See inside the wardrobe of Jess Colivet, the personal stylist from Kildare who balances polished buys with sentimental pieces that evoke memories and feel truly special …
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Tales From My Wardrobe, a style series that explores the wardrobes of THE GLOSS community, is a love letter to the pieces we reach for again and again, the hard-earned investment purchases that make us smile with each wear and the items that supersede mere ‘clothing’ to carry memories and foster emotional connection.
In this instalment, fashion stylist Jess Colivet discusses her trademark polished style that leads her to seek out cutting-edge Irish designers, ‘prêt-à-couture’ investments and statement coats that bring wow factor. A graduate of London College of Style, Jess splits her time between personal shopping at Kildare Village and honing her Instagram following, which is growing since she joined the platform in 2020. See inside Jess’s elegant wardrobe below.
My favourite piece in my wardrobe right now, without a doubt, has to be my maxi dress, pictured above, by ‘prêt-à-couture’ brand The 2nd Skin. It’s a sleeveless taffeta dress with large structured bows on each shoulder and a gorgeous pleated detail at the bottom that enhances the volume and shape of the dress. It’s everything I’m looking for in a dress; it’s elegant, it’s brave, it’s dramatic and yet so comfortable to wear. It was a love at first sight piece for me: the minute I put it on, something magical happened. I bought it at Emporium Kalu to wear to an awards ceremony and wore it again to a wedding in Rome. It’s magnificent!
This is a difficult one, but I think the most sentimental thing in my wardrobe has to be the outfit I bought for my son Brian’s wedding, pictured below. It holds very special memories for me. I bought this outfit in Spain, I had planned to wear a different look but when I spotted this I knew I had to wear it. The dress was originally a full length gown but I had the dress altered to mid-length. I love the cape detail on the jacket and the beautiful pattern and colour, it is a very special look that felt perfect to wear for my son and daughter-in-law’s special day. It brings back all the wonderful memories I have of the day, and of our amazing daughter-in-law, who brings so much happiness to our family.
My latest purchase, which I adore, is a beautiful Colin Burke sweater, pictured above. This piece is the hand-knit Maureen sweater in ivory. I love the drama of the puff sleeves and the craftsmanship of the stitching. I’ve had my eye on this for so long, I was deliberating, and had even messaged the designer about how much I loved it. I had my heart set on it for so long – I am so excited to finally have it and I look forward to styling it.
My Lennon Courtney cape, pictured below, is a piece with a great story to it. I had gone into the brand’s shop in The Central Dairy in Dublin and spotted the most exquisite black and cream reversible pure cashmere cape. I immediately fell in love with it but it was not for sale, it was a sample they had made and then decided it was too expensive to put into production. I was devastated because it was so beautiful. Shortly after seeing the cape I was diagnosed with cancer. I tried again to see if I could purchase the cape, but it was still not for sale. I was in Dublin for chemotherapy treatment and met the fabulous Lorraine Keane for a coffee. I then spotted Brendan Courtney walking into the coffee shop, he came right over and sat down with us. I thought it was serendipity until he turned to me and handed me the cream and black cape that I had fallen in love with only a short time ago. I then realised that Lorraine had orchestrated the whole thing. It became a coat of armour for me throughout my treatment. Anytime I put it on I felt fabulous, it showed me the impact a piece of clothing can have on the way we feel. I have worn it time and time again and it continues to brighten my day. Whenever I put it on I am reminded of the power of clothes to transport us beyond the circumstances we are in. I really treasure this piece and the story of how it came to be with me.
The best bargain in my wardrobe right now has got to be this gold leather Tory Burch coat, pictured above. It’s got a fabulous, relaxed cut to it, with extremely clean lines and the colour makes it a fun and exciting piece to put on. I had first seen it on Rene MacDonald, the designer and creative director of Lisou London. We instantly bonded over our shared love of the coat and have since become wonderful friends. I couldn’t believe my luck when it arrived at the Tory Burch Boutique in Kildare village … on sale! I’m still pinching myself, I snapped up a bargain.
I never leave the house without my Castana tote in taupe by Landa bags, it carries everything and also is two bags in one – it has the convenience of a small cross-body bag inside of it so I can size down if I need to at any point during the day. I love the cleverness of its design but it is the colour that makes it such a staple for me: there is nothing better than a good neutral bag.
My biggest investment piece this year is a beautiful coat by The 2nd Skin, pictured above. It is just spectacular. Every time I wear it I feel so special; it’s the kind of piece that makes a statement. It has such stunning details, the shape is phenomenal and the appliqued leaf detail adds such drama. It hangs beautifully and the fabric is incredible. It’s a piece that I know I will have forever and someday hand down to my daughters because it is too special not to share.
The least ‘fashion’ thing I own that I wear all the time has to be my Lululemon gym gear. It is my favourite athleisure wear, I have some pieces from the brand as far back as 2008. I wear Lululemon almost every day, from trying to get to the gym, to fitting in a quick run or a walk with a friend, they are such handy staple pieces to throw on.
An outfit that owes me nothing has to be the Roisin Linnane Marlow trousers, pictured above. They are black cotton trousers with pleats at the waist that extend into an elegant wide leg; a true wardrobe staple. I often pair them with the Lotus black cotton top, also by Roisin Linnane, for a look that’s both comfortable and luxurious. I find myself reaching for it time and again, proving its worth in cost-per-wear. It’s one of those outfits that you can always rely on, no matter the setting. Both pieces are extremely versatile, I wear each one on repeat.
Emporium Kalu is my favourite place to find hidden gems, I have been shopping there for over 26 years. Everything I have purchased from Kalu has filled me with joy and made me feel so fabulous; I don’t think I could ever part with any of them, they truly stand the test of time. It is a very special place. Kate and Louise are always thinking of their customers and they keep the boutique full of timeless treasures.
A dream piece that I am lusting after is a Chanel tweed jacket. It is such a classic and timeless piece that I think would effortlessly slot in with the pieces I have. I love the iconic design, there is something so special about it.
Currently, my most hardworking accessories are my Dior Tribales earrings, pictured above, I wear them all the time. I think that they elevate every outfit. There is something so classic and reliable about a pearl earring, there’s nothing they don’t go with.
You can follow Jess on Instagram (@jesscolivet) here. Got a wardrobe worth sharing? Send us your tales and imagery to digital@thegloss.ie.
