Stella McCartney for babies and kids exclusive at Gap

The Detail - Young love


I have been chomping at the bit to get to the Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin and snap up some of that gorgeous Stella McCartney for Gap kids' collection that landed last week. Thwarted by time and geography, however, I have been driven to look elsewhere for my tot's wardrobe – and with much success. I found a Stella-like tulle tutu in Zara (for half the price), really great tee-shirts for boys on Asos (again, minus the stinging price tag) and a tuxedo-style jacket (again just like the one in the Stella collection) for either sex at H+M. Drawn into 'Little Asos' properly for the first time, I was particularly impressed with what was on offer there for boys this winter. From check trilbies and trapper hats to checker board shirts and purple skinny jeans, there were loads of boy things. Lovely festive things for girls too, although a lot more princessy and pink than I usually go for – think sparkly cardis, satin jumpsuits and heart-pocketed trousers. See www.asos.com/Kids; the Stella McCartney collection for babies and kids is exclusive to Gap at the Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin; Tel: 01 2966863.


The Steal - Choos well


Oh joy of penny-pinching joys! The Jimmy Choo for H+M collection has finally landed and we're making a bee-line for these rock-chick ankle biters which look like they've stepped right out of the showroom. €149 and in select stores now.


The Statement - Glove affair


Blame the Michael Jackson effect or the craze for biker-girl cool, but it's all about the glove this season. These fierce and foxy leather studded numbers, €80 at Karen Millen, are just perfect.


Insider...


* Are we still rocking the maxi-dress trend for this season? The jury might be out but this one from the new range by Zandra Rhodes for M&S is rather tempting. Other key pieces from the '70s-inspired collection include jumpsuits, floaty tunic dresses and trumpet sleeve tops. Prices from €30.


* Good news for larger ladies The Elle MacPherson Intimates lingerie range has extended its sizing up to a G cup. The larger cup sizes have been given added support, higher coverage and slightly wider straps and still don't look like boulder holders. Quite gorgeous, actually. Prices from €42 at department stores including Brown Thomas.


* Vintage vixens should mark their diaries now as Covet, that treasure trove of designer delights in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin, is holding its first 'boudoir-style' sample sale next Saturday and Sunday 21 and 22 November. With discounts of up to 95% on names such as Galliano, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney, this is definitely one not to be missed. www.covet.ie