A warm glow:Fans of Toast, the clothes catalogue more akin to a travel brochure, will be interested to hear that they have launched a "House and Home" collection full of organic cottons, Irish linens, Welsh wools, Anatolian towelling and bedcovers from Rajasthan.
We loved striped pyjamas, the Aran style thick socks, the pretty pleat front voile nightie and the French style waiter's wraparound apron. Annoyingly, given Toast's popularity in Ireland and presumably other European countries, prices are only given in sterling. www.toast.co.uk
Right ankle
Shoe boots are everywhere this winter, though it's a style that foreshortens rather than lengthens the leg and are best worn with trousers. However, this sleek little black patent number from Lulu Guinness called Erika, ¤338, rather cuts it with its cheeky little chain at the back, neat heel and pointed toe, just the shape to peek dangerously from under a flared jean. It can be found in Clothes Peg in Sutton Cross, Dublin, where buyer Kay Lennox can always spot a winner.
Style council for men
Alan Kelly, who continues to spread his gospel to stylish male customers through his Gentlemen Please shops in Dublin, has brought in for winter some handsome military coats and jeans from Marithé & François Girbaud, along with other exclusive labels. Irishwomen will be familiar with the chic street styles of the French duo, who have a loyal fan base around the country. Kelly has also introduced Operations, a label created by three New York-based designers taking their cue from construction workers' uniforms, as well as a strong suit collection from Tailor of Sweden. With leathers from Moore & Giles, merino wool sweaters from John Smedley and chic, unstructured jackets from Nicole Farhi, his shops offer a well-chosen selection for both casual and work wear. Gentlemen Please, Townyard Lane, Malahide; Main Street, Blackrock, and Adelaide Road, Glasthule, Co Dublin. Kelly wears suit (€495) by Tailor of Sweden; shirt (€175) and tie (€95), both by Duchamp; shoes (€350) by Jeffrey West.