5 minute read

In the second instalment of our style series profiling women whose unique style we admire, enjoy and celebrate, 41-year-old Dublin City councillor and mother of two Emma Blain reveals the essence of her personal style, plus how and where she likes to shop.

Describe your style in three words

Colourful, comfortable and contemporary.

Do you have a signature piece?

It would have to be a silk, patterned bomber jacket from Zara. I bought it years ago in the sale and it was probably the best buy I’ve ever made. I wear it with absolutely everything, and each time I do, it gets complimented. I love that it’s colourful, feels luxurious, is flattering, but most of all, it’s fun.

Emma in her signature piece, a Zara silk bomber jacket

How has ageing influenced your style?

I think it’s made me more confident in my choices. I try not to wear anything that doesn’t suit me, and if that means missing out on the hottest trend of the season, then I’m fine with that. In my 20s, I might have powered on regardless. I know by now that I can’t change the length of my (short) legs, and so I dress accordingly. In recent years I have also discovered the power of a bright lippie.

Has fashion become more or less important to you as you've aged?

It’s become more important to me. As my children have gotten older, I can make choices again based on what I want, and what suits me, rather than just on whether or not they’re going to spill something on me.

Which brands do you shop most often and why?

Essentiel Antwerp is my favourite brand, and I would happily wear almost everything it produces each season. It creates beautiful dresses, flattering separates and uses colour in a really cool way. I always buy the brand from DD2 in Stillorgan. I also love Isabel Marant Etoile for its casual wear. Sweaters and hoodies in particular wear so well – I usually buy from Fabiani boutique in Longford. I’m a big fan of Sportmax too for classic pieces with a twist, and Andia Fora footwear.

Emma in Essentiel Antwerp and Andia Fora

What changes have you made in recent years to be a more conscious consumer?

I honestly can’t remember the last time I bought something to be worn once, and the thought of this practice horrifies me on so many levels – economic, environmental, peer pressure and more. I spend more on my clothes now, and buy less often, and I always prefer to buy pieces made from natural fabrics, which don’t need to be washed so often. I always think about the cost-per-wear of an item, which I wouldn’t have when I was younger. I also try to repair where possible rather that confine to landfill. I’m handy enough with a needle and thread. When I was a teenager I’d sometimes customise my vintage buys with a bit of embroidery, and I recently rescued three knits I’d accidentally shrunk in the wash. It’s amazing what a bit of elastic thread, and a lot of patience can do!

Have you ever fallen out of love with fashion?

When my children were babies, I went through a phase of being disinterested; I was just too tired to care. I stocked up on a wardrobe of Cos dresses because they were easy to wear. These days, even though I love Cos, I just can’t bring myself to buy from there, which is a terrible shame.

Did it take you a long time to discover your 'style personality' or have you always had a strong sense of this?

I can remember the first time I fell in love with neon – I was bought a pair of neon pink shorts from Dunnes Stores at the age of nine! It’s a love affair that has lasted throughout my life! When I was a teenager, MaKullas on Suffolk Street was my mecca. I used to save up all of my babysitting money to buy really cool pieces there – I still remember the electric blue pleather mini skirt and the neon orange hipster jeans, which I adored and wore to death to the discos in Donnybrook. I also loved my spray on flares from the second-hand shops in Temple Bar.

My hair has always influenced my style, and I’ve always loved to experiment with it. My stylist, Paul Davey (Davy Davy) has been cutting my hair since I was 16 years old. Throughout college I was a hair model, and my hair has been most colours and lengths imaginable. I trust Paul – and Stephen, my colourist – implicitly. I’ll either ask them to do something really specific, or be as vague as “whatever you feel like”, and they always deliver.

Colourblocking: Emma’s soft pink hair and earthy green puffa create a cool contrast

How do you use clothes to influence your mood?

The aforementioned bright lippie, and a splash of colour, are instant mood lifters.

Do you have a style icon?

Gwen Stefani remains my style icon from the 90s through to today. She personifies cool.

Does your profession/job affect your fashion choices?

When I was first elected as a city councillor, I did worry about finding an ‘appropriate’ blazer, or shirt, to wear in the Chamber, and I agonised briefly over what to wear on my poster photo too. Then I reminded myself that I’d only ever owned one trouser suit, which was worn once. Tailored shirts have suffered a similar fate, winding up at the back of my wardrobe. Of course, I make smart choices when dressing for official functions, and in the Chamber, but I will always wear what makes me feel comfortable. I wear heels about three times a year, and the rest of my days I’ll be in trainers, which proves very useful, and comfortable, for canvassing door to door!

Do you think traditional 'fashion rules' have merit or are they an out-of-date construct?

There’s definitely merit in some of them, if only to make us dress to suit our shape, but honestly, I’ve never paid too much attention. I think I know by now what suits my body shape and height, and in general, I wear what colours bring me joy, whether they are supposed to be ‘my colours’ or not. I like to wear tulle with trainers, sequins in summer and neon in winter, and if that’s breaking rules, then consider me a rule breaker.

A grey backless dress from Rue De Femme, which Emma pairs with flip-flops or trainers

Which item of clothing or accessory that you own always makes you smile?

A brown and hot pink Kate Spade bag that I bought in New York about 18 years ago. It has served me well, but it’s just about on death’s door. I think I might have to put it in a frame to preserve it once it has its final outing.

Is there one item of clothing or an accessory that you'd desperately like to own (money no object)?

I really don’t have the patience to covet something I can’t afford. But if money was no object, I’d have a wardrobe made to measure, including linens from Kindred of Ireland, and I’d upgrade my 12 piercings to Maria Tash.

Paper Bag dress by Kindred of Ireland, €487

Is there any particular look that you would never wear yourself but love on other women?

Even though the thought of wearing a trouser suit makes me break out into a rash, I do appreciate sharp tailoring on other women, especially when worn with a vertiginous heel.