Wear it out: hipster couple

This week we look at keeping it casual with excellent design and carefully selected pieces from some of the best of Ireland’s independent stores.

We met Ahmad Fakhry (designer) of wearedesigngoat.com and Kathi Burke (illustrator) of fattiburke.com an artistic Dublin power couple who are nailing the casual look with beautifully designed finds from some of Dublin's best independently run boutiques. They are big foodies and their look is perfect for a laid- back Friday dinner in one of the many new eateries popping up all over the country.

KATHI

1. Jacket: The wax jacket is a year- round investment in this country. You can wear it to all the festivals in the summer because, let's face it, it will be raining. Just stick a wooly jumper underneath and you are good to go all winter. The all-weather, all-season Irish lady jacket – at €31 in Pennys, the decision isn't that hard.

2 Jeans: Finally, at long last a pair of women's jeans that are comfortable, flattering and well made. Black jeans that don't immediately lose their shape. These guys are the unicorns of jeans. Buy 2 pairs they are that good. Dr Denim Second Skin, €50, BT2, Dublin.

3. Shirt: I am plaid mad! It really is one of the best wardrobe fillers you can buy this season. A nice faded vintage one will fit the bill perfectly. Layer under a leather jacket or tie it around your waist – just make sure to get some plaid into your look. €22, 9 Crow St, 5 Ormond Quay Lwr, Dublin. 9crowstreet.com

AHMAD

4. Jacket: Indigo and Cloth is heaven for anyone interested in design of any kind. Their beautiful store is one of Dublin's finest independent boutiques. They stock a wide range of international menswear lines that you cannot get anywhere else in Ireland. This jacket comes in a few colours and is by Norse Projects. €240, Indigo & Cloth, 9 East Essex St, Temple Bar.

5. Shirt: The girls in Shotsy have a great selection of men's vintage. Pop in and have a root for that something "real different and unusual". CPO Vintage Shirt €22 Shotsy Vintage, Temple Lane Sth, Dublin.

6. Jeans: Jeans that have been designed to fit men properly. Made from 100 per cent organic cotton, these jeans are the gap in every man's wardrobe. Nudie Jeans have lots of styles to suit all shapes and heights. So go on lads, throw away the wide legged flares and check out Nudie Jeans. €99, nudiejeans.com – also available in some Urban Outfitters stores

7. Runners: Saucony x Bodega collaboration. Beautifully designed, made with premium materials and limited to 300 pairs per style. It's the hipster dream shoe. €100, ubiqlife.com

Photograph: Dean Ryan McDaid