Freelance makeup artist, fashion and beauty content creator and podcaster Bonnie Ryan shares her favourite pieces …
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 and Charlotte Temple from Magee 1866 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.
What is your favourite piece in your wardrobe right now?
My satin pants from Aritzia. I also have pairs from Reformation and Dissh. They’re the hardest-working thing I own – I can throw them on with a cardigan and loafers for day or with a blazer and heels for night. They make me look put together but still so comfortable.
Name the most sentimental item in your wardrobe …
A silver, rectangular Gucci watch my mum gave me. It’s so timeless and chic, and every time I wear it, I think of her.
Most recent item you bought …
A pair of low-rise jeans by Agolde – I’ve been living in them and styling them a million different ways.
Best bargain in your wardrobe …
A pair of vintage Levi’s I found on a trip years ago. They fit like they were made for me and cost next to nothing – I’ll never part with them.
Biggest investment you’ve made …
A YSL bag I bought about two years ago. It was the most expensive thing I’d ever splurged on – visually beautiful but the size and shape just weren’t functional, so I ended up selling it on. It taught me such a lesson: now when I invest in something, it has to be functional as well as fabulous.
The piece that paid for itself in cost-per-wear …
My white YSL hobo shoulder bag. Thankfully one YSL bag has managed to stay firmly in my wardrobe and get many outings! A splurge, yes, but she’s been with me for countless occasions and holidays. The quality is perfect, and she always gets compliments.
Favourite place to find hidden gems …
My “hidden gems” aren’t so hidden anymore because they’re all thriving – but I adore Irish designers like Lia Cowan for a special occasion piece and Sinead Keary for elevated everyday staples. Irish women in fashion are really nailing it right now, and it’s so inspiring to see.
The least ‘fashion’ thing you own that you wear all the time …
My fluffy dressing gown from Amazon. Honestly, it’s in no way a thing of beauty (and you’ll never see it in a GRWM video!) but every night I’m curled up on the couch in it. So cosy, but not chic at all.
Tell us what you never leave the house without …
Jewellery – I always need earrings and my Crystals & Co wave bangle from the collection that I designed with them. And sunglasses, always. Even if it’s raining or dark – I’m such a sunglasses girl and feel they elevate every outfit.
Dream fashion piece you are lusting after
A vintage Cartier Tank watch with a black leather strap and gold rim face. It’s firmly on the “one day” list.
Most hardworking accessory …
My two-stone necklace from my Crystals & Co collection. It’s minimal but impactful – it works just as well with jeans and a tee as it does with a going-out look. It’s fabulous if I do say so myself.
The piece that has a story to it …
My custom Lia Cowan top. I designed it with Lia for my hen in Paris in 2022 and it’s so special to me. I’ve worn it countless times since, and even loaned it to a friend who wore it to her wedding afters. Every time I put it on, it brings me back to such a magical time in my life, and I know it has so many more outings left in it.
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