Flop factor shopping:After a couple of false starts, Seagreen is now open on the crescent in Monkstown, Co Dublin.
It calls itself a "lifestyle" store. But rather than the tired mix that cliché often implies, Seagreen sells a genuinely different selection of furniture, clothing and gifts. There are deep, traditional sofas and armchairs with a flop factor (€3,000 upwards) from a chic company called Lambert, minimal wooden tables, delicate contemporary lighting and sparkly art-deco-style mirrors.
The word whimsical just about sums it all up. In particular look for the witty artwork of London artist Alice Gates, featured recently in British Vogue. The carefully chosen clothing (women only, so far) includes pieces by Joanne Hynes. After shopping, visit the on-site organic cafe. Seagreen, Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin, 01-2122656, www.seagreen.ie. Eoin Lyons
HOLLY GOES LIGHTLY
Coming to your RTÉ screens on Monday and Tuesday is Holly White (right), co-star of the two-hander video diary Dan & Becs, which is bound to create a stir among Dublin's southside set.
White stars as Becs in the first of a 10-part series of 10-minute videos written by David Coffey, a young DIT multimedia student who not only directs the series but also plays Dan. White was an assistant on our fashion pages before she left for London to study fashion journalism at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, where she has just completed the second of her four years with placements at Vogue and Tatler.
Described as "a middle-class Fair City", the series tells the story of a young Mount Anville girl who drops out of Trinity, goes on a J1 visa to the US, and returns home to pick up occasional work as a model and actress. Coffey saw White in a TV ad and asked her to do a pilot video, which attracted the attention of Accomplice Films and launched her new acting career.
"I am such a lucky girl," says White, currently working on a second series. "I love being able to contribute my own ideas. I am really enjoying it, but I want to finish my course in London, which I love." Becs has her own Bebo page, poshbecs.bebo.com - all White's work, too. Deirdre McQuillan
OBJEKTS OF DESIRE
Just outside Limerick, on the Dublin road to Kerry, a new shop has opened that's proving to be a head-turner for passers-by. The 50m window at Objekt Design Space shows off some very cool furniture and lamps, fabrics and accessories. Aoife Hayes is the woman behind the shop, and her aim is to bring the best European design trends to the area. There's passing trade for small items, but she's also catering to city people with second homes in the area. Hayes, who studied interior architecture, loves "colour and geometric patterns, things that are sharp and individual - not hard-core minimalist". Some names to drop after a visit to Objekt include Ciacci (Italian), Borowski (German) and Forege (French). Definitely worth a visit. Objekt Design Space, South Quay, Newcastle West, Limerick, 069-78223. Eoin Lyons
BREAK FOR THE BORDEAUX
One of the advantages of staying at Château Soussac, Nell Stewart Liberty's B&B in Bordeaux, is that a local fashion designer named Christine Nelle offers residents a made-to-measure service at very keen prices. I have seen some of her collection: really well-cut jackets, beautiful sleek trousers and silk wrap tops, finished with the kind of attention to detail that a couture-trained dressmaker understands. A fine ribbed-silk top in plum, with tiny buttons at the wrist, is incredibly light and ideal for travelling (€135). Trousers (€140) are designed to flatter the wide of hip with a narrow grosgrain waistband, while jackets with peplum waists come in rich grey and black tweeds (€240). You can buy off the rails (alterations are free) or have items made to measure (the delivery time is usually two weeks). But you have to get to Bordeaux first. For further information, call 00-33-5-56613154/00-33-6-27276388 or see www.chateausoussac.com. Deirdre McQuillan
YOUR PLACE ON THE RICH LIST
Feeling poor? Put things in perspective by finding out where your wealth ranks globally by simply entering your annual income at www.globalrichlist.com. The calculations are based on figures from the World Bank Development Research Group. The aim of the website is to help us realise that, in fact, most of us (who are able to view the web page) are in the privileged minority, and to encourage us to give more freely to charity. www.globalrichlist.com. Antonia O'Keeffe
www.buildanest.com is the site of a non-profit organisation that provides interest-free loans to women artists and artisans who are trying to start their own businesses in developing countries. Nest sells the artists' and designers' clothes, housewares and accessories. The funds for these loans are generated by the online shopping revenue, so go ahead and spend shamelessly. Antonia O'Keeffe
THE ART OF FOOD
The Piedescalso Art Cafe, on Thomas Street, is a recent addition to the burgeoning art locale of Dublin's Liberties. The cafe (whose name means "barefoot") currently features Papered Bodies, an exhibition of work by the visual artist Jeanne Merer. Denny Baldin, the cafe's Italian proprietor, envisages his bright space as a "creative factory or a meeting point for artists" and lovers of art.
Baldin, who arrived in Ireland from Turin last year, has a background in economics and finance, yet he cuts a romantic figure as he enthuses about Italian food. "Cooking is a form of art, but instead of the eyes we experience with the mouth." He intends to develop this "work in progress" as a space to exhibit art exhibitions and hold independent film screenings, as well as dance and percussion performances. Plans include art classes and use of the space for performance art.
The menu includes fine Italian cheeses and cured meats, along with a variety of homemade desserts, including the essential tiramisu. Think white walls, calm interior with mismatched furniture and Buena Vista Social Club playing in the background.
"I am happy for anyone to approach me with ideas on how we can utilise the space," says Baldin, who often welcomes students from the National College of Art & Design, across the street. Open 10am-5pm. Piedescalso Art Cafe, 78 Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Ruth McNamara