Fashion, Art, Music, Theater, Culture,
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Friday, 20 December 2013
Om Diva
Loving the sparkle in Om Diva at the moment. Pop in to pick up gorgeous jewellery and vintage style handbags at very reasonable prices. Library diva is loving the chanel style bag and belt she got today! Happy Shopping! :)
Friday, 9 August 2013
Perk up @ the loft sale
Got this fab 1960's shift dress for 45 euro @ perk up vintage in the loft market in powerscourt shopping centre.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Ferocious Mingle Marcade
Last Friday I was wandering around Thomas Street in search of a market or a charity shop where one could get some stage appropriate attire for Healyfest. I was beginning to think that my search was in vain when I happened across something special - The Ferocious Mingle Marcade. A smorgasbord of hipness where you can get retro computer games, watch a silent movie in the arcade theatre, listen to rock music, browse vintage clothes or people watch over a coffee in Oscar Verne's. Definitely worth a visit. Here's the facebook link to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ferocious-Mingle-Marcade/232446616822953?fref=ts
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Versace for H&M -The Experience
Excitement over Versace for H&M has been building for weeks.
As a lover of bling and cheap designer swag- library diva was determined
to be as close to the beginning of the queue as possible.
Here is my Versace Diary.
7am- get up
7.15am- get dressed and run out the door.
7.30am - meet my friend at the luas and head towards Dundrum.
7.45am- Get in line outside H&M. Two members of staff are there to greet us.
We're given wristbands and are told that we are in the second group of shoppers to get
into the pen. Twenty shoppers are allowed in at any one time. Everyone is given 10mins
to do a 'supermarket sweep' and pick up a maximum of 7 items. Only one size of garment
can be bought. If the wrong size is chosen, staff will do an exchange for you in store, if that size
is available.
8am- Wrist bands firmly on we head to MacDonalds for breakfast.
8.55am- Return to the queue, in time to see the first group of shoppers enter the ring. The
excitement in the queue is palpable. Some of the security guards look bemused by the whole
thing. Although, myself and my buddy arrived over an hour before the doors opened, we were
by no means the earliest. One lady with a buggy (yes she brought her baby) had slept outside the shop
overnight in order to be at the top of the queue. You will undoubtedly see her picture in the paper.
9.20am - Extreme shopping is called for when you only have ten minutes to mull over and grab what you
want before you head for the changing rooms. I try on a black studded top and a turquoise dress.
My friend tries on a purple dress and a silk fringe dress. I love the black studded top-definitely a keeper.
Would look class with black skinny jeans and gold heels. The turqoise dress is not great, the lenght is
a little too short for my liking and the cut isn't very flattering-not great on the tummy.
My friend wasn't enamoured by the two dresses she tried on.
9.30am - Pay for my black studded top 40euro and accessories 20 euro.
My friend got a bracelet for 25 euro. Winner.
Verdict:
I was very impressed by how the shop ran the event. Because people were given numbered
wristbands and a maximum of twenty shoppers were allowed to shop in the Versace section
at any one time, things didn't get too crazy. I had been expecting cat fights over clothes, but that
didn't happen. The staff did really well in bringing stock back to the shelves after it had been tried on
and discarded.
The stock in the Versace range was good but not great. The scarves, bags and accessories were georgeous.
The top i got was lovely but the dresses weren't wonderful. The materials used were not the most
flattering and the sizing was off. I heard one very skinny woman say that she had to get a size 16 and there
was no way in hell she was a size 16. Unfortunately, Dublin did not get everything in the Versace for H&M range which was a shame. I would have loved to have seen the leather jackets and shoes.
Now, onto River Island to get those skinny jeans i've had my eye on for ages....
Here is (stolen) picture of the top i bought
Here is another stolen picture of the turquoise dress i tried on and discarded
As a lover of bling and cheap designer swag- library diva was determined
to be as close to the beginning of the queue as possible.
Here is my Versace Diary.
7am- get up
7.15am- get dressed and run out the door.
7.30am - meet my friend at the luas and head towards Dundrum.
7.45am- Get in line outside H&M. Two members of staff are there to greet us.
We're given wristbands and are told that we are in the second group of shoppers to get
into the pen. Twenty shoppers are allowed in at any one time. Everyone is given 10mins
to do a 'supermarket sweep' and pick up a maximum of 7 items. Only one size of garment
can be bought. If the wrong size is chosen, staff will do an exchange for you in store, if that size
is available.
8am- Wrist bands firmly on we head to MacDonalds for breakfast.
8.55am- Return to the queue, in time to see the first group of shoppers enter the ring. The
excitement in the queue is palpable. Some of the security guards look bemused by the whole
thing. Although, myself and my buddy arrived over an hour before the doors opened, we were
by no means the earliest. One lady with a buggy (yes she brought her baby) had slept outside the shop
overnight in order to be at the top of the queue. You will undoubtedly see her picture in the paper.
