A Choice Music Award, a hailstorm of critical acclaim, and a stealthy move up the Irish album charts… the last 12 months have been good for Athenry starlet Julie Feeney.
On the flipside, Feeney’s shopping habits have taken a turn for the worse.
“I don’t have a lot of time for shopping anymore!” she laughs. “Normally, I go through patterns where I’m obsessive about things in a splashy way. I’ll buy a load of jeans, and then buy a heap of shoes. If I like an item of clothing, I’ll probably buy two of them. I’m more likely to buy one or two things that are expensive, but I’ll buy them from anywhere. I have no affiliation with labels.”
As her unique music suggests, Feeney’s personal style has always been individual and unconventional.
“I don’t follow trends,” she concurs. “It depends on where my mood is at. I like things that are quirkily pretty, or a little doll-like or ladylike. Normally I have to avert my eyes when I go down the main shopping streets! You might find something in Oasis and there are nice surprises in A-Wear and in the petite section of Principles. I also like Zara, and Danza, a dance-wear brand whose stuff is always very durable and comfortable.”
Major record labels have begun taking notice of the singer and have been assessing her personal style. Surely they wouldn’t dare tousle with Feeney’s finely-honed dress-sense?
“One label I’ve been in talks with couriered over 30 magazines in a big box, and told me to pick out my favourite styles,” she reveals. “It was really strange. I was a vocal coach for two pop groups and they were told what to wear – thankfully I’m being asked what styles I like.”
Either way, there is one outfit that she really likes.
“Recently I’ve done lots of shoots and I’m trying various looks – I even did a shoot wearing nothing but body paint – but this is one I keep coming back to,” she notes.
The cardigan, she bought in a market in China: “I was touring with the National Chamber Choir. Over there, you can get really fab, individual stuff. It’s the type of cardigan you have to make sure you’re wearing properly or your shape will look funny. I don’t really wear anything underneath, as it’d clash.
“I did a gig in Bush Hall in London wearing this cardigan and cap,” she smiles. “It goes down really well onstage.”
Ever the individualist, Feeney goes one better by teaming the piece with combat trousers.
“The combats were from A-Wear, and were about €50,” she says. “I’ve worn them in a lot of places and through some pretty special times and they still look new. They’re fairly casual, but I like the buttons. I’m big into details!”
While most women admit to being either bag ladies or shoe fetishists, there is a streak of both in Feeney.
“These Court shoes are kind of different to other high heels,” she reveals. “I bought them in Cork a good while ago, and they’ve lasted so well.
“I bought the handbag for €2 in a Chinese market. They sell this sort of stuff everywhere, but the trick is to get a well-made one. I love the whole haggling experience: great fun!
“Someone gave me a Furla handbag as a gift, which I used quite a lot, but that was about it on the expensive bag front,” she adds.
Aside from handbags, shoes and other glittery accoutrements, there is one accessory that Julie maintains is a must-have for this outfit.
“You really do have to have a fake tan to go with this, don’t you?” she laughs. “Especially when you have to get your tummy out!”