With a nod to current trends and wise investments, these Irish buyers and fashion insiders explain what they are eyeing up for spring…
Colette wears: Off-white shirt with floral print detail, Dries Van Noten; blanket stitch scarf shawl jacket, Tôteme; white wide-leg jeans, Max Mara; black and gold platform shoes Gucci; black Cassette bag, Bottega Veneta; all from Brown Thomas. Photographed by Naomi Gaffey; Shot on location at Avoca, Monkstown, Co Dublin.
COLETTE O’LEARY, Former Group Fashion Buyer for Brown Thomas
MY STYLE is elegant and functional, underpinned by an understanding of fabrics and silhouette. A lifetime spent in fashion, with access to brands, has enhanced my knowledge. I invest in core pieces. I know what suits me and often wear Dries Van Noten, Prada, Max Mara and Stella McCartney.
MY BEST BIG BUYS have been coats and jackets, especially from Max Mara, Gucci, Dries Van Noten, Givenchy and Prada. I also have cashmere pieces from Lainey Keogh. In the last 18 months, I bought a Bottega bag which goes with everything.
AT WORK I am enjoying my new adventure in Over The Moon Boutique, Monkstown and wear dresses to work, from Sacai, Chloé and Sportmax. Off-duty, you’ll find me in Lululemon and my Moncler jacket. If I’m going out, I use accessories to make evening pieces pop.
MY FIVE SPRING BUYS will be baggy jeans, possibly from Khaite or Diesel, a fabulous shirt like those by Celine, a drop-waisted asymmetrical dress, an oversized jacket and a trench coat from Loewe, all worn with Bottega Veneta sunglasses.
I’M UPDATING pieces I have already with new shoes. It’s amazing how they can transform an outfit. I am wearing platforms and am on the hunt for a pair of kitten heels.
MY HIGH STREET HEROES include Cos, for the fit and tailoring, where I find pieces that reflect the trends of the season.
MAXI OR MINI BAG? On my wish list is a supersize tote from Saint Laurent or Khaite.
I FIND INSPIRATION in magazines, department stores, boutiques and by shopping online.
FAVOURITE ONLINE STORES include Liberty, Browns, Havana boutique, Net-a-Porter and Ecru Studios.
BEST STYLE ADVICE: You can’t put a price on quality.
MY STYLE ICONS include Sarah Harris, for her elegant simplicity, and Lucinda Chambers for her styling nous.
Photographed by Naomi Gaffey