9.20am - Extreme shopping is called for when you only have ten minutes to mull over and grab what you
want before you head for the changing rooms. I try on a black studded top and a turquoise dress.
My friend tries on a purple dress and a silk fringe dress. I love the black studded top-definitely a keeper.
Would look class with black skinny jeans and gold heels. The turqoise dress is not great, the lenght is
a little too short for my liking and the cut isn't very flattering-not great on the tummy.
My friend wasn't enamoured by the two dresses she tried on.
9.30am - Pay for my black studded top 40euro and accessories 20 euro.
My friend got a bracelet for 25 euro. Winner.
Verdict:
I was very impressed by how the shop ran the event. Because people were given numbered
wristbands and a maximum of twenty shoppers were allowed to shop in the Versace section
at any one time, things didn't get too crazy. I had been expecting cat fights over clothes, but that
didn't happen. The staff did really well in bringing stock back to the shelves after it had been tried on
and discarded.
The stock in the Versace range was good but not great. The scarves, bags and accessories were georgeous.
The top i got was lovely but the dresses weren't wonderful. The materials used were not the most
flattering and the sizing was off. I heard one very skinny woman say that she had to get a size 16 and there
was no way in hell she was a size 16. Unfortunately, Dublin did not get everything in the Versace for H&M range which was a shame. I would have loved to have seen the leather jackets and shoes.
Now, onto River Island to get those skinny jeans i've had my eye on for ages....
Here is (stolen) picture of the top i bought
Here is another stolen picture of the turquoise dress i tried on and discarded
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Versace for H&M
Hurray! The event i have been eagerly awaiting for two weeks is finally here.
Versace have designed a line of clothing for H&M which goes on sale in stores
and online tomorrow. Best of all, clothes are at H&M prices, Woohoo!
I have my eye on a black top with metallic detail for 35euro. You better not get
there before me!
Doors open at 9am, get there early before its all gone.
To get a preview of the bling go to: http://www.hm.com/ie
Versace have designed a line of clothing for H&M which goes on sale in stores
and online tomorrow. Best of all, clothes are at H&M prices, Woohoo!
I have my eye on a black top with metallic detail for 35euro. You better not get
there before me!
Doors open at 9am, get there early before its all gone.
To get a preview of the bling go to: http://www.hm.com/ie
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Dublin Fashion Festival at Beaux Bows
20% OFF Fashion on Friday Evening between 5.30 and 6.30.
See you there!
Monday, 5 September 2011
Festival Fever for September
September,traditionally the month for returning to school and routine,is buzzing with festivals and events in Dublin and beyond. This is quick round up of whats happening in Dublin and around the country. Library Diva will be doing her best to visit as many festivals and events as possible.
Your Festival Guide:
Sept 1st - 11st Mountains to Sea; Book festival in Dun Laoghaire ; talks, workshops, readings etc; http://www.mountainstosea.ie/
Sept 3rd - 5th Cape Clear Storytelling Festival; stories from around the world on a beautiful west Cork island.
Sept 4th - 11th Waterford Harvest Food Festival; markets and dining events
Sept 6th - 31st Oct Dublin Contemporary; over 90 contemporary from 5 continents in venues all over Dublin for 8 weeks.
Sept 8th - 11th Dublin Fashion Festival; shows, catwalks, designers, fashion and fun
Sept 9th - 11th Clarenbridge Oyster Festival; Oysters, drinks and craic in Galway
Sept 11th - 17th Listowel Races; Horse racing, craic, drinking, music and chat..wild...
Sept 10th - 25th Absolut Fringe; 16 days and nights of cutting edge theatre, comedy, music and spectacle
Sept 22nd Arthurs Day; music, pints of the black stuff and craic
Sept 22nd - 9th Oct Oktoberfest; 18 days and nights of Bavarian madness
Sept 23rd Dublin Culture Night; 156 cultural venues welcoming over 100,000 free visitors; all Free
Sept 29th - 16th Oct Ulster Bank Theatre Festival; 553 performances of the best theater from Ireland and beyond.
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Festival Clothes Swap Tonight!
There is a festival clothes swap tonight in the Greenhouse on St. Andrew's Street.
Its 5 euro in with a free cocktail- How fabulous dahling. Its on from 7-10 pm and you can
bring your own booze. Cheap way to update your wardrobe and get the night started at
the same time.....
Its 5 euro in with a free cocktail- How fabulous dahling. Its on from 7-10 pm and you can
bring your own booze. Cheap way to update your wardrobe and get the night started at
the same time.....
