Although we're starting to grow a little tired of suede cushions - not exactly the easiest item to maintain - a new mail order company called Earth Tones thankfully offers potential customers plenty of other delights. Among the suggestions that caught our eye: cornflower blue cashmere throws; pure pashmina robes lined in silk; fringed paisley wool/cotton bed covers. None of the above is inexpensive (the cashmere throw costs £525 sterling) but all are lustfully scrumptious. For a catalogue or further information, telephone Earth Tones at 0044-1813540333.
SADDEST piece of post this week comes from Italian spectacles manufacturer Replay Eyes, which has sent out a list of people who "enjoy wearing" the company's product. The names included could hardly be classified as cutting-edge; there's no mention of Madonna, for example, although since she has been rumoured to become the new face of Max Factor her credibility has slipped somewhat. Instead, Replay is obliged to depend for publicity on such twilight zone celebrities as Arsenal footballer Emmanuel Petit and David Soul (if you cast your mind very, very far back you may just remember him from Starsky & Hutch).
THE latest Irish company to seek customer loyalty is Sasha, which this month launches its own points programme. The Sasha Swift points card programme offers £5 credit for every £100 spent, the points accumulating with each successive purchase. To mark the arrival of this scheme, a competition offering one entrant the chance to win a £1,000 shopping spree in any Sasha outlet runs until the end of April. You have been warned.
NEW from cosmetics company Lancome this week is a de-stressing treatment called Hydra Zen. According to the rather intimidating material sent with this product (lots of references to neuro-dermatology and study teams despatched from hospitals), Hydra Zen helps to counteract the effects of stress on the skin by sending out calm soothing messages instead. It certainly feels wonderful when applied to the face, as well as smelling yummy thanks to a blend of citrus and rose among other fragrances. Now on sale at Lancome counters, Hydra Zen is priced at £19.50 for a 30ml cream, or £25 for a 50ml lotion and cream.
