Small print style

with ROSEMARY Mac CABE

Orla Kiely’s ethical turn

The Kate Middleton effect struck again last week as an Orla Kiely coat she wore on a school visit sold out within hours of the photograph hitting news sites. So not only is it the perfect time to invest in designs by the Irish grand dame of cute, kooky, contemporary fashion, but Kiely has done an affordable range of clothing with ethical brand People Tree, available on Irish fashion site rubycotton.com.

A grannyish vintage-style wrap dress would be perfect for a summer day - and at €74.99, will hardly break the bank - while Kiely’s simple chambray pencil skirt (€79.99) is a classic wardrobe staple. The Olive bow stripe dress (€64.99) is another winning design - a really simple T-shirt shape with draping on the midsection, making it figure-flattering on all shapes.

Check out rubycotton.com for the full range - and, while you’re there, take a look at its Selected Femme selection; cool, Danish style at great prices.

This camouflage parka from South at littlewoodsireland.ie (€82) will be the most versatile thing you own, especially come festival/holiday/slighty-warm season. Team yours with skinny jeans and heels at night-time and with cut-offs and a grey marl tee during the day

Reader query: Where can I find smart city shorts in Dublin? Ann Wright

A quick pat on the back for embracing city shorts - they are a really appropriate way of relaxing your workwear and making it that little bit different. Places such as Next, Dunnes Stores and Reiss are great for tailoring - at varying prices - and, as spring/summer stock is dropping now, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a pair of shorts you’re happy with.

I’ve found a few pairs for you in case you have no luck. This pink pair by Betty Barclay (right, €65) won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but they’re really cute and very versatile. Pair them with a white shirt and a blazer in the office, or with a denim shirt tucked in at the weekend. Plus, they’re long enough not to seem indecent. See bettybarclay.com for stockist information.

The same can’t really be said for these spotty shorts from Oasis (above, €47) - although their looseness does take the edge off their slightly indecent length. I’d pair these with opaques to make them office-appropriate, but the tiny spots make them sweet as well as sober.

For a more straight-up option, Simply Be has a selection of linen shorts in a variety of colours. These khaki ones (left, €31.99) get our vote - they’ll look great with a tan but will be similarly flattering on paler skin tones.

Pyjama dressing

Stella McCartney gave us all permission to stay home in our PJs when she sent models down the S/S runway in printed silk two-pieces. Take a leaf out of her book and take your loungewear out to play.

Read Rosemary’s fashion blog, Fash Mob, at irishtimes.com/blogs

Have you got a fashion query you’d like answered? Send your questions to rmaccabe@irishtimes.com