)

Bag Franco Giazzi (€350)

Brooch Corona Jewellery (€60)

Collar Elena Miro (€175)

Shoes Le Babe from Footprints (€190)

Gloves Astra (€95)

Tights Wolford (€30)

Statement pieces

While the price of each outfit is outside the range of most pockets, a single feature piece, such as a hat, bag or fur collar, can be teamed up with high-street style to great effect.

With special thanks to:

• Chic Boutique, 2 Church Street, Listowel (068) 21155.

Search for Chic Boutique on Facebook.

• Changes Hair & Beauty, 97 Church Street, Listowel (068) 23662.

• Perfect Pairs Shoe Boutique, 10, Church Street, Listowel

(068) 23773.

• Footprints Shoe Boutique, Spinning Wheel Building, Listowel

(068) 22577.

• Listowel Arms Hotel,The Square, Listowel (068) 21500.