But for now... Here's a list of four of my long time favourites...Benefit
Established by twin sisters Jean and Jane Ford, Benefit is one of the most novel makeup brands available. After retiring from their previous career at quite an early age, the former models initially created their cosmetics line with a product called Benetint; which is still one of their most popular sellers. Full of innovative ideas for makeup, the sisters opened their first shop in San Francisco in 1976.
Over thirty three years later, Benefit stores can be found all over the world and the best representations of the Benefit line in Ireland are situated at the Benefit counter in Brown Thomas on Grafton Street and its first Irish store which recently opened on South William Street.
The stores stock the some of the most interesting collection of makeup to be found in Dublin. The products range from an assortment of high quality products that make your skin glow that I can certainly vouch for to the blackest of black eyeliners and mascaras in the Bad Gal line.
The packaging is also completely irresistible - a major draw to the brand. But superficiality aside the products smell great and work perfectly; the selection contains everything from bubble bath to lipsticks and the staff are very well informed and incredibly friendly.
Many of the Benefit counters and the Benefit shop also have the added advantage of having a brow bar and makeover area for customers, both of which are run by trained staff members.
With the brand constantly growing here in Ireland prepare to be Benefied if you haven't already caught the benebug!
Om Diva
Nestled in Drury Street, an area that has increasingly become part of Dublin's creative quarter, Om Diva is a very reliable and safe retreat for lovers of individual style and colourful, affordable clothes.
Founded by owner Ruth Ni Loinsigh, the boutique clothes shop stocks Dublin's finest collection of distinctive, one-off handmade clothing along with housing studios for up and coming designers.
Combining a love of travelling, languages and style, Ni Loinsigh has explored the world to collect the unique selection of clothes, shoes, jewellery, toys, scarves and blankets that are sold in the shop. Along with three other tailors in India she makes the clothes on the racks. Starting off on one of the small stalls in the Arcade, she has constantly improved and expanded both her stock and location for over a decade.
The real joy of the store is the individuality and innovation of its owner and of the staff that work there. It constantly changes with the time; both in terms of style and direction. Building up a loyal clientele, OM Diva offers discounts when regulars are a bit low on funds and hosts themed nights to launch their latest collections. Their prices have also changed to match the current economic climate. All of this makes Om Diva an incredibly enjoyable place to shop.
28 Drury Street, Dublin 2
Perk Up! Vintage
At a time when every item of clothing in every high street shop window has been inspired by previous decades, buying the real deal instead of an uninspired variety of knock-offs has become a wiser choice when clothes are something you care about.
At a time when every item of clothing in every high street shop window has been inspired by previous decades, buying the real deal instead of an uninspired variety of knock-offs has become a wiser choice when clothes are something you care about.
Set up by sisters Lisa and Sharon Perkins, Perk Up! Vintage offers a colourful selection of very affordable, well-made, authentic clothes from your decade of choice. The range incorporates everything from the 1950s to now and the stock has been carefully chosen by the sisters from all over the world; especially America and Australia.
The collection was originally established when the sisters left the Irish shores for Australia several years ago but the Perkins have been avid collectors of vintage clothes long before they established this boutique and that experience is very evident in their stock.
The line also includes a colourful selection of revamped vintage clothes that have been given a modern touch up.
https://www.facebook.com/Perk.Up.Vintage The Loft Market, Top Floor of Powerscourt Townhouse, 51 South William Street, Dublin 2
Yellow Brick Road
There is something incredibly satisfying about making your own clothes and accessories. Cost aside, wearing something that you created yourself makes it unique to you. In these financially troubled times some D.I.Y. fashion has only strengthened in its appeal.
Making your own jewellery can be therapeutic and relaxing, but it can also come in handy as a personal gift to someone when you're slightly strapped for cash.
Yellow Brick Road consists of both a shop and a workshop so it covers everything you could possibly want to know about jewellery making; however basic or intricate.
http://www.yellowbrickroad.ie/
8 Bachelor's Walk, Dublin 1
All photographs and words by Deirdre O'Brien. Contact penelopesbed@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment