Clothes Lines

A selection of 'finds' for the wardrobe

A HEAD FOR HEIGHTS Racegoers to Punchestown may have caught sight of Niav O'Reilly's heady creations on many a well-turned crown. Her very striking headdresses complementing wedding or other outfits are made from beads and unusual feathers such as golden pheasant, ostrich and wild turkey that she sources in the US and the UK. A graduate of NCAD 10 years ago, she made her own wedding dress, but unable to find the right head-piece, ended up having to make her own and those of many of the guests. This was so successful that there were demands for more and she abandoned her career as a graphic designer, did a millinery course in London and set up in business in Athy. She has now opened her own studio where at present she makes to order at prices from €150 to €270. She can be contacted at 087-6274259; pieces should be ordered at least a month in advance.

STOP IN FOXROCK Deirdre Kelly, formerly of a/wear, is to open two new shops in Foxrock next week; one called Lily in the former Pacha boutique, and the other called Boudoir in what was McCabe's wine shop (they have relocated). Boudoir, designed like a bedroom, will cater, in Kelly's own words, "for both ends", that is, middle and upper price brackets. There'll be American loungewear from Donna Karan, lingerie from Aubade and John Galliano. "I want to combine trends with good staples," she says. Expect to also find tracksuits in soft velour, dressing gowns and swimwear, as well as soaps and candles. Her other shop, Lily, will have clothes for work and play, mostly sourced from Italy and France with an additional bonus: a seamstress on hand who can make any necessary adjustments. "My big thing is service," says Kelly. "I want to make people feel comfortable in beautiful surroundings." Prices will be reassuringly comfortable too, she says.

MAKING THE CUT Hedi Slimane may have made Dior Homme the most talked-about label in menswear (even women want his suits), but although Brown Thomas did stock it last season, they don't have it now, and the nearest place it can be bought is in Harrods in London. Bringing a couture look to everyday staples such as leather jackets, white shirts and denim jeans with great detail and cut has been this young designer's achievement. Lesser mortals, however, will have to settle for more mundane, inexpensive basics such as blazers, for example, eternal favourites for men of all ages; this season River Island offer one in a heavyweight linen for €97, as well as more trendy version with pop badges or graffiti for €161.