t h e w r e n wings her way to you today with our next edit; a love letter to concepts and creations we admire - from style, art, beauty, food, interiors and any other lovely things we feel you’ll like - for when a little aesthetic distraction is required - curated with care by Heyday founder Ellie Balfe and writer Marie Kelly…

Top Hats

I’ve never been a hat wearer, but I think I’d like to become one, especially since discovering these gorgeous textured Newsboy caps from 100-year-old brand Hanna Hats. Based in Co Donegal, the company has been making beautiful headwear from indigenous tweeds since 1921. Not only that, but the brand’s workshop is the last operating commercial headwear workshop in Ireland. Check out the website for walking hats, bucket hats and more. Newsboy cap, €80.

MK

Destination Irish Design

Curated By Design Centre is a recently opened boutique in Kildare Village dedicated to delivering a strong flavour of Irish fashion to customers. From Roisín Linanne’s contemporary separates (pictured) and Electronic Sheep’s cool and colourful knits to Banshee of Saville Row’s exquisite tailoring and Scribble & Stone’s ethical jewellery, Curated aims to showcase considered fashion for conscious consumers. Well worth a visit.
MK

Bags Of Character

The luxury handbag market is saturated with beautiful labels, so it’s often the story behind a brand that persuades me to buy into it. Meath-based accessories label My Name Is Ted is the present-day incarnation of a successful lather accessories business founded by the current owners’ grandfather in 1942. Ted Carbery tragically suffered an aneurysm at 44, losing his memory, speech and the use of his right hand. Unbelievably, he relearned his craft and continued making luxury leather goods using his mouth and left hand for the rest of his life. In a nod to their grandfather’s experience, My Name Is Ted designs beautiful leather handbags but with extra functionality. The Mini Door bag (pictured), for instance, adapts from a crossbody to a clutch, has integrated credit card slots and shoulder rings to attach accessories. €495
MK

Classic Cool

I love this look from Irish heritage brand Magee; a lightweight cashmere hoodie layered beneath a nautical linen jacket. It’s chic, contemporary and perfect for the Irish springtime. Flora cashmere hoodie, €359; Mourne Irish linen jacket, €399.
MK.

skin saviour

We’re big Trinny fans around here and I, for one, am always looking to add to my stack of colours in pots and tubes of glowy cream. Seriously, if you haven’t tried her BFF Cream, just do it. But now she has released a new skincare line that contains potent products with vitamin C and retinol among other stellar skincare ingredients. It’s such a clever move and if the new additions are anything as good as all the rest of the line, Trinny has cleverly made a one-stop-shop for both skin and makeup. I’m ordering some to try right now.
EB.

Taking the Stage

A play called An Octoroon is playing on our national stage, The Abbey Theatre, and is causing quite the hype in the review sections. A contemplation on racism and slavery, it is brought to the Dublin stage, directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike. This radical reboot of Irish playwright, Dion Boucicault’s notorious 1859 play The Octoroon became “this decade’s most eloquent statement on race in America today.” (The New York Times). It’s running until May 14th and was mentioned by one audience member as ‘the best thing on The Abbey stage in 10 years’. Say no more - see you there!
EB.

Truth stories

If you read the sublime Notes to Self by Emilie Pine, you will know her lyrical, personal and deeply affecting style of writing. All she writes feels personal - you feel you have felt those feelings, had those thoughts and experiences also - such is how she skillfully draws the reader into recognition. Ruth & Pen is her second book, out next week, that tells the story of two women as they go about their day in Dublin. This is, no doubt, something to look forward to. Pre-order here.
EB.

going potty

I don’t know about you, but I have become mildly obsessed with gardening. Oh, how middle-aged you say? Well, indeed - and happy about it! My garden isn’t however a sprawling affair, and also we rent, so I’m slightly averse to planting too many nice things that need years to mature (in case I do in fact win the lotto and can buy my own house in this insane property mess we find ourselves in here in Ireland). So, instead, I am curating and cultivating a collection of pots - all of different shapes, sizes and colours to create something interesting and pretty to look at. I came across the new gardening section on Arket, the other day and the mustard and stone pots are currently sitting in my basket, waiting for me to click proceed to checkout!
EB