Headbands: No longer teh realm of Lady Di-era

The Detail - Head turning


It can' have escaped your attention that headbands have had a serious style make-over. No longer the realm of Lady Di-era fortysomethings and swotty headgirls, the hairband has all grown-up and is now as credible an accessory de jour for 2009 as big sunnies and handbags were in years of yore.


Whether you style it up in a sort of Desperately Seeking Susan way and wear with a rock chicky biker girl look (as per River Island, pictured) or you go more demure (think Blair in Gossip Girl), the show-stopper headband gives great mileage around party season.


And with just one accessory to add to her look, how better for today's cash-strapped party girl to update than with a bit of head candy? Buy a few that are wow enough to draw lots of attention and nobody will notice you've been wearing the same dress all week.


From leather floral ones at Topshop to satin and crystal brooched ones at Dorothy Perkins, every high-street store has an offering this season so get shopping now!


The Spree - Boy zone


One for the boys this week. We couldn't resist this super-smart tux jacket from Day Birger et Mikkelsen which is just the kind of wardrobe perennial that merits the price tag. Dressed up or down, it's a party season forever piece. It's on mywardrobe.com and it costs €265.


The Steal - Let it glow


The party month of December is almost upon us and, with evening chic all about sparkle and shine this season, you are sure to make an entrance in this slinky sequinned number from East London-based Traffic People. It looks a lot more expensive than it's €99 price tag too.


Insider...


* work by iconic sixties photographer Terry O'Neill goes on display this month at Kildare Village and features such singular shots as this tousled portrait of Brigitte Bardot. The exhibition is free and runs until January. For more see www.kildarevillage.com.


* if an engagement might be on the cards this 'romantic' season you'll be heartened (or equally alarmed) to hear of the new rise in 'man-gagement' rings that's taking the US and UK by storm. Too long has it just been the realm of the woman to brandish the ring apparently; nowadays men want in on the action too. To cater to this new demand jeweller H Samuel has introduced a 'Tioro' ring billed specifically as a man's engagement ring. For more see www.hsamuel.co.uk.


* it's a tough time for small retailers anyway but with the threat to child allowance looming, the idea of boutique shopping for children is fast going out the window for many families. Having said that, cost-cutting is not all about buying cheaper and from big chains – quality, durability and eco-friendliness are all buzzwords now too. In this vein we love P for Pearl on South King Street, Dublin 2 which is run my mum-of-two Sara Spencer and stocks great little labels such as 'Ten' and 'No Added Sugar'. The too-cute dress (left) is from the I Love Gorgeous label and is €69.