Heidi Higgins: reworking the work dress for corporate chic

Heidi Higgins has just launched a brand new collection aimed, she says, at "savvy corporate" working women which has been in development for some time. "It comes from requests from customers who want to buy a classic HH dress no matter what the season or trends may be," she says. Sold exclusively online and considered a separate business, the six styles, with five colours and combinations, are designed with different body shapes in mind and are selected for versatility, comfort and craftsmanship. All are made in high-tech crepe with a bit of elastane for everyday wear. View them on heidihiggins.com

Totes amazing accessories

Una Burke, who creates wearable leather accessories – belts and bracelets – alongside bolder body decor like harnesses, uses a new embossed calf leather for her latest collection which resembles the scales of snakeskin. It makes for some striking red and black totes, with her familiar brass fittings, along with other bags in vegetable-tanned fine or quilted leather. Her design, materials and workmanship are considered of such a high standard that she is the only Irish fashion designer in the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland's latest Portfolio Critical Selection out of a group of 28 applicants. Portfolio is sent out to galleries, curators, museums, collection and cultural institutions worldwide to showcase the highest standards of Irish contemporary makers and connect them with new audiences. Visit unaburke.com and dccoi.ie/portfolio

Designs on dementia care

The award-winning New York-based international designer Don O'Neill joins a number of leading Irish designers at a very special fashion show in the Conrad Hotel on Friday October 13th in aid of the building of Ireland's first dementia village by St Joseph's Shankill. The second Irish Fashion Collective will feature designs by Deborah Veale, Louise Kennedy, Umit Kutluk, Helen Cody, Helen Steele, Roisín Linnane and Aideen Bodkin, and will be produced by stylist Catherine Condell, with Lorraine Keane as MC. Tickets are €100 from saintjosephsshankill.ie or email Siobhan Grant at siobhan.grant@sjog.ie The Conrad have special rates for guests who want to stay over, with single occupancy b & b €269 or b & b for two for €289 on the night of October 13th.

Wear it

Tulle and cashmere: name a more iconic duo, we'll wait. Dublin designer Laura Chambers's second season sees the introduction of tulle to her cashmere collection. The strong block colour combinations plus the relaxed glamour that comes with these two fabrics combined has us lusting after a jumper and skirt combo, asap. Prices start at €95. laura-chambers.com

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Steal vs splurge

Head back to the 1990s in this cotton-blend plaid dress for €559 from Veronica Beard . . .

. . . or build a time machine in this checked long-sleeve shirt dress for €54 from M&S

Style secret

“Ignore trends! When something is on trend it’s one step away from being tacky. Find a personal style that reflects your personality, says who you are before you open your mouth.”

– Damien Broderick, blogger