Friday, 19 August 2011
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Thrifty Threads Tour of Dublin from Temple Bar to Ranelagh
Need to update your wardrobe but low on cash? Heres the definitive guide of where to
go in Dublin.....
Shotsy Vintage:
Fabulous new vintage shop in Temple lane south, Temple bar
Follow the blog http://shotsyvintage.tumblr.com/ask
or check them out on www.twitter.com/shotsy
Lucy's Lounge:
Located in the centre of temple bar, Lucy's lounge is a myriad
of treasures and curiosities. For a preview of whats on offer check
out the blog http://lucyslounge-dee.blogspot.com/
Carousel:
Vintage boutique on Wicklow street. Check out their website
http://www.carouselvintage.com/
Om Diva
Vintage boutique and sewing academy on Drury Street.
Browse their vintage clothing or learn to update your
existing wardrobe at their sewing classes. Library diva
loved the 'sip and stitch' course and the 'learn to love your
machine' workshops. Check om diva out on Facebook.
Harlequinn:
Located on Drury street this granny's attic of a shop has everything from Hats to shoes,
Dresses to trousers from the 1920's to the 1990's.
Beaux Bows
Georges street arcade. Cute as a button clothes and accessories. This relatively new boutique
stocks Irish designers such as Chupi. Look Beaux bows up on facebook.
OXFAM
Georges Street, this branch of Oxfam holds quality vintage apperal at rock down
prices. Brides to be should take a look at their wedding collection.
Enable Ireland:
Located on George's Street, this shop boasts the best dressed window on the
charity shop circuit.
Cancer Society:
Rathmines. Heaving with clothes and curiosity's. Library diva picked up a bargain tent
for 8 euro. Bargaintastic.
Green with Envy:
Rathmines. Vintage and Art exchange store in Ranelagh.
A relative newcomer to the vintage and art scene. The shop is run
by the lovely and talented margaret who has made the beautiful painting in the
store. Definitely worth popping in for a browse.
To make some money out of your unwanted clothes, check out
http://www.greenwithenvyfashion.com/
De Ja Vu
Ranelagh village. New and gently worn designer swap shop.
This shop is run by the lovely Mary McNulty who has a good eye for
what suits the customer.
Library diva recommends engaging in some friendly haggling.
go in Dublin.....
Shotsy Vintage:
Fabulous new vintage shop in Temple lane south, Temple bar
Follow the blog http://shotsyvintage.tumblr.com/ask
or check them out on www.twitter.com/shotsy
Lucy's Lounge:
Located in the centre of temple bar, Lucy's lounge is a myriad
of treasures and curiosities. For a preview of whats on offer check
out the blog http://lucyslounge-dee.blogspot.com/
Carousel:
Vintage boutique on Wicklow street. Check out their website
http://www.carouselvintage.com/
Om Diva
Vintage boutique and sewing academy on Drury Street.
Browse their vintage clothing or learn to update your
existing wardrobe at their sewing classes. Library diva
loved the 'sip and stitch' course and the 'learn to love your
machine' workshops. Check om diva out on Facebook.
Harlequinn:
Located on Drury street this granny's attic of a shop has everything from Hats to shoes,
Dresses to trousers from the 1920's to the 1990's.
Beaux Bows
Georges street arcade. Cute as a button clothes and accessories. This relatively new boutique
stocks Irish designers such as Chupi. Look Beaux bows up on facebook.
OXFAM
Georges Street, this branch of Oxfam holds quality vintage apperal at rock down
prices. Brides to be should take a look at their wedding collection.
Enable Ireland:
Located on George's Street, this shop boasts the best dressed window on the
charity shop circuit.
Cancer Society:
Rathmines. Heaving with clothes and curiosity's. Library diva picked up a bargain tent
for 8 euro. Bargaintastic.
Green with Envy:
Rathmines. Vintage and Art exchange store in Ranelagh.
A relative newcomer to the vintage and art scene. The shop is run
by the lovely and talented margaret who has made the beautiful painting in the
store. Definitely worth popping in for a browse.
To make some money out of your unwanted clothes, check out
http://www.greenwithenvyfashion.com/
De Ja Vu
Ranelagh village. New and gently worn designer swap shop.
This shop is run by the lovely Mary McNulty who has a good eye for
what suits the customer.
Library diva recommends engaging in some friendly haggling.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Shopping on a shoestring
Library Diva is in need of a shopping fix, but after 2 months of gigs, festivals and weekends away
funds are slow. Is it possible to get jeans, tops, dresses and 2 pairs for shoes and socks for under
200 euro?
Shopping List
Jeans
Leggings
Tops for work
Dress
Flip Flops
Shoes for work
Budget:
200 euro
Itinerary
Irish Cancer Society: Located in Rathmines, this charity shop is a gem for bags and dresses.
