The IRISH Edit of my Christmas Gift Guide highlights the very best in Irish Design, Irish businesses and creativity. My last version of this jam packed Gift Guide went down a storm, so I’m back with my 2018 edit! Many of the businesses included are small businesses, therefore supporting them not only helps sustain them but actually means a whole lot to the individuals behind each business who genuinely appreciate brand loyalty.
Here’s some of my personal highlights of what this tiny but mighty island nation has to offer...
*Not sponsored.
Bloss X Dundrum: A plethora of Irish Designers all under one roof housed in Dundrum Town Centre, makes this store a one stop shop for beautiful unique and sometimes limited edition Irish gifts. I was delighted as always to show my support for Irish businesses and this initiative, by attending the launch and discovering new Irish brands!
House of Leaf:
Behind the scarf: Introducing Lorna Esther Angel Finnegan.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Lorna at the launch of BLOSS X DUNDRUM pop up shop in November. We spoke about spirituality, supporting fellow women and Irish Design and about the creative force and inspiration behind her business House of L.E.A.F. I relish the opportunity to discover new Irish Designers and BLOSS X DUNDRUM is a treasure trove of Irish Designers all under one roof.
Lorna’s passion in life since she was a young girl was to create designs that uplift and inspire, that go far beyond the surface, that have depth, meaning and that connect emotionally with people. In 2016 Lorna’s vision began to come alive when she established L.E.A.F. A brand that produces Irish handmade luxury silk scarves. Art, quotes, stories and poems are entwined into each thread in order to produce a scarf that transcends into an experience for the wearer.
Find creations from The House of L.E.A.F. at BLOSS X DUNDRUM and at www.thehouseofleaf.com
Grown.ie
As a proud product of Ireland, GROWN are deeply involved in changing ocean awareness in order to make people aware of the role the ocean plays in all our lives and the role our lives are playing in destroying it.
The message behind this brand is brilliant and recently thanks to the lovely Adrian Grenier (I say this as I’ve had the pleasure of a brief conversation with Adrian and he was indeed lovely, coming across as a warm and compassionate human) and his Lonely Whale initiative which he is Co-Founder of – I have become more aware of my plastic use and the effect our plastic use has on our oceans and planet. #saveourocean I have made more of a conscious effort to limit my plastic use opting to carry paper straws around in my handbag, use reusable cups more and the like. #stopsucking
Grown feature some gorgeous designs, simplistic yet impactful (pictured below is one of my personal favourites) in nature, much like their approach to ocean awareness and the important role the ocean plays in our lives.
Everything we make, every action we take and every system we have, goes through rigorous life cycle and sustainability auditing because we strongly believe that clothes shouldn’t cost the earth. That’s why we are committed to make it better.
Grown.ie is available at BLOSS X DUNDRUM pop up store or at Grown.ie
Jill and Gill:
A brand that landed on my radar last year is, sketch artist and printmaker duo Jill and Gill who excite with their contributions to the fashion world, a special nod to their collection of characteure sweatshirts featuring the likes of Anna Wintour (pictured) and Kate Moss!
Established in April 2016 while collaborating on a print commission together, the business grew organically with the approach that the work and brand is seen as collectible and engaging. Today they see themselves as a forward-thinking and multi-discipline studio but also a brand that is based on exclusivity and craftsmanship, with every edition, print, apparel or client piece of work created as a limited run.
More recently they have set up Jill & Gill Apparel, a collection of garments that represent aspirational women through illustration, print and style believing that being fashion conscious should be part of their brand’s ethos and story.
Available at pop up BLOSS X DUNDRUM STORE beside Five Guys or on their JillandGill.com
Manley:
It’s no secret that I am a massive fan and supporter of Manley, the designs, colours, textures, and quality are incredible with the attention to detail awe-inspiring from handmade leather flowers to stud work. The lady behind the brand, Emma Manley inspires me every day with her work ethic and to strive more towards investing in well made, quality key pieces – doing my part towards ethical fashion.
Check out a look at some of Manley AW18 lates pieces below available at BLOSS X DUNDRUM store located beside Five Guys as well as at www.manley.ie
Design detail on this Manley piece – handmade and hand sewn floral decorative addition to the back and pockets of this waistcoat not only elevates the piece but impresses a unique stamp upon it, the signature Manley stamp.
{Pictured: with owner and designer of Manley – Emma Manley at the BLOSS X DUNDRUM launch. I’m wearing the Manley Harper wool coat from the AW17 collection.}
Ethical Silk Company:
For years I have been enjoying sleeping on silk. Growing up, my mother always slept with a silk scarf on her pillow and encouraged my sister and I to do the same as it was so good for our skin and hair. I quickly fell in love with this natural fabric and decided to explore the idea of making silk pillowcases and baby cot sheets, going on to expand into luxury loungewear and accessories.
