Balenciaga... or Massimo Dutti?

If you liked Balenciaga's Fall/Winter 07-08 collection, with it's shrunken blazers layered over striped polo-necks, buttoned-up shirts, patterned scarves and jodhpurs, but your budget doesn't quite stretch to Balenciaga prices, then you need to get to Massimo Dutti for a cheaper version of the look. They have everything from the jewel-coloured blazers and navy and white striped polo-necks to the narrow-leg riding trousers (their version is a little bit more wearable than the Balenciaga version for those of us with less than model-like thighs) and fringed scarves. The blazers are priced at €195, but the details are fantastic, from the printed lining to the insignia-stamped buttons and contrast piping.

Massimo Dutti is located in the Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin.

Image courtesy of http://www.style.com

Giorgio Armani Maestro Eye Shadow

I have to hand it to Giorgio Armani - he knows exactly how to suck me in with his lethal combination of fashion and beauty. Maestro Eye Shadow has just been added to the Armani cosmetics line - a collection of 18 shades in 3 different finishes, all inspired by the silk that Giorgio Armani works with in his fashion design. Containing matte, satin and sparkling shadows, the colours in the Maestro range from nude pink and beige to purple, brown, navy and black.

I have already tried out 10 - sparkling lilac and 12 - satin purple and I love the fine texture, smooth application and polished finish these shadows give. As with the existing Armani eye shadows, the Maestro shadows are still somewhat sheer in finish, but that happens to be the look I like, so I will definitely be picking up more colours from this line. I believe these are priced at around €22.50 in Ireland and are available from Armani counters in Brown Thomas and hopefully at Dublin airport too!