It's never to early to start donning shades, whether it's to shield eyes from piercing gales or to protect squints from chilly springtime glare. Coasting on the success of last summer's oversize sunnies, 2006 keeps the XXXL size to the fore, so we can all pretend to be malnourished celebrity waifs. Hot on the wish-list, and just arrived in Insight optician stores come Dior Locks . . .super-large pink or red sunglasses with cute lock motifs on the side. Clamp them to your head for cutesy summer style.

Wine time

While most schools might raise funds with cake sales and wobbly recitals, we're very impressed with St Patrick's Special Needs School in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, which has far more appealing plans. Thanks to the help of Bill and Isabelle Kelly, of Kelly's Hotel, Rosslare, parents, supporters and those in the know can participate in a rather tasty wine auction, to be held at the hotel on 8 March. Alternatively, online bids can be made at www. kellys. ie (or by email . . . wine@kellys. ie). With over 100 cases to go, vintages on offer include Mouton Rothchild 1999 Grand Cru and a wide selection of Chateau Lascombe 2 Classe Margaux.

There's plenty to suit every pocket, and palette.

Rain on the plains

Familiarity doesn't always breed contempt but it certainly can breed complacency. There's a tendency to think that we've discovered all we need to know about Spain because we've been to Barcelona, eaten in tapas bars and have a bottle of fino sherry in the fridge. But GuardianMadrid correspondent Giles Tremlett's new book, Ghosts of Spain, is an engaging exploration of Spanish history and the Spanish psyche, triggered by the culture of secrecy surrounding Franco and the civil war. His book is personal as well as political, as he wonders why Spaniards go to plastic surgeons, donate their organs, visit brothels and take more cocaine than other Europeans.

Penn pals

A little bit Great Gatsby and a whole lot of Happy Days, Penn trainers, called after the Pennsylvania Rubber Factory who created these classic tennis shoes in 1922, are making a comeback.

(The same company invented fluorescent tennis balls back in 1968. ) A brand with style as well as sporting savvy (think Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe), Penn trainers are covetable amongst collectors, and comfy to boot. Available from good sports stores retailing from 60 upwards.

Material world

Mountmellick lace is a form of embroidery from the 19th century and the only one that can claim to be entirely Irish in origin and design. Named after the Co Laois town in which it originated, its intricate motifs were inspired by plants growing along the local Oweness River bank.

Now the beautiful white-onwhite stitches are reaching an international audience at the Garden City Public Library in New York where artisan Ann O'Brien's exhibition, A Unique Irish Embroidery: Mountmellick Wo rk , is showing throughout March. Much of her work is based on the traditional Mountmellick flora, but her newer work, including the award-winning piece Out of the Ashes, which shows a phoenix rising from the 11 September ashes is also displayed.

Wheeze on the quays

In need of a tickled funny bone?

Head to the recently revamped, relaunched Laughter Lounge on Dublin's Eden Quay. No, your feet may no longer stick to the mix of beer and chewing gum on the carpeted floor, but the comedy experience remains top notch.

Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays of every week, with a different line-up each weekend, it's a perfect date option. The new Laughter Lounge encompasses two bars, a VIP room and catering facilities with a 7,000sq ft auditorium, so acts are sure to be big. At the moment, there's a revolving list of performances by comedians that rated highest on the 'hot or not' poll on the Laughter Lounge's website, www. laughterlounge. com. Make your own mind upf Box office tel: 1800 266 339

Vadge of honour

The Vagina Monologues is one of those productions we've all heard about but many are yet to see. The excuses are officially over now that Ireland will have a six-week run of the show at Spirit, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1 from tomorrow, 6 March. Already staged in over 76 countries around the world, and translated into 35 different languages, this production will feature performances from Pamela Flood, Tatianna Ouliankina and Andrea Roche, as well as a debut theatrical performance from . . . wait for it . . . Ms Glenda Gilson. The play recounts Eve Ensler's interviews with more than 200 different women.

And, as with all Monologue shows, a percentage of the takings go to charity, in this case, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

Runs nightly, except on Sundays, for eight weeks.

Get made over into a Bombshell

Stila must be one of the most covetable cosmetics brands on the planet. The products look great, work a treat and have real dressingtable appeal. To kick off the Brown Thomas Bombshell promotion in all its make-up halls, Stila is offering Sunday Tribune readers a very special experience. Book a makeover with the team, and bring this issue of the Sunday Tribune Magazine with you, and the first 40 readers will receive a special Stila travel set, including four special, onseason eye colours, a Lip Glaze compact in two stunning shades, an essential Major Lash black mascara and a Convertible Colour blush, all housed in a smart black make-up bag. And for everyone, there's a special offer to receive one of these kits free with every two complexion products purchased.