Dearbhla Lovett: A weekend in my wardrobe

At the moment, the creative scene here is booming, and it makes me genuinely proud to wear Irish design. From my beautifully handmade SoRoe Design top to chunky bangles by LOVE Beth and the ultimate cool-girl sunglasses from Maie Atelier, Irish design is front and centre in my wardrobe.

I’m not into the whole idea of buying a new wardrobe for every holiday. I love the challenge of mixing and matching pieces I already own; it feels more me, and less like I’m being pulled into haul culture. So, my weekend staycation at the gorgeous Cliff at Lyons in Kildare – a hotel gem that feels more akin to a chateau in the French countryside – was no different. Here’s what I wore that weekend and why I loved it.

FRIDAY

When travelling, I love wearing something that is comfy for the car journey but also cute and chic for any pit stops along the way. I’m also usually running out the door, so the reliable ‘jeans and a nice top’ combo is perfect for when I don’t have time to think. This outfit gives me ‘Hannah Montana going back to Tennessee’ energy – these Abercrombie barrel jeans are my ride or die denims; coming from someone who’s 5ft with short legs, a good pair of jeans can be hard to find. The shape, the structure, the fit – I want a pair in every shade. I threw on a pair of bright green flip-flops to finish off this look. I love adding a pop of colour where I can, and I love the chic yet laid-back look that flip flops give an outfit.

You will never see me without a pair of sunglasses on. These are from Maie Atelier, designed in Ireland by Robyn Trout, and everything about them feels so high-end. The sequin bag is a JW Anderson – a creative that we are beyond lucky to claim as Irish! I cannot wait to see how he transforms the house of Dior in the coming months and years.

SATURDAY

Saturday started slowly, an essential coconut latte in hand, sitting outside the back of the cottage with breakfast and the sound of the river in the background. I wore these Nimiiny trousers with a white tank top for breakfast and had a quick walk around the grounds before changing into the most beautiful handmade top from SoRoe Design. The trousers are light, comfy, and such a fun colour, while the top is rich and expensive-looking, making for an unusual contrast that I just feel works.

My favourite part of going away is getting all dressed up and ready for the evening meal – even more so if it is just downstairs in the hotel restaurant. I’ve had this green semi-sheer skirt in my wardrobe for years, and I wear it all the time. Despite what you may think, it is one of the easiest pieces to style. Styling it with a slightly lighter shade of green, a Nimiiny top once more (her pieces are the ultimate style-100-different-ways pieces), this is my favourite look from the weekend. I finished the outfit off with an old pair of fuchsia pink statement earrings and my gorgeous bangles from Cork-based brand LOVE Beth.

SUNDAY

The last day always calls for a very lazy morning and a lie-in. Before leaving, we made the most of the evening and the grounds with a little sunset picnic – the weather was too perfect not to. Nothing says Irish summer to me more than fresh Wexford strawberries bought from the side of the road.

I kept it cosy in my comfy Nimiiny plaid shorts and an Aran sweater that’s especially close to my heart. My grandparents owned an Aran sweater shop on Inis Mór, so I’ve always had a special grá for the Aran sweater. This one’s extra special – it’s one of the few remaining handmade knits from the shop, made from the wool of a black sheep (according to Granny). Similarly, my pendant necklace that I never take off came from Granny and Grandad. Engraved with my name and the date of my first communion in 2005, this is one of my most prized pieces.

Photography by Max Hernandez