Chic not shabby -With new boutiques sprouting up all over the country, not a week passes without another opening. ShabbyChic caught our eye both for its location, in Ratoath, which was once a small town and now has a population of more than 10,000, and its eclectic mix of interesting brands and antique furniture.
"Everything in the shop is for sale, whether it's a table or a jumper," says owner Edel Lennon, who has worked in the wholesale fashion business here and in South Africa. Her best customers, she says, are women in their 50s who are young in spirit, and who want to dress well.
With them in mind, she has sourced interesting ranges such as Julie Haas from the US (this black dress with French pleated cap sleeves costs €510) and Paule Ka from Paris. ShabbyChic Boutique, Corballis Shopping Centre, Ratoath, Co Meath, 01-6896297, www.shabbychicboutique.ie
Cool for kids -"I Love Gorgeous" is the name of a collection of really pretty clothes for girls from ages one to 13 that mixes hippie tops trimmed with lace and smocking with tulle dresses in shades from pink to pistachio.
According to Gillian Leavy, who stocks the range exclusively in Eden, her new Market Square boutique in Dundalk, Co Louth, they are ideal for Confirmations, parties, or for flower girls.
Leavy is finding that fashion-savvy customers who come to her for John Rocha, Betty Jackson or Orla Kiely, are equally discerning when dressing their kids, so she is expanding her childrenswear section.
Another really cute range for boys and girls is No Added Sugar, which has lovely Liberty prints and spotted fabrics along with hardwearing dark denim jeans and zany T-shirts. Essential Girls from Antwerp is another brand coming to Eden.
Three times a winner -An ingenious three-in-one sandal won the best new fashion jewellery and accessory product at Top Drawer in Earls Court this year. It is called Slinks, and it's based on a handmade, padded leather sole with a selection of interchangeable uppers, making three different sandals.
The uppers, made with rosettes and glass beads, some silver-plated, fasten securely on three attachment points. It's the ultimate summer travelling sandal and comes in a pretty Fairtrade silk bag, with instructions. Slinks cost €155 a pair and come in black, taupe, cream or dusky pink in sizes 35-42 (3-8 UK).
They were designed by Jane Rafter, a talented Irish/Australian graduate of the National College of Art & Design, whose graduate collection featured a memorable patchwork white organza dress, each pocket containing a piece of treasured memorabilia. A clever idea, and everybody wanted one. Slinks can be purchased on line from www.janerafter.com.