Today i picked up a brand new Urban Outfitters tunic for 8 euro and a summer sweater for 3 euro.
Total spend 11 euro. Number of items 2.
Enable Ireland: Camden street branch. Today I picked up a green river island short sleeved
sweater for 6.95 euro.
Total spend: 6.95 euro. Number of items: 1.
Irish Cancer Society: Known for its eye-catching window displays, this Georges street shop is
always buzzing with activity. Vogue favourite NYD's tummy tuck jeans cost 6 euro.
Total spend: 6 euro. Number of Items: 1.
Oxfam: A large vintage section and close proximity to boutiques and high street shops
ensures a large quantity of high quality goods to peruse. A brand new Vera Moda
black cocktail dress was bought for 15 euro.
Total spend 15 euro. Number of Items: 1.
H&M: 1 pair of black leggings was purchased to pair with my new tunic.
Total spend: 6.95 euro. Number of items: 1.
So far, so good, have managed to acquire jeans, tunics, tops and a cocktail dress for
So far so good, I have managed to acquire jeans, jumpers, tunic, dress, leggings for 46 euro.
Score Mor! However, i still need to buy 2 pairs of shoes and having size 9 foot means that I
often have to pay over 100 euro for one pair of shoes. This means that i avoid buying shoes
until the soles are falling out of them!
Luckily for me Cinderella shoes, a specialised large shoe boutique are having an end of season sale. woohoo!
Cinderella Shoes: 1 pair of flip flops was purchased for 20 euro and a pair of court shoes
was bought for 30 euro.
Brilliant! I have everything on my shopping list for under 100 euro! This means i have
only spent half my budget. Yippee, for being such a good girl, i definitely deserve a treat, so
to have the time and the energy to rifle through rails of ill fitting, out of fashion clothes to get
that perfect piece.
funds are slow. Is it possible to get jeans, tops, dresses and 2 pairs for shoes and socks for under
200 euro?
Shopping List
Jeans
Leggings
Tops for work
Dress
Flip Flops
Shoes for work
Budget:
200 euro
Itinerary
Irish Cancer Society: Located in Rathmines, this charity shop is a gem for bags and dresses.
Today i picked up a brand new Urban Outfitters tunic for 8 euro and a summer sweater for 3 euro.
Total spend 11 euro. Number of items 2.
Enable Ireland: Camden street branch. Today I picked up a green river island short sleeved
sweater for 6.95 euro.
Total spend: 6.95 euro. Number of items: 1.
Irish Cancer Society: Known for its eye-catching window displays, this Georges street shop is
always buzzing with activity. Vogue favourite NYD's tummy tuck jeans cost 6 euro.
Total spend: 6 euro. Number of Items: 1.
Oxfam: A large vintage section and close proximity to boutiques and high street shops
ensures a large quantity of high quality goods to peruse. A brand new Vera Moda
black cocktail dress was bought for 15 euro.
Total spend 15 euro. Number of Items: 1.
H&M: 1 pair of black leggings was purchased to pair with my new tunic.
Total spend: 6.95 euro. Number of items: 1.
So far, so good, have managed to acquire jeans, tunics, tops and a cocktail dress for
So far so good, I have managed to acquire jeans, jumpers, tunic, dress, leggings for 46 euro.
Score Mor! However, i still need to buy 2 pairs of shoes and having size 9 foot means that I
often have to pay over 100 euro for one pair of shoes. This means that i avoid buying shoes
until the soles are falling out of them!
Luckily for me Cinderella shoes, a specialised large shoe boutique are having an end of season sale. woohoo!
Cinderella Shoes: 1 pair of flip flops was purchased for 20 euro and a pair of court shoes
was bought for 30 euro.
Brilliant! I have everything on my shopping list for under 100 euro! This means i have
only spent half my budget. Yippee, for being such a good girl, i definitely deserve a treat, so
i bought a pair of fantastically sexy red high heels for 70 euro :)
Verdict: Its definitely possible to dress stylishly on a budget. However, to thrift shop you needto have the time and the energy to rifle through rails of ill fitting, out of fashion clothes to get
that perfect piece.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Thread, A Fashion Magazine For Dublin
http://alwaysreadthesmallprint.com/welcome/?p=7618
Are Docs on the way back!!
Friday, 6 May 2011
library diva gets her dress!
Avid readers may remember my preoccupation with a particular dress, The dress. A dress which became much more that cloth and stitching for me. An obsession which consumed far too much time and energy than is really healthy. Avid readers may also recall my disappointment when my correspondence with the dress designer halted abruptly. After the rejection, i decided that maybe me and the dress were not meant to be. There would be another dress for me, and there was. A lovely long 1970's dress which i purchased at the vintage fair in Dunlaoghaire last month. I comforted myself that maybe the bombshell dress wasn't as pretty as i thought it was, and besides it was far too expensive, costing 5 or 6 times more than my other dresses!
