Rings designed by hand by German designer Manu

Party like it's 1999-2006


Are we still in the market for spending upwards of €300 on a party dress or are those last days of disco excess over? Well, if you aren't afraid of a bit of off-the shoulder mini-dress action, want something that little bit more exclusive and – crucially – are not afraid of throwing a bit of money at your party purchase, you could make a bee-line for Alila on Drury Street, Dublin, where Whitney Port's new collection has just landed. If you are a fan of MTV's reality show The Hills and/or spin-off show The City you probably know all about the fashion intern's progress to designer. The collection is called 'Whitney Eve – Made with Love' and consists of a capsule line of silk eveningwear dresses and fitted tuxedo jackets. Prices range from €325-€350 with belts starting at €75. Check out www.alila.ie, tel: (01) 6799547.


Knuckle clusters


Jewellery enthusiasts know all about the glittering library of gems that is the Design Yard in Dublin, and may already have spied these unusually funky cocktail rings. Crafted from silver and 22-carat gold with various coloured stones, they are created by hand by German designer Manu and retail at €395 each. Design Yard is at 48-49 Nassau Street, Dublin 2, tel: (01) 4741011, www.designyard.ie.


Air raid siren


Love this vintage-look rose teddy by Kate Moss at Topshop, part of her new lingerie and nightwear collection, which she has debuted for the first time this season. There are also similarly lovely silk kimonos and rose-print pyjamas as well as a decadent lace-bed jacket and butterfly bra and pants set. 1940s it might be, but granny chic it firmly is not. Teddy, €76, Kate Moss at Topshop, Stephens Green Dublin, and www.topshop.com.


Insider...


* Among the sea of killer boots and fierce fashion on the high street a softer, newer trend for real-life, wearable clothes is emerging, dubbed 'practi-fashion' – these are the easy-to wear woollies, accessories and footwear that are saving our lives right now. Exhibit A are these suede slipper-like boots which Anna Sui has designed for Fitflop. Called the 'Shakoha', the shearling boots are limited edition and €210 at retailers including Paolo Rossi, tel: (01) 8330003; Vienna Shoes, tel: (01) 2834092; and Katie Janes, tel: (061) 333739.


* Looking for thrifty ways to update that wardrobe? The trend for tights is huge right now and while these sparkly beauties by Wolford are not exactly penny-saving at €150, you can buy similarly hot opaques everywhere from Dunnes to H&M.


* Anyone who has experienced the dreamy world that is Anthropologie in the US will understand the excitement that preceded the store's opening this side of the water – not in Dublin, unfortunately, but London. The three floors of glorious eye candy are on Regent Street, and the exchange rate with sterling is so good right now it's worth making a pilgrimage there. You won't be disappointed. Check it out at www.anthropologie.com.