A selection of 'finds' for the wardrobe
GIVE IT A SWIRL Still on matters Australian, but away from surfwear, you just can't beat the swirly summer skirts of Easton Pearson, which seem made for dancing and flirtation. This yellow and white tiered number is a typical example; it gathers up like a huge bouquet of flowers and rustles as you walk, unlike those stiff, prim pencil skirts. I've seen it worn with black stockings, black high heels and a black jacket, and it looks stunning. It's also cleverly made, fitting tightly around the hips before ruffling out. There are even cuter polka-dotted numbers and very beautiful longer black skirts with elaborate white embroidery, all to be found in Smock in the Temple Bar outback at 5 Smock Alley, Essex Street West, along with all sorts of other unusual, well-chosen clothes.
BEACH BABES Greystones may not be the surf capital of Ireland - the big rollers are out west - but fans of Australian action sports clothes such as Rip Curl, Billabong and Quiksilver will find a lively selection in Hammerheadz, a surfwear shop owned by sisters Maura and Cathy Winston in the seaside town. Surfers adore these brightly patterned, laid-back clothes made for an outdoor life and up to now usually only on sale in serious surf shops around the country. Their appeal is wider than boardriders, however; this frisky little T-shirt by Roxy, called the Palmerina Muscle Mini, is €44.95; the jeans, low-rider flares are €89.95; the sunglasses by Voodoo Dolls, €49.95 and the beach necklace and bracelet, €15.95. Hammerheadz, called after the Australian shark, is on Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow.
SMALL WORLD This pretty little floral dress by Elspeth Gibson can be found in Debenhams where it comes in a number of sizes from €35. Elspeth Gibson is just one of the many well-known designers in Debenhams who are doing children's as well as their own ranges. They include Jasper Conran (Junior J), as well as John Rocha, who has also a menswear line, including shoes and accessories.