Last week the dress designer e-mailed me back. She had my dress in stock, in my size and was ready to send it over. I ignored the e-mail for a few days, I had another dress now, i didn't need her dress. My 1970's dress was enough for me, or was it.
Last night i was on-line and bored, so on a whim i googled the dress. It turns out my obsession, the bombshell dress is a bit of a phenomenon. Apparently Nigella lawson bought 12 bombshell dresses in different colours last year, and sparked a 'fashion explosion'. This fashion phenomenon completely passed me by at the time,but i had to admit Nigella looked awesome. This got me thinking, maybe the dress was worth the price, after all, i am in my mid 20's now, nigella is 50. If i can wear the dress at every possible occasion for the next 20-30 years it will have paid for itself! The ultimate in investment shopping.
So...to conclude, i have decided to purchase the dress. In hot pink. Just like one of Nigellas.
If you want to read more about my dress (Yipee!) click on the link http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/hilary-alexander/TMG5940737/Nigella-Lawson-starts-a-fashion-explosion.html
http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/the-vogue-blog/articles/090703-the-bombshell-dress.aspx
Here is a picture of the lovely Nigella wearing my guna :)
Last week the dress designer e-mailed me back. She had my dress in stock, in my size and was ready to send it over. I ignored the e-mail for a few days, I had another dress now, i didn't need her dress. My 1970's dress was enough for me, or was it.
Last night i was on-line and bored, so on a whim i googled the dress. It turns out my obsession, the bombshell dress is a bit of a phenomenon. Apparently Nigella lawson bought 12 bombshell dresses in different colours last year, and sparked a 'fashion explosion'. This fashion phenomenon completely passed me by at the time,but i had to admit Nigella looked awesome. This got me thinking, maybe the dress was worth the price, after all, i am in my mid 20's now, nigella is 50. If i can wear the dress at every possible occasion for the next 20-30 years it will have paid for itself! The ultimate in investment shopping.
So...to conclude, i have decided to purchase the dress. In hot pink. Just like one of Nigellas.
If you want to read more about my dress (Yipee!) click on the link http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/hilary-alexander/TMG5940737/Nigella-Lawson-starts-a-fashion-explosion.html
http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/the-vogue-blog/articles/090703-the-bombshell-dress.aspx
Here is a picture of the lovely Nigella wearing my guna :)
Thursday, 28 April 2011
A vintage wedding
Library Diva may be turning an unspecified age tomorrow ( a lady, no matter how young, never divulges her years), but there is only one event on my mind tomorrow. As unoriginal as it may be, i am totally obsessed with the impending nuptials of HRH Will and Kate. Guffaw all you will, i bet you will be taking at least a furtive glance at Kate's bridal gown. Yes you will, go on, admit it!
So lets raise a toast to Will and Kate and all of the other lovely couples getting Wed this weekend. May a lifetime of happiness and good fortune await you.
For all the brides to be looking for the perfect vintage dress for your big day, heres the list you've been waiting for:
Where to Buy a Vintage Wedding Dress
Hayworth Vintage: Ireland's first on-line vintage shop, sells a large selection of beautiful bridal gowns.
Check out hayworthvintage.com.
vintage wedding dress company: A uk based company. If you see something on line that you love,
you can go over to london to try it on. Check outvintageweddingdresscompany.com
Vintage Bride: An Irish based company. Check out vintagebride.ie
Oxfam, designer swap shops and charity shops: A discount gown may be waiting for you.
check out oxfamireland.org/oxfambridal
For the perfect musical accompaniement to your fabulous day, check out the very talented and entertaining Alan o Baillie on http://irishweddingbagpipes.art.officelive.com/default.aspx
So lets raise a toast to Will and Kate and all of the other lovely couples getting Wed this weekend. May a lifetime of happiness and good fortune await you.
For all the brides to be looking for the perfect vintage dress for your big day, heres the list you've been waiting for:
Where to Buy a Vintage Wedding Dress
Hayworth Vintage: Ireland's first on-line vintage shop, sells a large selection of beautiful bridal gowns.
Check out hayworthvintage.com.
vintage wedding dress company: A uk based company. If you see something on line that you love,
you can go over to london to try it on. Check outvintageweddingdresscompany.com
Vintage Bride: An Irish based company. Check out vintagebride.ie
Oxfam, designer swap shops and charity shops: A discount gown may be waiting for you.
check out oxfamireland.org/oxfambridal
For the perfect musical accompaniement to your fabulous day, check out the very talented and entertaining Alan o Baillie on http://irishweddingbagpipes.art.officelive.com/default.aspx
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Vintage Fair Dun-laoghaire
The vintage scene in Dublin is buzzing at the moment. Thanks to muscians like Imelda May and Adele, celebrities like Kate Moss and Fern Cotton and T.V. shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk empire, everyone is being inspired to turn back the clock on fashion.
