Desire lines: Bold yet classic summer workwear to add to your wardrobe

Plus the Kerry chocolate factory to take you to a world of pure imagination

Sat, 23 May, 2026 - 01:00

The workwear must

East London-based label Aligne launched in Brown Thomas in April. Exploring new shapes and bold colours, the contemporary and classic sleeveless Daphne knit, €115, is a go-to for summer workwear.

And for a cool summer by night? Options range from peplum lavender tops to a structured off-the-shoulder bandeau.

brownthomas.com

Château Minuty is one of the iconic estates of the Côtes de Provence, €24

The wine

Located on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, Château Minuty is one of the iconic estates of the Côtes de Provence. Overseen by the Matton-Farnet family, for four decades who pioneered the global ‘Provence Rosé’ style, the slender signature bottle has revealed its limited edition look by Lucia Vinti. Paying tribute to the Mediterranean art of living, it’s made from aromatic grenache, fresh cinsault and syrah for added complexity. The pearly pink cuvée will pair beautifully with summer salads and seafood. From stockists including World Wide Wines Waterford, Bubble Brothers Cork, Avoca and O’Brien’s Wine nationwide, €24.

wineonline.ie

Cavan based Flower Child's fragrance spray

The brand

While laying out our yoga mat at Wellfest recently, we spritzed some of Morning Blossom, a cherry blossom-inspired fragrance spray, on our mat. “Excuse me,” someone next to us asked, “what IS that?”

We found ourselves doing a sales pitch for Cavan brand Flower Child. Based on Turra Lodge Farm, founder Alex Kelly turned to gardening, and, eventually, aromatherapy as a form of healing.

The brand, she explains, is born from the realisation that not only can we benefit from nature but we can simultaneously benefit nature itself. The brand sells aromatherapy tealights, topped with dried flowers from the farm itself, alongside 100% natural soy candles, essential oil blends and fragrance sprays.

flower-child.ie

Skellig's chocolate factory in Co. Kerry

The chocolate factory

It’s a fully functioning production site, but the Skelligs Chocolate Factory is also a leading tourist attraction. Located along the Kerry coastline at St Finian’s Bay, its iconic location offers visitors a chance to watch skilled chocolatiers crafting delicious treats, complimentary chocolate tastings, a cosy café serving rich hot chocolate and sweet indulgences, and, of course, a well-stocked factory shop (can we suggest trying the white chocolate bar with sharp raspberry pieces?).

Open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 5.00pm, with free tours available, it’s the perfect sweet stop.

skelligschocolate.com

The breakfast upgrade

Irish company oac has already mastered the protein ball space, selling over 250,000 in under a year. Now the Cork company, founded by friends Jayne Ronayne and Sarah Sexton, has launched the oac Collagen Crumb, a functional topper designed as an alternative to overly sweet granola.

Soft and crumbly, it’s made with peanut butter, honey, oats, whey protein, bovine collagen and dark chocolate, with peanuts, hazelnuts, natural flavouring and sea salt. Along with great flavour and a protein boost, its collagen component supports healthy skin, hair and joints. Perfect to sprinkle over yogurt or smoothies, we’ve been adding ours to porridge with blueberries and seeds. €18 for 300g, approximately 10 servings.

oacsnack.com

The skincare

As May and peak hayfever season rolls on, sensitive skin issues can really take hold. The fourth-generation Dundalk brand, Elave, is free from sulphates, soap, perfume, alcohol and artificial colours, and is PETA-certified cruelty-free.

Elave covers every stage of life, from face, body and sun care, to baby, hair and scalp.

The best buys this hayfever month? The Hydrating Cream Cleanser, €16.95 with Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to support skin repair and calming Aloe Vera, and the Intense Moisture Surge, €21.95.

elaveskincare.com

The book

In her first novel since her blockbuster 2009 debut The Help, Kathryn Stockett transports us back to the American South, this time to 1930s Mississippi, where we meet 11-year-old Meg, who is fending for herself since her mother disappeared without a trace on Christmas Eve.

Fans have waited 17 years for another story from Stockett, and if early reviews are anything to go by, it’s well worth the wait. The Calamity Club, €17.99.