Slinks sandals
Here in the wasteful and expensive world of fashion we're partial to any item that has more than one function — and so, it seems, are the flame-throwing bullies on Dragons' Den.
On last week's show, Jane Rafter so impressed Theo Paphitis and James Caan with her Slinks sandals that she secured a £75,000 investment in the brand, enabling her to expand her product and distribution exponentially. Rafter's idea — to offer handmade leather bases with a selection of interchangeable uppers — gives the wearer as many as six different looks in one.
Apparently, her Eureka moment sprung from having eight different weddings to go to one summer: those in a similar boat, and sick of buying shoes for them, can pre-order on www.janerafter.com; prices from £120.
Dolce & Gabbana's "Jalou" phone for Sony Ericsson
It's not that we're loving this phone, you understand, as obviously we are above pandering to such wanton displays of fashion branding on our handsets.
But fans of Dolce & Gabbana will be delighted by this new launch, which brings the D&G logo into the realms of affordability, since the phone itself comes free with certain mobile-phone contracts.
Sure to be as big a hit with the label-conscious as Prada's collaboration with LG, go to www.sonyericsson.com for further information.
Rock & Republic sunglasses
Forget diamanté-encrusted back pockets and in-your-face branding: Rock & Republic's new line of sunglasses is far more subtle than the brand's denim line.
Available in five key styles and colours, the range of unisex shades, currently on sale at Harrods, will be available nationwide from the end of the month.
We love the watch-strap detailing on these chic tortoiseshell ones. £270 available at Harrods (020 7730 1234).
Beauty box
Water Colour
Here's a clever little idea. London-based beauty brand Pixi has created a blusher so light and translucent that it gives your cheeks the subtlest of tints while feeling completely weightless on the skin.
Simply dab the water (that's the clever bit) onto cheeks or lips for a completely natural look. Simple. £13.75(www.asos.com)
