In a banner of speaking

Like most brilliant ideas, the Banter Banner concept is a simple one. Why have such pedestrian platitudes as 'Happy Birthday' at parties when you could opt for 'Joie de Vivre', 'Good Times' or 'La Dolce Vita' instead. Angela Deane is the retired fashion designer/avid artist behind these witty little creations and she has plenty of ideas for their use, like hanging 'Wine Dine' in the kitchen for your foodie mate or 'XO XO' above your sweetheart's bed. And you have to laugh at 'Cullen at Heart' for the Twilight-obsessed person in your life. They're $10 each and you only pay the exact shipping cost. It will take between six-10 days to arrive. www.banterbanner.com

Arm candy

London-based jewellery brand Lucas Jack is all about the clean lines and vibrant colours. It's affordable but it's also high fashion – Cheryl Cole and Pixie Lott have been known to wear Lucas Jack rings but we think that this cuff (€99) is more like something the infinitely more stylish Nicole Richie would wear to complement her maxi dress. Available from Kilkenny shops in Cork, Killarney and Dublin and from www.kilkennyshop.com

Cherry chic

The great thing about the Irish attitude to summer that we rarely let the actual weather deter us from pursuing activities that really should warrant a lot of sun. This year, there will probably be only three days where it will be warm enough to justify the purchase of a picnic hamper, but you shouldn't let that stop you. We adore the Cath Kidston cherry picnic hamper for two, which comes with two cherry tea plates, salt and pepper cellar, acrylic tumblers, napkins and cutlery sets. It makes us think of mini scotch eggs, sandwiches with the crust removed, potato salad and lashings and lashings of ginger beer. €94 available from Cath Kidson, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin.

A tortelli great book

GQ magazine has declared The Geometry of Pasta the most stylish and delicious foodie publication of the year and we're in absolute agreement. Jacob Kenedy is the author and the chef at the helm of Bocca di Lupo, which has been heralded as Britain's best Italian restaurant. There are 100 recipes in this stunning book which explores the history, science and even philosophy behind pasta dishes from all over Italy. Definitely the most eye-catching book you will add to your cookbook compendium this year. €18.50 from easons.ie

The Style Audit

* We're loving... Buns

Jennifer Lopez is looking amazing right now and she's also bang on trend with this summer's hottest hairstyle, the massive bun. Fab.

* We're stocking up on... Raffia bags

It's not just your clothes that need a spring-summer overhaul – you need to think about accessories too. Say hello to the Aloha clutch; €47 from Accessorize.

* We're lusting after... This scarf

Two things that we'll never ever tire of are Vivienne Westwood and animal print. And when the two are combined as they are here, we might just explode with excitement. €193.75 from asos.com.

* We're not sure about... '90s as 'vintage'

€500 for these Christian Dior oversized logo hoop earrings, circa 1992? You cannot be serious.