Mary Greene

Mary Greene


As a young entrepreneur, the stylish and business savvy Mary Greene (Pictured here with Lorraine Keane) founded Divine in 2005 with a vision of creating a shopping experience that focused on individuality, allowing woman to express their own sense of style. She travelled the world sourcing unique labels, most of which were new to the Irish market. After a successful debut onto the Irish fashion scene with the first Divine store in Manor Mills Shopping Centre in Maynooth, Divine #2 was launched in the Green, Malahide in 2007. Divine's philosophy of making 'dressed-up' look effortless and turning casual into 'cool chic' is evident the second you enter Divine, with a diverse mix of new and individual day wear and evening wear. Mary has built up Divines reputation on designers such as; See by Chloe, Valentino Red, Issue New York and a diverse range of small independent and international labels.

From the outset in 2005, Mary has been a loyal supporter of Irish design, but now she feels we need to support indigenous talent more than ever . Currently, she stocks Joanne Hynes,Jennifer Rothwell and Kate & Ava. The words of Coco Chanel -- "Fashion fades but style remains the same" -- hang proudly from Divine's shop window. Mary loves seeing a customer walk into her shop wearing a piece from years past. It proves that she is doing her job right, that the clothes aren't too trendy, they aren't fashion fads and that they last. We are delighted that Mary has taken the time to give our Chiconomics readers her insights and tips on how to stay fabulous and stylish as we delve into her Chic Life.


First Fashion Memory?

A brown velvet dress from my Uncle Danny, I absolutely loved it and I was 2 years old!


Favourite Designer Label?


I adore Chanel for classic timeless pieces, I am a big Stella McCartney fan for the more casual chic style and Kate&Ava are my favourite Irish designers.

What's on the top of your wish list at the moment?


A Chanel quilted bag, even though every high street store are selling replicas I will hold out until I can buy the 'REAL' thing!!

Favourite High-Street Store?


Urban Outfitters. It has been a big influence for Divine. I love the contrast of the funky and girly.

Most treasured piece?


My Valentino shoes bought for me by my husband Ray on a surprise trip to Rome for my 30th! What a birthday!!


What's your favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe and where did you get it?


Oh my god it changes every day we get a new delivery in Divine. But at this very moment I am loving my Lucidez Full lenth black dress. I am a huge fan of the 70's style and this dress is very Halston'esque'.


What's your favourite boutique?


Now come on..... Divine of course! But really I rarely shop anywhere else unless I am away and find a nice vintage store.


What's your biggest style weakness?


I have a bit of a weakness for shoes. I am afraid to count how many pairs I own at this stage.


Can you remember the biggest fashion faux paux you have every made?


Most definitely my two tone jeans as a teenager. What was I thinking?? My perm did not help the look either.


Stranded on a dessert Island...what makeup products could you not live without?


I could live with a SPF moisturizer and some lip balm


How would you describe your style?


I have quite an eclectic style. Depending on my mood I could be dressed up to the nines one day and in my jeans the next. I love the glamour of the 1940's, the 60's shift suits my shape, I am a huge fan of the laid back look of the 70's and I like the structured look that's huge on the catwalks this season. I like to have fun with fashion and try new looks.


What's the best bargin you've ever nabbed?


I drooled for months over a Halston bright red dress in Brown Thomas, then one day myself and my mum were in and there was one left, it was my size and reduced by 70%. I was so happy as it is very rarely I get a bargain as I cannot stand sales.


What is the most admired piece in your wardrobe?


The dress I am wearing today has received lots of lovely compliments, it is a black wool dress by Jinja in Divine . However my Totem maxi dresses always seem to get a lot of compliments during the summer.


Where was the last sale you blitzed?


I really don't do sales. I suppose it stems from detesting sale time in Divine when it is impossible to merchandise and keep things looking nice.


What was the last item you bought and where?


I bought a black Religion Fur coat today in............... Divine!


Do you shop on-line? If so what's your favourite website, if not, why?


I don't actually shop on line. I just don't have the time and I enjoy the shopping experience of trying on your clothes with friends.


Most Expensive Item in your Wardrobe?


My Chloe bag which was a present from my mum when I opened the second Divine store in Malahide.


And if you're feeling brave tell us how much it cost?


It was a present so not too sure, but a lot!


Do you have a favourite place to get your hair done?


My friend Liz works in House of Colour so I get my colour and cut there and I get my blowdrys in Zeba, Maynooth.


Share your best fashion tip?


Have some fun. Try and experiment a little. You will be so surprised how good you feel when you try a new look or colour that you thought you would never wear. It is great to know your shape and what suits you but it is ok to venture a little.


Do you have any beauty secrets?


I am sad to say I am no beauty expert. While I ADORE fashion and clothes I am hopeless at beauty regimes. Cleanse tone and moisturise is as far as I go. I had my first facial in two years just a couple of weeks ago. Shame on me!


What's your most memorable fashion moment?


My first fashion show to celebrate Divine's 1st Birthday. It was in the Loft, Powerscourt (their 1st ever fashion event!) and styled by one of my favourite stylists Aisling Farinella.


What should every woman have in their wardrobe?


Every woman should have a fabulous 'LBD' in their wardrobe that is sure to make you feel stylish and elegant no matter what the occasion. I also believe in a great fitting pair of jeans and a well cut blazer.


What's your best last minute tip for feeling fabulous on the inside at an event or party?


The last thing I probably do is spray my favourite perfume and add a bit of lip gloss. A kiss from Ray tops it off and I am ready.


Finally, how has the recession affected how you shop?


I have definitely become more cautious when buying, asking myself do I really need this? However, I still much prefer to pay a little more for quality and uniqueness.