Fashion Forward: Florentine Fragrances come to Ireland

Also: Snappy Lingerie from Marks & Spencer, Style V Splurge and diamonds for charity


Florentine Fragrances
In a major coup for Dublin, Marija Aslimoska of Parfumarija in the Westbury Centre has secured the rights to sell the fragrances and other products from one of the oldest and most famous pharmacies in the world, Santa Maria Novella in Florence. The company on the via Scala still uses the herbs, raw materials and traditional methods used by the Dominican friars when they founded it in 1221, but realise the product today using modern technology.

Such tradition and innovation are at the heart of their products from which Marija has made a personal selection for her Dublin boutique.

That includes 14 handpicked fragrances like the international bestselling cologne and patchouli, along with rose and orange blossom waters and, of course, the celebrated soaps.

Snappy Lingerie
Marks & Spencer have time-travelled in a good way for the 1990s street-style-inspired collection landing in stores this month. The monochrome and utilitarian collection will work well as (and under) festival gear for the coming summer.

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This is fashion-led lingerie with a high neck bra and a geometric mesh lace body among the key pieces. Bandeaus, cropped pants and tees will also work well once the weather warms up. The collection is named after an east London Fashion Street design studio and is one to pick up if you are looking to channel an urban, utilitarian vibe.

Real Sisters
The sisters behind REAL, Belfast's new concept store on the Lisburn Road,  are Roisin Donnelly and Maria Watson. They have brought together an exciting mix that encompasses fashion finds as well as items for home and garden. There are labels from India, Ethiopia, Italy, France, Denmark, Spain, Greece and elsewhere. Along with brands like Eskander, DKNY, Twinset and Antoni & Alison are others like  model Lia Kebede's Lem Lem tunics from Ethiopia. shop-real.com

Style V Splurge
Have a mellow yellow summer's evening with this ruffle-pleated maxi dress from Asos for €49.29 or heat things up a bit with this Stella McCartney Astrid dress for €3,445 from Brown Thomas.

Style Secret
"Buy quality not quantity – I've never been a fan of fast fashion and I will always buy secondhand/ vintage wherever possible. Not only will you have a more unique wardrobe but you'll have things that will last the rest of time" - Ella de Guzman, chief executive and founder Siopaella

Wear It
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, especially when they are from an Irish firm which gives 10 per cent of the profits to Laura Lynn Children's Hospice. Get this pear diamond stimulant pendant for €79 from laurynrose.com