According to the website, whilst looking for an alternative to traditional silk that has a shiny finish, The Ethical Silk Company found a particular mulberry silk production that extracts the silk from the cocoon after the moth has left the cocoon, resulting in a rich mulberry silk which is more like a fine linen with a matte lustre rather than the shiny finish of traditional silk, due to the particular way it is produced. It has a momme weight of 19.
Committed to always using ethical tailoring units, The Ethical Silk Company products are made in Fairtrade tailoring unit Mehera Shaw, located in Jaipur, India. By partnering with Fairtrade units, they, and their customers can have peace of mind in the production of products.
Mehera Shaw is a sustainable production unit based on a business philosophy that puts the human factor first. Its production unit in Jaipur follows Fairtrade standards in relation to employee and environmental practices. Mehera Shaw also supports a women’s group through its Foundation development project where the same ethical and labour standards are followed. Committing to social responsibility, The Ethical Silk Company has pledged to donate 10% profits to charity.
We want our customers to enjoy beautiful timeless pieces, with the knowledge they were made to the highest standards, both in quality and throughout the production process. Selling direct to our customers allows us keep our prices competitive whilst gaining valuable insight into what our customers want and appreciate.
Top Gift Idea: If you or a loved one are into sleep masks like me, why not treat yourself to one (pictured, from €25) from The Ethical Silk Company.
Check out their gorgeous offerings available at pop up BLOSS X DUNDRUM STORE beside Five Guys and on www.theethicalsilkco.com
7th Heaven.ie
{Pictured: The ivory embroidered scarf represents family, communication and creativity.}
I adore the back story to this Irish business having suffered a near death experience myself. Now, I would consider myself to be quite spiritual and reflective, I am big into crystal healing, affirmations, meditation, dabbling in reading Angel cards also for guidance, and I love the idea behind this business – wearing the colour of a particular Arch Angel for protection or guidance!
Award-winning Irish Milliner designer, Tahnee Morgan, began the start of a divine spiritual journey after having a near-death experience in 2009. This very personal, life-changing phenomenon inspired her to visit India for mindfulness retreats and to practice meditation in order to reconnect with her true inner self. Tahnee found herself being continually drawn to connect with the 7 Arch Angels and the powerful energy they represent.
Many books tell of the 7 Arch Angels great abilities as healers and guides, helping us in many of life’s challenging situations. Each Angel is represented by its own unique colour and message, those looking for guidance and protection would ask the Angel whose help they needed most to watch over them. Tahnee would wear the colour of a given Angel whenever she needed their protection and guidance, and it occurred to her that everybody could benefit from having an Angel on their shoulder and the idea of 7th Heaven was born.
For style inspiration and to discover more about the spiritually inspired back story of this brand visit their website and maybe you’ll be inspired to connect with your own thoughts and what you are drawn to connect with!
Jane Darcy:
I wanted to create something beautiful that would encourage not just me, but the people around me to treasure the simple moments in life. After a lot of thinking, and talking…I decided that candles and diffusers would be a perfect fit.
Amongst the many gems available at BLOSS X DUNDRUM is new discovery to me, Jane Darcy. With 100% natural offerings in the home fragrancing department Jane Darcy caught my eye at the launch of BLOSS and stayed with me. Now that’s Brand Awareness!
From sleek, eye catching and aesthetically pleasing packaging that will add to any, and all home décor, to the memorable scent offerings – this business is worth investigating especially if you or a loved one are a candle and diffuser fiend like moi!
There is something so interesting about the power of scents. Smell is one of the most sensitive of all our senses. Whether your aware of it or not, scents are affecting your mood and the decisions you make. This is super important to me as someone who suffers from anxiety. Stress is something that affects us all. It’s how we deal with the stress that counts.
Pictured: my favourite scent from the ‘Just Me’ collection.
Available at BLOSS X DUNDRUM and on the Jane Darcy website.
Fields Jewellers:
From Marc Jacobs, House of Lor, Casio, Mi Moneda, Alex and Ani, to Fossil, Daniel Wellington, Thomas Sabo and Gucci you’ll find a plethora of brand names synonymous with quality and design excellence under one roof at Field’s the Jeweller.
You’ll find these brands and more at Field’s the Jeweller nationwide plus for an added bonus, you can visit www.fields.ie for online exclusives too!
