Paula Corbett opened Palua boutique in Leixlip in 2004 and I have known her since then. A fantastic gem of a boutique in this Kildare town. The trick with all the best boutiques is the expertise of the buyer in knowing exactly what to choose from the vast array of ranges. Paula is very skilled at picking exactly what her customers love and both mothers and daughters can find enough choice in both day and evening wear to satisfy them. On the rails this week at Palua…
Divine Boutique was where I spent the whole morning. Usually when I drop into a boutique I’m interested in I am usually there for an hour or so. This morning took a while longer and this was due to the constant stream of customers who were busily choosing items of clothing, trying them on and heading for the till!. Mary Greene, owner par excellence and her assistant Elaine McDonald (who also modeled for me) were happily serving women and guiding them into the right clothes. Mary Greene opened Divine Boutique in the Manor Mills Shopping Centre Maynooth, Co Kildare in 2005 and her Malahide shop a year later. Always stylish, Mary has constantly been in the fashion press ever since. Divine started out stocking high end designer fashion, recently Divine have managed to change their offer without compromising on style or quality which is no mean feat. Check out the video interview where Mary tells me frankly how she has adapted to the change in her business through the recession.
Mary Greene wearing a Totem Maxi Dress
Elaine in Dress by Totem
Dress La Rochelle €109
Jump Suit Neurotica exclusive to Divine
Dress BDBA Bracelets Crystal Wishes
Gown for hire €80 for three days.
Model; Elaine McDonald ; all accessories Divine Boutique ;photographed at Manor Mills Shopping Centre, Maynooth Co Kildare, Ireland
Untitled from Nicky Harris on Vimeo.
Following a brilliant weekend which involved a grand house in the Cotswolds, two Ferry trips, one Magnum of Chateau Margaux and one seriously exciting rugby match in Cardiff which involved lots of screaming and shouting, oh and jumping up and down, I decided to have a quiet Monday and found myself visiting Sorrento Boutique just beside the Manor Mills Shopping Centre in the busy University town of Maynooth in the lovely county Kildare.
Sorrento Boutique from Nicky Harris on Vimeo.
The owner is Tanya Cumisky whose mum is Sandra, owner of Venezuela in Skerries. Tanya spent many years learning from Sandra and opened Sorrento over a year ago. Her customers are from all around the Kildare area. Labels to note include Selected Femme, Moloko,Sarah Pacini, Annette Gortz and Myrnie &Me. There are lots of great accessories and shoes to complete the outfit. I took some pictures and a video so you can get an idea of whats on the rails at this lovely light filled Boutique.
I have always been pleasantly surprised by the Jesire line which is exclusive to Brown Thomas and available in Cork, Dublin, Limerick and BT2 in Blanchardstown I loved the Spring Summer collection so was looking forward to the Autumn Winter offer. At first glance it was hard to fall in love but on closer inspection I was easily converted. Especially since the price points remain competitive and good value. There are three collections in the Jesire stable, Mainline, Red and Boutique. They tick all the seasons trends including, ladylike, bows, 50′s tailoring, silk blouses and lots of good outerwear. For this season there is a special edition collection of 10 LBDresses from the archive which are a really interesting point of difference. Here are just a few of my favorites…..
I pass Smock on Drury Street,Dublin every day on my way to the showroom and sometimes pop into say hi to Karen Crawford and Susan O’Connell, the dream team friends and owners of this most delectable indie boutique in Dublin. Today we were all in a giggly mood (not sure why?) when I noticed the new stock that had arrived and just had to share some of it with you. Karen grabbed her Tom Ford Lippy and looking great (she’s taken up running so that explains the happy hormones) and I reached for my camera……
Read more
