A Kildare-based stylist and personal shopper, you’ll often find Jess Colivet at Kildare Village where she helps create a shopping experience that is organised, enticing and exciting. Drawn to well-made garments with a story behind them, she’s a champion of Irish design and tries to incorporate local designers into her outfits wherever she can. Here Jess shares a week in her wardrobe.
MONDAY
As a personal stylist in Kildare Village, I am always on the run from shop to shop seeking out the best style options for my clients. To keep up with my fast-paced day, I need comfort and practicality above all else. This elegant, easy-to-wear black Moncler shirt dress is the perfect option for my busy day. The iconic Moncler belted waist mixed with the zip front makes it a wonderful option for casual or elevated events. With the unpredictable weather we get in Ireland, the nylon fabric of the skirt is perfect as the rain rolls right off! This dress is so reliable for everyday wear, it is the perfect combination of comfort and class. Today I paired it with really comfortable black boots from Massimo Dutti and fabulous leather earrings from Irish designer Siobhán Daly. I get such great wear out of this dress that I bought it in a khaki green this year – it pairs perfectly with white trainers for a casual stylish look.
TUESDAY
Today I am wearing trousers that I bought way back in February last year. I just love a wide-leg trouser. These in particular are a lovely soft cotton denim blend. I wear them on repeat, they have become a part of my go-to uniform. Both the shirt and trousers are from a fabulous Belgian brand called Natan which is stocked in Emporium Kalu. I love the classicness of this outfit, the sharp blue in contrast with the white is such a lovely summery pairing. The quality of the shirt is so beautiful and the sleeves have such wonderful details. My belt is one I’ve had for over 10 years from Massimo Dutti. I have on platform white Russell and Bromley trainers with this look. I get such great wear out of them, I had to buy a second pair! My beautiful earrings are from Irish designer Melissa Curry. They are so light and they add such a playful touch to any look. To tie my shirt and trousers together, I am wearing a lovely patterned scarf from Sian Jacobs in cornflower. It picks up the colours of both pieces and gives the look great harmony.
WEDNESDAY
This look is for an evening event with Boodles jewellery. I absolutely adore this outfit. It is by Irish designer Sharon Hoey, from her company And Tate. I just love the elegance and shape of this skirt. The fabric is just incredible and the buckram binding at the bottom allows the skirt to hold its fabulous shape. It is a super light fabric, so easy to wear with such a lovely texture. Here I have paired the skirt with a magnificent And Tate blouse. I love the drama of the ruffle gathered sleeve and the bow necktie – it’s super elegant and so timeless, perfect for tonight’s event. I finished the look off with Prada sling-backs, my ever-faithful Christian Dior earrings and a ponytail.
THURSDAY
I am back in my wide-leg Natan trousers today – you can see I wear them on repeat, they are so versatile! Today I have paired them with a Conor O’Brien sand coloured Blackberry Gilet. I absolutely fell in love with Conor’s work the first time I came across him on Instagram. He is an NCAD graduate, who is reimagining Irish knitwear and giving it a contemporary feel. All of his pieces are handmade in Ireland and finished by him. Every piece is created to order and he works with a very small team that is invested in modernising and honouring this Irish craft and its production. The stories that surround the pieces I wear are very important to me. I love how classic this gilet is, it can be worn in any season and is of such a beautiful quality. Here I have paired it with my Russell and Bromley trainers, my Massimo Dutti belt and my Dior earrings, which as you can see are staples of my wardrobe.
Time for an outfit change! I absolutely adore this look, it is for a photo shoot with Ben Sun and Ayu Makeup Ireland. As a brand ambassador for Ayu Makeup, I get to work with such amazing talents on such fun events. The power of makeup never fails to amaze me. I think makeup is such an important tool in communicating the energy and tone of a particular look. It allows me to draw attention to and from certain features in the same way clothes do. Makeup gives both a foundation and a finishing touch to every look. Ayu Makeup has shown me how to use makeup as a form of self-care and routine – it’s real makeup for real women. Here I’m wearing a blouse by one of my favourite Irish designers, Roisin Linnane, in cobalt blue, paired with my Dior earrings.
FRIDAY
Today I’m in a fabulous dress from Tory Burch, taking advantage of one of the rare sunny days we get! I’m hosting a small work event at the Village which is always a great opportunity for me to showcase some of the extra special pieces that are available. Tory Burch is one of my favourite brands available at Kildare Village. I love the quality and I love what her brand stands for – the Tory Burch Foundation empowers young women and businesses through mentorship programs with Tory herself. I’m a big fan of bringing colour into my looks, especially on a sunny day like today. The contrast of the lilac with the chartreuse yellow is so playful and summery. The cut and the detail and the way it’s nipped in at the waist… so chic! Today I have it teamed with Tory Burch earrings and tan Tory Burch sandals – I could walk for miles in these! They are so comfortable and they add a real touch of elegance to any look. I am also wearing a lovely little Tory Burch bag in the same chartreuse shade.
SATURDAY
No week in my wardrobe would be complete without a gym look. Exercise is very important to me. On my days off I always start my mornings with a workout, a long walk or a light jog. I love to start the day with a bit of movement! Lululemon is my go-to for workout gear, I can still remember getting my first pair of leggings from them in 2008 on a trip to the States, and they are still going strong! The lasting quality and feel of their pieces is something that I really love, they are great investment pieces. Today, I’m wearing my classic Nike sports bra, perfect for keeping cool during my workout. My runners are from Hoka, they are so comfortable and supportive for running.
After my workout, I changed into something a little more glamorous. I simply adore this dress. I first got it when I was judging Best Dress for Bollinger at the Punchestown Races. It is Ember in orange by Roisin Linnane. Today I am wearing it to my son’s graduation at the Royal Albert Hall in London. I love the shape, the colour, the cut, and the fabric of this dress. I put this into my carry-on case and when I took it out in London there was hardly a crease in it. It is a great piece. It also has pockets which is one of my favourite things! The A-line shape and the beautiful bow at the front make it such an elegant piece. I really love the vibrancy of this dress, the colour is amazing which makes you feel amazing. I love the power of dopamine dressing, wearing bright colours really affects the way we feel. A pop of colour like this makes me feel so alive. My sunglasses are &Other Stories and my earrings are from Boodles. My shoes are 1-inch slingback block heels from Hispanitas in El Corte Inglés. They were so comfortable all day and I love the mix of colours with the dress. My bag is by Irish designer August Night, which I wear on repeat. Today was such a memorable day for me and it was such a joy to wear something so special to mark the occasion.
SUNDAY
Today I am on a short trip to Dingle to visit some relatives. My jeans are Levi’s Ribcage from Kildare Village. They are super soft and comfortable. My shirt is from COS and once again I’m in my Russell and Bromley platform trainers. The bag I have with me today is by Landa. I take this bag everywhere with me, it carries a multitude. I love the softness of the leather. It has another crossbody bag inside it which is so handy for me when I’m looking to carry less. The hat I picked up in a shop in Dingle to shade me from the sun. I love this casual look. There’s nothing comparable to the classic blue jeans and white shirt combo, it’s a timeless look, so easy to wear. Perfect for my weekend trip.
Photography by @jesscolivet. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site. This article was originally published in September 2023.
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