Fashionistas who enjoy finding that something a little different will no doubt be well aware of the designs of Olivia Rubin. After graduating from the world renowned Central Saint Martins in London, she launched her first women’s wear line to much fan fare. As well as working on her eponymous collection, she has learned her craft working with some of the world’s top designers including Alexander Mc Queen & John Galliano and it shows.

She’s become known for her signature graphics and feminine silhouettes and her latest collection has set the stage for a fabulous year of quirky prints and stunning cuts from her renowned brick wall prints, bubble graphics to sassy leopard print. It’s hardly surprising she has gathered quite the celeb following with fans including Cheryl Cole, Fearne Cotton and Jamie Winstone.

Olivia Rubin is online at Irish stores Doo-Lally.com and in Divine Boutiques.

Brick wall top €125; Dresses €279.

Dubliner Mary Greene always had ambitions to go out on her own, in fact it’s in her blood. Now she runs Divine Boutiques, a favourite with celebs such as Lorraine Keane, Gillian Quinn & Lisa Canon. As Managing Director she’s involved in every aspect of the daily business but says above all else customer service is her number one priority. HelpMyStyle.ie sat down with Mary to get the low down on running a boutique in Ireland these days…

Mary what does your current role involve?
Owner and Managing Director of Divine Boutique Maynooth & Malahide and Gravitate Maynooth, which involves everything from buying trips, sourcing new labels to merchandising when stock arrives, PR, (the dreaded) book-keeping, staff and most importantly Customer Service.

How did you get there?
I come from an entrepreneurial family so it was a given that I would open my own business one day. I have worked in retail from a young age and ran my fathers three grocery stores for 5 years upon returning from traveling. I have always had a passion for clothes and fashion and decided I wanted to open a boutique as I felt there was a niche in the market for a store that would sell both casual and glamour with a variety of prices and most importantly, clothes that were unique and a little different! I worked in wholesale to get a background on both sides before finally opening my first store in Maynooth in 2005.

What’s a typical day?
There is no typical day really. Most Mondays I go to the Maynooth store, (which is in Manor Mills Shopping Centre) where I pick up the sales from all three shops for the last week. I follow up on all customer queries. I check what were the bestsellers for the week. I then check what new stock is due in so I can update facebook and website. I chase up on my press releases and send out new images/ collections. Gravitate is also in the Manor Mills Shopping Centre and is run by my brother so we go through the sales and projections for the week and see what stock is needed etc.

What did you want to be growing up?
It changed quite often! My first ambition was to be a school teacher. It then changed to an air hostess as I discovered I wanted to travel the world. That changed again when I realized I wouldn’t actually get to see much of the world outside the airplane.

Style or Trends?
Always style – In the words of the amazing Madame Coco Chanel (which hang proudly in Divine’s window) ‘Fashion fades, only style remains the same.’ The ethos of Divine is that you will wear your purchase year after year!

What one trend are you most excited about this season?
I don’t really do trend. But this season I did buy into Leopard Print for the first time and bought a fur Coat and I also bought my first Velvet dress. Both from Divine (obviously!)

Two adjectives to describe your style?
That’s so hard! My style reflects my mood.

Today I’m wearing…?
A floral playsuit by Johann Earl at Divine, with two pairs of black opaques! I am dreaming of the day that I can wear it with tanned legs and cool wedges!!

Style icon?
So many… Audrey Hepburn is an all time favourite of mine.. as is my mum. More currently I love Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Rachel Bilson for casual chic and for effortless glamour. I adore Carine Roitfeld, Diane Kruger and Cate Blanchett.

What’s your must-have beauty product?
Dermologica Eye Gel; I have to start keeping those laughter lines at bay!

Can’t live without…?
Relevant to this style – High heels. I just love them. Relevant to me – family and friends.

Favourite hangout?
Pheonix Park by day (a cappuccino in the Boat house is my favourite), and Trocadero by night!

Friday night treat?
Dinner and movies with my hubbie.

