A selection of finds for your wardrobe
GALWAY GEMS Tarina Tarantino, who describes herself as a jewellery monger, is the daughter of artists, and she grew up making her own beads and brooches out of clay, customising them with stones from old costume jewellery and rings. Now she makes playful pieces with Swarovski crystal, mixing it with wood or resin in bright, fun colours. These green guitar earrings (€25) can be found in Luv It in Galway, which also has unusual, inexpensive and light-hearted jewellery from Irina Volkonski, a Russian designer and creator of a pair of crystal-studded handcuffs. There are also cute butterfly necklaces from Pure Fabrication (above, €160), a company which mixes 1930s jewellery with modern glass. Luv It, 4 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway (091-567088).
ONE OF A KIND Thinking about weddings and can't find what you want? Anne O'Mahony who has training in both haute couture and theatrical costume, is one of the few people in Dublin making made-to-measure clothing. A perfectionist, who worked with Ib Jorgensen and learned about high standards of finish, O'Mahony specialises in corsetry and brings a theatrical flourish to everything she makes. In the past year she has combined working on costumes for King Arthur (chain mail and leather) and Playboy of the Western World, with mother of the bride outfits for private clients. Her new studio is located in Dublin's Dame Street (01-6729369 or 087-2272924). Prices start at around €450 for a suit, with three fittings (the first for the toile). Allow three to four weeks for completion. She can also supply fabric.
HAVANA STYLE No prizes for guessing the label that inspired this print skirt in 100 per cent silk from M&S called the Cuban Print Skirt. It's definitely one of the season's good buys at €140. It comes with a scoop knit top for €44 and there's a print vest to match in cotton for €40. They are part of Autograph London, a new collection from M&S which mixes high fashion with "essential pieces" for a modern wardrobe. The collection includes jackets with see-through sleeves and some floral dresses that don't have quite the same