Deirdre McQuillantalks Black, Manolos and Berets in a round-up of other fashion news
Black-tracking
It's a fashion cliche that black is back, because it never goes away and isn't going to go away for the foreseeable future. This handsome black herringbone coat caught our eye not only because it's sleeveless - and our winters are getting warmer after all - but also because the black leather cape gives it a really tough modern look that suggests a woman who can shoulder life with authority. The coat and cape are from the Marks & Spencer autumn/winter collection and each costs €120, while the gloves cost €23.
Oh, oh, Manolo!
The news that legendary shoemaker Manolo Blahnik is to open his first in-store boutique in western Europe in Dublin in October is certainly a major coup for Brown Thomas. Such is the fame of this much-lauded and celebrated designer that "Manolos" has become a byword for the most beautiful, theatrical and witty shoes in the world.
The winter collection is a combination of warrior styles "for the modern, powerful woman" along with less iconic but classy items. A standout boot in silver grey leather comes studded with metal discs straight out of a crusader's suit of armour and there's another decorated with Samurai masks. More to the point - literally - is an exquisitely curvy, sexy red satin court, while the peep-toed tartan slingback is squarely on trend. Be prepared to spend at least €400.
Beret Smoothie
The Basque black beret with its embroidered leather sweat band surfaces from time to time as a fashion item. You can wear it pulled down over the forehead, to hide or to keep a coiffure dry - or angled at a slant, for a bit of dash. I love the way Chanel uses a signature piece of jewellery such as this bold black and white pearly brooch to make a common everyday item something really glamorous, even if one might hesitate to copy that gold eyeshadow. The Chanel beret and brooch cost a whopping €775 (the brooch alone is €295), but it is a look that is easily copied.