The fashion editor’s edit: Bairbre Power’s key picks from September shopping

Top of  my never-will-wear-again list was mohair because of how it makes my skin react. I tried to police its shedding by popping it in the freezer but to no avail. However, I recently found myself sitting in one of those totally immersive knitting and crafting shops in America and before I could say, "I don't like mohair," they armed me with a crochet hook and set me on my way to crafting a mohair scarf. So far, so good.

My other bête noire was cross-body bags. It would probably take time on psychiatrist's couch to figure out where this deep-seated dislike came from. Was I subconsciously fighting them on an ageist level or was 'size' an issue for a woman who likes her bags to be of Mary Poppins proportions? I now proselytise about the merits of cross-body bags after using one when diagnosed with vertigo and these days won't buy a bag unless it can be worn cross-body and I can be hands-free.

My latest discovery in this particular niche is the holdall in denim from the talented pair, Frances Duff and Sonia Reynolds, who run Stable at the entrance to Dublin's Westbury Mall. Über versatile, you can wear it on your shoulder, cross-body or cross-back, making it ideal for cyclists. Apart from the size, I love how the soft denim is finished off in a lovely, old-gold stitching, like you would find on a pair of first-generation Levi's 501s.

And speaking of old-school jeans, COS currently has a jacket made from structured cotton denim with a raw finish and contrast tobacco topstitching along the edges. Cut for a boxy fit, it has dropped shoulders, patch pockets and brass-tone metal hardware. It costs €89.

My absolute favourite buy from COS for this trans-seasonal period when we are challenged by three seasons in one day is the €99 black wrap coat (pictured above).

COS calls it a long blazer but it is in fact knee-length for me, at 5ft 5in, and would be three-quarter-length for tall girls. I liked the collarless design and the generous ties which are built into the actual architecture of the coat design, and this kind of cinching tie works far better for me and other short-waisted, apple-shaped ladies than regular belted coats that can have a 'sack of potatoes' effect.

I always vowed not to pull on a black coat until the start of the Fashion Weeks in mid-September but I ate my words last week and got out the COS coat to wear over my white and black Maje dress for the Dublin Horse Show.

It's worth noting how good the lightweight fabric feels to wear, and it packs like a dream. My new-season buys are off to a good start! Happy days.

For someone who hated the colour wine because of a school uniform in that shade for 13 years, I'm a late convert. Amy Huberman's Bourbon Footwear range includes a cool trainer (above) called Set It Up (€99.99) while Tipperary Crystal's accessories range has an Oxford bag in burgundy pleather (€60, pictured below) which can be worn cross-body so win-win.

The model is also wearing pieces from its new Noir jewellery range including interlocking circles pendant, €30, bracelet with leaves, €50, drop earrings, €45, and (pictured below) a statement drop called 'Lace Gunmetal' earring, €60.