Video by Louise Byrne

Check out www.rainforest.ie for more deets.

Now that Kate Middleton has officially made country-chic cool with her padded jackets and wellies, everyone is rocking the horsey look with pride. And now you can too. The kindly folks at Tattersalls have not only given us a pair of passes to the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair, but they’ve also given us a goody bag from Dubarry to give away, which includes some great heritage style staples – a Dubarry Clara saddle bag, a rugby hip flask, a holly cap and a Cullin gilet.

Tattersalls is Ireland’s premier international event and takes place on the June Bank holiday weekend, from May 31st to June 3rd in Rathoath, Co Meath. It combines world class eventing, the ultimate test in horsemanship, with the bustle of a country fair. With over 50 shopping stands including Dubarry and Magee Clothing you can work on your heritage look. For more info check out www.tattshorsetrials.ie.

To win answer the following question:

Where will the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair take place?

Send your answer along with your name, address and phone number to stellarcomps@gmail.com

Competition closes Fri 18th May 2012. G’luck.

Make sure you don’t miss this issue of STELLAR as Kristen Stewart talks to us exclusively about the fame game, Rob, and her brand new movie Snow White and the Huntsman. As well as your usual fave features and fashion, we’ve also created a special bonus mag, STELLAR Bride, which is 34 pages wedding inspiration, whether you’re the bride-to-be or a guest. But that’s not all, you’ll also love…

- The truth about Irish guys and break-ups – straight from the source

- DIY orgasm – better sex for every reader

- Secret wardrobe weapons that will get you that pay rise

- Ireland’s most stunning women reveal their beauty secrets

- What to do when you’re stuck in a rut

- The STELLAR guide to gorgeous hair

- And so much more…

STELLAR on sale now.

It’s that time of the year again ladies! One of Ireland’s most exciting fashion events, Brown Sugar Better Fashion Week is back! Running from  April 23rd ( that’s today!) until the 29th.

Whether you’re an up-and-coming fashion student or an established fashion industry veteran there is something that will tickle your fancy, no doubt. It’s such a fab week to gain industry experience, network with the high-flyers and at the same time do your lil’ bit for the environment.

There is a plethora of exhibitions and series of talks from the leading people in the Irish fashion industry. Our very own Stellar magazine fashion editor Corina Gaffey will be on hand this Wednesday, 25th April at the HQ in 6 Castlemarket Street to answer Q&A’s and mentor along with fashion designers, Natalie B Coleman and Eilis Boyle and Off the Rails presenter Sonya Lennon to name but a few.

We highly recommend you head to the screening of one the most anticipated street-style films of the year; Bill Cunningham New York by Richard Press. The exclusive screenings are at 12, 2, 4 & 6pm at Brooks Hotel on Sunday 28th and for €10 you get a complimentary glass of bubbly! Our pick of the week fo’sho! 

For the full list of events check out the programme below or log on to http://www.betterfashionweek.com to get your tickets, but be quick ladies!

So what does the man himself have to say of his latest musical offering, “It’s personal. It’s melodic,” says Jason. “And it’s mellow… there’s a couple of up-tempo tunes, but mostly the rhythm-of-the-heartbeat king of takes precedence on this record. It feels more like the pace of life. At least, based on my life and what I’ve been doing.”

If you want to win one of ten copies of his new album featuring the smash hit I Won’t Give Up then just answer the following question. Which American city does Jason Mraz hail from? Send you answers to stellarcomps@gmail.com along with your name, address and phone number. Get your entry in by midnight May 4th to be in with a chance. Best of luck.

• Wear proper running shoes: A runner’s foot hits the ground approximately 940 times per kilometre while absorbing two-and-a-half to three times your body weight with each step. For this reason, you should always support your feet with the right shoes and replace them at least every six months. Elverys Sports provide a professional Gait Analysis and Foot Balance service, which determines if you under or over-pronate while running. This ensures you’re fitted with the best possible shoes to support your running style and protect your feet and knees from injury. Once you have your new running shoes, make sure to break them in before the race.

• Break in your shoes: Never wear a brand new pair of shoes on race day as this could cause blisters, cuts and could lead to other injuries. Also never go out on a long run in a brand new pair of shoes. The time needed to break in a pair of shoes depends on your own physical circumstances, how long your races/runs/walks are and how much running or walking you do. Ideally, it’s best to have a transitional period where you’re wearing both your old shoes and your new ones, in order to phase out the old ones.

• Keep Blisters at Bay: Blisters can be a nuisance and stop people from exercising when they want to keep going. Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form on the upper layers of your skin in order to protect the tissue below. In sport, they’re usually caused by repetitive friction, rubbing or heat. Some people are more prone to blisters than others. You can buy special clothing, anti-chaffing balms and lubricant, and socks from brands like ‘1000mile’, which are fantastic at preventing blisters.

• Choose Supportive Underwear: While we all want to look good on the outside, underwear is equally important. It’s essential that your bra and running top are the right style and fit for your shape to avoid any discomfort on race day but also any more serious damage to your back and muscles in the long term.

• Dress appropriately for the weather: We all know Irish weather can be unpredictable, so even in June you should make sure to dress in layers and choose clothing and socks that protect from moisture and keep your skin dry. The Elverys Sports Body Logic kit is designed for running and provides stylish comfort and insulation, while it’s not too heavy for the summer months. This style of kit would be an ideal choice.

• Carry a light weight water bottle: You should start every training run well-hydrated and try to consume moderate amounts of water or sports drink every 10 -15 minutes if possible. Carry a light weight water bottle on a Velcro strap to avoid carrying it in your hand for the duration of the run!

• Protect your valuables: Sadly we don’t all have an entourage of assistants to carry our valuables while we run, unlike the professionals! For this reason, you should take the necessary precautions to protect your belongings while running. It’s far better to invest in an MP3 player holder (which usually comes in the form of a convenient arm strap) than risk holding it in your hand or pocket while you run. They’re easy to break and expensive to replace. In addition, you may want to invest in a light weight money wallet for your purse and keys, as pockets are unreliable when running.

• Take good care of yourself. If we are lucky enough to get good weather in June, you will need to prepare your skin with some high SPF sun cream, to avoid any burning on the day. It is also advisable to protect your eyes with sunglasses while you run, preferably a wrap-around pair for ease and comfort.

  Check out www.florawomensminimarathon.ie for more tips and details of how to enter.

Click here to take survey

Click here to take survey

Winner will be chosen at random. Editor’s decision is final. Send your entries before May 10th to be in with a chance of winning. G’luck!

Dundrum Town Centre will be hosting a series of fun fashion events at the ‘Shop Our Style’ (SOS) Event on the 21st and 22nd of April. Three times each day, check out the catwalk which will be buzzing with all the must-have summer trends. So, if you’re looking for a wardrobe makeover, looking for a hot little date number for a balmy evening or just want some ideas for your holiday wardrobe, then look no further.

L’Oréal Paris will be on hand to do complimentary makeovers and have also invited celebrity make-up artist Billy Orr to show you how to achieve the perfect summer look. There will also be a West Coast Cooler bar where you can pick up a refreshment – shopping is thirsty work afterall. Check out www.dundrum.ie for more deets.