Nicky's Rag Tales

Guess how many fashion shops there are in Ennis Co Clare? (answer at the end of this post) A clue lies in the fact that last week was the Third Ennis Fashion Week and the self styled title ‘Fashion Capital of Ireland’ is not entirely without merit. Half an hour from Limerick City (take the Galway road, there are no signs for Ennis!)

First stop was County Boutique where Gwen and Maeve carry on the business inherited from their mother with great expertise and passion. Customers are treated to fantastic service and a stunning collection of labels bought with great thought for their customers many of whom are into the fourth generation of loyal County Boutique followers. Special Occasion wear is terrific, also Smart Casual and Coats all of which go up the size ranges. A true mini -complete store which is possible because of the close links between customers and buyers. Something that just isn’t possible in the larger Stores

Gwen is the Chairperson of Ennis Fashion Week and the majority of Fashion retailers were in full swing offering all sorts of interesting in- store promotions and events. County Boutique had Pop Up Shops from Irish Designers Heidi Higgins and Kate and Ava. County Boutique is always keen to promote the best in Irish Fashion these are two designers to watch closely. Both with a keen commercial sense with beautifully cut and executed clothing.

Kate and Ava Purple stretch Brocade Dress

County Boutique labels include Odd Molly, Save the Queen, Olsen and Bianca. Accessories are many and beautiful and include Falke Hosiery, Yummie Tummie shapewear and Jewellery by Pat Whyte. Fabulous Fascinators by Suzy Mahony Designs specially commissioned by County Boutique at the beginning of each season tie into the offer in store. A most beautiful range of scarves ,gloves and hats tie in the key looks.

Heidi Higgins fab coat

Suzy Mahony Design

Pink silk and Jersey shift from Heidi Higgins

County Boutique Reality Window

The wonderful thing about Ennis is that it’s incredibly easy to get around and I didn’t have to travel far to the next beautiful boutique Ela Maria. Labels to love include Tara Jarmon, Luisa Cerano, Laurel and St John with shoes by Stuart Weizman.

Tara Jarmon blouse Ela Maria

Coat by Laurel Ela Maria

An Binsin Luacra is a boutique with an eclectic mix including Lilith from France, Noa Noa, Avoca Anthology and Mais il Ou le Soleil. The name An Binsin Luacra comes from an Irish song ‘The Bunch of Rushes’ a Clare song and the theme from the beautiful ‘Mise Eire’.

An Binsin Luacra Window

n

Inside An Binsin Luacra

Other retailers worth noting are Kymari, whose ranges include Desigual, Mina, Yumi, Vero Moda and Woona. Kymari sells the full Fashion First Aid range, Spanx and footwear to compliment the ever changing stock.

From Kymari

Desigual @ Kymari

An evening cocktail party at Sunkiss tanning and beauty salon, complete with DJ and Cosmo’s. An excellent meal at the Town Hall Restaurant @ The Old Ground Hotel situated in the centre of the town in good company got me thinking that Ennis definitely has got the most terrific progressive fashion retailers gathered and working closely together. Ennis Fashion Week’s third year is now over. I bet plans are already in train for next year!

By the way, the answer to the question How many fashion retailers in Ennis? 54 (at the last count) !!!!