Desire Lines: Spanx, street parties and skin-boosting serums

New, noteworthy and novel recommendations from our features desk

Spanx tie-front denim shirt jacket, €195

The wardrobe staple

Once upon a time, Spanx was associated with shapewear. These days, it's so much more. 

The spring/summer line at Brown Thomas covers every wardrobe staple from jeans to leggings and beyond. Everyday essentials and the ultimate investment pieces.

• Spanx tie-front denim shirt jacket, €195

Vickie Maye

Spike Island.

The night out

Make a date with Spike Island’s After Dark Tours, and experience the notorious island prison under cover of night.

The access-all-areas guided night tours explore creepy candlelit corridors and cells, tales of gruesome murders, harrowing history and the horrific treatment of inmates during the 1850s. 

Ghostly and ghastly, the next date is Saturday 4th May. Suitable for over-16s only, pre-booking is essential at spikeislandcork.ie

Jillian Bolger

Street Feast.

The street party

Registration is now open for Street Feast, with 140,000 residents expected to take part in the national weekend of street parties next month. 

Taking place on May 25 and 26, it’s the first time the community celebration will run over two days. 

From front gardens to streets, laneways to local parks and car parks to community centres, all you need is a space to gather and connect with people in your neighbourhood. 

• Register at StreetFeast.ie for a free party pack, complete with bunting, posters, invites and a clever DIY guide.

JB

Afternoon Tea at the Marker

The treat

Inspired by our most famous poets and scribes, and showcasing the tastes and flavours of our most iconic destinations, the five-star Anantara The Marker Hotel has launched a new afternoon tea.

The Poetry and Places menu includes a blackberry tart, inspired by Heaney’s Blackberry Picking, and a Guinness and chocolate cake, in the shape of a pint, to salute the Guinness Storehouse.

“We wanted to pay tribute to the many great local and indigenous flavours that are found in every corner of this country,” said Executive head chef Gareth Mullins.

“We searched high and low for the very best artisans whose products now sing from our plates.” 

• The menu price starts from €65 per person. To book call 01 6875104 or email [e-mail]

VM

Yon-Ka Serum CBD

The skin boost

Yon-Ka is a French skincare brand that is committed to the concept of holistic beauty, focusing on essential oils and plants. 

Their new face serum is designed to target skin damage related to stress and lack of sleep. 

This nighttime CBD treatment incorporates chamomile, lavender and neroli with relaxation and restful sleep in mind. 

Our real favourite though is the ritual they recommend – taking six to eight drops in the palms of the hands and inhaling. 

Then apply to the face and neck in the evening as a night serum under a moisturiser.

• Yon-Ka Serum CBD is available now from yonka.ie and selected Yon-Ka salons and clinics €110

VM

Lennon Courtney x Kilkenny Design, Fierce Sharp Tote in Dazzling Blue, now €66.50 (was €95)

The tote

We're big fans of Lennon Courtney around these parts, and the Fierce tote went straight to the top of our wishlists when it was announced as part of their Spring/Summer 24 collection with Kilkenny Design. 

If you have a laptop on the smaller size, it should fit that and lots besides, and the detachable pouch is handy for ensuring you don't lose track of smaller items (a hazard with many totes). 

The electric blue variation feels like the perfect wardrobe update as we leave the grey skies behind and step into spring. 

• Originally priced at €95, it's now on offer for €66.50. See kilkennydesign.com

Nicole Glennon

Bottega Venetta bag included in Vision Ireland sale. Pop-up price €895, Original RRP €3,000

The designer bargain 

A range of donated designer pieces from brands including Alexander Wang, Valentino, Off-White, Balenciaga, Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Gucci and more will be on sale for a fraction of their original price at a pop-up hosted by Vision Ireland (previously known as NCBI), at fashion rental service Happy Days' store in Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18 this weekend. 

All proceeds will go directly to Vision Ireland, whose work supports the 54,000 people living with sight loss in Ireland. 

• And if you can't make it to Dublin, you can also find designer items for purchase online through Vision Ireland’s eBay store, ebay.ie/str/visionireland

NG