From new year splurges to stand-out pieces from the January sales, the team share their favourite purchases from the month.
Holly O’Neill, Editor, IMAGE.ie; Beauty Editor, IMAGE Magazine
My January sales buy was this incredibly soft Massimo Dutti cardigan, a lovely dupe for the RÓHE cardigan that’s been all over my social media, intended to replicate the double-layer coat-on-coat moment of Zoë Kravitz wandering around Rome hand in hand with Harry Styles. Don’t be put off by it being out-of-stock, it came back in stock when I kept an eye on it. My most January purchase of the month was this considerably less practical but no less joyous pair of fluffy H&M slippers, embellished with rhinestones – the perfect January blues buster.
Lizzie Gore-Grimes, Editor-in-Chief
One of my 2026 resolutions is to get myself onto Vinted and sell more and buy less. So far, so good; I’ve sold a few pieces on Vinted and I’m delighted with myself. Needless to say, I’ve gone and spent the money very quickly. First up, on a pair of midrise barrel denims in black from M&S. I had to stop a girl in a shop recently who was wearing them to ask her where she got them. I just love the shape of them and they’re so comfy to wear.
My other recent 2026 treat is this fabulous new Peptide Elixir from facial guru Agnes Gajewska. She’s a hard woman to score a facial appointment with, as her face yoga sessions are so popular, but it’s great now to be able to get a little bit of Agnes face magic going at home.
Sarah Gill, Deputy Editor, IMAGE.ie
My first January purchase was flights to Berlin and a ticket to see CMAT over there in March, and I truly cannot wait to see if the intimidating, leather-clad Germans are capable of doing the Dunboyne two-step. Elsewhere, I picked up Keiran Goddard’s I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, as it’s been adapted into a film starring Anthony Boyle, Daryl McCormack, and Lola Petticrew. The screenplay’s been written by Enda Walsh, so you already know you’re in for a good time.
I’ve been loving the Universal Glow Illuminating Eye Cream from POCO Beauty — it’s got a really nice cooling applicator, so I love freshening my face up with it in the mornings. Finally, I got extremely lucky in the Nimiiny studio sale, and nabbed a tartan top for half price. Handmade by Georgina in her studio, using the last-remaining scraps of her most-loved fabric. Feeling very smug about this purchase.
Lauren Heskin, Editor, IMAGE Magazine
Thanks to a recent feature on Fresh Cuts on IMAGE.ie, I went for a look on their website and bought this sweet little sweatshirt. It hasn’t arrived yet but I’m buzzing!
Amber O’Shea, Social Media Manager
I am trying to cut down on online shopping this year (lol), so many of these purchases were made after Christmas during the sales. I needed some waterproof pants for work and hiking, especially living in Ireland, but wanted something with a fashionable twist, so this pair from RAINS were perfect. I also want to try to be more analogue in my life, so I have purchased a lovely bespoke journal from Paper Republic, and I can’t wait to get it. It will be a great investment and I look forward to watching it age over time.
I work as a social media manager, and purchasing a motion sensor tripod has been game-changing. It follows you as you move and wow, filming has just become a lot easier! As well as this, I have purchased these mini DJI mics to have for work and I think they are amazing, small, portable and reliable!
I have finally purchased some classes for reformer pilates. I am really seeking some routine in my life and placing fitness as a top priority, so I have found a class only one minute away from the office, so I have no excuses and can’t wait to start!
Helen Conway, Event Manager
January may be the worst time of year for my wallet, but it’s undoubtedly the best time of year for second-hand finds on Vinted. Thanks to unwanted presents and post-Christmas clearouts, the app is overflowing with brand-new goods. I got lucky and secured a pair of Birkenstock Bostons in Stone (still in their packaging), for less than half price.
Nimiiny has just launched her Editions Week featuring some gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces. I’m particularly obsessed with the Frankie top, it has me dreaming of summer already!
Hannah Stapleton, Freelance Junior Marketing Executive
On my Christmas wishlist I referenced this Pellador jumper saying I would give my arm, leg and an unbelievable amount of money for this jumper! At the time, it was unreleased, but I can now confirm I am a proud owner of said Pellador jumper, and have all limbs still attached. To know me is to know my love for St Patrick’s Athletic and my love for Pellador. This really is my dream collaboration. Now, to try and halt my shopping habits for the time being!
Ellen Ince, Event Manager
My first purchase of the year were these Reformation’s Frédérique Knee High Boots. I love the square toe, block heel and seam detailing which gives them that sculpted look. They’re the kind of boots that sharpen an outfit instantly, which is how I’m justifying my purchase as less of a splurge and more of a strategic wardrobe investment. I had my eye on them for weeks and finally grabbed a pair in the sale; although a little more patience would’ve landed me an even better deal, but honestly, they were worth it. I also picked up a gorgeous pair of Frame high-rise bootcut jeans in the January sales.
Megan Burns, Editor, IMAGE Interiors; Managing Editor, IMAGE
It’s a deeply unsexy purchase, but one that I have used literally every day since I bought it, this long puffer coat from Uniqlo is making it much, much easier to head outside during cold, wet January days (a non-negotiable when, like me, you have an energetic dog that needs walking no matter the weather). It’s incredibly warm, windproof, shower-repellent, and basically feels like wearing a soft, light duvet, but it also gets bonus points for its relatively neat shape, making it acceptable to wear with jeans for running to the shops in horrible weather, too.
Katie Brady, Marketing & Memberships Executive
Easily influenced by TarMarz, I purchased the Ultra-Soft BUFF Body Dry Brush. I really wanted to start dry brushing this year – it is so good for circulation and, supposedly, lymphatic drainage support. Having stepped away from BIAB, I am trying to grow and strengthen my nails, so Manucurist’s S.O.S Nail Strengthener was on top of my list – results to follow. In terms of wardrobe wishlist, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of a pair of Salomon XT-6 that I just ordered. Last on my list is anything linen from Beyond Nine. It may still be winter, but I am already thinking about summer staples for 2026…
Emily O’Neill, Branded Content Account Manager
My first big purchase of the year was car insurance (still not over it!) but to make myself feel better, I picked up a gorgeous dress from Never Fully Dressed that I’ve had my eye on for a long time! It is the perfect transitional piece that I can wear all year long with different layers. I already can’t wait to style it with boots and a chunky knit for the next few colder weeks.
Dearbhla Lovett, IMAGE First Activations Freelancer
I got scolded by the local optician just before Christmas for wearing my contact lenses almost 24/7 (besides sleeping in them, unless of course we’ve had one too many). So I knew a pair of glasses needed to be my first purchase in 2026. In extremely lucky timing for me, Maie Atelier launched their first-ever opticals at the beginning of January and I jumped to the checkout ten minutes after they launched. I have not taken off the Iris Soft Pink Frames since they arrived. They come with an anti-blue light lens and I am extremely tempted to purchase the Cotton Cream colour now to get my prescription put into.
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