Nicky's Rag Tales

Dolls on Clarendon Street is in what I call ‘Indie Triangle’. Within a five minute walk either way you could spend hours shopping for food, fabulous clothes and have a choice of several cafes for a well earned break. Dolls owner Petria Lenehen has her own, distinctive and instinctive love of Clothing. There is a huge difference between Fashion and style and Petria definitely has her own unique style which is lovingly stamped all over Dolls with no compromise. Her love of fabrics, cut and above all understatement are very much in evidence and I was delighted to spend some time with her last week as she showed me around at what is on the rails now.

Strong accessories include opaque tights from Falke and hats, scarves and shawls from Jo Gordon. Fabulous bags and purses from Mimi (which I adore)

Mimi bag lined in turquoise silk

Labels to love include Peter Jensen whose collection is full of checks and prints in a beautiful English Country way

Petria in a Peter Jensen Check dress

Peter Jensen Wool Cardigan

Dolls has a great selection of LDD’s , you know the sort of dress that you put on over a pair of opaque tights and the new on trend shoe boots and you’re good to go all day and into the night (if you’re up for it?). This season Dolls have introduced their own label, Petria Lenehen Cashmere and Wool beautiful fine dresses and knits. With knitwear HUGE this season these are beautifully thought out and executed in several colours.

Petria Lenehan Cashmere/Wool dress with Jo Gordon Shawl and Hat

A Completely reversable dress from Blanc in Authentic Indian weave. Two -in- one, as the inside is completely different!

For special occasion wear Gary Graham from New York works in stunning fabrics and shapes. All the fabrics are hand dyed and the collection has a sense of History referencing an historical sillouhette. A vintage quality feel goes right through the garments which features fluid dresses, blouses and slouchy knits and trademark fitted jackets.

Coffee Organza and hand dyed Silk Gary Graham dress

From France the Catherine Andre collection is full of surprises. A simple yet beautiful Petrol blue skirt and top. A beautiful green brocade coat with blue buttons caught my eye.

Ghulam Sakina is an ethnic designer from London. Beautifully crafted pieces that take hours to make, many are hand sewn, dyed and embroidered in India. An ethical label with charm and beauty at it’s core. The Lame dress below has an equally stunning lining.

Stunning Ghulam Sakina Dress

Ghulam Sakina Jacket and Jo Gordon Pom Pom Scarf

A selection of Vintage pieces including a fabulous tweed suit and black wool dress

A large case of eye catching must have jewellery caught my eye Tatty Devine and Virginie Millefiori are two beautiful whimsical collections which are both priced reasonably adding to the eclectic mix on offer.

Shoes from Melissa for Vivienne Westwood completes the whole collection of clothing on offer in Dolls. An innate ability to ‘get it right,’ to dress beautifully without looking like you’ve tried too hard, to wear beautiful fabrics, beautifully cut with a nod to the past and an eye very much on the future sums up Petria’s style which is firmly and lovingly imprinted on her boutique.

Not content with standing still Dolls is planning to open a second shop on the South Circular Road (hopefully before Christmas) complete with Cafe. With Petria Lenehan and her sister Maisha an experienced Chef, in collaboration I can’t wait to see what they cook up, it’s sure to be another delightful success.

Dolls Boutique is at 32b Clarendon Street Dublin 2 Ireland T. 00353 1 6729004 E. info@dolls.ie