I'M DIGGIN IT - OCTOBER
Back in June I started this blog series - spotlighting things that I'm loving every month. I then had to abandon it for a while as we dealt with (and are still dealing with) a family illness. Also, I was away for a month in August and, as usual, I found it hard to get back into the swing of things. Maybe I'm not as productive as other people or maybe my perfectionism is so crippling that I'll never actually get anywhere? It's just that I would absolutely hate to just throw a post up without making sure that I'm really happy with it and if I'm talking about products, I want to make sure that I would genuinely use/buy everything mentioned. Also, while we're at it, I want to say that this blog series will never EVER be sponsored. Every month, all of these pieces are things that I either want to buy, have already bought or would love to buy but never will because I can't afford them. This is a lust list for like minded people. Right, I'm glad I got that off my chest, let's go!
HELEN JAMES CONSIDERED, DUNNES STORES
What Dunnes have done in the last couple of years is nothing short of incredible. It has completely reinvented itself and is now one of my favourite places to have a snoop. Even the refurbishment jobs completed on some of the stores are just amazing. If you were blindfolded and placed in the St Stephens Green store you would swear you were in BT's. In particular, it's the homeware department that keeps me coming back. Collaborating with designers such as Paul Costelloe, Carolyn Donnelly, Helen James and lest not forget the legend that is Francis Brennan has been such a smart move. Each designer offers something for every possible style.
I think Helen James is my favourite. It feels modern and current but yet each piece has a kind of Irish warmth about it (that's just my take, I'm probably wrong and if Helen James ever read this she's probably scratching her head). I just convinced my Mam to go for the round mirror below for over her fireplace and works beautifully in her country kitchen.
AUTUMNAL CANDLES
I'm a candle fiend. I spend an obscene amount of money on them. I love them all year around but when those dark Autumnal evenings take hold, my candle obsession reaches fever pitch. I normally start burning them from the minute I wake. I've been following Clean Slate on Instagram for ages now and I'm just obsessed. First of all it's an Irish company, yay! Secondly it's owned by a fabulous WOMAN (and Mammy) Nicole, thirdly, they're all handmade and the packaging is absolutely divine and lastly Nicole's Insta feed is so so stunning. She has impeccable taste, her home is incredible and I want to move in immediately. She doesn't currently take online orders but I would imagine not for much longer (hopefully!). You can find a list of her stockists here in the meantime!!!! I love the Dusk, Driftwood and Rose Geranium and Patchouli scents and also can't wait to try her new Greenhouse one. How beautiful are the images below from Nicole's Instagram. G'wan and have a gander it's @nicole_clean_slate!
CHECK BLAZERS
Well, there's not much to say here except that I love check blazers and they're everywhere at the moment. Dress up with a lace cami and heels or go casual and pair it with a t-shirt, jeans and converse!! They're perfect for this time of year when it's not quite cold enough for a heavy coat (she says, as she sits with the fire blazing, dressed head to toe in fleece.). Click images below to bring you straight to these beauts.
RECENT PURCHASES
My favourite time of the year to shop is Autumn. I could honestly take or leave the summer. I love cosy knits, leather boots and a smart coat. I just purchased the below items. These super comfy boots from River Island have a rubber sole which I love for everyday wear so that I'm not click clacking around the place. Also this jumper from Savida in Dunnes is soo cosy and the shoulders make me feel like I'm in Dynasty. Just click images for details!
I'll be back in November with some Christmas shizzle. Sorry the C word just keeps on slipping out!
J x
