It’s time to Shine in this sublime fall line
WITH November looming, so many of us relate to the excitement and delight of the season ahead. The potential hedonism of nights out and get-togethers feel all the more special after a Christmas spent in lockdown – and in fashion terms, it means that designers are eager to embrace bolder, dressier collections once again.
The antithesis to pandemic dressing, post-restriction ‘bounceback’ wardrobes are migrating from elevated basics we all found so much comfort in to much more flamboyant dresses, skirts and separates that signal the return of partywear.
A post-lockdown staple, the weareverywhere dress ticks all the boxes for high-low festive dressing. Tuck it under a blazer and boots or sling it over a pair of dainty heels for an evening look.
For occassionwear that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and pizzazz, I adore Olivia Rubin’s sparkly dresses in soft easy-wearing silhouettes, designer duo Rixo’s slinky midi numbers in retro prints, and Irish designer Niamh O’Neill’s delicate silky dresses and skirts – ideal for jazzing up or down. Here are some of my favourites to shop for and keep you entertained this week.
AMBER SCENT
FOR authentic luxury and real time out, I
cherish anything from The Home Moment – the self-care venture set up by Irish gals Eileen Denham, Deirdre Young and Sinead Bailey Kelly. Collectively they’ve poured their passion (and experience) with branding and events onto a tiny edit of special things designed to love at home. Amber Scent is made from vegan wax and fragrance oil from Grasse, There isn’t a better scent to snuggle up with. €37.50, see thehomemoment.com.
ADELE
I STAYED up late to watch the muchanticipated midnight download of Easy On Me, the latest single from the girl whose lyrics were the backdrop to my youth. After a long stint writing and creating, her latest work comes on the back of divorce, depression and the death of her father. It has unflinching emotional honesty that will take your breath away. The video is by Xavier Dolan. Listen on Youtube or wherever you get your downloads.
NIAMH O’NEILL
WHAT makes a collection so special is an assertiveness of spirit. It might be the print, or fabric or even the attention to detail weaved through pieces. For me, it’s always a collaboration of things in Irish designer Niamh O’Neill’s aesthetic. Her latest collection, ‘The Shine For You’, is the antithesis to lockdown dressing. It’s a wonderfully delicate blend of soft, silky dresses and midi skirts in languid silhouettes, sweet collar trim blouses, and a capsule edit of soft, chunkier knits also thrown into the mix. The perfect contrast! Layer the silky star print dress or midi skirt with cashmere and biker boots for autumn into winter. See niamhoneill.com.
APPLES NEVER FALL
I SENT my husband to Eason via the grocery shopping for Liane Moriarty’s new bestseller and curled up on a drizzly Saturday afternoon while our toddler snoozed. Rainy-day escapism. If you loved Big Little Lies and are pining for a new series, this slow-burning crime fiction drama will fill happily fill the void. €10.50, see easons.com.
BESTSELLER
EARLY for an appointment, I nearly turned the other way but remembered a friend’s whispered excitement about a new café/theatre bar. Recently opened (it’s the brainchild of the late Gerry Ryan’s son), Bestseller and its in-house Glass Mask Theatre still feels like a glorious secret in the heart of Dublin. An electric mix of wine, books, film and culture, it’s oldworld Parisian style crossed with the jazz of a 1970s Broadway playground. I stole a half hour for a coffee, a wander around, and a glance at the floor-to-ceiling library shelves. I’ll be back. See best sellerdublin.com.
THE HARRISON HOTEL
THE perfect out-of-town date night, Belfast’s newly renovated Victorian townhouse is hotelier Melanie’s
Harrison’s latest passion project, and it is quite wonderful. It is an 18th-century former merchant’s home, which she has fully restored and transformed it into a bohemian hideaway. Log on to chambersofdistinction.com.
DAUGHTERS OF FLOWERS
I’VE made promises to ditch my bottle of Dove, so when I saw the Irish-made Daughter’s Of Flowers Coconut, Vanilla and Clove cream deodorant, I was sold. A blend of organic plant oils, shea butter, bicarbonate soda and arrowroot, it works with your body to keep you smelling fresh and dry. The brand describes itself as ‘a love letter to honouring a slow and traditional process’. See daughtersofflowers.com.
CLIFF HOME
MY favourite feel-good treats will always be skin-related or anything that smells good. And yet I treasure a bottle of red or a cheeseboard with family and friends at home. If you love health and hedonism in equal measures, you’ll adore the newly curated festive range from Cliff Home. It’s a hearty, holistic blend of organic skincare, scents, champers and delicious homemade food. Perfect gifting fodder in the lead-up to Christmas. See cliffhome.ie.