Staycation Get Aways:
Giving the gift of travel or wellness is for me, one of the best gifts to give and to receive. Not only are you giving or receiving the gift of wellness or the chance to travel, but you are creating an opportunity to create memories and giving the gift of time together – which in this day and age is often invaluable.
I’ve highlighted a couple of gift ideas that are gems for combining travel and wellness as well as catering to history/architecture lovers, adventure staycation travel options and the like.
The Re-Set:
{Pictured: Self care Sunday vibes with the Reset over on their beautifully calming and aesthetically pleasing Instagram.}
Retreats via The Reset are held in stunning spaces to help you explore, unwind and feel inspired and connected to the world. The gals at The Reset know what it’s like to need a re-set in life and focus on nourishing food, space meaning that little bit of room to think, chill, have a bath, read a book, take a walk or just be with your own thoughts and the ability to grow, motivate yourself and take steps towards living your best life.
The Reset isn’t just a girls weekend. They want you to relax and to go away feeling motivated and equipped to start on the things you’ve always wanted to. They run workshops based on taking you from reality to goal and topics include how to manage your stress, how to make changes in your work-life, how to find more time in your day and how to tackle food anxiety. You can take part in all of them, or dip in and out to suit your needs. Retreats are held in stunning locations in both Ireland and Portugal, to help you explore, unwind and feel inspired and connected to the world.
Ideal gift for yourself or someone you know into wellness and travel:
- Feel like you’re so busy and stressed that you can’t prioritise you?
- Are thinking about a career change but don’t know where to begin?
- Can’t find like-minded people who share your goals?
- Wonder if there’s more to life than the routine you’re in right now?
-
Know what you should be doing to make change, but just need help starting.
Visit the Reset website for more information on upcoming calendar of events for 2019.
Ireland’s Blue Book Vouchers:
{Pictured: idyllic scenes, The Hideaway at Dromquinna Manor.}
Do you dream of staying in a fairy tale Irish castle? Or maybe a stately home bursting with history? Is a cosy Bed and Breakfast more your vibe?
Ireland’s Blue Book is a renowned romantic collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, Castles and Restaurants.
Located throughout the island of Ireland, these charming and stylish hideaways are the perfect choice for a holiday vacation in Ireland. Ireland’s Blue Book Hotels are also ideal for midweek or weekend breaks and for those seeking a romantic getaway or relaxing escape.
{Pictured: The Hideaway at Dromquinna Manor.}
With a choice of elegant Georgian Manors, Stately Castles, Historic Hotels, cosy Bed and Breakfast accommodation, Luxury Boutique Hotels and Designer Lodges, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes and requirements.
{Pictured above: The Ireland’s Blue Book Instagram feed perfectly captures what thier vouchers will treat you to.}
Also included in the collection are three of Dublin city’s finest Michelin star restaurants, including L’Ecrivain and Restaurant Patrick Gilbaud.
For more on Ireland’s Blue Book, to book or purchase vouchers see their website.
Lyrath Estate:
Notably, the Oasis Spa at Lyrath just won an Irish Tatler Spa of the Year Award 2018 for ‘Best Body Treatment’ for it’s Kerstin Florian Signature Treatment.
Lyrath Estate Hotel is just five minutes from the centre of Kilkenny City yet is set on 170 acres of mature parkland complete with exquisite lakes, rustic walkways and historic gardens on the site.
This stunning and newly renovated hotel is a great destination for a family get away this summer or a secluded retreat.
The estate itself boasts an array of amenities for guests from children to outdoor enthusiasts. There are numerous picturesque walking trails and for the more adventurous types there is on-site archery, fishing on the lakes and a private falconry experience.
For more on amenities, staycation deals and bookings, check out their website.
I hope you have found an abundance of gift inspiration for this Christmastime and that you will take pride in supporting at least one of these incredible designers/artisanal/craftspeople.
Please share this post if you think friends and family will get ideas and inspiration from it – (perhaps your parents, friends, even the hubbie, girl or boyfriend need a helpful hint when choosing gifts) it’s always handy to get a helpful nudge in the right direction when it comes to gift giving and ideas! Am I right?!
You can follow me on my social platforms to keep up to date with what I’m up to and for more Fashion, Travel, Beauty and Lifestyle inspiration:
Twitter: @DublinGail
Instagram: @littlegforce
Facebook: GlamForce Blog by Gail O’Connor.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Gail. x
Photography: Manley, The Ethical Silk Co. House of L.E.A.F. Jill & Gill, Grown.ie at BLOSS X DUNRUM Launch © Gail O’Connor.
All other imagery: © respective brands and businesses.
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