Online platform The Doorstep Market has been launched this week by Grace Tallon and Joe O’Connor to help small Irish businesses with no e-commerce presence to sell online. Consumers will be able to purchase local and Irish goods from their homes. “We’re encouraging people to stay home, and shop local,” says Tallon.

If we’ve learnt anything from this stressful time, it’s that we all need to stick together whether that’s helping out our Cocooners with meals and grocery shopping or supporting independent stores and businesses with an unexpected purchase. In a bid to support independent Irish brands, we’ll be putting together some of our favourites over the coming weeks …

Back in business, albeit from behind clothes doors, Ireland’s local fashion boutiques are doing what they can to put their very best foot forward. Ruth Ní Loinsigh of Om Diva has just launched online at Depop. Ruth and her divas will be uploading new things everyday (if there is anything in particular you would like to see more of, DM them on Instagram). Expect colourful, fun Irish designs, well-priced fun accessories and special one-off vintage pieces.

Clodagh Shorten of Samui in Cork re-opened her (virtual) doors yesterday. We asked her what are her top standouts for the season? “The Emmeline dress by Ulla Johnson is dreamy. It’s crafted from luxurious floral-print shibori silk in the prettiest sky-blue shade. Something to wear to celebrate a return to reality hopefully. Practical yet cool, a Moncler baseball cap won’t let you down. It’s a great companion on bad hair days. Or, new label to Samui, a colourful Hayley Menzies duster coat, it’s a classic, forever piece that can be worn in a multitude of ways, indoors and outdoors, and is really useful for wrapping up warm for your 2km stroll,” she says. Check out Samui’s laugh-out-loud Instagram Stories for a daily dose of fashion and fun.

With tough times forecasted, Irish designer’s are getting together and helping where they can. Sonia Reynolds and Francie Duff of Stable of Ireland have produced Irish linen travel masks that have antimicrobial properties. The design duo are offering one free mask with every travel mask purchased to give to someone in need. Finished all of your favourite shows on Netflix? Award-winning textile and scarf designer Lou Brennan has started free virtual embroidery lessons (via her Instagram account) as an isolation pick me up. Join her gang and Brennan will even post out any required kit. Bravo!

Graphic-print blouse with oversized bow detail, €45, at Om Diva

Irish linen face mask, €20, at Stable Of Ireland

Pink tie-dye cotton hoodie, Moncler, €505, at Samui
www.instagram.com/samuicork/
Or call 021 427 8080 

Rose and green Meabh silk neckerchief, €49; www.loubrennan.com