Handbag Heaven: Sissi Rossi

I've been admiring Sissi Rossi bags for a long time, so when I stepped into Harvey Nichols in Dundrum last weekend and spotted a few from their Autumn/Winter 07-08 collection on sale at 75% off, I stopped, caught like a rabbit in the headlights. Made of the softest, squishiest buffalo leather, these bags are luxurious, but designed to be worn and loved - the leather will just get better age.

After some wavering, I eventually settled on this gorgeous stone grey one. With sturdy handles and a long strap, it is versatile and can be carried or worn on your shoulder or across the body. It is also fairly voluminous, so I'll be able to carry my life around with me on a daily basis, as usual.




Check out more Sissi Rossi bags online or in Harvey Nichols.

Harvey Nichols Summer Sale

I picked up a lovely Sissi Rossi bag in the sale at Harvey Nichols in Dundrum today (more on which later). Most stores are coming to the end of their sales, but there were quite few bargains to be had in Harvey Nichols - including this fab Sasha handbag from Botkier in silver snake at only €250. Run, don't walk...

Citrine by the Stones jewellery

Jewellery brand Citrine by the Stones has been receiving a lot of attention lately, their pieces having adorned the Sex and the City girls in the movie. Their Peace and Wish bangles have been on my mind lately, despite the fact I don't usually wear any yellow gold. And now this pretty elephant charm necklace has me hooked. See it for yourself at Seagreen in Monkstown (priced at €145).

Release your inner supermodel with Topshop

If you've ever harboured a fantasy to star in your own fashion shoot, Topshop could help you to realise your dream. Starting this week in London's Oxford Circus store (and coming to the Stephen's Green store in Dublin from June 17th to 22nd), a photographic studio set up in store will allow you to style, pose and photograph yourself, without a photographer being present.

The concept is inspired by iconic fashion photographer Helmut Newton's "Photo Machine". He came up with the idea in the 1970s, using a specially designed photo studio where the photographer did not need to be present. The camera was set up on a timer system and the model used a mirror behind the camera to check her pose. In effect, the control of the shoot was handed over from photographer to model.

Now Topshop is paying homage to Newton by recreating his system in their flagship stores, where customers will be able to style themselves as they wish in Topshop fashions, before posing for the Photo Machine and taking their own photo. Check out the customer photos in the Topshop Gallery and head along to the Oxford Circus, Manchester Arndale or Dublin Stephen's Green stores if you'd like to take part yourself.

Image thanks to Topshop

Picnic season with M & S

There's nothing like a picnic in the sun, is there? When the weather is good I love to pack up some food in the evening after work and enjoy it in the park beside the sea near where I live. Which is why I had to have this gorgeous picnic box set from Marks & Spencer as soon as I spotted it in a magazine.

Made from glossy red melamine, and consisting of 2 big compartments and one sectioned compartment for dressings etc, the set stacks together and has a handy metal handle for easy transport. I'll be filling mine with couscous, roasted vegetables, tomatoes and goat's cheese - feel free to comment with your own picnic favourites!

Priced at €14.50, this picnic box is available now from Marks & Spencer and I predict it'll be a popular item, so hurry up and get yours!

(Dimensions: H11 x W14 x D14cm. Picture with thanks to http://www.marksandspencer.com)

Bourjois Rouge Hi-tech

I must admit that I have never been a lipstain fan. This is mainly as a result of an unfortunate run-in (with a product I won't name and shame) years back, when I ended up with lips stained purple only on the outer edges, giving me the look of a vampire who'd just finished dinner. Well, that or a wino. Anyway, when I spotted these little beauties on the Bourjois display, I thought "Never say never" and decided to give one a shot.

Rouge Hi-tech is a water-based liptint that comes in a cute plastic container, with a sponge-tipped wand applicator. I was a bit worried that applying it right would be like learning how colour between the lines all over again, but it turned out to be pretty easy. The tint stays in place where you apply it, but does blend well before it dries, so you can correct any mistakes. It's also easy to apply a sheer coat, or build up to get more colour. You do need to make sure your lips are in fairly good condition, as flakes will catch more colour and give an uneven result, so I always apply a coat of balm and then blot off before applying.

The lasting power of Rouge Hi-tech is a huge plus point for me. When I apply before breakfast, it lasts through breakfast and lunch with only some fading, and the colour fades so gradually and evenly that you don't need to worry about running to a mirror to top it up. I also regularly apply lipbalm over the tint and it does not affect it at all.

The shade I bought is the one used above - Rose Pixel. It's a pretty rosy pink with a touch of red - perfect for summer. There are a number of other shades available and I have my eye on a lovely shade of fuchsia...

Rouge Hi-tech is priced at around €10.70, with most retailers currently offering an introductory price of around €8.50.

Travel in style (and light) with Muji

Gone are the days when air travel was an enjoyable experience. With the advent of low-cost airlines and extra charges for checking in at the airport or checking in luggage, I am coming around to the idea that where possible I will only travel with carry-on luggage. I recently bought a lovely Samsonite wheeled case which meets the size requirements for cabin baggage and is also light enough that it doesn't take up half of the weight allowance while empty. I have used tote bags as carry-ons in the past, but if I do want to use the full 10kg weight allowance some airlines grant, a wheeled case is the only way to travel.

Once you have the right bag, the key to packing light is organisation, which is where the wonderful Muji comes in. A Japanese chain of lifestyle stores, Muji stocks a treasure trove of stationery, kitchen, household and travel goods.

Try the following to organise your clothing: nylon shoe cases for packing extra shoes, mesh garment bags are perfect for separating clothing and soft mesh laundry cases mean an end to packing your laundry in plastic shopping bags for the return journey.

Toiletries is where it can get complicated these days, with the ban on liquids or gels exceeding 100ml. Luckily Muji have a wide array of fliptop bottles, spray bottles, tubes and jars in a variety of sizes under 100ml - you merely need to fill them with your shampoo, shower gel and moisturiser, pack them in a ziplock bag or clear pouch and you're ready to go!

Happy travelling this summer!