CLOTHESLINES

Simple style:I'm a big fan of Hobbs and I like the way they've based their winter offerings around four Hollywood icons, Marlene Dietrich, Julie Christie, Jean Seberg and Ali McGraw.

It's really more of a way of giving coherence to a selection of coats, jackets, dresses and other accessories presented simply and effectively. Hobbs are good on jackets (check out Polly or Thelma), there's a lovely day dress called Veronica, and a Polly grey pinafore, a black evening dress (with cap sleeves and a round neck) called Holly, and an up-to-the-minute grey knitted rib coat and "boyfriend" waistcoat. Check out the stylishly simple Sian bag and the peep-toe with animal-print heels. At Hobbs in Dundrum and House of Fraser.

Dresses to impress

Our apron princess, aka Adelle Hickey, gets more glamorous with each collection. Her latest has a new glitter and a strong 20s feel in its dresses of black jersey, net and sequins dressed with ropes of pearls. Free of buttons and zips, her slipover dresses and tunics, always her signature, allow wearers to layer up in their own way. New this season is a winter dress in Liberty print viscose jersey with bell sleeves, another in knee-length chocolate jersey, while black net aprons transform underskirts of patterned fabrics. For details, contact her at 01-8069420 or check website www.fromnowon.ie.

Travel first class

Edition 24 by YSL is a collection specifically aimed at the travelling woman. Designed as "a style passport" with last-minute flights in mind, it consists of 24 looks, including coats, swimsuits, tunics, trousers, trenchcoats and that YSL staple, the safari jacket. Travel accessories and luggage are equally chic. Nothing wrinkles and everything takes into consideration time and climate changes. Incorporated into the collection are items from the season's collections including bubble and pleated skirt, tunics and a black vinyl trenchcoat. Edition 24 comes in the YSL colour scheme of black, white and khaki, and luggage in leopard, grey felt and black vinyl. The bad news is that it isn't stocked in Ireland yet; the nearest outlets are YSL stores in Sloane and Bond Streets in London. Prices are from £400-£600 stg.