One of my favourite things about working in fashion was all the incredibly talented people that I got to work with over the years. Way back in the early 2000's I managed a small ladies boutique that specialised in contemporary, unisex, trend-driven clothing. It was while I was working here that I met Aisling Denieffe, a fellow fashion mad, Carlovian.
Many years have passed since and that boutique has long since closed but Aisling and I have kept in touch and I love following her progress as she returned to college to study Fashion Buying and Merchandising. Aisling is now happily employed in Dunnes stores as the Assistant Buyer for Outdoor and Seasonal. She recently contacted me with some photos of Dunnes latest Homewares range for which she is partly responsible for.
Specialising in contemporary outdoor pieces, Aisling has managed to create a collection that is both stylish and practical. The price points are (on the whole) very reasonable too. I knew as soon as I saw the pieces in Aisling's range that I had to share them with you here on the blog. I know you're going to love it. There is quite literally something to suit every taste.
The range is comprised of outdoor furniture, crockery, lighting and accessories. The furniture is predominantly wrought iron with a romantic, vintage feel. The Romance Metal Art Bench is sure to be a best seller as pieces like this are not found in Ikea. Within the crockery collection are three themes; the Casablanca collection is the one I think most people will be drawn to. It is brightly coloured, evoking days of a Moroccan souk . It is practically made from melamine, a plastic that resembles china but is known for it's strength and durability, perfect for outdoor usage.
The glassware collection that caught my eye is the hand painted In Bloom collection. The glass tumblers are on my wish list managing to look whimsical and cool at the same time. Though I myself am not usually a floral lover within an interior setting, I do think that these pieces will be a best seller, appealing to all the floral loving, Cath Kidston types.
Within the range you will also find a selection of accessories including gardening tools, the (apparently now essential) garden Buddha statues, quirky lighting ideas and my personal favourite, the arched mirror. I can see this piece and the In Bloom tumblers on my balcony by the end of the summer! With prices ranging from just €2.50 for a brightly coloured, plastic cutlery set, this range is perfect for gift ideas as well as essential outdoor pieces. If this season is anything to go by it will grow from strength to strength. Shop the full collection now from here As an aside, Well done Aisling. You should be very proud! :)