This season it seems if you have anything but Christian Louboutin red heels you're nothing in the ladies-wholunch circles. Expect stampedes into Brown Thomas this weekend, when the limited-edition Louboutin 'Bling, Bling' hits.

Hand-crafted with clear-cut jewel detailing and set on a gold patent, fiveinch-heeled stilleto these really are the Rolls Royce of party shoes. At 910 they ain't cheap but with only 24 pairs created for the Irish market, they'll be pretty unique.

METAL WORK

Irish family retailer, Carraig Donn . . . best known for the kind of gifts you bring your American cousins . . . has really stepped up its act with a gorgeous range of directional clothing. We love this retro-look metallic sleeveless top 45, just one item of a capsule '40s-style range. Look also for seasonal staples such as the doublebreasted black mac, tunic dress and high-waisted trousers . . . great for office or smart party season wear.

Carraig Donn has 20 branches throughout Ireland, see www. carraigdonn. com.