From Dior to Dries Van Noten, Mary Phelan’s hardworking wardrobe is a reflection of her globetrotting career and enviable style credentials …
Tales From My Wardrobe, a style series from THE GLOSS community, is a love letter to favourite pieces and hard-earned investment buys that all have a story to tell. From Irish designer Orla Kiely’s colourful wardrobe to Lorraine Keane’s pre-loved fashion finds and Joanne Mooney’s handmade clothes with sentimental value, this is your chance to take a sneak peek into the most treasured possessions of some of the most stylish women in Ireland, and read all of the meaningful stories behind them.
In this instalment, Mary Phelan – senior director at Google and Home of the Year finalist – shows us inside her customised wardrobe with design classics, investment pieces and colourful accessories.
Asking what my favourite piece in my wardrobe right now is like asking someone who’s their favourite child! At present, it’s a Colin Burke sweater. I lusted after one for so long, but then waited nearly a year to wear it which is very unlike me. I felt an occasion was needed to launch it and then along came Home of the Year.
My partner, Aidan, and I had an absolute ball on the series. While it was carnage getting the house ready for the judges to assess our abode, we got to meet the best people. We also enjoyed shooting Home of the Year Unseen on RTÉ Player which gives more context and perspective on our very long renovation journey!
My approach to fashion is similar to interiors, or anything I purchase. I have to love it, and always stress test it to ensure it’s adaptable. I rarely buy for an occasion unless there’s truly nothing that will work. That said, I spotted this Dries Van Noten dress, but couldn’t track it down anywhere in the world. I then found one on sale in Brown Thomas – serendipity! – that was too big, but their excellent tailor sorted it out and I’ve since worn it to some fabulous events.
My wedding dress is the most sentimental item in my wardrobe as I nearly didn’t have one. I initially got one made, but wasn’t happy with the mock-up a few weeks prior to the big day. I flew to London and stuck my head in every door on Sloane Street asking if they’d any ‘white-ish’ dresses. A few hours before flying home, I miraculously spotted an evening dress in Christian Dior that was perfect. When it was delivered, there was a small mark on it. So, it was off to the cleaners who nearly had to be resuscitated when I told them I needed my wedding dress cleaned 48 hours before the day. I practically had to sign an insurance policy. I still love the dress and have since worn it a number of times as cost per wear is hugely important to me. As a complete aside, Alicia Silverstone wore the same style in red to the BAFTAs that same year!
The most recent items I bought were from Irish designers: a long tweed coat by Landskein and a Conor O’Brien gilet; both in moss green.
The best bargain in my wardrobe has to be a Tom Ford black blazer bought over ten years ago in an outlet in Italy. It was reduced from €2,500 to €300! It’s a perfect fit and works with everything.
My biggest investment is my black 2.55 Chanel crossbody bag from over 14 years ago. Even though I’ll never sell it, it’s always nice to see your items go up in value.
The piece that paid for itself in price per wear is a Rick Owens bomber jacket from Havana in Dublin. It goes with everything and adds a little edge to outfits.
We have incredible boutiques in Ireland. I’m loyal to Havana, Costume, Beautiful South and Electra in Dublin, Gallery 9 in Naas, Kalu in Kildare, Samui in Cork and Les Jumelles in Galway.
As I travel a lot personally and for work, boutiques and interior stores are my first port of call. However, I’ve been buying less over the past few years and now only purchase if I’ve sold something on Vestiaire. It’s important to have staples that you wear regularly versus thinking you have ‘nothing to wear’.
The least fashion thing I own, but wear all the time is this baseball cap bought in the Guinness Storehouse many moons ago. It has travelled the world with me from glaciers in New Zealand, three months in Central America, celebrating Holi in India with my team and climbing Kilimanjaro!
I never leave the house without my watch, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust. I went years without one while waiting to find what I loved, a common theme across everything I buy! I finally found it in New York 15 years ago and have never seen anything since then that I prefer. I have very few investment pieces of jewellery, only buying what I wear constantly: my engagement and wedding rings, watch and Maria Tash piercings. I love large, chunky pieces, so I opted for a man’s size that I wear loosely.
Two accessories have become part of my look: Sian Jacobs scarves that come in beautiful colours and patterns, and Paula Rowan’s Fergie fingerless gloves that I’ve worn with everything from T-shirts to dresses. I love their incredible quality and they’re a guaranteed conversation starter.
My yellow Cecilie Bahnsen dress is something I never thought I would buy. You don’t often find me in colour and certainly not something yellow, long, strappy and voluminous! When I tried it on in Havana a few years ago, I fell in love with it and have worn it to many a great occasion.
Oscar Wilde’s quote ‘Be yourself, everyone else is already taken’ resonates with me.
While I don’t have any muses per se, I take inspiration from individuals such as Nikki Creedon, the owner of Havana. However, some pieces she can carry off with aplomb would be scandalous on me … and that’s okay! Style is knowing what works for you and what reflects your personality or makes you feel good. A trusted friend whose style you admire can push you outside your comfort zone to try items you’d never choose for yourself, but you do you. Take inspiration from others and make it your own. @mary.phelan73