Why go vintage?
Vintage shopping has a fun, raiding your grand ma's attic appeal to it. When you enter a vintage shop, its a free for all- from the tragic to the sublime!
The quality of vintage clothing is often far superior to the clothing you find on the high street. We are living in an age of disposable clothing. It is a rare treat to own an item of clothing that was made with love and care. You can often pick up designer gear at a fraction of the retail price in vintage shops and designer swap shops.
Vintage clothes are living pieces of history, items made in the 50's, 60's and 70's have survived social, cultural and political change.
Golden Rules for buying and wearing vintage (according to me)
1. Hunt for vintage wares in charity shops, designer swap shops, vintage fairs, vintage shops and markets.
2. Consider what you own already and pick items that would fit in well with what you own
3. Don't be afraid to bargain, not everyone will be open to selling at a discounted rate, but theres no harm in
trying.
4 Don't dress head to toe in vintage. Mix your vintage pieces with modern clothes to avoid looking like a
crazy granny or like your off to a fancy dress party. I have been guilty of vintage overkill in my time. Friends of mine may remember a huge 1970's vintage coat i used to wear with a huge red vintage hat. I thought i looked glam everyone else thought i looked like a crazy lady who keeps cats. Its a thin line.
5. If you find something you absolutely love, jump on it before someone else does.
Vintage Fair in Dun laoghaire
Im not alone in my love of vintage judging by the massive crowds of retro fans who turned up to the clothing and decor fair hosted in the Royal Marine in Dun laoghaire today. A fabulous mix of hair revamps, make-up stands, make-over demonstrations and clothing and decor stands. Unfortunately, the fair was so over-crowded it was close to impossible to comfortably have a look at all the stands present. If anyone in the know reads this- please, please change to a larger venue next year. The cramped surroundings really took away from the experience.
Here are a few treasure troves i discovered today!
Hems and Gem's: The shop is located in Gorey county Wexford and sells reasonably priced vintage fashions. Check them out on facebook www.facebook.com/hemsandgems
Hayworth Vintage: An Irish based on-line vintage shop, postage is free within Ireland http://www.hayworthvintage.com/.
Maeve Brady's Vertigo Vintage: Affordable vintage bags, hats and jewellery. Only available
at vintage fair's http://www.vertigovintage.com/
Shotsy: Brand new shop in temple bar www.facebook.com/shotsyvintage
Some of my favourite shops had stalls at the fair:
Om diva: Probably my very favourite shop in Dublin. Om diva specialises in revamped vintage, designer vintage and one of a kind pieces of clothing mixed with cute and quirky hats and accessories. Check out their 6 week sip and stitch course. Sewing and wine- it sounds dangerous but is actually great craic. I did a course with my friends and we learned plenty of tips and tricks on revamping tired clothes. http://www.facebook.com/om%20diva#!/pages/Om-Diva/293102896824.
Wild child: Check out their one kilo for 20 euro sale http://www.facebook.com/wildchild#!/pages/Wild-Child-Vintage-Clothes/146282568762312
Of course i didn't leave the fair empty handed. I bagged a georgeous 1970's midnight blue dress absolutely perfect for a wedding im going to in 2 weeks. I got the dress from hayworth vintage and paid 40 euro (marked down from 45 euro- score). I also bought a white cotton shirt with lace collar from shotsy vintage. I plan on teaming the shirt with a pencil skirt or high waisted trousers.
Unfortunately i missed out on seeing loads of stuff due to over-crowding. Luckily for me there is a vintage fair planned for Galway on the 19th June. I can't wait for it!
Vintage Heaven in Dublin
Harlequin http://dublin.ratemyarea.com/places/the-harlequin-13181
a treasure trove of vintage apperal. Can be a bit pricy but i bagged a turban for 9 euro last
november and have been wearing it constantly since. Worth a look.
Retro http://www.georgesstreetarcade.com/retro/index.php
Absolutely fabulous. Imelda May shops here, need i say more. Lovely staff, fabulous retro dresses. Definitely worth a browse. Very expensive, so be warned!
Om diva http://www.facebook.com/pages/Om-Diva/293102896824
Fabulous new and vintage clothing. Check out their sewing academy. I dare you to
enter the shop and leave without buying something!
The loft market http://theloftmarket.com/
vintage and Irish designers. Mix of price ranges depending on the stalls. Some of the stalls
cost an arm and a leg and others are very reasonable. I love chupi.
