By Deirdre McQuillan
BAG A BEAUTY Catherine and Mary Costelloe, whose shop in Chatham Street, Dublin, is one of the city's prettiest locations, is currently festooned with bags of all kinds, mostly embroidered, decorated or otherwise showing the female hand. "I've always had a bit of an obsession with bags," admits Mary, who buys them from the UK, France, Italy, China and India. This one made of maribou feathers and satin has become a bit of standing joke in the shop. "You're not buying a bag," says Mary, "you're buying a pet." It comes in five strokable colours (brown, beige, black, white and cherry), is made in Paris and costs €65. Another favourite is the Marilyn, "so-called because it has a waist," she explains. It's one they designed themselves, with interchangeable roses made from organza and satin, €36. In this case you're buying not just a bag but a bouquet. Costelloe & Costelloe is at 14a Chatham Street, Dublin 2.
MIGHTY WHYTE Chandeliers don't just hang from ceilings these days. The latest jewellery trend is for "chandelier" necklaces, actually clever modern versions of elaborate turn-of-the-century diamond and pearl affairs that proclaimed their wearer's wealth. Thanks to modern technology and materials, the new necklaces are a fraction of the cost of their Victorian counterparts. This lovely four-tier chandelier-style neckpiece (approx €100) is part of Pat Whyte's "new vintage" collection. It features amber, olive and topaz colours in crystal, pearl, antique glass and frosted glass stones. An intricately beaded crystal and pearl flower is the centrepiece. The collection also includes heavily encrusted semi-precious stone neckpieces (approximately €95), bracelets (€180) and matching earrings (clip, €42). For stockists contact 01-6616577.