Duffle coat from Marks & Spencers

Terence's stamp


We mightn't have Habitat anymore but you can still tap into that Terence Conran magic at the newly launched Conran Shop in Arnotts. The stock, which covers furniture, vintage lighting pieces and home accessories, are stylish, eclectic and covetable, and not prohibitively expensive either – a Philippe Starck Lady P dining chair, for example, is €109. The keenly priced 'Well Considered' range – featuring such items as vibrant mohair throws and a quirky light resembling a cheese grater – will bring a splash of colour to any room. This is intelligent design at its best.


Up the duffel


There's no one definitive coat style this season. You can take your pick from classic trenches to military style, leather bikers, blazers and beyond. We do like the timeless duffel however, because it's practical, warm, and just the right side of geek chic. Or maybe it's because we've just seen An Education in which Carey Mulligan wears a duffel with pride and we're easily influenced. While a Burberry version tops our fashion fantasy wish list, we're happy to settle for this blue duffel (it also comes in yellow) from Marks and Spencer; €75.


She's got legs


When it comes to hosiery, you get what you pay for – sad but true. Although you may have qualms about paying €26 for a pair of Falke Pure Matt 100, it's actually a wise investment. You could buy 10 pairs of a cheaper version for the same money but you can also be guaranteed that they'll sag and bag, they'll ladder and they won't survive more than two washes. These beauties, however, which come in 12 'fashion' and four 'classic' shades, are comfortable and built to last. And as we've come to realise, statement tights are the best way to breathe life into an otherwise pedestrian outfit. Available from Brown Thomas.


Picture perfect


Forget digital – we're into the retro film trend. Gadget freaks will love the Blackbird Fly, a twin-lens reflex camera taking 35mm film. It's a famous style of camera dating back to the 1920s and the resulting image has an archival effect. While most twin-lens reflex cameras take larger 120mm format film, because the Blackbird Fly uses 35mm, you can develop it at any photo store. Costs €80 at the Gallery of Photography, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. www.galleryofphotography.ie


The Shopping Audit


* We loving Trapper hats


Sure, they're a bit ridiculous looking and we're not sure we'd recommend them for the office commute. But they're perfect for weekend strolls, they keep your ears warm and this one from Miss Selfridge (€18) is beyond cute.


* We're not sure about Sequinned hot pants


Yikes. A clear case of man's inhumanity to man, or in this case TopShop's inhumanity to women. Yes, sequins are everywhere this season darling, but they shouldn't be flesh colour and so tight and short on the derriere.


* We're buying J'Adore by Dior


The perfume bottle has had a fab makeover, making it a collector's item. A gold-plated glass pendant dangles from a gold thread over the bottle. As beautiful as the J'Adore poster girl, Charlize Theron, we can't decide to keep it for ourselves or give it as a Christmas present; €72.50.


* We're stocking up on conical bras


The '50s silhouette is back! Think Jayne Mansfield, think Jane Russell, think Joan from Mad Men. Be warned – pencil skirt and chutzpah are necessary accessories.