Wild child http://www.wildchildoriginals.com/
Deadly shop. Check out their kilo for 20 euro sale.
Irish Cancer society in Rathmines
Small selection but great prices. I always pop in.
De ja vu http://www.facebook.com/dejavu#!/pages/Deja-Vu/106167582786986
A designer swap shop in Ranelagh. Good selection of wares. Haggling is encouraged.
Lucy's lounge http://lucyslounge-dee.blogspot.com/
Located in temple bar. Great selection of good quality vintage clothing and household items.
Carousel http://carousel-boutique.com/
Pretty shop, a bit on the pricy side, but they sometimes have good sales.
Shotsy www.facebook.com/shotsyvintage
A new shop in temple bar. I can't wait to visit
Why go vintage?
Vintage shopping has a fun, raiding your grand ma's attic appeal to it. When you enter a vintage shop, its a free for all- from the tragic to the sublime!
The quality of vintage clothing is often far superior to the clothing you find on the high street. We are living in an age of disposable clothing. It is a rare treat to own an item of clothing that was made with love and care. You can often pick up designer gear at a fraction of the retail price in vintage shops and designer swap shops.
Vintage clothes are living pieces of history, items made in the 50's, 60's and 70's have survived social, cultural and political change.
Golden Rules for buying and wearing vintage (according to me)
1. Hunt for vintage wares in charity shops, designer swap shops, vintage fairs, vintage shops and markets.
2. Consider what you own already and pick items that would fit in well with what you own
3. Don't be afraid to bargain, not everyone will be open to selling at a discounted rate, but theres no harm in
trying.
4 Don't dress head to toe in vintage. Mix your vintage pieces with modern clothes to avoid looking like a
crazy granny or like your off to a fancy dress party. I have been guilty of vintage overkill in my time. Friends of mine may remember a huge 1970's vintage coat i used to wear with a huge red vintage hat. I thought i looked glam everyone else thought i looked like a crazy lady who keeps cats. Its a thin line.
5. If you find something you absolutely love, jump on it before someone else does.
Vintage Fair in Dun laoghaire
Im not alone in my love of vintage judging by the massive crowds of retro fans who turned up to the clothing and decor fair hosted in the Royal Marine in Dun laoghaire today. A fabulous mix of hair revamps, make-up stands, make-over demonstrations and clothing and decor stands. Unfortunately, the fair was so over-crowded it was close to impossible to comfortably have a look at all the stands present. If anyone in the know reads this- please, please change to a larger venue next year. The cramped surroundings really took away from the experience.
Here are a few treasure troves i discovered today!
Hems and Gem's: The shop is located in Gorey county Wexford and sells reasonably priced vintage fashions. Check them out on facebook www.facebook.com/hemsandgems
Hayworth Vintage: An Irish based on-line vintage shop, postage is free within Ireland http://www.hayworthvintage.com/.
Maeve Brady's Vertigo Vintage: Affordable vintage bags, hats and jewellery. Only available
at vintage fair's http://www.vertigovintage.com/
Shotsy: Brand new shop in temple bar www.facebook.com/shotsyvintage
Some of my favourite shops had stalls at the fair:
Om diva: Probably my very favourite shop in Dublin. Om diva specialises in revamped vintage, designer vintage and one of a kind pieces of clothing mixed with cute and quirky hats and accessories. Check out their 6 week sip and stitch course. Sewing and wine- it sounds dangerous but is actually great craic. I did a course with my friends and we learned plenty of tips and tricks on revamping tired clothes. http://www.facebook.com/om%20diva#!/pages/Om-Diva/293102896824.
Wild child: Check out their one kilo for 20 euro sale http://www.facebook.com/wildchild#!/pages/Wild-Child-Vintage-Clothes/146282568762312
Of course i didn't leave the fair empty handed. I bagged a georgeous 1970's midnight blue dress absolutely perfect for a wedding im going to in 2 weeks. I got the dress from hayworth vintage and paid 40 euro (marked down from 45 euro- score). I also bought a white cotton shirt with lace collar from shotsy vintage. I plan on teaming the shirt with a pencil skirt or high waisted trousers.
Unfortunately i missed out on seeing loads of stuff due to over-crowding. Luckily for me there is a vintage fair planned for Galway on the 19th June. I can't wait for it!
Vintage Heaven in Dublin
Harlequin http://dublin.ratemyarea.com/places/the-harlequin-13181
a treasure trove of vintage apperal. Can be a bit pricy but i bagged a turban for 9 euro last
november and have been wearing it constantly since. Worth a look.
Retro http://www.georgesstreetarcade.com/retro/index.php
Absolutely fabulous. Imelda May shops here, need i say more. Lovely staff, fabulous retro dresses. Definitely worth a browse. Very expensive, so be warned!
