A Ladies Day Best Dressed winner just back from London Fashion Week …
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 iconic Irish fashion designer Orla Kiely, Charlotte Temple From Magee 1866 and Henrietta Rix, co-founder of fashion brand Rixo to Irish interior designers Suzie McAdam and Róisín Lafferty, broadcaster Louise Duffy, Geri O’Toole of Geri’s Designs. Lorraine Keane’s pre-loved fashion finds, 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, we hear from Dublin-based pharamcist and fashionista Maura O’Neill, recent winner of Continentally Classic Best Dressed At RDS Horse Show.
“My style begins with self-care. I’ve learned that feeling good in what you wear isn’t just about the mirror it’s about how you treat your body, from skin care to gut health and mental health. Whether it’s a dress that makes me feel glamorous, a hat that turns heads, or a sentimental piece from my mother’s wardrobe, I love clothes that tell a story. For me, fashion has never been about chasing trends. My style is all about timeless pieces – comfortable yet stylish designs that I can wear year after year. I believe in clothes that flatter the body, feel beautiful to wear and never go out of fashion. That’s why I have pieces in my wardrobe that are over 30 years old that I bring out again and again.”
“My wardrobe has always told two stories – one of precision and professionalism from my background in pharmacy, and one of colour and creatively from my love of fashion. I’m passionate about health and have had a varied career, having run pharmacies as part of a family business, in addition to talking about health on television and radio. After living in London for 20 years, I’m now based in Dublin with my family. I’m lucky to live by the sea and enjoy a dip most days. It’s the healthiest way to start my day; I love my sustainable Deerobe made by Deirdre McKnight which allows me to make a quick change without any fuss!”
“I’ve long admired Paul Costelloe for his classic designs; one of my favourite pieces has to be this linen blue jumpsuit that I wore to my daughter’s confirmation; a look I later restyled for Ladies Day at Dublin Horse Show when I was thrilled to win the Continentally Classic Best Dressed prize at the InterContinental Hotel. I paired it with a stunning hat by Catherine Cook Millinery. Later that evening, I changed my headpiece to a beautiful 1940s-style beret. I love when an outfit works hard for me; this jumpsuit has been to confirmations, garden parties and summer barbecues. It’s the definition of timeless style.”
“I recently attended Paul Costelloe’s SS26 show at London Fashion Week. Titled Boulevard of Dreams, it was a family affair with the stunning backdrop of candy colours and palm trees designed by Paul’s son William, with music curated by his daughter Jessica. The show transported me to 1960s California and the glamour of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I loved every minute of it. I wore this tweed dress with dramatic shoulders from his AW24 collection.”
Some of my favourite Irish designers are stocked at Curated by Design in Kildare Village; a mecca carefully selected by Aisling Kilduff which also includes Six Roads, Cobbler’s Lane, Linen Shirt Company and the super talented Catriona Hanley whose standout suits I especially admire.
“I feel strongly about supporting local boutiques, probably because I’ve been involved in running my own business for many years, so I’m drawn towards independent stores and I recognise the hard work that goes into running your own show. Regular haunts include The Foundry in Dun Laoghaire to more established ones like the sustainable store S.L.O.W S.T.R.E.E.T and Fran & Jane.”
“A treasure chest nestled in Blackrock market is pre-loved boutique Bella ReStyle. Lovingly curated by owner Tess, it’s different, edgy and individual. I found this Lanvin scarf and elegant trench coat from Finery London there, which are the perfect transitional pieces.”
“At work, I often wear pieces by Helen Mc Alinden which allow me to run through a busy day in the pharmacy with ease. Helen doesn’t follow trends – her clothes are clean, understated and refined. Some pieces easily transition from work to evening, so they are versatile too.”
“My best bargain was an amazing find in the pre-loved Fashion Relief boutique for €40. This coral COS dress was a couple of sizes too big for me, so I had it altered. I love the punchy colour and balloon-style dip at the back. It’s versatile – I’ve worn it with flats on holiday or with heels for dinner and events.”
“A designer I’ve long admired is Synan O’Mahony and I discovered his boutique in Co Wexford on a weekend away with family six years ago. Since then, I’ve collected several of his designs, including this elegant duster coat which I’ve worn over denim shorts or a beautiful gown. It makes me feel both glamorous and completely myself.”
“I recently brought my mum to a fashion show in Co Limerick that was headlined by the very talented Marion Murphy Cooney whose beautifully cut jackets and signature collars captured my attention. I bought one of her stunning collars and have her Nenagh boutique in Co Tipperary in my sights for a deepdive into her autumn-winter collection.”
“Probably my favourite piece in my wardrobe is a skirt I got made for my 50th birthday. I bought the beautiful embroidered material at a sewing fair in the RDS. It lay in my wardrobe for years as I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it. As my milestone birthday was approaching, I was playing around in my head with different ideas and with the help of the amazing Ann Flavin from Texture in Monkstown, Co Dublin, she made this gorgeous full-shaped Carrie Bradshaw-inspired skirt. I wore it with a simple white shirt tied at the waist to give that elevated casual look and teamed with super high heels – I skipped into my fifties with a bang!”
“I later sent a picture of the skirt to Yvonne Crotty of Bonzie in Co Waterford who makes vintage-inspired accessories and she designed a hairband to complement the skirt. I was thrilled to win Longines’ “Elegance with an Attitude” prize in 2023. At the time, I was just recovering from a major operation and never thought I’d be standing on a stage accepting a prize for best dressed, which made it all the more special. This skirt is all about what fashion should be – it has a story that runs alongside my story, my achievements and my milestones.”
“One of my greatest joys in recent years has been blending modern pieces with treasures from my mother’s wardrobe. My mum has always been one of my greatest style icons. Growing up, she exuded elegance and has always been an advocate of Irish designers and Irish lace. Watching her get ready to go out with my dad was like being in an audience watching a magical performance unfold. Lace, in particular, has always been part of her world – at 86 she’s an avid lacemaker. This green and black skirt is part of her Michelina Stacpoole knitwear collection. It gives off Missoni vibes and I adored wearing it recently to celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary.”
“Top of my wishlist would be any item from Helen Cody’s denim collection. I discovered the range when I met Helen at Dublin Design Week in May. The white dress with dramatic back is my personal favourite piece and I’ve been dropping very obvious hints in my house for my next birthday present! Other items on my wishlist include an autumnal moss green cape coat by Celtic Tweed or the luxurious full length tweed coat by Japanese brand The Author, exclusively stocked in Millars in Clifden, Co Galway.”
“I never leave home without my bangles and a scarf – Catriona Hanly does amazing ones – either in my hair, twisted around my bag handle or tied around my neck. The least fashion thing I wear throughout winter are vests from Scottish label Brora. I wear them every day without fail as I’m the coldest creature alive!”
