A selection of 'finds' for the wardrobe
SILVER THREADS We're all for stripes that go in the right direction, i.e. vertical rather than horizontal, which probably explains the continuing sartorial love affair with pinstripes. Trust the Italians to take it a little further; this silver striped white trouser suit by Zucchero (€644 from Stephanie Lynch in Galway) with two cut-out eyes might be sterling for a wedding or some special occasion along with the Lacroix bag and silver hat, though black or silver shoes would look better than cream patent. Less flamboyant, but still on a silver theme is a dress with a silvered floral motif, and matching shawl by Helen Sorrel, €275 and €99.50, also from Stephanie Lynch.
EYE SPY Belfast-born Brian McGinn, who featured in our "Ones to Watch" in January as a designer "of the only fashion item prescribed for us by the medical profession", has his sights on our eyes. His first collection of hand-made, ready-to-wear glasses called "SixFootFive" can be found in the five outlets of Insight Opticians alongside Chanel, Oakley, Gucci and Prada eyewear. It includes items such as Fly Guy and Fly Girl wraparound glasses (€380). As one who is instantly recognisable by his own flamboyant spectacles, McGinn believes we should be as adventurous with everyday eyewear as we are with sunglasses. Bespoke eyewear from €380.
PRINTS CHARMING One way of injecting prints into a plain wardrobe this season is through shoes. These high heels with ballerina ribbons have the sort of print that can work well with plain black, red, green or even yellow. They're by L'Autre Chose, €199 from Pia Bang, a range of French shoes that also include numbers in plain green suede with red cherry details at €249, leopard-print mules with kitten heels for €269 and decorated with roses, and flamboyant red suede high-heeled sandals with blackberries and leaves, €249. All from Pia Bang, 46 Grafton Street, Dublin.
SCARLETT LADIES Anyone who saw Lost in Translation will remember the opening scene featuring Scarlett Johansson's derrière in high-leg knickers draped across a hotel bed. It came to mind looking at Marks & Spencer's new "Truly You" lingerie collection, which includes a lovely mix of satin prints and delicate lace, more feminine than usual with balconette bras and more emphasis on suspenders than on tights. Prices range from €6 for stockings up to €32 for satin print balconette bras; the high-leg knickers à la Scarlett are €12.
EXPECT THE BEST Pregnancy can mean productivity on all levels; Dublin now has a large family of maternity shops spurred on by fashion-conscious mothers-to-be. Mary Brennan, the owner of Just For You maternity wear boutiques who opened her first shop in Naas in 1998 and her second in Rathgar village in July 2002, is just about to have her second child, but that has not put a stop to her gallop. She has been busy buying for spring and summer from other European countries, bringing together an interesting mix of clothes for both everyday and special occasions, with prices to suit most budgets. A very chic range from France called Neuf Lune has great satin tunics and denim dresses. Another called VidaVita from Holland combines pinstripes and denim jackets with summery stripes. And a youthful, fun label from Italy, Menonove, gives a taste of some of her exclusive lines. Just For You, 100 Rathgar Road, Dublin 6 and 6 Moat Mall, Naas, Co Kildare.
