ROSEMARY MAC CABE

Yesterday I had a little love-in with New Look – today it’s time to shift the focus from conspicuous consumerism to conspicuously charitable works, and towards Dublin’s second-hand shops. That title might be a tad misleading because, rather than focus on Dublin’s vintage and second-hand shops, of which there are many – the Harlequin (rubbish link: a website would be a great idea and a great chance to showcase the newest finds) being undoubtedly one of my favourites – I’m going to stick solely to charity shops. Why?

Well, charity begins at home, as they say, and as the nights are drawing in and the purse strings are getting tighter (yes, Mother, I swear), it makes sense to shop (a) in a thrifty fashion and (b) in a charitable one. Because there are plenty of destinations where you can donate clothing (I do so around once a year, usually two black bags and mostly to a charity shop in Celbridge that is only worth going to in the two days following my drop-offs) and, as such, they’re usually full of other people’s cast-offs, as well as the odd bit of vintage treasure.

Oxfam on South Great George’s St is one of the best locations for second-hand and vintage, and is smack bang in the centre of Dublin city. They do a small(ish) range of clothing – although in the back is a rummager’s heaven, and so worth befriending a sales assistant to gain access to – but a really good range of Oxfam vintage. This is stuff sourced by Oxfam (FYI: vintage means 30 years old at least – if you find something pre-1920 you’re talking antique and you’re also talking a rare and valuable find) and sold to benefit their projects in the third world. So, worthy – yes.

But never mind worthy (sorry, sorry), their stuff is really good. They do a great line in sequined tops, the odd great pair of shoes and various accessories – hats, fascinators, gloves, scarves. . . when it comes to updating your style, you could do worse than to pick up a few vintage pieces (generally speaking, you’ll pick up something gorgeous for under €20) and add them to your existing clothing collection to give you a backwards update. Sequin tops look great with jeans, or under a baggy cardigan; gloves can really make an outfit; and hats are definitely undervalued as fashion pieces.

What’s more, Oxfam has a really brilliant bridal section (bear with me), where you can pick up vintage and new wedding dresses for a fraction of the cost. Some of them are really beautiful and could be worn as formalwear without anyone asking where the groom is. You do need to ring for an appointment, which could be a little cringe, but the staff in there are as helpful and friendly as any I’ve seen, and there’s absolutely no pressure to buy. Call 01-478 0777 for details or to arrange an appointment.

If you’re outside the city centre and you have a few hours to spare, head down to Dún Laoghaire, where you’ll find a plethora of second-hand shops all lined up on the main street. Seriously: take the time, walk the street, one end to the other (try not to get distracted by Penneys) and hit ‘em all up.

My top picks? Second-hand shops are particularly great for accessories. Leather handbags for €10, delicious 1980s chain scarves for €5, belts for between €5 and €20, vintage and often handmade jewellery for a steal. Steer clear of anything that smells musty, though, and if you spy something that’s sweat-stained, don’t even think about it. If they couldn’t get it out, you won’t be able to get it out.

Tomorrow’s focus: Accessories maketh the outfit. (This has been edited; my menswear post has had a change of venue, but I will definitely be doing something on it in the near future so keep an eye out!)

Related posts:

1. Budget style update – Part Three
2. Budget style update – Part One
3. Budget style update – Part Five: menswear, a guest post by Joey Kavanagh