Hit the decks

Oh please let us have a decent summer this year. Is it too much to ask that there might be more than two days in three months where we can bring out the parasols, picnic hampers, barbecue paraphernalia and all the other sun-related items we purchase, to only ever give them a rare outing? And we definitely want the opportunity to lounge in this classic deckchair (€59) which is part of the 'In the Fresh Air' range at the Conran Shop in Arnotts. Chic and functional (it folds completely) and oh so comfortable

Heaven scent

If you're interested in unusual perfumes, you'll be thrilled to hear that French fragrance house Diptyque has brought out its first new scent in four years. Vetyverio is unisex (although Diptyque describes it more poetically as being masculine or feminine). It's an unusual and wonderful fragrance for summer with a citrus opening and musky base. And of course, the iconic Diptyque bottle design makes it a wonderful addition to dressing tables. It's €58 for 50ml and available from Brown Thomas

It's tea-licious

Tea drinkers insist that a warm cuppa cha has great cooling power on a hot day but we doubt it's as refreshing as the new green tea from Le Palais des Thés. Thé Du Hammam is a limited-edition fruity blend reminiscent of the smell of a hammam – all roses, green dates, red fruits and orange flower water. It's extraordinarily fresh, can be served hot or cold (we like it iced) and comes in a pretty canister decorated with rooftop scenes from the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It's €18 from Le Palais des Thés, 31 Wicklow Street, 01 6708752

Puffin stuff

Puffin Books, the largest publisher of children's books in the UK, is celebrating 70 years in business. Originally established to distract children from the Second World War with intelligent and colourful books, it went on to publish classics like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis, Charlotte's Web by EB White and Stig of the Dump by Clive King. Puffin by Design: 70 years of imagination 1940-2010 by Phil Baines is a beautiful account of Puffin's development over the years, and how illustrators and designers created and defined its identity. It also a lovely nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up reading Puffin books, or joined the Puffin Club. €26.40

The Style Audit

* We're loving... Gwen's new hair

What to do when Courtney Love announces she slept with your husband? Why, bounce back with a feathered, messy, terminally hip new do of course.

* We're stocking up on... Alessi

The cool Italian homewares range, aka the people who get you excited about cheese graters, celebrates its first anniversary at Brown Thomas and today they're giving away a 10% discount voucher with each purchase, redeemable against your next visit.

* We're not sure about... Make your own Havianas

While we're fans of the cult Brazilian fit flops, we're deeming this service from BT2, where you can adorn yours with Swarovski crystals and animal shaped pins, a case of gilding the lily.

* We can't wait for... Republic

With labels like Firetrap, Fenchurch, Diesel, G-Star and Bench, we will be putting on our utility chic when Republic opens its first store outside the UK in Blanchardstown, Dublin, on 2 June.