THE Loft in the Powerscourt town centre has become the venue of choice for organisers of the coolest events.

Dublin-based illustrator Chris Judge is holding his second big exhibition there on Wednesday and Thursday of this week and it's heaps of quirky fun. Called 'Xanadu', it features 34 portraits of the dispossessed people of the doomed planet Xanadu (destroyed by the collapsed star Procyon B, don't you know? ) including the blue beatniks, solemn vampires, devils and androids, as well as some soft sculptures. Prices start at around 280 for the paintings and Judge, most definitely, is a talent worth investing in.

BUY IT THIS WEEK

Perfect for kicking up the autumn leaves in and ridiculously comfortable.

And bonus points for being machine washable.

Soft tie back ankle boots from Top Shop online www. topshop. com, 87

WAIST NOT

It's all about the waist this season, from cinched belts to unforgiving Body Con . . . look to Dita Von Teese for pointers.

Lovely in theory but regrettably, after a year of smock wearing, we're not sure where our waists are. Plus, doesn't that mean the traditional gorge-athon that is winter comfort eating shouldn't really be embraced? One solution is the Waspwaist Workout Workshop, starting Saturday 17 November in Glasthule. It's got both mat and reformer classes, and special rehab reformer classes which are recommended by physiotherapists for people with back, hip and pelvis issues. Prices range from 150 to 250 for a course of 10 lessons and those signing up in October get a free instructional DVD. Tel 01 2303583; www. the-secret. biz.