Peter O'Brien for A¦Wear Winter 08

Peter O'Brien's third collection for A¦Wear launched last week and I'm happy to report that it's a good bit younger than last year's collection was. His collections generally tend to be ageless in appeal, but the one last year seemed to be quite a bit more mature and less versatile than this collection is.

If you like the tailored look, then there'll plenty to please you here, from high-waisted sailor pants to a beautiful vintage-y ruffled blouse or a fabulous frock coat with what seems like a hundred buttons.

I also like the new colour palette of nude, heather and navy; shades which are a bit more flattering than the blacks and browns which have dominated previous collections.

Most of all, though, I am in love with the hair and makeup styling for the ad campaign. I may not dare to recreate the multiple giant bows, but I think they compliment the collection beautifully for styling purposes. The pink lips, glowy pink cheeks and strong brows are definitely a look I can recreate for the office however...

Orla Kiely Fashion Targets Breast Cancer collection

I love, love, love Orla Kiely's signature graphic prints and her new collection for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is no exception. Based around the bull's eye target symbol used by the FTBC organisation, this capsule collection includes a shoulder bag (€160), book bag (€165), wallet (€90) and makeup bag (€85).

All proceeds will go to Action Breast Cancer (who provide services for younger women diagnosed with breast cancer) and Europa Donna Ireland (who campaign for better cancer services for patients), so you get the double bonus of donating to a very worthwhile cause while picking up a lovely new bag for yourself!

Oh and if you needed any more excuses, the waterproof coated canvas on these makes them ideal for rainy weather. Just sayin'...

Silk Scarf from APC

Accessories are invaluable when it comes to refreshing your look. Who needs a new wardrobe every season when you can make classic outfits look brand new with a well-chosen scarf or belt? And it just so happens that accessories is where my own wardrobe is sadly lacking, so I think I may just need to remedy that, starting with this leopard-print silk scarf from APC.

A little bit fun and a little bit retro-glam, this is just what I need to inject a bit of fashion into the many basic staples in my wardrobe. A plain t-shirt and jeans (or, in this weather, a nice cashmere jumper and jeans) will instantly look more interesting with the addition of this scarf. Now I just need to decide on the colour...



Sandwashed silk
100% silk
200x35cm
€65