26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Desire Lines: A staple waterproof jacket and a cocktail experience you won't want to miss
The spring wardrobe
Spanx is bringing a sporty take to its AirEssentials Pique range, marrying casual and comfy separates with relaxed and cool dresses. Designed for movement, the lightweight new collection majors in refined structure with subtle texture and in-built SPF 50+ sun protection. The ultra-breathable pique-knit fabric comes with a four-way stretch for comfort and versatility, making it ideal for airport travel or leisurely lounging. We like the clean lines, chic piping and seasonal shades, including cheery Poppy and vibrant Field Green. Available in sizes from XS-XXXL. Polo Midi Dress in Timeless Navy, €165.
The waterproof jacket
Regatta Birchdale II waterproof jacket
After our brief rendezvous with the sun, April showers are well and truly back on the cards. Regatta has just launched its new Spring/Summer collection, and this Birchdale II waterproof jacket has caught our eye. Crafted from waterproof Isotex 15000 polyester stretch fabric, this jacket provides optimal protection against the elements while maintaining a high breathability rating to keep you feeling fresh.
Multiple zip pockets mean there's ample storage for your essentials while out and about, too. The best news? It's currently on sale, down to €70 from its original RRP of €140.
The cocktail experience
Enjoy some world-class cocktails at Cask
Tomorrow night, April 27, Cask Cork will welcome Global Bartender of the Year, Keegan McGregor (from Nova Scotia) and Irish Bartender of the Year, Emily Doherty (The Merchant Cocktail Bar, Belfast), who are in town for the World Class Cocktail Festival. Transforming up to 50 venues across Ireland into artistic cocktail dens, each participating bar will offer a special world-class menu, designed by 2021 Irish Bartender of the Year, Cal Byrne.
McGregor and Doherty's Cask appearance takes place from 7-9pm on MacCurtain St, with the mixologists rustling up delicious cocktails while showing off the skills that saw them crowned world-class champions. Signature cocktails are priced at just €10.
The skincare brand
Bubble Power Wave Super Hydrating Moisturiser
After the 'Sephora kids' phenomenon, parents will be relieved to hear that Bubble, an affordable skincare brand, now seems to be the cool kid on the block. Targeted initially at tweens and teens, its brightly coloured packaging and reliable formulations have been a hit with Gen-Z on TikTok — but don't let the young faces singing the brand's praises stop you from trying it yourself. After a week of testing the brand's moisturiser, Power Wave, it replaced a favourite three times the price. With everything in the range €23 or less, you can find your new skincare hero without breaking the bank. Available in Boots.
The hair tool
5-in-1 Hairstyler, €79.99, available in Aldi this Thursday
We're always looking for ways to simplify our routines and grab a bargain — and ALDI's 5-in-1 Hairstyler looks like it might just tick those boxes, while also helping declutter our space. Boasting five attachments, three temperature settings and two speed settings, this €79.99 styler promises everything from a salon-worthy blowout to Hollywood curls. In stores Thursday, May 1.
The bed linen
Foxford have opened their first pop-up store in Dublin
Foxford has opened its first standalone Dublin store — a pop-up location in Dundrum Town Centre. A full selection of Foxford branded products is in stock, including a selection of handmade throws, sleepwear, bathrobes, towels, baby blankets, candles and diffusers. Foxford's new bed linen, created by Helen McAlinden, is also available for purchase. With delicate designs and soft hues, there's a pared-back calm for the summer season. Think blush pink, cloud blue and crisp white.
Our favourite? The 300 threadcount Oliva with its fern pattern and striped sheet. Duvet Sets: Single €85, Double €125, King €139, Super King €155.
The gluten-free option
The family business employs 70 people in Ireland
Irish-made 'Rosie and Jim' is the award-winning dinner option for anyone looking for gluten-free breaded chicken alternatives. The Free From awards champion winner — currently expanding to Germany and the UK — offers chilled and frozen varieties, including Garlic Chicken Kievs and Southern Fried Chicken Goujons.
The family business, founded by Jimmy and Rosie McLoughlin in 1997, which employs 70 people here in Ireland, has gone from strength to strength over the past two decades, aided by the game-changing decision to move to gluten-free products in 2015.
Compiled by Vickie Maye, Nicole Glennon and Jillian Bolger, weekend@