The Art Of Overeating by Lesley Landis

Slim picking


January is always a bit of a land. Intellectually, you know that the good times have to stop at some point and in a strange kind of way, you're looking forward to your new post-holiday, ascetic existence. But the reality is that self-denial is terribly dull and it's hard to get through what is arguably the worst month of the year (fattest, poorest) without some comfort-eating and drinking. If weight loss is one of your New Year's resolutions, pick up The Art of Overeating by Lesley Landis. Landis is a clinical psychologist and this is positioned as the anti-diet bible that sticks its fingers up at our calorie-obsessed culture. A very interesting collection of trivia, facts and thoughts on our relationship with food – now pass us a glass of port, please. €7 from amazon.co.uk


Tight fix


This month should be all about the cheap fashion fixes and, as ever, we're turning to tights. How much do we love tights? Let us count the ways – they're inexpensive, they're versatile, they keep you warm, black opaques will slim you down and if you go for something like these large spot tights from Marks & Spencer (€8), they're guaranteed to make everyone who sees them smile.


Snatch a satchel


2010 says so long to all that is sequinned and sparkly and hello to utilitarian chic. Topping our wish list is Mulberry's new bag, the 'Alexa', an infinitely functional and stylish satchel, named in honour of fashion darling, Alexa Chung. As it's over €700, the dream may not become a reality but we'd be equally happy with this satchel from River Island, which hits the utilitarian trend bang on but at a fraction of the price – €40. It's actually a man bag but it works for both sexes.


Hang dog expression


We really miss Pia Bang's interior store on Dublin's South Anne Street since it shut last year. The good news, however, is that you can still benefit from her artistic eye with her venture 'Paint My Pooch', where she promises to capture the spirit and personality of your pet in portraits using natural canvases. Bang has been painting as a hobby for over 20 years, and the idea of doing animal portraiture came to her from painting her own pets. Prices start at €250. Phone 087 1478001 for details.


The Shopping Audit


* We're loving yellow


Massive for next season and such a great colour for spring. Unfortunately it's not a hue that suits very many Irish complexions, which is why we'll ease ourselves in with accessories before taking the plunge completely. This oversized scarf is from TopShop, reduced from €24 to €12.


* We're not sure about denim on denim


Again, another big S/S '10 story as seen in lots of collections like Hannah McGibbons for Chloe. We won't approve, we can't approve and we really hope we're sufficiently strong to resist and not follow sheep-like as per usual.


* We're stocking up on Voya Squeaky Clean Body Wash


This month we're crying 'Viva the simple things', mainly because we can't afford to do anything else. So it's all about the nesting and the DIY pampering and at €16 this energising wash is a luxurious but affordable treat.


* We're looking forward to getting fit


But we do need that carrot dangled in front of our nose: if we were snazzily attired in cool work-out gear, that task would be easier. This cotton hooded sweatshirt jacket Adidas by Stella McCartney fits the bill. And as it's €77 (but reduced from €110) we'll skip the gym fees and pound the streets instead. www.net-a-porter.com