FEEL THE LOVECon O'Laoire calls his knitwear "Feel The Love" and his cashmere sweaters have curves that shape and flatter; his silks Fortuny-style pleats.
A potter who trained in Ireland and Italy, and who also has a musical background - he played with Sonny Condell - O'Laoire believes that knitwear and pottery have much in common. "It is how something is put together, the same principles and ideas." Having worked for three years with designer Rachel Mackey, he started his own collection three years ago and his clothes are made in the same factories as used by Burberry in Italy. His cashmere jacket cardigans are, he says, "very tactile, they are almost like pets" and are moulded to the body shape. His stockists include Diffusion in Clontarf, Dublin; Monica John, Dublin and Cork; Ottiva in Enniscorthy; Cobou in Ballina and McBees in Killarney. For other stockists, call 01-2855591.
SUITS YOU
Blame Alexander McQueen for the rash of tightly-fitting pencil skirts that, along with puffballs and baggy hems, are ousting trousers this season. Strapless tweed shift dresses with a hint of sparkle can be found in awear's current collection, but we liked this suit from Per Una, worn with boots, a cocky beret and a black fur bag. €85 for the jacket, €57 for the skirt and €26 for the bag, making a cool winter outfit for just over €150.
CROCODILE ROCKS
The first deliveries of the new clean-cut Lacoste jeans sold out in New York in July - the cast of The OC are particular fans. They are now available in Ireland. A stylish, well-made, low-rise jean with a slight flare, but without any hardware or fussy details, it comes in a stretch cotton with the iconic crocodile motif embroidered across the two back pockets, head across one, tail at the other. They cost €120 and can be bought in the Lacoste boutiques in Wicklow Street and Upper Liffey Street, Dublin.