Your perfect weekend is…?
Being whisked away by my hubbie for the weekend. But more realistically if I am not working I love taking a trip into town with my mum and have a nice lunch. Dinner and drinks with friends Sat night. On a Sunday I love to read the Sunday Papers in bed with pancakes from Ray. Followed by a walk in Pheonix park and then Sunday Roast Dinner in my mum and dads with all the gang!

Last time you laughed out loud & why?
A couple of minutes ago, on the phone to my hubbie; he always makes me laugh. But I laugh a lot, I am a firm believer in; laugh loud and often, it’ll keep you happy and healthy and positive.

What’s on your iPod?
I don’t actually have one. Very uncool I know! But the music on my apple mac consists of everything from Kings of Leon to the soundtrack from the Boat that Rocked… I love that album!

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
First thing is to gain valuable work experience. Work experience is so important as it is not about what you are earning money wise but about the vast experience you are gaining. The retail business is a very tough business so you have to be prepared to work long hours, work late nights & weekends & bank holidays.
Customer service is the most important thing in this business so you have to have good people skills. On the bright side there is nothing more rewarding than getting someone to try something new or different and helping them put their outfit together. I would never put anyone off trying to start their own business. The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the will to try it and the faith to believe it is possible.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
I am so happy and thankful to say – exactly what I do!

For more check out Divine online.

It’s still quite chilly admittedly but the sun is showing itself along with clear blue skies (they were this morning at least!). If I didn’t know better, I’d think spring is well and truly on its way. Full of spring promise and dreaming of whiling away afternoons in balmier weather, I decided to take a look at some of the fresh styles coming our way.

All these looks are from British designer Lila Hudson, stocked at Divine Boutique and other select boutiques around the country.

H&M lace up wedges €59.95

Prices:

Dahlia Top €149

Echo Field Print Silk Tee €125

Ira Vintage Floral Skirt €110

Paris Cape Back Dress €159

Riona Frill Bust Cami €179

Skye Frill Bust Maxi €259

Pictured: Natasia Hayes & Fiona Merrick; Mary Greene; Gina Browne, Ciara & Sinead Finn. Pix Brian McEvoy

Celebrating 5 years since opening the doors of the first Divine store in Maynooth, Mary Greene hosted her Autumn Winter 10 Fashion show in the stunning confines of Carton House, Maynooth. Over 300 ladies gathered at the event and were treated to a pre-show reception, kindly donated by Avenue, and then a dance performance from Lost Souls Crew choreographed by Aidean Byrne, All Ireland Hip Hop Champion from Raw Edge Crew as seen at the All Ireland Talent Show, Sky 1’s ‘Got to Dance and new Rte Show, ‘Who are you kidding’. Guests then enjoyed the Autumn/Winter fashion collection co-ordinated by Divine Boutique Owner, Mary Greene and hosted by Xpose’s Lisa Cannon.

Glamorous guests on the evening included Lorraine Keane, Deborah Veale, Stylewars winner David Greene, Valerie Roe and sister Gillian Quinn. TV3’s Xpose team were there to capture the glamour and atmosphere of the evening. All funds raised on the night went to Kilcloon National School with Auction prizes such as a Divine Experience – hair for two in Zeba, Maynooth followed by lunch in Greene’s and then a private shopping experience in Divine with €1000 to spend. Other prizes included luxury breaks to Ireland’s leading hotels including Carton House, Kelly’s Resort Hotel. The generosity of the guests was phenomenal with the event raising almost €10,000 for resources at Kilcloon National School.

Frued famously asked “what do women want?” The answer seems to be – shoes, the more the merrier! Most of us have an inner Imelda Marcos and to feed your addiction Divine Boutique have introduced a fabulous new range of funky shoes from London brand ‘Fued’ and Firetrap. From leather to patent – platform to wedge, a simple change of shoe changes everything and you can NEVER have too many pairs!

Lynx by Firetrap €140

Suede Fringe Ankle Boot €140

Ginny by Firetrap €140

For more check out Divine Boutique