A Boutique Owner With Excellent Taste Shares What’s In Her Basket
By Sarah Macken
Ruth Anna Coss of The Little Wooden Peg shares what she’s coveting for the season ahead …
Ruth Anna Coss, founder of The Little Wooden Peg, is known for world-building. The former stylist’s childrenswear boutique on Dun Laoghaire main street is a treasure trove of covetable clothes and accessories for kids. Lesser known is the fact that the boutique also has a discerning womenswear edit featuring brands like The New Society, Blundstone footwear and French favourite Poudre Organic, all curated by Coss’ expert eye and impeccable taste. Here, she shares the pieces she’s coveting for AW26.
Good style is when someone takes a trend and fits it into their wardrobe in their own way. I really love when an outfit is off-balance so it’s not too predictable. To me, bad taste is buying too much, especially if you aren’t investing in pieces for longevity.
Right now, I’m inspired by the creator Mecah May Wirht – everything from her sense of style to the kids’ clothing she posts. Right now, I’m loving remixing old accessories, like neck scarves, from years ago and wearing them again.
I believe in capsule wardrobes. Especially those practical, hard-wearing pieces that come out year after year. For the incoming chilly season, my capsule consists of a pair of Blundstone boots, a Babaà oversized knit, and a speckled knit by Poudre Organic. As for jeans, Levi’s are having a moment for me and I always love my Citizens of Humanity styles. The wash and wear on both of these brands is amazing. Lastly, another favourite piece is my much-loved Cawley Studio sheepskin jacket.
Red wool jumper, Poudre Organic, €130, at The Little Wooden Peg.
The item I’ve bought recently to wear for autumn is: a wool plaid shirt by The New Society.
Currently in my basket is: Skall Studio’s Mary coat in grey check.
The one thing I always repurchase is: a great pair of wool socks. I get mine at Scout on Essex Street West.
The beauty buy that’s changed my life is: Last Moisturising Essence. My skin is always parched so it’s a must. I buy it from Floraison. I do also believe that Biodance’s Hydro Cera-nol Real Deep Masks make me look five years younger than I am.
Green Locking Up tweed jacket, €1,211.95; www.kindredofireland.com.
If money were no object, for AW26 I’d buy: shearling-lined suede mules by Prada, Kindred of Ireland’s Locking Up jacket in Mourne tweed and a pair of Vintage Lasso jeans by B-Sides which are fashioned from old Levi’s.
For a hostess gift, I always bring: a plant and a gorgeous pot. Particularly a blue fern in a Bergs Potter container.
The one trend/key piece I’m really excited to try for autumn is: the Western look. I’m excited to mix this style with my favourite pieces.
The one trend I can’t get on board with is: animal print. It just doesn’t fit into my wardrobe easily.
Espresso Balla loafers, €450; www.dearfrances.com.
The least stylish thing I own that I wear all the time is: my Engel wool-silk tops which make for the best base layers. They are literally the only way I can stay warm.
When my creative well is running low I: walk up Killiney Hill with a coffee and thirty minutes to daydream.
The one thing that automatically makes an outfit look more expensive is footwear. I love a good sock and shoe combination. I’m currently coveting the Balla chocolate brown loafers by Dear Frances. I love the idea of them teamed with slate grey socks.
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