Fashion spy: Charity shop chic
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By Holly White
Saturday May 9 2009
The past few months have brought numerous challenges and changes, most notably the amount of money in our wallets. With this in mind, I scoured charity shops in Dublin to see what serious bargains were to be had. I confess that I set off on this mission with a slight air of chagrin, but my mental outlook changed entirely upon crossing the threshold of the Irish Cancer Society shop on Capel Street.
"That's quite cool," I mused to myself, pulling at a vibrant pink dress with a cut-out and bow detail on the back. "I love that," I grinned to myself as I shovelled my hands through some jewellery to retrieve two great bracelets. One was a super, Versace-esque serpent that wrapped itself around my wrist, and the other was dangling with cute charms of the Eiffel Tower. Both cost €6.
Half an hour later, having gone into the changing room with my arms laden with dresses, shoes and other bits and bobs, I had enough clothes to keep me in new outfits for a long time. Dresses cost €12 each, and some even had their original tags on them. Shoes are around the €9 mark, and a resole would easily inject new life into a particularly well-worn pair.
In Oxfam on South Great George's Street, I pulled up my sleeves and got stuck into the scrum. Avoiding dresses, as I now had plenty of those, I emerged triumphant with a lacey silk blouse that, to me, was very reminiscent of Phoebe Philo's Chloé stuff. €7.50 later, it was mine.
Next stop was Enable Ireland on Camden Street. Every odd-looking print that caught my eye turned out to be a great T-shirt -- the kind that Urban Outfitters charges €40 for -- all for €5. It was also great for sportswear. Later that day I was interviewing a designer supremo, who nodded approvingly at my Chloé-style top. I felt such a sense of victory.
Charity shopping is so rewarding when it goes well. Not only do you get a serious bargain, but you get a feeling of having gone where few dare to go. Dublin-wise, Camden Street is a mecca, with about seven stores up and down the streets. Dun Laoghaire is also a gem.
Had money lined my pockets I would have skipped into top-end stores and high street favourites, but then you look like everyone else. And in times like these, it's not realistic.
It's these little extra additions outside of the realm of comfort that make a wardrobe interesting, and it makes me feel incredibly savvy when I can say, "Yes, my dress cost €6, and no, you probably won't be able to find one for yourself -- it's one of a kind".
According to the Irish Cancer Society, Hermes scarves and Tag Heuer watches have been donated, and most clothing only stays on the floor for 10 days, so these shops are actually changing faster then the high street.
While feeling pretty fabulous in my favourite Sass & Bide jeans (not charity shop, I admit) and my new Chloé-esque top, my mum's friend gave me one of those 'kids these days' looks. I realised exactly what charity shopping is all about right there and then: one person's trash is another person's treasure. Just get out there and find it and enjoy the prices!
- Holly White
