WHAT’S ON YOUR RADAR?

ANNE NUDING, Brown Thomas Arnotts Marketing Campaign & Projects Manager

What 3 ways are you trying to live sustainably this summer?

1. I have two weddings this summer and a Hen abroad. I always love dressing up and choosing something beautiful to wear as a wedding guest but often find it hard to reintroduce more occasion lead pieces back into my everyday wardrobe. This year I am really excited to use RENT It! which is a new rental service available in Brown Thomas Dundrum. All of the items have been expertly picked by the Brown Thomas buyers and so it really is the best edit of curated luxury and contemporary looks out there on the Irish rental market. I love that my style doesn’t have to be compromised and I can still wear something new to me without the guilt of seeing a dress that only gets one or two wears hanging in my closet.


2. I recently re-joined the gym and love being more active in the summer. I picked up a new Chilly’s water bottle to help stay hydrated and it’s been a great way to reduce my use of single use plastic.


3. Shopping locally is another way I like to support a more sustainable lifestyle. Brown Thomas and Arnotts have so many wonderful Irish brands, my favourite skin care brand is Pestle & Mortar and one I return to again and again for guaranteed results. For any gifting moments I always do my best to shop Irish whether it’s a Foxford throw or a candle and diffuser set by La Bougie.

What podcasts/shows are on your radar right now?

I am currently listening to Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV by BBC 4. It’s presented by Journalists Pandora Sykes and Sirin Kale and is a nice easy listen. I usually have it on in the background when I’m making dinner or cleaning the house. I have a couple of podcasts that I dip in and out of. I love James Kavanagh’s new food podcast What Did You Eat This Week and I also really enjoy On Strategy Showcase which is a Marketing/Planning podcast that takes a deep dive into some of the best in global campaigns. TV wise I recently finished Apple TV’s Severance which was beyond brilliant and I highly recommend.

What book are you most looking forward to reading this year on the beach?

Idol by Louise O’Neill is next on my list. I always enjoy Louise’s writing and love getting lost in the worlds she creates. I’ve heard great things from friends about Idol and it sounds like the perfect holiday book.

ANNE’S SUSTAINABLE PICKS

KHLOE DILLON-COOTE, Brown Thomas Arnotts Sustainability Coordinator

What 3 ways are you trying to live sustainably this summer?

Generally, I try my best to make choices that limit my impact on the planet; when it comes to fashion; I seek out brands with strong sustainability credentials, support local and shop preloved when I can. I live by the mantra “buy less, buy better” and if I am not going to wear something 30 times, I won’t buy it. But 3 new things on my radar are:

1. I’ve recently got myself a library card, joining the Dublin City Libraries. I've gotten into the habit of buying books through Covid and I’d like to get back into the habit of borrowing.


2. During the summer months I spend a lot of time at the beach running or sea swimming, this summer I’m taking part in Clean Coasts #2minutebeachclean each time I visit. Even 2 minutes can make a difference.


3. Lastly, I’m choosing the vegan option when I can and incorporating more locally sourced food into my diet.

What podcasts/shows are on your radar right now?

I’m currently catching up on the latest season of Stranger Things; I just love the music, the clothes and the sets of the show. I am also really looking forward to the House of Dragon coming out in August. I’m reading Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez at the moment, but next on my to-read list; and a little more beach appropriate (hopefully) is Second Place by Rachel Cusk. For those interested in fashion I’d recommend Fashionopolis, the price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by journalist Dana Thomas.

KHLOE’S SUSTAINABLE PICKS

JANET TAKUZ, Brown Thomas Arnotts Concept Designer & Creative Assistant

What 3 ways are you trying to live sustainably this summer?

1. I love second-hand and vintage as it's a great way to support the circular economy. This summer I am going to make a beeline for vintage in any city I visit. I also plan to use The Restory to clean and update some of my favourite accessories.


2. I took my bike out of the shed for the first time this week and I’m back cycling around Dublin again. It's a great way to commute and reduces the general pollutants in the air while making it cleaner and healthier overall.


3. Covid stopped us all using our reusable water bottles so I am making sure I bring mine anywhere I go this summer, its an important way to reduce plastic waste.

What podcasts/shows are on your radar right now?

I have been really enjoying Sally Rooney’s Conversations With Friends for the scenes of Dublin and of course the amazing cast. I’m also addicted to Love Island right now. It is a true guilty pleasure. Podcast-wise I am listening to The Last Podcast On The Left, which takes a comic view of the dark side of humanity.

What book are you most looking forward to reading this year on the beach?

The minute I hit the beach or the sun-lounger I’ll be opening up Luster By Raven Leilani, it's a story about a woman called Edie who gets involved with a wealthy older couple and is meant to be a gorgeous, dark, and funny read. While Queenie By Candice Carty- Williams has been on my bedside table for a while and is a tragicomic story of womanhood today.

JANET’S SUSTAINABLE PICKS

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For more easy changes you can make to live more sustainably, check out A Day In The Life Of...Fionnuala Moran.