Little Gem: Lennon Courtney

Lennon and Courtney are names familiar to anyone interested in the Irish fashion scene. I'd been meaning to check out their label and headquarters in person for some time now and finally got around to it today. I popped in and stumbled upon a sample sale and my dream coat. Egads, it's a thing of beauty. I'm so utterly obsessed.

The store was being manned by the lovely Deborah Courtney who gave me sneak peaks of pieces from next season, showed me how different dresses were constructed to suit different women and the knitwear piece she designed which is proving to be a great seller. In fact, we end up chatting for ages as I get my shots of the place and we float around the shop and studio. I buy the very first thing I put my hands on and which was her immediate recommendation to me. Bizarrely, it's a piece I've been hunting down for my wardrobe for some time.

Set on Stephen Street in an 18th century building with a historic 20th century store-front, the HQ is both lovely to look at and lovely to shop in. Places that you buzz into can seem intimidating but I'm completely at ease as I browse the rails. And as I wasn't meant to be buying anything, I control myself as best I can. But it's difficult to resist the clothes inside. They're well-made, elegant and timeless. I tell myself it's an investment and allow the one purchase I hadn't planned for.

If you get a chance do pop in, it's well worth it! And, if you can't wait until then, check out their site, facebook page and follow them at @Lennon_Courtney on twitter and @lennoncourtney on Instagram.

P.S. There's a sale going on right now. 

Little Gem: Bow & Pearl.

I lived in Ranelagh for two years in college and I loved it. I've not ever moved too far away bar a year in Grand Canal but I miss living properly in Ranelagh. There's something peaceful yet current about it. One of the things that gives the area its charm are its shops and restaurants. Some come and go but Bow and Pearl has lasted for some time now. Thinking about it as I was planning to write this piece, I realised I had never bought anything from it for myself. I remember buying gifts there a few times for two of my best friends which makes sense as it's an adorable place and they are lovely, adorable people.

Located in Ranelagh Village, Dublin, just by the LUAS stop, it's pretty easy to find. And easier to spot as everything about it is darling from the signage to the window displays to every detail of the interior and stock. I had been planning a visit and the day I popped in they were having an event with Sonya Lennon to show off Frock Advisor. Another day, another accidental stumbling into an event! Despite all the craziness of things going on and people shopping, the lovely Jean from the store took the time to talk to me and give me a card. The really nice thing about smaller boutiques is just that, they make the time for you and you get one-on-one interaction.

The other nice thing about Bow and Pearl are all the nice things in it. They stock labels like Darling, Tahari, Louche, Virgos Lounge and more. And for a relatively small store, there's an impressively wide range of clothing, accessories, jewellery and little home bits and bobs. The aesthetic of the store is very cutesy and girly with a vintage vibe that's quite apparent. I often say I have two modes of dressing, minimalist boyishness and cutesy girlishness, and the store really makes my latter sensibility sing with glee. But, here, I've been talking loads. Have some pictures and my picks from the shop!

 

What say you? Interested? Check out their facebook page and pop in if you get a chance!