While I’ve been planning my post-lockdown wedding for the end of July I have been enjoying the opportunity to research bridal fashion history in Ireland. I feel I can sympathise (in a small way) with WW2 brides in terms of some of the restrictions imposed on us because of Covid-19 in 2020.
The highly anticipated TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s awardwinning book Normal People has been just the thing to light up our lockdown viewing and to get us thinking about life, love, sexuality and growing up. What I have been fascinated to see unfold is Marianne’s wardrobe. Even though the show hasn’t aired all of its …
The wonderful thing I have found about giving my Lost Fashion History of Dublin Tours over the last 5 summers is the fact that I have some wonderful tour-goers who share historical information and objects with me. One such object was this little paper bag from Nestor’s which the person in question had found a …
I’m bringing my Lost Tours back for one day this summer for a special Grafton Street and South William Street combined tour. Expect more icons, hidden histories and stories of Dublin’s fashion businesses past and present. I have even more research to share with you all. Click the link on Eventbrite below to book. See …
If you are hoping to be by the sea-side this summer, I’ve got some of the best sea bathing tips to share with you from Irish women’s magazines from the early 20th century, spotted while doing research over the last few months. How about getting ready for summer days by the sea by knitting and …
How lovely are these fin de siècle drawings? They are from the magazine The Lady of the House and Domestic Economist which was one of Ireland’s first women’s monthly magazines which catered to educated, upper middle class women. It ran from the 1890s until the 1920s when it reformed as Irish Tatler after Independence, a publication we all …
Switzer’s Department store is something which conjures up a lot of nostalgia at this time of year. For many who remember seeing the windows as children all lit up with glittering toys and figurines they were what Christmas dreams were made of…
I love a good old yarn (pardon the pun) about an item of clothing that has had an interesting life across the generations. One of the standout pieces from the National Treasures roadshow was a beautiful autumnal-hued 1970s Jimmy Hourihan wool cape which author Henrietta McKervey brought to the show, it was her mother Clare’s much-loved cape and she submitted her piece online with the following quote: