Designers are constantly striving to retain their core aesthetic and building on their strengths. Not easy when they have to inject newness every season. Sian Jacobs is one Irish designer that I have been following for sometime. Sian brought out her first collection in 2008, primarily working in cashmere she has perfected the art of sublime taste both in the shapes, subtle design features and use of colour. Her latest collection has some serious contenders for my Christmas lust list. Her Lagoon cashmere long tunic/dress is my current favorite In a new departure her Grey Shearling Jacket oozes gorgeousness and the new scarves have serious present appeal. Maven is one of the boutiques in Dublin that always carries a full collection, Brown thomas and Emporium Kalu are also on the list.
Flying these days is an expensive business. Free flights are nothing of the sort as the taxes and charges amount to a small fortune and with Ryan air staff incentivized to find that your cabin bag doesn’t fit into those tiny receptacles what’s a person to do? Well here’s one solution for anyone who wants to beat the system. Not a fashion statement as such and I certainly had a chuckle at this. Prepare to see this being worn in airports near you sometime very soon….
I don’t know how long it takes for something to become an institution but with Dundrum On Ice in place for the second year it certainly feels like it’s fast becoming one. Dundrum Shopping centre already has that Christmassy feeling. The lights are all twinkling and there’s a certain good feeling in the air. Now I’m no skater, having had a run in with roller blades as a child and no balance whatsoever but watching people of all ages at the rink yesterday was pretty wonderful. Adults €14 euro per session and children €13. At off peak times these are reduced by €2 each. Family tickets are good value with 3 costing €30 in off peak times , otherwise €40. Families of 4 are €45 and €35 at off peak times. There are also great value group sessions. Booking can be done online at DundrumOnIce or by calling 01- 5143663 , otherwise you can get them at the rink.
Yesterday it was casual and warm, today it’s the turn of the smart serious Winter coat. An essential in every woman’s wardrobe but not necessarily a purchase to be made annually. If you invest in a classic coat then it will last and look good for a lot more than one season. These are my favorites from what’s available. I like a really good quality wool for warmth and looks, although the Vivienne Westwood one is a serious contender. The shape needs to suit and cover you so that all you need is a pair of boots, hat and gloves to step out in both warmth and style for any occasion.
I have a seriously difficult relationship with Winter which is unfortunate to say the least. I suffer from all sorts of ailments none of which improve in the cold, on the contrary my life can be an utter misery when the temperature drops. This has me looking like a granny circa 1950 on my way to bed. My hot water bottle is one of my best friends and bedsocks and thermal pyjamas make for unglamorous night attire. Going outdoors is another matter entirely although I do admit to silk long-sleeved vests and Falke Soft Merino wool tights. I notice on my travels that in Northern Europe and Canada the Down jacket is a staple. I’m not talking about those cheap polyester filled look- a- likes but those that have at least a 600 tog rating which my newest North Face coat has. The odd feather that I find creeping out of the said same coat is proof that real birds were involved.
So for the young and warm-blooded the perennial Parka will do just fine, I’m a Puffa person myself!
I couldn’t help buying my first Christmas decoration yesterday. For the princely sum of €2 I bought a reindeer antler head for Riley. I know Nicky, pure madness,but I’m certainly going to laugh and smile my way through this one, (albeit through gritted teeth at times!)
The Music Therapy Service at the National rehabilitation Hospital in Dunlaoire is very close to my heart and this year the International Charity Bazaar has listed them as one of the beneficiaries of this great event. If you are interested in goods and food from around the world then this is the place to buy some of your gifts. All the embassies in Ireland take part so what you get is a cornucopia and eclectic glimpses of the different countries and all parked in a Dublin Hotel for one day. (my reindeer headband doesn’t seem quite so odd now)
Since I got my now seven month old Labradoodle, Riley (as in ‘life of’) at nine weeks of age I’ve been obsessed by dog accessories. Riley is a member of the Naked Doodle Club and we don’t do coats or any other seasonal costumes. But collars, toys and leads we love, love,love. That’s why I’m heading to the just opened Marvel room at Brown Thomas in Dublin where there is a special section for Dog stuff. The Marvel Room is that special area filled with sumptuous gifts from some of the most best designers for the C holiday that ‘s on the way in only a matter of weeks.
