IRISH women are bucking the trend and are choosing to spend, spend, spend, according to a top department store.

House of Fraser in Dundrum Town Centre said that its women's department has seen the highest increase in the jewellery and accessories section, despite threats of a downturn.

"The theory of lipstick economy and fishnet economics suggests that women will continue to splash out on themselves," said Jean Ann Taylor, general manager of House of Fraser Dundrum.

"Irish women are very brand conscious," she explained. "What we have seen is the fact that women are buying designer sunglasses and handbags. So, where they might not feel that they are able to buy larger items, they can at least buy their Chanel handbag or designer shoes."

One jewellery concession in the store, Links of London has reported a 30pc increase on sales compared to last year. But the homeware department and menswear are finding it tougher at the moment. Louis Copeland said that they were also feeling the pinch during the first months of the summer. "We found June and July very tough," said the menswear owner. "The whole country stopped shopping, I think."

Confidence "But the confidence is starting to come back. We've certainly seen an increase in the month of August and I think that it will slowly come back." "It will never be the same as it was a few years ago," said Louis, "but I think that it was just fear that prevented people from spending. Now people are starting to eat out a little bit more and spend more on clothes."

House of Fraser whose overall sales growth is up by 2.9pc for the period, is pushing ahead with expansion into a store in Swords. The Dundrum branch is also going through a €1.4m refurbishment.

"Irish people have always been very stylish and fashion conscious," Ms Taylor said. "Other countries have gone through tough economic climates in the past, but the reality is the average person is out there spending and will continue to do so."