Om diva http://www.facebook.com/pages/Om-Diva/293102896824
Fabulous new and vintage clothing. Check out their sewing academy. I dare you to
enter the shop and leave without buying something!
The loft market http://theloftmarket.com/
vintage and Irish designers. Mix of price ranges depending on the stalls. Some of the stalls
cost an arm and a leg and others are very reasonable. I love chupi.
Wild child http://www.wildchildoriginals.com/
Deadly shop. Check out their kilo for 20 euro sale.
Irish Cancer society in Rathmines
Small selection but great prices. I always pop in.
De ja vu http://www.facebook.com/dejavu#!/pages/Deja-Vu/106167582786986
A designer swap shop in Ranelagh. Good selection of wares. Haggling is encouraged.
Lucy's lounge http://lucyslounge-dee.blogspot.com/
Located in temple bar. Great selection of good quality vintage clothing and household items.
Carousel http://carousel-boutique.com/
Pretty shop, a bit on the pricy side, but they sometimes have good sales.
Shotsy www.facebook.com/shotsyvintage
A new shop in temple bar. I can't wait to visit
Friday, 15 April 2011
The love of a good dress
Two weeks ago, it happened. There i was walking down the street, minding my own business when bam it hit me. Like a bolt from the blue. There it was, the one i had always wanted. The dress of my dreams. A bombshell of a dress. Mid-lenght in a 60's style reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe and Joan Halloway from Mad men. The strawberry print on navy blue jersey was georgeous. I had to try it on...
Slipping it on, it fit like a glove. The only problem, the price. A cool 250 euro is more than i live on in a week! Reluctantly, i put it back on the rail and stepped away from the dress.
The next day at work, i sorrowfully rehashed the story of the dress that was not to be. "Why don't you pay for the dress in installments, a lot of boutiques are offering that option these days" suggested a recessionista of the highest order. Mmm. maybe that would work.
The following day i returned to the shop to plead my case. Armed with a friend i sauntered up to the counter and requested the dress in my size. Sorry we just sold that particular dress a few minutes ago. No i thought it can't be. I tried a similar dress on but it wasn't the same. Would i ever get the dress of my dreams...
Luckily for me i made a note of the web address of the company who make the dress. That evening, i googled the company name. Finding the company, i e-mailed them enquiring about the possibility of buying
the dress in my size. Yes they replied. Yipee! The internet holds the key to all.
Meanwhile, my recessionista friend kindly facebooked me a link to a vintage site http://www.pinupgirlboutique.com/. Fabulous clothes and highly addictive.
Did i get the dress in the end? Sadly not. After a brief flirtation where we exchanged information on colour, size, price, payment options, postage, the correspondence ceased suddenly. Im not sure if it was something i said. There i was ready to commit to this dress, to hand over my hard earned cash, then nada...
So how does this story end, am i destined to trawl vintage websites for eternity constantly in search of the one? Hopefully not, There is a vintage fair this sunday in Dun laoghaire. Who knows what i might find...
http://stylebible.ie/Events+Listings/_Vintage%20Fashion%20and%20Decore%20Fair.htm
Slipping it on, it fit like a glove. The only problem, the price. A cool 250 euro is more than i live on in a week! Reluctantly, i put it back on the rail and stepped away from the dress.
The next day at work, i sorrowfully rehashed the story of the dress that was not to be. "Why don't you pay for the dress in installments, a lot of boutiques are offering that option these days" suggested a recessionista of the highest order. Mmm. maybe that would work.
The following day i returned to the shop to plead my case. Armed with a friend i sauntered up to the counter and requested the dress in my size. Sorry we just sold that particular dress a few minutes ago. No i thought it can't be. I tried a similar dress on but it wasn't the same. Would i ever get the dress of my dreams...
Luckily for me i made a note of the web address of the company who make the dress. That evening, i googled the company name. Finding the company, i e-mailed them enquiring about the possibility of buying
the dress in my size. Yes they replied. Yipee! The internet holds the key to all.
Meanwhile, my recessionista friend kindly facebooked me a link to a vintage site http://www.pinupgirlboutique.com/. Fabulous clothes and highly addictive.
Did i get the dress in the end? Sadly not. After a brief flirtation where we exchanged information on colour, size, price, payment options, postage, the correspondence ceased suddenly. Im not sure if it was something i said. There i was ready to commit to this dress, to hand over my hard earned cash, then nada...
So how does this story end, am i destined to trawl vintage websites for eternity constantly in search of the one? Hopefully not, There is a vintage fair this sunday in Dun laoghaire. Who knows what i might find...
http://stylebible.ie/Events+Listings/_Vintage%20Fashion%20and%20Decore%20Fair.htm
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