Clotheslines

Deirdre McQuillan 's fashion file

Deirdre McQuillan's fashion file

DRESS-DOWN HOLIDAYS

In view of stricter security measures at airports, savvy regular travellers are rethinking what to wear. According to a recent report in the New York Times, business travellers in the US are forgoing belts, metal jewellery, jackets and lace-up shoes and are opting for loafers, sandals or even flip-flops to speed things along. Some footwear companies are selling "airport-friendly" shoes without steel shanks, while underwear companies are promoting support bras made without underwires, to avoid setting off metal detectors. The most unpopular and socially unacceptable accessories in airport queues these days are high lace-up boots. Guess why?

BAG A BOW

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Handbag lovers will remember last year's famous frilly suede "Nadjas" bag by YSL - the most elegant imaginable. The new season's crop includes the "Bow" bag, inspired by and reminiscent of YSL's memorable black velvet evening dress with an enormous "Paris Pink" rear bow from the 1960s. Bow lovers may adore the new season's bag, seen here in bronze leather, but swoon at the price tag (around €600). Available in Brown Thomas next month.

ANOTHER WRAP ARTIST

If you like Diane von Furstenberg's wrap style in our main fashion feature, don't forget our local wraparound experts. This enchanting combination of skirts and wrap is very typically Glynis Robins's style and comes from her current collection, in which colours such as green, pink and taupe predominate. Shown here is a fine handknit cardigan (€335) with contrasting borders, that wraps and ties at the waist, worn with two reversible aqua and pink silk skirts (€275 each). Other items in the collection include hand-painted vintage Japanese kimonos and vintage hand-beaded and embroidered silk slip dresses. They can be found in her shop at 20 Railway Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin and in The Dalkey Design Company in Roundstone, Co Galway, as well as Kalu in Naas, Co Kildare.

ON THE BALL

While the debs season isn't exactly upon us, the girls in question will be busying themselves all summer planning their dream night. The dress is obviously the most important aspect, with many panicking at the prospect of turning up in the same creation as someone else. One way of avoiding this scenario is to have a dressmaker conjure up something unique. Hickey's Fabrics has a full range of silks, satins and sparkling tulles. Ready-to-wear dresses are also available in its Henry Street, Dublin shop, with prices from €195 (dress shown is €395). Styles include Grecian gowns in flowing chiffon and delicate organza wrap dresses in shimmering pastels. Accessories including wraps, jewellery and tiaras are also available to complete the look. Now all you need is Brad Pitt as your date. Lauren McCreery