ASSET ENHANCERS They're calling it the new form of asset management, and it has nothing to do with boardroom business. "Takeouts" are silicone breast enhancers, designed for women who want a lift, in every sense.
In the US, where they were introduced two years ago, they are the latest fashion accessory and come packaged in pink takeaway containers. The jelly-like pads, placed inside the bra, add lift and size. For the remake of Stepford Wives, more than 50 pairs were ordered for the cast. Meanwhile, Falke have just launched bum-enhancing hosiery designed to give you "instant booty". Both can be found in Brown Thomas, where the bra inserts cost around €45 a pair. On the subject of hosiery, however, the best new idea comes from Pretty Polly which has devised a simple, but effective way of connecting briefs to black opaque stockings, using bra hooks. For those who hate tights, they're a comfortable and rather sexy alternative.
ONE FOR EVERY SOLE Robeez, one of the most successful children's footwear ranges in Canada, has just arrived in Ireland. The company's soft, all-leather, washable and skid-resistant toddler's shoes - "one for every sole" - come in cute designs, featuring colourful little animals and flowers for the 0-4 years age group. Most sought-after of the 62 designs are the dragonfly and flower-patch pinks for girls, and monkey reds for boys. They cost around €25 a pair, come in clear vinyl zipper bags (great for crayons or cosmetics) and can be found in 38 outlets in Ireland including Dublin shops Vienna Shoes in Blackrock, Worldwide Kids, Rathgar, and Graham Shoes, Wicklow Street; and Ebaby in Greystones, Co Wicklow. Robeez was founded by Sandra Wilson, who previously worked for an airline and whose alternative career was born when she looked at her baby's feet; Robeez was named after her son Robert.
TOP JEANS "Focused" is what Topman is calling its latest range of premium in-house denim, in which extra attention has been paid to fit, function and detail. Style snobs can brag about the Japanese narrow loom ring-ring spun selvedge and signature orange trim (phew) used on pockets, and argue over whether the classic, buckleback or quarter pocket is the better option. Made to mature over time, the denim jackets feature stab stitching, fully functioning cuffs and most crucially, mis-matched buttons. Purists will have to wrestle with difficult decisions such as whether the customised linen jean, the artisan jean, the industry jean, the midnight jean, the rusty jean or the broken jean is this season's imperative.
INSTANT EXOTICA Marrakesh is a hot favourite as a location for fashion photographers, and Marks & Spencer was given the Vogue treatment there by photographer Henrik Bulow for the current issue's Cheap Chic fashion supplement. Set against backgrounds of modernised oriental interiors in a beautiful riad (courtyard dwelling), prairie skirts, sundresses and sequinned tops in vibrant prints, earthy dark chocolate colours and animal prints looked completely at home. Amazing what one massive jewelled disc necklace (€55, Limited Collection) and two hefty wooden bracelets €20, can do to a plain dark wrap dress €49 - instant exotica from the high street, though grey Irish skies might dampen the effect.
